Other Useful Information

Dining, drinking, tipping and more – advice from our local travel experts

Make your holiday in Italy even more immersive by brushing up on the local etiquette and other practical travel tips below.

Water

It's perfectly safe to drink cold water from the tap in Italy, unless there's a sign stating otherwise. Save some money and be kind to the environment by using a refillable water bottle.

"Aperitivo"

One of the most enjoyable aspects of Italian culture is "aperitivo". If you're in a bar an hour or two before dinner and the server brings you some nibbles and small plates with your drink, don't worry – that's supposed to happen.

And the best thing about it? The food is free! Enjoy this very typical part of Italian culture by ordering a drink at a bar around 6–8 PM.

Local accommodation

Check-in time at most accommodation starts between 2–4 PM. If you will be arriving at your accommodation later than 6 PM, please call to let them know.

Likewise, if you would like to eat dinner at your accommodation, we recommend calling ahead, particularly if you're staying in a rural area.

Tipping and taxes

European countries typically don't have a tipping culture like in North America. Here, tipping isn't compulsory, but it's greatly appreciated when offered. At restaurants a 5–10% tip is usually sufficient, or you can round up the bill in cafés or taxis.

At restaurants, you might notice you've been charged a small €2–3 fee for "coperto" ("cover"). This is a non-negotiable quirk of Italian dining. It's basically a small surcharge covering the cutlery, tablecloth and bread. It's not considered to be a tip, so if you'd like to leave one, this would be extra.

In hotels tipping depends on the level of service, but it's common to tip concierges for hiring a taxi, making dinner reservations, etc. As for porters, about €2 per bag is standard. And while not required, leaving a few euros for the housekeeping is always nice.

If you go on a walking tour or join another kind of guided tour, leaving a small tip at the end for the guide is also appreciated, especially if the tour was free.

In Italy, the value-added or "sales" tax for commercial purchases is called imposta sul valore aggiunto (IVA). The standard rate is 22%, but depending on the good in question, could be fully exempt, or levied at a far lower 4 or 5%.

IVA is automatically priced into your purchase, so it won't be added on top at the register. It encompasses products and services, such as at shops, restaurants, hotels, taxis, hairdressers, etc.

Food and snacks

You will find the cheapest and best variety of food to purchase at major supermarket chains.

Conad, Co-op, Crai, Carrefour, and Spar are among the most popular grocery chains in Italy, and you'll find them across the country.

Aside from this, Italy has a strong local culture of sole-trader delis, bakers, farm shops and specialist grocery stores. They are usually of a very high quality and offer a more authentic service.

Stores are generally open 9 AM – 6 PM, though holiday hours may vary. Most supermarkets are also closed on Sundays. Quick snacks and after-hours necessities can be found at convenience stores, which are often open late in the cities.

Laundry

Most hotels offer some laundry or dry-cleaning services for a fee. You'll also find launderettes and dry cleaners in all major cities.

Wine, beer and spirits

Aside from bars, restaurants and some hotels, wine, spirits and beer can be bought at grocery stores and various specialty shops.

The legal age to drink and buy alcohol in Europe is 18. And don't forget that driving after consuming alcohol is discouraged. The legal alcohol limit for driving in Italy is 0.5 grams per litre, which is very low.

Dining and nightlife

Restaurants in Italy are generally busy between 12–2:30 PM for lunch and 7:30–10:30 PM for dinner. The further south you travel, the later you'll find the locals dine. In Naples, for example, you could eat lunch between 2–4 PM and dinner between 8–11 PM.

If you go to a restaurant before these times, you'll be eating somewhere with no atmosphere … if they agree to feed you at all!

Outside the main cities, you'll often find more limited opening hours, and some spots might be closed on Sundays.

Staying safe

Italy is a safe country to be in and to walk around, but, as with any cities, there is the risk of being the victim of a crime, such as pickpocketing. Be wary of this as you travel, especially in bigger cities and around areas like train stations. Consider wearing a money belt or bumbag to keep your essentials as close to you as possible.

Getting around in the cities

The easiest way to get around Italian streets is by walking. Most major cities and towns are very pedestrian friendly and you'll find your Nordic Visitor accommodation is conveniently located.

Public transport is also a great option in major cities and towns. The transport links are comprehensive and include buses, trams, trains and the metro.

It's worth noting that, generally (especially in larger cities), you can't buy tickets on the transport itself from the driver or a conductor. You need to buy tickets beforehand and either validate them digitally (if you bought them in an app) or at a machine on the platform or on the bus as you board.

You can buy tickets at tobacconists and newsstands on the street, and in stations.

If you're up in the mountains, make the most of the cable cars that will transport you into the clouds.

Single tickets, day passes and multi-day passes can be purchased for most modes of public transport in major cities, which could help you to keep your costs down. Group tickets are also normally available.

Taxis are also found at central locations and outside bus and train stations, in all major cities. Taxis are likely to accept credit cards but it's worth confirming this with the driver before your journey begins. Various ride-hailing apps, like Uber, FREENOW or itTaxi are also popular.

Contact our travel consultants if you want to know more about travelling in Italy.