Italian happy hour starts around 6 PM, and does not extend past 8 PM, which is when the dinner rush will normally start in an Italian restaurant. Ask your host beforehand whether drinks will be followed by dinner, so you know if you should stick around. Otherwise, it's good manners to excuse yourself around 8 PM.
These days all over Rome, aperitivo happens between around 6.30pm – 8.30pm in almost every bar you can find. If you walk into a bar during this time and ask for a drink, you may be asked if you'd like aperitivo with it.
1. What time is aperitivo? Well, aperitivo is a pre-dinner drink meant to whet your appetite for your evening meal. Since Italians normally have lunch at around 1 or 2pm, you'll find aperitive starting from around 6.30pm and lasting until about 9pm.
Happy Hour or "aperitivo" in Italy is very common and in Florence as well. The concept is a little bit different from US where you may have a discount on drink during happy hours. Here is quite common that the bar from 7 to 9 pm offers some snack and appetizers to clients who buy drinks.
Do Italians Drink a Lot of Alcohol? Aperitivo: This amazing social experience is typically before dinner with the intention of opening up your palate and getting you ready for dinner. We have enjoyed aperitivi as early as 5:00 p.m. to as late as 7:00 p.m. The timing depends on your hunger and dinner reservations.
Rome's nightlife culture
Almost all the nightclubs and cocktail bars in Rome we're about to mention have great dinner menus you can enjoy before heading to the dance floor. Parties usually don't begin until 11-12 pm. The steamy dancefloors and lively summer terraces quickly get crowded and dancing continues until dawn.
The drinking age in Italy is 18 years old. However, it is not strictly enforced. We recommend to always carry a photo ID to prove your age.
Though happy hours can vary, the best happy hour time is usually 5 PM to 7 PM. This is when most bars and restaurants experience a lull and haven't experienced nightly dinner crowds yet.
Denim is always a good option when deciding what to wear in Florence in fall, but pass on distressed styles or cut off shorts. If you don't love a sleek pair of black, white, or wide leg indigo jeans, opt for a midi-length A-line skirt either in a jewel-toned neutral or a unique pattern.
Dinner in Florence is traditionally eaten between 8 and 10 pm. Many restaurants close after lunch and then open again for dinner at 7 or 7:30.
In Rome, dinner doesn't typically start until 7:00 or 7:30 pm, but many Romans eat much later than this (around 9:00 pm). To get on schedule, plan on having lunch around 1:30 pm and dinner between 7:30 and 9:00 pm.
Italian happy hour starts around 6 PM and does not extend past 8 PM, which is when the dinner rush will normally start in an Italian restaurant. Ask your host beforehand whether drinks will be followed by dinner, so you know if you should stick around. Otherwise, it's good manners to excuse yourself around 8 PM.
An aperitif is an alcoholic Italian drink served before a meal to stimulate the appetite. An aperitif is traditionally a glass of wine or a dry, bitter, low-alcohol cocktail. This drink is usually enjoyed with small bite-sized foods and snacks. Together, this is known as aperitivo.
The Typical Italian Dinner
Italian dinner or la cena, usually from 8:00 to 10:00pm, is another time that Italians enjoy sitting down together and socializing.
Italians tend to dress simply and stylishly and in fitted rather than baggy clothing. Choose neutral colors like black, dark blue, beige, and white and pack button-down shirts and blouses; chinos; knee-length or below skirts; and a blazer or leather jacket if you're traveling in the shoulder seasons.
You can wear shorts in Italy and look perfectly normal.
I went ahead and packed three pairs of pants and three pairs of shorts. I am so glad I decided to pack some shorts!
Don't Bring Flip-Flops.
And yes, this is a real thing, Italian's just don't wear flip-flops. While in Italy it is important to steer away from these types of shoes, especially if you will be in a big city like, Florence or Milan visiting churches or museums all day.
Take cues from Casual Friday and go with a button-down and a nice pair of slacks, or a knit shirt and denim pants. Pair a colorful dress with a business-savvy blazer, or wear a classic blouse with denim jeans.
Today, happy hour is a marketing buzzword used to advertise those underwhelming hours of the day when bars, restaurants, and the like offer discounted food and beverage specials to bring more customers through the doors.
Happy hour is a marketing term for a time when a venue such as a restaurant or bar offers reduced prices on alcoholic drinks. Discounted menu items like appetizers are often served during happy hour. This is a way for bars and restaurants to draw in more business before or after peak business hours.
Marinara sauce doesn't exist in Italy
As such, it's best to avoid asking for pasta with marinara sauce or a sandwich with marinara sauce in Italy, as this may not be a familiar or recognizable dish to many Italians.
The legal drinking age in Italy is the same for tourists as it is for residents: 18 years old. It's important to note that while the legal drinking age in Italy is relatively low compared to other countries, it's still illegal for anyone under the age of 18 to purchase or consume alcohol in public places.
Italy has no national laws against public drinking specifically, although local municipalities can issue regulations (ordinanza sindacale) that prohibit public drinking at certain locations of the municipality, or during specific times.