Guide : How to Italian

A smile and hand gestures will get you far with our friendly + patient Italian cousins. 

Outside of 'ciao' for hello / goodbye and 'grazie' for thanks. These two phrases might be useful.

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​'Vorrei un caffe / una birra / un tavolo per due - per favore'  - I'd like a coffee / beer / table for two please.

'Voglio quello/a'  - I want that one (m/f)

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The Google translate app comes in handy for pretty much everything else.

Italian food needs no introduction so I'll just give you some local specialties to try.

​Spiedo - selection of skewered meats slowly cooked over open fire for several hours

Risotto alla Trevigiana - a creamy risotto made with radicchio, onions, and white wine

Bigoli con cinghiale / l'anatra - a thick, spaghetti-like pasta served with a rich boar or duck ragù

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As for drink, you'll be in the home of Prosecco and the spritz. You'll find different versions of the latter that are worthy of your aperitivo consideration.

In most places it's not necessary or expected to ask for the bill at the table. Simply pay on your way out of the restaurant. If in doubt, clock what the locals are doing and follow along.

Cards are widely accepted but it's good manners to pay for small amounts in cash.

Tipping is not expected in bars and restaurants and is built into the service. 

Driving is pretty straightforward and not something to be feared if used to driving on UK roads. Note, it is mandatory to carry your driving license when driving anywhere.

There are speed cameras which can be hard to spot so I'd recommend sticking Waze on your phone for both directions and speed camera alerts.

Indicators are not widely used so be mindful, especially on roundabouts. Flashing headlights means I'm passing / beware. The opposite of what it means in the UK.

Also, most of the time, you'll generally have someone driving 2" behind you. That's just the way it is.

Coffee is obviously taken seriously in Italy. Order a 'caffe' and you'll be served an espresso. Ask for an americano if you want a hot water to top up.

It's apparently illegal to order cappuccino post 11am.

Note, a 'bar' does not necessarily sell alcoholic drinks, and may be geared to coffee and pastries.

Shopping + Siesta

Food, drink and clothing is all much cheaper than in the UK. Save some space in your suitcase if you are going shopping.

Most shops outside the tourist centres will close for siesta for 2-3 hours between 12 and 3:30pm. I still get caught out by this.

This is a 'cimice puzzolente'. This is a thing to be avoided. They come in brown and green colour schemes.

Get too close and they'll cover you in their stink and you and your clothes are going to need a wash. I speak from experience.

Mosquitos can be problematic in the warmer months. You may want to have a spray up with repellent before heading out depending on how tasty you are.

112 - is the emergency number in Italy​