What NOT To Do When Visiting Rome

As the old saying goes, when in Rome, do as the Romans do. The problem is before descending upon the Eternal City, not all visitors are briefed on how Romans operate. To avoid sticking out like a sore pollice and to better blend in with the locals, try to sidestep these first-time mishaps.

Don’t … order a cappuccino in the afternoon. Cappuccinos, or espresso with foamed milk, should only be consumed in the morning, before lunch. After lunchtime, Romans drink straight espressos or macchiatos, espresso topped with a dollop of foamed milk. Romans also drink their coffees where they are served and never take their beverages to go.

Don’t … have multicourse meals for every meal. Breakfasts are simple with a bread or pastry of some kind plus a cappuccino, and lunches are typically only one course of antipasti or pasta, followed by coffee, of course. Multiple-course meals are usually reserved for dinners and/or long weekend lunches, and food substitutions are not widely accepted.

Don’t … enter houses of worship with exposed knees or shoulders. The capital of the Catholic Church, Vatican City, requires visitors to cover their shoulders and knees out of respect. If visiting during the hot months, women should carry scarves and wear long skirts or pants if there are plans to visit St. Peter’s Basilica or another church.