Tips and etiquette when traveling through Italy
Coffee
Order a “caffè” and you’ll be treated to a single shot of espresso. Sip it at the bar like the locals do. You’ll be charged more if you sit down with it!
As a rule of thumb, don’t order a cappuccino (or really any coffee that contains milk) after breakfast time.
There are usually two steps to every coffee order: paying the cashier and ordering or showing your receipt to the barista. Bars are a drinking/coffee hybrid and go by “il bar” and “il caffè.”
Gelato
Don’t be fooled when it comes to gelato. Anything too colorful or with thick fluffy mounds means it was produced previously in the week and includes artificial flavoring.
Limoncello
Drink Limoncello as an after-dinner sweet dessert cordial. A traditional limoncello is served chilled in a shot glass or a ceramic cup and meant to be sipped. This is a must on the Amalfi coast!
Aperitivo
Embrace the “aperitivo” way of life. The Italian version of happy hour tends to be a social event between 6pm-8pm. Though more of a tradition in Northern Italy, it’s picking up in other cities as well.
Order a glass of wine, prosecco or cocktail (Campari, Vermouth, Negroni, Aperol Spritz) and you’ll have the option of a small buffet or an assorted plate with cheese, cured meats, vegetables and possibly even bite sized slices of pizza.
Meals
Do eat all the carbs! But know that during dinner service pasta is not likely to be the entrée. Menus are usually formatted like this:
- antipasto: appetizer like cheese or bread
- primo: usually a pasta, risotto or soup
- secondo: main course consists of typically chicken, fish or meat
- contorno: often a side dish of veggies
- dolce: dessert
Transportation
Take advantage of the fantastic public transportation. Trains are the most popular option, with high speed rail service in between major cities and then intercity trains for the outlying towns. If your ticket doesn’t have a specific date and train, you must validate it on the track before boarding, or otherwise risk a fine. Tickets must be bought for local buses ahead of time as well. They can be found at tobacco stores or nearby bars.
Attire
Dress well! Italians are stylish. You won’t find them wearing sweatpants or baseball caps. They prefer well-made shoes, fine materials and designer outfits. For religious sites, its common courtesy to cover shoulders and knees. When in doubt: dress in black.
Water
Tap water is safe to drink and there are fountains found throughout Italy. According to Rick Steves, the freestanding water fountains are known as “nasone.”
Calendar
Smaller family-run businesses or restaurants may take a riposo, or midday siesta, from anywhere between 12pm and 3pm.
Check the holidays in Italy before planning anything. For example, Italian cities celebrate their patron saint as a legal holiday and all businesses are closed. Italians often take off the entire month of August. Museums can be closed Sundays and Mondays as well.
Lines, or Lack Thereof
Italians don’t wait in lines. If you politely queue and wait your turn, you’ll end up further and further away from the counter. Be aggressive when it comes purchasing or ordering.
Time
Though Italians don’t like to wait in line and drive like maniacs, they also take their time. Things don’t always run on schedule. Strikes are also frequent. Enjoy a beverage during the day, get in heated conversations with locals, be passionate, maybe even join in on some spontaneous singing. Embrace the Italian way!
