In Rome, history is everywhere, from well-known monuments like the Colosseum to lesser-known treasures hidden beneath your feet. However, there is more to Rome than ancient history. Here are 10 of the best tips for visiting Rome from someone who has been there many times and knows the city well.
Where to stay in Rome
When you’re booking Rome accommodation, look at options located in areas near the places you will be exploring or close to public transport that can take you there. If you’re thinking of staying in the outskirts of Rome to save money, make sure you pick a safe neighbourhood. Google street view can give you an idea of what an area is really like.
Beware of Rome apartments with a view
If you don’t like climbing stairs, think twice before you book an apartment with views as these are usually at the top of old buildings with no lift. This is great for a workout but won’t suit every traveller, especially those who don’t pack light. Lugging heavy suitcases up five flights of stairs isn’t much fun when you’ve just come off a long flight.
Google Earth is your friend
Take a ‘virtual’ walk from the train station to the accommodation you’ve booked on Google Earth. Doing this before you arrive makes finding your accommodation much less stressful on the day. This is especially true if you’re staying at an apartment or Airbnb as these can be trickier to locate than a hotel.
Book some Rome tours
When you are setting out to discover any city, it’s always good to do a little research. Of course, you should allow time in any itinerary for some go-as-you-please days, but planning is essential if you want to tick off Rome’s major sights. If you are visiting spots like the Vatican for the first time, book a tour or you risk wasting your day wandering around a ‘must see’ attraction that you don’t fully understand. Also, consider doing something out of the ordinary like a Rome food tour or a Fiat 500 tour or Vespa sidecar tour that will have you whizzing around the streets of Rome.
Prebook entry tickets
Some tour tickets must be organised way in advance such as the popular (and excellent) Underground Levels And Arena Tour of the Colosseum which can be booked via the official government website. We had our heart set on doing this tour and had to adjust the dates of our stay because it was already booked out on our preferred day three months before we were due to arrive. Don’t leave it too late or you could miss out!
Get into what is on in Rome
Have a look at websites like Romeing or Rome Eventful. These are great for finding one off sporting and cultural events, be it a Pink or Sting concert, the final of a big football match or the closing stage of the Giro d’Italia. It can also be worth asking your apartment or Airbnb host about their recommended activities or any upcoming events.
Get your travel insurance for Europe from Australia
Given Rome’s cobblestone streets (hello, broken ankle) and the way Italians drive, it should come as no surprise that travel insurance for Europe is essential. You should always buy your travel insurance for Europe from Australia. This ensures you have the right support and coverage tailored to your needs before you even step on the plane. It’s all about traveling with peace of mind so you can focus on the sights rather than the ‘what ifs’.
Use Rome public transport
Familiarise yourself with the Rome metro map and fare structure and Google how to use the ticket machines at Rome’s stations. These are easy to use and have a variety of language options to choose from, including English. Downloading a ridesharing taxi app like MyTaxi is also a great idea. All of the taxi drivers we had were friendly and spoke excellent English, plus they had lots of hints and tips about what to see and do in Rome.
Stop somewhere touristy
Sit down at a café in a popular square or near one of the city’s most famous sights and just watch. You’re sure to see some amazing and amusing things as locals and tourists put on a show that is yours for the cost of an espresso, gelato or glass of wine. This is one of our favourite things to do in Rome. It only costs a few Euros and will keep you entertained for an hour or more.
Watch out for Rome scams
With a city like Rome there is always someone ready to be ‘friendly’ and assist in taking your money. This could be a scammer, thief or pickpocket waiting for an easy target. Be wary of overly friendly people around big tourist sites offering to help you out. Also, keep an especially close eye on your belongings at places with big crowds such as stations and major attractions. Have a bag with a sturdy zip and loop it across your body. Wallets and phones should be kept in your front pocket.
Want to know more about visiting Italy? Read our tips for visiting Rome and discover great things to do in Rome including some of Rome’s hidden sights, or read detailed write-ups about where to find the best view of Rome, how to tour Rome on a Vespa or in a vintage Fiat 500, and what it’s like visiting the Sistine Chapel after hours and touring the Vatican. We’ve also done three Rome food tours: a Trastevere food tour, pasta making in Rome and a classic Rome food tour. In Venice, we’ve explored Venice’s food scene, toured St Mark’s and the Doge’s Palace, and stayed near St Marks Square at the gorgeous Hotel Violino D’Oro. Pitigliano and Sorano are two of our favourite towns in Tuscany and we also love spa-ing with the locals at Terme di Saturnia Resort or Fonteverde Tuscan Resort. We have also reviewed the Four Seasons Hotel Milan and know 10 of the best things to do in Assisi.
