A few friendly tips to help you feel at home while enjoying PSE 2026 and discovering a little bit of Italy

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☕ Coffee means espresso
If you ask for a coffee in Italy, you’ll most likely receive an espresso. It’s quick, strong and usually enjoyed standing at the bar.

💧 Water comes first
If your espresso is served with a glass of water, local tradition suggests drinking the water before the coffee to better appreciate its flavour.

🥐 Cappuccino has its moment
Feel free to order one whenever you like, but don’t be surprised if, after breakfast, you’re the only one doing so.

🥤 Still or sparkling?
You’ll almost always hear the question: “Naturale o frizzante?” That’s simply asking whether you’d like still or sparkling water.

🍕 Pizza is personal
Every region has its own traditions, and pizza is usually an individual meal. The best strategy? Try the local version before starting any debate.

🍝 Pasta deserves respect
Most Italians eat pasta with a fork only. No spoon, no knife.

🧀 Parmesan is not universal
Delicious? Absolutely. Suitable for every pasta? Definitely not.

🍞 Bread has a purpose
Don’t expect butter before your meal. Bread is there to accompany your food or to help you enjoy every last bit of sauce (fare la scarpetta).

🍨 Gelato isn’t just ice cream
When in doubt, stop for a gelato. You’ll rarely regret it.

🍷 Aperitivo is an institution
It’s not dinner. It’s not just a drink. It’s the perfect excuse to relax after the conference.

🕗 Dinner starts late
Many restaurants become busy after 8:00 pm.

🍽️ Meals are meant to be enjoyed
Lunch and dinner are social moments. Don’t expect to be rushed – take your time and enjoy the experience.

📜 The bill won’t come by itself
In Italy, the bill usually won’t arrive until you ask for it. Nobody is trying to rush you, quite the opposite.

💶 Coperto isn’t a tip
You may notice a small coperto charge on your bill. It’s a traditional cover charge, not a service fee.

💰 Tipping is appreciated, not expected
Leaving a small tip for excellent service is always appreciated, but there’s no fixed percentage.

🚶 Walk whenever you can
Italian historic centres are best discovered on foot.

👟 Comfortable shoes are highly recommended
Cobblestones look beautiful in photos… and feel very different after 10,000 steps.

🚦 Crossing the street requires confidence
Pedestrian crossings are generally respected, but making eye contact with drivers is always a good idea.

💧 Bring a refillable water bottle
Many Italian cities have public drinking fountains with fresh, safe drinking water.

🚄 Trains are a great option
Caserta is well connected to Naples, Rome and much of Italy.

👋 A simple “Buongiorno” goes a long way
Greeting people when entering a small shop, café or hotel is considered polite, and is always appreciated.

🤌 Italians speak with their hands
You don’t need to learn the gestures. They may simply happen naturally after a few days.

📱 Expect conversations
Don’t be surprised if a quick question turns into a friendly chat. Italians are generally happy to talk, especially over coffee.

😊 Personal space may shrink
Don’t be surprised if conversations become warm, animated and full of smiles.

⏳ “Five minutes” can be flexible
Especially when someone stops to chat.

❤️ Hospitality comes naturally
If an Italian tells you, “You haven’t eaten anything,” don’t take it literally—it’s simply an invitation to have another helping.

📸 Expect beautiful views…
…and don’t forget to actually look at them instead of only taking pictures.

🏰 Don’t rush the Royal Palace of Caserta
It is much larger than most visitors expect and absolutely worth taking your time.

🌋 You’re in the shadow of Vesuvius
On a clear day, you may even catch a glimpse of one of the world’s most famous volcanoes.

🍋 Say yes to local flavours
Mozzarella di Bufala, Neapolitan pizza, limoncello, sfogliatella, babà… you’re in the right region.

🪪 Your badge is your passport
Keep it with you. It’ll be your key to scientific sessions, coffee breaks and networking.

🤝 Coffee breaks are scientific events
Some of the best collaborations don’t happen in the lecture hall, they begin next to the espresso machine.

🌿 Leave some room in your suitcase
You may return home with olive oil, local delicacies… and perhaps a few extra conference souvenirs.

📅 Conference first… but not only
Take some time to explore Caserta and the Campania region…you’ll be glad you did.

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🌿 Final tip

Relax, stay curious, enjoy the science… and don’t forget to enjoy Italy, too.