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

By TravelWiseFeb 22, 2024 07:02 AMNews
Share:
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.

In Italy, you should drink cappuccino in the morning. Source: Pexels
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.

Italians have a great respect for their cultural and historical heritage. Source: Pexels
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

Top 10 reasons for flight cancelation by airlines: a clear algorithm of actions to get compensation

Oct 16, 2025 16:22 PM

Where to Buy eSIM at the Best Price: A Full Review of Tariffs and Options

Aug 8, 2025 10:54 AM

Internet on a Cruise: How to Avoid Huge Bills for Connectivity

Aug 6, 2025 09:14 AM

No More SIM Swaps: The eSIM Travel Solution You’ll Actually Use

Aug 4, 2025 16:51 PM
More News

Weather Warning Grounds Loganair Flights Across Scotland

Jan 11, 2026 16:20 PM

EES Expansion Triggers Calls to Ease Border Bottlenecks

Jan 10, 2026 03:37 AM

TAP Brings Portuguese Wine Culture On Board in 2026

Jan 10, 2026 02:32 AM

Limoges Airport Hosts Travel Showcase This January

Jan 10, 2026 01:37 AM

Etihad Confirms First Direct Luxembourg–Abu Dhabi Route

Jan 10, 2026 00:24 AM

Qatar Airways Pushes Ahead with Starlink Rollout

Jan 9, 2026 23:51 PM

Emirates Expands Premium Economy on Key Routes

Jan 9, 2026 19:07 PM

Nationwide Rail Strike May Disrupt Rome Airport Links

Jan 9, 2026 18:04 PM

Snowstorm Disrupts Flights as Europe Faces Winter Surge

Jan 9, 2026 17:32 PM

Tirana Adds Two New Summer Routes

Jan 9, 2026 04:04 AM

UK Introduces eVisa and ETA Requirements in Early 2026

Jan 9, 2026 03:28 AM

Edinburgh Gains Extra Transatlantic Flights for 2026

Jan 9, 2026 03:03 AM

Paris Flights Coming to Wrocław in April 2026

Jan 9, 2026 02:05 AM

Air Travel in Italy Faces Disruption on 9 January Due to National Strikes

Jan 9, 2026 01:18 AM

Seasonal Nonstop Flights Open Fresh Options for European Holidaymakers

Jan 9, 2026 00:38 AM

Soldiers Deployed at Lisbon Airport After EU Finds Serious Border Control Failures

Jan 8, 2026 21:20 PM

Snow and Ice Keep Schiphol Flight Schedules Unstable

Jan 8, 2026 09:38 AM

Italy Prepares for Flight Delays as National Aviation Strike Set for 9 January

Jan 8, 2026 04:37 AM

One Booking Reference Instead of Many: Lufthansa Moves Towards Unified Travel Records

Jan 8, 2026 03:38 AM

Limoges Airport Disruption Continues After De-Icing Equipment Failure

Jan 8, 2026 02:08 AM

Winter Ski Escapes Within Easy Reach of Europe’s Major Airports

Jan 8, 2026 01:30 AM

Air New Zealand Opens January Sale With Low Fares Across Its Global Network

Jan 7, 2026 11:47 AM

Popular European Cities Lead airBaltic’s 2025 Routes as 2026 Sale Opens

Jan 7, 2026 10:42 AM

January Rail and S-Bahn Works Disrupt Public Transport Access to Berlin BER Airport

Jan 7, 2026 09:34 AM

American Airlines Plans Free High-Speed Wi-Fi on Most Flights Starting 2026

Jan 7, 2026 08:34 AM

Wizz Air Opens New Year Sale With Discounts Across Its 2026 Network

Jan 6, 2026 22:31 PM