Residents of Rome have identified the most common mistakes made by tourists in this city
Rome has long held its status as one of the most sought-after travel destinations globally, and the reasons are abundantly clear. The Eternal City boasts an array of iconic landmarks, including the Colosseum and Trevi Fountain, while its delectable pasta and other culinary delights promise to be a foodie's paradise.
Nevertheless, locals often observe that visitors to the city find themselves in awkward situations due to a lack of awareness. Huffington Post provides insights into the common mistakes tourists make while visiting Rome, along with some tips on how to avoid them while traveling.
Buying water
Don't buy water in Rome - it's free! According to locals, there are about 90 fountains in the historic center, usually called nasoni, where you can drink water for free. The most famous is a small fountain built into the wall on Via della Fontanella di Borghese.
Seeing everything in one day
"Rome is a popular destination for a reason: there is a lot to see in the city. But don't try to squeeze everything into one day! Enjoy 'il dolce far niente' - the sweetness of doing nothing - and keep your pace. Plan one or two events a day, but then leave time to have a leisurely lunch outdoors and wander the small alleys of the city, looking into shops and galleries," advised Livia Hengel, founder of The Italy Edit.
Ordering a cappuccino for lunch or dinner
"Cappuccino is only for breakfast! If you want to live like a local, you can't have a cappuccino in the afternoon. The Romans drink cappuccino only in the morning with a delicious cornetto (a French croissant, we call it cornetto, literally 'little cone'). During the day, if you need 'energy,' you can drink espresso. The Romans drink it every hour, even in the afternoon!" says Melanie Migliozzi, a lifestyle blogger.
Underestimating the heat
"The mistake people make when traveling in summer is to underestimate the heat. There is not much or no shade in the Colosseum or the long lines to get to the Pantheon and the Vatican Museums. Air conditioning is not required for hotels and restaurants. Rome is located near the beach with good train connections. Plan a day that includes a seafood lunch and a nap under an umbrella in one of the neighboring towns of Anzio, Ostia, or Santa Marinella," says travel blogger Longworth McGuire.
Misunderstanding the local food culture
"Italian cuisine as a homogeneous cuisine does not exist. Food in Italy is regional and differs from city to city. Yes, you can find risotto in Rome, but you should try it in Milan, and instead go hunting for Roman cuisine - artichokes, carbonara, and lamb. In addition, lunch in Rome starts anytime between 13:00 and 15:00, and dinner - never before 20:00. Finally, Romans do not sit down for pizza at lunchtime. This dish is only for dinner, and it cannot be combined with Aperol Spritz - it is your aperitif or after-dinner drink," says Maria Pasquale, a journalist specializing in food and travel, author of How to be Italian and The Eternal City.
Visiting in peak season
"One of the biggest mistakes travelers make when coming to Rome is timing. I understand that if you are traveling with children, your time may be limited by school schedules. But if not, I would advise avoiding Rome during the high season. The best time to visit is the first half of December when Rome is festively decorated. And I love Rome in January and February," said guide and writer Elizabeth Minchilli.
Eating near the sights
"Eating places right around famous monuments sometimes caters to tourism and doesn't always provide the most authentic experience. Rome has incredible food and many great recommendations. Arm yourself with knowledge!" - said writer Flavia Brunetti.
Booking
It is important to take into account the peak tourist season and book everything in advance. A little tip is that many places in the spring and summer also organize bookable visits that go beyond the usual experience. They are usually exceptional and allow you to see a new place in a different way with fewer people.
Planning a short visit
Two days or a weekend is not enough time to visit the majesty of Italy's capital city, say locals. Many Romans have spent their entire lives discovering it, and in any case, it's not enough. Try to devote a whole week to Rome and combine the magnificent monuments that cannot be missed with places that are less prone to mass tourism, but no less beautiful.
