Rome Do’s and Don’ts – A Personal List

I first visited Rome in the autumn of 2022 with my parents and sister. We made some fantastic memories, but as I watched the outskirts of Rome skim past our bus as we left the city, I felt disappointed. The Rome I experienced didn’t match my peers’ glamorous tales and high praise. However, using the lessons from my first trip, I returned in 2024 with my husband to give the eternal city another chance, utilizing some of the pointers from the Rome do’s and don’ts list I created. This time, the city resonated with me in a more meaningful way. When I now envision Rome, I view it with a haze of golden admiration.

Based on the insights I gleaned from my initial trip and the successful choices I made on my second, I’ve compiled a list of Rome do’s and don’ts for anyone planning to visit. While there is an abundance of information available to guide you through the city’s hidden gems, I hope my unique perspective can offer some tips that larger platforms might have overlooked.

ByAmandaHernandez.com is sponsored by its readers, which means that I may earn commission on affiliate links. These are no extra charge to you, but help me earn a little income. You can read my disclaimer here.

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The Do’s

Do plan your meals ahead

On my first trip to Rome, I didn’t do any research on where to eat. I figured that since Rome is the capital of a country known for its high-quality cuisine, that all of the restaurants would be good. Don’t let the simple fact of being in Italy fool you. I found that many restaurants in the same neighborhoods as tourist attractions can be bland or even downright offensive. I will never forget the horror of being served scrambled eggs so crusted over and cold that I wondered if they were a missing artifact from one of the museums. 

Researching restaurants on sites like TripAdvisor is a simple way to ensure a restaurant is worth your time. Saving the restaurants I wanted to try and making a few reservations in advance made a world of difference in our dining experience. I would also recommend a food tour to understand the local flavors more intimately and get some sound advice from a tour guide.

Do take time to explore the neighborhoods

My biggest regret after my first trip to Rome was not giving myself time to get lost in some of Rome’s most picturesque neighborhoods. I was so busy rushing from landmark to landmark that I only saw Roman antiquity and none of the modern-day authenticity. On my second trip, I spent time strolling through Trastevere and Regola, which I found to be fulfilling and improved my impressions of Rome. There is something romantic about getting lost on Rome’s residential streets lined with specialty shops, dining patios, and draping greenery.

Do buy tickets to major landmarks ahead of time 

Buying tickets to landmarks like the Vatican Museums and the Colosseum can be confusing. The Colosseum requires a selected time that must be adhered to, and the ticket line to the Vatican Museum can quickly become long. You can buy these tickets online to avoid confusion and long waits. Just be sure to read the fine print on where to pick up the tickets and only buy them from trusted sources like GetYourGuide.  Sometimes these sites cost a little more than the average ticket price, but the ease and security you have when buying them from these sites is worth it.

Do arrive at the major landmarks as soon as they open 

I know waking up early can be rough, but getting to the major tourist attractions as soon as they open is the only way to possibly experience it without anxiety-inducing crowds. On my first trip to Rome, we got to the Vatican Museums around 10:00, and the crowds were practically crushing. On my second trip, my husband and I went as soon as the doors opened and were able to experience the museums in peace with only a handful of people around us. That being said, it can be busy during the high season and you might have to mentally prepare for crowds no matter when you arrive. 

Do hire a private transfer from the airport 

Like other major cities, Rome can have shady taxi drivers, and if you are like me and don’t know how to pack light, then taking the metro from the airport is not an option. On my first trip, I arrived alone, and the taxi driver tried to overcharge me the standard airport transfer rate of €50. On our second trip my husband went ahead and booked a private transfer ahead of time. The private transfer cost wasn’t much more than that of a taxi, and it saved us the pains of dealing with scams. 

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The Don’ts

Don’t try to do it all in one day

Rome wasn’t built in a day and it certainly can’t be seen in a day. One of my biggest faults when planning excursions in Rome was underestimating how much time and walking many of the sites required for total immersion. For example, tackling the Vatican and the Colosseum in one day was exhausting, and I wouldn’t recommend it. I would try to stick to one “big” attraction a day and sprinkle the smaller attractions like churches, galleries, the Trevi Fountain, and the Pantheon throughout. 

Don’t only buy cheap souvenirs

Of course, you should get a fun t-shirt or magnet to commemorate your trip, but some of the best souvenirs I bought in Rome were far from those junky shops with creepy fluorescent lighting. I bought a beautiful leather-bound journal with a personalized engraving at Manufactus, some Italian books translated into English from Spazio Sette Libreria, and a leather bag at Bags and Fruits near Campo de Fiori that I have been using as my go-to bag since my trip. A lot of these shops are great for men, too. Ja found a wallet he treated himself to in the leather shop, which is rare for him since he is not a big shopper. 

Don’t skip the lesser-known tourist attractions 

One of my favorite places I visited in Rome was a Galleria Doria Pamphilj, which I found when clicking around on Google Maps. The gallery hosts an exquisite private art collection in a royal palace, so you are able to see stunning works of art by famous painters alongside opulent décor in high-ceiling rooms. I also thought the Sacred Area Largo di Torre Argentina was interesting, especially since this is where Julius Caesar was assassinated. Today, it doubles as a landmark and a cat sanctuary. So much of Rome’s beauty lies beyond the Vatican and the ancient sites.

Don’t fall for scams 

The scammers in Rome are savvy, and there are a lot of new travelers visiting who might not know how to spot a scam yet. I was surprised at the amount of people I saw falling for them! One scam to watch out for is when a person, usually from an African country, attempts to engage you in conversation by complimenting you or asking where you are from. If you respond, they will try to give you a “gift” of a bracelet and then ask you to pay for it. There are also groups of people dressed in green who will try to get you to sign a petition against drugs or maybe some other cause. According to some forums I’ve read on this scam, they will try to pickpocket you, steal your information, or bully you for money. 

I know it sounds harsh, but in Rome, it’s better to play the defensive and not engage with strangers who approach you in crowded areas.

Don’t underestimate the amount of walking you will do

Listen, sightseeing in most cities requires a lot of walking, but you might walk more than average on a trip to Rome. Many major sites are spread out enough that it is easier to take the 20-to-30-minute walk rather than bother with a taxi or the metro. It is essential to know this ahead of time so that you wear proper shoes and plan breaks accordingly. My best advice is to make sure you load up on piles of pasta for energy, of course!

Conclusion

While Rome can be an overwhelming city to navigate at first, utilizing a list of Rome do’s and don’ts is a helpful way to create your own guide through the city. After my second trip, I went from feeling impartial to Rome to it being one of my favorite cities. These are the tips I would give to any of my friends heading to Rome for the first time, and I hope you found them useful!

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