Last year, Rome was one of the top 15 most popular cities in the world for travelers to visit. In 2017 alone this capital city pulled in 9.6 million tourists.
And it’s not hard to see why. This is a city steeped in culture, romance, and history. If you’ve chosen Rome as your next holiday destination then you’ve chosen well!
But in order to make the most of visiting Rome, you should be aware of some vital Rome travel tips. You need to know all the must-see sites advice and the best ways to see them.
Well, you’re in the right place! Read on to find out everything you need to know about visiting Rome, Italy, for the first time.
Pick the Right Season When Planning a Trip to Rome
If you want to make the most of Rome, then picking the right time to year to visit is absolutely vital.
In the height of summer, the city is often packed out with crowds of tourists. As well as folks flying in for the summer holidays you also get extra traffic from the country as Italian families try to bring their kids on a ‘nice day out’.
Because of these big crowds, landmarks and tourist attractions will also try to charge the highest price. So you can save yourself some time and money by avoiding the city in June, July, and August.
If you travel to Rome during these times you’ll also have to cope with the heat of an Italian summer. One thing’s for sure, highs of 87 degrees are not conducive to relaxing sightseeing!
If it works with your schedule, aim for the shoulder seasons instead. These are April and May or late September and October. The city will be less crowded and a lot cooler during these periods.
You may also find that flights during the shoulder seasons are cheaper. This will leave you with more spending money in your budget to enjoy the city with!
Historical Highlights to See When Visiting Rome
Make sure not to miss out on some of the best historical sites Rome has to offer. Obviously, the city at the heart of the Roman Empire there are quite a few sites to see!
Start by exploring what was the heart of Imperial Rome. This means visiting the Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill.
The Colosseum was home to Rome’s famous gladiators and you can get into the belly of this impressive building on a Colosseum Underground Tour. Above ground, explore the ruins of the Roman Forum which was once the Empire’s hub of social and political activity. Or gaze down on Circo Massimo’s ancient chariot track from Palatine Hill.
You can buy a joint ticket for all of these attractions for just twelve euros. But avoid queues at the popular Colosseum by buying your ticket at the Roman Forum or Palatine Hill. Or better still skips the queues altogether by booking online and printing your tickets off in advance.
Book in Your Trip to the Vatican
Any trip to Rome wouldn’t be complete without a trip to the Vatican. This tiny city within the city is actually a country in its own right. It is the heart of Catholicism and home to the famous Sistine Chapel.
Even if you aren’t religious it’s an absolute must-see. On your visit, you’ll be able to take in the beauty of St Peter’s Square and the Basilica, which dates back to the 4th century AD. The Vatican is also home to museums, a library, and ornate gardens, which you’d be a fool to miss.
Again, you can save yourself time by booking tickets online. Just don’t forget to take them with you or you won’t be admitted.
You should also check the opening times for the Vatican and its attractions. Most attractions close on Sundays and other holy days. So don’t get caught out.
And make sure you dress appropriately for your visit. Modest clothing is an absolute must in the Vatican so take a shawl and keep your legs covered. If you aren’t wearing suitable clothing they might not let you in.
Don’t Miss These Free Sites!
Rome traveling doesn’t just have to be about buying tickets and standing in queues. You can see some of the city’s most breathtaking sites for free. The Centro Storico is one of these gems.
Start your walk through the city at the famous Spanish Steps (yes they’re in Rome – confusing right?) From there it’s just a ten-minute walk down to one of the world’s most famous fountains, the Trevi Fountain. Give yourself some time to take in the beauty of this 26-meter high marvel and maybe throw a coin in for luck – just don’t forget to make a wish!
From the Trevi, it’s just another ten minutes on to the Pantheon. This old Roman temple is now a church which you can visit for free. Or simply take in the scale of this amazing building while enjoying a cooling gelato.
Finally, you will find yourself in the beautiful Piazza Navona. After all that walking you might feel hungry. In that case, let’s take a look at the best places to grab a bite in the city.
Eating in Rome
Ok, ‘grabbing a bite’ isn’t a very Italian approach to food. They’re much more into long, leisurely meals with friends and plenty of wine. So embrace that!
The Piazza Navona provides a stunning setting for a meal but getting a table here can be challenging. A lot of hotels own the restaurants on the square. To keep the area exclusive they will only serve hotel guests.
One hotel which breaks the mold on this front is the Raphael. This 5-star restaurant is the perfect place if you’re feeling decadent.
But if five-start dining isn’t in your budget check out eateries around the bottom of the Spanish Steps. Or venture south of the river to Trastevere. This traditional part of the city will give you a great taste of the best local dishes around.
There You Have It!
Keep these helpful tips in mind when visiting Rome and you’re sure to have a great trip! And for more helpful travel advice, keep on scrolling.