Do you have plans to visit Rome? We've put together the top Rome tips for travelers -- including how to cut costs as well as what to bring and how to be secure, and much more!
Being invisible as tourists in Rome is impossible - you'll be a target for attention just by your mannerisms. There's no need to attract more attention by being caught in the act of making typical tourist mistakes!
1. Take a tour of the most popular Sites
A tour of Rome's Colosseum or Vatican City will let you reduce the wait time which could take more than an hour (longer when visiting during the summer). Due to the immense popularity of some of the famous and well-known Roman places, skip-the-line tours are worth the cost.
I went to the Colosseum and Vatican City and the Colosseum with the help of a Monograms Travel tour guide, which allowed me to skip the line entirely in the Colosseum and also getting access to Vatican City before it even opened to the public. I even went during outside of the season (October) which meant that the lines without a guided tour of the two sites was more than an hour. I'm not sure what the wait time could be like in summertime.
2. Public Transport
Buses that travel throughout the city are available 24 hours a day, and there's the metro/tram system you can make use of if living close to an area with a station. Taxis are plentiful however, you must take them to a designated taxi stand or request one from the hotel. I have used Uber as an alternative to taxis as often as I could and often the price was just half the cost.
There are several passes you can buy to get more convenient and less expensive travel in the city, such as the two- or three-day Roma pass, which gives access to Metro buses, trams, and trams.
3. The best time to visit It's Fall and Spring.
Rome is stunning all year round however, summer is especially extremely hot and packed. Winters are cool but humid which makes September/October and April/May the best time to visit. The days are warm and the evenings can get cold however if you're prepared with a waterproof packable jacket and umbrella for travel it will make skipping the tourists season worthwhile!
4. You'll need cash
It's not unusual for locations to accept only cash, so ensure there are enough Euros available for the day's activities. Inform your bank prior to traveling so that you don't end up with frozen credit and debit cards. You should also pull at least a few dollars at an ATM after you get to the airport. Don't find yourself looking for an ATM in the middle of your jetlag and could even come across some that don't work.
If you're in need of more cash, make sure you find ATMs that are connected to a bank in case the ATM eats your credit card.
5. Take a water Bottle
Bring a water bottle to fill up at the numerous fountains in the city. an reusable bottle (I prefer this one) from your home is ideal for the environment and is able to be cleaned inside the hotel room. Certain sites (e.g The Colosseum) are equipped with 'water taps that are an equivalent to drinking fountains to refill your bottle when you enter. There's no reason to purchase drinking water while in Rome!
6. Table Service
Coperto is an additional table service chargeusually between 1-3 euros (or 10%) of the meal . It is charged to everyone who eats in the restaurant. Restaurants should be able to disclose the cost, but you should expect that it will be charged regardless.
It is usually an extra charge to buy bread. If don't like bread (or more specifically, don't want that you be charged) inform your waiter or waitress when you're sitting down so that they don't serve it in a hurry, as they usually do.
7. Beware of pickpockets
Since Rome is known as one of the most popular tourist destinations and a popular tourist destination, pickpockets are often attracted by unaware foreigners and take their worthless items with no suspicion. Public transport is a popular target for theft, however be wary of the famous tourist spots such as Colosseum and the Trevi Fountain. Trevi Fountain and Colosseum as well.
Secure your backpack, purse or other belongings in your bag and zip them up. Also, do not leave your mobile on the table while you eat out. Only carry the minimum amount of cash you need and keep your valuables at your hotel's safe.
It is also recommended to purchase theft insurance and take copies of important documents in the unlikely scenario that you become into the hands of criminals. In the end, using even the simplest, simple security techniques can save you from the hassle!
8. Wear comfortable Shoes
This is a must however, you must leave your gorgeous heels at home unless you're among the fortunate few who feel comfortable in heels. I have worn the Adidas sneakers for the entirety of my trip to Rome (ladies you can even look great when paired with dresses!) You'll definitely appreciate the comfortable insoles on your most loved pair of sneakers at after a long and tiring day exploring the city.
9. Learn the Basic Italian Phrases
Although this might come as an unexpected shock (especially in the case of Americans) there are many who can speak English! Although it is more common for people living in cities to be conversant with a little of English as opposed to those living in rural areas, you do not wish to assume that people speak English. Learn a few important Italian phrases and say hello in Italian first!
10. Beware of driving in the City
With the abundance of public transportation that is available, driving in cities is not necessary and extremely uncomfortable. Unless there is an urgent need for the use of a car for personal reasons, you should avoid driving. Traffic can be extremely intense, extremely fast and has no rules . Don't count on street signs or traffic signals to help you navigate, since there aren't any.
If you are planning to travel beyond Rome to visit rural Italy be patient until the day you leave Rome to book the car. Make sure you have an electronic map and a GPS and familiarize yourself with the distinctive road signs, and be prepared for the unexpected! But, really, don't drive unless absolutely you have to.