10 Tourist Mistakes to Avoid in Rome

4. Don’t Expect Tap Water at a Restaurant

Rome is full of public drinking fountains. Every few blocks, you’ll stumble upon a fontanellespigot (sometimes quite elaborate and sculptural) where you can wet your whistle or fill your water bottle. This is the civilization that engineered mighty aqueducts, and their water is safe, clean and fresh – albeit a little high in calcium and chlorine. By all means, drink it and brush your teeth without fear of Ceasar’s revenge. However, tap water is rarely served in restaurants. Most locals and visitors buy inexpensive bottles of water when dining out, either acqua naturale (still) or acqua frizzante (sparkling), depending on if you want bubbles or not. While the tap water is perfectly potable, its just not the norm at restaurants and one of those things not to do when in Rome. You can insist on a glass of tap water, if you really want it, but your waiter may be a little put off by the request.