Planning your first trip to Rome? Oh, I’m so excited for you! Rome is full of history, culture, and unforgettable adventure, but it can feel overwhelming at first. That is why I put together these Rome travel tips and things to know before visiting Rome so you can explore with confidence!
When I visited Rome with my family, including my 80+ grandparents, I knew I had to be extra prepared. Traveling with seniors meant I could not just wing it. I did a ton of research to avoid tourist traps, keep everyone comfortable, and still have energy for the rest of our two-week trip.
Some of these essential tips for visiting Rome come from research and others from experience. From booking major sites early to avoiding airport taxi scams, this Rome travel guide will help you plan smarter, save time, and explore the Eternal City without stress!
Table of Contents
Attraction Tips for Rome
Book Major Attraction Tickets in Advance
If there’s one thing you should do before going to Rome, that’ll be booking your tickets for major attractions and museums in Rome. This is so so so important.
You might be thinking, well that’s just obvious. But did you know attractions like the Vatican Museums and the Colosseum sell out WEEKS ahead? Especially during peak season.
Every time I checked tickets for the Vatican Museum, sold out. You might have better luck if you’re going alone. Visiting with a group? You’ll need to get those tickets ASAP.
Tickets are usually timed-entry too, so factor that into the itinerary. A little planning goes a long way. While everyone else is sweating in line, future you will be happily skipping through the entrance.
Take Advantage of Free Museum Days
If you happen to visit Rome at the beginning of the month, you’re in luck!
Many museums and attractions in Rome are free to visit on the first Sunday of each month. These include the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Galleria Borghese. Some locations may still require you to reserve a free ticket in advance.
It’s the best way to see Rome without spending a euro, but be prepared for larger crowds. These free days are popular with both locals and tourists, so it gets packed!
If you prefer peace and quiet, then use this chance to visit paid landmarks, while everyone else is squishing inside the free attractions.
Plan around Siesta, Sundays, and Mondays
Here’s another tip you should know before going to Rome, especially if you’re from the US. When you plan your trip, consider the siesta, Sundays, and Mondays.
Siesta is a midday break for businesses, usually from 1pm to 4pm. Tourist areas mostly stay open, but the smaller shops and restaurants? Not guaranteed.
So what’s wrong with Sundays and Mondays? Many landmarks and museums are closed on Mondays, while most shops and pharmacies are closed on Sundays.
Always double-check opening hours ahead of time so you are not met with locked doors at places like the Borghese Gallery or the Castel Sant’Angelo. I made sure we planned our days in Rome during the weekdays (the best time to visit) so we could fully enjoy everything.
Pack Some Conservative Clothes
If you’re visiting the Vatican Museums, St. Peter’s Basilica, or any churches in Rome, be sure to dress conservatively. That means covering your shoulders and knees.
Many religious sites have strict dress codes, and you could be turned away at the door if you’re not dressed appropriately. The easiest fix? Pack a light scarf or shawl to cover your shoulders and stick to longer shorts, skirts, or breezy pants.
Pack smart so you can experience the best Rome!
Leave Some Wiggle Room in Your Itinerary
It’s tempting to plan every minute of your Rome itinerary when there’s just so much to see in Rome. But here’s one of the best tips I can give for your first trip to Rome. Don’t overbook yourself.
Leave a little breathing room in your schedule for the unexpected. I aim for half a day for every destination.
Rome is one of those cities that’s made for wandering. Walk down a random street and suddenly you find a hidden gem. A flexible itinerary gives you the freedom to follow your curiosity. Let yourself get lost a little. That’s when Rome really comes alive.
Tips for Accommodation in Rome
Filter for A/C and Elevators
If you’re visiting in the summer, make sure the accommodation has air conditioning before you book your stay in Rome.
Shocking, I know. Coming from the US, where A/C is pretty much everywhere, we take it for granted. However, in Europe, it’s not always a given. And during the summer, when Rome is hot and toasty, air conditioning is seriously a MUST have!
Something else to look out for: elevators (or lifts). Just like A/C, it’s not guaranteed. A lot of the buildings in Rome are old, so it’s common to not have elevators. If you’re traveling with heavy suitcases (or grandparents like I was), filter for elevators!
Budget for Tourist Tax
Hold on, tourist tax? That’s right.
As tourists, we’re required to pay a tourist tax for each night that we’re staying in Rome. Depending on the type of accommodation you book, the fees will vary from €4-10/person/night (up to 10 nights max).
If it’s not already collected when you book your stay (read the fine print!), expect to pay cash upon arrival or departure. For our stay in Rome, we were told just to leave the money on the table before we left.
Travel Tips for Safety in Rome
Get Travel Insurance
If there is one thing I always have when traveling abroad, it is travel insurance. You never know what could happen, from flight delays and lost luggage to medical issues. And when you are traveling with the elderly, it is even more important to have that coverage.
Plus, if you need to apply for a Schengen visa, travel insurance is mandatory.
I use SafetyWing because it is super flexible. I love being able to add or remove countries at any point during the trip. It works well on multi-destination trips. If you are traveling with seniors over 70, however, you will need to look into a different provider that offers higher age coverage.
Stay Connected with eSIMs
Don’t forget to set up an e-SIM before you go. You’ll be less stressed upon arriving in Rome since you’re all connected to the internet and ready to explore. Everything is ready to go, from maps and translation apps to staying in touch with friends and family.
We used GigSky to stay connected throughout our Italy travels, and it worked seamlessly. An e-SIM helps you avoid the hassle of searching for a local SIM card or relying on spotty Wi-Fi.
Carry Your Passport at All Times
Here’s a legal tidbit many tourists don’t know: in Italy, you’re always required by law to carry valid ID with you. For non-EU citizens, that means your passport. The police can conduct random ID checks, and if you’re caught without it…you could face a €2000 fine and up to 1 year in jail. Yikes!
To avoid any hassle, I made sure everyone in my family kept their passports on them, either in a secure travel pouch or zipped away in an anti-theft bag.
Just in case, I also created both digital and printed copies of the passport’s main page. It’s one of those things you hope you never need, but you’ll be glad you have if anything goes wrong.
Be Careful of Pickpockets
Rome is full of tourists. And that… attracts pickpockets. So here is an essential Rome tip:
Consider using a theft-safe backpack with secure zippers or hidden pockets. Keeping your bag zipped and wearing it in front of you can make all the difference in protecting your valuables.
Pickpockets love popular attractions and crowded metro cars. And they are truly masters of their craft. Honestly, you won’t even notice when it happens. During my first trip, even when I knew there might be pickpockets around me, I wasn’t able to feel them digging through my bag.
A little awareness goes a long way and helps make sure your Italy travel experience is all fun, not frustration. Check out my tips for traveling alone safely for ways to stay alert without ruining the fun!
What to Expect at Restaurants in Rome
You’ll Need to Pay at the Counter
At many restaurants in Rome, you won’t get the bill at your table. Instead, once you’re done eating, just head to the counter to pay.
Also, don’t expect quick service or fast table turnover. Meals in Rome are meant to be slow and savored. So when you’re doing your trip planning, build in some extra time to enjoy the experience.
Expect to Pay a Cover Charge
Here’s something that will catch you off guard if it’s your first time dining in Italy. Most restaurants charge a small coperto, or cover charge. It usually ranges from €1 to €3 per person and covers things like bread and table service, even if you didn’t ask for them.
The closer you are to big tourist attractions, the higher the fee is. This is completely normal and standard across Rome and most of Italy, so don’t be surprised when you see it on your bill.
And good news! Tipping is not expected. If you have great service, it’s a nice gesture to round up the bill or leave a euro or two for your waiter, but it’s not required.
Don’t Overpay for Tourist Menus
You’ll see them all over the place. Restaurants around attractions like to advertise “Tourist Menus” with photos and English translations. Sure, they’re convenient, but the prices are often inflated and the food rarely lives up to the hype.
Want something more authentic? Walk a few blocks from the main tourist streets and look for spots filled with locals. No flashy signs, no photos, just a handwritten menu in Italian. That’s your spot.
This is where I’d say take out your translator app, but honestly, if you’re up for a little fun, just point at something and hope for the best.
Rome Transportation Tips
Don’t Overpay for Your Taxi at the Airport
If you’re flying into Rome, you’ll need to figure out how to get to your hotel.
Official taxis from Fiumicino and Ciampino airports have fixed flat rates to Rome city center. At the taxi stand, look for a posted sign showing the current prices so you know what to expect.
If you’re traveling with four or more people, be careful. When I needed a bigger taxi, I got directed to an unofficial taxi who wanted more than 2x the standard fare.
Instead, I recommend using the FREE NOW app (now merged with Lyft) to book a rideshare. Perfect for groups of up to eight people.
If you’re traveling alone or with light luggage, you can save some money with Rome’s public transportation.
If you arrive before hotel check-in or have a late train or flight, storing your luggage makes getting around Rome so much easier. I break down the best luggage storage options in my luggage storage guide.
Buy Bus Tickets Ahead of Time
Here’s a top tip for first-time visitors. You can’t buy bus or tram tickets on board in Rome. You’ll need to get them in advance from places like tobacco shops (look for “Tabacchi” signs) or metro stations.
And something we learned the hard way is, don’t buy a pack of 10 tickets unless you’re making 10 trips. You can use only one ticket per trip.
So if you’re thinking your group will save money with a bulk pack, think again. Make sure each person has their own ticket before boarding, and don’t forget to validate the ticket before you hop on.
Be Prepare for Strikes
Keep a close eye on the news; Italy is infamous for transit strikes affecting the metro, buses, and airport. While they’re announced in advance, it can still completely throw off your travel plans if you are not prepared.
We were lucky not to hit any strikes while using the metro in Rome, but things went sideways in Milan. The entire metro shut down for the day, so we had to change our day trip plans completely.
Getting around was way harder than it needed to be. Even worse, the airport staff were striking the day after we left. If our flight had been one day later, we would’ve been stuck.
General Rome Travel Tips
Keep Spare Change for Public Restroom
Here’s a practical travel tip you don’t really think about until you really have to go. Public restrooms in Rome aren’t free. Some places near major tourist attractions accept credit cards, but it’s hit or miss.
So to be safe, always carry a few euro coins with you. And while you’re at it, bring a small tissue pack since toilet paper isn’t always guaranteed.
Of course if all else fails, you can always stop by a cafe for a bathroom break (just grab a drink or snack while you’re there).
Pack Your Shoes Wisely
Do yourself a favor and pack a solid pair of walking shoes with thick soles before you land in Rome. Those charming cobblestone streets? They might look cute, but after a full day of sightseeing, your feet will definitely feel it.
And trust me, you’ll be walking a lot. So ditch the flimsy sandals and leave the heels at home. Comfort is KING when you’re exploring the Eternal City.
Need a packing list for Europe so you know what else to bring? I got you.
Don’t Pay for Water, Fill Up on Tap Water
One of my favorite practical tips for traveling to Rome is to take advantage of the city’s free public drinking fountains, called nasoni.
Especially in the summer, staying hydrated is critical! These fountains offer clean, cold water, so bring a refillable bottle and top up as you explore.
Just a heads‑up: water at restaurants isn’t free, and in some spots wine can actually cost less than a bottle of water. Though I’m guilty of overspending on fruit juices instead…
Not Everywhere Accepts Credit Card
While many places in Rome accept cards, not all do. Smaller family-run trattorias, taxis, and market stalls often prefer cash.
I made sure everyone in my group carried around €100 in change just in case. It also lets everyone have the freedom to make spontaneous purchases, like buying gelato or small souvenirs.
Your Rome Adventure Awaits
Rome is one of those cities that just sticks with you. Every piazza, every gelato stop, every little street feels like it has a story. And when you have the best travel tips and tricks up your sleeve, it is so much easier to relax and really enjoy it all.
Now that you have these practical Rome tips, you are all set. If you want to see exactly how I’d spend my time there, check out my itinerary for three days in Rome.
And if Rome is just one stop on your Italy travels, you have to add 2 days in Venice. It is a whole world on its own and will truly steal your heart.