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

Airbnb Adds Meal Delivery Twist with Chef-Made Dishes

Jan 22, 2026 04:36 AM

Bratislava Lands New Budget Route to the Riviera

Jan 22, 2026 04:23 AM

Europe Faces Widespread Flight Disruptions

Jan 22, 2026 03:48 AM

Spain Rail Crash Disrupts Travel and Triggers Price Spikes

Jan 21, 2026 23:15 PM

Lisbon Gains New Direct Link to Athens

Jan 21, 2026 22:52 PM

Manchester Lists Winter Sun Deals Starting at £30

Jan 21, 2026 04:34 AM

European ‘City’ Airports That Are Nowhere Near the City

Jan 21, 2026 03:37 AM

Air–Rail Link-Up Expands as OUIGO Joins Train+Air

Jan 21, 2026 02:05 AM

Aberdeen Station Faces Three Weekend Shutdowns for Track Renewal

Jan 21, 2026 00:18 AM

Munster–Osnabruck Lines Up Strong Holiday Summer 2026

Jan 20, 2026 23:32 PM

More Airlines Ban In-Flight Use of Power Banks

Jan 20, 2026 05:32 AM

Montenegro Cuts Fares on Key European Routes

Jan 20, 2026 04:37 AM

Spain Locks in €60 National Transport Pass for January

Jan 20, 2026 03:28 AM

Plane Water Study Raises Fresh Concerns About Hot Drinks On Board

Jan 20, 2026 02:34 AM

Barcelona Gets Fresh Wave of Low-Fare City Breaks

Jan 20, 2026 01:02 AM

American Pulls Key JFK–Paris Link for Winter

Jan 19, 2026 04:37 AM

UK Holiday Firm Collapse Leaves Bookings in Limbo

Jan 19, 2026 02:33 AM

WestJet Retreats After Seat Space Backlash

Jan 19, 2026 01:30 AM

Louvre Triggers Debate as Dual Ticket Prices Spread

Jan 19, 2026 00:30 AM

City Breaks and Beach Trips Get Cheaper via flydubai

Jan 18, 2026 01:32 AM

New Beijing–Helsinki Link Takes Flight in Spring 2026

Jan 17, 2026 01:33 AM

LOT Opens Direct Warsaw-Malaga Route

Jan 16, 2026 23:56 PM

Canadians Urged to Pre-Pay Entry Fee for Colombia

Jan 15, 2026 21:06 PM

New Iberian Links as Air Europa Expands

Jan 15, 2026 20:33 PM

Air France Adds Michelin Flair on African Routes

Jan 15, 2026 19:31 PM

New Gdańsk–Istanbul Route Adds a Useful Baltic Link

Jan 15, 2026 18:32 PM