15 Rules Travelers Should Know When Visiting Italy

Heading off to Italy is super exciting! You’re probably dreaming of amazing pizza, ancient Roman ruins, and maybe even a gondola ride in Venice. But to have the best trip ever, it helps to know a little bit about how things work over there.

Italy might look small on a map, but every region has its own unique vibe, food, and even ways of talking. What’s normal in one town might be totally different just a few miles away.

Don’t worry, you don’t have to be an expert to fit in and have a great time. Think of it like learning the cheat codes for a new video game. We’ve put together a list of simple rules that will help you feel like a local, no matter where you are in Italy.

Following these tips will make your trip smoother, more fun, and full of incredible memories.

Learn to linger

In Italy, meals are not meant to be rushed. If you’re at a restaurant, don’t be surprised if the waiter doesn’t bring your bill right after you’re done eating. This isn’t a sign they’ve forgotten you. Instead, it’s an invitation to take your time and enjoy the atmosphere.

The post-meal chat is often just as important as the food itself, giving you more time to soak everything in.

This custom is a huge part of Italian life. Food is something to be focused on and enjoyed, not eaten on the go. You won’t see many people eating while walking or driving. They prefer to dedicate time to their meals. So, if you find yourself with extra time at the table, just go with the flow.

It’s a key part of the local dining culture.

Dining out

When ordering food in Italy, there are a few things to keep in mind. It’s common for a group to share some starters, called antipasti, before everyone gets their own main dish. A big no-no is asking for cheese on a seafood pasta. While it might be normal for you, it’s a combination that just doesn’t fly in most of Italy.

Also, try to call it parmigiano instead of parmesan to sound more like a local.

Chefs in Italy are proud of their recipes, so try not to ask for lots of changes to a dish. Ordering your meal as it’s described on the menu is usually the best way to go. Sticking to these simple guidelines will make your dining experiences much smoother.

It shows respect for the local food traditions and helps you enjoy the meal just as the chef intended.

Pasta basics

Eating pasta in Italy comes with its own set of guidelines. If you find twirling long spaghetti on your fork tricky, don’t feel like you need to cut it up. A better option is to just order a “short” pasta instead.

Shapes like penne or rigatoni are much easier to handle with just a fork and are just as delicious. This way, you can enjoy your meal without any fuss.

Also, expect your pasta to be served al dente, which means it’s cooked but still has a slight bite. It might seem a little firm if you’re not used to it, but there’s a good reason for it. This texture isn’t just about taste; it actually makes the pasta easier for your body to digest.

Once you get used to it, you’ll probably prefer it that way.

No cappuccinos in the afternoon, and other notes on coffee culture

In Italy, how you drink your coffee is a big deal. Milky drinks like cappuccinos are strictly for the morning. Italians believe the milk is too heavy for digestion later in the day, so ordering one after lunch will definitely get you some strange looks.

To fit in, stick to cappuccinos or lattes only before noon. They are considered a breakfast item, often paired with a pastry.

For an afternoon energy boost, do as the Italians do and order a simple caffè. This will get you a shot of espresso, which is the standard coffee order. You don’t even need to say “espresso,” just caffè is enough. It’s served in a tiny cup and is meant to be drunk quickly while standing at the counter of the coffee bar.