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What Not to Do in Italy: 18 Mistakes Travelers Make (and How to Avoid Them)

Amy French the Roaming Historian

Planning a trip to Italy? Before you go, it helps to know what not to do. These common Italy travel mistakes—from dining habits to packing and planning—can impact your experience more than you might expect.

Italians are an easygoing bunch from what I’ve found, so take this article with a grain of salt. If you want be a cultural chameleon though and fit in as much as possible, here is a list of what not to do in Italy.

❌ 1. Don’t go in August. Not only is Italy very hot in August, but it is also a popular month for Italians to vacation, which means restaurants, shops, and other venues may be closed.

✅ Do This Instead: Try traveling in shoulder seasons or in the winter.

❌ 2. Don’t rent a car if you can avoid it. Many cities in Italy have limited access and you can get a big fine if you drive into a ZTL (zono traffico limitato). Italy has an excellent infrastructure in the tourist areas for public transportation. If you do have to rent a car, make sure to get an international driving permit from AAA/CAA.

✅ Do This Instead: Take public transportation.

❌ 3. Don’t sit down at the caffè for your morning espresso. There is a higher price for those who take a seat. If you do take a seat though, take your time and enjoy your drink and the view.

✅ Do This Instead: Stand at the counter and have your drink and pastry there for the lowest price.

❌ 4. Don’t tip excessively. Servers get paid a living wage and don’t count on tips like they do in the United States, so they only expect you to round up slightly for a bill…if at all.

✅ Do This Instead: Follow my “Tipping in Italy” guide.

❌ 5. Don’t ask for a doggy bag, if you find that Italian portion sizes are too big for you.

✅ Do This Instead: Ask ask for a half portion (mezza porzione) of your primo course.

❌ 6. Don’t forget to check the hours of opening. Many businesses and churches close in the afternoon for a few hours. Restaurants, too, open for lunch then close and reopen for dinner at 7 or 7:30.

✅ Do This Instead: Make sure to check the hours of operation and try dining later…aka Italian style.

❌ 7. Don’t bare too much skin in church—covering shoulders is standard in most churches and some request that knees be covered, as well.

✅ Do This Instead: Carry a scarf or lightweight sweater to cover your shoulders (if wearing a sleeveless top) and wear shorts/skirts/dresses that cover knees. Also, remember to remove your hat.

❌ 8. Don’t order pineapple on pizza. This is a good rule, in general.

✅ Do This Instead: Try the local style of pizza–wood-fired, pizza al taglio, thin crust, thicker crust–there are many types of pizza so try something new.

❌ 9. Don’t ask for steak sauce or—god forbid—ketchup on a Florentine steak. The bistecca alla fiorentina is a national treasure. Restaurants will serve it at the doneness that they think is perfect (rare to medium-rare, generally). I don’t know a self-respecting restaurant that would serve it with steak sauce or ketchup.

✅ Do This Instead: Take a Food Tour. Some of the best meals in Italy, I’ve found through locals. If you don’t know a bunch of locals, food tours are one of the smartest things you can do early in your trip. They help you:

  • Discover authentic spots
  • Learn what (and how) to order
  • Understand regional cuisine

👉 Book with:

❌ 10. Don’t cut your pasta…twirl. Cutting pasta is something done for a child.

  • ✅ Do This Instead:

❌ 11. Don’t expect tap water with your meal. Unlike in North America, water isn’t automatically brought to your table when you sit at a restaurant. You are expected to purchase water to go with  your meal—sparkling or still.

✅ Do This Instead: Italians have mastered the art of twirling long pasta around a fork and effortlessly consuming it. If you want to fit in, you will too.

❌ 12. Don’t expect bread either. Unlike many Italian restaurants in North America, bread is generally not brought to the table before the meal.

✅ Do This Instead: Make sure you order bread for the table and use it to scoop up the leftover sauce from your pasta.

❌ 13. Don’t assume your check will be brought to you after a meal.

✅ Do This Instead: Ask for the bill by making the sign of paying for a check or saying, “il conto, per favore.”

❌ 14. Don’t eat at a tourist trap. Easy to say, right?

✅ Do This Instead: To find non-touristy eateries, look for ones that have menus in Italian (most restaurants will give you a menu in English if needed, but be wary of those whose menu is automatically in multiple languages), serve seasonal dishes that change regularly (menus will show if they are serving frozen food), have smaller selections, serve regional cuisine (avoid those serving typical foreign dishes in addition to Italian which means they’re pandering to tourists), have people eating there who are speaking Italian, open after 7 for dinner (means they are catering to local expectations of dinner times), and do not serve Italian-American cuisine. For more tips, read my guide, How to Find the Best Authentic Restaurants in Italy: https://roaminghistorian.com/2026/03/30/how-to-find-the-best-authentic-restaurants-in-italy-rome-florence-venice/

❌ 15. Don’t miss out on the major sites and experiences. You’re in Italy—and likely traveled far to do it—see the Colosseum, the Vatican, toss a coin in the Trevi, take a silly picture with the Leaning Tower of Pisa, go on a gondola ride in Venice, and generally take advantage of all the history, art, and culture you can.

✅ Do This Instead: Book in advance and have your “can’t miss” experiences secured. Italy is one of the most visited countries in the world. That means:

  • Tours sell out
  • Attractions book up
  • Restaurants fill quickly

👉 Reserve your must-do experiences in advance—especially in Rome and Florence. Here are my suggestions:

❌ 16. Don’t forget the niceties.

✅ Do This Instead: Learn a key few phrases: per favore (please), grazie (thank you), Buongiorno (good day).

❌ 17. Don’t expect washcloths. I have been in numerous hotels and short-term rentals that didn’t have washcloths–just hand towels and bath towels.

✅ Do This Instead: Bring your own.

❌ 18. Don’t overpack your itinerary.

✅ Do This Instead: Leave time for getting lost down side streets, sitting in a piazza, and enjoying a great meal.

There are many more tips I can think of regarding what not to do in Italy, but I don’t want to give a negative impression. These are not rules, but just Italy travel tips so you can fit in and feel comfortable. Italy has dining and cultural norms that are different from other countries and may seem foreign to those traveling there for the first time. I enjoy trying to be a cultural chameleon (even though I’m sure my Americanness comes across); if you do too, hopefully, you will find these tips helpful for your next Italy vacation.

🇮🇹 Plan Your Trip the Right Way (Avoid These Mistakes!)

After visiting Italy more than a dozen times, I’ve realized that most travel “mistakes” come down to one thing—lack of local context. A great guide doesn’t just show you around; they help you understand the culture, avoid missteps, and experience Italy the way it’s meant to be experienced.

The right tour can completely transform your experience. Skip the stress, avoid long lines, and actually understand what you’re seeing with these trusted companies.

👉 Browse top-rated Italy tours here

Quick Tips: What Not to Do in Italy

  • Don’t overpack—Italy is best explored light
  • Don’t eat right next to major attractions
  • Don’t expect restaurants to open early
  • Don’t skip booking major attractions in advance
  • Don’t ignore local customs and dress codes

Italy is one of the most rewarding places to travel—but it’s even better when you avoid these common mistakes. With a little planning (and packing lighter than you think), you’ll spend less time stressed and more time enjoying everything Italy has to offer.

Happy travels!

Italy Travel FAQ

What are the biggest mistakes tourists make in Italy?

Trying to see too much, not booking ahead, eating in tourist areas, and skipping guided experiences.

Should I book tours in advance?

Yes—especially for major attractions like the Colosseum and Vatican.

Are guided tours in Italy worth it?

Absolutely. They provide context, save time, and make your experience far more meaningful.

What are the best tour companies in Italy?

Top recommendations include:

Are food tours worth it in Italy?

Yes—food tours are one of the best ways to experience authentic cuisine and avoid tourist traps.

Plan Your Italy Trip: Helpful Guides to Get You Started

How to plan a trip to Italy: https://roaminghistorian.com/2026/03/08/how-to-plan-a-trip-to-italy/

Packing Light Guide: https://roaminghistorian.com/2025/09/07/the-definitive-guide-to-packing-light/

How to Choose a Hotel: https://roaminghistorian.com/2026/03/17/how-to-choose-a-hotel-when-traveling/

How to Get to Rome from Airport: https://roaminghistorian.com/2020/02/09/how-to-get-to-the-rome-airport-fco-airport/

Essential Italy Travel Tips: https://roaminghistorian.com/2025/04/06/essential-italy-travel-tips/

When to Buy Travel Insurance: https://roaminghistorian.com/2026/03/13/when-to-buy-travel-insurance/

Travel Insurance: How to Protect Your Trip: https://roaminghistorian.com/2024/02/04/best-travel-insurance/

How I Find the Cheapest Flights: https://roaminghistorian.com/2025/12/07/use-ai-google-flights-flight-deals/

Rome 3 Day Itinerary + One Day Option: https://roaminghistorian.com/2026/04/12/3-days-in-rome-itinerary-the-perfect-first-timers-guide-1-day-option/

Florence 3 Day Itinerary: https://roaminghistorian.com/2025/03/09/top-attractions-in-florence-a-3-day-itinerary/

Buon viaggio!

Amy French, Ph.D., is the voice behind Roaming Historian. A professional historian and seasoned traveler, she shares stories that blend history and travel to give readers a deeper understanding of the places they explore.

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Rome Golf Cart Tour, Italy, LivTours

Visiting Italy via a Cruise? Try Shore Excursions Group

If you’re visiting ports during a cruise, Shore Excursions Group is a reliable alternative to booking excursions through the cruise line. Their tours are often smaller, more affordable (sometimes up to 40% less than ship excursions), and led by knowledgeable local guides. They offer carefully designed shore excursions in ports around the world. Even better, they provide a guaranteed on-time return to the ship, giving cruisers peace of mind when exploring independently. Just plug in your cruise ship and sail date and your ports will automatically populate, so you can browse excursions for your cruise ports here:
https://www.shoreexcursionsgroup.com/?id=1634209&data=roaminghistorian@gmail.com

Trusted Booking Resource: Booking.com

When planning a trip, it helps to compare your options in one place. Booking.com allows you to search and compare hotels, apartments, vacation rentals, flights, cruises, and car rentals worldwide, making it easier to organize the key pieces of your trip in a single platform. Travelers can review prices, amenities, guest ratings, and neighborhood locations to find accommodations that match their style and budget, and many listings offer competitive pricing, occasional deals, and flexible cancellation policies. Pro tip: when comparing places to stay, focus on guest reviews, location, and cancellation policies—these factors often matter more than the nightly price alone. Browse and compare travel options here: https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=6776&awinaffid=1985445

Booking dot com page, hotels, flights, cruises, short term rentals

Our Favorite Travel Insurance Site

Protect your vacation with Travel Insurance dot com. This awesome travel site provides quotes from numerous travel insurance agencies and allows you to purchase them with no added increase to you: https://www.travelinsurance.com/?utm_source=pap&a_aid=65590b3a60c44

Travel Insurance dot com, affordable travel insurance

Traveling Soon? Trusted Tour & Travel Partners

Planning your trip? Here are our trusted travel partners — thoughtfully chosen for quality, reliability, and exceptional experiences.

Affiliate Disclosure

Roaming Historian may earn a commission from qualifying purchases made through affiliate links. This comes at no additional cost to you and helps support the research and storytelling that go into every article. All opinions are always our own.

Photograph of Amalfi Coast, Italy
Photograph of gondolas, Venice, Italy
Hall of Maps in Vatican, Rome, Italy
Via Margutta street scene, Rome, Italy
Photograph of Colosseum and Roman Forum, Rome, Italy
Vespa in Trastevere, Rome, Italy
Fiat 500 on via Margutta, Rome, Italy
Colosseum, Rome, Italy
Photograph of Swiss Guard, Vatican City, Rome, Italy
Clet Abraham, Florence, Italy, Florence street art
Clet Abraham’s Work

Etsy

We sell fabulous photographic prints from our travels on our Etsy shop! These are great for home decor or as a gift. If you see a photograph on our website that isn’t in our Etsy shop, let me know and I’ll likely be able to add it to Etsy.

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