Not Booking Tickets in Advance
The Vatican Museums and Colosseum require advance booking. Without tickets, you'll wait 2-4 hours in summer. The Vatican sells out days ahead. The Colosseum offers timed entries that prevent overcrowding—walk-ups face long waits or sellouts.
Pro Tip: Book 2-3 weeks ahead for peak season. The official sites (coopculture.it for Colosseum, museivaticani.va for Vatican) are cheaper than resellers.
Eating Near Major Attractions
Restaurants within sight of the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, or Spanish Steps charge tourist prices for mediocre food. Walk 5-10 minutes into residential neighborhoods—Monti, Trastevere, Testaccio—for authentic Roman cuisine at fair prices.
Pro Tip: Look for restaurants where the menu isn't translated into 8 languages. If there's a photo menu, keep walking.
Visiting the Vatican on Wednesday
The Pope holds public audiences on Wednesday mornings, attracting huge crowds to Vatican City. The museums are packed with tour groups. Visit Tuesday, Thursday, or Friday for shorter lines. Friday afternoons are particularly quiet.
Underestimating Walking Distances
Rome's historic center looks compact on a map, but cobblestone streets, hills, and summer heat make walking exhausting. The Colosseum to Vatican walk takes 45 minutes—longer if you stop for gelato. Plan 3-4 major sites per day maximum.
Ignoring the Dress Code
St. Peter's Basilica and the Vatican Museums enforce dress codes strictly. No shorts above the knee, no bare shoulders. Guards turn away dozens of tourists daily. Carry a light scarf or shawl in your bag to cover up as needed.
Skipping the Roman Forum
Many visitors rush through the Roman Forum to maximize Colosseum time. This is backwards. The Forum was ancient Rome's heart—where Caesar was cremated, where senators debated. Spend equal time in both. Your Colosseum ticket includes Forum entry.
Throwing Coins the Wrong Way
At Trevi Fountain, tradition says: right hand, over left shoulder, back to the fountain. One coin means you'll return to Rome. Two coins mean romance. Three mean marriage. Watch the coins pile up—the city collects €1.5 million annually for charity.
Not Validating Train Tickets
Italian trains require ticket validation before boarding. Green machines on platforms stamp your ticket with the time and date. Unvalidated tickets result in €50+ fines, even if you paid. This applies to regional trains—high-speed trains like Frecce are different.
