Italian Coffee Rules Tourists Always Break

# Italian Coffee Rules Tourists Always Break

Tourists make the same coffee mistakes everywhere in Italy. Avoid the eye-roll.

What visitors ask

Cappuccino after lunch?

Italians don't do it. Order an espresso or macchiato after noon.

'Latte'?

In Italian, latte means milk. You'll get a glass of cold milk. Say 'caffè latte' or 'latte macchiato'.

Drip coffee?

Doesn't exist. Closest: 'caffè americano' (espresso + hot water).

Where to drink?

At the counter, standing. Cheaper than sitting (€1.20 vs €3.50).

Pay first or after?

Pay at the cassa, hand the receipt to the barista. Different system from US.

Local tip

Best cheap thrill in Italy: pay €1.20 at the counter, drink your espresso in two sips, leave. That's the local move.

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Final word

Questions we didn't answer? Write us at redazione@visitsienaguide.it — your question probably helps the next traveler.