10 things to avoid doing on your next trip to Italy

Do you want to know how to blend in with locals on your next trip? Read this 10 tips to learn more about Italian cultural customs. Avoid these common faux-pas and learn about Italy's habits and traditions.

1 - Thinking about Italian food

Asking for spaghetti bolognese, fettuccine Alfredo or pineapple on a pizza is just gonna get Italians mad. Italy has 20 regions and each one of them has its local foods and wines, try those instead of going for the American classics. Definitely try pasta and pizza but make sure not to limit yourself and check out regional delicacies to have the best meals.

2 - Calling Italians Italians

Italy has a lot of regional rivalries and differences, we are very proud of our regional heritage and we don't like to have it mixed up. Italian people never refer to themselves as Italians, they always use their region of origin. Don't worry too much about it though, people will find a way of telling you their birthplace within the first 5 minutes of conversation, so just tell them it's the most beautiful place in the country and you'll be all set.

3 - Ordering a cappuccino with your lunch

Not ordering a cappuccino after 11am seems to be the number one rule when you visit Italy, but let me tell you that it's totally fine. I can assure you that no one will care as long as you don't drink it with your lunch or dinner. Also, don't expect a long hot beverage, cappuccinos here are cheaper and smaller and they only come in one size.

4 - Not validating your train ticket

Don't worry about this if you're taking a high-speed train, however, if you're travelling on a Regional or an Intercity train remember that you always have to validate your ticket before boarding it. Most companies allow you to buy your ticket onboard now but it will be much more expensive.

5 - Travelling with a heavy suitcase

Italy is wonderful and small, so you'll probably move around a lot. Remember to travel light and easy. Sidewalks are bumpy, there are stairs everywhere and you will have to lift your bags each time you'll take a train.

6 - Asking about organized crime

I'm sure everyone will be happy to tell you everything you want to know about it but, please, don't ask us if it's real - it is - and avoid calling it mafia, which refers only to the Sicilian organization. Sadly enough, every region has its own group with its own name and code. Keep in mind that we are not talking about folklore and legends, we are talking about dangerous and brutal institutions that have brought a lot of pain all over the country.

7 - Asking for tap water

When you're eating at the restaurant you can ask for tap water - acqua del rubinetto in Italian - but it is generally considered a bit rude. Italians tend to drink bottled water even at home, so, on the bright side, it isn't particularly expensive.

8 - Going to restaurants in the main piazzas

In the busiest touristic cities the restaurants in the main squares and streets are usually tourist traps. Avoid any establishment with waiters outside asking you to come in and pictures on the menus.

9 - Using ketchup too freely

Putting ketchup on top of fries or hamburgers is totally fine and accepted but putting it on top of pizza or pasta will get locals very mad. Believe me, you don't want to experience the looks.

10 - Entering a church with your shoulders/knees uncovered

If you are planning to visit a church, especially Saint Peter's in Rome, remember to bring something to cover your shoulders and knees, otherwise they won't let you enter. You will find that some churches do provide you with veils or scarves to cover yourself temporarily but I personally think they're pretty gross.