Last Updated on June 20, 2026 by Emma Fajcz | Published: February 15, 2019
Like any strong-willed city with a rich history, Rome is complicated and can feel overwhelming, but it’s eternally worth it; you just have to get to know her a bit! Here’s 9 tips to know before traveling to Rome from our friendly local guides that can completely rewire your trip for the better. These tips will help make this trip one you’ll treasure forever!
Traveling solo? Here’s our top 5 tips for solo travel in Rome!
Table of Contents
1. Aperitivo is Essential
Aperitivo is that twilight moment, just after work and before dark, where you get to meet your friends (or bring a notebook and people watch) at a bar or café and enjoy a drink, usually paired with a buffet. This is a glorious concept you want to make the most of, preferably every evening!
Most places in Rome will do some form of aperitivo, so generally there will be a set price. Ask what’s included, but you can usually enjoy a drink (whether alcoholic or virgin) and a plate of food. While it’s a year-round social tradition that Romans partake in regularly as a form of after-work drinks, this is especially fun during the summer, when you can snag a table outside and enjoy an Aperol Spritz while the sun goes down.
Local Tip: If you’re in the Testaccio area, check out Oasi della Birra, which has a wonderful buffet as well. Our favorite in Trastevere is VinAllegro, and when in the Prati area (near the Vatican), check out Il Sorpasso, which makes a charcuterie board that will change your life.
2. Nap Time Is Real (and August Is Like One Long Nap)
This is something you’ll want to keep in mind: many shops (even chains) will close between 1 and 4 pm. They’re also often closed on Sundays or have reduced hours. If you’re looking to head to a specific place, it’s worth it to reach out beforehand and check their hours!
Another thing to keep in mind: August is a beautiful month, but many places will be closed half the month or all month long, and the city can get hot, uncomfortable and crowded. That’s why we recommend to visit outside the very hot summer months to see our favorite side of Rome. Fall and spring are beautiful, and there’s something to be said for having the city to yourself during the winter, too!
3. Plan Ahead for the Most Popular Sights
Especially during the warmer months from late spring through the summer, the big sights like the Colosseum and the Vatican Museums are going to be packed.
Make sure to show up early, and you can save considerable time by pre-buying tickets online for most sights. If you want to splash out a bit, you can even look for a tour that will get you early entrance and a small group with a guide.
4. Cappuccino Is a Breakfast Drink
In Italy, cappuccino and caffé latte (coffee mixed with a healthy dose of milk) go strictly with breakfast.
If you want to coffee like an Italian, as of lunchtime you’ll want to cut those two out and order an espresso instead. If you like milk with your coffee, opt for a macchiato, which is a dash of milk in your espresso.
5. The Opera di Roma Is a Summer Must
If you remember one thing from this list, this should be it. Every year, the Teatro dell’Opera di Roma, or Rome Opera House, gathers up its skirts and plunks itself down in the ancient thermal baths of Caracalla. These ruins are so mythical and grandiose, it’s hard to believe that this is how the Romans set up a place they bathed in!
During the summer, the walls of the majestic terme reverberate with the music of the greats, and you can go see a variety of concerts, operas and ballet performances in a setting you’ll never forget. The shows usually run from mid-June to early August.
6. Not All Public Transportation Is Created Equal
If you’re using public transportation to get around Rome, be advised that buses can be slow and unreliable, although there are some applications you can download (like RomeBus) to track the progress of the bus you’re looking for.
The metro lines are more reliable, but if it’s raining even a bit, expect delays.
If you’re looking for a taxi, you can book one easily using the MyTaxi app. Uber also works in the Eternal City, though it’s more expensive here than you may be used to. Another fun option is Scooterino, the scooter version of Uber!
7. Day Trips
Know that if you’re spending enough time in Rome to wander outside of it, there are some glorious places a hop, skip, and a jump away.
Our favorite day trips from Rome include Sermoneta (and during the summer, the nearby Giardino di Ninfa), Orvieto, and Civita di Bagnoregio.
8. Don’t Eat at Restaurants Near Monuments
Tourist traps are a real thing! Our general rule is, if the menu has pictures, we don’t go there (although there are exceptions to this rule, so go with your gut). Rome is an incredible place, and you’re probably also here because you love food, so we really want you to enjoy it!
Check out one of the best places to lunch in Rome, but also remember that some of the best places are the little family-owned spots that you stumble into without meaning to, which brings us to our next point…
9. Get Lost
Not in the mean way, but the literal one.
Rome is a mighty walkable city and one of the best ways to explore it is by simply getting lost and letting the city present its treasures to you. We’re willing to bet that this is how you end up falling in love with our city. Happy wandering, travelers!
Explore Trastevere’s Food & Drink With Us
There are plenty of eateries in Rome, but not all of them are created equal. Discover more of our favorite hidden gems on our Trastevere at Sunset: Rome Food and Wine Tour. You’ll try regional cured meats and cheese, delicious local pastas, a variety of different Italian wines and, of course, our favorite aperitivo cocktail!
Featured Review: Trastevere Food & Wine Tour
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Aurelio was simply wonderful! He shared personal experiences and historical stories for each stop and made it feel like touring with family. Highly recommend!”
– Shawne
Rome Travel Tips FAQs
What should first-time visitors know before traveling to Rome?
First-time visitors should plan ahead for major attractions, wear comfortable walking shoes, and expect to do a lot of exploring on foot. It’s also helpful to book tickets for popular sites like the Colosseum and Vatican Museums in advance to avoid long lines and make the most of your time in the city.
How many days do you need in Rome?
Most travelers should spend at least three to four days in Rome to see the city’s major attractions, neighborhoods, and food scene. A longer stay allows time to explore lesser-known areas, enjoy leisurely meals, and take day trips to nearby destinations.
What is the best way to get around Rome?
Rome is a highly walkable city, and many of its most famous sights are located within walking distance of one another. Visitors can also use the metro, buses, and trams to reach attractions farther from the historic center, but walking is often the best way to discover the city’s hidden corners.
What should you avoid doing in Rome?
Visitors should avoid dining at restaurants with aggressive tourist menus, eating on steps near tourist attractions/monuments, and wearing inappropriate clothing when visiting churches (make sure to cover your knees and shoulders). It’s also important to stay aware of personal belongings in crowded areas and around major tourist attractions.
What is the best time of year to visit Rome?
Spring (April-June) and fall (September-October) are often considered the best times to visit Rome thanks to mild temperatures and pleasant sightseeing conditions. Summer offers long days and lively events but can be hot and crowded, while winter brings fewer tourists and lower accommodation prices.
