My Italian

Archive for the ‘travel’ Category

Learn how to ask for a train ticket in Italian

Although a fair number of railway employees know a small amount of English these days, you may find yourself needing to do the job in Italian…
Buongiorno, a che ora parte il prossimo treno per (Torino)?
Che tipo di treno vuole prendere? Un intercity o regionale?
L’intercity
Parte fra (dieci) minuti, binario (due)
Posso avere un biglietto?
Certo, solo andata o [...]

Learn useful expressions for checking into an Italian hotel

The plane has landed, you’ve negotiated the public transport to the hotel and finally arrived at your destination. Only one more challenge remains - checking in! Of course, your hotel receptionist probably speaks good English and is dying for a chance to use it, but that’s not the point. Throw caution to the wind and [...]

Advice for those coming to live and work in Italy

If you have found work and are coming to live in Italy, you’d better get used to being a straniero (foreigner)!
Italians split stranieri into two groups: comunitari (those coming from member states of the EU) and extra-comunitari.
First of all you will need un posto da vivere (somewhere to live). The most logical solution is to [...]

How to order in an Italian restaurant - useful words and phrases

If you are planning on visiting Italy, you’ll probably want to go out for a nice meal at some point. Here is a great opportunity to practice your Italian!
If you choose a trattoria or ristorante you will probably be given a menĂ¹ (pronounced ‘menoo’), but in some more rustic establishments you may have to sit [...]

Advice on renting a car and driving in Italy

Although public transport in Italy is really very good (especially in the North), nothing compares with getting off the beaten track and discovering the ‘real’ Italy.
Unless you are planning on bringing your own car you will need to noleggiare un auto (rent a car). Most cities have plenty of choice, often situated near the aeroporto [...]

Advice on staying in a hotel in Italy - vocabulary and useful phrases

Today it’s never been easier to organise an inexpensive short break in Italy.
Budget airlines such as Ryanair and Easyjet fly to a large number of beautiful Italian cities and with the internet you have access to a huge number of alberghi (hotels) or bed and breakfasts throughout the country.
If you are booking via the internet, [...]

Advice on eating out in Italy

The real reason people visit Italy! Forget the monuments, art and history - we want the food!
First thing to decide is where to go. Depending on your budget you can choose from a whole range of eateries.
Starting from the cheap and cheerful, a self-service restaurant (despite the sound of it) can actually offer really great [...]