If you're planning a holiday in Italy, there are a few faux pas you should be aware of if you want to fit in like a local. These are some of the most common mistakes tourists make when visiting Italy.
Eating food from the wrong regions
Italian food is exceptionally diverse, and while you might think you've tried Italian food, you haven't seen anything until you actually visit Italy. Italian food varies greatly from region to region and even rural villages in the Italian countryside will have their own local dishes that you can’t find elsewhere.
In order to try the best Italian food, make sure to stick to the local dishes and specialities. For example, you will be able to order tagliatelle al ragù in Milan, but it’s going to taste much better in Bologna. Make sure to do your research so that you can try the best Italian food wherever you are.
Not validating your train ticket
When travelling by train in Italy, you must remember to validate your ticket. Some stations will have either a person or a turnstile taking your ticket, but many don't, meaning that it's your responsibility to be sure to validate your train ticket before boarding the train.
This can be done by inserting your ticket into a small box which is usually found on train platforms. While this might sound insignificant, you'll want to take the extra minute to validate your train ticket in Italy as once you're on board the train, tickets are often checked and finescan be pricey if you haven't validated your ticket.
Not visiting the Italian countryside
Italy is of course home to some of the world's most famous tourist attractions which are well worth visiting at least once. However, heading off the beaten track is a real must in Italy if you truly want to experience the country. The Italian countryside is often forgotten about by tourists, and while getting around isn't quite as easy and you may need to hire a car, by not visiting this part of the country, you'll be missing out on a whole different side to Italy.
Ordering a cappuccino after 11am
In Italy, milky coffees are only for the morning, and therefore cappuccinos are strictly a morning drink. If you want a coffee after lunch in Italy, order a shot of espresso to look like a local. Check out our guide on how Italians like to drink their coffee.
Only eating pizza and pasta
When visiting Italy, you will enjoy the best pizza and pasta you've had in your life. And while there's nothing wrong with indulging in excessive amounts of these Italian specialities, it would be a shame to miss out on all the other wonderful dishes Italy has to offer. You'll find so many different local dishes across Italy which vary from region to region. Check out our Italian food tour for inspiration.
Overtipping
Tipping culture in Italy isn't very common compared to other countries such as the USA. So while it might feel rude, it is not obligatory or necessary to leave a tip in a restaurant in Italy. You might see people leaving a couple of euros behind from the change they've received, but it is never expected.
Not taking pickpocketing seriously
All things considered, Italy is a very safe country. In spite of this, you must be careful with your personal belongings, especially in touristy areas in cities such as Rome, Milan and Venice. Tourist areas and public transport can be pickpocketing hotspots in Italy, and generally, tourists are targeted in these areas.
Therefore, don't leave your camera on a table in a restaurant, be alert on public transport, (pay extra attention to your pockets and bags), and don't keep your phone in your back pocket.
Expecting everywhere to accept credit cards
While the pandemic has meant that paying by card in Italy has become a lot more common, Italy can be a little old school at times and there are still shops and especially markets that only accept cash. This is mostly the case in Italian villages, but can also happen in the bigger cities, and while we don't recommend carrying around wads of cash and making yourself a target for pickpockets, it's a good idea to have a few notes on you just in case.
Eating in restaurants next to tourist attractions
Back to the topic of food (which is very important in Italy), you'll want to stay well clear of restaurants and cafés that are in the main tourist areas next to the main attractions. This is because these restaurants are designed to take advantage of tourists with elevated prices for average food. Try heading off the main streets and squares and head to the back streets where you'll be able to enjoy much more authentic Italian cuisine for a fraction of the price.
Expecting shops to be open all day
It's pretty common for traditional Italian shops to close in the afternoon for lunch and a rest, something which usually happens between 1 and 4pm. To avoid the crowds and missing out on your favourite shop, head out in the morning, and also remember that most shops in Italy also close on Sundays.