Tourists Are Better Off Forgetting This Common Misconception About Italian Locals
Italian culture is well known and well loved all over the world. Pop culture has depicted its customs and personalities for centuries, from Shakespearean plays to Hollywood films and television shows. In general, Italians are thought to be vibrant, expressive, and lovers of all things "la dolce vita." While these are positive attributes, they can sometimes veer into stereotype territory.
One particular personality trait commonly associated with Italians is that they are loud, in both speaking volume and in general expressiveness. However, this should not be automatically assumed for every local you encounter in Italy. Plenty of Italians are shy and reserved. Most don't want to call attention to themselves when out in public. As with any other country in the world, you'll encounter people of all demeanors in Italy. A more uniting factor among Italian culture — and a stereotype with a bit more truth to it — is the use of hand gestures while speaking. The iPhone emoji of a hand touching all its fingertips together is a lighthearted homage to such common Italian hand gestures.
If Italians do speak loudly, they are usually not angry
If you do happen to see Italians speaking in raised voices, it does not always indicate a tense situation, as explosive scenes of the Berzatto family in "The Bear" would suggest. This is a social norm that could catch tourists off guard (similar to how normal it is to argue in France), but upon closer observation, you might see that the people speaking loudly do not look angry at all. They are likely just going about their days and jovially communicating. Big Italian family gatherings might get loud, but this is another phenomenon not limited to any one culture.
Among the other myths you can stop believing before you visit Italy is that all Italians are outgoing and welcoming. Many Italians offer lovely hospitality but are struggling to do so when tourist numbers become overwhelming. In the summer of 2025, locals in major Italian cities formed demonstrations to protest against mass tourism. Florence has already joined the list of European destinations that are banning or restricting Airbnbs in response to locals' concerns. To help this situation, plan visits to places in Italy that are off the beaten path. Perhaps these destinations are better equipped to roll out the welcome wagon.