Rome, the “Eternal City,” is a massive open-air museum where ancient ruins, Baroque fountains, and vibrant street life coexist in a beautiful, chaotic harmony. From the grandeur of the Colosseum to the spiritual center of the Vatican, Rome is a city that demands multiple visits.
Getting Around
Rome is best explored on foot, but it’s a large city. The ATAC public transport system includes a Metro (Lines A, B, and C), buses, and trams.
Tap and Go
You no longer need to find a Tabacchi to buy tickets. Rome’s buses and Metro now support Tap & Go—just tap your contactless credit/debit card or phone on the reader. Remember to tap in every time you board a new vehicle!
Wear Comfortable Shoes
The “Sampietrini” (cobblestones) of Rome are beautiful but brutal on your feet. Leave the heels at home and wear sturdy, comfortable walking shoes. Your ankles will thank you.
- Use Citymapper for the most intuitive real-time navigation and precise station exit details.
- MooneyGo is the essential choice for purchasing and validating digital transit tickets and parking in Rome.
- Use FreeNow or itTaxi for the fastest city transit, as they hail official taxis authorized to use dedicated bus lanes to bypass Rome’s heavy traffic.
- Select Uber for premium reliability or a seamless transfer at Fiumicino Airport, where it is the official partner with dedicated priority pickup zones.
Where to Stay
Trastevere is the most atmospheric district, perfect for those who love winding cobblestone streets and a bustling local food scene. For classic elegance near major sites, look near Piazza Navona or the Pantheon. If you want a more local, trendy vibe, explore the Monti district.
The Termini Area
The area around Roma Termini is very convenient for transport and often has cheaper hotels, but it can feel a bit gritty at night. For a more “Roman” experience, aim for the side streets of Monti, which is just a short walk away.
Find a place in Trastevere
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Things to Do
Ancient Rome
Walk through the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and the Palatine Hill. It’s the heart of the ancient empire and provides a staggering sense of history.
Book Months in Advance
Tickets for the Colosseum and Vatican Museums sell out weeks, sometimes months, in advance. As soon as you know your dates, book your entry through the official websites to avoid paying 3x the price to resellers.
Fountains and Squares
Wander from the Spanish Steps to the Trevi Fountain (don’t forget to throw a coin!), and then to the magnificent Pantheon, the best-preserved ancient Roman building in the world.
The Trevi at Night
The Trevi Fountain is incredibly crowded during the day. Visit after midnight or before 7:00 AM to experience its beauty in relative peace. The lighting at night makes it even more dramatic.
Explore activities in Rome
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Money & Shops
While contactless payment is standard in 2026, some small family-run trattorie or souvenir stalls might still claim their “POS terminal is broken” to favor cash. Always carry €20 in backup. For groceries, Conad, Coop, and Carrefour Express are 100% card-friendly and found on nearly every corner.
Be aware that many smaller boutiques and local shops close on Sunday or have a “riposo” (mid-day break) between 1:00 PM and 4:30 PM.
Avoid Currency Conversion
When paying by card, the terminal may ask if you want to pay in your home currency (e.g., USD or GBP). Always choose EUR. Choosing your home currency triggers “Dynamic Currency Conversion,” which applies a terrible exchange rate and extra fees.
Pit Stops
Clean, free public restrooms are rare. Your best bet is the top floor of the La Rinascente department store (Via del Tritone) or high-end museums. Most cafes will let you use the toilet if you buy a quick €1.20 espresso at the bar.
Rome’s tap water is world-class. You’ll see “Nasoni”—curved iron fountains—constantly running throughout the city. The water is cold, free, and perfectly safe to drink.
Find the Water
Download the Acquea or I Nasoni di Roma app. It maps out every single Nasone in the city, so you never have to buy a plastic water bottle. To drink from a Nasone like a local, plug the bottom hole with your finger; the water will squirt out of a small hole on top like a drinking fountain.
Local Ways
Romans eat late. Lunch starts at 1:00 PM, and dinner rarely begins before 8:00 PM. If you show up at a restaurant at 6:30 PM, you’ll likely find it closed or empty. To secure a table at popular spots in Trastevere or Monti during peak season, use the TheFork app or have your hotel call 2 days in advance.
Socially, the “Coperto” is a standard cover charge (usually €2–€3) listed on the menu; it covers bread and service, so don’t be surprised when it appears on your bill.
The Cappuccino Rule
Ordering a cappuccino after 11:00 AM is the ultimate tourist giveaway. Romans believe hot milk messes with digestion after a meal. If you need a caffeine hit in the afternoon, stick to a Caffè (espresso) or a Caffè Macchiato.
Health & Help
Look for the neon green cross. A Farmacia can dispense medication and offer medical advice, while a Parafarmacia (usually in supermarkets) only sells over-the-counter items and toiletries. For 24/7 emergencies, Farmacia Piram (near Termini) and Farmacia Internazionale (Piazza Barberini) are the most reliable hubs in the center.
If you have a minor ailment, ask for the “Guardia Medica Turistica”—a specific medical service for tourists that avoids the long waits of a standard ER (Pronto Soccorso).
Emergency phone number
In the event of an emergency in Italy, dial 112. This universal number connects you to all emergency services, and operators generally speak English.
Safety & Accessibility
Rome is generally safe, but pickpockets are professionals here. The 64 Bus (Termini to Vatican) and Metro Line A are notorious hotspots. Keep your bag in front of you and never put your phone on the table at an outdoor cafe.
Mobility is a challenge due to the Sampietrini (uneven cobblestones) and a lack of elevators in older Metro stations.
Accessible Planning
For visitors with mobility issues, check these English-language resources:
- Village for All (V4A): Provides detailed accessibility audits for hotels and attractions.
- Accessible Rome (Official): The city’s official guide for routes that avoid the worst stairs and cobblestones.