Things You Must Never Do In Italy

Picture this: an American in Italy, ready to make every mistake in the book. But fear not! Here’s your cheat sheet to avoid turning into a walking faux pas factory.

1.     Sipping a cappuccino after 11:00 AM? Oh, the horror! If you're in desperate need of a caffeine fix, opt for a macchiato instead. And for the love of espresso, keep that coffee away from your meals unless you're aiming to become the talk of the town!

2.     Italians march to the beat of their own drum when it comes to eating: lunch kicks off between 12:30 and 2:30, but dinner? That's a party for the night owls, starting fashionably late at 9:00 PM. Night owls, it's your time to shine!

3.     When dining out, resist the urge to audition for "Top Chef" by requesting a menu remix. And seriously, unless you're trying to start a new culinary dance craze, ditch the spoon when spinning your spaghetti.

4.     Got leftovers? Turn your bread into a sauce-sopping superhero! It's the Italian way to clean your plate!

5.     Attention, bread dunking enthusiasts! Skip the balsamic vinegar and dive straight into the oil pool if you want to be part of the cool club.

6.     Cheese on seafood? In Italy, that's like wearing socks with sandals—just don't do it!

7.     Complaining about the food is like telling an Italian their grandma’s cooking needs a makeover. Just don't go there unless you're ready to witness a waiter sobbing into the spaghetti.

8.     No need to tip your hat or your server here! Their paycheck isn’t riding on your spare change, so sit back and chill like a cucumber.

9.     Trying to go undercover? Swap those flashy Nikes and Jordans for some snazzy leather sandals and prance around like you're the latest Italian fashion icon!

10.  Ditch the ball caps and giant hats—Italians are way too suave to rock those!

11.  Eating on the go? Expect some serious side-eye! Take a seat and savor your gelato or focaccia at a cafe or by the beach, like a proper Italian.

12.  Cappuccino with pizza? Italians think that’s like inviting a food fight in your stomach!

13.  Channel your inner fashionista when heading to a church! Leave the shorts, sleeveless tops, and caps for your beach daydreams. A scarf or jacket will help you stay on the heavenly VIP list!

14.  Trying to hail a taxi? Sorry, you're not in New York! Just waltz over to the taxi stand and jump into the first one you see. No need to judge them like it's a taxi beauty contest!

15.  Credit cards can be as fickle as a cat. Make sure to have some Euros on hand for those quaint little shops and elusive public bathrooms. And don't forget to pack a backup card or two, because you never know when your trusty card might decide to take a vacation!

16.  Turn your passport into the latest fashion accessory by photocopying it, laminating it, and rocking it like a VIP backstage pass. Who knows when you'll need to flash it, and meanwhile, the real deal is chilling safely back at the hotel.

17.  LEARN A FEW ITALIAN PHRASES – YOU’LL BE THE SPAGHETTI TO THEIR MEATBALLS!

Buonasera (Good evening – when the sun decides it's time for a nap after 4 pm)

Salve, mattinieri! (Good Morning)

Scusi, l'inglese lo mastichi o lo sputi? (Hey, do you juggle with English or just toss it aside?)

Il mio italiano è così buono che non lo parlo affatto (I do not speak Italian)

Grazie (Thank you)

Prego (You’re welcome - or please)

Ciao (Hello or Goodbye)

Ciao, Ciao! (Bye Bye)