A Muslim traveler’s guide for Italy, one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, which is located in Southern Europe. It is home to numerous UNESCO World Heritage Sites, world renowned monuments, trendy boutiques and stores, a beautiful coast, mountains and lakes, museums and galleries, fascinating culture and traditions, several family-friendly attractions and some of the most popular food dishes in the world. Italy offers so much to see and do; it will definitely be difficult for tourists to pick only a limited number of places to visit. The country is also world-renowned for its unique boot-like shape. Rome, Milan, Venice, Florence, Naples, Verona, Turin, Bologna, Palermo and Genoa are some of Italy’s most well known cities.
Muslim visitors should be aware that even though there is a Muslim population in the country; finding Muslim-friendly facilities and Halal food in Italy will not be as easy. Some of the major cities in Italy have both mosques and Halal restaurants, for example, you can certainly find Halal food in Rome and Venice. Although, Muslim tourists must still make sure the restaurants that claim to be Halal are either certified or Muslim-owned. They must also be aware that most of these restaurants will serve alcohol. Since pizza and pasta are two of the most popular forms of Italian food, tourists must make it a point to try out both the dishes wherever they go in Italy. The taste of the dishes tends to vary from place to place, so visitors are sure to experience something unique every time.
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Rome serves as Italy’s capital and is packed to the brim with stunning palaces, grand Roman monuments, archaeological and artistic treasures and world renowned landmarks. While here, tourists must make it a point to visit the Colosseum, the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, the Spanish Steps, the Roman Forum, Piazza Navona and the National Museum of Rome. The city also houses the Mosque of Rome which is said to be one of Europe’s largest mosques. Halal food in Rome is available at select Halal restaurants. If unable to locate them, Muslim tourists can make inquiries at the mosque.
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Milan is said to be one of the world's most notable fashion capitals and is also the most important centre of trade and business in Italy. Although it is a shopaholic’s paradise, there is so much more to do in Milan than just that! Piazza del Duomo, Palazzo Reale, Castello Sforzesco and Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II are just a couple of must-visit attractions in Milan. Muslim tourists will be able to find a few mosques in Milan to offer their prayers at. The Mosque of Segrate and Moschea Mariam serve the local community as well as tourists. Halal food in Milan is also available through quite a number of Halal restaurants.
Other than the swarm of Halal Indian and Middle Eastern restaurants, try authentic Italian food! there are many Muslim-friendly restaurants waiting for you such as Kashmir which offers a Halal menu. Do take note most Halal Italian restaurants also serve alcohol in the premises. Click the guide below for more information!
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Italy is also home to what is considered to be one of the most beautiful cities in the world – Venice. The city is built on a lagoon and is listed in its entirety as a World Heritage Site. It is celebrated for its art and architecture, and rich cultural heritage. Piazza San Marco, Rialto Bridge, Rialto Markets, the island of Murano and Doge's Palace are just a few of its numerous popular sites that you should definitely visit.
Also a must is a gondola ride through the network of canals in the city. It is a great way to explore Venice’s most renowned buildings and bridges. Centro Islamico di Venezia is one of the known mosques in Venice. Halal food in Venice can be found at a few restaurants in the city centre, as well as ones in the outskirts of the city.
There are limited Halal restaurants in Venice but you can find Halal kebab places in Venice as well as Pakistani food. It is also a good idea to try vegetarian places but of course ask the restaurant staff about the ingredients used.
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Florence is another popular city in Italy and is said to be one of the most important Renaissance architectural and art centers. It is home to a collection of fascinating museums, gardens and palaces, among other things. Palazzo Pitti, Boboli Gardens, Loggia del Mercato Nuovo, Ponte Vecchio, the Piazzale Michelangelo, Palazzo Vecchio and Piazza della Signoria are some of its famous attractions. The city is home to a sizeable Muslim population which means that Muslim tourists will be able to find mosques and Halal restaurants in Florence.
There is a number of Halal restaurants in Florence, with majority being Indian and Middle Eastern. A notable restaurant is Haveli Indian Restaurant, that has one of the best chicken vindaloo, dal and kebab. Click the guide below for more information!
Other cities that also offer Muslim-friendly facilities include Palermo, Turin, Ravenna and Genoa. Note that Halal food in Italy is certainly available if you know where to go. Download the HalalTrip App to find nearby Halal Food and Mosques while travelling. Contact us here to find out about our travel packages to Italy and more information about Italy!
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