Italy has a reputation as one of those dream destinations, where posh cafes and awe-inspiring historical sites combine for a vacation that’s not only memorable, it’s cool too. And why shouldn’t it? The peninsula was the seat of the world’s most famous ancient civilization, and it’s home to some of the world’s best booze. And that’s before you even get to the mouthwatering cuisine that’s all over the place. Of course, with that kind of well-earned reputation for awesomeness, visitors to Italy can sometimes get a little over-hyped and look before they leap. If you’re planning a trip to Italy and its gorgeous capital and countryside, here are a few things to consider before packing bags.
1. Calm Down, You’re On a Trip
When you land in Rome, the first thing you should know is that the entire country of Italy is moving at three-quarter speed. The lines take longer, the meals take longer, the tours take longer, everything just moves a little bit slower. Plan accordingly. And, more than anything, try to remember that you’re not in a race, you’re on vacation.
2. Wear Comfortable Shoes
The bigger cities are really fond of sticking with old school cobblestone streets, which are beautiful, but murder on your feet. What’s more, the ground of (and surrounding) a lot of the major tourist attractions is dry and uneven. In other words, don’t be afraid to rock your most comfortable tennis shoes.
3. Visit the Most Famous Attractions, Don’t Eat There
Italy’s food might be one of a kind, but in the basement of the Pantheon, it’s still mediocre crap. To get the most of your Italian vacation, plan your meals accordingly. Paying attention to your food is exceptionally important. That can’t be stressed enough.
4. Keep Your Critiques to Yourself
Hey, how would you feel if you were sitting in your favorite bar and a foreign tourist walked in only to yammer on about how rude Americans are and how terrible the food and drinks are. It’s just common sense to save your harsh critiques for a Yelp review after the fact, but just in case it didn’t occur to you: Italians don’t enjoy having their culture, cuisine, etc, nagged on.
5. Order Caffeine in the Morning, and Then Cut it Out
Ordering something like a cappuccino in the afternoon or after a meal is a weird social faux pas in Italy. They’ll get you one, but they’ll judge you for it, so just keep that in mind.
6. Don’t Leave a Tip
As with a lot of European countries, Italy has begun to pay its service industry workers an actual living wage. As a result, patrons at the restaurant aren’t expected to cover a big portion of their waiter’s income with a tip. A service charge is usually included in the bill, so you don’t need to worry about it.
7. Drinking With Locals? Fill Their Glass
In Italy, the custom is to fill the glass of everyone at the table who’s enjoying the same drink as you are, whenever you top yourself off. If you’re drinking with residents of the country, they’ll definitely do it for you (so don’t be shocked when it happens). If you’re trying not to get loaded, just keep that in mind.
8. Keep Your Hands to Yourself
When you’re shopping in Italy, the service people will largely be expected to handle anything you might buy. Don’t touch, ask for help. It’s a big no-no to simply reach out and grab something, whether you’re shopping for new shoes or fresh fruit.
9. Save Your Coins For Trevi Fountain
Though Rome is filled with fountains (and those fountains are filled with coins), a true Italian native knows that the only fountain to toss a coin into is Trevi Fountain.
10. If Your Pasta Dish Doesn’t Come With Cheese, Don’t Ask For It
You’re going to get an odd look if you ask for some Parmesan to top your pasta, if it’s not already either on the dish or offered when it’s served. Italians have very strict rules about when to serve cheese with pasta — cheese will never, ever be served alongside fish for example — and they’ll go ahead and give you a heads up when the meal is brought to you.
11. Don’t Ever Eat at a Chain Restaurant
Of any kind. Ever. Period. You’re in the world capital of amazing food. Live a little. You might also consider budgeting some extra trip money to accommodate the increase in funds this will require. You should also consider planning at least one or two fine dining experiences while you’re in the country. It’ll cost you more, but you’ll remember those meals for years to come.
12. Theatrical People Might Want to Tone it Down
Italian culture prizes a sense of social composure that essentially frowns upon big gestures and loud behavior (especially from visitors). As a result, it’s best to keep yourself as reserved as possible when you’re out in public.
13. Keep Your Eyes Open For Pickpockets and Thieves
Don’t carry a lot of stuff around with you when you’re sightseeing, and keep your most valuable items out of sight as much as possible. And definitely don’t keep your wallet in your back pocket. There’s some crime — especially in tourist-heavy sections — so be aware and keep your head on your shoulders.
14. Dress Appropriately for Cultural Experiences
Don’t go into a church in cut-offs. Don’t visit the Pantheon in a tank top. These are sacred places and the locals treat them as such, so be sure to dress accordingly. You don’t have to dress like clergy, but you should also remember to outfit yourself respectfully.
15. Learn Some of the Language
Committing a few conversational phrases or vocabulary words to memory will go a long way towards earning you some credit with the locals. It will also help you avoid scams when you’re navigating the streets of one of the most beautiful countries in the world.
