The City In Italy Where Frowning Is Technically Illegal

Milan, a fashion capital and one of the world's most famous cities for clothes shopping, wants to keep things classy. And apparently so does Italy as a whole. That's why the Italian authorities have introduced a perplexing and unexpected variety of under-the-radar rules that can leave unwitting tourists with hefty fines, should they be seen to be breaking them. And no, these rules aren't rules of the road or laws you'd want to avoid breaking in other countries, but include things like committing the "crime" of hiking around Cinque Terre in flip-flops, which could set you back a whopping $2,500.

Milan, where the city folk pride themselves on their chic-ness, has its own set of rules that you'll want to be aware of before setting foot in the city. But don't let the rules get you down, or at least don't let it show, as one of Milan's many unusual rules is no frowning in public.

In Italy's fashion capital, looks are everything, and that is not limited to clothing but extends to facial expressions. An ancient rule in Milan states that you're only allowed to look sad at funerals and hospital visits. This rule is said to have begun during Austro-Hungarian times, and is thought to have been a way to promote happiness during hard times. Though it is uncertain whether this bizarre rule can merit a fine, make sure you turn that frown upside down!

Europe has suffered from overtourism in recent years with stories emerging of a tourism explosion in Greece that saw 16.9 million people descend upon the country in peak season. Greece has now added measures to stop overcrowding at its most famous landmark, the Acropolis, and Italy is following suit. Venice has introduced a $5 daily tourist tax during the peak summer season, for example. Barcelona, named Spain's most visited city in 2024, has banned the opening of new hotels in the center and is placing restrictions on companies like Airbnb and Booking.com whose short-term rentals are thought to exacerbate the housing crisis caused by overtourism. (Here's how you can make sure you're not contributing to overtourism.)

Milanese authorities have likewise developed strategies to keep the city authentic and deter the overcrowding or bad behavior that tourism can bring. These rules are meant to preserve the culture and give the local people some room to breathe. Authorities in Milan proposed a ban on pizza and ice cream after 12:30 a.m. on weekdays to help reduce the noise in the city, which has become a problem in residential areas. The proposal was ultimately declined, but the city is still working to come up with creative solutions to address issues that emerge as a result of ever-increasing tourism.

Some other things you might want to remember while in Milan is that Italians are very precious about the way they drink their coffee, only adding milk to their beverages before 11 a.m., and turning their nose up at foreigners' favorite, the "latte." Order a cappuccino, caffe macchiato, or espresso macchiato so as not to turn heads. Smoking is also prohibited in a lot of outdoor spaces in Milan, with smokers often required to stand at least 32 feet from public areas. In 2025, these smoking regulations are set to be extended.

Though there is no official dress code, you will feel more comfortable it you look the part while visiting Milan. This means dressing "appropriately," i.e., no sweatpants to dinner. Think elegant, refined class when choosing even just a day outfit. Men from colder nations may feel tempted to wear shorts in the heat, but don't do it! Opt for light, tailored trousers instead. Some classy-looking or traditional footwear will help you get into clubs and bars, so avoid flip-flops at all costs. Though Cinque Terre prohibits this, it's not a fine-worthy offense in Milan. Packing a pair of fashionable sandals is a versatile option that will help you look like a local while traveling in Italy.