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15 Practical Travel Tips For Rome Italy
I always enjoy receiving a guest posts from other seasoned travelers, who can offer some helpful tips and advice for specific travel destinations. Rome is one of the most visited cities in the world, with millions of travelers visiting throughout the year.
My collaborating guest author offers some excellent …
Travel Tips For Rome, Italy
that may be helpful for your visit. Our family had the pleasure of visiting Rome and other parts of Italy a few seasons ago, while on our amazing …
NCL Western Mediterranean Cruise
The crowds and lines are horrendous and believe me, it’s best to do a little homework before arriving in the city. Prepare and book your tickets to the main tourist attractions early, especially if you’re planning to visit in the summer peak season.
First, check out this very short but excellent YouTube aerial video from Expedia.
A superb video highlighting Rome!
Travel Rome In A Minute – Aerial Drone Video | Expedia
Tips For First Time Visitors To Rome Italy
Rome is certainly one of the most photogenic and the most visited cities in the world. More than just ruins, culture and history, Rome offers a heady mixture of; vibrant street life, awe-inspiring art, vivacious nightlife, mouthwatering gastronomy and reminiscent sights.
From the nearly 2,000 year old Colosseum, to the stunning paintings and frescoes, on the ceilings of the Sistine Chapel, Rome will always leave you awe inspired and eyes wide open.
Just like any other tourist destinations around the world, there are also a few scams, and tourist traps emerging around Rome. No matter how enthralling Rome can be, there are still a couple of things that one,
should always keep in mind when visiting the; Eternal City.
To help you make your trip to Rome a memorable one, below are a few practical tips, that are good to know.
Book Popular Tourist Attractions Well In Advance
Travel Tips For Rome Italy #1
To avoid very long queues in most of the major attractions in the Eternal City, as Robert mentioned above, be sure to book your admission tickets early. I recommend well before you arrive in Rome.
This is where the …
Benefits Of Booking With A Travel Agent
back at home to reserve travels and reservations for you, can be well worth it!
You can also purchase a; Roma Pass or bundle tickets perhaps, to save time and money. For instance, if you intend to visit the Roman Colosseum and Roman Forum, you can buy a bundle ticket for the; Roman Forum, Palatine Hill and the Roman Colosseum, all at once.
A knowledgeable travel agent working for you, can help save you a ton of money!
For those who choose to book tickets on there own, you can start at the; Roman Forum, where you can buy the bundle ticket. After visiting the Forum, then head on over to the {Roman Colosseum} and finally, the {Palatine Hill}.
Dress Accordingly For Saint Peter’s Basilica
Travel Tips For Rome Italy #2
When visiting the churches in Rome and especially in Saint Peter’s Basilica, be respectful and try not to wear; skimpy clothing. If you happen to visit Rome in the summer or when the weather is warm, there are a few things to note.
Women wearing short pants and sleeveless blouses, may also want to bring a light, cover scarf for entering.
You can use the scarf to cover your shoulders and knees, when entering the church.
Men should try to wear a collared shirt, especially if attending any service.
Book Hotel Accommodations Well In Advance
Travel Tips For Rome Italy #3
Rome is such a hectic city all year round, so do expect a huge influx of tourists, all the time. Hotels and other forms of accommodation may very well be; fully booked, year round.
Don’t get left out in the 🥶 cold, have your room reservations complete, before arriving in the city!
Beware Of Common Tourist Travel Scams In The City
Travel Tips For Rome Italy #4
When visiting the Colosseum, be warned not to approach the uniformed men, posing like Gladiators for a photograph, without asking for the price first.
Yes, taking photographs of and with the Gladiator uniformed men, will cost you some euros. Be sure to ask for the price per photo, first before clicking your camera. This way, to avoid being surprised with the high rate these men may charge.
If you want to take a picture of them without having to pay anything, do so from a distance. Just be careful not to be too obvious, or you will be asked to pay for their picture.
As well, if you’re taking the local “Metro”, which is a great affordable way to get around, just beware of individuals who may offer to help you. The majority of these people are after your money and expect a tip from you. Just say … No Thank You!
While we’re on the subject of transportation, if taking a train to a destination, you must Validate Your Ticket. This must be done before boarding the train, or you will be fined. Look for the yellow or green boxes located near the train platform.
Dine Away From The Tourist Hot Spots
Travel Tips For Rome Italy #5
When dining, try to stay away from the restaurants, pizzerias and cafeterias that are located right by the major sightseeing spots, streets and squares. Unless of course, you’re not concerned about price and/or not following a strict budget.
Most of the establishments around these areas for obvious reasons, escalate their prices dramatically!
Just walk down the street a bit and away from the main tourist zone. You’re sure to find the same gastronomy with similar menu and taste at reduced prices.
If you do choose to dine at popular restaurants in the busy tourist zones, then it is highly recommended to make advance reservations.
Gelato;
Do you want to grab a cone of gelato?
Well then, it’s best to attend a nearby authentic gelato shop. As with the restaurants, try to avoid buying your gelato or ice cream from street vendors. They also typically charge a relatively higher price for a scoop of this delicious treat.
Coffee;
When ordering coffee, avoid asking for caffe if you’re not into strong and black coffee.
In Rome, caffe means; strong coffee in a small cup. If you want a regular coffee in a typical size cup, simply order caffe Americano.
If you’re looking for a quick coffee break, it’s always best if you order your coffee to take out. Not sitting in the restaurant will drop the price of your coffee, to almost half the price. A great alternative if you’re looking to save money.
Is it necessary to tip at restaurants in Rome
Tipping or leaving a gratuity in Rome is not required and most locals don’t tip. It is optional and left entirely up to you. Of course any small gesture for excellent service received, is always appreciated.
Servers in the city are paid a fair wage, compared to that of other countries.
Be Prepared To Walk A Lot In Rome
Travel Tips For Rome Italy #6
Rome is a huge open air museum in itself. Most of the major attractions are located nearby one another and within walking distance.
Prepare yourself accordingly for a day of frequent walking. Choose the right walking gear and clothing for the weather and you are, most comfortable wearing throughout the day.
If you are visiting in the peak summer months, beware, it can be extremely hot! 🥵
Be sure to keep an eye out for Rome’s Nasoni’s or drinking fountains in the city. These fountains have clean drinking water that are free for everyone to use. So carry a water bottle with you to keep hydrated on those hot days while walking around.
ATM Kiosks Or Currency Exchange Outlets
Travel Tips For Rome Italy #7
Have your bills exchanged at authorized money exchange shops, bank automated teller machines and/or at your hotel if you can. There are a number of fraudulent transactions that have been recorded along the streets, even at the airport, concerning currency changing matters.
Do not exchange your currency with someone on the street, or elsewhere. Use reputable, well recognized currency exchange establishments only!
As with most anywhere in the world, try to use bank affiliated ATM’s and not other unrecognizable outlets. You could ripped off and/or charged a much higher fee for using them.
Always Carry Your Identification
Travel Tips For Rome Italy #8
It’s always good to have some form of identification on your person at all times, in case of emergency. This especially the case, if you happen to be traveling solo. It is also a great idea to take photos of your identification with your cellphone. Also email it to yourself, for safe keeping!
Tip:
I try to always carry our hotel business card with me and/or the address of where I’m staying as well.
The photo above, is the back of a hotel business card, where we stayed on our visit to Bangkok a few years back.
This way, if you’re in an area, catching a taxi or other ride and where your language is not understood, having this with you, can be godsend. It was for us on a few occasions.
Hats off to the hotel for doing this on their cards!
Robert
Learn A Few Basic Italian Phrases
Travel Tips For Rome Italy #9
It’s always good to familiarize yourself with a few basic; Italian words. For instance; Saying hello, thank you, please, how much, and so on. It also shows a sign of respect, wherever you may be traveling to in the world.
Use A Metered Taxi In The City
Travel Tips For Rome Italy #10
Avoid taxi drivers who are asking you to pay a fixed price. These drivers will charge you two to three times the actual amount, that you should pay for a metered taxi.
Avoid being a taxi scam victim by picking the right taxi cab. Choose the cab that has a working meter and has official labels on the doors. More often than not, recognized taxis in Rome are white with official decals, on the doors.
Visiting Rome is a wonderful experience and a city not to be missed, when traveling to Italy. Below, I’ve included a link to an excellent Rome Travel Guide website. It’s filled with loads of information for planning your trip to this Ancient City.
When is the ideal time to visit Rome?
Spring from the middle of March to the end of April and autumn from September into October. These are great times to visit. If you can avoid the summer months when it’s hot and crowded, is always best. If you don’t mind winter, then it’s a perfect time!
🟩 Check out the {Google Map} box at the bottom of this post for exact location. 🟩
Rome Tourism
Contributing Author:
Angie van Kemenade is the owner of romesightseeing.net, a website offering sightseeing information and more on attractions in Rome. Angie loves traveling and Rome is her family’s favorite holiday destination.
Questions & Answers
How many days should I spend in Rome?
Ideally, 4 to 5 days gives you lots of time to see the city and region.
Where should I stay in Rome?
Popular areas for visitors to stay in Rome are the; Centro Storico, Trastevere and Monti districts in the city.
Safe and Healthy Travels!
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Unauthorized use is strictly prohibited.
Did You Know …
“On Any Given Day Approximately 3000 Euros Are Collected From The Bottom Of The Trevi Fountain In Rome Every Night, Which Are Donated To Local Charities.”
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