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

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

Aug 4, 2025 16:51 PM

Not Just a Suitcase: My Personal Checklist for Smart Travelers in 2025

Mar 3, 2025 18:00 PM
More News

Madrid Lands on Singapore Airlines’ Europe Map

May 9, 2026 22:41 PM

Paderborn Gets More Greek Island Flights

May 9, 2026 22:38 PM

Bath’s Fashion Museum Gets a Second Act

May 9, 2026 22:25 PM

Dublin-Belfast Rail Trips Set to Get Faster

May 9, 2026 22:12 PM

Greek Winter Flights Face a Ryanair Cutback

May 9, 2026 16:49 PM

Munich Gets More Singapore Flights

May 9, 2026 16:36 PM

Nuremberg Airport Eases Security Rules

May 9, 2026 16:23 PM

Virgin Drops Dubai and Seattle for Winter

May 8, 2026 16:27 PM

Sunbed Wars Reach the Holiday Courts

May 8, 2026 16:14 PM

Canary Islands Get New Winter Flights

May 8, 2026 16:01 PM

Ryanair Case Puts Disruptive Flyers on Notice

May 8, 2026 15:58 PM

Jersey Gets a New Birmingham Link

May 8, 2026 15:45 PM

BER Adds Flight Booking to Its Own Website

May 8, 2026 15:32 PM

Italy Air Strike Puts 11 May Flights on Alert

May 8, 2026 15:29 PM

Bristol Gets a New Seville Escape

May 7, 2026 12:56 PM

Best Places to Watch Europe’s 2026 Eclipse

May 7, 2026 12:43 PM

airBaltic Adds a Bag-Free Budget Fare

May 7, 2026 12:27 PM

Prague to Copenhagen Train Returns After 13 Years

May 7, 2026 12:14 PM

Condor Adds Three City Breaks via Frankfurt

May 7, 2026 12:01 PM

Ljubljana Gets Another London Flight This Autumn

May 6, 2026 23:08 PM

Half-Term Flights Face Fuel-Crisis Cuts

May 6, 2026 22:55 PM

Sveti Stefan Reopens After Five-Year Stand-Off

May 6, 2026 21:42 PM

Berlin to Toronto Flights Return with Earlier Start

May 5, 2026 21:59 PM

UK Allows Airlines to Cancel Flights Earlier Amid Fuel Concerns

May 5, 2026 01:56 AM

Spirit Airlines Shuts Down After Bailout Talks Fail

May 5, 2026 01:43 AM

EgyptAir Sets Flexible Rules After Regional Airspace Closures

May 5, 2026 01:37 AM