Have you been dreaming of a summer in Italy? Italy can be a dream destination year round, but summer is one of the most popular times to visit. I just came back from my 3rd or 4th trip to Rome, and after a few trips there, I have seen how the city has changed over the years and have learned so much about how to have the best trip possible!. There are a few tricks of the trade you should know to have the best experience possible in Rome, so I wanted to share some of the travel tips I’ve learned over the years.

Hopefully these will help you plan the best trip you could possibly have.

So, keep reading for 10 Mistakes Not to Make in Rome.

10 Mistakes Not to Make in Rome

Doing too much sightseeing in Rome

So obviously Rome is known for its sites and there is definitely a lot you can’t miss out on!

But if you jam pack your itinerary running from tourist site to tourist site, you will miss out on the allure of one of Europe’s most beautiful cities. There was an Italian saying that became a trending sound on TikTok and Reels a few months ago that basically sums it up - la dolce far niente or the sweetness of doing nothing. On any trip to Rome, or really Italy in general, you need to experience that!

Sit in a café for hours on end, roam through the streets with no real purpose or itinerary. That is one piece of any Italian vacation that 100% should not be missed.

Not buying tickets to tourists sights in Rome in advance

Whatever sites you plan on seeing - be sure to pick up those tickets for entry online in advance!

Rome is notorious for crowds and epic lines everywhere, so definitely book your tickets a few weeks in advance. And be sure to get them from an official site, not just any random website that says “skip the line tickets” when you look them up on Google.

The official sites will have the best prices and most updated calendar of availability, so unless you are going on a fully guided tour that specifically includes entry fees to the sites you’d like to see, avoid third party vendors.

Eating lunch or dinner near tourist sights in Rome

It may be tempting to stop in whatever restaurant is calling your name as you finish a morning of sightseeing, but generally speaking, I avoid eating at any restaurants directly near a tourist attraction. The food will be mediocre at best and way overpriced.

Do some research in advance on the best places to eat in each neighborhood, or at least walk a few blocks away from tourist central before grabbing a table to eat. The only exception is for my influencers or Insta babes who care more about getting the right shot than they do about the food - and I myself will admit I am guilty of this at times!

I have definitely had my share of overpriced coffees and bland appetizers at Instagram friendly restaurants with an iconic view, but at least that counts as a business expense for me!

Not watching out for pickpockets in Rome

Ok this is a big safety tip for Rome, as it is for most touristy cities in Europe - be on the lookout for pickpockets. It’s pretty common, especially around the major tourist attractions, and because those small narrow streets can get incredibly crowded, it’s very easy for someone to pickpocket you without you even realizing it.

Be attentive to your belongings, use a cross body bag or something that will keep your stuff close to you, zipped up and in front of your body, and avoid putting things in your pockets, especially your back pockets.

Also don’t bring out more valuables than you absolutely have to. Keep one credit card with you at a time and a small amount of cash each day, and never the original of your passport!

Walking Around at Night in Rome

Here’s another safety tip. While Rome is gorgeous during the day, sunset and early evening, there are definitely some sketchy spots at night. And while I love a good aimless stroll through the Eternal City, after dark it’s a bad idea!

While pickpocketing is pretty common by day, at night you are more likely to encounter a more violent robbery, especially if you find yourself wandering around the train station or outside of the main tourist hubs.

And getting a taxi back to your hotel is not always an easy feat. Most of the time you will be waiting 10 minutes or more for an Uber, or you will have to wander around until you find the nearest taxi stand and then wait there until one pulls up. If you want to experience Roman nightlife, do so with a group of friends - not on your own or if it’s just 2 of you.

And pre book your private driver or have your hotel reserve you a taxi pickup so you will have a ride waiting for you when you leave your bar, club or wherever.

Not Dressing Appropriately When in Rome

So clothing choices matter a lot whenever you are traveling, and it’s no different in Rome! Do yourself a favor and show off some of your style. I try not to judge, but it absolutely kills me to see the typical American tourist uniform in such a stylish, chic city. If you’re going to wear shorts they can be cute fashionable ones, not gym shorts or ill fitting cargo ones.

Throw away the ridiculous fanny packs and ugly t-shirts, and embrace some more fashionable choices. And you don’t have to sacrifice comfort for style. Linen, slip dresses, loose fitting button downs, feminine blouses or cool girl graphic tees are all amazing options and they all will be comfortable.

My Italian summer wardrobe was a mix of rompers, sundresses, and a little short suit for days when we were traveling in between cities. Take some inspiration from Instagram, TikTok or right here on this blog to figure out how to look your best while staying comfortable of course.

Not Leaving Time to Enjoy the Shopping in Rome

Rome is a great city for shopping and the best part is - you can find amazing products for every budget. Of course the city is known for the high end luxury brands, so if you are really living la dolce vita and want a souvenir you won’t forget, treat yourself to something from your favorite Italian luxury brand.

And right now the euro is at near record lows against the dollar, so take advantage of that! When we were in Rome we did a mini spree at Gucci and I got some really sexy Italian bikinis from random shops around town.

You can also treat yourself to wine, pastas or other foodie items, but I find that if you are in a major city like New York or LA the imports are just as good, so those items may not be worth hauling back. Just be sure to leave room in your itinerary to enjoy the shopping in town, and be sure to get to the airport early enough to do the VAT refund.

You’ll get back anywhere from around 12-18% depending on the purchase price, which can add up to a nice chunk of change. When we left Rome it took about an extra 30 minutes to find the VAT refund desk and process the refund, and that was without much of a line, so keep that in mind when you are scheduling your airport departure.

Skipping Aperitivo When Dining Out in Rome

Do not skip aperitivo, it was quite possibly my favorite thing about living in Italy! If you are new to the concept, aperitivo is happy hour on steroids. Most restaurants offer it from around 5 or 6 until 8 or 9, to help prepare your appetite for the big dinner that would follow. Depending on the restaurant you can expect anything from light bites, like prosciutto, cheese and crackers, to a full on buffet of options.

Honestly, if you find the right aperitivo you can load up on the buffet and skip dinner all together – which I have done a number of times. Great tip for those travelers on a budget!

Expecting to eat a big breakfast in Rome

When in Italy, eat as the Italians do. That means if you’re used to eating a big American or English style breakfast - get unused to it! Yes, the tourist traps and big chain hotels will probably offer it, but just give the classic Italian breakfast a try. It’s fast and simple - just a coffee and pastry - typically called a brioche or cornetto which is similar to a croissant.

After eating it for nearly 3 years I can definitively say I’m not a huge fan. But when traveling it’s important to explore local customs and food traditions, and this is kind of one of them.

Eating the wrong gelato in Rome

So not all gelato is made equal and there is a lot of terrible gelato in Rome! Like absolutely appalling. If you are trying to pick the perfect gelato place - keep this pro tip in mind. If you see the gelato piled up on display - keep it moving. High quality gelato will be stored in the tubs with a lid on top, so you won’t get to see the flavor or color until you are being served. And keep the taste testing to a minimum, especially if there is a long line!

Are you planning a trip to Rome this year or next? Hopefully these tips helped! Check out more of my travel related content and some other helpful articles below. And be sure to follow me on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube for more tips on traveling internationally and moving abroad.