First Time in Rome? 19 Travel Tips You Need to Know
Rome mixes jaw-dropping history with modern Italian life in ways that’ll catch first-timers off guard.
From square-shaped pizza slices to unexpected dress codes, here’s what you need to know before your first visit to Rome!
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1. Always Carry Cash
Rome demands euros in your pocket – many smaller cafés, family restaurants, and local shops operate strictly with cash.
Credit cards might be rejected at the charming trattoria serving the best carbonara of your life or at that tiny gelato shop.
ATMs are plentiful, but withdrawal fees add up fast. Stash some bills before wandering those cobblestone streets to avoid awkward moments at the register.
2. Order Coffee At The Bar
Romans don’t do leisurely coffee sessions in cushy chairs. They stand at the bar, knock back an espresso in minutes, and continue their day.
Not only is this the authentic way to caffeinate, but it’s also significantly cheaper – sometimes half the price of table service.
The ritual is simple: pay first, hand your receipt to the barista, enjoy your perfect espresso, then make room for the next patron.
3. Uneven Streets Even In Posh Areas
Rome’s cobblestone streets show zero respect for your footwear choices – even the ritziest neighborhoods feature uneven pavements.
These ancient pathways might charm your camera but will absolutely destroy your ankles if you’re sporting anything with a heel.
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4. Walking Is The Best Way To Explore
Rome unfolds itself to those who wander. The compact historic center connects major sights like the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, and Spanish Steps within walking distance of each other.
Buses get stuck in traffic, and the metro misses most of the good stuff. Lace up those comfy shoes and discover hidden courtyards, neighborhood cafés, and stunning viewpoints that no tour bus could ever reach.
5. Timing Matters For Attractions
Rome’s popularity creates human traffic jams at major sites. The Vatican Museums transform from spiritual wonder to sardine can by midday.
Tuesdays and Thursdays offer breathing room among Michelangelo’s masterpieces, while Mondays bring the worst crowds as other museums close.
The Colosseum sees shorter lines before 9 AM, letting early birds commune with gladiator ghosts before the tour groups descend.
6. Three Days Minimum
Rome wasn’t built in a day, and you certainly can’t see it in one. Three days marks the sweet minimum for taking in the city’s greatest hits without collapsing from exhaustion.
Day one: ancient Rome. Day two: Vatican treasures. Day three: piazzas, fountains, and neighborhood wandering.
Anything less means missing the chance to sip wine in a hidden piazza as the sunset paints those famous seven hills golden.
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7. Early Morning Colosseum Visits
The Colosseum transforms from serene historical marvel to tourist battlefield around 10 AM.
Early risers who arrive when doors open can photograph empty corridors and gaze into the arena without hundreds of selfie sticks blocking the view.
After your peaceful Colosseum moment, you’ll still have time to explore the nearby Palatine Hill and Roman Forum before the midday crowds and heat make both significantly less enjoyable.
8. Skip The Line Tickets Are Essential
Rome’s top attractions can steal hours of your vacation through queues alone. The math is simple: pay a few extra euros for skip-the-line access or waste half your day watching the back of strangers’ heads in a slow-moving line.
Pre-booking timed entry tickets for the Vatican Museums, Colosseum, and Borghese Gallery isn’t just convenient—it’s the difference between seeing Rome and standing in Rome.
9. Dress Codes Are Strictly Enforced
Vatican dress codes catch countless tourists off-guard. Those tiny shorts perfect for summer sightseeing will get you blocked at St. Peter’s Basilica.
The rules apply to all genders: covered shoulders, no shorts above the knee, no revealing tops.
This isn’t just for the Vatican—many churches throughout Rome enforce similar standards. A light scarf or foldable layer in your bag solves the problem instantly.
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10. Free Drinking Water Everywhere
Rome flaunts over 2,500 “nasoni” – public drinking fountains with clean, cold water flowing 24/7.
Locals block the downward spout with a finger to create an upward arc for easy drinking.
Bring a reusable bottle and fill up throughout the day, saving both money and plastic while staying hydrated under that intense Italian sun.
11. Square Pizza Exists
Pizza in Rome often comes in rectangular slices sold by weight. This “pizza al taglio” style lets you choose exactly how much you want cut from large trays.
The crispy, airy crust differs dramatically from Neapolitan pizza. Simply indicate with your hands the size you desire, then pay based on weight.
12. The Vatican Is Surprisingly Accessible
Vatican City sits just across the Tiber River from Rome’s historic center. Despite being its own country, reaching it requires just a quick metro ride or a scenic 30-minute walk from the heart of Rome.
The proximity surprises many first-timers who imagined a complicated journey to this spiritual epicenter.
The world’s smallest sovereign state blends seamlessly into Rome’s urban fabric, making pope-spotting a surprisingly achievable activity.
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13. Pedestrians Rule The Roads
Crossing streets in Rome requires confidence bordering on audacity. Despite the chaotic traffic, pedestrians boldly step into crosswalks, and surprisingly, cars actually stop.
This street-crossing dance intimidates newcomers, but watch locals and follow their lead.
The unspoken rule: make eye contact with drivers, step forward decisively, and maintain your pace. Hesitation only confuses drivers and extends your time in traffic limbo.
14. Gelato Shops Open Late
Rome’s gelaterias keep scooping well past midnight, making late-night gelato runs a legitimate dinner plan.
After evening passeggiatas (strolls) through illuminated piazzas, locals line up for creamy nocturnal treats.
The best shops make everything fresh daily and display natural colors rather than fluorescent hues.
15. Coin Tossing Has Rules
The Trevi Fountain tradition involves specific technique: stand with your back to the fountain, right hand over left shoulder, and toss the coin.
One coin ensures your return to Rome, two coins promise romance with an Italian, three guarantee marriage.
Despite numerous fountains throughout the city, Romans insist only Trevi wishes count.
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16. Bike Tours Cover More Ground
Rome sprawls across seven hills, making comprehensive exploration on foot challenging.
Guided bike excursions navigate traffic confidently while accessing areas buses can’t reach.
The electric assist handles Rome’s notorious hills without breaking a sweat, letting you cover all the iconic sights in a single morning.
17. Beware Street Scammers
Rome’s tourist zones attract creative hustlers. The “friendship bracelet” scam involves someone tying string around your wrist and then demanding payment.
Others offer “free” roses that become decidedly un-free moments later. Some pose as gladiators charging for photos after they’re taken.
The rule is simple: firmly decline anything handed to you on the street, avoid eye contact with costumed characters, and keep walking with purpose.
18. Avoid Spanish Steps Sitting
That iconic staircase from countless films now comes with official sitting police. Rest your weary legs on those famous steps and uniformed officers might issue a €250 fine.
The 2019 rule aims to preserve the 18th-century marble from damage and food stains. Snap your photos standing, then find a nearby café chair instead.
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19. Advance Tickets For Borghese Gallery
The stunning Borghese Gallery limits visitors to two-hour time slots with mandatory advance booking.
Unlike other museums where you can chance walk-up tickets, this art-filled villa strictly controls capacity. Reservations often fill weeks ahead, especially during high season.
