Rome Travel Guide and Useful Tips from Local Experts

Are you planning a trip to Rome? It is certainly one of the most beautiful cities in the world. If you’re preparing for your first visit to Rome but aren’t quite sure what to expect or how to get ready, here are my top tips on what you need to know before you go.

In short, about the author:

Ciao! My name is Kate, and I’ve been living in Rome for the past ten years. During this time, I’ve managed to explore much of the country, yet Italy always offers more to discover. Rome alone is one of the most historically rich cities in the world. I’m delighted to share my experience with you, as there’s so much to see and talk about. Let’s uncover the wonders of the Eternal City together! It’s hard not to fall in love with Rome at first sight. You can always get in touch with me for advice on planning the perfect holiday in Rome.

TOP 5 Most Popular Questions about Rome

Weather in Rome – What to Wear

From November to March, when there’s a higher chance of rain in Rome, the city tends to be quieter, meaning you’ll have a more comfortable experience without the crowds. The summer heat in July and August can reach up to 40°C, so during these months, we head out early, from around 05:00 to 11:00, rest indoors during the hottest hours, and enjoy an evening stroll along the Tiber from 21:00.

Read more about the weather in Rome.

What to See in Rome

Rome is one of the most beautiful cities in the world, with an exceptional number of monuments, piazzas, churches, landmarks, and masterpieces of art.

• Here’s the perfect itinerary for visitors spending just three days in Rome
• Have a look at the top 30 attractions to visit in Rome and watch my video tips.

Currency in Rome, Italy

The currency in Rome is the euro. It’s nearly impossible to exchange US dollars without incurring losses of up to 40%, so it’s best to exchange money for euros before leaving the UK and consider using a multi-currency card. If you’re an EU citizen, we recommend applying for a Revolut card, which helps save significantly on currency conversion fees.

Visa – Italy Travel Requirements

Italy is part of the Schengen Area. British citizens do not need a visa to travel to Italy for stays of up to 90 days. Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure date. Citizens of countries outside the European Union, such as the United States, must present a passport valid for at least three months beyond the intended stay in Italy. EU citizens only need a valid national identity card to enter.

Tourist Numbers

Be aware that Rome is a popular destination and is busy throughout the year. If you’d like to visit the Colosseum, Borghese Gallery, or the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel, it’s essential to purchase tickets in advance — ideally 2 to 3 weeks before your trip.

• How to buy tickets to the Colosseum
• How to buy tickets to the Vatican Museums

And yes, you can skip the long queues at the Colosseum and other popular museums — simply book your tickets ahead of time.

Learn Basic Italian Phrases

• Ciao = Hello/Goodbye
• Buon giorno = Good morning/Good afternoon
• Buona sera = Good evening
• Arrivederci = Goodbye
• Grazie = Thank you
• Prego = You’re welcome
• Per favore = Please
• Sì = Yes
• No = No
• Mi scusi = Excuse me / Pardon me
• Parla Inglese? = Do you speak English?

Roma Pass

The Roma Pass is a convenient tourist card that helps you explore Rome while saving money. It includes entry to top attractions such as the Colosseum, Capitoline Museums, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, the Borghese Gallery, Castel Sant’Angelo, the ruins along the Via Appia Antica, Ostia Antica, and many other museums and contemporary art galleries. The pass costs either €28 or €38.

Coffee Traditions in Italy

Traditionally, Romans drink their coffee standing at the bar counter – sitting down means you’ll pay extra for table service. This can easily double the price, but standing at the bar is how locals do it. If you opt for table service, note that a “coperto” (cover charge) or “servizio” fee may be included, usually mentioned in small print on the menu.

It’s also good to know that Italians drink cappuccino only before 11:00 as part of breakfast. The same applies to caffè latte – many Italians believe milk should only be consumed in the morning for health reasons. If you’d like one, be sure to ask for “caffè latte” rather than just “latte”, as the latter simply means “milk” and you’ll be served a glass of it. Additionally, locals rarely order an Americano coffee.

When to Visit Rome

The best time to visit Rome is during spring and autumn. Winters are mild but can be wet, making April–May and September–October ideal months for a visit. Additionally, the 21st of April marks the birthday of Rome — a time filled with special events and celebrations.

Hot Summer

If you plan to visit Rome during the summer months, be prepared for high temperatures. While there are many lovely beaches near the Eternal City, if you want to explore the city itself, it’s best to do so at dawn or in the evening.

• Private guided tour of the Vatican at sunrise
• Rome sightseeing tour at sunrise

Learn the Water Fountain Trick

Rome is full of drinking fountains where fresh water flows freely day and night. It’s clean, delicious, completely free, and can save you a great deal of money.

Tip: The spout on these fountains has a small hole on top. Block the end of the spout with your palm, and water will shoot upwards through the hole, making it easy to drink from.

Eat in Trastevere

If you’re looking to enjoy authentic Italian cuisine without overpaying, head to the restaurants in the Trastevere district. Of course, there are decent restaurants in the historic centre of Rome, but you’re not always guaranteed high-quality food, good service, and fair prices. If you choose to dine in the city centre, take care to select your restaurant wisely.

Tipping is not mandatory in Italy, unlike in the UK. However, if you enjoyed your meal and the service, it’s always appreciated to leave a couple of euros for the waiter.

• Trastevere walking tour with tastings

Aperitif

Visiting buffet bars in Rome for an Italian aperitivo is a brilliant idea — you can enjoy traditional Roman food at a lower cost while catching up with friends over drinks. Essentially, aperitivo is the Italian version of happy hour.

A typical aperitif includes a drink and either a buffet you can graze from as a light dinner, or a small selection of dishes served alongside your drink.

Apericena — a combination of aperitif and dinner — usually begins around 18:30 and winds down between 21:00 and 22:00. The average cost for an aperitif per person is €10–15.

Comfortable Shoes

If you’re visiting Rome, be ready to do plenty of walking. The city is filled with unique details, and every corner holds a story. Therefore, it truly is best to explore Rome on foot. Comfortable shoes are a must for your daily strolls and guided tours.

Driving

Mopeds dart between cars with little concern for safety, horns constantly sound, lanes are more of a suggestion, and drivers rarely seem patient. If you’re planning to travel beyond Rome, it’s far more comfortable to do so via high-speed trains.

Read more about:

• How to buy tickets for Trenitalia trains in Italy
• Renting a car in Rome
• If you’re staying in Rome for several days, consider a day trip to Florence

Take a Scarf with You

Rome usually enjoys warm weather, with more than 270 sunny days each year, according to statistics. However, it’s wise to carry a scarf with you, as there are around 1,000 churches in Rome and you’ll need to cover your shoulders and knees to enter them. I highly recommend visiting at least five churches during your Roman holiday — trust me, they are masterpieces, often home to world-renowned artworks.

• Where to see artworks by Caravaggio

Restaurant Opening Hours

Dinner in Rome tends to start later than in the UK — at 19:00, most restaurants are still empty. Locals typically begin dining around 20:30–21:00. Most restaurants are open from 12:30 to 14:30 for lunch and from 18:00 until midnight for dinner. Most cafés and bars serve sweet items like cornetti (croissants) for breakfast, as Italians don’t usually eat eggs or savoury dishes in the morning.

Supermarkets

As in any large city, Rome has a good number of supermarkets. However, many of them close by 19:00 or 20:00. On Sundays, most are either shut or only open until lunchtime. It’s worth visiting a local supermarket to sample Italian delicacies such as cheeses (formaggi) and cured meats (prosciutto), sold by weight. This is an excellent option for a high-quality yet budget-friendly lunch or dinner.

Beware of Pickpockets and Scams

With large numbers of tourists in Rome, pickpocketing can be an issue. Always keep an eye on your bag and avoid carrying valuables in your pockets. Some restaurants in highly touristy areas may attempt to overcharge guests — always check the menu and steer clear of places that seem aimed solely at tourists. Also, avoid signing street petitions or giving personal details to strangers. That said, Rome remains a very safe city overall.

Gelato

Italian gelato is a must-try when visiting Rome. Avoid gelaterias in obvious tourist spots and instead seek out local favourites. Here’s a list of the best gelato shops in the city.

You Can Purchase 3-, 7-, and 30-Day Passes for Public Transport

Trains in Rome don’t always run on time, so be prepared for occasional delays. That said, public transport is a fantastic and affordable way to get around the city. Trams are especially enjoyable, as they keep you above ground and allow you to see more of Rome as you travel. Children under the age of 10 can ride the metro for free.

Save money by purchasing a 3-day, 7-day or 30-day travel pass, which allows unlimited use of buses, the metro, and trams.

• How to buy tickets for public transport
• Read about Hop-On Hop-Off Buses

How to Get from the Airport to the City Centre

Both Fiumicino and Ciampino airports are located some distance from central Rome. The easiest and fastest route from Fiumicino Airport is the Leonardo Express train to Termini Station. Alternatively, you can take the slower regional train for roughly half the cost, which makes multiple stops and may be more convenient depending on your accommodation. From Ciampino Airport, several buses run directly to Termini Station.

You can also book a private transfer (watch my video review) via our website for €70. The driver, Sergio, will meet you at the arrivals hall and take you comfortably to any point within the city.

• Price: €70 (no extra charge for luggage)
• Website: www.rome4.us

Taxis can be expensive, but the City of Rome has established fixed rates for journeys from the airport. Expect to pay a minimum of €55 to reach the city centre or anywhere within the Aurelian Walls from Fiumicino (FCO). The fixed fare from Ciampino Airport to the city centre is €35. These set prices include luggage and up to four passengers. Be sure to confirm with the driver that you are aware of the fixed fare before setting off — while overcharging is illegal, it’s always best to be cautious.

Beware of fake taxis — only take official white taxis with a roof sign, visible ID number, and meter before getting in.

Read about the best hotels near Termini Station.

How to Choose a Hotel in Rome

I recommend booking a hotel near the Pantheon. This is an ideal location for exploring the main attractions in Rome on foot. It’s also conveniently close to the Trastevere district, where you’ll find excellent food at more affordable prices than in the historic centre.

Read about unusual things to do in Rome.

Free Places to Visit in Rome

Just because Rome is a major tourist destination doesn’t mean you have to pay for everything. There are plenty of free-entry museums, galleries, and of course, churches. For instance, you don’t need to pay to visit the magnificent Pantheon. Here’s a list of free museums in Rome.

• Top free things to do in Rome

Do Not Accept Free Gifts from Strangers on the Street

Don’t waste your Roman holiday on common scams. If someone offers you a “free” gift, they will likely start demanding money the moment you accept it.

• Instead, consider purchasing local delicacies as souvenirs from one of Rome’s farmers’ markets.

Some Shops Close for Siesta

Rome follows a relaxed rhythm of life. Many shops close for a siesta between 13:00 and 16:00. If you’re planning to shop, it’s best to go out in the morning to avoid finding your favourite shops closed. Most stay open until 20:00. You can explore Rome’s best shopping streets or visit the Castel Romano designer outlet.

Read About the History of the Eternal City

Rome’s history is incredibly rich and fascinating. To make the most of your holiday, it helps to understand the significance of the places you’re visiting. There are countless landmarks, piazzas, and historical events waiting to be explored.

Carry Cash

Carrying cash is one of the most important tips I can give you. It’s common not to be able to pay for coffee or small items with a card. In the Vatican, many places accept cash only.

• Our team is always ready to welcome you in Rome! We’d be happy to help you organise a cultural itinerary for your holiday 🙂

How Much Does It Cost to Travel in Rome?

You should plan to spend approximately €131 (≈£112) per day on your holiday in Rome — this is based on average visitor spending. On average, travellers spend around €37 (≈£32) on food and €10–17 (≈£8.50–£15) on local transport per day. The average hotel price for a couple is about €134 (≈£114) per night. So, a one-week trip to Rome for two people typically costs around €1,830 (≈£1,560), including visits to museums, souvenir shopping, and meals at restaurants.

Read more about the cost of living in Rome.