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.

🍦 The queue is sometimes… invisible
At busy cafés, people don’t always form a perfectly straight line. Don’t worry, everyone usually seems to know whose turn it is.

🥐 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.

☀️ The sun is stronger than it looks
Even in September, sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat can make a big difference.

🚦 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.

💬 Science speaks English… hospitality speaks Italian
If you need help, don’t hesitate to ask. You’ll probably receive directions, recommendations… and maybe even an invitation for an espresso.

🤌 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.

🗣️ Lively conversations are perfectly normal
If Italians seem to be speaking loudly, don’t worry…they’re probably just having a friendly conversation. Passion is often part of the volume!

⏳ “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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🌿 One last piece of advice…

Don’t panic. You’re in Italy.

Discover the dolce far niente, “the sweetness of doing nothing.”
Some of the best memories are made when you simply pause, look around and enjoy where you are.

Stay curious, enjoy the science… and don’t forget to enjoy the journey.