How to be a sensible tourist in Rome (and Italy)

Spring is almost upon us, if the weather is any indication, and some tourists are slowly but surely making their way back to the Boot. As bookings trickle in and museums re-open, we thought about how to improve these visitors’ experience of Rome and Italy as they come back after a long break in their travels, and at the office we’ve come up with these tried-and-true tips we ourselves have been using while going out of the country. Keep them in mind as your departure approaches and… see you in Rome!

Research what is banned and what can get you fined

If it’s allowed in your country, doesn’t mean you can do it in Italy. Laws that pertain to tourists are the same throughout the country, particularly when it comes to the enjoying of public monuments and landmarks and the usage of drones, but just in case do check out this post or ask your local embassy before boarding your flight!

Shop locally

Globalization has made it so that you can find many of the same brands wherever you go. This isn’t only specific to Rome or Italy, but at a time when the economy is suffering so badly, try to inject some funds into actually local shops.

Research isn’t at all hard to do (at From Home to Rome we also do our part, by suggesting shops and restaurants that are family-owned) and by choosing the right spots, it’ll be even easier to connect and create a relationship – we know we’re not the only ones valuing that side of a shopping experience!

Do not trespass

This would seem obvious, but you wouldn’t believe just how many tourists get reprimanded for entering a private property while in Italy (and Rome, particularly). It’s something we covered partially on this recent post about the Quartiere Coppedè district, although it does apply to any and all areas of Rome.

Because of its history and peculiar architecture, particularly, many palazzos in the city have beautiful courtyards and gardens, but this doesn’t mean you can wander in at will. Make sure you get permission, even a written one if you’re researching something specific and you’re planning your stay ahead of time.

Being careless in this regard doesn’t just mean souring your experience, but also antagonize some locals that are overwhelmed by the number of tourists being… less than respectful (for instance: the residents living near the Aventine Keyhole).

Be respectful of any religious faith

Whether you’re visiting at the Synagogue in the Jewish Ghetto, the Great Mosque by the Parioli district or any of the churches in downtown Rome, remember you’re allowed to visit, but that doesn’t mean these places are yours to roam into.

Learn beforehand what is allowed there and what isn’t, mind the tone of your conversation and if you’re unsure about how to dress, ask those in charge there.

… Whenever in doubt, look around you

This is not only useful to be sure you’re dressing properly, but it’ll help you being receptive to how things work. In a classic (and, admittedly, overused) example, when on buses, seeing people not stamping their tickets doesn’t necessarily mean they’re cheating the system. Some of them may have stamped the card at a nearby subway station, other may be holding a year-long pass and so on.

P.S. Don’t litter!

The waste in Rome is collected separately, but in the city center particularly you won’t see any big garbage cans, only bins for small items.

At From Home to Rome we explain thoroughly how to dispose of your trash using the containers you find in every one of our managed apartments, but we are aware that not all agencies do. You can do them (and us locals!) a favor by separating your rubbish yourself in the property you’re staying at, or by not abandoning your empty bottles, cans or anything else just wherever. For instance: you might see stacks of cardboard or plastic by the sidewalks on occasion, but that’s how the trash collection works for shops or restaurants: do not add to that, please!