Italy is a wonderland, and Rome is at its center. In fact, I think that it is my favorite European city so far. And I'm not the only one who feels this way, which is why tourism reigns in this historic city. If you plan to visit Rome, there are a few things that you should know to make your trip more enjoyable.
Don't eat on the main squares.
I have heard of people going to Rome and complaining about the food. Impossible! But, yes, Rome has some pretty terrible food if you eat at the wrong spots. As with most European cities, neighborhoods are designed with beautiful squares for people to gather in. Restaurants spill out onto these squares, and hosts beg you to view the menu and come in. Don't waste your time with these restaurants. 99% of the time, you will pay too much for low quality. Instead, wander down back streets for the best spots. Guidebooks and review websites can be a good place to check first. Once you find a good restaurant, the food in Rome is hard to beat.
Explore Rome at night.
Europeans know how to light up cities at night in the most romantic way, and Rome is no exception. In a city where you can turn a corner and stumble upon beautiful and/or important architecture and sculptures, seeing it all at night sheds a whole new light on this gorgeous city. And you shouldn't feel in danger. Streets are lit up, everybody is out strolling, and the center of the city is the safest area (most crime in the city is in the suburbs where people can afford to live).
The Pantheon is extra magical at night.
Go inside any church that is open.
You don't have to be religious to appreciate the beauty of the churches in Rome. While you're in there, take your time to look at all of the artwork. You may just come across a Caravaggio or Bernini, and seeing these outside of a museum is priceless.
Churches are everywhere in Rome.
Purchase tickets ahead of time.
I hate lines. I avoid them at all costs, and the easiest way to avoid lines at crowded tourist sites like the Colosseum, is to have your tickets before you arrive. Most sites allow you to purchase tickets online, and many have separate ticket booths at news stands. If you are traveling in the winter, you may be fine, but if you are going in the height of summer, you could end up waiting in the hot sun for an hour just to buy your ticket. This is especially true at the Vatican. When we arrived at the Vatican, we were astonished that the line wrapped completely around the block. However, we had purchased our tickets ahead of time with Context Tours, so we walked right in. Actually, let me give a quick plug to Context Tours. In big overwhelming museums like the Vatican (and the Louvre in Paris), I like to take a tour. However, I am not going to walk around in a group of 30 people following the woman holding the yellow flag and listening to her through an earpiece. Context Tours keep groups to 6 or less people and the docents really are experts, toting masters degrees in art history and all that. While it does cost a bit more, I highly highly recommend this company. Okay, plug is officially over...
Go to the Borghese Museum and park.
If you enjoy art at all, especially sculptures, especially Bernini sculptures, book a ticket to the Borghese Gallery. You have to reserve your time online prior to your visit, and you are only allowed inside for two hours. Because of these regulations, you can enjoy your visit without the crowds. The museum is in a mansion once owned by art collector, Scipione Borghese, and it's situated in a big public park. After the museum, rent some bikes and hang out in the park. Exit the park by the Piazza del Popolo to see the original entrance to the city, and definitely visit the churches in this piazza.
The Borghese park is fun to explore after the amazing museum.
Carry a refillable water bottle.
Rome has beautiful water fountain spouts all over the city filled with drinkable water. Take advantage of this free water by refilling your bottle whenever you need. Especially if you're site seeing in the hot summer sun, you'll need to stay hydrated.
View the Forum from the Capitoline Museum
This museum surrounds a beautiful piazza designed by Michelangelo. The museum is definitely worth your time. While walking through the Capitoline Museum, there is an amazing viewpoint of the Forum from above.
Great museum and fantastic view of the Forum.
Wear comfortable shoes.
Rome is a very walkable city, so you will be walking a lot. But you also need to be prepared for the crooked cobblestone streets. Make sure you have sturdy shoes to prevent rolling your ankle. If you want to wear heals, best of luck!
Wear the right shoes and watch where you step.
Give yourself time to wander.
The main sites are all awesome and worth visiting, but Rome has so many surprising corners that you can enjoy all to yourself as well. Try to spend at least a week here so that you have time to see both sides of Rome.
Rome is such a wonderful city, and a perfect starting point for an Italian adventure. For help planning your trip, download this free Trip Planning Timeline below by signing up for my newsletter.
