1) Get Your Bearings
Rome grew around the Tiber and across seven famous hills. Many headline sights sit east of the river, within walking distance of each other. The Colosseum and Roman Forum anchor the ancient core, with the Trevi Fountain and Spanish Steps to the north, the Pantheon and Piazza Navona to the west, and Vatican City just across the bridges near Castel Sant’Angelo. Think of Termini as the transport hub and Trastevere as a lively neighbourhood of lanes and trattorias.
2) Weather and What to Pack
Rome has a Mediterranean climate. Winters are mild and occasionally wet, typically 0–12°C, while summers are hot and dry, often 26–32°C. Spring and autumn swing between cool mornings and warm afternoons, so layers are your friend. Pack comfortable walking shoes, a refillable water bottle and a light cover-up for churches. Check a reliable forecast just before you fly.
3) Best Time to Visit
April to May and September to November are sweet spots for pleasant temperatures and manageable crowds. August can be sweltering and many locals leave on holiday. If you are visiting in peak heat, plan indoor sights for midday, book key tickets in advance and aim for early starts or later evenings.
4) Navigating Like a Local
Rome rewards walkers, but distances add up on cobbles. Use public transport to save your feet. Buy and validate tickets for buses, trams and the Metro, or consider a travel pass if you will be hopping about a lot.
- Official transport information: ATAC Roma
- Official city tourism hub: Italia.it Rome guide
5) Dress Codes and Etiquette
Many churches, including St Peter’s Basilica, require shoulders and knees to be covered. Bring a scarf or light shawl for quick adjustments. Greetings are appreciated, meal times skew later than in the UK, and tipping is modest. Small change or rounding up is polite when service is good.
For cultural do’s and don’ts, see our guide Ten Things You Should Never Do in Italy.
6) Avoiding Tourist Traps
Menus with aggressive touting, photo boards and prices only in English can signal inflated bills. Wander a few streets away from major sights to find family-run spots. Always check the receipt and query items you did not order.
Sharpen your radar with Ten Ways to Spot a Tourist Trap.
7) Eating and Drinking Smart
Great food is everywhere if you know where to look. Coffee at the counter (al banco) is cheaper than table service. Typical prices: espresso around €1–€1.50 at the bar, a slice of pizza €3–€5, and gelato about €2–€3 for two scoops away from the most touristy squares. Book popular restaurants, especially at weekends.
8) Safety and Common Sense
Rome is generally safe, but pickpocketing happens in busy areas such as Termini, on crowded buses and near iconic landmarks. Keep valuables zipped and front-facing, be cautious with unsolicited “help” at ticket machines, and in an emergency dial 112.
9) Free Views and Hidden Corners
Catch sweeping panoramas from the Altar of the Fatherland, the Pincio Terrace above Piazza del Popolo and the Gianicolo hill behind the Vatican. Make time for quieter gems such as the Aventine Keyhole, the Baths of Caracalla and cobbled Trastevere.
For visiting guidance to St Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican Museums, start at Vatican.va.
10) Handy Apps and Useful Extras
Offline maps and translation tools are lifesavers. Google Maps or Apple Maps handle walking, public transport and driving; translation apps help with menus; and airline or rail apps streamline tickets. Rome’s drinking fountains, the nasoni, provide safe and refreshing water, so refill that bottle.
Bonus: Quick Planning Checklist
- Pre-book top sights to skip long queues.
- Carry a scarf for church dress codes.
- Validate transport tickets to avoid fines.
- Stand for coffee if you want the cheapest price.
- Explore one neighbourhood each day to avoid itinerary overload.
Balance the big hitters with slow strolls, respect sacred spaces, and keep logistics simple. Sip an espresso at the counter, linger in a quiet piazza and watch the city turn golden at dusk. With a few smart choices, Rome becomes remarkably easy to love.
What to Read Next
Planning more of Italy or Europe? Try our round-ups Ten Unusual Things to Do in Italy and Ten Hidden Gems of Europe You’ve Probably Never Heard Of. For official background on Rome’s historic centre as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, see UNESCO.
Ready to shape your Roman itinerary? Bookmark this guide, share your favourite Rome tips in the comments and browse our latest travel lists on the homepage to discover even more inspiration.