Turin Italy Travel Tips

Turin Tourism Etiquette:

Turin, the charming capital of the Piedmont region, is a city with rich history and culture. Here are some tips to help you navigate social customs and be a respectful tourist:

General Manners:

  • “Buongiorno”: Greet people with “Buongiorno” (good morning/good day) or “Buonasera” (good evening).
  • “Grazie” & “Prego”: Say “Grazie” (thank you) frequently, and always respond with “Prego” (you’re welcome) when someone says it to you.
  • “Ciao”: While common amongst friends, it’s best to stick with “Buongiorno” or “Buonasera” for casual interactions with locals.

Dining Etiquette:

  • Lunch is sacred: Italians traditionally prioritize a leisurely lunch break.

Don’t be surprised if restaurants close between 12:30 and 14:30 for a siesta.

  • Respect the “aperitivo” tradition: The “aperitivo” (pre-dinner drinks and snacks) is a popular custom in Turin. Enjoy it, but remember to order a drink - that’s how you get access to the buffet!

  • No rushing meals: Enjoy your meal at a relaxed pace.

  • Dress appropriately: While casual dining is common in Italy, Italians tend to dress up a bit more for dinner, especially if it’s a “sit-down” affair.

Other Tips:

  • Learn basic Italian phrases: As mentioned earlier, “Buongiorno” and “Buonasera” are crucial. Knowing how to say “please” (per favore) and “thank you” in Italian will go a long way.
  • Respect personal space: Italians value their personal space, so avoid standing too close or touching people unnecessarily.

Regarding the “Ciao” comment:

  • “Buongiorno” and “Buonasera” are more formal.
  • “Ciao” is informal and used mostly for casual greetings with friends and family. It’s best to avoid using it in formal situations like with shopkeepers or strangers, unless they explicitly greet you with it.

General tips for respectful travel:

  • Dress appropriately: For most meals, Italians tend to dress a little nicer than just “Ciao”.

Remember that “Buongiorno” and “Buonasera” are used as general greetings in many contexts in Italy.

  • Learn about local customs: Before your trip, it’s always a good idea to research common customs in Turin. This can help you avoid any cultural faux pas.

Some key tips for being respectful in Turin (and Italy in general) include:

  • Making an effort to speak Italian: Even basic greetings will be appreciated by locals.
  • Being polite and patient: Italians often have a more relaxed attitude towards time than people from other cultures.
  • Respecting local dress codes: While you don’t need to wear formal attire everywhere, it’s generally a good idea to avoid wearing shorts or sleeveless shirts in churches or other religious sites.

Key “Do’s” and “Don’ts” for Turin:

  • DO:
    • Say “Buongiorno” or “Buonasera”: When entering a restaurant, shop, or upon being greeted by someone.
    • Greet everyone you interact with:

Saying “Buongiorno” (before 18:00) and “Buonasera” (after 18:00) is a polite and respectful way to act towards locals. * Use “per favore” and “grazie”:

These are the essential phrases for thanking someone.

  • DO: Engage in small talk with locals, even if it’s just a simple “Buongiorno” or “Buonasera”. It’s a good way to show that you are interested in their culture.
  • DON’T: Be loud and boisterous. This is considered rude in many Italian cities, including Turin.

Other important cultural considerations:

  • Dining:

    • Avoid rushing your meals. It’s better to take your time and savor the experience.
    • “Buon appetito” (good appetite) is a common greeting said before meals.
    • “Grazie” (thank you) for the meal is a polite gesture to use when interacting with restaurant staff.

  • Shopping:

    • “Quanto costa questo?” (How much does this cost?) is the phrase to use for asking about prices.

  • Transportation:

    • Be aware of public transportation etiquette in Turin. For example, it’s important to validate your bus ticket before boarding.
    • Remember that Italians are generally more reserved than people from other cultures, so be polite and respectful when interacting with them.
    • Avoid blocking seats on public transport by placing your belongings on them.

  • Visiting Historical Sites:

    • Research appropriate dress attire for visiting churches and cathedrals.
    • Shoulders should be covered and inappropriate clothing is frowned upon.

  • Dining Etiquette:

    • Always say “Buongiorno” (or “Buonasera” if it’s after noon) when entering a shop, restaurant or café.
    • Avoid wearing shorts, sleeveless shirts, or other overly casual attire to formal events.

  • General interactions:

  • Be prepared to be patient with service delays, as things may move at a slower pace in Italy.

  • Tipping: Tipping is not mandatory in Italy, but it’s always a good idea to round up your bill or leave a few euros for good service.

  • Respecting Personal Space:

    • Be mindful of physical contact. A handshake is typically the most appropriate greeting for formal situations.

  • Table Manners:

  • Avoid using your hands to eat pasta, but rather use a fork and spoon (for proper twirling).

  • Don’t be afraid to ask questions about the food!

  • General Table Manners:

  • Use “per favore” (please) and “grazie” (thank you) when interacting with waiters.

  • Stand up and greet them when entering a restaurant.

  • Always use “Buongiorno” and “Grazie” when entering a shop or restaurant in Italy.