Where To Avoid...
- Thread starter sammien94
- Start date
Interesting question.
I'm not sure if I can give you a straight answer to it though... but I'll try.
As I see it, most big cities have tons of tourist traps. For instance, when I visited Venice, the prices in the most crowded areas were so high, I though I was gonna faint! It's impossible than a simply key chain cost more than €1 - €2! Yet, I have seen people ask for €10! So, that one tourist trap to definitely avoid!
My advice, if you plan on visiting big cities or, in any case, touristy areas, stay away from the souvenir shops, coffee shops, restaurants, ecc., in crowded areas. In order to not overpay for a meal or anything else for that matter, go off the beaten path and explore the area on your own
Also, I'm pretty sure you're curious about any dangers that tourists may encounter. Well, just like in any other country, there is a risk that someone might steal your wallet when you're not looking. But, you know, this can happen anywhere in Europe... So, don't plan your visit to Italy based on how safe some city is, as long as you're careful, nothing bad can happen.
I'm not sure if I can give you a straight answer to it though... but I'll try.
As I see it, most big cities have tons of tourist traps. For instance, when I visited Venice, the prices in the most crowded areas were so high, I though I was gonna faint! It's impossible than a simply key chain cost more than €1 - €2! Yet, I have seen people ask for €10! So, that one tourist trap to definitely avoid!
My advice, if you plan on visiting big cities or, in any case, touristy areas, stay away from the souvenir shops, coffee shops, restaurants, ecc., in crowded areas. In order to not overpay for a meal or anything else for that matter, go off the beaten path and explore the area on your own
Also, I'm pretty sure you're curious about any dangers that tourists may encounter. Well, just like in any other country, there is a risk that someone might steal your wallet when you're not looking. But, you know, this can happen anywhere in Europe... So, don't plan your visit to Italy based on how safe some city is, as long as you're careful, nothing bad can happen.
I think most places will have tourist traps, you can't really escape them. Plan where you want to go, there is more than enough information on the internet and ask at tourist information. It's really down to the common sense of the individual as well. It's really too broad of a question to ask where is sketchy in a city as there are hundreds of cities, all cities have a no go area and you won't find any tourist attractions or restaurants there.
My advice, if you plan on visiting big cities or, in any case, touristy areas, stay away from the souvenir shops, coffee shops, restaurants, ecc., in crowded areas. In order to not overpay for a meal or anything else for that matter, go off the beaten path and explore the area on your own
That's really good advice that's relevant to tourist-y places around the world. Something else that's helpful is exploring travel sites before my trip to get reviews and recommendations about unexplored and less crowded parts of a city or country where things are probably cheaper and feel more authentic.
I think every country and every city in the world will have bad parts to it. Going to Italy is no different and I'd suggest that the precautions you take going into a city in your own country will apply the same. Obviously if your walking round with rucksacks and cameras swinging from you neck, as well as looking a bit of an idiot, your also going to make yourself a bit of a target.
Its just about common sense really I think.
Its just about common sense really I think.
I second this. I love getting lost down backstreets and finding things you wouldn't find in the touristy areas. Quirky shops and restaurants and you get to see how people actually live. Aslong you avoid any 'dodgy' looking areas, you'll be fine.
I do not have a response to the question at hand, but can say this. Since Italy is an old country and they have built modern construction around the old, some tourist areas were like in sketchy places. For example , the famous fountain of Zeus, the Trevi fountain was like behind all these modern day large apartment type buildings. We walked along the modern street and then turned a corner down like alley and there it was. It was kind of strange. This happened with another fountain too. it was tucked in a market place setting with outdoor eateries and art gallery. Just seemed strange to have these massive fountains right next to everyday happenings.
I don't think I've come across any dodgy areas in the main tourist places Ive been to apart from Termini station in Rome and Naples station too but you'll get weirdos around these places all over the world so don't worry too much. I've never been pickpocketed as such but I have paid a fortune for a beer around tourist traps in bars so - as I mentioned elsewhere on this forum- buy a beer from the street stands for a third of the price.
I'm talking specifically about restaurants. Nobody wants to eat at a touristy restaurant because they're usually bad. Why would you go to Italy to eat bad food?
Good advice, thank you! I am going on my honeymoon and would like a quiet relaxing time and not to be gouged if I want a drink! And you're right, train stations seem to be a weirdo magnet the world over! I am from Oxford and the train station there was just horrendous!