The 5 Best Things to Do in Italy, Regardless of your Itinerary

It doesn't matter whether you're visiting Rome, Florence, and Venice or whether you're spending 2 weeks in the countryside; whether you're going to Italy in the height of summer or the middle of January; or whether you're museum-hopping or spending your entire visit on a bicycle. Use the checklist below on any trip to Italy for a more memorable experience. And if you've already been to Italy, how many of the items below can you check off?

1) Make time for the locals. When the taxi driver, barista, or other native Italian you meet strikes up a conversation, make time to chat. If they offer you a limoncello and ask how you're enjoying Italy, accept the drink, and tell them all the things you love about their country. A language barrier isn't an excuse - many Italians speak English and look for opportunties to practice. Of course, use your common sense: I wouldn't strike up a conversation on the street with someone who whistled or yelled "ciao, bella" at me.

2) Sit and observe.  Find a square, or piazza, the less touristy the better, and look around. What are people wearing? What shopping bags are they carrying? If you see families, how many kids are there on average, and who are their caregivers? What are the differences between people-watching in your hometown and here (fewer tattoos, fewer flip-flops, more crackberries?). If it's Sunday afternoon, why are people walking around with radios attached to their ears? (hint: soccer game). This is also a great place to pay attention to details around you, like the pattern of the cobblestones, the roofs of buildings, the lamp posts. 

Tip: If you can get a piece of paper and a pencil from the hotel, try to draw the scene. It doesn't matter if you think you can draw, and anyway you can throw it out when you're done. But the act of trying to draw it will make you observe the detail of what's in front of you more closely.

3) Focus on hand gestures and corresponding facial expressions. How many unique hand gestures can you count? If you want to study up before you go, have a look at this video.

4) Notice which foods are in season during your trip, and how they change from region to region if you're traveling around Italy. To accomplish this, go to a few outdoor markets or the produce section of a grocery store, read restaurant specials, or ask servers. If you order foods in season or see foods you're not used to at the market (like the persimmon in the photo above, perhaps) don't forget to take a photo.

5) Watch people driving cars and scooters (while you're walking, looking out your hotel window, in a car, or on the train). How many of these 10 Italian driving habits can you spot? Drivers also communicate with each other using hand gestures, so this is a good way to do #3, above.

Why This is Worth Your Time

Italy is one of the world's hottest tourist destinations, and you may feel at times that you're being herded through famous places like cattle. But pay attention to the items above, and you'll notice things that most tourists miss when their nose is in a guidebook or because they're rushing to the next itinerary stop. Plus it will enhance those "cattle" activities, put things into context, and give you many opportunities to connect with Italy in a meaningful way.

Photo of man by torremountain

Photo of plump persimmons by Kanko

Let Italy Beyond the Obvious plan your trip: have a look at the sample itinerary, or learn more

Comments

[jk]

I might add "get off the beaten track/get away from the tourist areas" for really great experiences!

[Madeline]

so true, so true! I may have to try to work that one in :o)

[Nils Davis]

Madeline - wonderful reminder to stop and enjoy and observe.

Nils

[Madeline]

thanks Nils!