Rome Travel Guide

Rome is a vibrant and historic city that has a lot to offer visitors. Here are some of our top tips for making the most of your trip to Rome.

First and foremost, be prepared for a lot of walking. Rome is a city that is best explored on foot, so be sure to bring comfortable shoes and be ready to do some exploring.

Comfort

Watch your bags. In any touristy city, it’s important to wear a cross-body or anti-theft bag and keep your cell phone inside a secured bag. Be aware of your surroundings

Carry cash. Most places take card, but small vendors take cash.

Bring comfortable walking shoes, as Rome is a city with a lot of cobblestone streets and hills.

Stay hydrated. Rome can be quite hot during the summer months, so be sure to bring plenty of sunscreen and stay hydrated. There are over 2,500 free water fountains in Rome to use.

Be prepared for long lines at popular attractions like the Colosseum and the Vatican. You can often avoid these by purchasing skip-the-line tickets in advance online or by hiring a local guide to take you around.

Customs

Tipping is not mandatory, but is recommended out of basic courtesy.

Respect local customs and traditions. When visiting the Vatican, in the museums or St. Peter’s Basilica, cover chest, shoulders, and knees. This can be done by carrying a light scarf to tie around yourself. However, if you forget one, you can buy one before entering the Vatican. Speaking and taking photos is not allowed inside the Sistine Chapel.

Don’t ask for pineapple on pizza.

Attractions and Neighborhoods

• Best place to stay is near the center of top attractions—near the Pantheon. In the old city center—between Piazza Navona and Trevi Fountain
• Highly recommend seeing Vatican museums with a tour guide. St Peter’s Basilica is open from 7am-7pm
• Experience Rome’s vibrant nightlife by visiting some of the city’s bars and clubs. Trastevere and Testaccio are two neighborhoods known for their lively nightlife scenes.
• Visit some of Rome’s lesser-known neighborhoods, such as Monti, San Lorenzo, and Pigneto. These areas are more off the beaten path and offer a more authentic look at local life in Rome.
• Trevi Fountain – empty before 7 am
• Take a walk through Rome’s many parks and gardens, such as the Borghese Gardens and the Giardino degli Aranci, for a break from the city’s hustle and bustle.
• Learn about Rome’s history by visiting some of the city’s lesser-known museums, such as the MAXXI National Museum of 21st Century Arts or the Museum of Roman Civilization.
• Spanish Steps and Piazza Navonna – best visited in the morning
• Shop for locally-made gifts and souvenirs at one of Rome’s many markets, such as the Campo de’ Fiori market or the Porta Portese flea market.
• Take a cooking class to learn how to make traditional Roman dishes, or visit a winery in the surrounding countryside to sample local wines.
• Explore Rome’s vibrant arts and culture scene by attending a concert, play, or art exhibit—there is an opera near the Pantheon

Transport

Buy bus tickets ahead of time. Take advantage of Rome’s public transportation system, including buses, trams, and the metro. Rome also has a number of bike and scooter-sharing stations, which can be a fun and eco-friendly way to see the city.

Eat like a local by trying some of Rome’s traditional dishes, such as cacio e pepe, and amatriciana. Look for restaurants that serve these dishes, or try making them yourself using ingredients from a local market.

Romans tend to eat later in the day than North Americans. Lunch is between 12-3. Aperitivo between 5-7. Restaurants open for dinner from around 7:30 and start to fill up around 8:30-9.

Finally, try to learn a few basic phrases in Italian before your trip. Many locals may not speak much English, so it can be helpful to have a few basic phrases under your belt.

I hope these tips help you make the most of your trip to Rome! Thanks for reading, and happy travels!