5 Things You Should Know Before Visiting Italy
Italy is the world’s fourth most-visited country, and for good reason. In 2025, the country reached a record number of nearly 75 million visitors, and the trend is pointing in only one direction. But to have the best experience, there are a few practical things you should know before you go. In 2025, 10% of all Danes** who** went on vacation traveled to Italy!!! So we’re not the only ones who love this beautiful country.
1. Always carry a physical photo ID with you
In Italy, you are legally required to be able to present photo identification if the police ask for it. It’s not enough to show a driver’s license in an app on your phone—you must have the physical document with you. The easiest thing to do is to carry your passport or physical driver’s license in your pocket or bag every day. Don’t leave it at home, in your car, or elsewhere. A diligent police officer can actually arrest people without photo identification.
2. A dress code applies in churches, cathedrals, and cultural heritage sites
Italy is home to some of the world’s most beautiful churches, but they have dress codes. Bare shoulders and short shorts are not allowed. Many places will turn visitors away at the door if they aren’t dressed appropriately. Keep a scarf or a light jacket in your bag so you’re always prepared.
Do not sit on monuments, buildings, or sculptures!
3. Coffee culture has its own rules
Italians take their coffee very seriously, and there are both unwritten rules and strong traditions associated with it. An espresso is drunk standing at the bar and typically costs 1–1.50 euros. If you sit down at a table in larger cities and tourist areas, you’ll pay significantly more for exactly the same coffee. If you want to experience Italy like a local, stand at the bar.
In addition, there’s one important thing to keep in mind: Cappuccino is a morning drink. Italians drink it for breakfast—typically with a cornetto—and never after a meal. If you order a cappuccino after lunch or dinner, you’re immediately giving yourself away as a tourist. After a meal, espresso is the drink of choice. If you want something in the middle of the day without drawing attention to yourself, order a caffè macchiato—an espresso with a small amount of milk foam—which is acceptable at any time of day.
4. The afternoon nap is still a reality
In many parts of Italy—especially in smaller towns and in the south—shops, restaurants, and tourist attractions still close for a few hours in the middle of the day, typically between 1:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. Plan your day around this, and use the break to go for a walk, enjoy a gelato, or take a little rest. After all, this is Italy.
5. Tips—more of a gesture than an expectation
In Italy, tipping, or “mancia,” isn’t mandatory in the same way as it is in, say, the U.S. Italians themselves rarely tip, and servers don’t expect it. That said, it’s always appreciated if you’re satisfied with the service. At restaurants, it’s common to round up the bill or leave a few euros on the table. At the bar, it’s not expected, but you can certainly toss a coin into the tray as a thank-you. Note, by the way, that many restaurants add a “coperto”—a service charge—to the bill, which is completely normal and not the same as a tip.
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