Visiting Italy For The First Time: All Things You Must Know

If you plan to visit Italy for the first time, I’m sure you will ask yourself what things you should know before going and what customs and traditions to expect. As a small Mediterranean country, Italy is known to have a rich heritage, but the Italian lifestyle and its values vary dramatically between the South and the North. Italy has been my home country for +20 years, and after a long time abroad, I returned to reside in what we call IL BEL PAESE.

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However, things over the years have been changing for the better in some respects, especially for tourists, it has become easier to travel around. There are things I love about my home country but many that I hate too! As a tourist, fortunately, you will not get confronted with the bad and the ugly. By writing this post, I put on my traveller goggles to give you my best tips and advice about all those things to help you get familiar with when planning an Italy trip.

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All things you should known before visiting Italy the first time

Essential things to know before travelling to Italy

Here is a list of tips for getting familiar with Italian culture and what to expect when navigating Italy for the first time.

Common Italian Greetings – How do you greet people in Italy?

We are a funny country, indeed. We have the same word for informal “Hello” and “Bye”, which is the Word >>CIAO<< (pronounced Chow). Are you now asking yourself what CIAO means in Italian? Well, it comes from the Venetian word s-cìao (I’m your slave) and the mediaeval Latin “Servus” (still used in daily life in Austria and southern Germany). You say Ciao for non-formal greetings, but you will hear some people tell Salve, too.

The formal hello is Buon Giorno (translates good morning + good day). People use it a lot, sometimes till late afternoon. Buon pomeriggio (good afternoon) is less used, but it is correct and used on emails and chats. If you meet someone at midday and plan to see them again in the evening, you will say Buon Pomeriggio! After lunch, at 2 pm, you are meant to say Good Evening! Buona Notte or Notte translates >>Good Night<<.

What About CIAO BELLA?(Hi, beautiful). It is a warm-hearted way of greeting a woman which you know well. It is often used from woman to woman and from man to woman. However, the other way around is almost non-existent. You will not hear a woman say Ciao Bello to a man! But Ciao Caro is common and translates as “Hi Dear”! Nowadays, it is more often used than Ciao Bella among women. Ciao Cara! Hi, Dear! To a woman.

Do Italians speak English? Eh…”Mi Scusi”

Don’t assume everyone understands and speaks English in Italy cause you will be disappointed. Like most Mediterranean people, Italians do not like to learn foreign languages. A good 70% of Italians know a few words of English. So, if you want to learn basic Italian phrases before going to Italy, those sentences will go a long way! By learning simple Italian words, you can make friends in Italy!

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Get familiar with the funny Italian Slang Phrases

If you have been brushing up on your Italian months before going to Italy only to realise that you don’t get what people say, don’t worry. Speaking slang and dialect is very popular in Italy. Italians will switch to Italian – hopefully with no accent – when they notice you are a foreigner.
Don’t worry; Italians don’t understand many local slang words, either. Italy has hundreds of slang words and dozens of dialects throughout the peninsula. Each Italian region has its peculiarities, but if you are interested in learning more about the common Italian slang phrases, you must pay attention to how people speak in Italy!

Here are just a few for a bit of fun:

Basta >>”That’s enough!” <<
 Boh >> “I Don’t know” <<
Dài >> Com’on
Meno Male >>“Thank Goodness”!
Magari >> No translation, but I would translate… “I wish, if only, I hope so”! 🙂
Figurati >> “Any time, no worries”!

Why do Italians speak so loud ?

Italians are famous for speaking loudly. It’s part of the Italian temperament, and it’s widely spread. However, I’d say that southern Italians are typically the loudest and friendliest, too! As a northern Italian, I love and hate the warm-hearted temperament of southern Italians.

While Italians are generally well-mannered and hospitable with tourists, they tend to be reserved in the north. They are unlikely to strike up a conversation with a traveller walking past. In contrast, a southern Italian will likely smile at you and enchant you with their storytelling.

Italian gestures – the good, the bad and the ugly

Next to speaking loudly, Italian gestures are also something Italians are known for worldwide. That’s part of the colourful Italian culture that characterises the Italian spirit. While some are easy to recognise, some are different. Others may be offensive if not used appropriately, so don’t just try to mimic Italian gestures if you don’t know what they mean. If in doubt, ask for an explanation. There are some funny gestures worth learning when you are travelling to Italy.

What makes the Italian Culture unique

Italian culture is about Food, Fashion, and Flair—what Italy is most known for. These are deep-rooted in the Italians’ lifestyle and are essential values. They shine through their gestures, the way they dress, and how they eat and speak. Here are a few things that stand out in the day-to-day life of Italians. When you first visit Italy, no matter how long you stay, you will soon notice the importance of food in Italians’ daily lives. People are passionate about Italian food; they can talk for hours about food traditions and recipes.

How and where to drink coffee in Italy

Italians love their coffee. It is the first thing they do in the morning, and it would be best if you did, too, when in Italy. They drink espresso, cappuccino, or anything in between. Did you know that +95 million cups of coffee is served daily in the BARS of Italy? Bars are basic cafeterias where people go for their morning coffe.

Either at home or in a bar. The “Italian Bar” is not a wine bar; it is an ordinary coffee shop, where you have the typical Italian breakfast: a cappuccino with brioche or the famous cornetto! When you order a coffee, feel free to customise your one as you prefer; waiters are used to all different kinds of requests so that you may hear an espresso Corto macchiato caldo, espresso lungo macchiato freddo, in tazza piccola, grande, in bicchieri, and so many more.
Trieste is known for its coffee culture. There are more than 30 different ways of serving coffee, so if you are a coffee lover, be prepared for the fun!

Drinking Coffee Etiquette in Italy

You can generally drink as much coffee as you want during the day. The myth about not ordering a cappuccino after noon NEVER existed. Not sure who made it up. People in Italy drink cappuccino in the afternoon, too. The only time you should not do this is to order coffee (any type) for lunch as a drink for your meal. If you do so, you will get a weird look. Coffee is okay soon after your meal, as well as a shot of espresso, macchiato, or corretto (with a shot of grappa). To recap a few don’ts:

1. Don’t order a LATTE because “latte” means milk in Italian. They will serve you a glass of milk. Instead, say “Caffelatte or Latte Macchiato“, similar to a cappuccino but in a glass with steamed milk only!

2. Don’t drink coffee with your meal. You shouldn’t do it in Italy!

Lunch and Dinner in Italy

Lunchtime and dinnertime in Italy vary depending on the location. People eat early in the North of Italy, around 12.00-1.00 pm and 19-00-20.00 at night. In the south (by south, I mean from Rome down south), they eat later for lunch, 13.00-14.00 and 20.30-21.30. These are for eating at home. If you go out to a restaurant, add one hour on top of that.

Some restaurants open early, around 6.30-7.00, but it’s not common to go to a restaurant before 8.00 pm. So what if you want to eat earlier? You can get food from Bakeries, Takeaways, or shops that sell fresh food on the go. The old good McDonald’s and any fast-food chains will serve food without breaks.

The Best Places to Eat in Italy

If there is something we are proud of in the world, it is exquisite Italian food. I’m always sorry to hear that people travelling from overseas don’t have a good experience. The only reason I can think of is getting into touristy places. But yes, it does happen that food does not live up to expectations.

Make sure you ask around when choosing a place to eat in Italy. I prefer smaller restaurants outside the touristy areas, where the locals go for their lunch break or dinner.

Italians are very happy to share their best tips for eating out, so ask them! Look for a cosy Osteria or Trattoria; they usually have a daily menu of freshly cooked food. But if you don’t fancy eating out a lot, there are hundreds of grocery and supermarket chains in Italy where you can shop for groceries and all necessities.

You can also buy gourmet food and freshly cooked dishes at very reasonable prices. Street food is also popular, but usually at festivals or markets. Shop at a Mercato Della Frutta e Verdura for fresh food and local produce! They are the best.

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Shopping in Italy – How expensive in Italy

Italy used to be a cheap country. In the 1980s, many people from other EU countries came to shop here over the weekend. However, in the last 30 years, living and travelling around has become more expensive. However, there are ways to go to Italy on a budget and save money.

Restaurants are expensive, with weird rules like the “coperto“. Staying in hotels is also costly because most hotels don’t have single rooms, only double rooms. Solo travellers pay for the upgrade to a double room for single use.

Some regions and cities are just overrated. To save money on your trip to Italy, you must know where to go, where to shop, and where to eat. If you are travelling for the first time to Italy, gathering all this information at once is a bit difficult. With my tips, I hope to give you a broad overview of what to do and not to do in Italy.

Shops and Restaurants Opening Hours in Italy

Opening hours in Italy are from 8.00 to 23.00 (we use 24 hours, not am and pm). Only shopping malls and supermarkets have non-stop opening hours. Everything else has an extended lunch break between 2 and 4 hours outside a shopping mall.

Usually, shops in main cities open at 3-3.30 in the afternoon. But in summer, it gets worse. Shops in coastal towns, from North to South, have a four-hour lunch break, from 13.00 to 17.00 (1.00 to 5.00 pm), and then they stay open until 11.00 pm every night.

Each shop, restaurant, or coffee bar is closed on one weekday, mostly Mondays, Tuesdays, or Wednesdays. This is known as “turno di riposo,” a simple “day of rest.” It is regular, as they are open over weekends. Some smaller Osteria may be closed on Sundays, too.

How do you pay in Italy? – Credit cards vs using cash in Italy

Although in Italy you can use your credit or debit card in shops, restaurants, cafes, train and bus stations, almost everywhere, it depends where in Italy you are. In all the main Italian cities and towns, in North and Central Italy, cards are widely accepted; in the south, you go the most difficult it gets, though.

Some smaller shops have a 10 euro limit; you must use cash below this. So, I would highly recommend taking money with you all the time. In South Italy and all suburban areas, you may have to use some cash in smaller outlets or shops.

The most popular cards are MasterCard and Visa. American Express may be turned down in some places. Contactless payment is also accepted in supermarkets, where signs are displayed everywhere—debit cards with a chip work best, but so do those with a magnetic strip. Nowadays, you don’t need more signatures, but some debit and credit cards may require a security PIN to enter when you pay.

Tipping in Italy – Are you supposed to tip in Italy?

Tipping is as good as non-existent. You don’t need to tip a taxi driver in Italy. However, it’s up to you. If you want to show gratitude to a taxi driver who has helped you find a place or carry your luggage, feel free to tip him. 1-3 Euro is what they would expect.

Rounding up the bill is also a good idea. The same goes for good hotels, eating at the restaurant, or with tour guides. If the service is very satisfying, then tipping is okay. I wouldn’t tip in any other eateries where a coperto applies! A coperto is a fee everyone hates but is part of Italian traditions (it covers the cutlery, tablecloth, bread, grissini, oil or butter, and waiter service). The minimum coperto fee is 1-1.50 up to 3.50 Euro per person, depending on their offer.

Travelling to Italy for the first time – How to get around

Getting around Italy is pretty much secure. The train and bus network is excellent and reliable. Car rental is something that needs thorough consideration. I would suggest it only for itineraries not serviced by public transportation. Here are my best tips for travelling around Italy.

Travel Italy by Train — Milano Railway Station

Things to know when using public transportation in Italy

Italy is known for its bus and train ticketing system, mainly because it’s different from other European countries. You need to purchase your ticket from a ticketing machine at train stations and for bus tickets in a tabacchino or a newsagent.

You must validate your ticket before boarding the train. Many ticket-validating machines exist across all train stations, platforms, and main entrances. If you fail, you will get a fine, and not knowing about it will not help you.

The fine is between 50 and 200 Euro on trains. For buses, it’s the same. You can also purchase a ticket on city buses, but you will 99% get a chance, so make sure you have the exact money. A bus ride is usually 1.50 Euro in most cities.

➡️ Update: From September 2024, you don’t need to validate online tickets (including the regional train tickets). However, if you purchase your ticket at the train station through a vending machine or at the counter, you must still validate it.

Why you will love travelling by train in Italy

I love to travel by train, which is the preferred way of getting around Italy by the locals. The train service has improved in the last few years. The Frecce is the most common fast train from Milano to Rome, Naples, Florence, Venice, Verona, etc. South of Rome, things change dramatically; you are better off flying and taking a bus or hiring a car than travelling by train. High-speed train service and the more expensive ITALO (around 300 km/speed /hour) are also typical in Italy. I highly recommend using the fast trains in Italy for long-distance train rides.

Purchase your Train Tickets Online

For longer train journeys in Italy, you’d better be off purchasing your ticket online and carrying a copy of the digital card on your mobile. It will waive the validating process. It would help if you showed your barcode. That will do! Moreover, online, many offers and training specials are worth checking out.

Italian Train Strikes and Delays – Myths debunked for good!

There were many strikes in the 1970s and 1980s, but things have changed for the better in the past twenty years. While there are still some now and then, they are primarily regional train strikes. The fact is that it is pretty tricky to get to know about it. You will not automatically find out unless you check in Google, in the local newspaper, or online.

Train delays are not frequent in northern Italy unless there is a real cause, like a rail track accident or technical issues. Italian trains are 90% on time! Moreover, if you take a FRECCE Train, which has considerable delays, Trenitalia is supposed to reimburse part of your ticket.

Public toilets in train stations are not free!

Some are, but most aren’t. In most train stations and public places, you must pay 1 Euro (at least) to access a public toilet. Rest areas on highways usually have free tipping. They are clean and safe.

Renting a car in Italy – The pros and cons

Getting about by car in Italy can be daunting if you are unfamiliar with the country. High highway traffic congestion, non-attentive drivers, and many hazards will drain your energy. If you are visiting Italy for a longer time, renting an RV and travelling around Italy can be the best way to explore the country. Hiring a car will cost 50-70 euros a day, depending on the vehicle, and the RV starts from 80-100 euros a day. You can check out our guide to planning an RV trip to Italy.

If you are over 50 and plan to travel solo in Italy, renting a car will not be an economical way of getting around. You’d better use a car-sharing service like BlaBlacar as a cheaper and safer alternative. If you are not keen on driving, there are more alternatives to driving in Italy: train travel and Bus travel.

Tips for crossing roads in Italy

Please don’t assume that Italian drivers stop when you attempt to cross the street. In 90% of cases, they will not. Period. However, you have the right to cross roads safely, of course. Ensure the driver has seen you by signalling you want to pass for your safety. The best tip is to cross where a traffic light is or on zebra stripes. When a larger group of people gather, it’s safer because drivers have no choice but to stop!

Medical Service for overseas travellers in Italy

If you are an EU citizen, get a free medical card before visiting Italy; it will entitle you to the same health care assistance you have in your country of residence. As an overseas traveller, you should get a travel insurance quote (like the one I use for my travels.)

Especially when hiking in Italy, the new rules and regulations are stringent for us Italians, too. Without proper travel insurance covering you for adventures in the mountains, you must pay for Alpine Rescue Services and Assistance if you have an accident.

While this list is probably not complete, I hope this list of things to do before going to Italy gives you a basic understanding of what you can and cannot do when travelling around the country.

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