Rome is an eternal city, but the time to visit it is anything but eternal – especially if you enter it without a plan, like we did. We naively believed that while having coffee in the sun, we would just casually pop into a museum, stop for pizza in the Vatican on the way, and in the evening spontaneously choose a romantic restaurant with a view. Spoiler: we didn't. Hence this entry – for all of you who haven't been to Rome (yet) and would like to enjoy it there, not just cruise wearily through the mistakes we made.
Although we visited Rome with the best of intentions and a lot of travel experience behind us, it quickly became clear that this city plays by its own rules – and if you don't know them, you quickly become part of a Roman anecdote that you tell at home with a wry smile. Of course, we said to ourselves: "This is Italy, it'll work!" And it did... go wrong.
That's why we've put together a list of the seven most common mistakes travelers make in Rome. Some are financial, some are logistical, and some are simply human. But trust us, each of these mistakes can be avoided with a little knowledge and preparation. And if you do, you'll leave Rome with a true Roman smile: the one you get after a good dinner, a glass of house wine, and shoes that don't hurt.
So let's get started - because mistakes are always the most fun... when others make them.
Mistake 1: Uber saves lives – and takes half of your travel budget
Rome is not a place where Uber will solve everything for you – because Rome only has Uber Black, which means Mercedes-Benz and elegant comfort, but also prices from 20 to 35 euros for an average ride. It seems fine until you realize that with two such rides you're already at the cost of one dinner with wine.
If there are more of you (4–5 people), then this “mini-saloon” makes sense – comfortable and right up to the door. But if you are a couple, it is public subway a more rational choice (ticket: €1.50, valid for 100 minutes).
Hint: Taxis are not necessarily cheaper. Also, beware of the “taxi turistico” trap – always ask for the meter to be turned on. But if you are tired in the evening – yes, take an Uber. Just don’t expect mercy on the price.
Mistake 2: "We're going to the museum tomorrow, don't panic" – big panic
In Rome, spontaneity means one thing: you'll stand in front of a sold-out box office and say to yourself, "We'll do it again."
Vatican Museums? Tickets are sometimes sold out several weeks in advance. The same applies to Colosseum, Borghese Gallery, and more.
Vatican ticket: €20, +€5 for reservation without waiting. And yes, “skip-the-line” also means “wait in a separate line”.
Tip: Book at least 30–60 days in advanceAll official tickets are available through the museum websites - don't fall for resellers with higher prices.
Mistake 3: Eating with a view (of other tourists)
If you decide to have lunch right next to the Trevi Fountain or in Piazza Venezia, know this: the view will be gorgeous, but the food will be average, and the prices... Roman.
Better: walk two blocks away and find a small trattoria where the locals sit. It won't be glamorous, but it will be homey and delicious.
And another golden rule:
A whole bottle of wine (e.g. house wine) it will often cost you €12–16, while a glass can easily cost €6-8. Yes, we only found that out on the third evening.
Hint: If you want a view, then treat yourself to it with an aperitif – at Piazza Navona, by the fountains, with a glass of Aperol for €10 (which is perfectly fine for such an atmosphere).
Mistake 4: All in one day? Dream.
The most logical, but least feasible idea: cramming all the sights into one day.
Rome is not a marathon, but a series of wonderful episodes – and each one needs its own space.
Ideally:
- First day: Ancient Rome – Colosseum, Roman Forum, Palatine Hill, Capitoline Hill.
- Other day: Vatican - museums, Sistine Chapel, Basilica.
- Third day: Relaxed day – Trastevere, Campo de' Fiori, maybe Villa Borghese.
Every day should include a break for coffee, gelato, and an aimless walk. The best memories are the ones we didn't plan.
Mistake 5: Rome and “open 24/7”? Not exactly
Italians know how to live – and also how to relax.
Restaurants are often closed during 3:00 PM and 7:30 PM – lunchtime is not time for pasta, but for a walk.
Museums? Be careful on holidays, Sundays, the last Monday of the month... Each facility has its own hours, some even close before 5 pm.
Hint: Always check the official websites. And yes, Sunday in the Vatican? Closed. The last Sunday of the month? Free entry, but also a madhouse.
Mistake 6: Bad footwear and wrong fashion
One in four people in Rome has calluses – this is a made-up statistic, but it seems plausible.
Rome means: cobblestones, climbs, valleys, stairs, marathon days. If you come in sandals or fancy shoes, you suffer.
And let's not forget: Entry to churches (including the Vatican) Requires covered shoulders and knees. Shorts and strapless tops – prohibited.
Tip: Bring a scarf or a cardigan, dress comfortably – and forget about high heels. The only height that counts in Rome is the view from the Gianicolo or the terrace at the Spanish Steps.
Mistake 7: Thinking we have to “see everything” – and end up seeing nothing
Tourist spots are a must, of course. But Rome is also hidden in the details:
- in the street violinist in Piazza Navona,
- in a conversation with the waiter who tells you that his grandmother makes the best tiramisu over there,
- in walking aimlessly and discovering your favorite street that isn't in any guidebook.
Hint: Plan at least one afternoon without a plan. Stroll through Trastevere, sit by the water, order something local, what you don't understand – and enjoy. Rome is not a collection of ticks on a list, it is a feeling that happens between the lines.
Bonus point: Sunday Mass in St. Peter's Square – with blessing included
Sometimes when you travel, you find yourself in a moment you didn't plan for, but it completely takes over you. For us, it was a Sunday visit. Masses in St. Peter's Square, which takes place every Sunday at 10 am.
Being Catholics (and to be fair – already nearby), we said to ourselves, “Absolutely!” And it turned out to be one of those classic Roman experiences that stays in the memory forever.
Recommendation: Come at least an hour earlier – not only because of security checks, but because The market is starting to fill up quickly., and the best corners are quickly taken. When we arrived, the ticket for the basilica was already “sold out” (read: the entire allowed quota of visitors was taken), but just following the mass outdoors is a special experience.
After the conclusion of the mass, there is greetings and blessings from the Pope, who appears from his residence. Although you observe it all from a slight distance, it is a moment when the entire market – regardless of nationality, religion or belief – briefly stops and breathes in the same rhythm.
Tip: Even if you're not religious, attending Sunday mass in the square is a great way to experience Rome at its most magnificent, almost cinematic moment. The sight of thousands of people, the soft sound of the organ, and the Pope's blessing from the window... it's one of those Roman moments you don't plan - and that's why you never forget them.
BONUS TIPS
- Tips: They are not mandatory in Italy, but rounding up the bill is nice. 5–10 % is plenty.
- Drinking water: Fountains around the city are drinking – fill your bottle, nature and your wallet will thank you.
- Aperol Spritz: The price ranges between 6 and 12 €, depending on location. Cheaper in the side streets, more expensive in Piazza Navona – but sometimes that view is really worth it.
Conclusion: Rome is worth every euro
Rome will always be waiting for you – but it won’t always make your journey easier. Even though we made all the classic mistakes, it’s what helped us experience the city more authentically. And now we know: book in advance, wear sneakers, eat with the locals, drink wine from the bottle, and take your time. Rome is not a destination for the faint-hearted. It’s a place to experience. Whether it’s your next visit – or your first.