5 Insider Tips on Blending in Like a Local in Rome!
Rome is a city that attracts millions of tourists every year with its rich history, beautiful architecture, and delicious food. However, with so many visitors, it can be easy to stand out as a tourist and potentially become a target for scams or theft. To help you blend in and make the most out of your trip, we've put together a list of the top 6 things to avoid doing if you don't want to look like a tourist in Rome. Follow these tips and tricks, and you'll be mistaken for a local in no time.
- Drink from the water fountains Rome has over 2,500 water fountains that offer crisp and cool water from the Appenine Mountains or Lake Baciano. Instead of buying bottled water, bring a water bottle and refill it from these fountains on a hot summer day. Drinking from the fountains not only saves you money but also helps you avoid looking like a tourist.
- Learn basic Italian words Although English is widely spoken in the world, it's essential to learn basic Italian words if you plan to travel to Rome. Speaking in Italian helps you communicate better with locals and shows respect for their culture. Learn words such as buongiorno (hello), grazie (thank you), and ciao (goodbye).
- Keep an eye on your belongings Rome is a magnet for robbers and petty thefts, with around nine million international tourists visiting the city every year. Avoid being the oblivious tourist who gets robbed or scammed by keeping an eye on your bags and valuables. Beware of scams such as people trying to give you stuff for free or selling you fake products.
- Don't try to see everything in one day Rome has many places to see, and it's essential to decide where you want to spend your time. Don't try to squeeze everything in one day or take a tour of all the major sites. Instead, focus on the things you're most interested in and be okay with seeing other things from the outside or saving them for another trip.
- Pre-book your tickets Waiting in long lines can be frustrating and exhausting, especially during peak season. Avoid this mistake by pre-booking your tickets for the sites you want to visit, such as the Coliseum, the Roman Forum, and the Vatican. This not only saves you time but also preserves your energy, allowing you to see many of Rome's incredible sights.
- Use a map discreetly - Use a map on your phone or a small paper map discreetly to avoid looking like a lost tourist.
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