Espresso does not actually exist in Italy. Coffee is always espresso, so if you order a 'caffé', you'll be given what we know as an espresso. Coffee plays an important role in the daily lives of Italians, but is governed by strict rules and customs. Follow these tips and tricks and you'll never have to own up to being a tourist again, but instead you'll enjoy the true Italian coffee traditions.

Tip number one: after dinner, you order an espresso, a "caffé" as it were, and not a cappuccino, caffè latte or latte macchiato. Italians hate the idea of drinking coffee with milk on top of a full stomach. Cappuccino is drunk in the morning (never after 11 o'clock), espresso is for after dinner.

Tip number two: do not sip or sit. Italians do not sit down to drink their coffee, unless they have a very good reason for doing so. Stand at the bar with your friends, order a cappuccino and throw back your caffeine shot in one mouthful.