9 Mistakes to Avoid Before Visiting Rome, Italy
Stressing over your trip to Rome? Stop! These 9 mistakes are ruining vacations, and I’ll help you avoid them.
I’ve seen too many travellers turn their dream Italy vacation into a full-time job of bookings, alarms, rules, and internet trends. In this post, I’m sharing 9 mistakes tourists keep making (often before they even get on the plane!) that quietly ruin the trip experience.
From overthinking what to wear and chasing viral food spots, to stressing about reservations and the fear of pickpockets, I’ll show you how to avoid the traps that steal your joy, so you can simply relax and enjoy the magic of Italy. 🇮🇹
Mistake 1: The "Wing It" Approach to Major Attractions (Especially for How to Visit the Colosseum & Vatican)
Ah, spontaneity! It’s the spice of travel, right? Well, yes, sometimes. But when it comes to Rome’s A-list celebrities, the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Vatican City, rocking up with a hopeful grin and no ticket is a recipe for a rather long, sunburnt queue and a hefty dose of disappointment. I’ve learnt the hard way that these iconic sites aren’t just popular, they’re global pilgrimage destinations.
Thinking you can just wander in, especially during peak season, is like expecting the Pope to pop round for a cuppa, highly unlikely! For a smooth experience, particularly when figuring out how to visit the Colosseum, booking ahead isn’t just recommended, it’s practically mandatory. The same goes for the Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Basilica. Trust me, future you, blissfully strolling past the three-hour ticket line, will thank you profusely.
The Travel Tinker Solution:
Book Online, Weeks (or Months!) Ahead: Official websites or reputable third-party sellers are your best bet. Look for combination tickets for the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill, they’re usually sold together and offer better value.
Consider Guided Tours: Yes, they cost a bit more, but they often include skip-the-line access and, let’s be honest, having someone explain what you’re looking at in the Roman Forum (rather than just a pile of old stones) can make all the difference.
Early Bird or Night Owl: If your schedule allows, aim for the first entry slot of the day or special evening tours. Fewer crowds, better photos, and often a more magical atmosphere.
🔹 Pro Tip: When booking Colosseum tickets, check if access to the Arena Floor or the Underground is included. These offer unique perspectives but often sell out fast! Many wonder how to visit the Colosseum for the best experience, and these special access areas are a game-changer.
Related Articles (For later, keep going!):
Recommended Tours and Tickets in Rome
Mistake 2: Picking the "Perfect" but Impractical Accommodation
You’ve found it! An Airbnb with a balcony view that screams “La Dolce Vita,” or a hotel that looks like it’s straight out of a Renaissance painting. But hang on a tick, is it up five flights of stairs with no lift? Is it miles away from any public transport? Is that “charming, rustic” vibe actually just a bit… run-down?
Choosing where to lay your head in Rome is crucial. That super cheap deal on the outskirts might seem like a steal, but you’ll quickly burn through your savings (and patience!) on taxis or lengthy bus journeys. Conversely, a swanky hotel right next to the Trevi Fountain might mean navigating tourist throngs every time you step outside. It’s all about balance, my friend.
The Travel Tinker Solution:
Location, Location, Location (and Transport!): Aim for areas like Trastevere for charm, Monti for a bohemian vibe near the Colosseum, or Prati for a more local feel near the Vatican. Crucially, check its proximity to Metro stops or bus routes.
Read the Reviews – ALL of Them: Pay attention to comments about noise, cleanliness, lift access (especially if you have mobility issues or heavy luggage), and the reliability of the Wi-Fi (digital nomads, I see you!).
Factor in “Hidden” Costs: City taxes are standard, but check for extra charges for late check-in, cleaning fees for apartments, or pricey breakfasts you could get for a fraction of the cost at a local bar (Italian café).
ℹ️ Did You Know? Many Roman buildings are historic and protected, meaning lifts (elevators) are not always a given. If you’re hauling heavy suitcases, always verify lift access!
More Guides to Italy, sure!
Recommended Accommodation from Booking.com
Mistake 3: Packing for a Catwalk, Not Cobblestones
Rome is undeniably stylish. The locals ooze a certain sprezzatura, that effortless elegance. It’s tempting to pack your finest threads, your most fabulous heels, and enough outfits for a Milan Fashion Week debut. But hold your horses, fashionista! Rome’s ancient streets, particularly those charming, uneven cobblestones (known as sampietrini), are a nemesis to stilettos and flimsy footwear.
Wincing in pain as you hobble from the Pantheon to Piazza Navona is no way to experience the Eternal City. And while you don’t need to dress like you’re about to hike the Dolomites, comfort, especially for your feet, is king. This is particularly true if your Rome travel planning involves lots of walking, which it inevitably will!
The Travel Tinker Solution:
Comfortable, Broken-In Shoes are Non-Negotiable: Stylish trainers, smart flats, or supportive sandals are your best friends. If you must bring heels, save them for a fancy dinner where you’re taking a taxi door-to-door.
Layers are Your Ally: Rome’s weather can be a tad unpredictable, especially in shoulder seasons. Pack layers (t-shirts, light jumpers, a stylish scarf, a packable waterproof jacket) that you can add or remove.
Respectful Attire for Religious Sites: Shoulders and knees must be covered when entering churches, including St. Peter’s Basilica and the Pantheon. A light scarf or pashmina is perfect for draping over your shoulders or tying around your waist as a makeshift skirt.
Mistake 4: Believing Every "Must-Eat" TikTok Food Trend
Ah, the siren song of viral food videos! That carbonara served in a hollowed-out cheese wheel, the maritozzo bursting with cream, the supplì that stretches for miles. While some of these can be genuinely delicious, blindly chasing every TikTok-famous food spot can lead you on a wild goose chase, often to overpriced and underwhelming tourist traps.
Rome’s culinary scene is legendary, but its true heart lies in authentic trattorias, bustling local markets, and neighbourhood forni (bakeries). Don’t let your quest for the ‘gram overshadow the joy of discovering a hidden gem where nonna is still rolling pasta in the back.
The Travel Tinker Solution:
Venture Off the Main Piazza: Often, the best (and best-value) food is found a street or two away from the major tourist attractions.
Look for “Menu Turistico” Red Flags: While not always bad, fixed-price tourist menus can sometimes mean lower quality. Instead, look for places bustling with locals, always a good sign!
Ask Locals for Recommendations: Your hotel receptionist, an Airbnb host, or even a friendly shopkeeper can often point you towards authentic local eateries.
Embrace Simplicity: Roman cuisine is about quality ingredients, simply prepared. Don’t be afraid to try classic dishes like cacio e pepe, amatriciana, or saltimbocca.
🔹 Pro Tip: For a truly Roman experience, try a pizza al taglio (pizza by the slice) for a quick and tasty lunch. It’s sold by weight, and you can sample a few different toppings! 🍕
🔥 Want to find all the best places to eat, shop, and explore? Use our Rome Google Maps Legend! Everything you need all on the google maps app!
Mistake 5: Forgetting About the "Hidden" Rome
The Colosseum, the Trevi Fountain, the Spanish Steps, yes, yes, they’re all magnificent and absolutely on your “must-see” list. But Rome is so much more than its blockbuster sights. Many visitors get so caught up in ticking off the big names that they miss the soul of the city, tucked away in its charming neighbourhoods and quieter corners.
By only sticking to the well-trodden tourist trail, you’re missing out on authentic local life, unexpected discoveries, and the chance to feel like you’ve truly connected with the city. This is where a bit of adventurous Rome travel planning comes into its own.
The Travel Tinker Solution:
Wander Through Trastevere: Get lost in its ivy-clad, cobbled lanes, discover artisan shops, and enjoy an aperitivo as the sun sets. The Trastevere charm is undeniable.
Explore the Jewish Ghetto: One of Rome’s oldest neighbourhoods, rich in history, culture, and incredible food (try the carciofi alla giudia, Jewish-style fried artichokes!).
Visit Lesser-Known Churches: Rome has over 900 churches! Many contain breathtaking art and mosaics, often with no crowds. San Luigi dei Francesi (Caravaggio paintings) or Basilica di San Clemente (fascinating underground levels) are great starting points.
Stroll Through Villa Borghese Gardens: Rent a rowboat on the lake, visit the Borghese Gallery (book well in advance!), or simply enjoy a picnic with panoramic city views.
💡 Hidden Gem Alert: The Aventine Hill offers a stunning, unique view of St. Peter’s Dome through the “Keyhole” of the Knights of Malta Gate. It’s a bit of a walk, but the quirky photo op and peaceful atmosphere are worth it!
Fancy a mini itinerary: 3 Days In Rome: Vatican Vaults to Colosseum History
Mistake 6: Underestimating the Power of "Prego" & "Grazie"
“Everyone in Rome speaks English, right?” Well, largely, yes, especially in tourist areas. But imagine walking into a shop in your hometown and someone immediately starts barking orders at you in a foreign language. A bit jarring, isn’t it?
While you don’t need to be fluent in Italian, making an effort with a few basic Italian phrases for tourists goes an incredibly long way. It’s a sign of respect, it opens doors, and it can transform a transactional encounter into a genuinely warm interaction. Italians generally appreciate the effort, even if your pronunciation is a bit wobbly!
The Travel Tinker Solution:
Learn the Magic Words:
- Ciao (Hello/Goodbye – informal)
- Buongiorno (Good morning) / Buonasera (Good evening)
- Grazie (Thank you) / Prego (You’re welcome / Please / Go ahead)
- Per favore (Please)
- Mi scusi (Excuse me / Sorry)
- Quanto costa? (How much does it cost?)
- Dov’è il bagno? (Where is the bathroom?)
Use a Translation App (Sparingly): Helpful for menus or specific queries, but try your best with spoken Italian first.
Don’t Be Shy! Most Italians are friendly and will help you out. A smile and a genuine attempt are all it takes.
💡 Local Lingo Tip: When you enter a shop, a polite “Buongiorno” or “Buonasera” is customary. Likewise, a “Grazie, arrivederci” (Thank you, goodbye) when you leave is always appreciated.
What to know How to Plan or Save for a Trip? Here are our best:
Mistake 7: Turning Your Itinerary into a Military Operation
I get it. You’ve got limited time in one of the world’s most incredible cities, and you want to see everything. So, you meticulously plan every minute: Colosseum at 9 am (sharp!), Vatican Museums at 1 pm, Trevi Fountain coin toss at 4:30 pm, dinner reservation at 7 pm… Phew! It’s exhausting just reading it.
While some planning is essential (see Mistake 1!), over-scheduling can suck the joy out of your Roman holiday. You’ll be so focused on sticking to the timetable that you’ll miss the spontaneous moments of magic: stumbling upon a beautiful hidden courtyard, lingering over an extra gelato, or simply sitting on a piazza bench and people-watching.
The Travel Tinker Solution:
Prioritise Your “Must-Sees”: Pick 2-3 main activities per day, max. This leaves room for flexibility.
Build in “Do Nothing” Time: Seriously, schedule some downtime. Let Rome happen to you. This is key for good Rome travel planning.
Embrace the Dolce Far Niente: The Italian concept of “the sweetness of doing nothing.” It’s an art form, and Rome is the perfect place to practice.
Be Prepared to Adapt: Transport strikes (scioperi) happen, queues can be longer than expected, or you might just fall in love with a particular spot and want to stay longer. Go with the flow!
Mistake 8: Ignoring the Small Print on Transport & Tours
Right, so you’ve hopped on a bus, feeling rather chuffed with yourself for navigating public transport. But did you validate your ticket in that little yellow machine? Or you’ve booked a “bargain” tour online, only to find there are extra entrance fees or that it doesn’t quite cover what you thought. These little oversights can lead to hefty fines or unexpected expenses.
Rome’s public transport system (buses, trams, metro) is pretty decent, but there are rules. And with tours, what seems like a great deal upfront can sometimes have hidden costs or restrictive conditions. It pays to be a savvy traveller and read the small print.
The Travel Tinker Solution:
Transport Tickets:
Validate! Validate! Validate! Buy your ticket from a tabaccheria (tobacconist shop), newsstand, or metro station. Once on board a bus or tram, or before passing metro barriers, stamp it in the validation machine. Plainclothes inspectors do check, and fines are steep.
Consider a multi-day pass if you plan on using public transport frequently.
Tours:
Read What’s Included (and What’s Not): Does the tour price include entrance fees? Is it skip-the-line? What’s the cancellation policy?
Check Reviews: Look for feedback on the quality of the guide, group size, and overall value for money.
Right, so you’ve hopped on a bus, feeling rather chuffed with yourself for navigating public transport. But did you validate your ticket in that little yellow machine? Or you’ve booked a “bargain” tour online, only to find there are extra entrance fees or that it doesn’t quite cover what you thought. These little oversights can lead to hefty fines or unexpected expenses.
Rome’s public transport system (buses, trams, metro) is pretty decent, but there are rules. And with tours, what seems like a great deal upfront can sometimes have hidden costs or restrictive conditions. It pays to be a savvy traveller and read the small print.
The Travel Tinker Solution:
Transport Tickets:
Validate! Validate! Validate! Buy your ticket from a tabaccheria (tobacconist shop), newsstand, or metro station. Once on board a bus or tram, or before passing metro barriers, stamp it in the validation machine. Plainclothes inspectors do check, and fines are steep.
Consider a multi-day pass if you plan on using public transport frequently.
Tours:
Read What’s Included (and What’s Not): Does the tour price include entrance fees? Is it skip-the-line? What’s the cancellation policy?
Check Reviews: Look for feedback on the quality of the guide, group size, and overall value for money.
| Transport Ticket Type | Where to Buy | Validation |
| Single Ticket (BIT) | Tabacchi, Newsstands, Metro | On first use (bus/tram/metro barrier) |
| 24/48/72-Hour Pass | Tabacchi, Newsstands, Metro | On first use, then valid for stated duration |
| Weekly Pass (CIS) | Tabacchi, Newsstands, Metro | On first use, valid for 7 calendar days |
💡 Fact: A single BIT ticket is valid for 100 minutes on buses and trams (allowing transfers) OR one metro ride.
Mistake 9: Letting Pickpocket Paranoia Steal Your Joy
Let’s address the elephant in the room, or rather, the nimble-fingered fiend in the crowded piazza. Yes, pickpocketing can be an issue in Rome, as it is in many major tourist cities. The fear of it, however, can sometimes become so overwhelming that it casts a shadow over your entire trip.
Walking around constantly clutching your bag, suspiciously eyeing everyone, and jumping at every slight bump can really detract from the magic of Rome. While vigilance is essential, letting paranoia take over means you’re not truly present and enjoying the incredible sights, sounds, and tastes around you.
The Travel Tinker Solution:
Be Aware, Not Anxious: Know that crowded places (Metro, busy attractions like Trevi Fountain, bus 64) are prime spots. Keep your wits about you, but don’t let it consume you.
Sensible Precautions:
- Use a cross-body bag worn in front of you, with zips secured.
- Don’t keep wallets or phones in back pockets.
- Avoid flashing expensive jewellery or large amounts of cash.
- Leave valuables you don’t need (like your passport – carry a copy) in your hotel safe.
Don’t Make Yourself an Easy Target: Pickpockets look for distracted or careless tourists. If you look alert and like you’ve taken precautions, they’re more likely to move on.
Trust Your Gut: If a situation feels off, or someone is getting uncomfortably close, remove yourself from the situation.
🔹 Empowerment Tip: Instead of focusing on the fear, focus on being prepared. Knowing you’ve taken sensible steps can free up your mind to actually enjoy your surroundings. Rome is overwhelmingly safe for tourists who practice common sense. 😊
By side-stepping these nine pitfalls, from how you plan your trip, how to visit the Colosseum, to packing practical shoes and embracing a bit of local lingo, you’re setting yourself up for a Roman holiday that’s less about frantic box-ticking and more about genuine discovery and delight. So, take a deep breath, get excited, and prepare to fall head over heels for the Eternal City. Andiamo! 🇮🇹 ✨
Your turn, travellers…
Have you made any of these mistakes before? Or do you have other golden nuggets of wisdom for fellow adventurers heading to Rome? Share your experiences, tips, or even your “oops!” moments in the comments below.👇🗣️
Adventure on,
The Travel Tinker Crew 🌍✨
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FAQs: Your Rome Pre-Trip Queries Answered!
Is it better to exchange currency before I go to Rome or when I get there?
Generally, you’ll get a better exchange rate by withdrawing euros from an ATM in Rome using your debit card (best to use a card with zero fees!). Inform your bank of your travel dates beforehand. Exchanging cash at airports or currency exchange bureaus often comes with higher fees and less favourable rates. However, having a small amount of euros on arrival for immediate expenses (like a taxi or coffee) can be handy.
How much cash should I carry daily in Rome?
While credit cards are widely accepted, it’s wise to carry some cash (perhaps €50-€100) for smaller purchases like gelato, coffee, market finds, or small local shops that might have a minimum card spend. Avoid carrying large wads of cash.
What's the best way to get from Fiumicino Airport (FCO) to central Rome?
You have several options:
Leonardo Express Train: Direct to Termini Station (Rome’s main train station), takes about 32 minutes. Most convenient but pricier.
Regional FL1 Train: Cheaper, stops at other stations like Trastevere, Tiburtina, Ostiense. Not direct to Termini.
Shuttle Bus (e.g., Terravision, SIT): Good value, goes to Termini and other central spots, but can take longer due to traffic.
Taxi: Fixed rate to within the Aurelian Walls (most central tourist areas). Ensure it’s an official white Rome taxi.
Do I need an international driving permit to rent a car in Rome?
While some rental agencies might not ask for it if you have a photocard license from certain countries, it’s highly recommended to have an International Driving Permit (IDP) alongside your regular license. More importantly, driving in central Rome is generally not advised due to ZTL (Limited Traffic Zones), narrow streets, and aggressive local drivers. Public transport is usually much easier.
What is the "coperto" on Italian restaurant bills?
The coperto is a per-person cover charge found in many Italian restaurants. It’s not a service charge or tip (though it often covers bread and the table setting). It’s a standard practice. Tipping is appreciated for good service but isn’t obligatory or expected at the same percentage as in some other countries; rounding up the bill or leaving a few euros is customary.
Travel Planning Resources
Ready to book your next trip? These trusted resources have been personally vetted to ensure a smooth travel experience.
Book Your Flights: Kick off your travel planning by finding the best flight deals on Trip.com. Our years of experience with them confirm they offer the most competitive prices.
Book Your Hotel: For the best hotel rates, use Booking.com . For the best and safest hostels, HostelWorld.com is your go-to resource.
Find Apartment Rentals: For affordable apartment rentals, check out VRBO. They consistently offer the best prices.
Car Rentals: For affordable car rentals, check out RentalCars.com. They offer the best cars, mostly brand new.
Travel Insurance: Never travel without insurance. Here are our top recommendations:
- EKTA for Travel Insurance for all areas!
- Use AirHelp for compensation claims against flight delays etc.
Book Your Activities: Discover walking tours, skip-the-line tickets, private guides, and more on Get Your Guide. They have a vast selection of activities to enhance your trip. There is also Tiqets.com for instant mobile tickets.
Book The Best Trains: Use Trainline to find the most affordable trains or Rail Europe for rail passes!
Need More Help Planning Your Trip? Visit our Resources Page to see all the companies we trust and use for our travels.
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Nick Harvey
Hi, I am Nick! Thank you for reading! The Travel Tinker is a resource designed to help you navigate the beauty of travel! Tinkering your plans as you browse!
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