Rome is one of the worldโ€™s most iconic travel destinations โ€” but even experienced travelers make mistakes here. From choosing the wrong time to visit the Vatican to falling for classic tourist traps around the Colosseum, minor missteps can cost you time, money, and a better travel experience.

Rome travel tips โ€“ mistakes tourists make in Rome near the Colosseum

1. Visiting the Vatican at the Wrong Time

The Vatican Museums are one of the most crowded attractions on Earth. Many first-time visitors go during peak hours (10:00โ€“14:00), only to spend half their day standing in lines.

How to avoid it:

  • Visit earlyย in the morningย (7:30โ€“9:00) or late in the afternoon (after 3:00 p.m.).

  • Book skip-the-line tickets from the official website, not third-party resellers.

  • Avoid Wednesdays (Papal Audience) and weekends.

2. Eating in Tourist Traps Near Major Attractions

Restaurants around the Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps, and Pantheon often charge inflated prices for average food. Many tourists end up paying โ‚ฌ14 for a cappuccino or โ‚ฌ25 for bad pasta. This is one mistake I personally made on my first trip to Rome.

How to avoid it:

Walk at least 2โ€“3 blocks away from major attractions.
Look for places where:

  • Italians are actually eating

  • Menus are in Italian

  • No staff member is calling you from the street

Try neighborhoods like Monti, Testaccio, or Trastevere for authentic food.

3. Not Reserving Tickets for the Colosseum in Advance

Thousands of tourists arrive at the Colosseum expecting to buy a ticket on the spot โ€” and discover everything is sold out. Many of the mistakes tourists make in Rome come from not planning..

Colosseum Rome โ€“ tourist mistakes and how to avoid crowds

How to avoid it:

  • Book your ticket at least 3โ€“5 days in advance.

  • Choose the Colosseum + Roman Forum + Palatine Hill combo โ€” itโ€™s cheaper and covers everything.

  • For the best experience, book the underground tour.

4. Taking Taxis from Tourist Spots

Taxi scams in Rome are common: inflated fares, โ€œbroken meters,โ€ and unofficial drivers who overcharge visitors.

How to avoid it:

  • Use only official white taxis with a meter.

  • Prefer Uber (Uber Black) or Free Now for transparent pricing.

  • Never get into a cab waiting outside the Colosseum or Termini โ€” these are known hotspots for scams.

5. Wearing Uncomfortable Shoes on Cobblestone Streets

Rome is a walking city, but many tourists underestimateย the impact of the cobblestones (calledย sanpietrini) on their feet.

How to avoid it:

  • Wear comfortable walking shoes, not sandals or dress shoes.

  • Avoid high heels entirely โ€” they get stuck in cracks.

  • Use public transport for long distances; it’s cheap and efficient.

6. Not Respecting Dress Codes at Churches

After visiting Rome multiple times, Iโ€™ve seen howโ€ฆ Many visitors are turned away from the Vatican or major basilicas because they wear shorts, crop tops, or sleeveless tops.

How to avoid it:

Dress modestly when visiting churches:

  • Shoulders covered

  • Knees covered

  • No revealing clothing

Tip: Carry a lightweight scarf and wrap it when needed.

7. Throwing Coins the Wrong Way into the Trevi Fountain

Tourists often toss coins incorrectly โ€” or take photos touching the fountain, which is prohibited.

How to avoid it:

  • Throw the coin with your right hand over your left shoulder.

  • Donโ€™t sit on the fountain โ€” the police will whistle and fine you.

  • Go early in the morning or late at night for fewer crowds.

8. Renting a Car in Rome

Rome is one of the worst cities in Europe for driving. Visitors often get fined in ZTL (Zona Traffico Limitato) areas without even knowing.

How to avoid it:

  • Do not rent a car unless youโ€™re leaving the city.

  • Use public transport, walking, taxis, or scooters.

  • If you must drive, study the ZTL maps carefully.

9. Not Watching Out for Pickpockets

Public transportation, busy squares, and metro stations are prime pickpocketing hotspots. Many tourists let their guard down and lose their phones or wallets.

How to avoid it:

  • Keep bags zipped at all times.

  • Avoid putting your phone in your back pocket.

  • Be extra careful around Termini, Metro Line A, and buses 64 & 40.

10. Thinking You Can See All of Rome in One Day

Rome has over 2,000 years of history โ€” you canโ€™t see everything in a quick trip. Many visitors rush from place to place and end up exhausted.

How to avoid it:

Plan 1โ€“2 major attractions per day.
Mix significant sights with relaxing activities like:

  • A walk in Villa Borghese

  • Aperitivo in Trastevere

  • Strolling along Via del Corso

This way, you actually enjoy Rome instead of racing through it.

Final Tips for First-Time Visitors

  • Always book major attractions in advance.

  • Avoid restaurants with โ€œtourist menus.โ€

  • Learn a few Italian phrases โ€” locals appreciate it.

  • Stay central (Monti, Trastevere, Prati) to save time.

  • Donโ€™t rush Rome โ€” itโ€™s meant to be savored slowly.

FAQs About Visiting Rome

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Is Rome safe for tourists?

Yes, but pickpocketing is common in crowded areas. Keep your belongings secure.

Whatโ€™s the best month to visit Rome?

April, May, late September, and October offer great weather with fewer crowds.

Do you need skip-the-line tickets for the Vatican?

Yes. If you don’t book ahead, expect very long delays.

Is tap water safe to drink in Rome?

Absolutely โ€” Rome has some of the cleanest tap water in Europe.

How many days do you need in Rome?

Ideally, 3โ€“4 days are needed to see the major attractions without rushing.