Heading to the Italian capital? Rome is one of Europe’s most sought after cities with its ancient charm intertwined in the modern world. A visit to Rome is an exciting trip, but there’s some things to know before you go. Here’s everything you should know before visiting Rome, Italy.
Things to Know About Rome
With a population of around 3 million, Rome is Italy’s capital and largest city combined. Rome feels like one giant open-air museum due to its rich and ancient history. The city is so impressive that it’s even been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Tap water is safe to drink and there’s also plenty of free water fountains to use around the city. Rome’s currency is the euro (€) and it’s wise to keep a little bit of euros in cash for inconvenient shops that might not accept credit or debit cards.
Tipping in Rome is not mandatory, but if the service you received was exceptional, you’re welcome to leave around 10% or round up the bill.
If you plan to visit a lot of sites on your trip to Rome, you can save money by bundling tickets using a Rome city pass. These include popular attractions like the Colosseum, Vatican City, Galleria Borghese, and more.
When is the best time to visit Rome?
Rome is a Mediterranean city, so it enjoys wild winters with hot and humid summers. With this in mind, the best seasons to visit Rome are spring and fall. The weather is more pleasant, better suited for walking around, and the crowds will have diminished compared to the summer months.
The least convenient time to visit is August. Many European countries have vacation time in August, so that means the city is packed with visitors plus it’s at the peak of heat and humidity.
How to get around Rome
Rome is big, but compact making it a walkable city. Walking is the best way to see Rome, discover hidden gems, and get a better sense of the city. Expect walking to be your daily routine on a trip to Rome, so packing durable and comfortable shoes is essential.
The Italian capital is also well-equipped with public transportation. Metro tickets are €1.50, a 24-hour ticket is €7, a 48-hour one is €12,50, and the weekly ticket is available for €24. You can buy tickets at public transportation ticket stands in stations, vending machines, some newsstands, and counters at bigger stations. Buses and trams are also available.
Other options include taxis, scooters, bicycles, and the hop-on-hop-off bus.
Rome is generally safe. Typical for most major cities, be aware of pickpocketers. Use common sense and take of your belongings. For emergencies, call 112.
Bring the right travel adapters
Make sure you bring along the correct adapters for Italy. Type L, Type C, and Type F are compatible. It’s worth maximizing space and money by purchasing a global travel adapter that you’ll be able to use across the globe. Ceptics ITALY Travel Adapters will come in handy offering multiple USB ports and compatibility with American plugs.
