Ravenna Travel Tips. Money, Safety, Culture

Local SIMs & Wi-Fi

Italy’s major mobile providers include TIM, Vodafone, and WindTre (Iliad also present). Prepaid SIM cards provide cost-effective connectivity. Wi-Fi is widely available in Ravenna.

Connectivity Options

Purchase prepaid SIMs at provider stores with your passport.
Hotels, cafes, and public squares (e.g., Piazza del Popolo) offer Wi-Fi.
Consider ESIM providers like Airalo or Portable Wi-Fi from Solis Wi-Fi.

Postal Services

Post offices (Poste Italiane) are identified by yellow signs. They offer standard mail services, banking, and sometimes currency exchange.

Operating Hours

Typically Monday to Friday.
Saturday mornings are usually open.
Bring identification for certain transactions.

Language & Translation

Italian is the official language. English finds use in tourist businesses, but less so in local settings.

Translation Aids

Download offline Italian language packs for apps like Google Translate or DeepL.
The camera translation option is helpful for menus and signs.
Consider Language learning platforms like Rosetta Stone.

Essential Phrases

Learning a few basic Italian phrases demonstrates respect and enriches interactions.

Common Expressions

Buongiorno (good day), Ciao (hello/goodbye informal), Grazie (thank you).
Parla inglese? (Do you speak English?), Quanto costa? (How much?).
Il conto, per favore (The bill, please), Acqua (Water).

Business Hours & Holidays

Typical Hours

Shops: 9 AM-1 PM, 3:30/4 PM-7:30/8 PM (some continuous).
Restaurants: Lunch 12:30-2:30 PM, Dinner 7:30-10:30 PM.
Cafes/Bars: From ~7 AM until late evening.
Museums/Attractions: ~9 AM-5/7 PM, often closed Mondays.

Holidays & Closures

National Public Holidays: January 1, April 25, May 1, August 15, December 25-26.
Local Patron Saint Day: July 23 (Saint Apollinare's Day).
Coastal businesses often close for winter (Oct-Apr/May).
Some smaller businesses close for a week or two around Ferragosto (mid-August).

Plan Ahead

Always verify opening times for specific attractions and businesses, especially on holidays or during off-season periods.

Etiquette & Cultural Norms

Local customs and norms for courteous interactions.

Greeting Customs

Use 'Buongiorno'/'Buonasera' formally. 'Ciao' for friends. Handshakes are common for introductions. Greet shopkeepers upon entering/exiting.

Appropriate Attire

Cover shoulders and knees in churches. Italians dress neatly; avoid overly casual attire for general sightseeing.

Photography

Permitted in public spaces. Prohibited flash in religious sites/museums. Ask permission for close-ups of individuals.

Dining & Tipping

Wait to be seated. Do not cut pasta. Cappuccino is a breakfast drink. Tipping is not as expected; small amounts for good service are appreciated.

Aspects

"Coperto" or "servizio" charges may appear on the bill.
Respect regional food traditions.
Enjoy traditional Romagnol pasta dishes.

Taboos & Sensitivities

Avoid deep political discussions. Avoid excessive loudness in quiet settings. Do not insult Italian food. Ravenna is open-minded regarding LGBTQ+ individuals.

Social Considerations

Maintain polite conversation, avoid boisterous behavior.
Public displays of affection generally accepted for all couples.
Discretion in conservative rural areas is sometimes advisable.

Accessibility Information

Mobility Challenges

Cobblestone streets pose challenges.
Older historic buildings may lack accessibility features.
Newer public buses offer ramps.

Resources & Services

Contact Turismo Ravenna for specific details.
Audio guides at major museums may assist.
Trenitalia offers assistance for reduced mobility (Sala Blu).

Accessibility Note

Ravenna, like many historic European cities, has a mixed picture regarding accessibility. Confirm details directly with venues.

Cultural Excursions Continued

Beyond Ravenna’s city limits, additional sites present cultural insights.

More Historical Sites

Basilica di Sant'Apollinare in Classe is a magnificent basilica, essential for Byzantine heritage. The site is reachable by local bus.

Highlights

Magnificent mosaics captivate visitors.
Local bus service offers easy access.
Located 8 km south of Ravenna center.

Rural Exploration

Explore charming rural villages like Brisighella for a taste of traditional Romagna, including local food and wine.

Experiences

Visit local farms and vineyards for tours.
Enjoy tastings of regional wines and produce.
Experience a slower, authentic Italian pace of life.

Pilgrimage Sites Local

Ravenna’s historic churches and basilicas possess deep spiritual value as early Christian and Byzantine sites.

Spiritual Significance

Explore these sites for quiet contemplation.
Witness historical reverence in each sacred space.
The mosaics hold profound religious narratives.

Urban Exploration: Rimini

Rimini, a popular Adriatic beach resort, also has a charming historic center with significant Roman ruins.

Points of Interest

Visit the Arch of Augustus.
Discover the ancient Tiberius Bridge.
Enjoy its lively summer beaches.

Important Considerations

Public Transport Tips

Buy bus tickets in advance from Tabaccherie (tobacco shops).
Train schedules may change; verify before travel.
Ensure correct station names for connections.

Tour vs. Independent

Organized tours simplify logistics, especially for complex routes.
Independent travel provides flexibility and budget control.
Consider your comfort level with local transport.

Airport Services

Lounge Access

Priority Pass provides airport lounge access globally.
This service is popular among frequent flyers.
Check their website for lounge locations and access details.

Flight Compensation

Compensair helps obtain compensation for flight disruptions.
Applicable for delays, cancellations, or denied boarding.
Review their service terms and conditions for eligibility.

Travel Conveniences

These services try to enhance your travel journey, from airport waits to unexpected flight issues.

Ravenna Travel Tips