The DON’TS of Visiting Italy
Ciao from Vincenza, Italy! Italy is an amazing place with fabulous people, and there are many things that travelers should do in Italy. There are also things that tourists should NOT do in Italy. To help travelers prepare for an Italian vacation, we’re sharing twelve “don’ts” of Italy.
Italy Travel Tip #1. Don’t Expect Cheap Luxury
Visitors to Italy should not expect to buy luxury Italian goods like Gucci and Armani at cheap prices. Luxury designers tend to have standardized pricing, so regardless of whether you buy a Gucci bag in Rome or Las Vegas, there won’t be much of a price difference.
Italy Travel Tip #2. Don’t Eat Near Major Tourist Sites
This may seem obvious, but it’s easy to end up at a tourist restaurant with a tourist menu. These places are concentrated near the major tourist attractions, and provide a less authentic Italian dining experience. Travelers are better off going where the locals go, and it’s easy to do by wandering just a few blocks off the main tourist path. It’s easier to find authentic food by eating with the locals, and these places tend to be nicer for families as well.
Read: How to Eat Cheap Like the Locals When You Travel
Italy Travel Tip #3. You Don’t Have to Tip in Italy
Service is usually included in a service charge on the restaurant bill, or there is sometimes a cover charge, or coperta. The coperta may be a few Euros, and covers the bread and place settings. If the service is extra special, they will gladly accept a tip, but it’s certainly not expected.
Italy Travel Tip #4. Don’t Speak Louder To Be Understood
Speaking English at a higher volume will not help the Italians understand English any better. English isn’t necessarily widely spoken in Italy, so travelers should learn a few key words of Italian before arriving. Knowing some Italian words like Hello, Thank You, and You’re Welcome will really open up the Italian people.
Italy Travel Tip #5. Don’t Worry About Overdressing
Italians love to dress up, even the children, so visitors to Italy should plan to dress up as well and there is very little chance of being overdressed. Some places in Italy, especially those of religious importance will not allow certain styles of clothing in, so a modest, upscale wardrobe is a good idea for your Italy vacation.
Read: 7 Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Vacation
Italy Travel Tip #6. Don’t Just See Rome, Florence, and Venice
There are so many cute towns and villages throughout Italy, and many tourists miss out by only visiting the tourist meccas of Rome, Florence and Venice. Venice receives 20 million tourists per year, with a population of only 50,000. In smaller towns like Vicenza, Lucca and Bassano di Grappa, it’s easier to meet locals and experience authentic Italian culture.
Italy Travel Tip #7. You Don’t Share Your Pizza
This will surprise many Americans, but in Italy, pizza is not for sharing. Pizzas are served individually, and are not eaten by hand, but using a fork and knife. No more compromising on your favorite pizza flavor; have it all to yourself!
Italy Travel Tip #8. Don’t Take the Fast Train for Short Distances & Don’t Be Late for the Fast Train
For travelers only going a short distance, taking the fancy train, or the freccia, is very expensive. For short trips, it’s not worth the added cost, but for a longer trip, the freccia can be worth it. Also, the freccia’s are usually right on time, unlike other trains in Italy, so it’s important not to miss it by being late!
Italy Travel Tip #9. Don’t Order Spaghetti & Meatballs
Travelers will find spaghetti in Italy, and meatballs in Italy, but they are not served together. Italian meals consist of primi piatti and secondi piatti, which are first and second courses. The first plate is pasta and the second plate is typically the meat course. For travelers wanting that spaghetti and meatballs flavor, spaghetti bolognese is similar. The restaurants in Italy serving spaghetti and meatballs do so for the tourists; it’s not necessarily authentic Italian food.
Read: How to Keep Your Kids Quiet on a Plane
Italy Travel Tip #10. Don’t Expect a Big Breakfast
Breakfast in Italy is usually an espresso and some toast. Italians don’t eat a big breakfast, so this leaves some tourists hungry. Many hotels, however, will serve an American breakfast which is more filling.
Italy Travel Tip #11. Don’t Expect a Lot of Space
Italy is very compact. Seats and luggage racks are smaller, hotel rooms are smaller, as well as restaurants. Packing light and traveling light will make this much easier than trying to make room for large luggage.
Italy Travel Tip #12. Don’t Expect Dinner Between 3:00 and 7:00 p.m.
After 3:00, Italian restaurants close down until dinner time, which is usually around 7:00 or 8:00. Travelers from the U.S. may find this shift difficult, especially when traveling with children. It’s still possible to find fast food or pizza to go, but travelers seeking a nice, Italian meal will have to wait until later in the evening for restaurants to re-open.
If you enjoyed these Italy travel tips, check out some of our other blog posts as you begin to plan your Italian vacation!