Italy has something for everyone and is a destination that requires many visits to fully appreciate. Travelers have been spellbound by its mountains, art, landscapes, people, and food for many years. Below I will describe some important tips for traveling to Italy that you should know before you go.

General tips

  1. Many tourist attractions do not allow photography, particularly museums.
  2. It is considered rude to walk around cities in a bikini, beachwear, shorts, or skimpy clothing.
  3. American and European DVDs use different formats, so what works at home may not work in Italy. This is becoming less of an issue with the rise of multi-region DVDs.
  4. Returning or exchanging an item, even if it’s faulty, is not common in Italian stores, so be sure to check everything thoroughly before purchasing.
  5. Some stores will not allow you to try on shirts and blouses.
  6. Wheelchair access to restaurant restrooms is rare, as are ramps and elevators in older buildings. The mouthpieces are also generally not wheelchair compatible.
  7. Topless sunbathing is common on the beaches of northern and central Italy, however it is not recommended in the more conservative and traditional south.
  8. Hotels often do not have swimming pools or video games, while virtually nothing on the radio or television is in English.

Health and security

  1. Olive oil and wine are a fundamental ingredient in Italian cooking. They are also natural laxatives and therefore can cause problems for people with sensitive stomachs.
  2. In case of emergency, dial 113.
  3. If you’re in trouble and need help from passers-by, yell AIUTO (pronounced ay-you-toe), which is Italian for HELP!
  4. Serious crime is rare, however pickpockets and purse snatchers are more common in larger cities.
  5. Stick to bottled water as Italian tap water is sometimes heavily chlorinated

Eat out

  1. Italians usually take their food as listed, they rarely make special requests, like “wait for the mayonnaise”.
  2. Don’t wait for the check, ask for it.
  3. Tip with cash. A ‘servizio’ charge is usually included, but a small tip is appreciated.
  4. Breakfast is generally served from 7:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., lunch from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., and dinner from 7:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Peak hours for lunch and dinner are 1 p.m. :00 to 21:00 hours.
  5. There are almost no restrictions on alcohol. It can be purchased at any time on any day and there is no minimum drinking age.
  6. Children’s menus are almost unheard of, so pre-order a half portion if necessary.

Opening hours and holidays

  1. Banks are open on weekends from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., and sometimes for an hour in the afternoon.
  2. While some major churches are open all day, most are open from early morning until noon and then close for three to four hours, before reopening again and closing at 6 p.m.
  3. Many museums are closed on Mondays.
  4. Most stores are closed between 1 pm and 3:30 pm for lunch. Since Italy is a Catholic country, many shops are closed on Sundays.
  5. Try to avoid traveling to Italy in August as most of the locals are on vacation and everything is closed.
  6. In addition to Christmas, New Year and Easter, Italy also celebrates: Epiphany (January 6), Liberation Day (April 25), May Day (May 1), Republic Day (June 2), Farragosto (November 1). ), All Saints’ Day (November 1), Immaculate Conception (December 8), Feast of Saint Stephen (December 26).