Discover the vibrant city of Rome, Italy's buzzing capital, with our insider tips. Research what to do and where to go in Rome, from must-see sights to the best events. Plan your next trip today.
Pizza, pasta and olive oil:
Italy is known for its mouth-watering food, so the city is overrun with great places to eat, from traditional trattorias to fancy restaurants around the Via Veneto. 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 a Panini or an on-the-go slice of pizza, known as pizza al taglia, should cost you just €3-4.
Take-away food is often based on weight. If you sit down for something more elaborate, the price is going to go up to anywhere between €10-20 per person, but the best way of keeping costs down is to be adventurous and not just pick the restaurants right next to Rome's big attractions. Look for the side streets and you'll find that prices tend to drop.
To buy fresh food such as fruit and veg, head to Campo De' Fiori, where there is a great food market, or go to the Trastevere district and discover more rustic shops bursting with fresh ingredients. In the summer you will also find many street sellers offering grattachecca, which is a refreshing cup of flavoured ice. Treat yourself and stay cool in the midday heat. All year round you'll also find ice-cream, or gelato, being sold.
Espresso coffee…
A coffee in Rome is about 0.80 euro, but remember that this is just an espresso, or a shot of coffee. You'll also pay more to sit at a table than if you stand at the bar or take it away. Romans like to drink cappuccinos only in the mornings and they tend to move onto lighter drinks such as a macchiato after lunch; this means you might get some strange looks if you order a cappuccino in the evening!
Don't forget that some of the drinks we're used to in the UK aren't actually available in Italy: order a latte here and you'll be given a glass of milk, as that's what the word latte actually means. Instead, you want caffe con latte. For a long black coffee, you need an americano. There are also many options that kids will love, including caffe del nonno, which is a weak, sweetened drink with plenty of milk.
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.
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 things on foot, it is wise to wear comfortable shoes or trainers.
If you're visiting religious places such as the Vatican, please make sure you cover your shoulders and your knees to avoid looking disrespectful. Don't wear a strappy top and a miniskirt on this occasion!
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. Public transport will undoubtedly come in handy if you really want to explore.
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 as postcards.
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, home to some of the biggest fashion labels in the world. Gucci, Valentino and Armani are just a hint of what to expect so, be prepared for an expensive spending spree if your budget stretches that far. Valentino is Rome's most famous designer. The main streets to visit for high fashion are Via Del Corso and Via Condotti, close to the Spanish Steps.
You'll find more purse-friendly prices in the high street shops of Via Cola di Rienzo or Via Nazionale. City centre department stores include Coin, Upim and La Rinascente.
The vibrant markets in the centre of Rome are without doubt worth a visit for picking up bargains; try Porta Portese or Campo De' Fiori. Be careful as 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 city map, so you can visualize how far apart the sights on your to-do list are. Many hotels will be happy to provide you with one if you don't already have it.
- Before you take photos with the costumed gladiators surrounding the coliseum, be aware they will want a tip, so 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.
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