Things you need to know before travelling to Italy that nobody tells you.
Planning a trip to Italy?
Here’s some really useful info before you go…
Italy: the land of pasta, passion, and picturesque piazzas. Whether you're sipping an espresso in Rome or snapping gondola selfies in Venice, the country delivers on its postcard-perfect promise. But while the views and vibes are world-class, there are a few local quirks and rules that can surprise even the savviest traveler.
Following my recent travels around Tuscany and the North of Italy, here are things you definitely wouldn't know unless someone told you first — and trust us, you’ll want to know them. 
1. Validate Your Train Ticket... Or Pay the Price
The trains are a great way to travel about on a small budget. But there are some hidden rules .
Bought your regional train ticket and think you're good to go? Not quite. Before hopping on a Trenitalia train (especially the regional ones), you have to validate your ticket at one of the little green or yellow machines on the platform. It’s not just a polite suggestion — it’s the law.
If a ticket inspector finds you without a time-stamped ticket, even if it's technically valid, you could get slapped with a hefty fine. And no, the “I’m a tourist and didn’t know” line won’t save you. This happened to me on a Florence to Pisa trip. The conductor came around and scanned my ticket (€40) I had purchased from the ticket machine. I didn’t know to validate it and she said it’s not valid and “now you have to pay €50”.
I questioned her why and was give an emotionless explanation of the above. 
2. Venice Has a Strict "No loitering " Rule
It was a hot day in Murano, one of the Venetian islands when we learned this. My friend has to stop and sit from the heat so we popped into the Spar shop for a juice and I bought a salad box.
Whilst we were sat on the canal steps, a disgruntled American lady emerged from a building and lectured us about sitting in the street to eat and ushered us to some benches.
I looked it up and yes you can be fined.
In certain parts of the city — especially around St. Mark’s Square — it’s actually illegal to sit or stand around eating in the streets. This rule is part of the city’s effort to reduce litter, overcrowding, and, well I guess pizza grease on 500-year-old marble.
So if you pick up a takeaway panino or that irresistibly melty slice of pizza, be sure to find a proper café or designated bench to enjoy it. 
3. "Coperto" Is Not a Scam — It's Just... Italian
If you're sitting down at a restaurant and notice a mysterious charge labeled “coperto” on your bill, don’t panic — and definitely don’t ask to speak to the manager. The coperto is a per-person cover charge, often €1–€3, that covers things like bread, table service, and occasionally just... existing in the establishment.
It's totally normal in Italy, especially in sit-down restaurants. It’s not a tip, either — more on that in a second.
We paid €2 to €4 depending on the region.
4. You Don’t Need to Tip (Much)
Coming from the U.S. or other tipping-heavy cultures, you might feel weird leaving a restaurant without dropping 20%. But in Italy, tipping isn’t required or expected — at least not the way it is elsewhere. Most Italians just round up or leave a euro or two if the service was particularly charming.
In fact, some places might even be confused if you try to tip too much. You’ll never offend someone by tipping a little, but don’t feel obligated to leave big bucks.
5. Cappuccino After 11am Is Basically a Crime (According to Italians)
Okay, not a legal crime — but ordering a cappuccino after 11am will instantly mark you as a tourist in the eyes of every local. Italians consider milk-heavy drinks like cappuccino strictly breakfast beverages, and drinking one after lunch?
After 11am, stick to an espresso (just say "un caffè") if you want to blend in. It’s quick, strong, and you drink it standing at the bar, just like the locals.
Coffee Is Cheaper If You Drink It Standing Up
See my previous comment about table tax.
Head to the bar, order “un caffè,” and drink it standing at the counter like a local. Not only is it faster and more authentic, but it’s also cheaper — sometimes half the price of sitting down.
Why? Sitting usually comes with a “service charge,” especially in touristy cities. So stand up, sip fast, and feel Italian.
6. The Tap Water Is Safe — and Sometimes Sparkling!
In most Italian cities and towns, especially Rome, tap water is perfectly safe to drink — and delicious. You'll even find little fountains called “nasoni” (big noses) all over the place, pouring out cool, drinkable water for free. Bring a reusable bottle and fill up as you go.
We found this very useful when out on our bikes to fill bottles or refresh our hot heads. Even in little villages along the way there was a little tap.
In some spots, like Venice or Bolzano, public fountains even have sparkling water taps. Yes, free fizzy water. Italy is living in 3025.
7. Crosswalks Are Suggestions, Not Guarantees
You might spot a zebra crossing and assume Italian drivers will slow down. Ha! That’s cute. In many places (especially in cities like Naples or Rome), crosswalks are often treated as decorations rather than strict rules.
Locals are pros at confidently walking into traffic with Jedi-level nerve.
After a few near misses, we observed the locals. They just walk.
If you're unsure, wait for a local to cross and just... shadow them. Strength in numbers. Eye contact with drivers helps too.
8. Shops Close in the Afternoon — Because Nap Time Is Sacred
Don’t be surprised if you’re ready to shop your way through Florence or grab souvenirs in Sicily and suddenly everything shuts down from around 1:00pm to 4:00pm. This break, known as the “riposo”, is like the Italian version of a siesta.
Smaller businesses, especially outside of major tourist zones, close up shop to eat lunch and relax before reopening in the late afternoon. Plan your errands and gelato runs accordingly.
9.You Can Be Fined for Wearing the Wrong Thing at Churches
You can be fined for a lot of things huh.
Italy’s churches and cathedrals are awe-inspiring — but they also come with a dress code. If you’re visiting places like St. Peter’s Basilica or the Duomo in Milan, you need to cover your shoulders and knees.
Wearing shorts, miniskirts, crop tops, or sleeveless shirts can get you turned away — or fined in more formal churches. Pack a light scarf or shawl just in case.
I saw some funny signs stating “only fully clothed people can enter here “
Yes, You Can Get Basic Meds at the Supermarket — But the Pharmacy is your mini health centre
Contrary to popular belief, some basic medications are sold in Italian supermarkets, especially large chains. You can usually find non-prescription painkillers (like ibuprofen or paracetamol), cold remedies, and digestive aids in a small health section — but the selection is often limited.
For anything stronger or more specialized — think antibiotics, antihistamines, or prescription meds — you’ll still need to go to a farmacia (pharmacy), easily spotted by the green glowing cross. Pharmacists in Italy are highly trained and often act as your first stop for health advice before seeing a doctor.
Also, don’t expect 24/7 access: pharmacies have set hours and usually close for lunch, though there’s always an emergency one open nearby (called a “farmacia di turno”).
If you feel unwell while traveling, don’t hesitate to walk into a pharmacy. Most speak enough English to help — and they’ll often recommend a specific remedy or product on the spot.
Driving Into City Centres Without a Permit Can Cost You €100+
Italy’s historic city centers (like Florence, Rome, Milan, etc.) often have ZTL zones — “Zona a Traffico Limitato” — where only authorized vehicles (residents, taxis, emergency services) can drive during certain hours.
These areas are monitored by cameras, and if you drive into one without a permit, you’ll be automatically fined — sometimes months after your trip, when the notice finds you back home.
If you're renting a car, research ZTL zones in advance and rely on parking garages just outside the city center.
Italy is full of beauty, history, and some surprisingly specific rules. But now that you’re armed with this insider knowledge, you can explore confidently, eat legally, and avoid fines — all while enjoying the magic of la dolce vita.
Enjoy your travels.
love Cheryl x
www.cherylmorrice.com