10 rules you need to know when traveling to Europe

Sitting on stairs in Rome, wearing high heels while entering ancient ruins, feeding pigeons is illegal when you travel in Europe.
Not sitting on stairs in Rome, Italy

Illustration. Under the new Rome tourism law, sitting on the famous Spanish Steps would be illegal. The reason is that the newly renovated ladder is a historical relic with centuries dating rather than seating. Similarly, for the other historic stairs in the city, you can go up and down but if you sit it will inconvenience others or you may be fined. It is also illegal to knock suitcases with wheels and push children down old steps because it can destroy stone steps. While these rules may sound stricter, the protection of the ancient wonders of Rome is essential. Do not wear high heels in Athens, Greece In Greece, it is illegal to wear high heels when you visit ancient monuments such as the Parthenon and the Acropolis or any other historical site of stone and marble. The reason is that high heels will destroy these stone steps. In addition, when you have to walk a lot, high heels are also quite inconvenient, visitors should use more suitable shoes. Do not dip feet, swim in the canals of Venice You are never allowed to swim or even dip your feet in Venice’s canals and lagoons because it is against the law. Also, you should know that these places are not really clean for diving. Instead, you should go to Lido Island with beautiful sand beaches, clear water and spoiled for diving. The fountain is not a cooling place Forget what you saw on the film, you will be in trouble or possibly fined if you try to splash water at Rome’s Trevi fountain to cool off or at any fountains in Italy. Instead, head to the stunning beaches of Cinque Terre or the Amalfi Coast to cool off in summer. Do not swim in Blue Grotto cave, Italy When traveling Italy, if you see a sign that prohibits swimming, strictly obey. Swimming is also prohibited at the Blue Grotto cave (Capri island, southern Italy), which is famous for its unique glowing blue water. The typical case of being punished for swimming in this cave are supermodel Heidi Klum couple and musician Tom Kaulitz. In 2019, they were fined over $ 6,000 for jumping into the water. Do not eat or drink while visiting historical sites One Italian law can confuse visitors: It is illegal to eat spoiled foods in historic landmarks like Rome, Florence and Venice. You can be in the park or while walking in the street. But you can get a fine (even get kicked out of the city center), if you eat pizza on a historic square or drop ice cream while visiting the Colosseum. for brewing coffee on the famous Rialto Bridge. In Greece, you are also not allowed to bring drinks, food or chewing gum to any historic site. Do not wear a swimsuit on the streets of Barcelona, ​​Spain In Barcelona, ​​visitors are only allowed to wear swimsuits at the beach. Wearing a bikini or swimming pants and walking on the street is punishable in Barcelona, ​​as on the famous island of Mallorca. In Rome, it was illegal for men to go out naked because it was against the law. Do not feed pigeons It is against the law to feed pigeons in Venice, as pigeons peck their food ruining monuments and bird droppings also contaminate tourist attractions. Similarly, in Vienna, Austria, feeding pigeons is a misdeed and can be punished, since 2014. Do not make any noise When you arrive in Germany, remember it is illegal to make noise on a Sunday or a holiday. InVenice too, a new law here states that making too much noise at night or during naps (from 1pm to 3pm) is prohibited. Do not touch public faucets in Rome According to Lonely Planet, tourists should pay special attention to how they drink water from Rome’s public taps, called nasoni. You must not let your mouth touch the metal hose when you are taking drinking water. Instead, put your hands under the tap to get water; or collect water from the tap with a water bottle.