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 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.
The Roman Forum (Latin: Forum Romanum) was the heart of ancient Rome—its political, religious, and commercial center for over a millennium. Located in a valley between the Palatine and Capitoline Hills, it was originally a marketplace but evolved into the nucleus of Roman public life
🏛️ Historical Significance
Today, the Roman Forum is a sprawling archaeological site that attracts millions of visitors each year, offering a vivid glimpse into the grandeur of ancient Rome
Taking a cooking class in Rome is more than just learning recipes—it's a full-on cultural experience! Here's what makes it so special:
🍝 1. Hands-On with Italian Tradition
You’re not just watching—you’re doing. From kneading fresh pasta dough to perfecting the swirl of carbonara, you’ll learn authentic techniques passed down through generations.
🍨 2. Learn to Make the Classics
Think handmade pasta, tiramisu, Roman-style pizza, or gelato. And yes, you get to eat everything you make!
🎁 3. Take the Experience Home
You’ll leave with recipes, new skills, and unforgettable memories—plus a deeper appreciation for Italian food culture.
Unforgettable Memories
Sometimes the most memorable moments happen in the places you almost didn’t visit. That spontaneous detour? It might just be the highlight of your trip.
Here are some towns and cities near Rome, Italy, that are great for day trips:
🏛️ Nearby Towns and Cities (Within ~1 Hour):
🚆 Easily Reachable by Train:
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
When I spend three or more days in Rome, I always make time for a day trip by bus, van or train—it’s the perfect way to soak in the stunning countryside and see a whole new side of Italy. It can be a guided tour or you can venture on your own. One of my favorite escapes? Perugia! 🚆🌄
A small city perched on a rock cliff located in the region of Umbria, Italy and dates back to the 14th century BC. This charming hilltop university town is about 2.5 hours from Rome and totally worth the ride. It’s got everything: rich Etruscan history, incredible art, and yes—chocolate lovers, rejoice! 🍫 A small city perched on a rock cliff located in the region of Umbria, Italy and dates back to the 14th century BC.
But the real highlight? I wandered into a cozy little local restaurant with the help of a local guide (a friend of a friend) and decided to try an espresso for the first time. Let me tell you—that tiny cup packed a punch! ☕💥 It was super strong (like, wide-awake-for-days strong), but it totally added to the experience. I felt like a true Italian for a moment.
So, the moral of the story? Step outside the hustle of Rome and explore the world beyond—you just might stumble upon a hidden gem you never knew existed!
The corridor from the Vatican Museums to the Sistine Chapel is open to visitors. In fact, it's part of the standard route through the museums. Once inside the Sistine Chapel, there are two exits:
However, this shortcut to the basilica is typically reserved for guided tours, especially those booked through official or authorized providers. If you're visiting independently, you might be asked to use the main exit and re-enter St. Peter’s Basilica from the outside.
Tip: Be sure to book your tickets in advance. Lines can get extremely long, especially during peak hours. To avoid the crowds, aim to arrive first thing in the morning or a couple of hours before closing time.
🔌Electricity and plugs
🌻Experience the beauty of Tuscany
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:
Tipping in Rome (and all of Italy) hasn't radically changed, but there's a noticeable shift toward more tourists—and even some locals—leaving a bit extra, especially for standout service. Here's the current etiquette:
💶 Restaurants & Cafés
Not mandatory—most workers earn a living wage and many places include a coperto (cover charge) €1–3 or a servizio incluso (service charge) –10–15%
Optional tipping:
If no service charge appears, rounding up or leaving €1–2 per person is appreciated.
In upscale venues, 5–10% is considered generous
Coffee & bar counters: Leave small change if seated, nothing expected if standing .
🧳 Hotels
Porters: €1–2 per bag
Housekeeping: €1–2 per day (leave on the pillow or a note)
🚕 Taxis & Drivers
Taxis: Round up to the nearest euro.
Private drivers/tour guides:
Tour guides: €5–10 per person (half-day), €10–20 (full-day)
Private drivers: €5–10 for short trips, €10–15 for extended service
🔍 What’s Changing?
Tourism-driven establishments—especially in hotspots like Trastevere or near the Vatican—might subtly suggest tipping, but locals often view these as tourist traps
The key remains that tips are gratuity for great service—never an obligation
✅ Final Take
Still no expectation of 15–20% like in the U.S.
A small tip (€1–2 or rounding up) is a polite gesture, especially for table service or extraordinary help.
If a service charge is already included, no additional tip needed.
Always carry some change—it’s appreciated and practical.
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.
Cafe (counter)
Cafe (table)
Casual restaurant
Fine dining
Hotel porter
Housekeeping
Taxi
Private driver
Private guide
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. 😏
🖼️ Crafts, Art & Souvenirs
1. Handmade Paper & Stationery
Where: Il Papiro (Florentine brand with a shop in Rome), or local shops in Monti
2. Local perfume or cologne
3. Custom Sandals
Get handmade leather sandals crafted to your foot shape, especially in Trastevere or Campo Marzio.
4. Leather wallet or bag
5. Cameos & Jewelry
Traditional Roman cameos (carved shell or coral), gold jewelry, and micro-mosaic designs.
6. Roman Statues & Replicas
Reproductions of ancient sculptures, busts, or coins—great for history lovers.
🍝 Gourmet Food & Wine
1. Extra Virgin Olive Oil (DOP-labeled)
Look for small-batch oils from Lazio, Tuscany, or Umbria.
2. Balsamic Vinegar & Truffle Products
Aged balsamic or truffle-infused sauces and salts make great gifts.
3. Pasta & Sauces
Buy artisan pasta (like pici or tonnarelli), Amatriciana sauce, or spice blends.
4. Limoncello & Italian Amari
Try Limoncello from the Amalfi Coast, or Amaro Montenegro, a local bitter liqueur.
5. Liquor/Wine
Lazio wines like Frascati or Cesanese are local and less exported.
👜 1. Italian Leather Accessories
What: Small leather items like coin purses, belts, passport holders, or keychains
Where: Leather stalls near Campo de’ Fiori, Porta Portese flea market, or Trastevere boutiques
Price: €10–25
✅ Tip: Look for "Made in Italy" stamps and real leather smell (not plastic).
🍝 2. Artisan Pasta & Seasonings
What: Handcrafted pasta (like pici or tricolor fusilli), spice mixes, or dried herbs for Roman sauces
Where: Campo de’ Fiori Market, Eataly Rome, local food shops in Testaccio
Price: €4–10 per bag or jar
✅ Pair with a recipe card for a DIY gift.
🖋️ 3. Handmade Paper & Stationery
What: Marbled paper notebooks, bookmarks, or writing sets
Where: Il Papiro, Cartoleria Pantheon, or small shops in Monti
Price: €8–25
✅ Elegant, easy to pack, and very “old Rome.”
🍬 4. Italian Sweets
What: Torrone (nougat), biscotti, chocolate, or candy from Roman pasticcerias
Where: Roscioli (bakery), local supermarkets, or Antico Forno
Price: €3–15
✅ Good option for group gifts.
🎨 5. Vintage Postcards & Art Prints
What: Vintage-style posters, drawings of the Colosseum, or map reproductions
Where: Souvenir stands near Piazza Navona, Monti shops, or street artists
Price: €5–15
📿 6. Vatican Gifts
What: Rosaries, pendants, prayer cards, or holy water bottles
Where: Shops near St. Peter’s Basilica or inside the Vatican Museums gift shop
Price: €5–20
✅ Some items can be blessed upon request.
🍋 7. Limoncello Mini Bottles
What: 50ml to 100ml bottles of lemon liqueur or Amaro
Where: Supermarkets, food shops, or airport duty-free
Price: €3–10
✅ Check carry-on rules if flying.
📚 8. Books or Roman Notebooks
What: Travel journals, Rome sketchbooks, or Italian classics in English
Where: Borri Books (Termini Station), Anglo-American Bookstore, or street stalls near Piazza Venezia
Price: €5–15
🏛️ 9. Mini Statues or Roman Coin Replicas
What: Miniature busts, columns, or faux ancient coins
Where: Tourist shops near the Forum or Colosseum
Price: €3–10
✅ Look for the ones made in Italy—better quality than mass imports.
🎁 10. Enamel Pins, Magnets & Tea Towels
What: Artistic magnets, pins with Roman monuments, or textile souvenirs like pasta-themed towels
Where: Gift shops around Trastevere and Campo de’ Fiori
Price: €3–8
✅ Fun, practical, and lightweight.
🛒 Best Neighborhoods for Budget Finds
Campo de’ Fiori Food, leather, ceramics, spices
Trastevere Artisan goods, paper, jewelry, leather
Monti Vintage, design, quirky stationery
Vatican Area Religious gifts, rosaries, postcards
Porta Portese (Sunday) Flea market treasures, used books
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.
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.