The "second sink" you are seeing next to the toilet is actually a plumbing fixture called a bidet.
1975 law requires all Italian homes to have at least one bidet. It's a legal obligation to put a bidet in every bathroom that is built on domestic or hotel property. Italian bidets are basically used to keep yourself extra clean, and they even prevent infections.
Avoid ordering cappuccino after 11:00 AM, asking for a "latte" (you'll just get plain milk), and cutting your spaghetti with a knife. Additionally, never skip validating your train tickets before boarding, and do not eat at restaurants with menus plastered in English right next to major tourist sites.
The perils (and perks) of public toilets in Italy
The reason you're likely to find toilets with no seats isn't because they were made that way. No, there were seats there in the beginning. Apparently people often stand on the seats to avoid putting their bum on them, and that breaks them.
“…in 1975, Italy passed a law requiring every home to have a bidet.” There are certain things that, once you've experienced them, you can't live without.
Many traditional Amish communities consider manufactured toilet paper an unnecessary luxury and use resource-saving alternatives instead. In outhouses, families often repurpose old newspapers, magazine pages, or catalogs (like the Sears and Roebuck catalog). To make the paper soft enough to use, they crumple it vigorously multiple times.
Dress the Part:
Italians are known for their impeccable fashion sense, and dressing appropriately can help you blend in effortlessly. Avoid bright colors and opt for more neutral or muted tones. Italians generally dress up a bit more than casual tourists, so bring some stylish outfits.
Yes, an estimated 70% of the world does not use dry toilet paper to wipe. Instead, many cultures across Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and parts of Europe prioritize washing with water.
Most Italians wake up between 6:45 AM and 7:30 AM on weekdays to prepare for the workday. While early-bird commuters grab a quick morning espresso at local bars around 6:00 AM, the country generally gets moving and starts the day slightly later than some other regions.
Because "prettiest" is subjective, there is no single answer, but Positano on the Amalfi Coast is often crowned the most beautiful. With its pastel-colored houses cascading down steep cliffs to the sparkling Tyrrhenian Sea, it offers the ultimate postcard-perfect Italian experience.
Never Ask for Parmigiano on Seafood Dishes
For Italians, this is culinary sacrilege. Whether it's pasta with clams (spaghetti alle vongole) or risotto with shrimp, asking for grated cheese is likely to earn you a shocked expression or a polite refusal.
Depending on whether you are looking for an Italian aesthetic, climate, or cultural community, several distinct US cities capture different elements of Italy.
Italy bans the name "Friday" (Italian: Venerdì) to protect children from bullying and social exclusion, which is mandated under Italian naming laws.
It depends on the type of bidet you're using and your personal preference. With a built-in dryer: You can skip wiping entirely and let the air dryer finish the job. Without a dryer: Most people do a quick pat-dry with toilet paper or a dedicated towel.
Using a squat toilet involves straddling the porcelain basin, facing the flushing mechanism (or hood), and pulling your pants down to your knees. Squat low over the foot treads, keeping your balance over your feet, and position yourself so that you aim directly into the opening to avoid any mess.
Yes, you should absolutely carry tissues or a small roll of toilet paper in your day bag when traveling in Italy. While most hotels and major tourist attractions are fully stocked, public restrooms, highway stops, and smaller cafes often run out of paper or do not provide it at all.
Italians typically eat dinner late—usually between 8:30 PM and 10:00 PM—because of their daily rhythm, climate, and cultural focus on leisurely socializing.
Because "best" is subjective, there is no single best Little Italy in the U.S. Instead, three distinct neighborhoods stand out nationally for their authentic food, deep heritage, and vibrant modern scenes:
Yes, modern kings wipe their own bottoms. Today's royals manage their own personal hygiene like everyone else.
Muslims use water instead of, or in addition to, toilet paper to clean themselves after using the restroom. This practice, called Istinja, is rooted in Islamic hygiene and purity laws.
The "poop rule" usually refers to a viral home-organization and decluttering hack, though it can also describe medical guidelines for digestive health.
Leave the giant, oversized luggage, stiletto heels, and all-white gym sneakers at home. You will also want to avoid casual "athleisure" or skimpy clothing (like short shorts and tank tops) when wandering cities or entering religious sites. Finally, do not pack bulky hair appliances or large amounts of over-the-counter medications.
Italians stay slim while eating carbs because of portion control, ingredient quality, and active lifestyles. Meals are smaller, course-based affairs featuring simple, whole foods. Rather than supersized plates of heavy pasta, they rely on walking, mindful eating, and balanced nutrition.
It grants the Italian government a set of special powers (so-called “poteri speciali”) to intervene in a broad set of transactions including the acquisition of ownership interests, the acquisition of control or availability, the acquisition of voting rights, the granting of security interests, as well as completion of ...