What Not to Do in Italy (and What You’ll Probably Do Anyway)
Anyone who isn’t in the mood for a lesson in Italian etiquette: drop out now. For everyone else: ciao ragazzi! Because if you’re going to Italy this summer, you don’t want to be mistaken for that one obnoxious tourist. Together with our colleague Sophie from Italiamo, we’ve put together the ultimate list of do’s and, above all, don’ts for tourists in Italy. No huge blunders, major offenses or handcuffs: just some friendly but urgent advice for anyone who wants to spend their holiday a little more stylishly.
Spoiler: you don’t suddenly have to speak fluent Italian or drink your espresso standing up like a local. But a little self-reflection never hurts.
1. Shouting ‘Grazia’ as if you’re standing on the Spanish Steps
It’s sweet that you’re trying to speak Italian, but leave “graatsie,” “grazia” and definitely “gracias” at home. Just say “grazie” clearly instead—with a ‘ts’ sound like in pizza. Or, if you really can’t find the words: a polite thank you is better than a failed imitation of the language.
2. Save eating at lightning speed for home
In Italy, everything revolves around lingering over meals. Eating isn’t a pit stop; it’s a ritual. So if you sit up straight, wolf down your pasta in three bites and want to pay immediately, you’ll really give yourself away. Slouch, order that second glass of wine and enjoy the moment. And that delicious Spaghetti all’assassina.
3. Eating at 6 p.m.: are you on a school trip?
Italians don’t have dinner until around 8 p.m. So if you knock on the door somewhere at 6 p.m., you’ll be sitting in an empty restaurant with an angry chef still hanging onto his cigarette. Tip: do as the Italians do. That means: aperitivo. Between 5 and 7:30 p.m., order a glass of Bianco Spritz and you’ll often get free snacks with it. Win-win.
4. Eating next to the Duomo (and paying 14 euros for a Spritz)
Rule number one for tourists in Italy: the closer you are to the attraction, the worse the pasta (and the more expensive the drinks). If you can touch the fountain from your table, you’re in the wrong place. Walk one street farther and you’ll pay half as much for twice the flavor.
5. Never leaving your hotel, pool or no pool
Even if you’re staying in a paradisiacal hotel in Sicily, it would be a shame not to go exploring. Italy is bursting with squares, markets, beaches and trattorias. So: pool day, city day, beach day, countryside day. Mix & match those Italian vibes.
6. Going to church in your zip-off trousers
Flip-flops, sports shorts or zip-off trousers in a cathedral? Just don’t. And absolutely no selfies by the altar. Being a tourist in Italy is no excuse for an inappropriate TikTok video. Get dressed, turn down the volume. Grazie mille.
7. Strolling as if you’re on the promenade
Italians take their time, of course. But not in the middle of the street where people need to get to work. So if you and your traveling companions are strolling four abreast along the sidewalk as if you’re in a slow-motion film, expect sour looks. Keep walking, or step aside.
8. Going to McDonald’s. Seriously?!
Okay, we get it. Sometimes you just want something easy. But in Italy, the land of pizza, focaccia, arancini and tiramisu, going to McDonald’s is, in our opinion, a mortal sin. Let yourself be surprised by a local restaurant where nonna makes passata.
9. Altering the menu (no, really)
In Italy, the chef is in charge. So no “can I have the pasta without cheese?” or “could I have chicken instead of zucchini?” Just choose what you like or order something else. Want pesto with chicken? Make it at home.
10. Casually ordering a white wine
The horror: “Just a white wine.” No, no, no. There are hundreds of local wines, each with its own character. Dare to ask: “What goes well with this dish?” The waiter will proudly pour a gem from the region. And you’ll drink something you’ll never forget.
How to almost pass for Italian
It’s not too bad, is it? Being a tourist is fine. But if you pay attention, only drink your cappuccino after breakfast and leave your flip-flops at home, you’ll naturally earn that approving nod from the waiter. Maybe not an immediate double kiss from a nonna, but your holiday will be more fun, more delicious and much more Italian.
Also read:
- Here you can drink the cheapest coffee in all of Italy
- How to recognize good gelato: 7 tips for finding truly good Italian ice cream
- Really: you’re better off not eating this in Italy
Source: Italiamo
