When visiting Rome, it is advisable to assimilate the local customs and practices, thereby ensuring a more immersive experience in the capital city of Italy. Utilize these privileged insights to better understand the cultural nuances and make the most of your time in this historical city.

Rome confidently embraces its status as a city of controlled chaos, shaped by over three millennia of human habitation. Unspoken rules, second nature to most Romans, may come as a surprise to visitors. The Eternal City combines la dolce vita nonchalance with a rigid sense of etiquette, particularly concerning dressing and dining, adding structure to its famously ungovernable nature. By internalizing these essential rules, you can navigate the city with the confidence and flair of a true Roman citizen.

1. Do time your sightseeing right

Beat the heat and the crowds in Rome with some savvy timing.
Romans often find themselves playing the role of tourists in their own city, surrounded by a rich tapestry of cultural marvels that would require a lifetime to fully appreciate. They understand the importance of strategic timing, choosing to explore the city’s art collections, ancient sites, and baroque palaces during serene and tranquil moments. To make the most of their visits, they recommend securing tickets in advance and setting out to visit the most renowned attractions early in the morning or during the late afternoon. Furthermore, during the summer, many of these distinguished sites extend their opening hours, providing unique evening opportunities to soak in their splendor.

Insider tip:
It’s important to note that state-owned museums and archaeological ruins offer free admission on the first Sunday of every month. Therefore, it’s best to avoid visiting these attractions on that particular day to steer clear of the crowds and chaos.

2. Don’t be overexposed

Opt for clothing that covers knees and shoulders (or pack a wrap).
Rome is scorching in the summer, so it’s tempting to toss on shorts and a tank top to tour the city. Many sights require modest dress to enter, however, including the Pantheon (which, surprisingly, is officially a Catholic church) and the Vatican Museums (which include the Sistine Chapel). Romans know the dress code, so most instinctively wear long summer pants or skirts and tops with short sleeves no matter what their plans are—or keep a light wrap in their bag, just in case.

3. Do drink from the fountains

Rome’s “nasoni” water fountains are the city’s best-kept secret.
You can find free, safe-to-drink water at the historic “big nose” fountains, called nasoni, scattered all over Rome. There are over 2,000 of these fountains in the city. You can use them to fill your water bottle or drink directly from the spout.

4. Don’t take a dip

Rome’s famous fountains are historic landmarks, not public pools.
Every year, as the temperature rises, there are reports of tourists swimming in the Trevi Fountain and other water features in Rome. This is not acceptable in the city, as locals view these historic fountains as cultural treasures. Swimming in them can lead to fines or even arrest, and will not be well received by the local community. Instead, if you want to take a swim, you can visit one of the city’s rooftop hotel pools (many offer day passes) or join the locals at Santa Marinella beach, which is just a short train ride from the city center.

5. Do eat on a Roman schedule

All-day dining is a sure tourist trap.

In Rome, lunch is typically around 1:30pm and dinner at around 8pm, which is later than you might be used to. Many authentic Roman restaurants close between these hours, so to bridge the gap, you can explore the lively aperitivo scene, a pre-dinner happy hour with light cocktails and snacks.

6. Don’t dine overlooking major monuments

The view may be divine, but the food won’t be.
When walking past the restaurants in Piazza Navona or near the Pantheon, you’ll see mostly tourists and few, if any, locals. These eateries often rely on their location and their food quality may be disappointing. However, Rome is filled with traditional trattorias, so a short walk down a side street is likely to bring you to an authentic eatery. It’s best to avoid restaurants with hosts enticing you to enter, menus in multiple languages, or photos of dishes displayed outside, as these are signs of tourist traps.

7. Do be vigilant about your valuables

Never hang bags over your chair back when dining outdoors.
In Rome, much like any metropolitan area, the occurrence of petty crime, particularly pickpocketing, is noteworthy. Romans have adopted certain fundamental measures to safeguard their valuables, and it is advisable for visitors to follow suit. This includes storing wallets and smartphones in secure, zippered pockets while navigating the city. Furthermore, it is prudent to refrain from leaving valuables unattended on chair backs or exposed on outdoor restaurant tables. Opt instead to keep possessions securely positioned on your lap or placed on the ground between your feet, especially when engrossed in dining activities.

8. Don’t flag down taxis

Cabs in Rome can only be hired at designated taxi stands.
It is a common misconception among tourists that hailing a taxi on any city street is permissible. However, according to local regulations in Rome, taxis can only be hired from designated taxi stands or by phone. Conveniently, taxi stands are located near major monuments, squares, train stations, and airports, minimizing the need for extensive walking to find one. When hiring a taxi, it is important to engage licensed vehicles (identified by their white color and displaying the taxi company name and vehicle number on the door) and anticipate additional charges for luggage, extra passengers, and nighttime services.

9. Do use the metro

Travel across the city quickly and cheaply by subway.
Rome’s subway system is characterized by its functional and utilitarian design. It provides convenient access to major landmarks such as the Colosseum and Spanish Steps, and distinguishes itself from the city’s notably unreliable bus network by offering consistently punctual train services. The city center is serviced by two primary lines, Line A (red) and Line B (blue), with a convenient intersection beneath the Termini train station, facilitating smooth transfers. While Rome’s bus system experiences low local patronage, the subway system is widely utilized by both residents and tourists alike.

10. Don’t be afraid to say no

Engaging with street vendors is a waste of time and money.
Despite the city’s efforts to address the issue, crowds of street vendors persist in peddling a variety of items, from long-stemmed roses to opportunities for photographs with costumed gladiators. Romans have developed an effective strategy for managing these persistent sales pitches: simply ignore them. Avoid making eye contact and continue with your conversation or walk without pausing. While this approach may seem dismissive or impolite, engaging in any way is likely to lead to prolonged negotiations for goods in which you have no interest. Following the example of local residents, it is best to maintain your pace and conversation without interruption.