Rome, lovingly referred to as the Eternal City, is one of the most popular destinations for lovers, families, and solo travellers alike. In fact, some 35 million tourists went to the iconic Italian city in 2023, visiting popular attractions like the Colosseum, Pantheon, Roman Forum, and more. Many also decide to take a quick little trip to Vatican City as well, which is nestled deep within Rome itself.
The saying goes that, “When in Rome, do as the Romans do.” If you translate that to 2024 speak, it pretty much means that you should think and act like a Roman when it comes to paying for things. In Rome, it’s easy to get swindled or fooled by people who are trying to squeeze tons of money out of you. When you head to Rome, which has one of the busiest airports in the world, be sure to avoid these horrible tourist traps.
Dine Like Locals and Avoid Food Near the Trevi Fountain
Beyond its overwhelmingly gorgeous and historically significant sites, you’re going to Rome to eat. During your travels, you’ll likely head to The Trevi Fountain, a baroque masterpiece, which is a must-see in Rome. It’s a great place to snag a few photos with your loved ones and throw a couple of coins in for good luck!
However, the restaurants surrounding this iconic landmark are often overpriced and boast mediocre food. As exciting as it might be to dine with a view of the fountain, explore the charming neighborhoods of Monti or Trastevere for authentic Roman cuisine at reasonable (and realistic) prices. If you decide to dine near the Fountain, you’ll be served pricy food that won’t give you an authentic indication of Italy’s rich cuisine.
Walk Around Rome Instead of Joining Hop-On Hop-Off Tours
While bus tours tend to promise convenience, they often deliver a subpar experience you’ll probably end up regretting. Rome’s narrow streets and traffic congestion mean buses frequently get stuck, wasting precious time. And as great as you think your tour guide will be, there’s a chance they’ll just end up spewing generic information you already know.
In most cases, these Rome bus tours are pricey, crowded, and just plain boring. Instead, the best way to see Rome is by walking through its streets. And if you’re already reached your 10,000 steps for the day and need a break, Rome has an extremely efficient public transportation system. It can also be affordable! Head to the Roma Pass website and see if it makes sense for your trip. The pass includes unlimited transportation and entries into many major attractions.
Skip Gelato Near Major Hotspots in Rome
Unsurprisingly, we’re going back to food for our final tourist trap to avoid in Rome, Italy. Gelato is a quintessential Italian treat and it’s probably one of the reasons why you decided to visit the European country in the first place. However, we urge you to ignore shops near popular sites like the Colosseum or the Spanish Steps.
These joints will lure you in with fancy, loaded, and gluttonous flavors but they often serve low-quality, mass-produced treats at hyper-inflated prices. You really shouldn’t be paying an arm-and-a-leg for some gelato, which is why we encourage you to go to more local hotspots. To find authentic gelato joints, look for shops displaying signs like “gelato artigianale” (artisanal ice cream) or “produzione propria” (homemade). If there’s a bold, bright menu in English, you probably want to stay away from it. Ask your hotel or hostel’s front desk staff for their local recommendations.
If you decide to pair Rome with the City of Lights, be sure to learn about the biggest tourist traps you should avoid in Paris.
