{"id":9892,"date":"2024-01-05T13:47:00","date_gmt":"2024-01-05T09:47:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.headout.com\/?p=9892"},"modified":"2024-02-16T08:08:26","modified_gmt":"2024-02-16T04:08:26","slug":"rome-travel-tips","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.headout.com\/blog\/rome-travel-tips\/","title":{"rendered":"First time in Rome? Here are 20 Rome travel tips & hacks!"},"content":{"rendered":"

Visiting Rome for the first time? Here are some timeless tips to navigate the cobblestone streets and embrace the dolce vita lifestyle without succumbing to tourist traps. While some of these suggestions might surprise you, trust in the Roman way of life. Here’s a starter: securing reservations for meals, especially at cozy eateries, is a must. Begin booking as you continue reading for more insights.<\/p>\n

Rome Travel Tips 101 – A First Timer’s Holy Grail<\/h2>\n

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Here’s our list of expert tips and hacks that you’re here for. Read on and thank us later!<\/p>\n

#1 When in Rome, always carry cash<\/h2>\n

A significant portion of Rome, and indeed much of Italy, still relies predominantly on cash transactions rather than card payments. It’s advisable to ensure you have sufficient cash on hand at all times. Small denominations, such as coins (“spicci”), are widely accepted, especially at local cafes and thrift stores, so it’s convenient to use them for minor purchases instead of larger bills. While many sit-in restaurants do accept card payments, they might not accommodate split bills with multiple cards, making cash indispensable in such situations. Therefore, it’s wise to carry an ample amount of cash with you. Although ATMs are readily available, if you prefer to avoid potential losses due to exchange rates, consider bringing along enough cash to last throughout your trip.<\/p>\n

#2 Always order coffee at the bar<\/h2>\n

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If you enjoy slowly savoring your coffee at a caf\u00e9 while observing the bustling atmosphere, be aware that this indulgence (yes, it’s considered indulgent in Rome) comes with a price tag. Opting to have your coffee at the counter allows you to bypass a service charge. However, if you decide to take a seat and fully enjoy your coffee, be prepared to pay twice the amount for the same cup. When you enter a caf\u00e9, head straight to the cashier to place your order. Grab your receipt, pick up your drink, and find the least crowded spot to quickly enjoy your coffee. Italians typically don’t linger over their coffee; they drink it swiftly, so follow suit and stand while you sip. Doing so will typically cost you 1-2 euros. If you choose to sit, expect to pay upwards of 5 euros. PS: If you ask for milk after noon they\u2019ll shake their heads at you. Italians are fastidious about their digestion and milk being heavy on the stomach, is considered suitable only at breakfast. You can however order a caff\u00e8 macchiato, an espresso with a splash of milk as an acceptable alternative order at any hour of the day without raising any eyebrows.<\/p>\n

#3 Book all your attraction tickets in advance<\/h2>\n

We cannot emphasized enough: Rome stands out as one of Italy’s most touristy cities, and without pre-purchased tickets, you’re likely to spend much of your holiday waiting in lines. Particularly for renowned attractions such as the Colosseum, Vatican, Catacombs, and Versailles, we strongly recommend purchasing tickets online prior to your visit.<\/p>\n

PS : Skip the Line tickets are an absolute boon if you’re in Rome for a few days. Even with ordinary tickets, you’ll have considerable queues, so Skip the Line tickets are your best bet to breeze through the hour long queues in Rome.<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/a> Priority Entrance Tickets to Colosseum, Roman Foru…<\/span> from<\/span> \u20ac26 <\/span><\/a> Skip the Line Tickets to the Vatican Museums and S…<\/span> from<\/span> \u20ac28 <\/span><\/a> Guided Tour of the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel…<\/span> from<\/span> \u20ac56 <\/span><\/a> Skip The Line Guided Tour of Colosseum with Arena …<\/span> from<\/span> \u20ac49 <\/span><\/a> Borghese Gallery Entrance Tickets<\/span> from<\/span> \u20ac21 <\/span><\/a> Express Guided Tour of Colosseum, Vatican Museums …<\/span> from<\/span> \u20ac92 <\/span><\/a> Special Access Tickets: Colosseum Arena Floor & Ro…<\/span> from<\/span> \u20ac39 <\/span><\/a> Colosseum Underground Tour with Arena Floor & Roma…<\/span> from<\/span> \u20ac118 <\/span><\/a> Exclusive: Vatican Museum with Bramante Staircase …<\/span> from<\/span> \u20ac68<\/p>\n

#4 Keep your belongings close to your heart!<\/h2>\n

The city is brimming with pickpockets, infiltrating every corner of the cityscape, from iconic monuments to bustling buses and lively piazzas. Exercise caution if anyone attempts to divert your attention, particularly if they persistently vie for your focus. While commuting on the metro or bus, maintain vigilance by keeping your bags secured in front of you with locked zippers in an out-of-reach position. Even amidst the charm of crowded piazzas, notorious hotspots for theft, remain mindful of your surroundings as you indulge in gelato delights.<\/p>\n

#5 Get hungry for dinner only after 8:30 PM<\/h2>\n

If you’re an early dinner person, you’ll have to wait a little to get yourself dinner in Rome. Most restaurants start serving dinner only at about 8:30 PM or later and take the last order around 11:30 PM. However, if you can’t wait until 8:30 PM, grab an aperitivo like the locals at around 7:00 PM. You’ll find plenty and more places serving an aperitivo which is an open buffet and drink for about \u20ac10. Satiate your hunger with this temporarily and then go for a full fledged dinner at around 9:30 PM.<\/p>\n

#6 Keep an eye out for the “real gelato”<\/h2>\n

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Not all ice creams in Rome are gelato. Steer away from gelaterias that display pretty, puffy clouds of gelato as these are most definitely the fake ones. Real gelatos aren’t fluffy. They are creamy. Also, real gelatos cannot be hot pink and powder blue, because that’s just a lot of artificial colouring. If you were to trust the late Anthony Bourdain and his word, head to the Gelateria dei Gracchi in Prati district. He has vouched for it and we frankly consider that our holy grail!<\/p>\n

#7 Take rest on Monday since the locals do so<\/h2>\n

Yes. After the tiring weekend, Romans consider Monday their rest day. Most museums and restaurants remain closed on Mondays. You can use the day to visit the parks in the city, go shopping or maybe head on a day trip from Rome on a Monday. Since you’ll spend the day traveling, you’re not really losing out on much.<\/p>\n

PS: Vatican Museums are closed on Sundays, so they tend to be very crowded on Saturdays and Mondays. Plan your visit from Tuesday through Friday instead.<\/p>\n

#8 Never pay for water. Use the water fountains instead!<\/h2>\n

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If you’re traveling to Rome on a budget or otherwise, don’t even bother paying for water. The city has water fountains, affectionately called ‘nasoni’ or little noses around every other corner and these fountains have good drinking water flowing from it 24*7. This is especially convenient during the summers as the water is refreshingly cool! Carry your bottle or flask around and fill it up from these water fountains as you make your way around the city. Water bottles are quite expensive, so save the money and have an extra gelato instead!<\/p>\n

#9 Tipping is not obligatory, but it\u2019s always appreciated<\/h2>\n

Although tipping isn’t customary in Italian culture, if you’re exceptionally pleased with the service, it’s acceptable to leave a tip. In Rome, a service charge is typically included in the bill as the “coperto” (cover) or for bread, so many patrons don’t tip beyond that. However, depending on factors like the size of your bill, the quality of service, and the size of your party, leaving a gratuity of 5-10% is always appreciated if you’re satisfied with the service.<\/p>\n

#10 Get your bus tickets before you get on the bus<\/h2>\n

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Stock up on bus tickets ahead of time because you can\u2019t buy them on the bus. You can grab your bus tickets from any tabaccheria in the city, little convenient shops that are designated with a large T. Tickets are \u20ac1.50 each, or opt for a 24-hour, 48-hour or weekly ticket for a discounted price. These tickets are valid for all forms of public transportation in Rome (bus, metro, tram and local train).<\/p>\n

#11 It’s free museum day on ever first Sunday of the month<\/h2>\n

Rome\u2019s state-owned museums, galleries, archeological sites, parks and gardens are free on the first Sunday of each month. However, this also happens to be the busiest day to visit these attractions, so show up early or visit a lesser-known attraction on the day for free. If you’re looking to explore an attraction with great thoroughness, steer clear of it on this day as you’ll have to battle hordes throughout.<\/p>\n

\"romeRome Bucket List<\/a><\/p>\n

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52 Ultimate List Of Things To Do In Rome<\/h2>\n

<\/a>Check out these must-do experiences in Rome and plan your itinerary like a pro! <\/a><\/p>\n

#12 Bread ain’t free in Rome<\/h3>\n

There is almost always a charge for bread, so if you don\u2019t want bread (or rather, don\u2019t want to be charged for it) tell your waiter as soon as you sit down as they mostly bring it automatically.<\/p>\n

#13 WiFi is almost always WEAK<\/h3>\n

Don\u2019t count on WiFi in Rome. It’s almost always spotty and even in cafes, restaurants and hotels that advertise free WiFi, you cannot expect strong internet. Consider getting a data plan on your local sim or bring along a portable hotspot if you intend to work. Trusting the WiFi in the city is quite a grave mistake! Also, if you plan on relying on Google Maps, we would strongly suggest downloading the maps offline. PS: Barnum Caf\u00e9 and Analemma are two of the most popular spots for freelancers. Head here if you’re in dire need of internet.<\/p>\n

#14 Get out of Rome and take a day trip to Pompeii<\/h3>\n

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If you’re staying in Rome for over 3-5 days, hop out of the city for a day visit the nearby town of Naples. It’s just 2 hours 45 minutes from Rome and you can visit the famous town of Pompeii on your visit. Even the town of Herculaneum if you’re a fan of excavation sites! There are many organized tours that take you around and bring you back to the city in 24 hours, so it is just the matter of signing up for one that suits your budget.<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/a> Pompeii and Mt. Vesuvius Volcano Full Day Trip fro…<\/span> from<\/span> \u20ac139 <\/span><\/a> Naples and Pompeii Archeological Full Day Trip fro…<\/span> from<\/span> \u20ac134<\/p>\n

#15 If you want wine, order in some house wine<\/h3>\n

One of the highlights of dining out in Rome is indulging in the local house wine. Not only is it incredibly budget-friendly, but it’s also surprisingly delicious! You have the option of red or white varieties, and typically, you can order a \u00bc, \u00bd, or full litre of wine for less than \u20ac10. However, be mindful of your pace; despite its affordability, indulging too quickly could lead to an unexpected tipsy state!<\/p>\n

#16 Acquaint yourself with some basic Italian phrases<\/h3>\n

While this may come as a shock to you, not everyone in Rome speaks English! You don’t have to be fluent in Italian, but knowing a few words and phrases in Italian can definitely come handy. Here are a few commonly used phrases you can start with.<\/p>\n