Italy isn’t just a destination—it’s a way of life. From its cuisine to fashion to the way people interact, the culture is rich, vibrant, and full of nuances that travelers often don’t notice at first. And while you don’t need to live there to appreciate it, understanding a few cultural nuances will take your trip from tourist to genuinely Italian.
If you’re looking for an authentic experience, keep the following in mind.
FOOD: EAT LIKE A LOCAL
Be prepared to eat like you’ve never before. The food in Italy is incredibly fresh, thoughtfully prepared, and somehow easier to digest. I was easily consuming about 2,500 calories a day—and still managed to lose ten pounds. Make it make sense.
✦ Breakfast is light. Eggs and pancakes aren’t really a thing. Most Italians grab a simple croissant and espresso and move on with their day.
✦ Pizza is personal. You won’t typically order by the slice—you order your own pie. When I first arrived, I couldn’t finish one. Halfway through the trip, after miles of walking daily, I had no problem polishing it off.
✦ Salads are not meals.
And “Italian dressing” does not exist. If you order a salad, expect olive oil and balsamic vinegar. That’s it. That’s the dressing.
✦ Meals are structured. You start with an appetizer, move on to pasta, then a meat or fish course. Some pasta dishes include meat, some don’t—this is normal. In traditional Italian dining, salad is often eaten after the main (meat or fish) course, not before. The idea is that the greens help “refresh” the palate and aid digestion. That said, it’s customary but not mandatory, and it can vary by region and household. Still, seeing salad arrive after your secondo is very normal in Italy.
✦ Eat all the gelato. Ice cream elsewhere will never compare.
✦ Don’t be surprised if your waiter offers espresso with dessert at 10:30 p.m. Yes, you should say yes.
ITALIAN DINING ETIQUETTE: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Dining in Italy is an experience in itself. Here’s how to blend in and enjoy it like a local:
1️⃣ Meals are meant to be savored
Expect to spend 2 ½ to 3 hours at dinner. Italians enjoy a relaxed, social pace, so resist the urge to rush.
2️⃣ You have to ask for what you need
Waitstaff assume you know what you want. Need water, bread, or the check? Speak up, or they’ll leave you alone.
3️⃣ Tipping is usually included
Check your bill for “Coperto”, which covers the tip and sometimes bread. Most restaurants don’t expect additional tipping.
4️⃣ Bars are a little different
Some cafés and bars require you to pay before your drink is served. Think of it as a pre-game step for your espresso or aperitivo.
5️⃣ Dress appropriately
Most restaurants don’t have air conditioning. Light, breathable fabrics like cotton or linen keep you comfortable while looking effortlessly chic.
6️⃣ Fresh and local ingredients are everywhere
Italian food is naturally organic and seasonal. If a menu advertises “organic,” it’s usually just marketing—most dishes are already fresh and locally sourced.
FASHION: HOW TO BLEND IN
Italian fashion is not for the faint of heart. You’ll see stilettos on cobblestones and tailored suits on men who look like they’re just popping out for coffee.
How to keep up without trying too hard?
✦ Pack wedges—they transition effortlessly from day to night
✦ Bring comfortable, stylish sneakers. Yes, both are possible
✦ Carry a satchel—functional and polished
✦ Sandals and spaghetti straps are reserved for the beachal and polished
✦ And if you’re in Milan, especially on Via Montenapoleone, be prepared to dress head to toe. Casual is not the vibe
MANNERISMS & CULTURE
Italians are expressive, passionate, and unapologetically themselves. What may feel intense at first is usually just conversation.
✦ They talk with their hands—give them space.
✦ They speak dramatically—don’t take it personally.
✦ Dialects vary widely across the country.
✦ Northerners tend to speak more formally; Southerners…made their own rules entirely.
It’s all part of the charm.
TRAVEL & SAFETY TIPS
Getting around Italy requires a bit of awareness, but nothing too complicated.
✦ Always validate your train ticket before boarding.
✦ Expect to walk—a lot. Eight miles a day is not unusual.
✦ Keep your purse in front of you and your wallet in your front pocket. Stay alert, even during casual strolls.
Travel smart, not stressed.
HISTORY AROUND EVERY CORNER
In Italy, history isn’t confined to museums. You’re walking through it. On the same streets you wander, famous painters, inventors, designers, philosophers, and filmmakers once stood.
✦ Take it all in.
✦ Slow down.
✦ Enjoy every moment—one trip at a time.
Traveling in Italy is about more than sightseeing—it’s about living the culture. From understanding dining etiquette to dressing the part and appreciating the little quirks of daily life, these insider tips will help you feel like a local the moment you arrive. Follow them, and your Italian adventure will be smoother, richer, and far more memorable
TRIPPY TULIP 