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What is the tipping etiquette in Italy?

Why visit Italy the first time?

Review by Baldassarri Giuseppe

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Tipping practices in Italy differ from those in some other countries, and it's helpful to be aware of the local customs. Here are some general guidelines for tipping in Italy:

1. **Restaurants and Cafés:**

- Service charges are often included in the bill, especially in tourist areas. Look for "servizio incluso" on the menu or receipt.

- If service is not included, it's customary to leave a small tip, usually rounding up to the nearest euro or leaving a few coins. You don't need to leave a tip if the service charge is already included.

2. **Bars:**

- Tipping in bars is not as common as in some other countries. If you're standing at the bar and having a quick coffee or a drink, it's common to leave small change, but it's not obligatory.

3. **Taxis:**

- Tipping taxi drivers is not mandatory, but it's common to round up the fare or leave a small tip as a gesture of appreciation for good service.

4. **Hotels:**

- In hotels, it's customary to leave a small tip for the housekeeping staff. A few euros per day is a common practice.

- Porters may appreciate a small tip for carrying your luggage.

5. **Tour Guides and Drivers:**

- For guided tours, it's customary to tip the guide and driver. The amount can vary, but around 5-10% of the tour cost is a general guideline.

6. **Spas and Salons:**

- In spas or salons, a tip of around 5-10% is appreciated for good service.

7. **Other Services:**

- Tipping in other situations, such as for services like hairdressers or personal services, is generally discretionary. You can round up the bill or leave a small tip if you're satisfied with the service.

Remember that tipping practices can vary, and it's always a good idea to check if service charges are included in the bill. While tipping is appreciated, it's not as ingrained in Italian culture as it is in some other countries, and locals often tip less than visitors might be accustomed to. As always, tipping should be based on the quality of service you receive, and it's never obligatory.

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2023

ITRAVELinITALY.IT

Tour of Italy and itinerary to discover the attractions and local food and wine specialties to taste, how to get there, where to stay in Italy, How many days should the itinerary be?

Giuseppe Baldassarri Destination Marketing & Management Consultant

Let’s Create Your Italy

Top Italy Things to Do: Explore the Best of Italy
Narration by Baldassarri Giuseppe, Destination Marketing & Management Consultant
"Italy Things to Do | Discover Italy’s Essence"

Introduction to Italy: A Gateway to Culture and History

Italy is not just a destination—it’s a dialogue between the past and present, a journey that begins the moment curiosity awakens. It calls to the traveler’s deeper sense of self, offering not only places to see but emotions to feel. From the cadence of daily life in a sunlit piazza to the majesty of ancient ruins, Italy is a gateway to both discovery and connection.

The Rich Historical Background of Italy

Every stone in Italy tells a story. It’s a country where history is not confined to museums—it lives in the streets, whispers from the amphitheaters, and glows in cathedral stained glass. For the thoughtful traveler, these aren’t just relics of the past—they’re meaningful encounters that spark reflection and awe.

Why Italy is a Must-Visit Destination

Italy moves people, not just through beauty, but through the depth of experience. It satisfies a range of human desires: adventure, meaning, indulgence, and inspiration. Whether it’s a solo traveler seeking introspection or a business guest exploring opportunities, Italy adapts and responds to what each visitor needs, often before they even realize it themselves.

Top Cities to Visit and Things to Do

Rome: The Eternal City

Rome doesn’t ask for your attention—it commands it. Walking through its streets, you're enveloped in a powerful blend of empire, elegance, and everyday life. The Coliseum, the Vatican, the fountains—they’re not just stops on a tour, they’re moments of wonder that shift your inner perspective.

Florence: The Cradle of the Renaissance

Florence awakens a traveler’s imagination. This city breathes art, and its streets are an invitation to think, to feel, and to create. Whether gazing at Michelangelo’s David or sipping wine under Tuscan skies, Florence offers the kind of depth that lingers long after your visit ends.

Italy's Natural Wonders and Landscapes

The Majestic Dolomites

There’s something transformative about standing before the Dolomites. These towering peaks inspire both humility and exhilaration. They’re a space where the external journey meets the internal, where stillness and movement co-exist in sublime balance.

The Beautiful Amalfi Coast

This coastline doesn’t just please the eye—it stirs the heart. Clinging to cliffs and kissed by Mediterranean sun, the Amalfi Coast is a sensory poem. Every winding road, every sea breeze, speaks to life’s richness and the joy of slowing down to savor it.

Culinary Delights: Italy Things to Do for Food Lovers

A Journey Through Italian Cuisine

Food in Italy is not merely nourishment—it’s a narrative, a celebration, and often, a love letter to tradition. Sharing a meal becomes a bridge to understanding the culture, the people, and the land itself. It’s where authenticity meets generosity, plate by plate.

Must-Try Dishes Across Italy

From truffle risotto in the north to Neapolitan pizza in the south, every dish tells a regional story. Each bite is a chance to experience place and memory simultaneously, reminding us how powerful and emotional taste can be when rooted in identity.

Cultural Experiences: Engaging with Italian Art and Festivals

Festivals in Italy are not staged performances—they are living traditions. Whether it’s a medieval reenactment in Siena or a contemporary art show in Venice, these events pull you in, not as a spectator, but as a participant in something timeless and heartfelt.

Travel Tips for Exploring Italy

To fully enjoy Italy, travel with an open mind and a responsive heart. The most enriching journeys are not always the ones most planned—they’re the ones where you allow space for emotion, spontaneity, and unexpected connections. Italy rewards those who travel with awareness, curiosity, and care.

Conclusion: Discover Italy’s Essence

Italy is more than a list of attractions. It’s an emotional experience that evolves with every step, every conversation, every sensation. Italy is the ultimate destination for those who seek not just to see but to feel. And its essence? It lies in how deeply it moves you.

– Baldassarri Giuseppe

What is the tipping etiquette in Italy? › Italy Travel Planner