12 travel tips for your next trip to Rome

Rome wasn’t built in one day, and that is probably because it encapsulates so much of human history in it. It remains one of the world’s most spectacular cities, where ancient history meets modern buildings; it is a city brimming with life, beauty, and charm. With so many things to see and do, we have put together a list of travel tips for you to roam this magical city with ease.

Rome is a large metropolitan city and there are many places to stay, from luxury hotels to hostels and bed-and-breakfasts.

If you are interested in history, we recommend staying near the historical center of Centro Storico. There’s limited access to public transport right in the middle though, so you might want to consider peripheral areas like Esquilino instead, where it’s easier to get around and explore other parts of the city. If you want to live like a local, consider Prati near Vatican City. It is a quieter and more residential area.

Rome has an extensive public transportation system, consisting of the Metro, bus, and trams. Purchase your transport ticket beforehand as you can’t buy tickets onboard. You can get them from a tabaccheria or a ticketing machine available at Metro and bus stations. Remember to also validate your tickets if you do not wish to score yourself a fine while on holiday. If you’re relying heavily on public transport, there are day or week passes available which could help you save some money.

For first-timers, hop-on hop-off bus tours are a good choice and include free commentary and Wi-Fi access. Otherwise, you can also purchase a Roma pass which covers transportation for a selected number of days and includes free entry to museums, discounts for events, exhibitions, and tourist services.

Rome was and is a food lover’s city, and its cooking is most loved for being simple, yet exceedingly flavorful and satisfying. For the best taste of Rome, you have to move away from the tourist center. Avoid restaurants located near major attractions because more often than not, you can find food at a much better price and quality in restaurants just a street or two away.

You would want to find little osterias or restaurants in small neighborhoods that cater to the locals. Try the Trastevere neighborhood where there are lots of great little bars and osterias that the locals frequent.

Rome is busy at all times of the year the best time to visit Rome would be during shoulder seasons such as spring (mid-March to May) and autumn (mid-September to November), when the weather is pleasant and it’s not too crowded.

Visit the most popular places early in the morning, or right before closing. For the Trevi Fountain, you’d want to visit no later than 7:30 a.m. and for the Pantheon, 30 minutes before closing is the sweet spot.

Many museums—like the Galleria Borghese—close on one day of the week (typically on Mondays) and most churches will be closed to tourists on Sundays for mass.

In Italy, some places may also practice riposo—which is Italy’s version of a midday siesta—where some places (including churches, museums, and restaurants) may be closed so that people can rest. It usually lasts from around 90 minutes to two hours so make sure to check before heading down.

Rome is crowded and if you do not want to spend half your day waiting, get skip-the-line tickets before visiting popular attractions, especially the Colosseum and Vatican City. There are also combo tickets that include several major attractions in one tour.

While Rome is generally safe, some touristy areas are more prone to petty crimes like pickpocketing and theft.

If someone comes up to you with things to sell, tell them ‘no grazie’ and move away. Keep your bags in front of you and if it’s crowded, it is good to fold your arms over them. Always be alert of your surroundings—even when enjoying some of the best gelato in Rome.

Rome is filled with magnificent churches and if you are planning to visit any of them, dress appropriately or you might be denied entry. Typically, shoulders and knees have to be covered so bring along a scarf or a pair of leggings or trousers that you can change into when visiting the chapels. These come in handy during the cool Roman mornings and evenings as well. Additionally, hats must also be removed inside the church and no photography is allowed.

While it is important to plan, Rome is literally an open-air museum, filled with ancient Roman artifacts, architecture, and opulent chapel and churches. There is something to see at every nook and cranny so remember to leave some free time to stumble upon some of Rome’s hidden gems.

Just a short walk from the Colosseum is the quiet but beautiful Basilica do Santo Stefano Rotondo, or you can make your way to Santa Maria della Concezione dei Cappucini, one of the best underground sites in Rome.

Many of Rome’s streets and alleyways are paved with cobblestones. Mesmerizing, but uneven and treacherous at times. Furthermore, Rome is built on seven hills with several slopes throughout the city.

Ditch the heels and fancy brogues and throw on a pair of comfortable walking shoes. During winter, boots are a comfortable and stylish option, while protecting you from sudden rainfall.

Apart from the monumental Trevi Fountain, there are water fountains at every corner of Rome. The fountains provide clean water that’s safe to drink so fill up your water bottles to stay hydrated.

The card economy isn’t the most popular in Rome, and having some cash on hand, especially at small cafes, street vendors, and local markets will be helpful.

Cash is also helpful for tipping. While it isn’t a must in Italy, it’s still a great way to show your appreciation for good service. That said, avoid bringing large amounts of cash out to reduce the risk of being pickpocketed.

More like this: