Visiting Italy is about enjoying the sweet life, of course, but you also want to blend in with the locals, to see and feel their city as they do. Do you want to know how to not look like a tourist in Italy? These easy-to-follow travel tips will see you traveling through all the different corners of the country just like a local.
Respect the pleasantries and customs.
The double kiss is the proper way to greet someone, regardless of how well you know them. Don’t be taken aback by this breach of (North American) personal space. While seemingly distant, verging on aloof, Italians are actually very warm and unreserved when it comes to emotion. Ah, which brings us to the next tip: Talk with your hands. This is a sure-fire way to fit in. Italians even have little signs they make with their hands, or with a nod of the chin, that can convey deeper meaning. Have an Italian friend bring you up to speed about this before you embark on your luxury vacation to Italy.
Dress to impress.
As for the dress code, Italy is a proud nation where everyone is immaculately dressed – day and night, even at the beach. Italians love the idea of la bella figura , literally “beautiful figure.” Avoid looking like a tourist by packing only quality clothing, your best coordinated outfits, along with a few simple accessories and pared-down makeup. Never go anywhere without your sunglasses, even if it’s not that sunny out.
Follow the coffee codes of conduct.
Nothing will make you stand out like a sore thumb than ordering your coffee incorrectly – order first and pay, take your receipt to the barista, then enjoy your espresso standing up like everyone else. This is an easy way to fit in. Be reminded that no one drinks a cappuccino after 11 a.m. and that Americanos (if you can find one) are for Americans.
Keep breakfast light.
Breakfast is generally an on-the-run kind of affair, also eaten standing up. It most often consists of a small bun, biscuit or pastry of some kind, usually sweet. Your customary bacon and eggs will have to wait until you get home.
Stand your ground.
When buying something from a street kiosk, boarding a train, finding seats at the theater, or just moving about in general in public, keep in mind that no one really lines up for anything in Italy – they just sort of mill about. This quirk of the local culture can seem mob-like, but follow along and adopt a small bit of attitude. Again, personal space is different in Italy and this can seem a bit jarring.
Enjoy lunch twice.
Lunch is sacrosanct – tarry and you will miss out. Restaurants are open from noon to after 2 p.m. and the restaurant may not reopen until 7 p.m. Some Italians have a lifestyle that can afford a riposino after lunch – a little nap. At about 4 p.m., bars and cafés are busy with aperitivo, a post-lunch/pre-dinner snack, especially on Fridays. This is a social time for locals to grab a small plate of something from the bar buffet and sit down to an Aperol Spritz.
Make dinner a full ritual.
Proper dining starts at 8 p.m., with dinner divided into quadrants. Begin with an antipasti (appetizer), move on to primi (pasta is always first), follow that up with secondi (meat or fish) and close with dolci (dessert). Side-step restaurants that have someone standing out front beside the menu board inviting you in. No local would ever frequent such a place. Only drink water or wine with meals or you will look conspicuously from out of town. When it comes to il conto (the bill), there’s no expectation of a tip, but a small one is always appreciated. Do as you would in the rest of Europe and round up.
Engage with local people.
Visit the local markets where the Italians stock their fridges and absorb the atmosphere. Italians are very friendly and like to talk – and are usually full of local tips when it comes to exploring their neighborhoods and towns. They are happy to direct you to their favorite places if you ask. Hit the local affairs, sporting events and cultural activities, even the religious festivals. Your Tully Luxury Travel Designer can make sure your visit to Italy coincides with an event or festival you might be interested in. You can go even more local by balancing the big-city offerings that come with private travel to Rome, for example, by going off-route to smaller towns in Tuscany, Veneto or Puglia.
Take your time.
Italians are not a hurried lot. There’s a reason la dolce vita is taken to heart – these people live in the present, so try not to rush – you’ll want to appreciate every morsel.
When you are forearmed in a few of these tidbits of advice, making the transition from your luxury cruise to Italy to the stylish streets of Rome, Naples and Venice will be a piece of cake. One last bit of advice: Stay out of the fountains!