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Traveling to Rome can be an exciting and rewarding experience. However, just like with any travel to an unfamiliar area, there are always things we wish we had known prior to traveling. Here are 10 things you should know before traveling to Rome.
Store Your Luggage
Rome is a beautiful city to explore and has countless things to do on a day to day basis. When traveling through this incredible city, you don’t want to be pulling a heavy luggage bag behind you while you are trying to site-see. Services like Stasher offer places where you can store your luggage so you can enjoy the city with free hands! Some places that provide storage for your luggage include:
- Termini Train Station
- Vatican Museums
- Spanish Steps
- Navona
Opt to Take the Bus When Leaving the Airport
There are a couple different ways to get from the airport to your hotel or destination, however some of the routes can be a little complicated. The best way to travel from the airport is to take the bus, as it goes right to Termini station where you can then use any form of transportation to get to where you need to go. This is also where you can drop off your luggage at a self-storage kiosk if you are planning on venturing out into the city immediately.
Make Sure You Always Have Cash on You
In Rome, many businesses prefer if you pay in cash. For small purchases, some will not let you use a card at all. Therefore, it is important to always carry cash on you just in case an establishment denies your card. If you are tipping a waiter, you should always pay in cash. The main currency in Italy is the Euro, so make sure to visit a currency exchange location to obtain the proper currency.
Know Where to Purchase Colosseum Tickets
The Colosseum is a tremendously popular tourist attraction in Rome and often has a long line to get tickets. In order to avoid the line, go to the nearby Palatino and purchase your tickets there. They will give you access to the Palatino, which is a beautiful ancient archeological site in Rome, as well as the Colosseum. This will save you several hours of waiting in line, giving you more time to explore the city.
You Don’t Have to Pay for Water
If you are traveling around the city for long periods of time, you are going to need water to drink. There is no need to buy bottled water. There are over 2,000 water fountains around the city where the water is safe to drink, and you can fill up as often as you would like. This will save you some money in the long run, especially if you are going to be in Rome for a lengthy amount of time.
Dinner Starts Later in the Evening
If you are looking to socialize with locals in the city during dinner time, you may not find many out and about during the typical five o’clock or six o’clock dinner time. Europeans tend to go out to dinner a little bit later, so you may need to adjust the time you make a reservation for dinner. Around 8:30 or 9 o’clock is more in line with when the locals will be out to dinner.
Don’t Go into Churches Underdressed
A fantastic tourist location is the churches within the city walls. However, what we would normally consider decent attire may not fit a church in Rome’s standards. Make sure to carry a long scarf with you to cover up areas of the body that the church requires not to be visible. These dress codes are strictly enforced.
Last Minute Trip Interruptions Should Be Expected
In cities like Rome, businesses can be a little more unpredictable with worker’s strikes, early closures, and other last-minute issues that could arise. Be prepared to be flexible with your itinerary and have a backup plan just in case something like this happens.
Wear Comfortable Shoes
Although there are plenty of taxi drivers in Rome, the majority of your travel is probably going to be by foot. There is so much to see that you will want to be walking so you can stop and explore. Make sure you have packed a pair of comfortable shoes that are designed for long walks and uneven terrain.
With the countless ancient attractions available in Rome, there will be no shortage of things to do or sights to see. You will have the opportunity to experience a very unique culture and rich history. As long as you have plenty of cash on hand, practical walking shoes, and an open-mind as to what your day will look like in Rome, you will have a fantastic time!
