Italian bars come in a variety of guises; some are part of a restaurant, others are half bar/half shop. Some will sell cigarettes (a large capital T outside), some will sell newspapers. All will be closed at least one day per week, some (mainly in large towns and cities) will require you to pay and obtain a receipt (scontrino) before ordering, but more normally you will need to recite everything you have eaten and drunk and pay upon leaving. If there is a toilet you may need to ask for the key and if there is a telephone kiosk the light switch is more often than not on the ceiling!

Many bars will also sell stamps, bus and lottery tickets and most will be happy to fix you a snack at most times of the day. Children are very welcome, tipping is not the norm, and, as far what coffee to order:

'Un caffè', AKA espresso or caffe semplice, is just that - a small, strong coffee. If you want just a drop of milk in it then ask for a caffè macchiato. A cappucino has a 'hood' of hot, foamy milk, and is not typically drink by Italians after midday, and certainly not after a meal, when a caffe corretto ('corrected' coffee) - a small coffee with grappa, sambuca, brandy or some such thing added - is considered pretty much the thing.