Essential Tips for Traveling in Italy

With an unmatched abundance of UNESCO World Heritage sites, diverse scenery ranging from some of Europe’s highest peaks to the turquoise waters of the southern coasts, and an endless list of regional cuisines to taste, planning an Italian adventure can easily get overwhelming.

Moreover, the variety of dialects—both spoken and hand-gestured—and hard-to-decipher etiquette rules can make diving into the local culture feel like a challenge. Returning to Italy after years abroad has revealed many quirky customs that dictate social interactions. Consequently, this guide compiles a list of essential rules, customs, and habits that will make every visitor’s time in Italy a little easier.

1. Italians All Go on Holiday at the Same Time (More or Less)

For some reason, Italians have collectively decided that August is the best month to go on holiday. With temperatures regularly exceeding 35°C (95°F), expecting people to do anything other than lie on the beach is unrealistic.

During the weeks surrounding the holiday of Ferragosto, on August 15, Italians migrate to the coast en masse, leaving humid cities half-empty. Many businesses in the country’s interior close, prices rise significantly, and crowds become the norm on popular beaches. If traveling in high season, make sure to secure your accommodation well in advance.

2. Italy Was Built for Driving, but It’s Not the Only Option

While the public transport infrastructure is affordable and mostly reliable, Italy remains devoted to driving. Recent statistics show that the country is second in Europe, after tiny Luxembourg, in cars per capita—nearly 40 million vehicles are currently roaming around the country with 59 million inhabitants.

Part of this has to do with the mountainous and uneven geography of the peninsula. Trains cannot reach the more remote corners of the country, and the low population of rural areas does not justify frequent bus services. There is also a cultural aspect to Italy’s love for driving—huge investments were made toward motorways in the post-war era, promoting a car-centric lifestyle.

Nevertheless, renting a car gives the most freedom, while trains and buses connect most urban centers. These public transport options are a great and sustainable way to visit cities, medieval hamlets, and coastal towns without the hassle of traffic rules while enjoying local wines. Train tickets can be bought through Trenitalia or Italo, with regional train tickets available on the spot without price increases, while advance purchases often result in cheaper high-speed train tickets.

3. If You Do Rent a Car, Be Aware There’s a Shortage of Vehicles

The pandemic has led to a noticeable lack of available cars for hire. Many rental companies sold their vehicles during lockdowns, and the demand for rental cars has grown as people became wary of public transport.

During peak holiday season, prices can skyrocket, and in popular destinations, cars for hire may simply run out. Therefore, if planning a road trip, it’s crucial to arrange your rental car well in advance.

4. Card Payments Are Now Widely Accepted, but Carrying Some Cash Is Wise

For a long time, Italy has been a cash-first economy. However, a new law enacted in 2022 introduced a fine for businesses not accepting card payments. While card payments should now be accepted in most locations, some merchants may still prefer cash for small transactions. Thus, having some cash on hand is a prudent choice.

Most major card networks are widely accepted, but small businesses may occasionally decline American Express due to fees.

5. Regional Pride Is Worth Embracing

Italians have a strong sense of pride for their birthplace, even amid increasing movement among the younger generations. You won’t have to wait long before meeting someone who praises their local food, traditions, and landmarks—often at the expense of neighboring regions.

This intense pride, known as campanilismo, promotes unique culinary experiences and engagement in local folklore, offering a different facet of the country with every visit.

6. Learn the Language of Sarcasm

Italian humor thrives on self-deprecating sarcasm and exaggeration of stereotypes. Although self-deprecation is a common facet, humor can quickly turn fierce, especially in regions like Veneto and Tuscany, where blasphemy features in the local lingo, and Romans excel in sharp irony. Therefore, it’s essential to understand that such humor is usually well-meaning, despite its intensity.

7. Imitate Hand Gestures 🤌 at Your Own Risk

Italians are famously expressive with their hands, and they appreciate authenticity in gestures. Each signal holds a specific meaning, and adopting gestures without knowing their connotation can lead to misunderstandings. For instance, shaking your hand while pinching your fingers usually expresses confusion or disagreement. Use these gestures wisely.

8. Don’t Be Overwhelmed by Restaurant Menus

Entering an osteria, you may find a menu divided into antipasti (starters), primi (first courses), secondi (second courses), contorni (side dishes), dolci (desserts), vini (wines), and amari (digestives). A full Italian meal comprises all these elements.

However, you are not required to order a dish from each section. It’s perfectly acceptable to order a pasta course and dessert or just a starter and a second course—mix and match as you wish.

9. Tipping Is Not Expected Unless the Service Is Exceptional

While leaving a tip is a nice gesture, it isn’t obligatory in every establishment. Most service industry professionals do not rely on tips for their livelihood. Nevertheless, when someone goes above and beyond to enhance your experience, a tip is appreciated.

Be mindful that many restaurants will charge a “coperto” (cover charge) of around €2 per person, which is a customary fee for dining at a table and not a tip for the staff.

10. There Is a Time for Everything When Eating and Drinking

Everyone knows the “no cappuccino past 11 AM” rule; however, this isn’t the only dietary guideline to consider. Milky coffee is typically a breakfast drink, while an Aperol Spritz is for pre-dinner and limoncello follows the meal. Lunch is around 1 PM, and dinner usually starts after 8 PM.

Although these habits can seem rigid, the enforcement of them is often exaggerated. In tourist-heavy areas, deviations from social conventions generally go unnoticed.

11. Drinking Outside Is Allowed—and Fun

While some municipalities restrict alcohol consumption in certain public areas, most of the country embraces outdoor drinking. Public squares fill up during summer evenings with locals enjoying a beer or a glass of wine al fresco.

12. Cheek Kisses Can Lead to Awkward Situations

Meeting Italian friends for an aperitivo may lead to an unexpected lip-to-lip greeting if you’re unfamiliar with the cheek-kissing etiquette. Italians typically greet each other with two light cheek kisses in informal settings, usually starting on the left side. If unsure about the process, let the other person lead; if uncomfortable with such close contact, a handshake is perfectly acceptable.

13. Political Polarization Is on the Rise

Political conversations have always been common in Italy, but polarization becomes more evident as discussions migrate to social media, which often favors stark opinions over nuanced debates. Additionally, economic issues such as declining salaries and contentious topics like migration and workers’ rights further split public opinion. Understanding the political landscape will assist in navigating conversations on this topic.