What to Know About Rome Before Traveling

Written by EJ Ray

August 4, 2022

Travel Tips | Destinations | Europe | Italy

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Rome has always been one of the most sought-after destinations. Check out our list of things to know about Rome before you leave home.

As the center of culture, history, art, and the hottest entertainment, the capital city of Italy has always been at the top of tourists’ most sought-after destinations. No one can resist the charm and the class the city conveys. And yet, you should not go into it blindly. Important things to know before visiting include transportation options, what to eat, and the best sites to see. So, look through our list of things to know about Rome before heading out on your trip!

What's in This Article:

Transportation in Rome

There are five main ways to travel around Rome, and you should know their features at least at a basic level to decide which one and when works best for you. So, let’s get on it!

Metro

Rome’s metro system is currently the smallest one in Europe, with only three lines across the city. While it does not sound like much, travelers tend to choose it when they only need to cross short distances. It is not expensive or hard to get to, and it stops at all the most important landmarks, including the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, Roman Forum, etc.

If your itinerary requires you to travel by metro regularly, we suggest you purchase a travel card.

Bus

One level up from the metro, buses in Rome have more of a vast route system and can take you further. That said, it is not the most reliable means of transportation, as the buses are not very comfortable or punctual. Still, it does the job and gets you to certain parts of the city, ones the metro cannot reach.

One of the things to know about Rome before you go is that the city has a great bus system. Photo courtesy Pixabay

Rome has 338 bus lines and 22 night buses running every day, so at the end of the day, going by bus might be your first choice of navigation.

Tram

Trams with only six lines do not even reach the city center, meaning they are useless for tourists. Therefore, only choose trams when you know that they will take you to the location you need—do not simply sit anywhere and expect to reach the center! You can easily get lost.

The trams in Rome do not run into the city center. Photo via Pixabay

Railway

Our most favorite and usually also the top choice for tourists, the railway system in Rome is quite well-developed and has three main routes that can get you anywhere you want. Quick, comfortable trains can take you all over the capital city, and, naturally, there are many options for you to take a train to Rome if you find yourself visiting a neighboring city.

Trains are the best option for tourists. Photo courtesy Pixabay

Taxis

Last but not least, you can always pick a taxi if you are late for a toura tour or simply feel tired after all the exploring and want to get to the hotel quickly and effortlessly.

And yes, the assumptions are correct – taxis in Rome cost a lot of money, especially if you are trying to catch one near the city’s center.

Unfortunately, taxi drivers in Italy are not always honest and reliable. Therefore, do some heavy research on what you should pay depending on your destination, and do not pay if charged more than that.

Food

Everyone knows that food is an incredibly important and inseparable part of an Italian trip. So naturally, everyone wants a seat at the best table in a restaurant overlooking some great monuments and a plate of hot Italian lasagna. However, we suggest thinking outside of the box!

While the overpriced food (you pay almost half the price for the pretty views) is a great factor in what we are about to propose, the other thing is knowing and understanding that you can try authentic Italian cuisine without paying a lot of money and admire the scenery without waiting for a table at the most prominent restaurant!

Enjoy the great food when you visit Rome and don’t be afraid to purchase from the street carts. Photo via Pixabay

That is why you should know about street food before you visit!

While for some people, street food is associated with filthy food and insufficient servicing, Italy is proud to say that they have some of the best street vendors in Europe! So we recommend that you should order something from one of the many street vendors. Maybe even be a little spontaneous with your choices! Who knows, perhaps you’ll end up loving something very unexpected?

Itinerary

Depending on your time in Rome you can visit the most famous monuments and heritage sites or explore something a bit out of the ordinary.

If you only have time for the first, the must-sees are the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, Trevi Fountain, Pantheon, the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel, and others!

You can’t see everything, but if you know about Rome before you go, you pick out your must-see spots, such as the Vatican. Photo via Pixabay

However, if you can afford a little time for offbeat attractions, head to see the intriguing Capuchin Crypts, the archeological sites at the Basilica of St. Clement, or Parco Sevello—the Garden of Oranges.

Random Things You Should Know About Rome

These are a few other tips to keep in mind as you head to Rome:

Keep an eye out for pickpockets
Wear something more covering before entering churches
Get a public transport pass
Organize the transport from the airport to where you are staying—it is about 19 miles (30 km) between the airport and the city’s center
There is a table service fee in restaurants, and that does not include the tips, which are optional but appreciated
Carry around some loose change—you may need it for public toilets and street food
Learn basic phrases to help you navigate better; it will also earn you a genuine smile!

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