Emily in Paris made a tourist blunder in Rome. A local expert shares how to be a respectful visitor

Rome is one of the most established tourist destinations in the world and 2025 is set to be a bumper year for visitor numbers. 

The Eternal City is celebrating a Jubilee, a special year for the Catholic church, and both religious and non-religious travellers are expected to pour in. 

The spotlight has also been turned on the Italian capital by the hit Netflix series Emily in Paris. Spoiler alert: the fourth season ends with the show’s protagonist, an American marketing executive living in the French capital, moving to Rome. 

However, initial portrayals of the Italian city – which is expected to be the filming location of season five – and Emily’s tourist experience have frustrated some residents. 

In particular, the character makes an etiquette blunder that could have landed her with a €250 fine. 

Films and TV series have recently been driving travellers’ choices of tourist destinations – a phenomenon known as set-jetting – so accurate and informative representations of locations are becoming even more important. 

With yet higher visitor numbers expected in Rome next year, responsible and respectful tourist behaviour will be paramount. 

Here’s the mistake Emily made and some tips from a local Rome tour guide on how to act when in Rome. 

What tourist behaviour can land you a fine in Rome?

In one scene from Emily in Paris, the protagonist and her Italian love interest sit down on the Spanish Steps. 

Since 2019, it has been illegal to use the 18th-century staircase as a resting place. Eagle-eyed officials kitted out with high-vis jackets and whistles are on hand to spot transgressors and hand out €250 fines for taking a seat and up to €400 if that results in any damage. Emily did not appear to be handed a fine.

The Colosseum, one of the city’s greatest archaeological treasures, is often the site of the most high-profile tourist violations. 

“Sadly, this iconic monument is frequently graffitied and defaced by visitors eager to leave a ‘memory’ of their trip,” says Dino Margiotta, who has been leading tours around the city for 15 years.

In response, the Italian government has introduced harsher penalties: offenders now risk a hefty €15,000 fine and up to 5 years in prison.  

How to be a respectful tourist in Rome

“‘Rome is not like any other city. It’s a big museum, a living room that shall be crossed on one’s toes.’ This is how Alberto Sordi, one of the most famous Italian actors, described Rome,” says Margiotta. 

“I believe that when visiting any city, one should respect the place and avoid engaging in behaviours that might disturb the residents.”

Margiotta highlights littering as a problem, saying tourists drop rubbish even around monuments like the Trevi Fountain. 

“The Trevi Fountain, like the Colosseum or the Pantheon, is part of a cultural heritage that we all have a duty to preserve and protect,” he says. 

Why tourists should be careful how they dress in Rome

If you plan on visiting religious sites, you should be aware that all churches in Rome have a dress code that requires you to cover your shoulders and knees. 

For other sites like the Roman Forum or the Spanish Steps, there is no dress code. 

“However, I suggest always checking the weather forecast, particularly regarding temperatures, especially during the summer months,” says Margiotta. 

Temperatures in Rome can hit 40C in summer so tourists should dress sensibly and avoid sightseeing during the hottest hours of the day. 

How to avoid contributing to overcrowding in Rome

Especially if this is not your first time to Rome, consider broadening your itinerary beyond the most popular sites to do your part in easing overcrowding. 

“Many fascinating places are just waiting to be discovered and appreciated,” says Margiotta. 

“On numerous occasions, I have amazed my guests with lesser-known attractions, such as the Museum of the Aurelian Walls, the Roman Houses of the Caelian Hill (a gem of Underground Rome), or the Baths of Caracalla, an impressively well-preserved ancient Roman spa that never fails to inspire awe and wonder.

“Rome is not just the Colosseum, the Trevi Fountain, or the Vatican Museums; there is so much more to explore, allowing visitors to avoid the massive crowds at the typical hotspots,” he adds.  

How to improve your visitor experience in Rome

Margiotta says making your tourist experience in Rome stress-free takes “little effort”. 

He advises doing plenty of research beforehand, such as how to purchase tickets in advance for popular sites. 

“I would also recommend immersing yourself in local experiences and sampling the many culinary specialties at the city’s numerous delightful restaurants or street food spots,” he says. 

“Relying on experts, such as professional tour guides, and allowing them to create tailor-made private tours can truly make your Roman holiday a unique and unforgettable experience.”