
50 Things You'll Only See in Italy and Nowhere Else
Italy is a country with a rich history, vibrant culture, and a unique way of life. From the stunning architecture and delicious cuisine to the laid-back lifestyle and fashion-forward citizens, there are many things that are considered normal in Italy but may seem strange or unusual to outsiders. In this list, we've compiled 50 of the most interesting (and sometimes amusing) things that are considered totally normal in Italy, but may be hard to find or unheard of elsewhere. From the love of espresso and long meals to the art of nonchalance, these quirks and habits make Italy the charming and eccentric country that it is. So, without further ado, here are 50 things that are considered totally normal in Italy...but nowhere else.
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1. Eating gelato for breakfast
2. Taking long Sunday afternoon strolls
3. Drinking espresso at lunchtime
4. Celebrating aperitivo hour
5. Going to church after lunch on Sunday
6. Taking an afternoon nap
7. Watching people play “bocce” in the park
8. Sitting outside to eat in any season
9. Drinking wine with every meal
10. Sprinkling chili flakes on everything
11. Using nonna’s recipes for everything
12. Wearing red lipstick with a masculine suit
13. Going to a bar for a mid-morning cappuccino
14. Taking your time over meals
15. Eating pizza with a knife and fork
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16. Taking the stairs instead of an elevator
17. Waving at strangers in the street
18. Having every meal accompanied by olives
19. Wearing loafers with no socks
20. Drinking Campari on summer evenings
21. Talking with your hands
22. Stopping to talk to strangers in the street
23. Eating bread and cheese at any meal
24. Having long, leisurely business lunches
25. Making a “finta” (pretending) you know someone
26. Shopping at the local markets
27. Eating out of season fruit and vegetables
28. Complimenting strangers on the street
29. Driving with a car full of family members
30. Eating gelato every day
31. Going for walks in the mountains
32. Eating focaccia for breakfast
33. Taking time for afternoon tea
34. Relaxing at a cafe for hours at a time
35. Taking off work in August for vacation
36. Wearing colorful, patterned scarves all the time
37. Eating ice cream from a cone at midnight
38. Iced coffees and espresso drinks in summer
39. Wearing sunglasses at night
40. Eating dinner late
41. Enjoying a grappa digestivo after dinner
42. Talking loudly in public
43. Buying handmade leather goods on the street
44. Paying next to nothing for delicious fresh bread that the rest of the world couldn’t get for any price
45. Enjoying a good argument
46. Enjoying a limoncello spritz
47. Drinking espresso standing up
48. Celebrating the art of la dolce far niente (the sweet art of doing nothing)
49. Taking a passeggiata in the evening
50. Buying world-class fresh panino or pizza slice from the restaurant down the street for lunch