Italy's coffee culture is admired around the world, but it can be hard for foreigners to navigate its rules and norms. Here’s what you need to know to get your caffeine fix ‘all’italiana’.
Summer holidays in Italy mean workplaces emptying for weeks on end, a flood of 'out of office' replies from colleagues and clients, and deserted cities. But why is the long break so ingrained in Italian society?
Summer is in full swing in Italy, bringing scorching temperatures and long, sun-soaked days. To make the most of your time in the country, do as the locals do.
With hot and sunny conditions expected across much of the country this week, summer seems to have finally arrived in Italy. Besides the weather though, there’s further proof that 'estate' is upon us.
If you're planning to book a restaurant or want to invite your Italian friends or neighbours over for dinner, here's a look at what time the evening meal is normally eaten in different parts of the country.
You may think you're an expert on Italian cuisine - but there are some traditions that will come as a surprise to anyone who's yet to experience Italy's food culture up close.
Italy's a country of striking contrasts, and while the north has a stronger economy, the south makes up for it by being a more exciting place to live, argues Silvia Marchetti.
Bank branches are as sacred to many Italians as their favourite bar or cafe, but they're being closed by the hundreds across the country, causing major problems for dozens of devoted clients, Silvia Marchetti explains.
If you're spending your first Christmas in Italy, it can be hard to know what to expect. The Local's readers tell us about their firsts and how Natale in Italy differs from their home countries.
If you have friends or family in Italy, sooner or later you'll probably be invited to some sort of social event. Here's what you can expect from some of the most common invitations, whether it's an 'aperitivo', a wedding reception or a birthday party.
From how to dress for special occasions to holding cutlery a certain way, Italians are known to follow a long list of 'unwritten rules', many of which often baffle foreigners. Silvia Marchetti explores what's behind their obsession with etiquette and appearances.
Foreigners living in Italy are often left baffled by how much 'la famiglia' is intrinsic to the Italian way of life. Silvia Marchetti explains why families in Italy "stick together like glue", even if it means your relatives are a constant presence in your life.
Some of Italy’s foreign residents may still be wearing t-shirts, but Italians are preparing for the most stressful style-related event of the year: the summer-to-autumn wardrobe switch. Silvia Marchetti explains what it’s all about.
In Italy the supermarket you choose to shop at reveals much more than what's in your basket. It shows who you are, how much time you have and how much you're willing to splurge on Italian goods.
Mopping up the sauce on your plate with a chunk of bread is a ubiquitous practice in Italian homes – but is it rude to do it at the restaurant? Share your own experiences below.
Owning a second home is seen as an unaffordable luxury in many countries, but in Italy it's surprisingly commonplace - and the number of holiday homes is rising. Why is this, and how do so many regular Italian families afford it?
Italy's distinctive driving culture can be difficult for foreign nationals to adjust to. The Local's readers share their best pieces of advice to give you a head start.
The classic Italian breakfast is loved across the country - but what should you call the pastry you order with your cappuccino? Here's why the name seems to change depending on where you are, and what the difference actually is.
Italy is famous for having strict unwritten rules around food, and these often come as a surprise to newcomers. The Local's readers tell us about the culinary shocks they had when they first arrived.
