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Rome

TRAVEL GUIDE

Rome

TRAVEL GUIDE

The Fodor's Five

The five things you need to know before traveling to Rome

# 1

Uber isn’t a thing in Rome—but there are plenty of other ways to get around.

While the centro storico is very walkable, the distance between some sights is considerable. Technically, Uber is legal in Rome, but drivers must be licensed professionals, so they’re few and far between. Instead, you can find a taxi at a taxi stand, hail one using the FreeNow app, or hop on the metro, bus, or tram.

Read More: From the Metro to Buses: How to Use Rome’s Public Transportation System

# 2

Not all restaurants are created equal—and you’ll need reservations at the good ones.

Contrary to popular belief, just because you’re in Rome, it doesn’t mean you’re guaranteed to eat well. Unfortunately, there are many tourist traps (especially on the most famous piazzas) that serve subpar food. It will behoove you to do some research and make reservations. The best restaurants book up days or weeks in advance.

Read More: The 20 Best Restaurants in Rome

# 3

Yes, the Sistine Chapel is incredible—but there’s so much more to see.

There’s no doubt that the Sistine Chapel is one of the greatest masterpieces ever created by human hands. That said, there are plenty of other artistic masterpieces throughout the city, many of which are far less crowded. Once you’ve checked the Vatican off your bucket list, spend some time visiting the city’s smaller museums and churches to see frescoes by Raphael, aristocratic palaces, and contemporary art.

Read More: The 10 Best Under-the-Radar Museums in Rome

# 4

No one expects you to speak Italian—but using basic words and respecting local customs is always appreciated.

Rome is one of the country’s most visited cities, so most people who work in hospitality speak at least some English. However, using basic words and phrases and making a bit of an effort to understand and abide by the local customs goes a long way. Romans won’t expect you to know all the unspoken rules around food, for example, but when visiting churches, you should at least be respectful and cover your shoulders and legs.

Read More: The Italian Phrases You Really Need to Know

# 5

Italian time may be different than what you’re used to—relax, you’re on vacation.

Time works a bit differently in Italy than it does in the U.S. Service may be slower than what you’re used to. At restaurants, the waiter won’t bring you the bill until you ask for it. Appointments (whether with a hairdresser, doctor, or sometimes even tour guides) rarely start on time. Just go with the flow—after all, you’re on vacation. What’s the rush?

Read More: How to Navigate Time Etiquette in Rome

Recommended Fodor’s Video

Top Neighborhoods

Why is Ancient Rome the best neighborhood in Rome?
  • You can see the Colosseum, where gladiators once fought
  • Travel 2,000 years back in time at the Roman Forum
  • Admire Michelangelo’s Piazza del Campidoglio
  • Walk the grand Via dei Fori Imperiali
  • Enjoy rooftop bars with views of the monuments
What makes Piazza Navona so great?
  • Piazza Navona is one Rome’s most beautiful baroque square
  • Go inside the Pantheon, the city’s best-preserved ancient temple
  • Learn about Rome’s Jewish population at the Synagogue and Jewish Museum
  • Lots of great restaurants and bars
  • Extremely walkable
What's special about Piazza di Spagna?
  • You can climb the Spanish Steps for fantastic views
  • Throw a coin in the Trevi Fountain for good luck
  • Shop in the city’s most upscale shopping district
  • Gawk at ornate aristocratic palazzos
  • Tons of swanky luxury hotels
What's there to do at the Vatican?
  • You can gaze in awe at the Sistine Chapel
  • Admire one of the world’s most incredible art collections at the Vatican Museums
  • Visit St. Peter’s Basilica, the world’s largest church
  • Attend a papal audience
  • Great restaurants and shopping in Prati
Why visit Villa Borghese?
  • You can stroll in Villa Borghese, the city’s green heart
  • See the incredible art collection at the Galleria Borghese
  • Sit at a café and people watch on Piazza del Popolo, the people’s square
  • Admire modern art and architecture at MAXXI
  • Catch the sunset on the Pincian Hill

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Language

Italian

Nearby Airports

FCO, ROM, CIA

Electrical Outlets

200v/50 cycles; electrical plugs have two round prongs

Currency

Euro

Local Weather

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Historic Weather: Powered by Dark Sky
Weather info provided is using averaged daily data within the given month of the previous year.

Language

Italian

Electrical Outlets

200v/50 cycles; electrical plugs have two round prongs

Currency

Euro

Nearby Airports

FCO, ROM, CIA

Local Weather

{{ monthAverage.f_high }}° {{ monthAverage.c_high }}° {{ monthAverage.f_low }}° {{ monthAverage.c_low }}°
{{ monthAverage.month }}
Historic Weather: Powered by Dark Sky
Weather info provided is using averaged daily data within the given month of the previous year.

Discover the best neighborhoods in Rome with curated recommendations from our editors.

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Local Weather

{{ monthAverage.f_high }}° {{ monthAverage.c_high }}° {{ monthAverage.f_low }}° {{ monthAverage.c_low }}°
{{ monthAverage.month }}
Historic Weather: Powered by Dark Sky
Weather info provided is using averaged daily data within the given month of the previous year.

Discover the best neighborhoods in Rome with curated recommendations from our editors.

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Local Weather

{{ monthAverage.f_high }}° {{ monthAverage.c_high }}° {{ monthAverage.f_low }}° {{ monthAverage.c_low }}°
{{ monthAverage.month }}
Historic Weather: Powered by Dark Sky
Weather info provided is using averaged daily data within the given month of the previous year.

Discover the best neighborhoods in Rome with curated recommendations from our editors.

Explore All

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