Buon giorno! Whether you are visiting Italy for the first or tenth time, it’s always exciting.
Before you depart, let’s make sure you are ready.
After countless trips to our favorite country, we compiled this bumper list of things you should know when traveling to Italy.
Our travel tips for Italy include advice on Italian culture and etiquette as well as practical information about transport, accommodation and much more for your trip.
Italy is a big and diverse country
From the alps in the north to the rocky shores of Sicily and all the magnificent cities in between, there are so many different landscapes and cultures to explore in Italy.
Not so long ago, you needed to catch overnight trains to cross the country. Don’t underestimate how long it will take to travel from north to south if you are straying from the major cities.
Italy only became a unified country in 1871. Prior to that, the area we know as Italy today was made up of several kingdoms who each had their own identities, culture, food and language.
These differences continue today, so much so that Italians from the north may not be able to understand southerners when they speak in their local dialect.
However, in most situations these days everyone speaks standard Italian.
Italian language tips
While many people, particularly in tourist areas, speak and understand English it is the polite thing to do to try and learn some basic Italian phrases. People always appreciate it when you make an effort with their language.
Always greet people when you enter a shop, restaurant or attraction. Saying Buon Giorno! (good morning) to everyone you meet is an essential part of Italian culture and it is considered rude if you don’t make this small effort.
Learn a few words
Here are the most basic phrases you should know:
These days there are many tools to help you learn how to use and pronounce words. We like Duolingo a free online tool that can help you to learn Italian at your own pace.
If you want to get up to speed quickly, this Italian language course for travelers has great reviews.
While on the road you can’t beat Google Translate – it even helps you with pronunciation.
If you are traveling with kids, Italians love it when your children call out Buon Giorno! and Grazie! Our children quickly learnt that this was a sure fire way to score a few treats – extra scoops of gelato and lollipops
Communicating isn’t just about words
Watching people speak to each other in Italy is so entertaining. Italians use their faces and hands to communicate as well as words. Decoding the signals takes some practice so here’s a fun video to get you started.
I’ve also learnt over the years, especially being married to someone from an Italian background, that speaking loudly and in what I consider to be an angry tone does not necessarily mean the other person is angry or picking a fight.
It’s just part of the communication process.
Out of bounds topic
Thanks to books and movies, many people are fascinated with the Italian mafia and their impact on daily life. This is not a subject you should raise in Italy.
The mafia are a series of organised crime groups that operated mainly in the south and in Sicily. People in the north are not interested and find the topic distasteful. In the south, you don’t know whose toes you might tread on. It’s a subject best avoided.
If you are stuck for conversation topics, just talk about food. Italians love talking about what, where and with whom they are eating.
Italian culture tips
Despite their differences, Italians have some cultural norms you should be aware of when you visit. Italy is a conservative Catholic country and loud raucous behaviour, and particularly drunkenness is not well received.
In fact, there are now laws in place to fine tourists who disrespect national monuments like the Trevi Fountain in Rome and Piazza della Signoria in Florence by going for a swim or using them as a toilet. Which is as it should be.
Italians have an essential concept in their culture known as “bella figura” meaning – the beautiful figure. It refers to presentation and how one is perceived.
Bella Figura drives the Italian way of dressing and their attention to grooming but it also refers to behaviour. Knowing how to behave and showing good manners is an important part of this concept.
How to dress in Italy
Italians are snappy dressers and will always make an effort to be well groomed and look sharp. They wear fitted, pressed clothing (even jeans) and wear classic styles and neutral colors. You rarely see Italians in sports clothes on the street and I have never seen anyone wearing flip flops.
What not to wear
If you don’t want to stand out as a tourist in Italy then you should follow the following rules:
- don’t wear sports clothes, yoga pants or sweats unless you are exercising
- flip flops are for the beach only and will not support your feet over cobblestones
- if you must wear sneakers make them stylish – like these ones
- avoid very bright colors and big logose
- very tiny shorts and skirts are not recommended
Instead, wear this in Italy
Stick to neutrals (navy, black, white, grey) and well fitted clothes. Then accessorize for the season. Your sunglasses and a scarf will get you through most situations.
Above all, bring comfortable shoes.
More information on how to dress in Italy including a capsule wardrobe and packing list in our Italy packing guide.
Visiting churches
You are sure to be visiting at least one church on any trip to Italy. After all, they are the cultural hub of every town and village in the country.
Be respectful and make sure you cover up. That means no bare shoulders or knees. So tank tops, short skirts and shorts should not be worn. You must also remove your hat.
While in a church, try to remain silent or use a very low tone of voice if you need to speak. Refrain from eating, drinking and chewing gum inside churches.
Afternoon walk or “La Passeggiata”
One of my favorite traditions in Italy is their afternoon walk known as La Passeggiata. Italians of all ages take a leisurely early evening walk or stroll, just to socialize and catch up on all the local news.
Between the hours of 5 and 7pm across the country, from the smallest towns and villages to the grand piazzas of Rome and Florence, locals mingle and stop for a chat with friends and family before dinner.
Join in the fun but be sure to make an effort with your presentation (bella figura) and take it slow, stopping for a pre dinner drink or gelato as the sun sets.
Food and eating in Italy
You can’t talk about Italian culture without talking about food. Italians love their food – talking about what they are going to eat and what they have eaten is one of their favorite pastimes.
For example, my Italian mother-in-law has an ongoing conversation with her best friend about how to make a certain type of cookie. That discussion has been ongoing for over 50 years!
Note that Italian food is really something only foreigners discuss. Italian cuisine is regional, each area has its own local traditions, cooking methods and dishes.
For example, Milan and the Lombardy region are famous for risotto while pizza was invented and is most traditional in the south. While in Venice they enjoy small bites called cicchetti that are a bit like Spanish tapas.
Read our food guides: Rome, Venice, Brescia and Sicilian desserts
Must try experience – a local Italian food festival – sagra
When you are in Italy, embrace this culture, taste the local dishes and enjoy every last bite. I don’t know why pasta and gelato taste better in Italy, they just do!
Meal times in Italy
Mealtimes in Italy are quite different to what you are probably used to.
Breakfast (collazione) is eaten between 8am and 11am and is usually very light – a coffee and perhaps a small pastry (cornetto) or some fruit.
Lunch (pranzo) is served between 12:30pm and 2pm and usually includes pasta and/or protein with salad or vegetables
Aperitivo – a light pre dinner snack eaten between 5pm and 8pm – see below
Dinner (cena) is not served until at least 8pm until 10:30pm and follows the same structure as lunch.
Most Italians will make either lunch or dinner their main meal and have a panino (sandwich), salad (insalata) or even a pizza for the other meal.
Gelato may be eaten at any time of day. In Sicily they eat it for breakfast in summer! Not all gelato is great however. Learn how to find the best gelato here
Many restaurants close on Mondays
Italian menu tips
So you know how to order from the menu in Italy, here is the basic structure of an Italian menu
- Antipasti – light starters such as cured meats and olives
- Primo piatto – first course – pasta or rice ( risotto)
- Secondo piatto – second course – usually meat or fish
- Contorni – side dishes such as vegetables ( vedure) or salad ( insalata)
- Dolce – dessert such as cake or gelato
Do NOT feel obligated to eat a full 3 or 4 course meal. It is not necessary – unless you want to of course!
Tourist menus are likely to be quite ordinary and are best avoided.
The menu will indicate if there is a cover charge (coperto) – a standard charge of a couple of euros for your seat and bread (even if you don’t eat it). It is non negotiable.
There may also be a service charge (servizio) of 10% particularly in tourist areas.
Tipping is not expected (especially when there is a service charge). You leave your change to the nearest dollar if you like.
Drinking water
Italian tap water is safe to drink. You will also find drinking fountains in the major cities. Rome, Florence and Venice all have perfectly safe, clean and free drinking water in town squares. You can take your own bottle and fill it up unless there is a sign reading ‘acqua non potabile‘.
We recommend these collapsible water bottles – perfect for staying hydrated during a long day sightseeing.
At restaurants tap water is not common. You can order still (naturale) or sparkling (frizzante) water and it usually comes in a 1 litre bottle.
Lost in translation – Italian food quirks you should know
Some foods we think of as Italian are really versions or adaptations of dishes for our tastes and palates. Here are some food items you might find confusing:
- Insalata verde directly translates as green salad and if you order it you will get a bowl of lettuce
- Spaghetti and meatballs is not a dish you will easily find in Italy
- Fettucine Alfredo is an Americanized version of a very simple pasta dish ‘pasta in bianco’ that you won’t find on any menu
- Bread is not a pre dinner snack – it is there to wipe up the juices left on your plate
- Bread is not served with oil and vinegar or butter as general rule (see above)
Coffee culture
Italy has the best coffee in the world. Do not expect a giant Starbucks style latte as you won’t get it. What you will get is a strong and aromatic brew. Italians drink coffee throughout the day and into the night.
Coffee types
- Un caffé – 20 – 25ml of espresso coffee. This is what will be served if you ask for a coffee
- Cappuccino – one third espresso, one third steamed milk, one third froth – considered a breakfast drink
- Caffé latte – hot milk mixed with a dash of coffee – breakfast drink
- Caffé americano – espresso coffee with added hot water served in a larger cup. Also known as a long black in Australia
- Caffé macchiato – espresso coffee with a drop of milk
- Caffé doppio – double espresso
The rules on coffee
- At most coffee bars you need to pay at the till, get a ticket and then repeat your order to the server behind the bar
- Cappuccino and caffé latte are considered breakfast drinks and not consumed after 10:00am – drinking lots of milk after this time is considered to be bad for digestion
- You pay a surcharge to sit down at a cafe and consume anything (including water). This does not apply when standing at the bar
Aperitivo
I love aperitivo! Served between 5 and 8pm, aperitivo is a tradition that began in Milan. At its most basic, aperitivo is a drink such as wine or a cocktail, such as the classic Aperol Spritz, served with bar snacks such as chips or olives. They are included in the price of your drink.
These days the concept has evolved into something more elaborate. Some bars now offer a buffet for aperitivo or higher class snacks.
Italian wine
Wine is taken very seriously in Italy and is always accompanied by a meal or as an aperitif. As a general rule, Italians do not drink to get drunk and this practice is considered rude – see bella figura above.
Table wine or house wine is generally quite acceptable (and cheap if you are on a budget). Just ask for a glass (bicchiere) or bottle (bottiglia) of vino bianco (white wine) or vino rosso (red wine).
Sometimes house wine is served in a tumbler at more humble establishments. If you get a wine glass it will be served half full as standard practice.
If you are taking your wine drinking a little more seriously (and why not!), Italy has 15 major wine producing regions and over 1 million wine growers. You are spoilt for choice.
Some favorite and famous Italian wines are:
- Prosecco – a light sparkling white wine from the Veneto region
- Chianti – red wine made from 80% sangiovese grapes from Tuscany
- Barolo – Italy’s most expensive red wine from the Piedmont region
- Pinot grigio – a crisp white wine from Lombardy
If you want your sommelier to help you choose your wine, ask for
- Vino rosato – rosé wine
- Vino secco – dry wine
- Vino abboccato – semi-dry wine
- Vino corposo – full-bodied wine
- Vino dolce – sweet wine
Look out for enotecas – wine bars. They are the best places to try local wines.
Food allergies and preferences
If you are managing food allergies and preferences you might be surprised to learn that they are easily accommodated in Italy.
Gluten intolerance in particular is a health issue for Italians, so many restaurants offer a gluten free alternative to their standard pasta dishes.
Vegetarians and vegans are well catered for too. There are many amazing vegetarian dishes from a basic pasta with tomato sauce to more elaborate creations. My favorite is melanzane parmigiana (eggplant parmigiana)
If you are lactose intolerant or vegan, you should be able to get your daily cappuccino with soy milk. Try asking for ‘un cappuccino con latte di soia per favor’.
Many pizzas come without cheese too. If you are in any doubt ask for your pizza senza formaggio (without cheese).
Look for some of the bigger gelato chains like Grom in the major cities as they offer dairy free gelato.
A special note on seafood allergies – we learnt the hard way that even if you are far from the sea, anchovies are sometimes hiding in delicious olive tapenade.
Pork is eaten widely in Italy. Be on the lookout if you don’t eat it as this meat is preferred to chicken and is widely eaten especially at lunchtimes.
Tips on dining with kids in Italy
There really are none except that you will rarely see a kids menu. Just order a half serve from the main menu.
It’s an absolute pleasure dining out as a family in Italy. Kids are so well catered for.
Restaurant staff will ensure they are fed and have a drink before you on most occasions. Meals arrive quickly and there’s usually some pencils for drawing. Our kids have sometimes been given little presents too.
LEARN: Some useful cultural tips in our guide to Dining Etiquette in Italy.
Restrooms
Public restrooms can be difficult to find in Italy.
More often than not, when you do find one, you need to pay a small charge to visit the restroom in public spaces in Italy. This charge could be from 50 euro cents to €1.50. You can expect these facilities to be cleaner than standard public restrooms in your country.
While you are visiting museums use the facilities – you just never know when you are going to get another opportunity. They also usually have decent changing facilities for children and babies which is a rarity in Italy.
If there is no public facility close by then duck into the nearest cafe or restaurant and ask for ‘il bagno per favore’. We always try to buy something small for their trouble.
Always carry toilet paper or tissues. Always.
If you are traveling with small children bring a foldable change mat.
Transport and getting around in Italy
The best way to travel between the cities of Italy is by train. You can buy tickets easily at the station but if you prefer to book in advance using an English language site we recommend Omio (formerly GoEuro) or Italiarail.
Tickets are usually cheaper when booked in advance if you can commit to a set day and time of travel.
Most city centres in Italy are very walkable but if you need to use public transport then the system is pretty standard across the country.
Buy bus or tram tickets from a nearby tabaccaio or street kiosk and train tickets at the closest station. Tickets are generally valid for a set time unless you buy a day pass and you must validate your ticket once on board. In Rome, for example, a single €1.50 ticket is valid for 75 minutes.
Warning – you must validate your train ticket for it to be considered usable. Big fines apply if you do not
There are often no lifts or escalators in train stations so be prepared to haul your luggage up a couple of flights of stairs
Taxis and Uber
Taxis are generally a little expensive but they are controlled by the government and are a professional service. Look for white or yellow cars with a taxi sign on the roof.
Hailing taxis is not common. You need to find a taxi stand and wait for one to arrive or enter the first car on the stand.
If you need to call a taxi use the My Taxi app
Surcharges apply at airports and major train stations like Rome Termini
Tipping is not usual although you may give a euro or two if the driver has been particularly helpful
Uber is available in larger cities like Rome and Milan. You can use your app just as you would at home.
Airport transfers
If you are traveling in a group of more than 3 with large luggage we recommend booking an airport transfer. Taxis are not able to accommodate large parties.
We recommend Suntransfers and Black Lane for airport transfers in Italy and Europe for their reliable service and affordable prices.
Detailed transfer information:
Driving in Italy
The Italian countryside is so beautiful and the best way to explore the small towns and villages is by car. Italian drivers have fearsome reputations though don’t they?
Don’t worry, driving in Italy is not as difficult as you think. We wrote a full guide with our Italy driving tips – you can read that here
Make sure to bring your International Driving Licence if you are traveling from outside Europe
We use and recommend Car Rental by Booking.com to rent cars in Italy.
Money in Italy
The currency in Italy is the Euro €.
Italy is a modern country with the financial services you would expect at home. You will find ATMs (called bancomat in Italian) that use the Visa, Mastercard, Cirrus and Maestro systems everywhere.
Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, shops and autostrada tollbooths. Where you might come unstuck is relying on American Express and Diners Club which are not widely accepted
It’s always wise to carry a small amount of cash for small cafes, pizzerias and restaurants (trattorias), some transport and taxis
Tipping in Italy
Tipping in Italy is not expected. This applies to all situations.
A service charge (servizio) may be added to your restaurant bill (in addition to the coperto cover charge). In this case tipping is absolutely not required.
If there is no service charge you could leave a few euros or add 10% for a smart restaurant. Many people leave small change when ordering a coffee at a bar
Tipping is not required for taxis or services at most hotels although is commonplace at luxury 5* hotels
Security
We have always felt extremely safe traveling in Italy. Police known as carabinieri are highly visible and have an extra strong presence at the main attractions and in city centres.
The general emergency number in Italy is 112. You can also call these numbers for:
- Police – 113
- Fire – 115
- Medical – 118
The usual rules apply however. Avoid being alone in dark places at night time, particularly if you are a solo female traveler.
Pickpockets
Unfortunately where there are crowds you will find pickpockets. Petty thieves do target tourists in busy areas such as train stations and tourist attractions in Italy.
To keep your belongings safe, stay alert and keep an eye on your belongings at all times. I carry a crossbody bag so I can keep a firm grip on it when in crowds.
Do not go sightseeing with valuable and keep your passport in your hotel safe. You can read our full guide to avoiding pickpockets in Italy here.
Tourist scams
In general, if someone is trying to give you something for free, it really isn’t and they want cash in return. As in any country with large numbers of tourists there are enterprising individuals at all of the major sights ready to make a quick buck.
My favorites are – people dressed up in Roman soldier costume ready to pose for your vacation snaps (there is a fee – we fell for this one), guys with small gifts for your children – animal carvings, bracelets etc (there is a fee), ladies with little bouquets of flowers they would just love to give you (there is a fee).
Always buy tickets and tours from licensed vendors. If you are stuck in a line at one of the major attractions it is tempting to try and jump the queue when you are offered skip the line tickets, bear in mind they may not be genuine.
Instead, be organized and book your tickets in advance. We use GetYourGuide to book tickets, tours and attractions in advance throughout Italy and Europe – you can read our full review here.
Accommodation
One of the most delightful things about traveling in Italy is you can stay in historic buildings and old palazzos.
What could be more romantic than waking up staring at a beautiful fresco and opening shuttered windows out onto a piazza?
Take note, rooms with views are more romantic, rooms without views are cheaper.
Hotels, apartments, villas.. and more!
There is a broad range of accommodation in Italy. From upscale and boutique hotels to city apartments and bed and breakfasts and country villas.
We mainly use Booking.com to find and book accommodation in Italy as you can search through almost all accommodation options to find the one that best suits your needs.
One type of accommodation you may not be familiar with are agriturismi – a great option if you want to explore the Italian countryside.
At its most basic, an agriturismo is a farm stay – local farmers rent out their rooms for additional income and your room rate usually includes a (delicious) home cooked meal.