Unusual things for tourists that are normal in Italy: what foreigners need to know

By TravelWiseFeb 22, 2024 07:02 AMNews
Share:
Unusual things for tourists that are normal in Italy: what foreigners need to know
An etiquette expert tells about the habits of Italians. Source: Pexels.

Italy is a country with a rich history, culture, and traditions. Some of the habits of Italians are very distinctive and may seem strange to tourists who are not familiar with the Italian way of life.

The etiquette expert was quick to warn travelers about the habits they need to know in order not to offend Italians and not to gather a judgmental crowd around them. The video was posted on her TikTok.

Cappuccino only in the morning

In Italy, cappuccino is considered a morning drink. It is usually drunk for breakfast with pastries or a croissant. Italians rarely order cappuccino after lunch or dinner, as they consider it too rich and heavy for the stomach.

Unusual things for tourists that are normal in Italy: what foreigners need to know
In Italy, you should drink cappuccino in the morning. Source: Pexels

Greetings with kisses

In Italy, friends and family members usually greet each other by kissing on the cheek. This is considered a common polite gesture, even if the people are not very close, so you should not show your surprise or step back to avoid appearing impolite.

Only a fork for spaghetti

Italians eat long pasta with a fork only. Using a spoon is considered improper and may cause condemnation from the cafe staff and Italians at the table.

Respectful attitude to monuments

Italians are very respectful of their cultural and historical heritage, which tourists love to take pictures near. Residents of the resort country protect buildings and artifacts because they understand their value to the country's history, and therefore will not tolerate foreigners behaving badly near these places.

Unusual things for tourists that are normal in Italy: what foreigners need to know
Italians have a great respect for their cultural and historical heritage. Source: Pexels

White flowers are not for gifting

In Italy, white flowers are associated with funerals and mourning. Therefore, they are not given to living people, as it can be considered a bad omen. This is especially true for chrysanthemums.

As previously reported by TravelWise, you should definitely try local dishes in Italy. Gourmets from all over the world flock here for unforgettable meals.

Top Articles
Practical Eco-Friendly Travel Solutions for Sustainable Tourism

Practical Eco-Friendly Travel Solutions for Sustainable Tourism

Feb 14, 2025 15:00 PM
Top Tips for Securing Your Luggage and Preventing Loss

Top Tips for Securing Your Luggage and Preventing Loss

Feb 7, 2025 14:00 PM

Your Guide to Hand Luggage and Baggage Rules

Feb 4, 2025 20:00 PM

The Best Travel Luggage: Choosing Guide and Top Brand Reviews

Jan 21, 2025 19:00 PM
More News
A beOnd luxury aircraft with a sleek black exterior parked on the runway under a blue sky

beOnd Enhances Luxury Travel Accessibility with Travelport Partnership

Feb 22, 2025 17:47 PM
A close-up of a professional headset with a microphone next to a laptop, representing customer service or call center operations

Amadeus and Salesforce Unveil Modernized Hotel Reservation Platform

Feb 22, 2025 14:23 PM

Norse Atlantic Airways Unveils New London-Bangkok Connection

Feb 22, 2025 11:34 AM

Railway Disruptions Near Doncaster Could Impact Your Travel Plans

Feb 22, 2025 08:49 AM
Soft pink cherry blossoms against a bright sky

AirAsia Philippines Expands Travel Options for Taiwan’s Cherry Blossom Season

Feb 22, 2025 05:21 AM
Orange windsock blowing in strong winds against a cloudy sky

Strong Winds Can Bring Disruptions to the UK Again

Feb 22, 2025 02:35 AM
A variety of fresh and colorful gourmet dishes, including grilled salmon salad, roasted vegetables, hummus with flatbread, and refreshing beverages on a table

Lufthansa Enhances Business Class Dining Experience

Feb 21, 2025 22:20 PM
A vibrant crowd dancing under purple and blue stage lights at a music festival

Kolour Festival Strengthens Koh Samui’s Cultural Scene

Feb 21, 2025 20:34 PM
JetBlue plane taxiing on the runway at an airport

JetBlue Enhances Travel Security with Weather Protection

Feb 21, 2025 18:40 PM

Radisson Expands in Iberia Bringing New Opportunity for Travelers in Spain and Portugal

Feb 21, 2025 16:22 PM

Qatar Airways Introduces Exclusive Travel Packages for UEFA Champions League Final 2025

Feb 21, 2025 14:36 PM
Dark storm clouds forming in the sky, signaling an approaching storm

New Hilton Hotels in Athens Transform Travel

Feb 21, 2025 12:48 PM
Dark storm clouds forming in the sky, signaling an approaching storm

Loganair Issues Travel Warning Due to Severe Weather

Feb 21, 2025 10:23 AM
Singapore skyline at night featuring Marina Bay Sands and Gardens by the Bay

Singapore’s Travel Boom: How Rising Tourism Will Impact Your Next Trip

Feb 21, 2025 08:47 AM
A Wizz Air plane taking off against a clear blue sky

Wizz Air’s New Routes from Belgrade add opportunity for travelers

Feb 21, 2025 06:35 AM

Stormy Weather Set to Disrupt Travel Across the UK

Feb 21, 2025 04:21 AM

Air India and Lufthansa Expand Codeshare Agreement, Boosting Travel Connectivity

Feb 21, 2025 02:49 AM
A magazine titled "TRAVEL" with two cups of coffee and a smartphone on a wooden table

Meliá Introduces Mobile App to Streamline Travel

Feb 20, 2025 16:44 PM
Old Trafford stadium with a large red banner displaying "The Reds Go Marching On!"

Manchester United and Marriott Bonvoy Introduce Exclusive Travel Experience

Feb 20, 2025 12:32 PM
Emirates plane taxiing on the runway at an airport

Emirates Introduces Complimentary Lodging to Elevate Dubai Getaways

Feb 20, 2025 10:27 AM
A woman working on a laptop near a window with a backpack on the table

How UK Entry Rules Will Change for Travelers in 2025

Feb 20, 2025 08:46 AM
Vietjet Air aircraft taking off from an airport, showcasing its red and white livery with "VietjetAir.com" branding

Vietjet Introduces Business Class Discounts for Travelers

Feb 20, 2025 06:33 AM

ScotRail to Revise Ticket Office Hours, Sparking Union Backlash

Feb 20, 2025 04:29 AM

AirJapan’s Discounted Fare Sale: A Travel Opportunity

Feb 20, 2025 02:45 AM
A lone tree bending under strong winds in a foggy landscape

Impending Severe Winds Pose Challenges for Travelers

Feb 20, 2025 00:31 AM
Airplane wing above the clouds during sunset

Air France-KLM Overhauls Booking System to Simplify Travel

Feb 19, 2025 20:23 PM