Everyone knows Italy – Rome’s iconic ruins, Tuscany’s vine-clad hills, Venice’s romantic waterways. These have all been on traveller’s radars for centuries. Add fabulous food and breathtaking scenery, and you have all the ingredients for an unforgettable visit.
But beyond the headline sights, what’s a trip to Italy really like? What’s the best way of getting around? What’s the local etiquette? What should I wear? Here are some practical tips to help you on your way and ensure that your first time in Italy is a truly magical experience.
Eating like an Italian
Whether you’re tucking into hearty farmhouse fare in a Tuscan agriturismo or a wood-fired pizza in a Naples pizzeria, dining out is one of Italy’s great joys.
With a variety of eateries ranging from Michelin-starred restaurants to cozy trattorias, the dining experience in Italy is rich and varied. Italians generally eat late, so to blend in, aim for lunch around 1:30 PM and dinner at 8:30 to 9 PM – the further south you go, the later the meals.
A full Italian meal typically consists of an antipasto, a primo (usually pasta or risotto), secondo (main course, typically fish or meat), contorno (side dish), and dolce (dessert). Feel free to mix and match when ordering, as you are not expected to consume every course. When finished, request the bill, as it is not delivered automatically.
Some other pointers: eat spaghetti with a fork, not a spoon. While it’s alright to wipe up leftover sauce with bread, avoid eating bread with pasta. Enjoy wine with pasta and beer with pizzas, and don’t hesitate to eat pizza with your hands.
Bread and tipping
Italians are not big tippers. Service is usually included in restaurant bills, but if it’s not, leaving a euro or two is adequate in trattorias and pizzerias, up to 10% in finer establishments. Additionally, expect to pay for pane e coperto (a bread and cover charge) – this is standard even if you don’t request or consume the bread. While tipping in bars isn’t a must, many patrons leave small change when ordering a coffee.
Italy’s coffee etiquette
Stopping at a cafe for a quick coffee is an integral part of Italian life. To partake like a local, first pay at the cash register, then provide the barista with your order using your receipt. Drink while standing at the bar – sitting at a table, although permitted, takes longer and is pricier.
The classic Italian caffè is essentially an espresso, though the term espresso is seldom utilized in Italy. Cappuccinos are favored during breakfast and are commonly enjoyed alongside a fresh cornetto (Italian croissant). It’s important to note that they should not be consumed after mid-morning.
When dining, it’s acceptable to enjoy un caffè after dessert but avoid having it with your main meal.
Italy’s museums (and how to skip the line)
Italy’s historic cities are laden with awe-inspiring art and renowned buildings, and often sightseeing is simply a matter of strolling the streets. However, for top attractions like the Colosseum and Vatican Museums in Rome or Florence’s Galleria degli Uffizi and Gallerie dell’Accademia, entrance queues are the norm.
While there are no foolproof methods to bypass the line – as security checks remain even with tickets – you can alleviate waiting time by booking tickets online. Alternatively, visit first thing in the morning or late afternoon when the lines may be shorter. Notably, for the Vatican Museums, Tuesdays and Thursdays tend to be the least crowded days.
Museum operating hours can differ, with many being closed on Mondays. Additionally, state museums are free on the first Sunday of each month from October to March.
How to dress the part
In fashion-conscious Italy, appearances hold significance. However, for sightseeing, comfort is key as you will be walking a lot. Prioritize practical shoes as cobblestone streets can be challenging for heels and fragile footwear. For evening outings, smart casual attire is preferred.
Dress codes are strictly enforced at prominent religious sites. If you wish to enter St Peter’s Basilica or St Mark’s in Venice, it’s wise to cover your knees and shoulders.
Cash or card?
While credit cards are broadly accepted, Italy hasn’t completely transitioned to cashless. You may not always be able to use cards at museum ticket offices, smaller trattorias (often the best ones!), shops, and pizzerias.
ATMs (known as bancomat) are plentiful and typically accept cards connected to the Visa, MasterCard, Cirrus, and Maestro networks.
Shopping like a pro in Italy
Traditionally, Italian shops observe an afternoon break, often closing between 1 PM and 3:30 PM. After the break, they reopen until approximately 8 PM. However, this practice is changing, and many shops in large cities now stay open throughout the day, with some even opening on Sunday mornings.
In addition to the standard chain stores and designer boutiques, Italy boasts many small-label fashion boutiques and artisanal craft shops. A notable example is Giulio Giannini e Figlio in Florence, renowned for their marbled paper since the 19th century.
To gather picnic supplies or simply soak up local culture, markets such as Campo de’ Fiori in Rome or Venice’s Mercato di Rialto provide an entertaining alternative to supermarkets. Additionally, historic delis like La Baita in Bologna and Milan’s Peck offer delightful gourmet treats.
To drive or not to drive?
Renting a car for city travel is generally unnecessary – traffic can be overwhelming, and ZTLs (limited traffic zones) are enforced – but hiring one for countryside excursions may be beneficial.
While Italians are known for aggressive driving habits, navigating the roads can become less daunting once you acclimate to the tailgating and honking. Italy’s roads are well-maintained, and the countryside often presents breathtaking scenery.
Parking can be more challenging than driving itself. Street parking is signified by white (free) or blue lines, with blue lines necessitating a ticket purchased from a coin-operated meter or tabaccaio.
Navigating Italy’s public transport
Most Italian cities can be navigated on foot, but you’ll inevitably need to utilize Italy’s public transport at some point. Tickets can be purchased from a tabaccaio (tobacconist shop) or street kiosk and must be validated once on board. In Rome, for example, a single ticket costs €1.50 and is valid for 100 minutes, allowing unlimited tram and bus rides and one metro journey.
If you’re staying in a city for an extended period, a travel pass may be cost-effective. In Venice, a single journey on a vaporetto (water bus) costs a striking €7.50, but several passes are available, starting at €20 for 24 hours.
Brush up on your italiano, mi amore
You’ll easily get by with English, but knowing a few Italian words and expressions can enhance your experience. This is particularly useful in restaurants where menus may not be translated and some staff rely on verbal explanations.
Some essential phrases:
– Hello Ciao
– Goodbye Arrivederci
– Please Per favore
– Thank you Grazie
– Do you speak English? Parla inglese?
– I’d like to reserve a table for two at eight o’clock Vorrei prenotare un tavolo per due per le otto.
