10 Things you shouldn’t do in Rome

The eternal city is a wonderful place to visit at least once in a lifetime. Once there you’ll find art, history, culture and magic. All you ever asked for!

Each place you’ll visit will leave you breathless. You’ll have a lot to visit among fountains, museums, statues, tombs, and palaces. Without forgetting restaurants, clubs and pubs.

But did you ever think about the 10 things you shouldn’t do in Rome? Then keep reading to find out the best practices to visit Rome!

1. Dress code in churches

ROme by martieda – Pixabay

If you are wondering why in the first place we have the word churches then try to imagine. To visit churches and especially St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican City you need to wear proper close.

Don’t absolutely visit churches in shorts or with short tops and even sleeveless. They say that shoulders and legs must be covered. So don’t forget to bring a cotton scarf with you to help you cover your arms before entering the church.

And believe me when I say cover yourself. Otherwise, you’ll be buying scarfs from the vendors and shops outside St. Peter’s Basilica because they won’t let you in.

2. Carbonara and other pasta

Carbonara by Hans – Pixabay

Once in Rome, you will want to try the best food of your life. Amatriciana, gricia, cacio e pepe are some of those. But regardless of everything you need to try the Carbonara.  You probably know by now what we are talking about. For this reason don’t ask for cream in it, because they won’t prepare it for you! The original recipe doesn’t contain cream.

It’s all eggs and guanciale with roman pecorino cheese! A sprinkle of black pepper and nothing more! Stay away from cream! They will give you evil looks!

Everyone has their own taste I know. But for once, try to enjoy the original food especially prepared for you and then once back at home you can prepare it as you prefer! And believe me, you’ll try the best dishes in the whole world.

3. Buy something before using the toilet

Bar by Pexels – Pixabay

The toilet is not free in most of the bars you’ll find around Rome. They will probably ask you to “buy or get something” before you can even use the toilet. Stop at a bar and buy a coffee, a bottle of water or whatever and then use the toilet so you will avoid evil looks from the owners.

4. Don’t mistreat art

Rome by Midicloriano – Pixabay

As already mentioned, Rome is full of historical pieces of art. They are part of what Romans are and they are a cultural heritage for everyone to visit and admire. Please take care of the places you’ll visit. Don’t sit on statues and respect all the historical pieces of art. Otherwise, you’ll end up in the newspaper the next morning and on the Tv the same evening. But don’t forget that you will also receive a fine! Please keep your hands away from paintings and sculptures! 

5. Don’t throw yourself in fountains

Rome by Pexels – Pixabay

Summer in Italy can be a very annoying thing, especially for tourists visiting the “eternal city” in August.

But even June and July are hot periods too, don’t forget! 

Wherever you’ll go you’ll find beautiful fountains all around. Unfortunately, many rude tourists like to throw themselves in the fountains to cool down.

I suggest not to do that because Romans are not polite and tolerant. And even vigilant and police aren’t. You’ll receive a heavy fine for it. All around Rome you’ll find many “nasoni ” all around where you can fill your water bottle for free and wash your hands and also bits and pieces.

6. Rent a bike not a car

Bike by RyanMcGuire – Pixabay

Rome is full of cars. People move around by car because buses are very slow and take their time.

I suggest renting bikes or mopeds if you prefer but in that case, be careful and ask about the signals because driving around can be difficult if you don’t have experience around Rome.

For this reason, a bike can be helpful. You’ll reach your place very easily and without waiting for the traffic to move especially during the morning and afternoon.

7. Don’t try the “touristic menù”

Menù board by stokpic – Pixabay

If you want to save money the infamous “touristic menù” is not for you! Believe me. As they say here “è nà cafonata!”. Try to look around and search for eateries and restaurants that have the menù outside so you will see how much it costs for a plate of pasta and a tiramisù.

You will find  very good restaurants but you need to look out for them don’t go to the first one you’ll see. And before going in, try searching on the web for them! That will help you choose the right one!

8.  Don’t give out your details

Details by Shutterbug75 – Pixabay

Among the roads especially the touristic routes you’ll find people with tables and documents promoting different things. If they “catch you” they will ask for your details but don’t give out anything. 

9. Don’t go to the Trevi Fountain if you don’t have a coin

Trevi Fountain by kittyvanrooij216 – Pixabay

The tradition of the Trevi Fountain requires a coin and a desire. Once there you need to take a picture while giving your shoulders to the fountain and meanwhile you throw the coin and make a wish. It’s not so difficult as I just explained to you, believe me! Have fun and don’t forget to bring your camera with you!

10. Bocca della verità 

Bocca della verità by pcdazero – Pixabay

You can’t go back home if you don’t stick your hand in the Bocca Della Verità in the Basilica of Saint Mary in Cosmedin. I know is risky but you’ll hand will be safe in the end! And don’t forget to cross over and pause in front of the Temple of Hercules Victor for good luck!