Famous for its stunning scenery, rich history, incredible food and vibrant local culture, Italy is a must-visit destination. As with any new destination, there are many things you should know before you go. To help you out, here are 10 essential Italy travel tips you need to know!
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1. They eat later than you might be used to
In Italy, it is normal to sit at the table only after 7 pm. to begin an evening dining experience and, in some restaurants, food may not be served until after 9 p.m. Be sure to immerse yourself in this new world of casual dining! Instead of rushing through everything, see your meals as a moment to connect with those around you and be present in every bite or sip.
2. Don’t show up empty-handed
If you’re meeting friends or family, it’s important to point out that you should never, ever arrive empty-handed. Even if it’s just a box of cookies, chocolates, a bunch of flowers or a nice bottle of wine, in Italy, it’s okay to bring a gift when you’re invited somewhere.
3. Learn the local language
While English is widely spoken in Italy, you may find that the further south you go, the less easy it is to communicate if you don’t speak Italian. Be sure to try your Italian before your trip! You might want to learn some key phrases, have a printout of basic Italian, or an app you can use offline to translate.
4. Enjoy a sweet breakfast
In Italy, a sweet breakfast is the norm! You will notice that the morning rush starts much later and Italians really take the time to have breakfast which they can enjoy in peace with a cup of coffee and the newspaper.
Expect to enjoy a decadent breakfast of croissants, chocolate and other sweets! You’ll want to try biscotti, cornetti, brioche, crostata e torta and more. Of course, in Italy, coffee is taken very seriously and you should expect to enjoy fantastic espresso at a local cafe.
5. Be respectful
Respect is very important for every Italian and it is important to respect the Italian culture wherever you go. When you enter a restaurant or cafe, it is important to say good morning (Buongiorno) or good evening (Buona sera).
As you visit historic sites, pay close attention to signs advising you of what you can and cannot touch, inaccessible areas, and so on. So much of Italy is steeped in history, it would be a shame to accidentally destroy or desecrate such an important site. As visitors, it’s important to look out for residents, keep the noise down when exploring the local neighborhoods, and don’t trespass on anyone’s property, even if it’s the perfect photo spot!
6. Stay in touch safely
No matter how much you enjoy Italian culture, there will always be the need to check something you would normally do from home, online during your trip. To do this, we strongly recommend using a VPN, which will allow you to do so safely!
You can also use a VPN in coffee shops and restaurants where they don’t have a secure Wi-Fi connection. By connecting to foreign routers via VPN, you can still surf the web safely without hackers being able to steal your identity or data. Before your trip, make sure you are prepared. ONE Free VPN Download it’s an easy step, so don’t forget it!
7. You will need comfortable shoes
Expect to make one lot walking exploring Italy! I recommend packing a few pairs of very comfortable shoes, as even your most trusted pair can start to give you pain after a few days and changing them will do wonders. If you’re visiting in the summer months, make sure your comfortable shoes are very breathable.
8. Pack a water bottle
You’ll find free-flowing fountains scattered throughout Italy, especially in Rome. It is a very good idea to bring a refillable water bottle as the water is fresh, free and delicious. Rome’s aqueducts have been providing water this way for thousands of years.
9. Wait for things to close
You may notice, in the afternoons, shops close in the afternoon right after the typical lunch. This indulgent sleep or rest time is known as riposino and sees the local shops close until around 3pm. Just something to keep in mind if you have plans to visit a particular store and find it closed!
10. Be alert
As with any big city, there are always those who want to take advantage of unsuspecting visitors. Be sure to keep your wallet and passport safely hidden and be very wary of pickpockets. It is especially important to be careful in crowded public places, on public transport and at bus or train terminals.
This post was written by Ulrike Niemann, freelance copywriter, cyber security enthusiast, digital marketer and content marketing manager. All advice and insight remains objective and genuine. Thank you, Ulrike for your support, which allows us to continue doing what we love!
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Useful travel resources for your trip!
If you found this post helpful, please use the affiliate links below. I will make a small commission at no extra cost to you. Rest assured, these are the products and services I love and use. Read the disclaimer for more information. Thanks for the support! – Math.
Agoda – Hotels
Booking.com – Hotels
Cover-More – INSURANCE
Automobile Republic – RVs
Discover cars – rentals
Simify – SIM cards
Skyscanner – flights
Surfshark – VPN
TourRadar – tours
Welcome Pickups – transfers
