All Roads Lead To Rome - Tips For Visiting Eternal City

Rome is one of those cities that never gets old—literally and figuratively. Whether it's your first time visiting or you’re coming back for more (if you threw a coin in Fontana di Trevi), the Eternal City has a way of leaving you in awe with its blend of ancient ruins, stunning architecture, and the best food ever. But to make the most of your trip, it's good to know a few tips (from someone who has lived there for 5 years) to help you navigate the city like a pro.

Here’s what you need to keep in mind before jetting off to Rome!

1. Get Your Skip-the-Line Tickets in Advance

Rome is crowded (read that again)—especially at places like the Colosseum, Vatican Museums, and St. Peter’s Basilica. If you don’t want to spend half your trip waiting in long queues, book your tickets online before you arrive. Many attractions offer skip-the-line options, and trust me, they’re worth it!

👉 Pro Tip: If you're visiting the Vatican Museums, go early in the morning or book an evening tour to avoid the peak-hour rush.

2. Use Public Transport (But Be Prepared for Delays)

Rome’s public transport system is affordable and well-connected, but it’s not always the most reliable. Buses can be crowded and slow, especially in the city center, while the metro (with only three lines) doesn’t always get you where you need to go.

🚇 Best options? Walk as much as you can—it’s the best way to see Rome’s beauty up close. For longer distances, use the metro when possible or hop on a tram instead of a bus.

📲 Pro Tip: Download the MyCicero or Moovit app to check real-time transport schedules.

3. Stay in the Right Neighborhood

Choosing the right area to stay in can make or break your trip. Here are some of the best neighborhoods for different types of travelers:

• 🏛 Historic Center (Centro Storico) – Perfect for first-time visitors, close to iconic landmarks.
• 🎭 Trastevere – A charming, bohemian area with amazing nightlife and local restaurants.
• ✨ Monti – A hipster-friendly district with vintage shops and trendy cafes.
• 🛍 Prati – Close to the Vatican, great for shopping and a quieter vibe.

4. Dress Modestly for Church Visits

Planning to visit St. Peter’s Basilica, the Vatican Museums, or other churches? Keep in mind that there’s a dress code—you need to cover your shoulders and knees.

👗 What to wear? In summer, bring a light scarf or shawl to cover up when needed. Men should avoid wearing sleeveless tops inside churches.

🚫 If you don’t follow the dress code, you might be denied entry!

5. Watch Out for Tourist Traps When Eating Out

Rome has some of the best food in the world, but it’s also full of tourist traps, especially around major landmarks like the Trevi Fountain or the Pantheon.

🍕 How to spot a tourist trap?

• If the menu has pictures of food and translations in 10+ languages, walk away.
• Restaurants with pushy staff trying to lure you in? 🚩🚩🚩
• If the bread, water, or service charge seems suspiciously high, check the bill before paying.

👉 Where to eat instead? Look for small, family-run trattorias, and always follow the locals—they know where the good food is!

6. Learn a Few Basic Italian Phrases

While many Romans speak English, learning a few Italian words can go a long way. Not only is it polite, but it can also help you get better service in restaurants or shops.

Here are some basics to know:
🇮🇹 Buongiorno! (Good morning!)
🇮🇹 Grazie! (Thank you!)
🇮🇹 Il conto, per favore. (The bill, please.)
🇮🇹 Un caffè, per favore. (A coffee, please.)

Fun fact: If you ask for a latte, you’ll get a glass of milk. To order a proper coffee, ask for a caffè latte instead!

And don't forget no cappuccino after 12 in Italy

7. Throw Your Coin in the Trevi Fountain (The Right Way!)

It’s a classic Rome tradition—you throw a coin into the Trevi Fountain to ensure you’ll return to the city one day. But did you know there’s a proper way to do it?

🎯 How to do it:

• Stand with your back to the fountain
• Toss the coin over your left shoulder with your right hand

Bonus fact: All the money collected from the fountain (millions of euros each year!) is donated to charity.

8. Take an Evening Walk to Experience Rome’s Magic

Rome is stunning during the day, but at night? It’s pure magic. Many landmarks, like the Colosseum, St. Peter’s Basilica, and the Pantheon, are beautifully lit up after sunset, making for some incredible photo opportunities.

🌙 Best spots for a night walk:

• The Spanish Steps (less crowded in the evening)
• Piazza Navona, with its lively atmosphere
• The Roman Forum, especially from the terrace of Campidoglio

9. Always Validate Your Train and Bus Tickets

In Rome, having a ticket isn’t enough—you also have to validate it before boarding a bus, tram, or regional train.

🚉 How to validate your ticket:

• For buses and trams: Look for the small yellow machine inside and insert your ticket.
• For trains: Stamp your ticket at the validation machine on the platform before getting on.

💡 Fines can be as high as €50 if you don’t validate your ticket—so don’t forget!

10. Give Yourself Time to Just Wander

Rome isn’t a city you can rush through. Some of the best experiences happen when you put away your map and just wander through the streets, stumbling upon hidden piazzas, cute cafes, and local street performers.

🚶 Slow down and soak it all in.
Try not to cram too many things into your itinerary—Rome is meant to be enjoyed, not rushed.

Get prepared

Rome is a dream destination, but like any big city, it helps to be prepared so you can make the most of your trip. With these tips, you’ll be able to skip the tourist traps, navigate the city like a local, and truly experience the magic of the Eternal City.

So, when are you booking your flight? ✈️🇮🇹

🌍 More Travel Guides on RoamRadar:

✅ You Have a Layover in Paris? Here's How to Explore the City
✅ How to Find Cheap Flights in 2025 ✅ The Joys and Challenges of Slow Travel