Friends, if you’re traveling to Rome, there are a few things you should know! Here are the most important do’s and don’ts in the capital of Italy.
1. Do drink water from the public fountains in Rome.
The water is fresh, safe to drink, and most importantly free. Bring a bottle and refill it over and over again, on your trip to Rome.
2. On your trip to Rome, don't accept flowers or bracelets from men claiming they are gifts.
They aren’t free (obviously!) , and you will be asked to pay. Some of these guys can be really aggressive, so just ignore them and keep your distance.
3. Do use public transportation to move around Rome.
It’s cheap, efficient, safe, and everyone uses it. Taxis are a lot more expensive, and they won’t be a lot faster than the metro or the bus. Watch the guide below to learn everything you need to know about how to use public transportation in Rome:
4. Don't order a cappuccino after lunch.
In Rome, cappuccinos are only served before noon. If you’re craving one in the afternoon, order a café macchiato instead.
5. Do bring comfortable shoes on your vacation to Italy.
You will walk a lot while visiting the historical sites in Rome, and it will mostly be on cobbled streets. Many attractions are within walking distance of each other, so you won’t be able to take a taxi or a bus. Also, many streets are pedestrian-only, and can’t be reached by car.
6. Don't wear shorts when visiting churches and places of worship on your trip to Rome.
Clothing should cover your shoulders and knees, and you must be wearing shoes when entering a church.
7. Do get admission tickets in advance, especially for Rome's top attractions.
If you already have tickets for the Vatican museums, the Colosseum, the Sant’Angelo Castle, and Galleria Borghese, you won’t have to wait in line, and you can walk right in. Tickets sell out up to 3 weeks in advance, so don’t count on buying them when you get there. You’ll find direct links to the most popular attractions in Rome right here:
8. Don't rent a car when visiting Rome.
The traffic in Rome is messy, and you’ll end up stressed over parking. Also, there are many so-called Limited Traffic Zones you can’t enter. You must be very careful about them if you drive around Rome. Tourists often enter these areas and end up getting fines, which are not cheap. So just take the bus and the metro instead. It’s easy, cheap, and fast, and it’s also a way to interact with the local culture.
9. Do make restaurant reservations for lunch and dinner.
Otherwise, you will have to wait in line a lot, especially at the good restaurants in Rome. Remember that lunch is served between 12.30 and 3 PM, while dinner begins after 7 pm, and most restaurants are closed between these hours.
10. Don't ask for special ingredients at the restaurant.
Italy is not the place to ask the chef to take out ingredients or add extras to the recipes. They won’t do it, and they will get upset. Discover the Italian cuisine in Rome and make sure you try the best gelato, tiramisu, and carbonara pasta in the world.
11. Do watch your belongings, especially in crowded areas.
Rome is a very popular destination for both tourists and pickpockets, so make sure you keep your wallet and passports safe.
12. Don't eat right near the main Roman landmarks.
There are some amazing restaurants in Rome, with delicious food, and fair prices, and none of them are right outside the main attractions.
13. If you're traveling to Rome, please do try the local wines.
Try the local wines, and dare to order the house wine at the restaurant. This is usually local, good-quality wine, sold by the glass or the carafe, for a very fair price.
14. Don't ask the waiter to split your bill at the restaurant in Rome.
Don’t ask the waiter to split your bill at the restaurant, as they don’t do that in Rome. Which brings us to the next point:
15. Do carry some cash in Rome.
Not only they don’t split bills and you’ll have to pay for your share, but the smaller boutiques may not accept credit card payments.
16. Don't order a latte in Rome, unless you want a glass of milk.
Because in Italian, “latte” means milk.
17. In Italy, do order coffee at the bar, as it is cheaper.
You can also drink it sitting at the table, but you will have to pay extra for the service. If you have it at the bar, you won’t pay more than one or two euros for an espresso.
18. Don't order anything without knowing the price.
If the waiter recommends something, ask for the price before agreeing. Take it from someone who paid 20 euros for a fried egg.
19. Do book your hotel in Rome near the metro station.
Even though the metro system doesn’t cover the entire city of Rome, it will take you to Fontana di trevi, the Spanish Steps, or the Vatican.
20. Don't explore Rome's most popular landmarks at the busiest hours.
Get up early in the morning to visit Fontana di Trevi, the Spanish steps, or Basilica de San Pietro.
Please plan ahead for your travel to Rome, or you will end up spending a lot of money. Here are some more travel tips on visiting the Colosseum, Vatican City, and other important attractions in Rome:
