Food & Experiences

Most people plan Italy around landmarks. I plan food-focused trips a little differently. Not every itinerary needs to revolve around meals, but if food is something you care about—like me—it deserves more intention than just figuring it out when you’re hungry. The biggest mistake I see is people not planning for food at all. There’s this idea that you can just wander into any restaurant in Italy and have an incredible meal. Sometimes that happens, but a lot of the time—especi

Freshly baked golden focaccia cooling on a wire rack, showcasing its fluffy texture and light sprinkle of sea salt. Perfectly capturing the essence of homemade bread. I didn’t start making focaccia because I wanted to get into bread baking. I started making it because I missed Italy. When I was there, focaccia wasn’t something you planned—it was just part of the rhythm of the day. Something you grabbed from a bakery, tore into with your hands, and ate standing outside with a

On my last day in Madrid, Spain, I paid €17,40 for a full restaurant meal: a glass of wine, bread, a fresh salad, an empanada, a steak, and dessert. The staff were kind and attentive, but there was no pressure to order more or clear out — we simply stayed as long as we wanted. After a week or so of eating this way across Spain, it made me realize something uncomfortable: eating out in the United States doesn’t just cost more — it feels worse. Once you experience how dining wo

Coffee is one of those small things that quietly shapes a trip. Sometimes I really do plan my travels around coffee shops, because I know how much better my days are when they start with a great cup. So when I landed in Valencia, Spain, I came prepared. How I Test a New Coffee Shop While Traveling When I walk into a new café, I almost always order something simple first—usually a cortado. Equal parts espresso and steamed milk. It’s the easiest way to tell if a place actually

Every time I visit a new country, I end up in the same place within the first day or two. Not a museum. Not a landmark. The grocery store. I wander the aisles slowly, picking things up, reading labels I half understand, comparing packaging, noticing what’s cheap, what’s expensive, and what seems to exist only here. In a way, it tells you more about daily life than most attractions ever could. This is where most of my souvenirs come from. Olive oil that tastes nothing like the

This Summer, I’ve had the chance to experience wine tastings and wine culture in Madrid, Naples, and Paris—and I’m convinced it’s one of the best ways to connect with a destination while traveling in Europe. Going into it, I’ll admit I was a little intimidated. I enjoy wine, but I’m far from an expert. I didn’t know if I’d be able to describe what I was tasting “the right way” or if I’d say something that didn’t make sense. But at every single tasting, the people leading them

Naples is a city where coffee isn’t just a drink—it’s a ritual, a point of pride, and a piece of cultural identity. Step into any bar and you’ll see locals sipping tiny cups of rich, syrupy espresso, exchanging quick words with the barista before moving on with their day. But at Caffè Sansone, I discovered a side of Neapolitan coffee I hadn’t expected: one that honors tradition while gently reimagining it for today. I spent a morning with Vincenzo, the owner of Caffè Sansone,

What comes to mind when you think of sangria? Most people picture a glass of red wine with chopped fruit. I thought the same—until I tried four completely different varieties in Seville, from Sherry-based to white wine to sparkling Cava. The tasting showed me that sangria’s variety stretches far beyond the version I thought I knew, and I cannot think of a better way to learn that lesson than on a rooftop in the heart of the city. We booked the 7:30pm experience, which turned

When I planned my trip to Naples, I knew I had to revisit the Naples Street Food Tour. This time, I was with my mom and our friend, who had never been to Naples before. With so many incredible street food options in the city, I figured there was no better way to kick off our culinary adventure than with a guided tour to try the must-haves. This wasn’t my first time on the tour—I'd done it before—but it felt like a brand new experience. Our guide, Mario, was great! His passion

Ten years later, still sharing coffee and conversation. The first time I used a Moka pot, I had no idea what I was doing. But luckily, I had Erminio—my landlord, my unintentional Italian tutor, and my daily coffee companion. I had just moved to Italy, and every afternoon, after I got home from school, Erminio would shuffle over to my porch, often still in his pajamas from his midday riposo. I’d make coffee, and we’d sit and talk. Well, we’d try. His English was as broken as m

Italy is known for its breathtaking landscapes, rich history, and, of course, its deep-rooted coffee culture. While coffee is a morning pick-me-up for many around the world, in Italy, it’s a way of life. Whether you're planning a trip to Rome, Florence, or Venice, understanding Italian coffee traditions will enhance your experience and help you order like a local. Here’s everything you need to know about Italian coffee culture. 1. Coffee Is a Ritual, Not Just a Drink In Italy