eating at outdoor cafes in Italy

Plop yourself, unless intercepted (which will be rare).

When you walk in look for either someone to seat you or just sit down. Do not leave anything of value on the table. italian thieves are quick and efficient. If you take a coffee at the bar it is cheaper, but sitting at a table watching the world go by is really neat.

Buon viaggio,

RB

Thanks for the tips, I don't want to be an ugly American so this helps!

You might want to learn a few phrases before you go; a small amount goes a long way to smoothing things out. RS has a phrase book, so does Lonely Planet, Berlitz, etc. And its worth carrying to help decode the menu; the places without an english menu tend to be more authentic.

Depending on how much time before your trip and how interested you are, you could also work thru some of the audio lessons in a program like Pimsleur. It it expensive to buy but many libraries have it.

Just don't order at the bar and then sit down at a table.

Claudette,

Don't worry, as long as you act with consideration for those around you and don't demand special treatment, you won't be an ugly American.

Claudette,

The Menu's are often posted on a sign near the entrance, and if you stop to read it, you'll likely be approached by staff who will try to direct you to a seat.

One point to note is that you'll pay more for the "privilege" of sitting outside at a sidewalk cafe. The least expensive way is usually standing inside at the Bar.

As this is your first trip to Italy, you might find it helpful to have a look at the Italy 2010 Guidebook (I usually pack my copy along). That will provide you with an enormous amount of information to "travel well" in the three cities you'll be visiting (including tips on how to beat the queues at the Colosseum, information on reservations for the Uffizi and Accademia in Florence, which Vaporetto to take from Venezia Santa Lucia station to Piazza San Marco, etc.).

Buon Viaggio!

Just remember what we found out. You pay more if you sit outside, less if you sit inside and less again if you just stand and have a cafe americano inside.

Thanks everyone, I have Rick Steves' Rome, Venice and Italy guidebooks, and his Italian language book, got my pacsafe purse, definitely going to use a neck pouch or a waist thing, trying out both options. I'm going to be watchful over my belongings... so I think I'm almost ready! October here I come!

Just sit and be sure to keep your purse on your lap (do not set it on an empty chair or on the table)! Not that anything will happen but it's better to be safe than sorry! Have a blast!

Keep in mind that there is a sort of cover charge in many larger places. Probably not a bank breaker, unless you invite a large number of friends to sit with you and enjoy some wine. Have fun! Jeff