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Which City to Visit in Italy? First Time!

Which City to Visit in Italy? First Time!

Old May 23rd, 2012, 08:16 PM
  #21  
 
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I did think about Milan but many say that it isn't authentic italian

It is for the people who live there.
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Old May 23rd, 2012, 09:17 PM
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Did you mention what time of year you are going?
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Old May 24th, 2012, 09:52 AM
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Hi

Seems like you got a lot of good feedback but I'll chime in as well as I have been all over Italy and Paris. Bravo on your decision. Rome should be the first Italian city people visit. (And there is just as much shopping if not more than Milano. Trust me)

Recommendations for Paris:

Dinner at Les Papilles- It is one of the most incredible meals I ever had (and I am a huge foodie and picky about good quality) It is a snug and romantic yet lively. Tiny space, with wine covering the walls. There is a preset menu and the chef is incredible. This is a must go.
http://www.lespapillesparis.fr/EN_co...e_ardoise.html

Check out Le Comptoir du Relaisfor either lunch or dinner. They have a great menu in a fun rustic cool environment. A local hot spot. Chef Yves Camdeborde has a great menu there.

Ladure, the Hermes store, is a given.

The best pastry and espresso you will have for near nothing is Rue Mouffetard. Tiny street with the best cheese, fresh pastry, bread, meat, everything. We went very early in the morning when everything was fresh. Sat outside a cafe for 2 hours, then picked up snacks for our picnic in the park.

You MUST go to Shakespeare and Company on 37 Rue Bûcherie. By far the coolest most romantic most divine bookstore in the world. Go upstairs as it is all old books and magazines and a guy playing the piano. It's so amazing.

Also, must go here for lunch. It is in a courtyard surrounded by little shops. Amazing.

Comme a la Maison,
Village Saint Paul/ Cour Verte
9 Rue Saint Paul

Are you def doing Rome? I can send suggestions for there too.
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Old May 24th, 2012, 10:02 AM
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Rome. Absolutely. Went a few months ago. Spent 10 days in Rome and 5 in Venice. There is so much to do in Rome. You have to do your homework otherwise you will walk right by amazing museums & sites and won't even know it. There will be a lot of walking. Then you can do day trips to Pompeii, Naples etc. Venice is much more laid back and you won't need as much time there. But it is beautiful. And you have to travel to all the other islands of Venice.
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Old May 24th, 2012, 11:40 AM
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Went to Italy for two weeks last year. Hit Florence, Venice and Rome - great train rides and really enjoyed all the cities. In Florence, I actually stayed up in the hills in Fiesole, a 15 minute bus rides from Florence. Really picturesque. Also took a tour out of Florence (found on viator) that took us to Pisa, San Giginomo, Sienna and an organic winery for lunch. Pretty great trip. Loved Cafe de Oro by the Pantheon in Rome. Contrary to other posts, I recommend Vatican City, but be sure to book tickets IN ADVANCE to void horrendous lines!
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Old May 24th, 2012, 05:51 PM
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@ Talillama, I know pretty much what I'm going to do in Paris, but thanks anyways, however, I would like some recommendations for Rome.

@Shaizme, I definitely won't have 10 days to stay in Italy, let alone Rome, a max of 6.

I'm not quite set on Rome and want to know whether Milan+Venice or just Rome would be better?
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Old May 24th, 2012, 06:04 PM
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I will be visiting during Christmas time this year.
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Old May 24th, 2012, 07:49 PM
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If not in July/August I would personally head to Venice and then Rome.

In Rome I like Pantheon area (Albergo del Senato) for a first visit though I also like Trastevere (but that is a ways from where most of the sights will be for you).

In Venice I am a fan of Locanda Orseolo.

FYI train Florence to Rome is 2 hours; Venice to Rome in 4-6 hours (try for fast train).
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