Rome, situated in the Lazio region of central Italy along the Tiber River, is often called the Eternal City because of its enduring history and significant achievements in art and intellect. Additionally, it is known as the City of Seven Hills, reflecting its unique geographical setting
It is the capital of Italy, with a population of nearly 3 million and 4.3 million in its metropolitan area, is a city steeped in history and culture. As the third most visited city in Europe and the fourteenth worldwide, it draws visitors from across the globe eager to explore its remarkable monuments, archaeological sites, renowned cuisine, and vibrant atmosphere.
One renowned archaeological site is the Colosseum, where visitors can vividly imagine gladiators fighting for their lives, cheered on by the roaring crowd. At the Circus Maximus, one can picture the exhilarating chariot races, with competitors colliding in their quest to be the first to cross the finish line. Meanwhile, in the Roman Forum, it’s easy to envision the bustling public life of ancient Rome.
The best way to see Rome is by foot when exploring in the city center so be sure to bring a good pair of walking shoes. Your feet will thank you!
Rome city has a Mediterranean climate with mild winters and warm or hot summers. With 2,500 hours of sun every year, chances are good you will find sunny weather.
You can visit the city of Rome in Italy throughout the year, but the best time for tourism is in spring or autumn. The Mediterranean Sea keeps the temperatures comfortable during this time of year, and the weather is generally sunny.
During the dry and very sunny months of summer – July and August – temperatures can get very high, often over 90 degrees and with a chance of smog.
Winters in Roma Italia are mild, with temperatures between 10 and 15 degrees Celsius. The winters tend to be chilly and wet, but there is little chance of snow.
Autumn is the wettest time of the year in Rome, which means there’s a chance of rainfall throughout the month.
During the peak tourist months of June, July, and August, the lines for attractions can be very long, and the city is bustling with visitors.
From my experience, August is not only extremely hot soaring into the 90's but is also crowded with tourists, making it difficult to avoid long queues at most attractions. To make your visit smoother during August and other busy months, it’s wise to pre-book your tickets to skip the lines whenever possible.
Traveling smartly can significantly reduce frustration during this high season.
Purchase your travel experiences before your go.
Booking well-known tours can significantly enhance your travel experience for several reasons:
What's the benefits?
The Roman Colosseum is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and a must-see sight if you're visiting Italy's capital.
Fun Fact
There are numerous day trip destinations just a few hours away from Rome.
One of my favorite day trips from Rome is Perugia, Italy by train. A small city perched on a rock cliff located in the region of Umbria, Italy and dates back to the 14th century BC.
It is about an hour and a half from Rome by train making it easily accessible. While visiting the quaint town, try the expresso.
The most important artworks in the chapel are the frescoes by Michelangelo on the ceiling and on the west wall behind the altar.
The Trevi Fountain is an 18th-century fountain in the Trevi district in Rome, Italy, designed by Italian architect Nicola Salvi and completed by Giuseppe Pannini in 1762 and several others
Booking a walk tour while visiting Rome is the best way to explore the city center and learn the cities rich history.
Visit the Piazza Navona. A celebration of Baroque style, this lively square is situated in the historic center of Rome. Street performers and outdoor cafes surround three intricate fountains that dominate the piazza design.
Rome's best travel months (also busiest and most expensive) are April, May, June, September, October, and early November. These months combine the convenience of peak season with pleasant weather.
Spring and fall can be cool, and many hotels do not turn on their heat.
Rome is fine in winter — cool and crisp with temperatures in the 40s and 50s.
Off-season has none of the sweat and stress of the tourist season, but sights may have shorter hours, lunchtime breaks, and fewer activities.
Pro-tip: Experience the beauty of Tuscany, Italy during sunflower season. This vibrant period typically starts in June, but the sunflowers reach their full, golden bloom in July and remain stunning until early August.
The official currency in Italy is the Euro (€).
Clients often ask if they should buy Euros in the States before their trip? My simple answer to this is it depends as there are an exceptions, and I note that below. ATMs (or more importantly, Bacomats) are widely available, and withdrawing money from an ATM in Europe is as easy as using one in the US. You will hear people tell tales of how expensive it is to withdrawal money at airport ATMs, and while that may be true, it will still be less than the surcharge you'll pay at your local bank.
The first exception to this rule would be for folks who operate on a cash basis all the time at home and would be face burdensome anxiety using a foreign ATM or using an electronic means of payment. If you do not feel comfortable in the digital world, and you want to travel with cash, you should buy euros at your bank in the U.S. and pay the fees.
Secondly, having euros to pay for tipping, shopping in street markets and taxi can be good reasons to have a small amount of cash to start your visit to Italy.
To find out the current exchange rate for American dollars at xe.com. There you will get an idea of what it will cost you to buy and use euros. The rate changes frequently and you should check both when you book your trip, and just before you leave.
Pro-Tips:
First, I want to try to alleviate any anxiety you might have about making purchases in Europe. To the surprise of many Americans who haven't traveled outside the US, Europe is as advanced as we are when it comes to making purchases; meaning if you typically pay with cash, you can do that. If you prefer debit cards, credit cards, contactless payment systems like Google or Apple Pay, or via the chip on your physical card, your preferred method of payment will probably be accepted.
How to Make Purchases
In Rome, credit cards are widely accepted in many establishments, including restaurants, shops, and museums. Mastercard and Visa are widely accepted. However, a lot of places will not accept American Express due to higher fees. So, if you are still going to take an American Express, make you take a backup credit card that is widely accepted for most transactions during your trip.
ATMs (or more importantly, Bacomats) are widely available, and withdrawing money from an ATM in Europe is as easy as using one in the U.S. You will hear people tell tales of how expensive it is to withdrawal money at airport ATMs, and while that may be true, it will still be less than the surcharge you'll pay at your local bank.
Contactless Payment
The good news for tech savvy travelers is that Europe has been way ahead of the US when it comes to payment practices for many years. The US was almost 10 years behind France when it came to having a chip in your credit card, and France started moving toward contactless payment about the same time the US was implementing mandatory chip use on card readers in 2016. With a boost from COVID, contactless payment has moved forward in Europe at light speed. You can use Google Pay or Apple Pay on your phone, so as not to have the of risk of carrying physical cards and carry a small amount of cash.
Pro-Tips:
The majority of the plugs in Italy are "Type L" (Italian socket type) with three prongs. However, it is also possible to find the "Type C" (Europlug), both with a voltage of 220V.
When I traveled to Rome, it was a shock to find out I had to pay to use the public restrooms from time to time. So, I hope this information helps you as you travel to Rome or throughout Europe where this may apply. Don't be caught off guard!
Be prepared to pay to use the toilets in Rome, Italy. Make sure you are carrying some change with you to avoid experiencing that awkward moment. The cost could range up to 1 euro or so.
Public toilets of the municipality of Rome
The municipality of Rome privatized the service, and they are now called P-Stops. The facilities are of good quality and accessible to wheelchair users.
Public toilets in the Vatican
Toilets can be found on St. Peters’ Square right behind the post office, in the service center on the right of the entrance to St. Peter’s Basilica and on the left after the exit from St. Peter’s Basilica. There are further toilets on the roof of the basilica and at the Auditorium of the Papal Audiences. The toilets are open during the day.
Further toilets can be found in front of St. Peter’s Square on the right in the Galleria San Pietro, during the opening hours of the gallery.
Toilets in museums and archaeological sites
Exemplary are the toilets in the Vatican Museums. Also, in the other museums and in the catacombs the toilets are in order. Also in the state archaeological sites, such as the Coliseum, the Palatine and the Roman Forum, you will find suitable toilet facilities, even if they are sometimes hidden. Especially at the Coliseum, there are waiting times at the toilets.
Department stores and shops
The larger shops, the department stores and the galleries in the shopping streets have toilets, which are mostly well maintained.
Toilets in bars and restaurants
Bars have a public toilet by law. Of course, the bar owner makes no jumps of joy when the guest uses only the toilet. You should therefore combine the necessary with the pleasant and consume a drink and maybe a pastry. At the bar counter, it costs less than at the table.
Travel Advisor Pro-tip: Just to be on the safe, as you explore your destinations, considering bringing Kleenex with you for those moments when there isn't any toilet paper.
Tipping in Rome, Italy
Tipping customs in Italy have changed, especially in restaurants post-COVID. Here’s my advice:
In tourist areas, tipping is expected. In less touristy areas, it’s appreciated but not expected.
In Rome, where Americans have tipped generously for years, locals now expect it. In mixed tourist/residential spots, tipping has shifted from token coins to a percentage. Tipping up to 10% is appreciated but not yet expected. However, disappointment is growing if nothing is left.
For now, 10% is a good rule. Sometimes, you may need to tip in cash if you can’t add it to your credit card bill.
HISTORY CORNER💡
Tipping, how did it start?
The exact origins of tipping are uncertain, but many accounts associate it with class divisions. Historically, tipping meant giving a small financial reward to servants or workers. Initially, it was a general practice of offering incentives rather than payment for specific tasks.
Over time, it developed into giving money for particular services. This system of rewarding service workers has influenced the tipping practices we recognize today.
I experienced a rash of pickpocketing incidents during a trip to Rome with a small group of friends and thought it important to mention it here. I can implore you to be vigilant, but vigilance only goes so far. These folks would all tell you they felt like they were paying attention to their surroundings. Pickpockets are professionals who are going to rob you if they want to rob you; the best practice is to anticipate, despite steps you might take to prevent it, that you may be robbed. You're a tourist, so you're going to be distracted in crowded places no matter how hard you try to be aware of your surroundings. It's best to be prepared. With that said, taking these steps will make you a less-likely target and potentially mitigate the effects should you be an unlikely victim.
Italy offers an array of souvenirs to choose from. Here are some recommendations:
Wine: Classic and quintessentially Italian, consider bringing home a bottle or two from a local vineyard. 🍷
Olive Oil: High-quality olive oil is another excellent choice. Look for fresh, locally produced varieties. 🫒
Pasta: Italy’s staple food makes for a practical and tasty souvenir. Opt for unique shapes or regional specialties. 🍝
Leather Goods: Italy is renowned for its leather craftsmanship. Bags, shoes, and belts are popular choices. 👜👞
Ceramics: From colorful plates to intricate tiles, Italian ceramics add a touch of Mediterranean charm. 🏺
Balsamic Vinegar: A sweet and sour elixir, perfect for dressing salads or enhancing dishes. 🍇
Venetian Glass: Exquisite glassware from Venice, known for its beauty and craftsmanship. 🥂
Cheese: If you’re not traveling outside the EU, consider bringing back some delicious Italian cheese. 🧀
Explore local markets, boutiques, and specialty stores for unique finds.
Shopping in Small Marketplaces or vendors in Italy
In my experience, many vendors at street markets don’t accept credit cards. They deal with smaller sums and lack card machines. Cash (euros) can be handy, especially when bargaining for a better deal. Carrying small denominations of cash (euros) is a smart move for those irresistible moments when you stumble upon something you simply must have.
Travel Advisor Pro-Tip: Remember to place any liquids you buy in your checked bag that is over 3.4 oz to avoid it being taken by TSA. I had my olive oil taken from me when returning from Europe. I guess I had to much fun and totally forgot to put the oil in my checked bag. 😏