10 Rome Travel Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them) ✌️
Lessons from someone who studied abroad, came back a dozen times, and still managed to mess up a few things.
Rome is one of those cities that humbles you. I first came here as a college student, wide-eyed and ordering cappuccinos at all the wrong times. Since then, I’ve returned again and again—sometimes for work, sometimes for play—and each trip has taught me something new (or reminded me of something the hard way).
If you’re planning your own Roman holiday, here are the 10 biggest mistakes travelers make in Rome—and how you can avoid them.
1. 💶 Tipping Too Much
Italy doesn’t run on American tipping culture.
If there’s a coperto (service charge) on your bill? Don’t tip.
If there isn’t? Leave just a few euros in cash (5% max).
You usually can’t tip by card, so carry coins and small bills
2. ☕ Ordering Coffee Like an American
Coffee rules in Italy are sacred.
A “bar” = a coffee shop.
Pay first at the cashier, then bring your receipt to the counter.
Locals drink espresso standing at the bar.
Takeaway lattes? Not a thing. Want to blend in? Order espresso, drink it quick, move on.
3. 🍝 Hunting for Alfredo or Marinara
Hate to break it to you: Alfredo isn’t really Italian. Neither is the red-sauce “marinara” Americans know.
Craving Alfredo? Try Carbonara.
Craving Marinara? Go for Pomodoro.
Or do what I do—order Amatriciana everywhere. You’re welcome.
4. 🚰 Not Drinking the Fountain Water
Rome’s little fountains (called nasoni) pump clean, fresh drinking water 24/7.
Refill your bottle.
Trick: Block the main stream with your finger and it shoots out the top to drink straight from the fountain.
Saves money + cuts down on plastic bottles.
5. 🚌 Forgetting to Validate Bus/Tram Tickets
Buying a bus ticket isn’t enough—you must validate it in the machine when you board.
No validation = risk of an on-the-spot fine.
Tourists get caught by this all the time.
6. 🍽️ Not Planning for Mealtimes
Italian restaurants run on a rhythm.
Lunch service usually ends around 2pm.
Dinner service starts around 7:30–8pm.
That leaves a dead zone from 2–7pm when kitchens are closed.
Plan ahead, grab snacks, and book popular restaurants in advance.
7. 🚻 Getting Stuck Without a Bathroom Plan
Public toilets in Rome are rare—and usually not free.
Expect to pay €1–2.
Always use the restroom before leaving restaurants or museums.
Carry coins for public facilities (especially in train stations).
8. 👟 Dressing Like a Tourist
Want to blend in and survive the cobblestones?
Skip heels.
Tone down the full-on athleisure.
Go for stylish sneakers, casual-chic layers, and maybe flats for dinner.
9. 🌹 Accepting a “Free” Rose
If someone hands you a rose on the street, it’s not free.
They’ll say “It’s for you, bella!”
If you take it, they’ll expect payment.
Just smile, say “No, grazie,” and keep walking.
10. 🖼️ Not Reserving Museum Tickets in Advance
Rome’s treasures are popular—and lines can be brutal.
Many museums now use timed entry only.
Book tickets online in advance.
Consider a guided tour or skip-the-line option to save hours.
Ready to Visit Rome?
These are just a few of the mistakes I’ve made (so you don’t have to). Rome is a city that rewards good planning—but also surprises you when you let yourself wander.
Want to do it the smart way? That’s where I come in:
Skip-the-line tickets ✔️
Restaurant recs ✔️
Hotels that keep you close to the action ✔️
📥 Let’s plan your Roman holiday right here.
🧳 Ready when you are. Let’s Adventure Smarter.