Avoid these overrated Rome attractions
Big cities, due to their popularity, are known to swarm with traps for the unknowing tourists. It's about the extra money, of course, but some people also go home with a totally wrong impression of the city, disappointed. Rome is no exception and has its share of tourist traps. Here are some tips with things to avoid in order to spare money and enjoy a great vacation:
1. Via del Corso at weekends
Via del Corso is a mega-shopping strip. You can buy everything you want here; it has anything for every budget. Only try to avoid it in weekends, as it is totally crammed and you can't even breathe, let alone shop. Go in a weekday and you can take your time, wander around and shop at ease.
2. Buses to or from Termini station
Avoid 64, 40 and 46 buses, as they are known to shelter pickpockets. This danger exists in every bus servicing the city centre and popular tourist spots. So keep a close eye on your possessions and try not to climb in too crowded buses.
3. The Vatican line first thing in the morning
It is natural that you want to visit the Vatican once you're in Rome, but don't make the mistake of waking up early and going there in the morning, as the lines will surely be long. It would be much better if you went at midday, when lines will be shorter. Once inside, there's enough time to kill, as the closing hour is 6pm.
4. Imitation designer bags
What woman wouldn't want to have, between her purses, brands like Gucci, Fendi or Prada? If you can't afford an original one, don't fall into the trap of buying fake ones. Both bags and its manufacturers are against the law, but the worst part is that the conditions they are made in are very low and I can guarantee you the bag won't hold more than a year. Go at Porta Portese instead and bargain for a quality bag that made it off the line before being stamped with designer labels. It might not have the label, but it's top quality and it will definitely hold.
5. Menu Fisso
A menu fisso is a set meal, offered at sub-bar prices by restaurants in the historic centre. So it means a lot of food at an affordable price. Definitely a tourist trap! The quality of the food is ambiguous and, even if some deals might not be that bad, most of the times they are. Be careful what you order, look closely at the menu, and you might even steal a glance at nearby tables. You'll eat less, but you'll certainly eat better.
1. Via del Corso at weekends
Via del Corso is a mega-shopping strip. You can buy everything you want here; it has anything for every budget. Only try to avoid it in weekends, as it is totally crammed and you can't even breathe, let alone shop. Go in a weekday and you can take your time, wander around and shop at ease.
2. Buses to or from Termini station
Avoid 64, 40 and 46 buses, as they are known to shelter pickpockets. This danger exists in every bus servicing the city centre and popular tourist spots. So keep a close eye on your possessions and try not to climb in too crowded buses.
3. The Vatican line first thing in the morning
It is natural that you want to visit the Vatican once you're in Rome, but don't make the mistake of waking up early and going there in the morning, as the lines will surely be long. It would be much better if you went at midday, when lines will be shorter. Once inside, there's enough time to kill, as the closing hour is 6pm.
4. Imitation designer bags
What woman wouldn't want to have, between her purses, brands like Gucci, Fendi or Prada? If you can't afford an original one, don't fall into the trap of buying fake ones. Both bags and its manufacturers are against the law, but the worst part is that the conditions they are made in are very low and I can guarantee you the bag won't hold more than a year. Go at Porta Portese instead and bargain for a quality bag that made it off the line before being stamped with designer labels. It might not have the label, but it's top quality and it will definitely hold.
5. Menu Fisso
A menu fisso is a set meal, offered at sub-bar prices by restaurants in the historic centre. So it means a lot of food at an affordable price. Definitely a tourist trap! The quality of the food is ambiguous and, even if some deals might not be that bad, most of the times they are. Be careful what you order, look closely at the menu, and you might even steal a glance at nearby tables. You'll eat less, but you'll certainly eat better.
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