Is your first time in Rome approaching? This one-of-a-kind city is one of Europe’s most visited destinations for a reason. It’s ancient, full of fascinating places, offers a unique cultural experience, and there’s tons of delicious food to eat. What more could you ask for?
If it’s your first time in Rome, or Italy in general, you might not know where or even how to begin. Rome can be overwhelming with so much to see and do, and perhaps you only have a few days or a week to spend.
So, these essential Rome travel tips will set you up for a comfortable visit, take away some of your worries, and help you be prepared for your Italian getaway.
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How to Get to Rome from the Airport
One of the very first things I do after booking a trip is figure out how to get from the airport to the city centre. It’s just one of those things I need to know as someone who practically never takes an Uber or taxi to and from the airport.
The closest airport is Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport (FCO). You can take the Leonardo Express train to the Roma Termini Station; this takes about 30 minutes.
After you arrive at the station, take the nearby metro, grab a taxi from outside the station, or walk to your accommodation if it’s close.
Tip! If you won’t have data on your phone when you arrive, download the map of Rome on Google Maps before you go. This way, you’ll be able to navigate to your hotel via public transport or foot without needing internet access.
If you want to secure data for your trip abroad, check out Holafly, which offers travel-friendly unlimited data plans.
For a more detailed look at your days in Rome, see my 3-day Rome itinerary.
What is the weather like in Rome?
Here’s a quick little rundown of the weather in Rome throughout the year.
Spring (March to May): Spring is usually a lovely time to visit Rome. The weather is mild and pleasant, with temperatures gradually warming up from around 10°C (50°F) in March to the low 20s°C (high 60s°F) by May.
This is a great time to see flowers blooming and blossoms on trees throughout the city. Outdoor seating will begin to buzz with life as well.
Summer (June to August): Summers in Rome can be hot and humid, with temperatures often reaching the high 20s°C to low 30s°C (mid to high 80s°F). July and August are the hottest months in Rome, and there can be heat waves.
If you’re coming in July and August, be prepared for crowded tourist sites and higher accommodation prices during this peak tourist season.
Fall (September to November): Fall is another lovely time to see Rome. You can usually expect mild temperatures that range from the high teens°C (mid 60s°F) in September to the low teens°C (low 50s°F) by November.
It’s also less crowded compared to the summer months, so it’s a great time to explore the historic sites and be outdoors.
Winter (December to February): Winters in Rome are relatively mild compared to other European cities, with temperatures averaging around 10°C (50°F) during the day and dropping to single digits at night.
While it’s the coldest time of year, snow is rare and the city comes to life with festive flair in December
To sum it up, Rome has a Mediterranean climate with mild winters and hot summers, so there’s hardly a bad time to visit.
Must-Know Rome Travel Tips
Here are my essential tips for your first time in Rome. Let’s get into it.
Make a Checklist
Whatever must-have experiences or must-see places you have in mind for your trip to Rome, I suggest writing them down in the notes section of your phone.
Rome has a ton of iconic places to see. I list a lot of them in this Best Things to Do in Rome Guide. However, read up on travel forums, Rome itineraries, etc to find out how you want to spend your time.
Having a list will help you ensure you see everything you want to see and spend your time and money in the best way possible. In my early travel days, I never made lists because I thought I’d remember everything or wanted everything to be spontaneous. As a result, I missed out on a lot of things because I had no idea what I actually wanted from my trips.
Now I’m sure to do more research and make plans while still allowing for some spontaneity.
Secure Tickets in Advance
One of the best Rome travel tips to keep in mind for those visiting during the peak travel seasons is to get your tickets in advance and make sure they have “skip the line” access. This will be especially useful if you’re on a short 2-3 day trip to Rome.
Getting your tickets online in advance first saves you from waiting in line to purchase. Instead, you’ll be able to move ahead and wait in line to scan your QR code or printed ticket.
Then, having a skip-the-line upgrade will allow you to expedite your entry into the attraction, whether it’s the Colosseum or Vatican Museums. It’s like the difference between having TSA Precheck versus not having it at airport security. It makes things a lot faster.
For example, here’s skip-the-line tickets to the Colosseum and Roman Forum at a great price.
And here are skip-the-line tickets for the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel.
Bathrooms Cost
If you see WC signs, particularly near the Colosseum, Vatican, etc, you will need to pay 1€ in change to use the toilet. This is also common at train stations.
If you get the Roma City Pass, it’s free. And if you don’t have the pass, just make sure you have a few euro coins on you.
Familiarize Yourself with Rome’s Public Transport
Rome has a great public transportation system including buses, trams, and the metro. These can be convenient when exploring, as the city can feel very spread out.
You might consider purchasing a Roma City Pass for unlimited access to public transportation. It also includes discounts on attractions or doing the Hop-on hop-off bus.
Here’s a look at Rome’s metro system.
Watch For Pickpockets
Rome has its share of pickpockets, ranking among the worst in the world (but not as bad as Barcelona!) especially in crowded tourist areas.
Stay vigilant, especially in crowded areas, and keep your belongings secure. This anti-theft bag is my go-to when visiting cities with pickpocket problems.
Don’t keep your phone in your back pocket. Instead, keep it in a zipped bag and keep that bag at your side or front. Following suggestions to avoid pickpocketing is one of the most essential Rome travel tips to prevent having a negative experience.
Stay Hydrated
Rome can get very hot and humid in the summer months. So, be sure to stay hydrated by carrying a water bottle with you and refilling it at public water fountains (nasoni) scattered throughout the city.
Bring a reusable water bottle with you for an eco-friendly travel solution. You can also refill at your hotel as needed.
Dress for Religious Sites
When visiting religious sites like churches, the Pantheon, and the Vatican, make sure to dress appropriately by covering your shoulders and avoiding mini skirts/shorts, and crop tops.
If you are wearing shorts or a skirt, they should come to your knee.
A lightweight scarf is an easy solution to covering your shoulders. Bring one and wrap it around your shoulders if you’re wearing spaghetti straps or a low cut shirt.
Otherwise, you might be denied entry to the Vatican, Pantheon, and various cathedrals and churches.
Wear Comfortable Shoes
Rome is a city best explored on foot, so be sure to wear comfortable shoes. Trust me, no matter what you’ll be doing a lot of walking on cobblestone streets and uneven paths, and thin flats and heels won’t cut it.
Instead, opt for something like thick Clarks sandals, Tevas, or sneakers. And contrary to popular belief, Italians wear sneakers. You’re all good.
Eat Like a Local
When in Rome, do as the Romans. Sorry, I had to. Rome is a foodie’s paradise, so you should totally be indulging in authentic Italian cuisine at local trattorias and street food stalls.
Don’t miss out on trying Roman dishes like pasta carbonara, cacio e pepe, and Roman-style pizza.
Also, visit Campo de’ Fiori for an open-air market full of local veggies, preserves, truffle oils, and more wonderfully foodie Rome souvenirs.
Coperto Fees
In Italy, it’s common to a “coperto” charge on your bill when dining in at a restaurant. It’s a fee that covers your table, napkins, silverware, etc. It seems a little silly, but it’s common practice in Italy.
To be legally put on your bill, the coperto fee must be listed somewhere on the menu. The coperto is usually between 1-3 euros a person.
Basically, don’t fret and think you’re getting scammed if you see this on your bill. It’s normal.
Siesta Time
Like much of Southern Europe, many shops and businesses observe a siesta period in the afternoon, typically between 1:30 p.m. to 4 or 5 p.m. During this time, many local shops, restaurants, and pharmacies will be closed for a few hours.
Don’t worry, though. The city doesn’t come to a complete halt during these hours. It won’t be a problem when visiting most tourist sites.
However, if you’re wanting to shop, you might have a harder time finding boutiques open. Chain shopping stores like Zara typically remain open.
Learn Some Italian
While many Romans speak English, it’s always fun and respectful to learn a few phrases in the local language before visiting. It adds to the experience!
Try out saying “buongiorno” (good morning), “grazie” (thank you), and “prego” (you’re welcome) to feel like a local in Roma. It’s one of my favorites recommendations to add to a slow travel Italy trip.
La Dolce Vita
Last but not least, take the time to soak in the beauty and charm of Rome, whether it’s sipping un caffè on a cobbled street, tossing a coin into the Trevi Fountain, or wandering down vibrant, vine-covered streets.
Make some time for aimless wandering – who knows what you’ll stumble upon! There are loads of hidden gems and unique experiences to have in Rome. Don’t have a cookie cutter experience. It’s the memories that will last, not checking monuments off lists.
So, embrace “la dolce vita” (sweet life) during your time in the Eternal City!
Thank you for reading this guide for first time visitors to Rome! I hope these Rome travel tips come in handy on your upcoming trip. 🙂 Happy travels!
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