10 Things You Should Avoid on a Trip to Rome

You’re going to Rome and you want to have a blast. There’s so much to do there… but there’s also a ton of things there that can cost you money and could be spent elsewhere.

Before we move further ahead with the list of things to avoid in Rome, I would like to mention that there’s one thing that you shouldn’t avoid – and that’s luggage storage at Rome airport with a storage service like Vertoe. You can keep your heavy bags there and not worry about wheeling them around the city – those cobblestones are brutal. If you need clothes, you can pack a carry-on to take to where you’re staying.

You know where your luggage will be. Now… the things that you should avoid so that you can remember this trip fondly, not sadly:

1. Don’t Take Expensive Transportation

This is especially true when you arrive at the airport. Don’t take a cab to your hotel – the prices are arbitrary. Take the train, which leaves every 15 minutes and is much cheaper.

The same goes for navigating around Rome. Take the metro or other public transportation. You do need to make sure you’re validating your ticket. Another great option is the hop on/hop off bus. You can use one ticket all day.

2. Don’t Come During The Summer Months

Rome, along with the rest of Italy, gets really hot during the summer. Blisteringly so. Try to schedule a trip between May and June or September and October. Your sweat glands will thank you.

3. Don’t Carry Too Much On You

Take only what you need. Leave your passport and other valuables in the hotel safe. Otherwise, you will make pickpockets very happy. You, on the other hand, won’t be in a cheerful mood.

4. Don’t Be Afraid To Look Outside The Central Square

While there are plenty of places to eat there, they tend to be more tourist-centric. You can find more authentic and less expensive food outside that radius. But you need to be careful – if you see restaurants with pictures on the menu and no prices, skip those. Like taxis, those prices are made up on the spot.

5. Don’t Rush

Hurrying is not the Italian way of life. Especially when it comes to eating. Sit. Eat. Linger. It’s the Italian way. But if you are at a restaurant and you are served first, start eating. The locals encourage it, since they don’t want the food to get cold. When you’re in Rome, you’re on Italian time … in more ways than one. But leave extra time when taking public transportation, since public transportation can be slow and unreliable.

6. Don’t Be Caught Unawares

Like any major city, there can be shady people. They love to target tourists. Ranging from pickpockets to “helpers” at a ticket kiosk, there’s no shortage of would-be thieves. Always keep your eyes open.

7. Don’t Dress Inappropriately

This is mostly if you want to enter a church. You can’t have bare shoulders or wear shorts (your knees can’t show). It might be OK in your country. In Rome, do as the Romans.

8. Don’t Be Shy

Italians are expressive. They love to talk. They also respect communication. If you are at a restaurant and the dish is not what you ordered, be firm. They will fix it. Also, don’t hesitate to talk to locals.

9. Don’t Order the Wrong Coffee

Italians are big on digestion. That means no cappuccino after noon. They feel it slows digestion down. They don’t like milk in coffee either.

10. Don’t Go to The Vatican on its Free Day

While you save money, you run into ridiculous crowds. Go on another day.

Rome has a lot to offer. It’s a popular tourist stop for a reason. If you avoid doing the above, you should have a lot of fun and create many memories.