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. The shopping strip 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. Public transport danger: 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. Oh holy shit: 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. Fake leather: 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. Bad food in the centre: 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.

As you probably understand by now, there are plenty of overrated and unethical things to experience in Rome. I hope this article helps you to avoid these dangers and pitfalls which I encountered when I visited the otherwise beautiful Italian capital.

Author Bio: DirtCheapRome helps you to not overstretch your Rome budget. It even contains tips on how to find a cheap hotel.