Insider Tips - Rome Holidays Revealed

When in Rome…insider tips to the popular Italian city of Rome with lowcostholidays.com.

Pizza, pasta and olive oil:

Italy is known for its exquisite cuisine so of course the city is overrun with great places to eat, you will find that a restaurant's house wine is usually excellent. Bread is generally free of charge, and there should be no cover charge.

Of course Italian restaurants offer a great wine selection; it’s up to you if you wish to appreciate it by the glass or by the bottle. We suggest you ask for the wine list and check the costs in order to avoid annoying surprises.

Lunch can be inexpensive and an on the go slice of pizza, or a Panini should cost you just €3-4. If you sit down for something more elaborate, the price is going to go up to anywhere between €10-20 per person.

Espresso coffee…

A coffee in Rome is about 0.80 euro, but remember that a cup of coffee in Rome isn't really a cup, but a "shot" of coffee.

Nights out:

Most of Rome's night clubs are situated in Monte Testaccio; bursting with bars, pubs and live music venues, it is the core district for a great night out in Rome. Remember, party time in Rome starts late, usually after dinner. Don’t expect nightclubs to be open too early, most Romans will just be starting their night around 11pm. Don’t panic, you will have plenty of time to party, lack of licensing laws in the city mean that drinking is possible at all hours.

The legal drinking age in Italy is 16 and ID may be required.

A glass of wine will typically cost between €2 and €7 but, drink prices will fluctuate depending on the area and venue you are in. A pint of beer is usually priced at around €5.

What to wear:

Rome has a lot of cobblestoned streets and uneven ground, especially around the Roman ruins, so if you’re planning on experiencing the beauties of Rome via foot, it is wise to invest in shoes that are comfortable.

How do I get around?

Walking is easily the best way of getting around Rome. On foot you will discover cafes, restaurants and monuments you would probably miss out on in a car, and best of all its free.

Then again, Rome is quite spread out and there isn’t a defined city centre, summer time walking could prove challenging for some so public transport will undoubtedly come in handy.

Rome’s small underground system is a great quick way to get around the city. It’s nowhere near as intricate as the London underground but it will get you where you need to go cheaply. Ticket prices are fair and a week pass will cost just €16, you can also use this pass on buses as well.

Like many big cities, Rome is well known for its overcharging of cab prices. Taxis are not hailed in the street; you will need to go to the nearest taxi station. Be careful of the large amount of illegal unmarked taxis, make sure you always enter a cab that is registered and has a meter.

Money:

Most Roman locals never leave more than a 5% tip in a restaurant so don’t waste money on the standard 10% tip you are used to giving. In low-priced establishments, it’s all right to round up to the nearest euro or two.

Holiday snaps:

There aren’t many photography restrictions in Rome but we would advise making sure cameras are permitted in major attractions such as the Sistine Chapel before you start snapping away. Most churches, museums and attractions will sell pictures of the insides so you can take the memories home with you.

Try the water; it’s safe and healthy…

Tap water is drinkable everywhere; you can even drink the water from Rome’s many fountains as the water comes straight from mountain springs.

Constantly purchasing water from shops and carts can become slightly costly. lowcostholidays.com recommend taking a bottle of water along with you on days out to avoid dehydration. There are plenty of places to fill your bottle up around the city as public watering places are very safe.

Do I need sun cream?

The summer climate in Rome can be very hot with temperature reaching at least 35°C at midday. lowcostholidays.com suggest you take sun protection with you especially if you plan on seeing the outdoor sites.

Luxury shopping:

Rome is a renowned destination for shopping, with huge designer outlet centres, the city is home to some of the biggest fashion labels around. You’re sure to find leading producers of luxury clothing and accessories; Gucci, Valentino and Armani are just a hint of what to expect so, be prepared for an expensive spending spree.

The vibrant markets in the centre of Rome are without doubt worth a visit. Be careful, the crowed stalls are an ideal spot for pickpockets; make sure you zip up your bags and keep your values in a safe place.

Useful Tips:

• Make sure you pick up a good map of Rome before you arrive, or soon after you get there so you can visualize how far apart the sights on your to-do list are.

• Before you take photos with the costumed gladiators surrounding the coliseum, be aware they will want a tip, don’t take a picture unless you’re willing to pay a small fee.

• Rome wasn’t built in a day, so don’t expect to see everything on your city break. Pace yourself and prioritise what you want to see.

• Throw a coin in the Trevi Fountain to guarantee your return to Rome.