Ready to Visit Italy? Don't Make These 20 Common Tourist Mistakes!

Are you planning a trip to Italy? Congratulations! Italy is a country with so much history, culture, and delicious food to offer. But before you pack your bags and head out, there are a few things you should know. And trust me, you don't want to make these mistakes! From cultural taboos to food faux pas, there are plenty of things you should avoid doing before visiting Italy. So, let's get started and make sure you have the best possible experience in one of the most beautiful countries in the world!

1. Only visit the big cities; explore smaller towns to get a true Italian experience. While cities like Rome, Venice, Florence, and Milan are incredible places to visit, they can also be very touristy. To get a more authentic Italian experience, consider visiting smaller towns like Vicenza, Padova, Verona, Lucca, or Ravenna. These towns offer a glimpse into local life, culture, and cuisine that you might not experience in the bigger cities.
2. Sit down for coffee or espresso, as it might cost more than standing at the bar. In Italy, there is often a different price for coffee or espresso when you sit down at a table versus standing at the bar. If you're looking to save some money, consider standing at the bar like the locals do to enjoy your espresso or cappuccino.
3. Expect to have dinner before 7 or 8 pm, as many restaurants close in the afternoon and open later in the evening. In Italy, it's common for restaurants to close in the afternoon and reopen later in the evening. So if you're used to having dinner at 5 or 6 pm, you might need to adjust your schedule accordingly. If you're in a touristy area, there will likely be restaurants open at all hours, but if you're in a smaller town or off the beaten path, plan ahead and check the restaurant's hours before you go.
4. Expect quick service at restaurants; Italians enjoy their meals and take their time. Italians enjoy their meals and take their time, so don't expect quick service at restaurants. Plan on spending a couple of hours at dinner, chatting with friends or family, and savoring the food. If you're in a hurry, consider finding a restaurant that serves sandwiches or panini, which are quicker to prepare than a full pasta or meat dish.
5. Forget to carry cash, as not all places accept credit cards. While many places in Italy do accept credit cards, it's always a good idea to carry some cash with you, especially in smaller towns or more rural areas. You might need cash to pay for things like gelato, public bathrooms, or other small purchases.
6. Fall for scams of people giving out free bracelets or flowers. Beware of people trying to give you free bracelets, flowers, or other trinkets. These people are often scammers and will demand money from you once they have tied the bracelet or given you the flower. Politely decline and move on.
7. Forget to pre-book tickets to major attractions to avoid long lines. If you're planning to visit major attractions like the Colosseum in Rome or the Vatican Museums, consider pre-booking your tickets. This can save you hours of waiting in line and give you more time to enjoy the sights.
8. Wait in the long line at train stations to buy tickets when there are kiosks available. Most train stations in Italy have kiosks where you can purchase tickets in multiple languages. Don't waste your time waiting in the long line to buy tickets when you can use the kiosk instead.
9. Forget to validate train tickets before boarding. Some regional train tickets in Italy need to be validated before boarding. Look for the validation machines at the station and insert your ticket to get it stamped. Failure to validate your ticket could result in a fine.
10. Wear revealing clothing when visiting churches, as they might not let you in. When visiting churches in Italy, make sure you dress appropriately. This means covering your shoulders and knees. If you're not dressed appropriately, you might not be allowed to enter the church. It's not appropriate to wear beach attire when visiting sacred places like churches in Italy. Remove any hats or backpacks before entering.
11. Only eat in tourist areas; venture out to find authentic Italian restaurants. Tourist zones are often filled with restaurants that cater to tourists and offer watered-down versions of Italian cuisine. Instead, venture out to find authentic Italian restaurants that locals frequent. Ask for recommendations from locals or do some research ahead of time to find the best spots.
12. Don't buy drinking water when in Rome There are more than 2,500 fountains with drinking water in Rome, called "nazoni," and they provide free, fresh, and drinkable water all year round. You can refill your empty bottle at these fountains and avoid buying water from little kiosks that charge a high price.
13. Don't assume everyone speaks English: English is not widely spoken in Italy, especially in smaller towns and villages. Carry a dictionary or a list of useful Italian phrases with you, and always ask if the person speaks English before trying to communicate.
14. Don't assume all Italians are related to the Mafia: This stereotype is offensive to Italians, and you may receive a strange look or a nasty comment if you mention it. Avoid bringing it up in conversations.
15. Don't try to catch a taxi in the middle of the street: You need to call a taxi or go to a specific place where taxis wait for passengers. Don't raise your hand in the middle of the street to stop a taxi, or you may receive directions to the right place to find one.
16. Don't toss coins in every fountain in Rome: The only fountain you're supposed to toss coins in is Fontana di Trevi. Leave the other fountains alone.
17. Never order a cappuccino after 11 a.m.: Cappuccino is a morning drink and should not be ordered after lunchtime. It's also not appropriate to have it with pasta or pizza. Instead, order an espresso or a macchiato.
18. Never put cheese on pasta with seafood: Italians take their food seriously, and they know what goes together and what doesn't. Pasta with seafood and cheese should never be mixed.
19. Never cut spaghetti with a fork and knife: The right way to eat spaghetti is to wrap it around your fork and help it with your plate. Don't use any other cutlery or spoons.
20. Never ask for ketchup, additional sauces, pizza with pineapple or chicken, to cut your pizza, or to bring olive oil with balsamic vinegar or butter with bread. Also, never ask for pasta with meatballs mixed in, as it's not a traditional Italian dish.

Remember to respect the Italian culture and traditions while visiting this beautiful country. Enjoy your trip!