Rome! The Eternal City, where every cobblestone street tells a story, and every piazza feels like a movie set. Visiting Rome is an unforgettable experience, but there are a few common mistakes that can make your trip less than perfect. Don’t worry—we’ve got you covered! Here are five things to avoid so you can enjoy Rome like a pro.
1. Overloading Your Itinerary
We get it—Rome is packed with history, art, and culture, and you want to see everything. But trust us, if you try to cram in the Colosseum, Vatican Museums, Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, and Trastevere all in one day, you’ll end up exhausted and missing the magic.
What to do instead:
Pick a few key sights each day and leave time for spontaneous moments—like getting lost in charming alleys or stopping for an unexpected gelato break (because let’s be real, there’s always time for gelato!).
2. Eating in Tourist Traps
Nothing ruins an Italian meal faster than overpriced, mediocre food served with a side of disappointment. Many restaurants around major landmarks cater to tourists with uninspiring menus and inflated prices.
What to do instead:
Wander a little further from the big attractions and look for places filled with locals. Also, avoid restaurants with big, laminated menus featuring pictures of food—those are usually red flags. Instead, go for trattorias and osterias where the menu changes daily and is written by hand.
3. Ignoring Local Etiquette
Romans are friendly, but there are some unwritten rules you should know. For example, ordering a cappuccino after 11 AM? Big no-no. Sitting at a table in a cafe and expecting to pay the same price as standing at the bar? Nope.
What to do instead:
Learn a few key customs before you arrive. Order an espresso at the bar if you don’t want to pay extra for table service, and switch to an espresso or macchiato after lunch if you want to blend in with the locals.
4. Not Booking Tickets in Advance
Nothing dampens your Roman holiday like standing in a two-hour line under the scorching sun just to get into the Colosseum or the Vatican Museums.
What to do instead:
Book your tickets in advance! Most major attractions offer online reservations, and some even have skip-the-line options. If you’re visiting the Vatican Museums, go early or book a guided tour to make the most of your time.
5. Forgetting About the Siesta Time
Rome may be a bustling city, but it still holds on to the classic Italian tradition of the riposo—a midday break when many small shops and restaurants close for a few hours.
What to do instead:
Plan your shopping trips for the morning or late afternoon, and don’t be surprised if some places shut down between 1 PM and 4 PM. Take this as an opportunity to enjoy a long, leisurely lunch (which is the Roman way, after all!).
Rome is an incredible city, but a little preparation can make your trip even smoother. Avoid these common mistakes, enjoy the laid-back Italian lifestyle, and get ready to fall in love with the Eternal City. And if you’re looking for the perfect place to stay, Hold Rome offers cozy, stylish suites right in the heart of the action—because you deserve a home away from home in Rome!
Buon viaggio ✨