Etiquette and Culture

This post is about tipping culture, etiquette, what not to do, what to look out for and more.

Most of Europe eats all day and it's not about eating, it's about an everyday celebration of life.

Typical Meal times.

Breakfast: 7am-11am.

Lunch:1pm-2:30pm.

Aperitivo: 7pm-9pm

Dinner: 9pm-later

Espresso time is all day long.

When I am in Italy, I will get up and eat breakfast. Most hotels will have breakfast included. If you have a choice, check that box. Hotel breakfasts have a variety of foods, pastries, cereal, eggs, bacon, meat, cheese, yogurt, coffee, etc. This is not only a time to refuel the tank but also plan my day.

Between breakfast and lunch, espresso time! Italians are serious about their coffee. I personally find that the espresso in Italy is very acidic and affects my stomach. I drink Orzo Caffe. It is a barley based coffee substitute. Its not as acidic as coffee and has no caffeine either.

Coffee Shops are referred to as Bars because you don't just drink coffee there. You can have wine, amaro, a spritz or a sandwich.

Along with my caffe, I have a small pastry, usually a cornetto (croissant). You pay for your stuff at the cashier first, bring the receipt to the barista and you stand at the bar where they also give a small cup of water. Just leave a few cents.

Italy does not have Starbucks Culture. In Italy, caffe is espresso. Do not order a double and do not order a cappuccino after 11am. They will look at you weird. Please do not try to order a Matcha Latte with Oat milk and Sugar Free Vanilla Syrup. If you want that, go to the Starbucks in Rome or the Starbucks Reserve in Milan. Due to tourism, they have been popping up. But filled with tourists. It's like eating McDonald's in Rome. In my opinion, it's removes the aspect of being in a new different place.

Lunch. I hope you are hungry. This is your main full meal of the day. Wine. Primi/ Antipasti. Wine. Secondi. Dolci. Caffe. Amari. Pasta Alfredo is not Italian. Look for a mostly Italian language menu. The more typos the better. Most places by tourist attractions are tourist traps. Don't put cheese on your fish/ shellfish. Eat regional specialties. Rome means Carbonara!

Tipping Culture. At sit down restaurants 10% is more than enough. Read the bill. Sometimes there is a Cover Charge or a Coperta. Then you do not tip at all.

After lunch, take a passagiata (walk), maybe a gelato and take a nap. I also take a shower now and wash off the city day.

My favorite part of the day is Aperitivo time! Dressed for the evening. Let's get a spritz! This time of the day, you will see spritzes lining the streets. This is when you get ready for your night, your dinner. It's happy hour but better. Some places offer cicchetti or stuzzichini, these are snacks with your drink. I like to find a open air cafe and people watch.

Dinner is similar to lunch. Mangia! Don't forget to take a walk too. and maybe gelato!

Safety First!  Be careful at all day but especially at night time. Stay away from less traveled streets and watch your personal belongings. I wear a crossbody bag and keep it in front of me at all times. I also do not remove my purse or put it behind me or out of my view when I'm out on the town. I have Kate Spade Cross body bags in a few colors and bring them with me. https://amzn.to/4bqchX7

Pickpockets can strike at any time of the day. They are not picky. They look for people with lots of shopping bags and people that are not aware of their surroundings. Try not to look lost. If you are lost, ask a waiter, a barista or a shopkeeper.

Lastly. No one is expecting you to understand or speak the language. Also not everyone is fluent in English. I have some knowledge but I am not fluent. Parla Inglese? Can you speak English? Most people speak enough English to help you. If not. I use Google translate. Saves the day A LOT!