Going to Rome for the first time? Be sure to avoid these tourist mistakes so you don’t look and feel like a total newbie!
1. Not Booking Tickets in Advance
One important tip to note — buying the bus ticket in advance to avoid rush. We recommend buying an extra ticket to have on hand in case you need it. It should be at the very least purchasing your round trip tickets at once for convenience. Skip-the-line tickets for the Colosseum, Vatican Museums, and other major attractions can save hours of waiting.
2. Not Wearing Proper Attire at Religious Sites
Generally, the dress code to go to churches is no bare shoulders and no bare knees. This is the most strictly enforced at the Vatican. We suggest you bring a long dress or at least a skirt and a scarf to wear it like a shawl for visiting the famous churches in the summer months. You should cover your shoulders and knees for places like St. Peter’s Basilica and the Sistine Chapel.
3. Falling for Tourist Trap Restaurants:
Avoid eating at restaurants near major tourist spots and look for places where locals go, often just a few streets away. The local people of Rome have adopted the most efficient way to avoid such traps is by simply ignoring them. Avoid eye contact, while it may seem rude but it’s the only possible way to be protected.
4. Rushing Through the City:
How do you find a hidden gem? Well, you either accidentally stumble onto them or you actively seek them out. Take time to slow down and enjoy the small streets, hidden piazzas, and unexpected sights. You can visit a site like Atlas Obscura to find some unique attractions in cities all around the world. Rome is best experienced at a leisurely pace.
5. Skipping the Public Fountains:
Many legends say that tossing a coin into the Trevi Fountain (right hand over the left shoulder) will ensure you return to this Eternal City. So if you tossed a coin each visit to Rome you might get a chance to revisit it again. The water in the many public fountains is drinkable so always have a bottle with you to refill!
6. Overpacking Your Day with Attractions:
Rome is so vast, so trying to see everything in one day is a mistake. Focus on one area at a time, and leave room for spontaneity. This is how you should travel: track your time packed itinerary. If you must, build free time into your itinerary itself.
7. Assuming Everything Is Within Walking Distance:
Rome is considered as a walking destination as there are many things to explore while walking. But Some of the attractions are far apart. So you should plan your routes wisely and use public transport whenever there is need.
8. Not Tipping:
While Italians don’t have such a strong tipping culture, if you round up the bill or leave 5-10% is appreciated, especially in restaurants.
9. Ignoring the Siesta:
It is a Truly incredible place, you will visit again and again. Here people stay silent in the viewing room as advised as it allows for an even more powerful experience. It is incredible and the museum of the place as a whole is wonderful to walk through. Many smaller shops close for a few hours in the afternoon. Take advantage of this quieter time to explore less touristy parts of the city.
10. Not Using the Right Currency:
Rome, like the rest of Italy, uses the Euro. So we recommend you to be cautious about exchanging money at places such as hotels or airports where rates may be worse. Always have extra cash or the right currency with yourself to enjoy a hassle free trip.
11. Not Trying Roman Cuisine:
Seriously! If you are visiting Italy, a bar should be your first and foremost priority. Bars serve food, snacks, alcohol but majorly they serve coffee. Also don’t miss iconic dishes such as cacio e pepe, carbonara, or supplì. They taste best in local trattorias, not touristy spots.
12. Assuming All Gelato is the Same:
If you haven’t already known, let me tell you, not all gelato is the ‘real’ gelato. You’ll likely get to see some of the shops that are selling brightly colored, airy-looking gelato. Strictly avoid this. True gelato is more muted in color and they are not so tall. Instead, you should go for gelato that are tucked into metal tins. Avoid gelato places with overly bright colors and pre-scooped ice cream. Seek out artisanal gelaterias with natural ingredients.
13. Overlooking the City’s Many Piazzas:
You could easily spend your weekend in Naples. While it might sound a bit dramatic to go to Naples just trying the pizza, we recommend you to visit. It is well worth it. After all, you know Napoli is the birthplace of pizza! Piazza Navona, Campo de’ Fiori, and Piazza di Spagna are just a few examples—spend time relaxing and people-watching in these beautiful squares.
14. Forgetting to Validate Public Transport Tickets:
On buses and the metro, make sure to validate your ticket before boarding. Fines for not doing so can be hefty. When you get on to your bus, there you will find a machine where you need to insert your ticket to be stamped or validated. If you don’t do this, you might get caught.
15. Getting Overwhelmed by the Crowds:
Even as you’re walking through crowds, you should be alert. People might try to engage you in conversation and then will steal you. Especially around the Colosseum, Vatican, and Trevi Fountain, the crowds can be intense. Stay in well-populated areas and be extra alert around side streets. Try visiting early in the morning or later in the evening.
16. Only Visiting the Major Tourist Sites:
consider this as a mistake if you are visiting most European cities. It is just so walkable here! When you walk through the city you will get to experience it through all your senses at once. You can follow small side streets. Rome has a lot more than just the Colosseum and Vatican. Explore neighborhoods like Trastevere, Monti, and Testaccio for a local vibe.
17. Not Respecting the “Quiet Time” Rule:
By law, silence is required between 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. and again between 1:30 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. If you are visiting this place then you should respect this law by keeping noise to a minimum. In residential areas or religious sites, keep noise to a minimum. Italians value quiet in these spaces, especially in the evenings.
18. Assuming everyone in Italy speaks English
Although English is one of the most widely spoken languages all around the world, the native language in Italy is, of course, Italian. And it’s kind of rude to come to their country and assume they will speak your language (or English).
19. Being Rushed in Museums:
Museums like the Vatican Museums can be overwhelming. Spend quality time in sections that interest you most so there’s no need to rush through everything.
20. Assuming Public Restrooms Are Everywhere:
Public restrooms are not as plentiful as in some cities. Many cafes or restaurants will let you use theirs if you buy something, but always ask politely.