Going to Italy? Check out these essential Italy travel tips before you go! Avoid being the typical tourist and blend in with the locals and find out everything you need to know about Italy.
I was born in Italy, and although I now consider myself a citizen of the world, I think Italy is one of the most beautiful countries you will ever visit.
From the amazing food to the spectacular history, there is so much to do and see that it’s easy to get lost.
It’s not a surprise, with all its art, culture, and natural beauty, that Italy is the leader of the UNESCO World Heritage Site List.
Whether you are planning your first visit to Italy, or you are a regular traveler, there are some things you should know that will make your trip to Italy easier.
Italians are lovely and warm people, but they do tend to be very traditional in certain habits.
And by following these tips, I am sure you will have a great time in Italy!
Italy Travel Tips: Food And Restaurants
Everyone knows how amazing Italian food can be. But there are a few things you need to know before eating in Italy, that will make your foodie experience more Italian.
Table of contents
1. There is a time for coffee
Italians do love their coffee. But there is a perfect time in the day for drinking it.
You never drink coffee during a meal. But you can have a coffee after a meal.
Cappuccino is only for breakfast and you should never drink it past 11:00 am. If you ask for a cappuccino after a meal at a restaurant, or worst, with a meal, don’t be surprised if they look at you like you come from Mars.
Latte in Italian means milk, so if you order a latte in a bar you will just get a glass of hot milk…not very exciting. If you want what you call a latte you need to order a “latte macchiato”, milk with coffee.
2. You drink your espresso standing
Espresso means “fast” in Italian. And all Italians drink their coffee fast “al banco”, standing in front of the bar.
Of course, you can take a seat at a table and enjoy your coffee slowly, but it will cost you a lot more. So if you want a cheap good coffee the Italian way, make sure you drink it standing at the bar.
And remember, in most bars in Italy, you need to pay before you can order a coffee. You need to get “lo scontrino” (your receipt) first.
3. Only go to restaurants that display menus in Italian
We gave this tip to many friends and they said it was the best travel tip to eat well in Italy.
This tip mainly works if you are planning to go to busy touristic places, like Rome, Florence, Venice, or Cinque Terre.
And it works only there because anywhere else in Italy you will never find an English menu anyway!
Although the food in Italy is simply amazing, you can still find places that serve awful food. If you want to eat really good Italian food avoid at all costs any restaurants that display an English menu outside (especially if they have pictures of food too!).
You might be tempted to go there because you will see some dishes you are familiar with, or you think you at least understand what the ingredients are.
Please remember this: the best Italian food can only be found in restaurants with Italian menus.
4. Never eat in a restaurant with spaghetti bolognese on the menu
Similar to above, if you see spaghetti bolognese on the menu…RUN! And run as fast as the speed of light!
I am not kidding.
Spaghetti bolognese is not an Italian dish, or at least it’s not what Italians call spaghetti with bolognese sauce.
First of all, bolognese sauce in Italy it’s called ragù, and if you really want to eat it, you should go to Bologna or the Reggio Emilia region in Northern Italy.
And you don’t eat ragù with spaghetti, but with tagliatelle.
If a restaurant has spaghetti with bolognese sauce on the menu it won’t be an authentic Italian restaurant. Eat there at your own peril!
Italian food is a regional affair. You should only eat risotto in Milan, or Northern Italy and Cannolo in Sicily. Always ask the server what the typical dish is, and try new things.
5. Don’t ask for tap water in a restaurant
Or…I should say: you can ask for it, but you won’t get it!
In Italy, restaurants will always serve bottled water, and if you ask for tap water you will get an awful look. Most places simply won’t give it to you and will just charge you for bottled water.
You are much better off drinking wine. Plus you are in Italy anyway, and wine tastes better than water.
If you want cheap but good wine, always ask for “vino della casa”. It normally comes in half a liter or liter jugs and it’s local.
6. But get free water around the cities
In the big cities like Rome, Florence, and Venice, you will always find water fountains around the main squares. Bring empty reusable bottles with you and fill them up with fresh drinking water.
7. Never put Parmesan cheese on fish
Never ever put Parmesan on fish. That’s it!
There is nothing else to say about this. You just don’t do it!
8. You don’t have to tip…but there is “coperto” to pay
Italians rarely leave a tip in a restaurant, so don’t feel like you have to. Servers are paid good living wages, and although they will never refuse a good tip, they are not expecting one.
But you will always find something else on your bill that you might not be used to. It’s called “coperto”, a cover charge.
This cover charge includes bread. It’s quite standard in all the restaurants in Italy, and it should be listed somewhere on the menu.
Also, if you are used to American servers you might find the service in Italy a bit slow. Eating food in Italy is a ritual, and servers will leave you time to finish your meal. If you are in a hurry you are better off grabbing something quicker like a sandwich or telling the server ahead of time.
9. Breakfast will be a sweet start to the day
Italians normally have a sweet breakfast, they never have salty food at the beginning of the day. If you go to international hotels I am sure you will find English breakfast or cold meats, but please don’t be disappointed by the choice and embrace the local culture, especially if you are staying in a small B&B.
A real Italian breakfast in a bar is made of:
- Coffee or Cappuccino
- Cornetto (similar to a Croissant)
- An orange juice
In hotels and B&B, you will also find fresh fruit, yogurt, cereals, bread, and jam.
10. Dinner doesn’t start early
If you are going out for dinner at 6:30 pm and you see an empty restaurant, it doesn’t mean that restaurant isn’t popular. It just means no one in Italy is eating that early.
Most restaurants don’t even open before 7:00 pm or later!
If you are not used to eating late, embrace the “aperitivo” culture.
Italians normally go for a pre-dinner aperitivo between 6:00 pm and 8:00 pm. You can sit down in a piazza and most bars will serve you some crisps, pizza, nuts, and nibbles with your Aperol Spritz (THE Aperitivo!).
If you want to blend in and hang around with the Italians (and stop starving!) try an aperitivo!
11. Always find an excuse to eat gelato
The most famous ice cream in the world is Italian gelato, and there is a reason for that! It’s simply amazing and you won’t be able to stop eating it!
So there is no reason to resist! Just go for it at any time of the day. You can have gelato for breakfast, after lunch, for morning or afternoon snacks, or after dinner.
Any time is good for gelato in Italy!
Check out: Where To Eat The Most Amazing Ice Cream In Rome
Italy Travel Tips: “Do It Like The Italians”
You are going to Italy, you want to blend in. These are the things you need to know to behave like a real Italian!
12. Ciao isn’t for everyone
Everyone knows Ciao, but remember that Ciao is a very informal way of saying hello. When you walk in shops or you are greeting older people make sure you use:
- Buongiorno (Good morning)
- Buona Sera (Good evening)
Another couple of words worth remembering are:
- Grazie (Thank you)
- Non capisco (I don’t understand)
And you should only say Bravo to men. If you want to praise a lady, remember to say Brava!
13. Greet everyone with two kisses (or three…)
Even if you barely know someone, don’t be surprised if you are greeted with two kisses on your cheeks.
Italians are very warm and affectionate people and they are used to kissing anyone. Sometimes you’ll find that younger people even go for three kisses!
But definitely not just one!
14. Be aware of riposino
Most Italian shops will close for lunch. If you are trying to shop between 1:00 pm and 4:00 pm in Italy, you might as well take a riposino (nap) yourself because you won’t find many places open for business.
It might be annoying for you, especially if you live in a busy city, but if you are visiting the Italian countryside, you will need to get used to this way of life. Italians still think lunch is an important part of the day, and they will go home to enjoy a nice meal and relax during the hottest hours of the day.
You might find shops still open in the city center of big cities like Rome, Milan or Venice, but don’t be surprised if in smaller cities everything is closed.
15. Don’t queue politely
Italians have a very different idea of personal space. Don’t get crossed if they push you or if they shove you around without saying sorry. It’s just the way it is.
This also means they don’t know what queuing and standing in a line means.
Queue
The definition in the world
A line or sequence of people awaiting their turn to be attended to or to proceed.
Queue
The definition in Italy
Lots of people wiggling their way up to the front to make it look like they were the first ones there and have the right to be served first.
This happens everywhere: if you buying food, ice cream, cinema tickets, or trying to board a flight. If you just wait around for your turn politely, you will be the last one in.
So you either get in there and fight the fight or just resign yourself to not going anywhere!
Italy Transportation Tips
Traveling around Italy is fun! But it comes with its own experiences. Some of the tips below will help you to navigate your way through the transportation system in Italy.
16. Trains follow their “own” timetable
Trains have improved massively in the last few years in Italy. Some impressive high-speed modern trains are connecting big cities like Milan, Venice, Florence, Rome, and Naples.
But if you move to less touristic cities or more rural areas, especially in the South of Italy, don’t be surprised about delays.
Make sure you allow plenty of time to get where you need to be, especially if you are catching a train to get to the airport. Also, check for trains stikes as these might affect your travel plans.
17. Always validate your tickets
I will never get used to the way you need to buy your tickets in Italy, and I was born in Italy…so listen carefully.
Trains: quite simple
You need to buy your tickets before you get on the train. There are normally ticket offices in every station. If you are traveling quite a long distance, you can save a lot of money by buying your tickets in advance. Make sure you always check prices on websites like Trenitalia for the best price.
Once you have your ticket, don’t forget to stamp it before you board the train! There are ticket validating machines on all train platforms. If you are not sure if you need to validate your ticket, ask around. The validating machines will stamp the date and time on your ticket.
Buses: not so much
If you want to hop on a bus, you need to make sure you buy a valid ticket before you get on the bus. There are no machines to buy tickets from and you can normally buy them in a Tabaccheria (tobacco shop) or Edicola (newspaper agents). These shops are normally closed in the evenings, so buy enough tickets ahead of time or opt for a daily or weekly pass to avoid any problems.
After you buy your bus ticket, remember to validate it on the little time stamp machines on the bus.
If you don’t validate your ticket you will be fined by the inspectors that randomly check on trains and buses.
It doesn’t matter if you tell them you didn’t know about the time stamp validation!
18. Driving around is fun…but keep an eye out for holes!
Driving around Italy can be a bit crazy. Traffic is quite chaotic, especially in cities like Rome and Naples.
Public transport is a much easier stress-free alternative than driving in big cities.
And I know Italians have a reputation for being quite ‘enthusiastic’ drivers. But if you are visiting the countryside, like Tuscany, the Alps or the Northern lakes, driving a car is the best way to see the beautiful scenery around Italy.
And only by driving around you will be able to discover some amazing hidden gems along the way.
BUT
Make sure you always keep an eye out for holes in the road ahead of you. Road maintenance isn’t one of the highest priorities in Italy, especially if you are driving on small countryside roads.
19. Look everywhere before you cross the street
As mentioned above, traffic can be quite hectic in big cities like Rome. Sometimes cars don’t bother stopping to let you cross the road and scooters tend to appear from nowhere.
So make sure you always look both ways and everywhere before you cross the road (yes, even on a pedestrian crossing!).
Better safe than sorry!
Touristy Travel Tips
Well, if you are reading this you are a tourist!
So you need some special tips that will make your tourist’s life in Italy a bit easier!
20. Never ever go to Italy in August
August is the national summer holiday month for Italians, a lot of companies shut down, schools are closed and many Italians will leave the cities to go on holiday.
- You will find a lot of shops closed, even in big cities like Rome and Florence. Especially some of the most authentic shops.
- If you decide to visit the best beaches in Italy, in regions like Sicily or Sardinia, everything will be crowded and expensive and the service won’t be as good as if you go in June or September.
- It can get really hot in Italy in August, and if you are planning sightseeing, it could be quite tiring to walk around.
If you have a choice, try to avoid August at all costs, and opt for more out of season months like April, May or October.
21. Always have some cash with you
Most hotels and big restaurants will accept credit cards, but it’s still quite normal in Italy to have to pay by cash in many restaurants and small shops.
Make sure you always have some cash with you to pay for your meals or shopping, especially if you are planning to buy some food at the market.
22. Check the weather before you go
Everyone thinks of Italy as a hot sunny country, but the weather can be quite extreme and different in North and South Italy.
Some places in Italy can get really cold during winter, like Venice and Milan.
Venice Average Temperature in January: 7° / 0°
Milan Average Temperature in January: 7° / 2°
But it can get as cold as -5° if you are unlucky!
Make sure you check the weather and the temperature before you go, to be prepared for what you will find.
23. Keep a close eye on your bag in busy train stations
Italy is a very safe place. I never felt in danger while walking around, even if I was alone.
Having said that, if you are going through busy stations like Roma Termini make sure you keep a close eye on your possessions. Pickpocketers are in every crowded place, especially where they know they can find some disoriented tourists.
Just use your common sense, like you would do in any other city in the world.
24. Cover-up in churches
Many churches will ask ladies to cover their shoulders and legs above their knees when entering inside.
In some churches, men with shorts aren’t allowed as well.
It can be hot in Italy during the summer months, so you might be underdressed. Make sure you wear at least a t-shirt to cover your shoulders and bring a shawl with you to cover your legs.
This will help you to avoid disappointment. I have seen many people traveling thousands of miles to visit a church, just to be asked to turn around because they weren’t dressed adequately.
25. Book your museum tickets in advance
Italy has some of the most amazing museums in the world. The Vatican Museums in Rome or Galleria degli Uffizi in Florence are not to be missed.
You might not like planning your days, but if you want to avoid disappointment and very long lines I strongly suggest you buy your tickets online before you go.
You will still have to go through security checks, but you will be able to skip massive waiting times of several hours.
26. Book your hotels outside the city center or stay in an Airbnb for a cheaper authentic stay
Hotels can get very expensive near the center of town, especially during the busy summer months.
Moving a few miles out could save you a lot of money.
One of my favorite ways to visit Italy is by staying in a local Airbnb. When we visited Cinque Terre, we decided to stay in one of the beautiful and colorful houses in the villages to live the real Italian local experience. And we are so glad we did!
We met some wonderful local people, Simone and his mum Nicoletta, and they were so kind as to share where we could find the best local restaurants and food.
Check out: 15 Breathtaking Things To Do In Cinque Terre
27. Don’t worry if someone is shouting
Years ago Dan and I were waiting for a bus to go to the airport near Naples. Two guys stopped with a scooter and started shouting and pushing each other around. If you couldn’t understand what they were saying, you would have thought they were having a fight.
A British couple next to us started holding hands and moved away with a scared look on their faces.
We moved closer to them and told them “Don’t worry, they are just saying hi to each other and talking about what they should be doing tonight!”.
So don’t be alarmed by Italians shouting!
Italians are really passionate people. Two people shouting are probably just talking about what they should have for dinner!
Have you already been to Italy? Do you have any other tips to share?
If you have any questions about your time in Italy, feel free to ask me anything in the comments and I’ll do my best to help you with my Italy travel tips!
Deb Kukal says
We’re developing a trip to Italy, and this is the best thing I’ve read so far. Thank you! I actually told my husband he had to read the whole thing.
Appreciate it!
Deb
Sara @ Gathering Dreams says
Hi Deb, appreciate your feedback. I’m glad this post helped!
Nicole says
Thank you so much! These tips are very helpful. Do you know anything about COVID tests to fly back to the United States? Are there just walk in clinics or do you have to make a reservation? (Specifically in Rome)
Sara @ Gathering Dreams says
You can walk into most pharmacies and get a Covid test for around 20 euros. You should either call them or walk by and ask if you need to book in advance. There are plenty of pharmacies in Rome, so it’ll be pretty easy 🙂
Sarla Matsumura says
I’ve been told that Italians drink beer with pizza, not wine.
Sara @ Gathering Dreams says
100% true, real Italians never drink wine with pizza!
Stafaband says
his trip sound amazing Kathleen!
Make sure you stop in Portofino for some “La dolce vita”. It’s between Cinque Terre and Genoa. Verona is also amazing and it is on your way from Milan to Treviso. 3 weeks sounds like a long time, but there is plenty to see in all the places you’ve mentioned. If I were you, I would leave the East cost for another time!
See if you can squeeze in Ferrara on your way back from Treviso!
Venessa says
wow, I think these are tips in the category of unpopular opinion, because these tips are rarely found anywhere, thank you for the tips, I will go to Italy next week.
Sara @ Gathering Dreams says
You are going to love Italy!!
Laurie says
Awesome information Sara! Lots of valuable tips in your post.
Sara @ Gathering Dreams says
Thanks so much, Laurie 🙂
Lal Bhatia says
Good Content. Appreciate it. Keep it up.
Sara @ Gathering Dreams says
Thank you 🙂
Premal Badiani says
Good post. Thanks for sharing with us. I just loved your way of presentation.
Sara @ Gathering Dreams says
You are welcome, Premal 🙂
Ishita says
Thanks for sharing the information
Sara @ Gathering Dreams says
You are welcome, Ishita 🙂
Angie says
My friend and I were just planning a trip to Italy!! You really made it easier on us! Thank you too much <3 🙂
Sara @ Gathering Dreams says
Yeah! You are going to LOVE Italy! :0
Navneet says
Really nice post. Thank you so much for sharing.
Sara @ Gathering Dreams says
Thank you, Navneet 🙂
Kated says
Wonderful post! Keep up the good writing. Thanks for sharing with us!
Sara @ Gathering Dreams says
Thank you, KateD 🙂
Meera Shankar says
A friend of mine travelled to Italy a year ago and had mentioned the nuisance caused by pickpockets. Also, the facts on drinking your espresso standing and not queueing politely are really interesting! I’m actually planning a Europe trip from India sometime this year and I can’t wait now! 🙂
Sara @ Gathering Dreams says
You are going to have an amazing time, Meera 🙂
Lori says
THANK YOU for taking time to post this awesome information! My husband, myself and another couple are going to Italy for two or three weeks starting 9/30/2020. We are looking at Perilo Tours. We thought that for our first trip, a tour company would be best way to go. Any thoughts on this tour company? Although, a lot of our time will be planned, we will have free time and your recommendations will definitely come in handy! We are starting in Venice and ending in Rome.
My grandfather was born in Introdacqua and I thought I would extend our trip and go from Rome to introdacqua. We have family there, but I don’t know them and our sur name is quite popular there (according to a google surch). Any suggestions on what to do and see there?
Sara @ Gathering Dreams says
Hi Lori,
I don’t personally know Perilo Tours but they have great reviews. I am sure you will have an incredible time.
Introdacqua is a beautiful tiny village. You will visit it pretty quickly. While you are there, I would suggest you visit Maiella National Park, which is not far away. It’s 100 square miles of pristine mountains and incredible canyons to explore.
And be sure to eat arrosticini: charcoal-grilled lamb skewers seasoned with olive oil and rosemary, and served wrapped in foil in ceramic jugs or mugs. Delicious! You also can’t miss spaghetti alla Chitarra: a traditional pasta that’s pushed through guitar like stainless steel strings attached to a wooden contraption. You could even go to a pasta-making class!
Have a great time!
John says
Excellent article, all very valuable tips, especially #25. I’d recommend the Rome/Vatican pass if your going to spend a few days or more in Rome. Worth avoiding the lines alone. And get headphones for tours, they offer great detail on the museums. Galleria Borghese in Rome is amazing, a must visit if you go.
Sara @ Gathering Dreams says
Thank you John 🙂
abdou says
Hi Sara, thank for sharing those interesting informations, hope you are enjoying your travel! 🙂
Sara @ Gathering Dreams says
Thanks so much, Abdou 🙂
Lisa says
This is a great read! Thank you for all the info! My husband and I, our 20 yr old daughter and 18 yr old son are going the last 2 weeks in June 2020 staying at Air BnBs. We are first staying in Bologna for 4 days for car factories, Siena for 4 days for the wine and San Felice Circeo for 5 days( taking train to Rome a couple days )and Naples for 1 day (Pompeii & Vesuvius), flying out of Naples.
It’s our first trip to Italy. Any tips for places to see and eat (big foodies here) would be great!
Sara @ Gathering Dreams says
Oh wow, Lisa!
What an amazing tour! In Bologna, you need to try Trattoria La Montanara. The food is so typical of this region and fantastic! You must book! http://www.trattorialamontanara.com/
If you go to Rome, head to the Trastevere quarter one evening and eat at Taverna Trilussa. Pasta is a must here: either cacio e pepe or amatriciana.
In Naples, pizza, and baba’! Plus the best espresso coffee in Italy. You should try to eat a margherita pizza at Pizzeria Pizzeria Brandi. They claim to have invented it! Not sure if it’s true, but it’s definitely delicious and worth trying it!
Have an amazing time 🙂
Lynnee says
I’m from Canada, and doing my first abroad vacation. I’m meeting friends there that started their vacation a few weeks earlier. They’ve been to Italy twice already! This is the best post I’ve seen for general, “do it like an Italian”, information. Based on your post, it would seem our choices of Siena, Lucca, and Rome are going to leave us with wonderful memories. Thank you for providing this information, and keeping your blog active.
Sara @ Gathering Dreams says
Hi Lynnee,
You are going to love your trip so much! Siena, Lucca and Rome and incredible 🙂
Have an amazing time!
Kathleen C. says
My husband and I are planning a 3 week trip to Northern Italy after Easter in 2020. Will flying to Milan from there we’re thinking we’d like to go west to Treviso then down to Genoa over to Cinque Terre, Bologna it means we’re going to Modena and Parma we both been to Tuscany, Rome and South. I have no desire to go to Venice and he’s already been there… I think this is more than enough time to visit all of these cities. Should we go to the East Coast? Will we have time? I’m practicing enough Italian to read menus and be polite. 1996 I spent three weeks on my own from Amalfi all the way to Lucca and in between. One of my favorite cities was Perugia. From its amazing Etruscan walls to its escalator up to the Old City. Also went to Assisi Gubbio, San Gimignano. Pisa is literally a pit stop I can’t wait!
Sara @ Gathering Dreams says
This trip sounds amazing Kathleen!
Make sure you stop in Portofino for some “La dolce vita”. It’s between Cinque Terre and Genoa. Verona is also amazing and it’s on your way from Milan to Treviso. 3 weeks sounds like a long time, but there is plenty to see in all the places you’ve mentioned. If I were you, I would leave the East cost for another time!
See if you can squeeze in Ferrara on your way back from Treviso!
Have an amazing time 🙂
Valerie Scherbinske says
Thanks for sharing information. We are traveling to Germany to meet our German friends in late September. We will rent a small class B motorhome and travel with them camping in Italy for two weeks. After our return to Germany after two weeks of camping my husband and I would like to go back to Italy and tour the Amalfi coast. I would like to take a tour or rent a driver to drive us. I do not want to drive the coast ourselves. Any suggestions? After spending a 5-6 days there I would like to head to the Tuscany area- maybe Siena, Assisi. We have visited Florence, Rome, Pisa, Cinque Terre, and Verona area. Any suggestions you can pass to me I would appreciate. I am also interested in a house swap for a few months in 2021. We live in a beautiful state in the USA with tons of great skiing very close to our home. Thank you. I await your reply.
Sara @ Gathering Dreams says
Hey Valerie,
The Amalfi coast is AMAZING! You will love it. I recommend you stop at Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello!
If you don’t want to drive yourself, but don’t fancy sharing a bus with other people, you can easily rent a private car with driver.
This is a great easy option: Amalfi Coast Private Tour.
If you want to spend a few days in Tuscany Siena is a must, but another couple of beautiful places I strongly recommend you are Lucca (small but simply beautiful) and San Gimignano.