20 Rome Travel Tips from a Frequent Visitor

The eternal city of Rome has everything it takes to be the most special city in the world. The history, the unmatched structures, the art, the viewpoints, the romantic evenings, the food, the buzzing piazzas, and so on – this list can actually go on for miles.

Some might say that Rome is overrated, and in my experience are the ones who have never actually visited this eternal city.

I fell in love with Rome instantly and I decided to revisit it just 2 months after my first trip. I plan to visit Rome at every opportunity I get with a long weekend because it is really that awesome (and there’s so much to see).

So here are my top Rome travel tips for first-time visitors and even for those who might have visited the city already.

How Many Days in Rome?

Rome isn’t a city that you visit for just a day or two. It’s a destination with so much to offer that spending a day or a weekend here feels like you have rushed through a fine dining experience. In order to do Rome justice, I recommend a minimum of three days here, if not more. Honestly, even three days are just the bare minimum.

I recommend spending five days in Rome to enjoy the city like I did. Although both my visits to Rome were for five days each, I still wished I had more time here.

Roma Pass vs GoCity Card

I don’t like touristy places, but Rome is the kind of city for which I made many exceptions. There is so much to see in Rome that one ends up spending lots of money on entry fees to the attractions.

Thankfully, there are ways to save money. You can buy several kinds of city cards, such as a Rome Pass or a GoCity Card.

I had a GoCity card, which isn’t a physical card but an app-based card. It shows the attraction based on maps and helps you create an itinerary.

My Gocity Rome explorer pass included 3 attractions or guided tours. Three attractions are a bare minimum for Rome. I could pick whichever I wanted from their list, so I chose the most expensive ones and then booked the cheaper things on GetYourGuide (my favorite platform for booking attractions, by the way).

I booked 4 more tours separately on GetYourGuide. Personally, I highly recommend GoCity because it was value for money for me.

Other than these two, there are also the Omnia Card, Omnia Vatican Card, and Roma Pass combo.

Book A Time Slot for Everything

Now this is the single most important tip for visiting Rome if you want to see any attractions. When visiting Rome, prebook a timeslot at famous attractions as early as possible.

Look for “skip the line entry tickets” to save time. They are just a few euros more expensive than normal tickets and are definitely worth the extra price. Why would anyone want to waste their time standing in long lines when they are in a pretty city like Rome?

This is especially true if you want to visit during the high season, the summer months. Even during the shoulder and low seasons, Rome’s most popular attractions would always have crowds.

So, look for a reserved entry option for Vatican museums (the Sistine Chapel is a part of the Vatican Museums), Galleria Borghese, the Colosseum (the Colosseum ticket also includes the Roman Forum)

St. Peter’s Basilica is also a part of the Vatican City but is free and there is no reserved entry for visiting. However, you can opt for a guided tour where you will be in line with a knowledgeable tour guide who will ensure you aren’t bored with their stories.

Rome’s Public Transportation

Rome’s public transportation is very good. Yes, you can buy your tickets per trip but if you get a Roma Pass, your public transportation is covered on it.

If you arrive in Rome by air, you can avoid Termini Station which is the busy main train station with pickpockets. Instead, research the airport transfers and read about the Regionale trains or the local trains. I managed to get on a direct train from Rome’s airport to Trastavere for EUR 6.

I didn’t get a public transportation card and I was able to tap my bank card directly on the machines on buses and trams for each trip. It was just around 1-2 euros per trip. So, you can directly use credit cards or debit cards on the trams and buses instead of buying the bus tickets or tram tickets separately.

I did use the metro once and also the train – each time I bought the tickets individually. Metro tickets can be bought directly at the station using cards or cash.

It is very easy to find public transportation info about Rome using Google Maps, and you don’t need any other app. I used use “Omio” app to buy the REG train tickets from Fiumicino Aeroporto to Trastevere and back. The REG train tickets are not included in the Rome Pass by the way.

At night, I used the taxi services too because I was too sleepy to use public transport. Compared to Germany, I found Rome’s cabs affordable. I never paid more than 15 euros per trip. I was lucky to find taxi drivers who understood a few English words. But if you have the Google Translate app, then language wouldn’t be a problem.

Plan, Divide and Conquer

Many of Rome’s attractions are within walking distance of each other. Plan your day in a way that you can cover a part of the city and visit the major sights all together one after another.

Considering how big Rome is and how many amazing sites there are to visit, it might require a lot of research to plan, divide and conquer. Exactly for that reason I have written my tried and tested Rome itinerary. I did the research already so you don’t need to.

Of course, when it comes to the busier attractions, you should pre-book a timeslot and see them as early in the morning as possible before moving on to the nearby less busy spots.

For example, start your day early with St. Peter’s Basilica, eat lunch right after this, and plan your visit to the Vatican Museums in a way that is right after lunch. Of course, if you are following my tips, then you’d book the skip-the-line ticket for the Vatican Museums too.

Sometimes during very busy times, there is another line for “skip-the-line” entry tickets as well, but it moves very fast.

First Sunday of Each Month (Free Attractions)

On the first Sunday of every month, many museums and archaeological sites in Rome are free to visit as part of the Domenica al Museo initiative. This is one of those things that you’d want to consider if you’re visiting Rome on a budget.

Keep in mind that these sites can get very crowded on the free-entry days so it’s best to arrive early.

This includes famous attractions like:

• Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill
• Galleria Borghese (reservation required)
• Capitoline Museums
• Castel Sant’Angelo
• Baths of Caracalla
• Ostia Antica

However, Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel are NOT included in this initiative.

Stay in Trastevere

I have seen many city guides in Rome that recommend staying in the city center. Hard no. The best decision that I made for my Rome trip was to stay in Trastevere, Rome’s Bohemian neighborhood. Here’s why I suggest you find a place to stay in Trastevere.

First, Rome’s center can be annoyingly crowded but Trastevere is a breath of fresh air since it’s a residential and student area. It is vibrant, fun, exciting, pretty, and yet not stressful.

Second, it has the best nightlife, so you would want to be closer to your last spot for the evening so that you can get home easily, wouldn’t you?

Third, it is easier to get more value for money in Trastevere in terms of accommodation versus the center. Moreover, Trastevere is more spacious and you might get a garden/patio too.

Fourth, Trastevere has a lot to do and see as well and many experts call it a “hidden gem”. It surely is a gem but not at all hidden. Trastevere has the best sunset viewpoint – Janiculum Hill, and some of the best restaurants. Be sure to read my Trastevere guide.

If you’re unable to find a place to stay in Trastevere, then look at the neighborhoods of Portunese, Monteverde, or Gianicolense which are just nearby.

Not Easy to Find Healthy Breakfast

If it is your first trip to Italy, then it is worth knowing that Italian breakfast is just a pastry and coffee. Even though pastries and coffee are really yummy, in my eyes that isn’t the healthiest breakfast.

As an Asian, a sweet breakfast isn’t a normal part of our culture and I need my salty high-protein breakfast, which is very hard to find in Italy. (Unless you’re staying in a fancy hotel with buffet-style breakfast)

If you are like me, then make sure to book a place with a kitchen where you can make your eggs, avocado toast, or whatever you prefer. Alternatively, you can also find an international-style breakfast place nearby.

What to Wear in Rome

This is such a big topic that I have an entire post about what to wear in Rome. Unlike some other iconic European cities, Rome’s culture is a bit more dressy.

For instance, while visiting places like Amsterdam, Berlin, Hamburg, and Copenhagen – the unspoken dress code is more sporty. But Rome’s culture is super stylish, regardless of age.

Considering Rome’s cobblestone streets and steep climbs, comfortable shoes are a must-have but that doesn’t mean sloppy. I had stylish platform sandals which were in reality Crocs but they didn’t look so.

Rome Has Fresh Water Fountains

Now this is for not just Rome but the entire Italy. The country has amazing water fountains with delicious water. You will never need to buy water from a supermarket. Seriously, this is how it should be in the rest of the world.

Rome’s water fountains are everywhere and you can fill up your water bottle everywhere in the city, even around historical attractions. And some of them are a work of art!

Start Early

If you are like me and you hate standing in long lines, then you would want to visit the most popular places like Colosseum, St. Peter’s Basilica, Trevi Fountain, etc, early morning.

Once you know how you are starting your morning, you can group the nearby attractions on that same day before you take a break for lunch.

As mentioned already, you can buy skip-the-line tickets for most of the tourist attractions in Rome but not everything has an entry ticket – so those places get super busy. I’m talking about St. Peter’s Basilica, and Trevi Fountain – which are free to visit so there’s no skip-the-line ticket.

Siesta / Nap Time

The best way to see Rome is to start every single day early, and then come back to the room in the late afternoon for a nap. Freshen up after your nap and then get out for sunset and a nice evening out. (After all, this is how the Italians live their life).

After all, there is no point in being outside at this time when it’s too hot and also many places are closed for siesta.

I’m usually not into naps but considering I had to wake up early in Rome every single day, this napping schedule worked beautifully and I was able to maximize my time here and enjoyed every single sunset and evening out despite having an early start.

Evenings and Nightlife in Rome

Rome isn’t just about historical sights, my best time here was always post-sunset because Rome has an amazing evening vibe. Yes, historical attractions are all nice but you can’t even begin to imagine how much better they look with warm lights when it gets dark.

To enjoy the evenings, head to Piazza Trilussa or Piazza Navona – or all of them together. You can walk from Campo di Fiori to Piazza Navona and then to Piazza Trilussa.

I also recommend checking the Vatican City at night. You can’t go inside the museums and the churches but it looks spectacular at night when everything is lit up.

Avoid Instagram Popular Places

One of the funniest things that tourists do in Rome is getting fooled by Instagram posts and wasting time in long queues.

Rome has so much to see and so many kinds of restaurants or viewpoints that you shouldn’t have to wait in long lines When you see a long line, run. No matter how famous a restaurant is, just know that you can always find one without lines where the locals are going.

Some of the places in Rome where you might encounter crazy long queues because of Instagram:

• Aventine Keyhole – it is near Orange Garden and I decided not to stand in the queue just for a special picture.
• Chiesa di Sant’Ignazio di Loyola – the Church with a Magic Mirror. I went here twice – Once in June and then in August. I didn’t have the patience to stand in the line because it moved super slow.
• Instagram famous restaurants like Osteria da Fortunata, Pompi1960’s tiramisu, etc.

I’m not saying that the above places aren’t good, but they are too popular so the time wasted in waiting in queues isn’t worth it.

Not Easy to Get a Table From 8 – 9 pm

Rome’s restaurants get busy from 8 to 9 pm. So in case you didn’t make reservations and would like to get a table, then arrive early at like 7 pm, or eat after 9 pm.

If you are very particular about eating at a special place, then make sure you make an advance booking. Sometimes the famous restaurants with a view get booked out weeks in advance. So if you are planning a special romantic trip to Rome to propose, then you may want to plan your dinner date venue in advance.

Basic Italian Ettiquites

If I start writing about all the Italian etiquette, the post would be very long. Instead, I’m going to share some basic etiquettes for travelers that you can follow in Rome:

• Greet people properly: Say “Buongiorno” (Good morning) and “Buonasera” (Good evening) when entering shops, restaurants, and even elevators.
• Dress neatly: Romans are stylish! Avoid looking sloppy (e.g., gym clothes outside the gym).
• Italians greet people with a kiss on both cheeks (for close acquaintances). You can do so too when meeting some friends.
• Use formal titles like Signore (Mr.) and Signora (Mrs.) unless you’re meeting someone in a casual setting.
• Don’t ask for a cappuccino after 11 AM—Italians only drink it for breakfast! Order “un caffè” (espresso) instead.
• Keep quiet in churches—Even when they’re full of tourists, they are still places of worship.
• Respect ancient sites—Don’t touch or climb on ruins (yes, people actually try!).
• Don’t sit on the Spanish Steps—It’s banned, and you can get fined up to €250!

Overall, remember to smile and have fun. Italians are generally very warm, friendly, and super accepting.

Beware of Pickpockets

When traveling to Rome, Keep your belongings secure, especially in crowded areas and public transportation. Avoid hanging around in a crowded with excessive cash. Not just on the streets but I have heard cases of people being robbed from inside the trains at Roma Termini and around.

As a rule of thumb, keep bags zipped and in front of you. Avoid keeping wallets in back pockets but instead use a money belt or hidden pouch.

Stay alert when approached by overly friendly strangers or people creating a distraction. Thieves may distract you while an accomplice swipes your belongings. Be cautious of people offering to “help” with luggage or tickets.

Rome Weather & the Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Rome is during the spring (April to June) and fall (September to November). The weather is pleasant during these months, and the crowds are thinner than they were during the peak summer season.

I visited Rome in both June and August and I noticed a massive difference. The difference was very visible when I visited a sunset spot in June and was able to click a nice photo but the same spot was super crowded in August.

Winter can be chilly but is also less crowded, offering a different charm. I never spent autumn and spring in Rome but I have been told that they are good seasons because the attractions are less busy.

If you do visit Rome in summer, make sure to carry a hat or an umbrella so that you can handle the peak sunny hours without getting sick.

Day Trips from Rome

There are many amazing day trips from Rome but in my opinion, the best one is to Saturnia to see the thermal springs. The drive from Rome to Tuscany is scenic and this was a rewarding experience for us with our rented car. We had paid just EUR 48 to rent a car for 5 days in total.

The cascades are not at Saturnia Hot Springs – which is actually a hotel made of hot springs. To find them, look for Cascate del Mulino in Saturnia town. Both these places are around 5 km apart.

Here are some more interesting day trip ideas from Rome:

• Pompeii, Amalfi Coast, and Positano Day Trip: This is the most popular part of Italy and can be done along with Rome. It is better to do it with a tour operator than alone because doing the famous Amalfi Drive in summer can be stressful because of the issues with parking, traffic jams, and driving with even and odd number car registration numbers. Check out my post about driving from Sorrento to Pompeii.
• Tivoli: Visit the stunning Villa d’Este and Hadrian’s Villa, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
• Ostia Antica: Explore the ancient ruins of Rome’s old port city.
• Castelli Romani: Enjoy the picturesque towns and beautiful lakes just a short drive from Rome.

The above are just some of the ideas for the day trips that you can do from Rome. I will write a detailed post about it soon.

Is Rome Safe for Solo Women Travelers?

I have traveled solo to Rome and as a woman traveler, I felt safe at all times. The locals are friendly, the city is lively, so I never really truly felt alone.

If you are a solo female traveler, then consider booking a hostel to make friends, or book a room in a decent neighborhood. I had booked a place to stay in a nice residential neighborhood – Trastevere.

As a rule of thumb, be mindful of your surroundings, and your belongings and listen to your gut. If something feels off, or a place feels unfriendly or dangerous, then get out fast.

Overall, remember to have fun, soak in the culture, enjoy the epic food, and make new friends. After all, that’s what traveling is all about.

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