Travel Guide to Rome, Italy

Planning to visit Rome, Italy soon? I just returned from my second trip to Rome and loved it! As a travel agent, every time I travel somewhere (especially to new places), I think of everything that would be beneficial for someone visiting for the first time as well as what my clients need to know. I have visited 30+ countries (including the majority of Europe), so I have tons of expertise when traveling outside of the United States. Here are some great tips to follow!

1. Prioritize early mornings and late afternoons for sightseeing. (Ex: The Trevi Fountain is great to visit between 5 and 6 AM. This is how I got the photo above with no people in it!)

2. Purchase tickets to popular attractions online in advance to skip the long lines, especially during peak tourist season. Click here to take my link to Viator to see tons of tours, experiences, transportation services, etc. that you can book in advance:

3. Wear light, breathable clothing and sunscreen. Some churches have dress code requirements.

4. Wear comfortable walking shoes! The streets are cobblestone, and you’ll walk a lot. (Leave the heels at home!)

5. Stay hydrated and refill your water bottle for free at the public fountains. Pack hydration sticks for your hotel room to hydrate when you get back to your room at night.

6. Have cash (Euro) on hand, especially at small cafes, street vendors, and local markets. Some public bathrooms require payment, so having small coins (Euro) is helpful.

7. Book dining reservations in advance (especially hard to get restaurant and rooftop bar reservations) – The photo above is from The Court, which is a fabulous bar that overlooks the Colosseum. Reservations are super limited, and you must have one in order to get in!

8. Consider booking your hotel room the night before your trip so you have a room ready to shower, freshen up, and drop your bags off when you check in after landing early. (view above is from our hotel’s rooftop bar!)

9. Bring a portable battery charger! You will need it when following your GPS for directions and taking all the photos/videos. We love this charger and have used it for many years. It holds the charge really well.

10. Be vigilant about your valuables. Pickpockets are notorious in this area, especially in busy tourist locations.

11. Check that places are open: Many museums close on one day of the week (typically on Mondays), and most churches will be closed to tourists on Sundays for mass.

12. Rome’s state-owned museums, galleries, archaeological sites, parks, and gardens are free on the first Sunday of each month (note: it will be busier these days because of that)

13. Say no to street vendors (especially in crowded areas like the Colosseum and Trevi Fountain) Avoid eye contact and continue on walking without stopping.

14. Consider visiting Rome during the shoulder season and off-peak times for a more enjoyable (and less hot) experience. We visited Rome and the Amalfi Coast in late April/into early May, and it was PERFECT.

15. Don’t order a cappuccino /coffee in the afternoon. Espresso is acceptable to order!