While it may feel awkward at first, attempting the local language goes a long way when navigating a city and interacting with people. Practice these basic Italian words and phrases to get started:

• Hello: Ciao
• Goodbye: Ciao
• Thank you: Grazie
• Yes: Sì
• No: No
• Where is...?: Dove si trova...?
• I need...: Ho bisogno...
• Cheers!: Saluti!

Italians are warm, inviting people that are very proud of their culture that is world-renowned for its arts and cuisine. And learning some these little quirks, as well as some general European ones, can help you embrace it to the fullest.

• Fare bella figura: This phrase meaning “to make a good impression” is a way of life adopted by many Italians. It’s not only about dressing well, but also about graceful interactions and good manners.
• Italians tend to be very expressive when they speak, both in tone and hand gestures.
• Meals are not hurried, as people like to take their time appreciating the food and sharing conversation. This also means that you’ll have to request your bill in most restaurants.
• Public restrooms in Europe sometimes require a small fee – hold on to your coins!
• Unlike the U.S., everything (hotels, meals, appliances) is smaller. After all, less is more!
• Water is an added cost at restaurants, and you have to choose between still or sparkling.
• Smoking is still rather popular in Italy. Don’t be surprised to see large amounts of locals with lit cigarettes!

You’ll sample a variety of local dishes on your trip, but read on for tips, tricks, and delicacies you just must try.

• Breakfast: Italians usually have a sweet pastry and cappuccino instead of the savory continental breakfast you’re used to. Try a chocolate croissant!
• Coffee: Iced coffee begone, espresso is your new friend and you’ll never find a bad espresso in Italy. Make sure to order and pay for your espresso at the bar to avoid paying more than the usual 1-2€!
• Aperitivo: This is a light meal between lunch and dinner with snacks and wine, or a refreshing spritz like aperol or campari
• Late dinners: Dinner doesn’t often begin until after 8 or 9pm. More reason to enjoy aperitivo!
• Digestif: Try an after-dinner digestive liquor like limoncello, sambuca, amari, or apertivi
• Cacio e pepe: A simple yet delicious pasta dish with black pepper, pecorino Romano cheese, and pasta. They say all Italian meals only require 3 ingredients!
• Roman artichokes: One of the most famous dishes of Roman cuisine, the artichokes are braised in water, white wine, garlic, salt, pepper, and oil.
• Florentine steak: A specific cut of the meat from Tuscan cattle, and it is an excellent choice if you’re feeling #fancy in #Florence
• Pizza: Need we say more?
• Arancini: These Sicilian fried rice balls are traditionally filled with meat and peas, but you'll likely find a number of different variations to sample.
• Cannoli: You may have had some cannolis in your life, but here's your chance to have these fried pastry shells filled with ricotta in the land of their birth: Sicily.