Local Customs & Etiquette in Turin, Italy

1. Piazza San Carlo Etiquette

A central square with historic cafes; respect local traditions by taking a leisurely coffee break.

Coffee Culture: Italians take their coffee seriously, savoring the experience.
Piazza Etiquette: Locals often sit and converse at cafes facing the square.
Patience: Expect slower service, as Italians prefer quality over speed.

Vibrant market with local produce; remember to barter and greet vendors warmly.

Bartering Tactics: Bargaining is expected but should be friendly and respectful.
Local Greetings: A simple 'Buongiorno' or 'Ciao' can make a difference in your shopping experience.
Market Customs: Understand that produce may not be pre-packaged; use the scales provided to weigh your items.

Plenty of vegan dining options; be aware that 'vegetarian' may not always exclude cheese.

Vegan-Friendly Restaurants: Research and plan your meals at restaurants catering to vegan diets.
Menu Translation: Use translation apps to understand menu items and avoid any potential misunderstandings.
Cheese in Italy: Cheese is a staple, so double-check that your dish does not contain cheese.

Turin's elegant atmosphere; dress smartly to blend in with the local crowd.

Elegant Attire: Smart casual or formal attire is often appreciated, especially during evenings.
Fashion Capital: Turin is the home of some prestigious fashion brands like Gucci and Prada.
Comfortable Shoes: Pack comfortable walking shoes for exploring the city's many historical sites.

Iconic gelato shops; savor your treat respectfully and avoid common mistakes.

Gelateria Etiquette: Order at the counter, take your cone or cup to find a seat, then pay after eating.
Taste Testing: Ask for small tastings instead of sampling multiple flavors.
Gelato Quality: Expect high-quality gelato made with fresh ingredients.

Respectful visits to churches; dress appropriately and follow church etiquette.

Dress Code: Cover your shoulders and knees out of respect for religious sites.
Silence inside Churches: Speak softly or not at all while inside churches to maintain a peaceful atmosphere.
Church Hours: Check opening hours and plan your visit accordingly to avoid disappointment.

Popular pre-dinner drink; socialize with locals at an apéritif hour.

Social Hour: Usually takes place between 6 pm and 8 pm.
Typical Drinks: Popular apéritif choices include Vermouth, Aperol Spritz, or Martini.
Finger Foods: Complimentary snacks like olives, chips, or nuts are often served with your drink.

Museum and monument passes; save money and time with a comprehensive pass.

Cost Efficiency: A pass can provide discounted or free admission to multiple sites.
Time Savings: Skip the lines and gain access to various attractions without purchasing separate tickets.
Flexibility: Decide which sites you want to visit on your own schedule, rather than being tied to a strict itinerary.

Proper tipping etiquette; learn when and how much to tip.

Restaurants: A service charge is often included in the bill, so no need to add extra.
Hotel Staff: Leave a small tip for housekeeping or bellhops; €1 per day is standard.
Taxi Drivers: Round up the fare when using a taxi, especially for short rides.

Efficient public transport; follow local customs and rules.

Ticket Validation: Validate your ticket in the yellow machines before boarding the bus or train.
Personal Space: Respect personal space and avoid crowding others on public transport.
Priority Seats: Offer priority seats to elderly, pregnant women, or people with disabilities.

Convenient electric scooters; learn the rules for safe and respectful use.

Helmet Requirement: Always wear a helmet when using an electric scooter.
Speed Limits: Observe speed limits and ride cautiously to avoid accidents.
Parking Etiquette: Park scooters in designated areas or avoid blocking pedestrian walkways.

Warm greetings and farewells; learn common phrases to connect with locals.

Common Phrases: Learn 'Buongiorno' for 'Good morning,' 'Ciao' for 'Hello/Goodbye,' and 'Arrivederci' for 'Goodbye.'
Friendliness: Italians are known for their warmth and friendliness, so feel free to strike up conversations.
Respectful Distance: Maintain a respectful distance when interacting with locals, especially in professional settings.

Respectful wine tastings; learn the rules and customs when visiting wineries.

Tasting Protocol: Sip, swirl, and sniff your wine before taking a full sip.
Cellar Tour Etiquette: Respect the vineyards and cellars by walking quietly and not touching equipment.
Tasting Fees: Expect to pay a fee for wine tastings, but it's usually refundable if you make a purchase.

Bike-friendly city; familiarize yourself with bike lanes and local customs.

Bike Rental: Rent a bike to explore the city, using designated bike lanes.
Sharing Bikes: Share bikes like Mobike or Nextbike and return them to designated areas.
Bicycle Parking: Lock your bike securely in designated bike racks when leaving it unattended.

Lively nightlife scene; enjoy the city's vibrant social spots while respecting local customs.

Bar Hours: Bars typically open later in the evening, around 9 pm.
Smoking Rules: Some bars have designated smoking areas; ask a staff member if unsure.
Closing Time: Bars often close between 1 am and 2 am, but some clubs stay open later.