September 12th, 2016

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If you are traveling to Italy for an Italian vacation any time soon, then you’ll probably be enjoying doing some research on what to see and do when you are here.

Your Complete Guide to Italian Etiquette: Customs, Manners & Cultural Norms

It pays to do a little more research on the culture and in particular Italian etiquette. After living and working here in Italy, running our Tours in Italy and Italian holiday company since 1999, we have built up an understanding of expectations around etiquette in Italy and how to help visitors to Italy understand the differences in Italian culture. These tips on Italian etiquette for visitors to Italy will help you get ahead with the locals and make the most of your time here!

Dining Like a Local: Essential Social Norms in Italian Restaurants

Understanding Italian restaurant etiquette is crucial for any visitor to Italy. In fact, Italian dining culture follows specific rules and traditions that might surprise first-time visitors. From timing your meals correctly to knowing how to interact with wait staff, these norms are essential for a authentic Italian dining experience. Let's explore the key aspects of restaurant etiquette in Italy. While discovering Italian dining etiquette, why not dive deeper into the country's culinary soul? Our Custom Food Tour of Italy takes you beyond restaurants to meet local producers, learn family recipes, and understand the stories behind Italy's most beloved dishes.

Tipping in Italy: Cultural Norms You Need to Know

During your Italian vacation, it’s not necessary to tip. In some countries like the USA, or on some holidays like cruise vacations you will be expected to tip. But it is not the case on an Italian vacation. In many cases a service charge will already have been added to your bill or incorporated in the price. But a tip is not necessary for things like a coffee, a taxi ride etc. Italians rarely tip and only do so when the service has been really exceptional or when it makes sense to leave the change – ie if you gave the waiter/ess 60 Euros for a 59 Euro bill and you don’t want them to have to come all the way back to your table with change.

Social Norms in Italy: When Do Italians Eat Dinner and Lunch

One of the biggest elements of Italian etiquette is remembering that Italian restaurants and bars are specific about meal times. It is best to understand them and to remember the general rule to eat when Italians eat. Many restaurants close in the afternoon after lunch and before dinner. So if you skip lunch and hope to pick up a late lunch meal or an early dinner then you will be disappointed. The earliest lunches will be available at 12.30 and will run to 2.30pm at the very latest. Dinner can start quite late and some restaurants in the city might not start serving again until 7pm.

Italian Etiquette for Tourists: What to Expect at Restaurants

When it comes to Italian dining etiquette, visitors need to remember that the service culture in Italy is quite different. In some countries the waiting staff will come back to your table to check you are ok and that you are enjoying your meal. In Italy, it can be quite different, particularly in busy cities because the waiting staff will be there to take your order and serve your food and you may not see them otherwise. They are polite and efficient and fast but they won’t be back and forward to check on you. That may explain the first point about tips. Smaller establishments in the countryside can be a little different and can be more attentive during your course but it depends on the people themselves and this would be the exception to the rule.

Master Italian Etiquette: A Guide to Restaurant Formality & Drinks

Another important point about Italian dining etiquette is that it is best to be formal in restaurants in Italy. Whilst some western cultures are quite relaxed in such a setting, Italy is different. You need to be mindful of your table manners. For instance, to get your waiter or waitress’s attention do not shout across the room at them or click your fingers. When you are ready to receive the bill or check, ask for it by saying ‘il conto’. A waiter or waitress will not bring it to you automatically unless it is well past closing time.

Italy Customs and Beliefs: Wine and Coffee Culture

When in a restaurant, wine and beer is consumed as part of your meal. Italians really do not approve of public drunken-ness and you will notice that it is very rare in Italy. Speaking of Italian wine customs, there's no better way to understand them than by embarking in a Barbaresco Wine Tour or a Private Chianti Tour in Tuscany. Walk through historic vineyards, meet passionate winemakers, and learn proper wine tasting etiquette in its birthplace.
When it comes to coffee – other than at breakfast, coffee is used to aid digestion so at lunch and dinner it is served after a meal, not with a meal. 
When you are in a bar or restaurant you will notice that there are different levels of service. You can sit at a table to get table service but you can also stand at the bar and eat. There are different prices for each type of service. And in some restaurants you sometimes you need to pick up a receipt before hand. If you are in doubt, stand to the side and watch what others are doing then choose what you want to do. Or you can ask by saying ‘scusi, si paga o si ordina prima- do I pay before ordering?’ And always greet the staff or proprietor with a good morning or good evening ‘buongiorno’ or ‘buonasera’.
To really understand Italy's food culture, Bologna is an essential stop. Our Private Bologna Food Tour reveals why this city earned the nickname 'La Grassa' (The Fat One), while teaching you the proper way to order and enjoy local specialties.

Speak Like a Local: Essential Italian Greetings & Language Tips

To really excel at Italian etiquette then learn some Italian before you visit. You don’t need to be fluent before you visit but it will help you immensely if you make an effort with the mother tongue. Try to understand the basics so you can greet people and perhaps order and thank people in Italian. Don’t just speak English and add a ‘grazie’ at the end because this is not enough and at worse may seem patronising. The locals will really appreciate your efforts when you try.

Cultural Norms of Italy: Proper Greetings Guide​​​​​​​

And when you are using Italian, remember to use the correct salutations. This is really important if you want to get your Italian manners right. We’ve probably all heard people shout ‘Ciao’ in the movies, but remember this is not appropriate if you do not know the other person well. As mentioned above it’s best to use ‘buongiorno’ or ‘buonasera’. Also shake hands with a person you don’t know. Kissing on the cheeks only happens when people know each other relatively well.

Italian Etiquette for Tourists: Being a Gracious Guest​​​​​​​

In Italian etiquette, remember that Italians view you as a guest and it’s true that they prefer it when you behave with grace as a guest would. Tourism is important in Italy but Italian life continues regardless.

Italy Customs and Beliefs: Dress Code & Sacred Places

Italians are renowned for their impeccable style and deep respect for sacred places. For visitors, understanding these two facets of Italian culture is crucial for fitting in and showing respect for local traditions. From how to dress for a restaurant dinner to the rules to follow when visiting a church, here's everything you need to know to gracefully navigate these essential aspects of Italian culture.

Social Norms in Italy: Dressing Appropriately

Italian culture expects everyone to dress appropriately. For instance, dress smartly for dinner and don’t dress for the beach when you are in the city. The best rule is to be smart but not overly smart. Dressing appropriately in churches – of which there are many in Italy – is also very important, this is particularly the case in the Vatican where you will need to wear long trousers and long sleeves – otherwise you will have to purchase one of the cloaks on sale. Now that you know how to dress appropriately and navigate Italian cities, enhance your cultural understanding with our Walking Tour of Florence. Beyond teaching you the magnificent art and architecture, our local guides will show you how to blend in with Florentines - from proper café etiquette to the best times to visit major sites while respecting local customs.

Italian Respect: Church Visit Guidelines

As mentioned above, there are lots of churches in Italy. You will probably go into a few when you are on your Italian holidays because they are full of art, beautiful architecture and fascinating history. But remember that they are churches and important places of worship to locals – not just a tourist attraction. So don’t eat when inside, don’t drink water and remember to be quiet. And always avoid exploring a church if there is a private service on-going at the time. After learning about proper church etiquette, put your knowledge into practice with our Tour of the Vatican. Discover the stunning art and architecture while respectfully navigating this sacred space like a well-informed visitor.

Manners in Italy: Shopping & Payment Guide

Shopping in Italy is a unique experience that goes far beyond simple purchasing. Whether you're exploring a local fruit and vegetable market or a high-end fashion boutique, there are specific etiquette rules that might surprise foreign visitors. From the tradition of not touching merchandise to handling cash and credit cards, understanding these norms will allow you to shop confidently and earn the respect of local merchants. Discover how to navigate the fascinating world of Italian shopping like a true insider.

Italy Customs and Beliefs: Market Shopping Rules

In Italian culture, it is important to remember that when you are in a shop or at a market stall it is frowned upon to touch the produce. If you are buying fruit, you will notice that there are plastic gloves to use when you pick your fruit. In a shop, don’t handle the items – even in a clothes shop. Ask the staff what you want to see. This is very different to the US or UK where you can search through a railing of clothes yourself.

Can You Use Your Credit Card in Italy?​

Be organised and carry small change for small purchases, as some establishments may not be able to give change from a large note. And always check if an establishment can take a credit card, as it is not always the case that they can do this.

Social Norms in Italy: Regional & Transport Guide

Italy is a mosaic of regions, each with its own history, traditions, and strong sense of local identity. This diversity, combined with a public transportation system governed by specific rules, requires special understanding from visitors. Whether you're discussing the differences between Milan and Naples or trying to catch a bus on Sunday, here are the unwritten rules and practical tips that will help you move around like a local.

Italian Respect: Understanding Regional Pride​​​​​​​

To get your Italian etiquette right, try to avoid comparing one city to another when you are speaking with Italians. Also be aware of history and the fact that although you are still in Italy, there can still be historical rivalry between regions or places. Always steer clear of mentioning the war and Italy’s role in the war.

Cultural Norms of Italy: Public Transport Rules​​​​​​​

You need to buy your transport tickets before you board to avoid being ejected! And you also need to remember that there may not always be a ticket machine at the stop you are using so you need to buy these at a newspaper stand or a tobacco shop. And when it comes to traveling on a Sunday you always need to buy your tickets the day before. And when you get on the tram or bus, validate your ticket in the machine that will stamp the time and date on it. This is important as otherwise you could be fined.

Following these tips on Italian etiquette will keep you on the right side of Italian etiquette. As with any country, there are specific cultural differences and expectations to remember. Ready to put all your newfound knowledge of Italian etiquette into practice? Our Private Venice in a Day Tour might be the perfect opportunity. You'll learn how to navigate the city's unique social norms - from proper vaporetto etiquette to understanding the unspoken rules of Venetian bacari. Plus, our guides will share insider tips on respectful photography in churches and how to interact with local vendors in the Rialto Market.

If you are planning your Italian vacation, we would love to help. At Avventure Bellissime – we are Italian tours and Italian holiday experts. We can help you have the best possible experience of Italy – whether it’s on one of our tours to Italy’s many sights or a Italy vacation package. Visit us at tours-italy.com for more information.