Rome Tourist Traps
Believe me, I’ve been duped by a couple of tourist traps during my initial visits to Rome. Can we say “embarrassing”? However, it’s a common experience that can happen to even the most seasoned travelers. Nobody wants to focus on potential pitfalls when preparing for a dream trip to one of the world’s most renowned cities. Discovering the existence of various tourist traps often takes a backseat in the travel preparations. The good news is that none of these traps pose any real harm; they might be inconvenient and a bit embarrassing. After all, no one relishes the feeling of being outsmarted. Continue to read on, and I will share with you some of the more common and uncommon Rome tourist traps, how to recognize them, and how to avoid them.
Most Common Rome Tourist Traps
In Rome’s lively chaos, there are some more common Rome tourist traps to be aware of. Knowing these more common tourist traps will hopefully steer you clear of falling prey. So, before you dive into the chaos of the city, here’s a quick rundown on a few Rome tourist traps to watch out for.
- Restaurant Traps: This is a huge one. It is definitely the hugest of Rome’s tourist traps. What do you need to look out for? You don’t want to dine in any of the open areas around well-known Piazzas and tourist attractions. For example, Piazza Navona is completely dotted with tons of restaurants around the fountains; every one of them is a tourist trap. It’s best to take a five to ten-minute stroll away from areas like this to avoid the traps. What else makes these restaurants stand out as tourist traps? If you see multiple languages on the menu, photos of the dishes on the menu, laminated menus, and high prices, steer clear. (Most dinners in Rome should cost less than € 20-25, including wine.) Also, if there are waiters inviting you into their restaurants, do not go in. Take a peek inside if you need to. Are the restaurants full of tourists, or do you see mostly Italians dining there?
- Unofficial Tour Guides: If I must preach one thing, the best practice for tour guides is to book them ahead of time. Be wary of individuals offering unofficial tours around major sites. Opt for licensed tour guides to ensure a legitimate and informative experience. If you are interested in going on tours, the best practice is always to book ahead with a reliable site. I have included who I use below. I love these two sites and always use them on my travels.
- Dressed-up “Gladiators”: They are there, and you will see them. They mostly hang out around the Colosseum. These individuals dress up as gladiators and offer to take photos with visitors. DON’T allow it. I mean, unless you have intentions of paying for that picture. These individuals can be persistent in asking for payment. If you’re not interested, it’s best to decline their services to avoid any confrontations politely.
- Pickpocketing: Keep in mind that most people in Rome are very pleasant, but there are always a few bad apples in the bunch. Pickpocketing can easily happen using various techniques. The most common technique is creating a distraction. Pickpocekters often travel in pairs or groups, so while one distracts you by asking questions, the other is taking your wallet. Be wary of people handing out fliers and staging fights as well. Also, be wary of transportation scams. These people will offer to help you with ticketing or luggage as a distraction. Fake police officers can also be a concern. Fake police officers will stop people to ask for identification, creating a distraction. Genuine police officers will always have proper identification, so if in doubt, ask for credentials and verify with the local police station. My best suggestions for avoiding pickpocketing from happening to you is to remain vigilant and to use anti-theft travel accessories such as anti-theft backpacks, money belts, or neck pouches to keep your valuables secure. I love to use a crossbody purse whenever I travel.
- Currency Exchange Kiosks: My best advice is to avoid them at all costs. They will inflate the exchange rate. If you need currency exchange, the best practice is to go to a “Bacomat.” These are easy to find throughout the city. Do not use Euronet ATMs.
Less Common Rome Tourist Traps
Beyond the well-known Rome tourist traps lies a set of less commonly acknowledged traps. Below, we will explore some of these to ensure a more authentic and hassle-free exploration of the city. Some will even save you time and money. Also, for more information on some of the sites I mention below, check out my Rome in 3 Days Itinerary.
- Ancient Rome: I only say this because if you don’t have a huge interest in the archaeology and history of the Roman Forum, it really isn’t worth entering the forum. However, if you purchase a guided tour that “skips the line,” then it will definitely be worth it. These guided tours are full of information that will illuminate what you are viewing within the forum. Otherwise, without a guide, it will seem like you are simply just looking at a bunch of stones. That was how I experienced it on my first rookie trip to Rome…just a bunch of rocks. If your interest is still low, you can always view the forum from above.
- Spanish Steps: The Spanish Steps draws a considerable crowd of both tourists and locals. The site’s popularity can often result in overwhelming crowds, especially during peak hours. Your best bet is to wake up early and visit early in the morning. This will allow you to enjoy and appreciate the site without the large crowds. And while you’re up, you can enjoy a nice breakfast in the area. I highly recommend Canova Tadolini (Via del Babuino, 150/a, 00187 Roma RM, Italy). Enjoy breakfast amongst life-sized statues.
- Trevi Fountain: This is the same as the Spanish Steps. It’s a highly popular site for tourists. Again, rookie mistake on my first trip: I went during the most crowded time and literally had to fight my way to the fountain to toss in my coin. But I did it, and I did get my return trip back to Rome…and several more!
It’s best to rise early and head there, which will give you ample time to enjoy the fountain without the masses of tourists. - Villa Borghese Park Bike Rentals: Visiting the park is a great reprieve from the hustle and bustle of Rome. One of the best things to do is to rent a bike and spend time biking throughout the park. What I will warn against is renting a bike from inside the park. This will set you back a pretty penny. I would explore bike rental options outside of the park. (See below for my recommendations.) This way, you can save some money…to spend on a delicious gelato.
- Long Lines: If I can stress one important thing to do, it is to book everything you want to see while in Rome ahead of time. With lots of tourists visiting Rome, especially during peak season, you will be standing in long lines waiting to see attractions, and no one wants to spend thousands of dollars on a trip to stand in long lines the entire time. Trust me, book ahead. I use two sites to book my tours, and I love them both. I have provided them below.
- Transportation: Unfortunately, there is a lot to look out for. You will want to be wary of unlicensed taxis. Don’t hail a taxi on the street, especially if the driver doesn’t have a visible taxi license. Stick to official taxi stands or reputable ride-sharing services to ensure a safe and legitimate ride. Moving onto fixed fare scams. This is when the driver doesn’t use a meter and gives you a fixed rate. This always results in the fee being significantly larger than if it were to be metered. You may also find that if you accept a fixed fare and pay with a larger bill, the driver will tell you he/she does not have any change for your bill, and then you’ve lost even more money. Unofficial transfers are another transportation scam to look out for. You will find these mostly around the airports or train stations. Stick to pre-arranged transfers or official taxi services. And last but not least, look out for inflated rental prices. If you plan to rent bikes, cars, or scooters, be cautious of hidden fees and/or inflated prices.
BEST RELIABLE AIRPORT TRANSFER SERVICES
FAQs
Below, you will find a few frequently asked questions about Rome tourist traps.
How prevalent is pickpocketing in Italy?
There are 463 pickpocketing incidents for every one million visitors to Italy. Unfortunately, Italy has the highest rate of pickpocketers in Europe.
What makes something a tourist trap?
Basically, anything that involves inflating costs, from food to souvenirs and entertainment, and creating distractions to steal from you.
Are people in Rome friendly to tourists?
Yes, 100%. Italians are friendly and welcoming. In Rome, they are used to crowds and are accustomed to hosting visitors from around the world. They often take pride in their city’s deep history and are happy to share information or help visitors navigate their way around. It is important to note, however, that tourists should be aware of their surroundings, stay respectful of local customs, and exercise the usual precautions to ensure a positive and enjoyable experience.
Conclusion
It’s impossible to avoid all of Rome’s tourist traps. There are several, and this post just touched on some, not all, of the more common and less common ones. It is always recommended to stay vigilant. As I mentioned earlier, using appropriate travel gear to keep your valuables and passport safe is always a good idea. I hope that this information will help you on your Rome travels and steering clear of Rome’s tourist traps. Navigating unfamiliar territory can be overwhelming, but hopefully, this information will give you confidence in knowing what to avoid and how to avoid many of those Rome tourist traps. And if you’re ready to venture out of Rome, take a look at my 10 amazing day trips from Rome post.
