🎌
14 · Getting around & your stay
Etiquette & Cultural Tips
The touches that make a big difference.
| Tip | Details |
|---|---|
| Dress a little sharper | Smart-casual gets better service; save gym wear for the hotel |
| Eat on Italian time | Lunch ~12:30–3 PM, dinner rarely before 7:30 PM |
| Twirl, don't cut, your pasta | Or order a short pasta (penne, rigatoni) instead |
| Don't split a single dish | Ask for a mezza porzione (half portion) instead |
| Tip lightly, if at all | 5–10% for great service is generous |
| Keep your voice down | Trains, restaurants, near monuments |
| Mind your space | Narrower sidewalks/tables/trains than you may expect |
| Pack your patience | Meals linger, trains run late — leave breathing room |
| Try your Italian, not your Spanish | Genuinely appreciated, even imperfect |
| Buy glass only from Murano itself | Cheap "Murano glass" near Rialto is often imported |
Cultural norms vary by region and generation — general guidance, not strict universal rules.