Visiting a city for the first time can often come with surprises. And definitely things you wish you knew before you got there. Our first trip to Rome was full of these “learning” experiences. Our tips for visiting Rome will help you save time, money, and help you eat well.
Tips For Visiting Rome | Getting Around
1. Taxi’s are expensive, so stay central or near public transport.
2. It’s easy to get lost at first, but it doesn’t take too long to get your bearings!
3. The metro system works well but the trains are fairly dated. Trams are also good in the areas they run.
Tips For Visiting Rome | Food & Drink
4. Not all Gelato is created equally.
A couple of simple things to look for when choosing a delicious gelato 1. Colours shouldn’t necessarily be vibrant but resemble their natural colour. e.g. Pistachio gelato shouldn’t be bright green. 2. If it’s piled high and fluffy, it may have chemical additives to get it to do so.
Read More: The Best Gelato In Rome Italy + Rome Gelato Map
5. Having a coffee and cornetto for breakfast does not mean a coffee and ice cream.
I originally thought this, as Cornetto in Australia is an ice cream, and I got quite excited that ice cream was an acceptable breakfast food. But, I wasn’t disappointed! A cornetto is much more delicious, similar to a croissant, but a little more dense either plain or with filling (chocolate or creme). A must try!
6. You can drink the water in the public fountains (Nasoni).
Put your hand over the spout to use it as a bubbler (water spurts out a hole at the top) or use it to fill up drink bottles. This is one of my favourite things about Rome.
7. There is a variety of different kinds of pizzas.
The main two types of pizza you will find in Rome are pizza by the slice (often rectangle shape referred to as pizza al taglio) and whole round pizza. Some are on more focaccia like bases, some have unique toppings etc. Make sure you try a few different places to see what you prefer, but both are delicious. One of my favourites is a zucchini pizza al taglio.
Read More: Where To Eat In Rome Italy: Restaurants, Pizza, Casual Eats, Markets, Coffee and Sweets
8. It’s normal to drink coffee standing at the bar.
The atmosphere of standing at a busy coffee bar is an experience in itself. Although at some places you can sit, you will pay more too.
9. The biggest sign you’re a tourist: You try to book dinner at 7pm.
Wait until 9 pm and enjoy aperitivo (pre-dinner drinks and snacks) instead.
10. Italy as a whole wasn’t as expensive as I thought. The food was reasonably priced and generally cheaper than at home (Sydney).
Tips For Visiting Rome | Saving Time
11. Don’t wait in the very long line at the Vatican museum.
Go online and buy your tickets for only 4 Euro more. The line for online reservations is a lot quicker.
12. Instead of waiting in line at the Colosseum, buy your tickets at the Roman Forum across the road, and go later in the afternoon to avoid the biggest crowds.
Tips For Visiting Rome | The Sights
13. Some of the iconic sights are often closed for repairs/maintenance.
When we visited the Trevi Fountain, it was all barricaded off for maintenance and the fountain in front of the Spanish steps was also undergoing repairs. Know this may happen before you go and keep an open mind for a second trip to Rome ;)
14. You don’t need a passport to enter Vatican City
Although technically you do need some form of ID on you in Rome… and most places in the world.
15. Walking through the Vatican Museums feels like you’re walking through Ikea…
One way in, one way out, just shuffle with the crowd until you reach the end. In no other way are the Vatican Museums like Ikea.
16. There is so much to see and do in Rome. Literally. Go for 4 or more days!
Even then you will never see all the sights and eat enough delicious food.
Read More:
Where To Stay In Rome Italy: Our Rome Accommodation Guide
What are your tips for visiting Rome?
If you have any questions, let us know in the comments below…