7. Don’t Drive
All roads may lead to Rome, but unless you grew up there or have a death wish, don’t plan on renting a car to drive around the Eternal City. It’s chaotic madness out on those Roman streets. Locals drive fast and furious here. Lanes seem to be suggestions, traffic lights optional and parking, fuhgeddaboudit. Furthermore, most of the ancient center of town is a ZTL forbidden drive zone where non-residents are not permitted. This is enforced by cameras and hefty fines. The area around the Colosseum, Villa Borghese, the River and Termini is off-limits, so just take public transit or a taxi (at your own peril!). Better yet, walk your way around this remarkable city.
8. Don’t Diss Football
Soccer, as some of us call it, is not so popular across the pond, but it’s an obsessive passion in Italy. Rome has two home teams, Roma (representing the city) and Lazio (the region), and the rivalry between the two is explosive. If you have a chance to check out a game at the Stadio Olimpico while in town, it might just be the most culturally enlightening event of your Roman sojourn – not the game, the fanatical action in the stands. Just don’t strike up a conversation that criticizes the sport or disrespects the team. Football is like a religion here, and you won’t make any friends by engaging in that kind of banter.
9. Don’t Take a Photo With a Fake Gladiator
Walk by the Colosseum and you’ll no doubt be approached by an elaborately costumed gladiator trying to convince you to strike a pose with them. They look tempting in their flashy tunics, golden helmets, flowing red capes and mighty swords. However, they can be rather aggressive as they hassle passersby, and have been known to demand exorbitant fees for photographing them. Some deliberately photo-bomb unsuspecting tourists then demand payment. Others casually offer to take your photo and then demand payment to get your camera back. It’s actually illegal for them to loiter in front of the Colosseum and ask for money, but it’s a difficult operation to shut down. There are better ways to spend your money or get a scenic shot in Rome than with these cheesy faux gladiator tourist touts.
