Did you know there is a habit in Italy that few people talk about before you visit Italy’s best cities? This little habit strikes you when you visit the country for the first time, and it’s even more common than Italians’ eternal love for caffè (coffee). Italians adore walking. In fact, walking is so deeply rooted in the country’s culture that Italians have a word to describe a stroll with no particular destination: la passeggiata.
While discovering the secrets of the Italian language with Rosetta Stone, familiarize yourself with the passeggiata and fall in love with the Italian way of life. How does Rosetta Stone work? It uses visual and conceptual cues to understand new expressions instead of memorization, just like when you learned your native language as a kid! For now, get immersed in a popular Italian tradition of passeggiata so you can practice it even at home.
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What does passeggiata mean?
The passeggiata is a gentle stroll or a little walk that doesn’t necessarily have a destination to reach or a purpose. The word and its verb passeggiare have roots in Latin passus (step), which comes from pandĕre, meaning “to open” or “to extend,” like the movement or space created by the legs while walking.
When you use the term passeggiata, remember it is considered a slow, leisurely activity. It is not always interchangeable with its near-synonym, camminata, which is walking from one point to another.
Here’s an example of how to use camminata vs passeggiata:
- Ho camminato da casa all’ufficio. = I walked from the house to the office.
- Ho fatto una bella passeggiata da casa fino in ufficio. = I took a good stroll from home to the office.
The first sentence may suggest the idea of a more rapid walk to get to a specific destination at a specific time. Depending on the tone, it can also be a way to say you have walked a long distance.
Contrarily, the second sentence conveys the idea of using an event (going to the office) for a pleasant activity (the walk). If you do not add any specifications, such as una passeggiata veloce (a brisk walk), the listener’s immediate idea will be that of a walk without any hurry. So don’t be surprised if they immediately ask you how far the office is or how early you woke up.
Some regions blend the two words a little bit more, and you can hear the emphasis in expressions like these when someone tells you, “I took a walk” with the following examples:
- Ho fatto una camminata! (An emphatic way to say they have walked a lot.)
- Sono andato/a a camminare. (Usually more rapid and sport-like or a wellness activity.)
Other uses of the word passeggiata
To better understand the expanded meaning of the word passeggiata, you may know that you can also use it when you are driving a vehicle or using a bicycle:
- Ho fatto una passeggiata in bici = I took a stroll by bike.
There’s another meaning of passeggiata that can be used to refer to something that’s enjoyable and easy or something challenging that you are struggling with. The use is similar to the English idiom, “It’s not a walk in the park.”
- Non è una passeggiata = It is not a “passeggiata.”
The importance of la passeggiata in Italy
So, is passeggiata just a pleasant, erratic, slow walk? Absolutely not. To understand what a passeggiata is for Italians, you must consider the importance of socializing and human connection in the Italian lifestyle.
Relaxation and connection
A passeggiata is often shared with family or friends. It helps you unwind, enjoy fresh air, and talk. It’s one of our favorite ways to spend quality time with those we love.
Social interaction
Especially during the warmer seasons, you’ll see families with kids and groups of younger or older people taking a passeggiata and stopping by the main square or street to meet or catch up. It’s a way to be part of the community.
Healthy routine
Italians might not hit the gym daily (or at least most do not), but they do maintain a healthy and active lifestyle. The passeggiata helps them do so: It improves digestion and is a pleasant excuse to keep their bodies active. Walking is a great health exercise and Italians are very healthy people.
The importance of appearance
For many, a passeggiata is even a way to show off. People wear casual or semi-formal attire during the passeggiata and try to look good on every occasion. It’s part of the concept of bella figura. Though it literally means “beautiful figure,” the phrase refers to always having a good appearance or being well-put-together. So if you have a new outfit, you’ll want to show it off on your evening passeggiata in Rome or Milan.
The best time to take an Italian passeggiata
The ideal time for a passeggiata may change depending on the day of the week or the season.
During the week, Italians usually take their passeggiata after the workday, which ends between 5:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. This time of the day matches another famous Italian tradition: the aperitivo where you enjoy a late afternoon drink. It is typical for the passeggiata before dinner to turn into an aperitivo with friends if you pass by a trusted bar or café.
The same might happen in the morning. Retired people often take their passeggiata in the morning with friends, partners, or grandchildren who may stop by for a coffee. Or they’ll wander into a local pasticceria (bakery) for morning caffè (coffee) and a cornetto (croissant) to enjoy with friends.
The passeggiata is also a daily after-dinner activity during summer. After sunset, when the temperature drops, it is common for Italians to take a walk. It’s considered a way to digest better and improve sleep quality.
If you visit a small town in central or southern Italy, where temperatures are exceptionally high in summer, you may also appreciate the habits of local elders. They call it prendere il fresco (taking the freshness), and it involves putting a chair in front of the house post and sitting down to chat with neighbors and any villagers passing by.
Last but not least, the passeggiata can also be a typical Saturday or Sunday activity in the mid-afternoon. During the weekend, it may involve taking a walk in a park, heading to the city center for a stroll, or enjoying the storefronts or the city decorations during Christmas. Most importantly, we must mention the passeggiata to get gelato, one of the sweetest childhood memories in Italy.
How to do the Italian passeggiata right
Here are three suggestions for mastering the passeggiata like an authentic Italian and using it to become more comfortable as you practice speaking Italian.
- If you’re in a small town, always say “ciao” (hello / goodbye) or “buona sera” (good evening) to the people you meet. Depending on the location, they might greet you enthusiastically or be more subtle and nod their heads. It’s the perfect opportunity to practice your pronunciation and try some of the Italian greetings you learned before arriving.
- A passeggiata among the many monuments in Rome or in the fancy Milan city center is an excellent way to get comfortable with the wandering nature of this famous Italian tradition.
- If it feels weird walking without a purpose, trick yourself into it by bringing a coffee or gelato. You will enjoy the best Italian foods and have the perfect excuse to try ordering food in Italian or show your knowledge about Italian coffee.
The best places for a passeggiata in Italy
Before you come to Italy, you can choose the best spot to explore and enhance your passeggiata even more. Here are some of our favorite places we recommend strolling in the most beloved Italian cities.
Rome
Rome has plenty of unique neighborhoods and areas in which to take a stroll. Some of the best things to do in Rome are best enjoyed on foot anyway.
- Trastevere: With a quirky, bohemian mood and medieval charm, this neighborhood has plenty of ristoranti (restaurants), pizzerias, and bars where you can enjoy the famous Italian aperitivo.
- Via del Corso: This is a famous pedestrian street that’s always bustling with people. It connects Piazza del Popolo and Piazza Venezia, and it’s ideal for window shopping and people watching.
- Piazza Navona: This gorgeous Baroque square is one of the most iconic places in Rome. Enjoy its architecture and fountains during your passeggiata in the morning, afternoon, or evening (our favorite). It’s very close to the Pantheon and Campo de’ Fiori.
- Villa Borghese Gardens: If you want to connect with nature and find a more peaceful setting for your passeggiata, then the Villa Borghese Gardens are ideal. The park is home to museums, a small zoo, a small lake, and beautiful landscapes with panoramic views.
>> Explore the most famous ruins in Rome!
Florence
Smaller than Rome, you can almost visit the entire city of Firenze on foot. It’s like taking one long, beautiful passeggiata to explore all the things to do in Florence.
- Centro Storico (historical center): The Florence Duomo, Piazza della Signoria, and the Uffizi Gallery are magnificent sights to enjoy while leisurely walking through Florence’s streets.
- Ponte Vecchio: The iconic medieval bridge over the Arno River is famous for its jewelry shops and stunning views. Walk here at sunset for an evocative experience.
- Piazzale Michelangelo: It’s an excellent place for an evening stroll, and it offers a breathtaking view of the city.
- Boboli Gardens: These historic gardens behind Palazzo Pitti are a great place to appreciate the Italian garden style.
Venice
We could argue that one of the most romantic cities in the world offers the best scenario for a passeggiata mano nella mano (stroll while holding hands). Exploring St. Mark’s Square on your passeggiata is a perfect thing to do in Venice.
- Rialto Bridge: This iconic bridge has stunning views of the Grand Canal and may be one of the most depicted views of Venice. It’s always full of locals and tourists, and it is a nice passeggiata to enjoy the city’s vitality.
- St. Mark’s Square: One of the most famous squares in the world, it’s surrounded by historic landmarks like Basilica di San Marco (St. Mark’s Basilica) and Palazzo Ducale (Doge’s Palace). The square is perfect for a leisurely evening stroll with lively ambiance from musicians, cafes, and the beautiful architecture.
- Zattere: A long promenade along the Giudecca canal in Venice, Zattere is less touristy and offers serene views of the water and passing boats.
Naples
A walk in Naples is the best way to appreciate the spirit of this historic city. The colors, the clothes hanging out to dry—everything in Naples is vitality. You’ll find food and culture at the top of things to do in Naples as you wander through the city.
- Lungomare Caracciolo: This is a 3-kilometer-long promenade along the seafront. It’s the perfect place to appreciate the stunning views of Vesuvius, Capri, and the Posillipo promontory.
- Spaccanapoli: This most famous street in Naples is a narrow street that cuts straight through the historic center (Spacca-Napoli means “cut Naples” or divide it). It captures the vibrant atmosphere of Neapolitan life.
- Via Toledo: One of Naples’ main shopping streets, Via Toledo is bustling with activity and lined with shops, cafes, and historic buildings. The adjacent Galleria Umberto I, a beautiful 19th-century shopping arcade, is also worth a visit.
Take a stroll through Italian culture with Rosetta Stone
As you get ready for your trip to Italy, you’ll want to get your walking shoes broken in and ready for your passeggiata. It’s also the perfect time to start speaking Italian right away with Rosetta Stone’s dynamic immersion. It’s a proven method that immerses you in the context of the new language naturally and offers a comprehensive understanding that will help you learn quickly and in a fun way. Don’t waste any more time!
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