Eleven Shocks of Italian Culture
Ciao from Rome! Today we’re sharing ten things that are going to shock you about visiting Italy. With these Italy travel tips, hopefully you’ll be prepared for these cultural differences and less shocked!
Italian Culture Shock #1: There are No Spaghetti & Meatballs
This comes as shock to many Americans, but spaghetti and meatballs aren’t served together in Italy. Of course, you can order spaghetti, and they do serve meatballs, but they aren’t eaten together. To that point, Italian food is more than great pasta. There are amazing cheese and delicious meats in Italy as well. Every region has their own specialty, so be sure to sample them all!
Italian Culture Shock #2: The Italians are Loud!
Many people are shocked when visiting Italy at how loud the Italians are. It’s also shocking how much they can communicate even when you don’t speak Italian. It almost seems like the farther south you travel, the louder they speak. Don’t be alarmed, loud talking doesn’t mean they are angry, just passionate.
Italian Culture Shock #3: Italian Concept of Time
Italians have a different concept of time. If you are going to meet someone at 9:30, they’ll probably arrive around 10:00. Italians are not late, they just show up when they show up. (Trains and buses are an exception, though. These leave on time so don’t be late!) So, think of it as a more relaxed approach to punctuality.
Italian Culture Shock #4: Shop Hours
Many stores in Italy close for a couple of hours in the middle of the day. Similar to the Spanish siesta, but it doesn’t always apply to big cities and chain stores. However, if you’re planning to pop back into that boutique you like, you may have to do it in the morning or late afternoon/early evening. Banks often close early as well, so get your money out in the morning.
Italian Culture Shock #5: Tourist Crowds from Around the World
Italian cities and regions are very popular with tourists from around the world. Tourist hordes reach a new level in Italy, especially when it comes to the lines to get into major attractions like the Coliseum or the Vatican Museum. The best thing you can do is book everything in advance so you can skip the ticket lines.
Italian Culture Shock #6: Different Dishes Served at Different Times
Eating out in Italy can be time consuming. In the US, most entrees will be served to a group at the same time. In Italy, they have many courses, and they are all served consecutively. The first plate (Primi) is pasta, and the second plate (secondo) is the meat course. If you order pasta and your dining partner orders meat, they will come out at different times. The more tourist-oriented restaurants will know to send it all at the same time, but you can always just ask your server to do this. When you are done eating, you also need to specifically ask for your bill. They won’t just bring it to the table, even when you are obviously finished eating, as Italians like to linger after a meal.
Italian Culture Shock #7: The Nonas
The Nonas, or Grandmas, in Italy are super attentive and caring, which can be shocking to a tourist. Nonas will drag your kids into a store to show them something, or tell a wife her husband is too skinny and that she needs to feed him more. They will look out for you and are good to have around, it just takes some getting used to.
Italian Culture Shock #8: Friendly Italians
You might be shocked at how friendly the Italians are. Especially if you speak a little bit of Italian. Whether you speak the same language or not, they are very welcoming and helpful. After a few visits, it’s not hard to get to know your local restaurant owners or servers. They will soon be treating you like family. Italians aren’t just loud and crazy. They are loud, crazy and super wonderful.
Italian Culture Shock #9: Difference Between North and South
Northern Italy and Southern Italy are very different. Northern Italy is more industrial, with more museums and snow. The South has more farmland, fewer museums, and is generally a poorer region, but the people are more friendly. There can be heated debates between regions about politics or sports, too. Remember, Italy is only about 150 years old, and it an assembly of several old kingdoms, so there are many diverse cultures and cuisines to be found within Italy.
Italian Culture Shock #10: Calcio (Football) Fans
Calcio (Football, or soccer as the U.S. calls it) is practically a religion in Italy. The three religions of Italy are fashion, soccer and Catholicism and they’re all in the news practically every day. If you want to attend a match while in Italy, I don’t recommend going to the derby games as they can get pretty boisterous or even dangerous. Fights break out, people are throwing things (even cups of urine!) and you can expect some serious police pat-downs.
Italian Culture Shock #11: Driving & Crossing Roads
Driving in Italy, and crossing the roads, can be a shocking experience. Its amazing how pedestrians weave in and out of traffic. The best advice is to follow the Italians, make eye contact with the drivers so they know you are going to cross, and only cross in the crosswalks. If you get hit by a car and you are not in the crosswalk, you will have to pay for the damages on their car.
For more Italy travel tips, check out some of our other videos and blog posts: