Travel with Rick Steves · Saturday, August 8, 2026
According to tour guides Nina Bernardo and Susanna Perocchini, a key aspect of Italian lifestyle is the 'passeggiata' or evening stroll, often with friends or colleagues. This tradition, dating back to ancient times, emphasizes being present and engaging with each other in public spaces like piazzas, rather than being engrossed in cell phones.
“Ultimately, it's just walk for the sake of it. To enjoy, you know, to be together and to be out.”
“And there's a lot that is built into Italian culture that the whole Piazza idea goes back to ancient times. The people gather in the Piazza.”
“The people don't want big freezers, so they only have to go shopping every two weeks. They have a little tiny refrigerator, so they need to go to the market every morning. Every night they enjoy a little time before settling in at home.”