5 Ways to Experience Italy Like the Locals

While many people visit Italy every year and cover the most commercial cities and places, they lose out on the real magic of the country. They say that the true spirit of the country lies in the local experience, and doing things the way local people do them. This not only makes your experience different from all the other tourists, but it also makes it a more memorable one. To get a wholesome experience of Italy, read our guide of the top 5 ways to experience Italy like a local.

1. Learn the local language

The first part of fitting in with the locals is speaking their language. And no, we’re not talking about the textbook Italian that you may have learned from books or at school. Not many people in Italy may be able to understand English, and if you go deeper into the country, the local people have their own slangs and mannerisms. So, to be able to interact with them, you need to learn at least a couple of authentic Italian phrases to be able to experience Italy as the locals do.

2. Eat all the gelato you can

Gelato is one of the most famous types of dessert in the country and a true Italian has tried out as many gelato flavours as they could. Vacations are the best times to experiment with food and forget the calorie count, and there is no better time for you to step out of your food comfort zone and try as many different flavours of gelato as you can. Who knows, you might even discover a new favourite flavour!

3. Get on to the Italian schedule

Italians are known to have a different schedule than the rest of the world. They are people who know how to live life. They wake up late and stay up really late too, which is the ideal vacation lifestyle! So throw out your detailed itineraries, sleep in late, have a delicious brunch with coffee (an Italian speciality), and get to exploring the nooks and corners of Italy, local style!

4. Spend some time in cafes

Everyone knows how much Italians love their coffee, and there are several pretty little outdoor cafes where one can enjoy a hot cuppa. While you enjoy your coffee, and maybe a delicious pastry to accompany it, you can indulge in a little people watching activity and observe the lives of the local people, how they go about their day, and the way they converse with each other.

5. Attend a mass

Italy is the home of the Pope, and therefore, definitely has some of the most beautiful churches in the world. Whether you are religious or not, it is definitely worth visiting a church and attending a mass service, just to admire the beautiful architecture of the Gothic churches and the splendid interior designs as well. The churches are very welcoming to anyone who would like to attend their mass service.

So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and get started on experiencing Italy the way a local does.