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Tips for Rome

112 replies

ThePenIsBlue · 19/09/2022 09:38

Husband and I are going to Rome in a few weeks for our 20th wedding anniversary - sans les enfants. Neither of us have been to Italy before. I’m keen for any tips people have for Rome . We’re going to do the standard touristy sites, but looking for good restaurants/ cafes, things not to be missed, things worth missing etc. We love excellent food, (real foodies) nice coffee, people watching etc etc. looking forward to a slower pace for a few days! Thank you 🙏🏻

OP posts:
Keladrythesaviour · 20/09/2022 11:17

On theft - I've been 8/9 times and not lost anything, though on one trip a companion did lose a wallet.
General sense and safety for a busy city and you will be fine.

LeopardPrintShoe · 20/09/2022 12:15

I was about to book a romantic weekend break to Rome for DH and I but after reading all these horror stories about theft I won't bother!

Shame to miss it but I've been to many cities around the world and never lost a thing, sounds like it's considerably worse than anywhere else.

Geamhradh · 20/09/2022 12:25

LeopardPrintShoe · 20/09/2022 12:15

I was about to book a romantic weekend break to Rome for DH and I but after reading all these horror stories about theft I won't bother!

Shame to miss it but I've been to many cities around the world and never lost a thing, sounds like it's considerably worse than anywhere else.

I live in Italy and have been pickpocketed twice in my life.
Once in Brussels, and once in Manchester.
I've seen thieves leap off metros in Paris taking tourists' suitcases with them.
I've been abused by a load of drinks on a London tube.
Everywhere in the world there are risks. Personally, Rome felt a lot safer than many due to an increased police presence.

Interested in this thread?

Then you might like threads about this subject:

Holidays
red4321 · 20/09/2022 12:32

I was about to book a romantic weekend break to Rome for DH and I but after reading all these horror stories about theft I won't bother!

While we may have been pickpocketed, it was our fault for having an envelope of money in an outside pocket of a rucksack on a busy bus. (My husband was wrestling with large suitcase and a bit hemmed in).

The city felt completely safe, I'd say more so than Paris (where we had a few stealing ruses tried on us) and Barcelona.

RampantIvy · 20/09/2022 12:39

I was about to book a romantic weekend break to Rome for DH and I but after reading all these horror stories about theft I won't bother!

I never felt unsafe. I knew that Rome had a bad reputation for pickpockets. I had my money and bank card in a front zipped pocket of my trousers, which were covered by a jumper so you couldn't tell if there were any pockets. I wore a cheap watch, had a cross body bag on that I kept hold of all the time, and I looked alert all the time.

I saw loads of people with their phones stuck in their back pockets, which is something I would not advise doing in Rome.

AnnaMagnani · 20/09/2022 12:45

We never felt pickpocketing was an issue - perhaps we just look like we don't have stuff!

However - we don't carry a rucksack, DH doesn't put his wallet in his back pocket, we use a paper map not the phone, only one of us wears a watch and it was cheap...

Only place we were completely robbed was the Cafe Vaticano. Yes you are tired after slogging round the Vatican/St Peters all day, yes it's the only cafe for miles around, it looks appealing and is right by the exit - but do not go there under any circumstances! We had 3 course meals with wine for what they charge for a sandwich.

RampantIvy · 20/09/2022 12:47

We never felt pickpocketing was an issue - perhaps we just look like we don't have stuff!

Maybe that's why we were left alone Grin

RaininginDarling · 20/09/2022 12:48

I can't imagine pickpockets are any worse in Rome than they are in Barcelona or London or just about any major city - just use your common sense. Defo dress for walking though!

As others have said: Villa Borghese is worth a visit. Book in advance. I believe the tix are time specific like the Vatican. The gardens are also beautiful.

On the Vatican, I was only interested in seeing the sistine Chapel - it still took 40 mins to get to it without deviating into the many side galleries. Be warned!

I also second taking time to explore sides streets and other neighbourhoods. I found the Spanish Steps disappointing (each to their own but it did nothing for me). Personally, I loved the Protestant Cemetery very unexpectedly and the Baths of Caracalla - both are about a 20 min walk from colosseum (also great but book in advance). Loads of cafes and bars to visit in that area too.

Wouldn't bother with a taxi from the airport. Trains are cheap enough (book in advance) and run into Rome frequently.

One other priceless tip a friend - who runs posh bespoke food tours - gave me, was to choose ice cream places where the ice cream wasn't on display but held in those metal cannisters with metal lids flush in the countertop- means the ice cream is stored properly and invariably means a better quality ice cream. (I have not been disappointed yet by following that random advice!)

Enjoy! It's a cracking place to visit.

Spudina · 20/09/2022 12:49

The Trevi Fountain is a must see. It’s stunning.

BarrelOfOtters · 20/09/2022 12:50

AnnaMagnani · 20/09/2022 12:45

We never felt pickpocketing was an issue - perhaps we just look like we don't have stuff!

However - we don't carry a rucksack, DH doesn't put his wallet in his back pocket, we use a paper map not the phone, only one of us wears a watch and it was cheap...

Only place we were completely robbed was the Cafe Vaticano. Yes you are tired after slogging round the Vatican/St Peters all day, yes it's the only cafe for miles around, it looks appealing and is right by the exit - but do not go there under any circumstances! We had 3 course meals with wine for what they charge for a sandwich.

Cafe vaticano…exactly the same. The most expensive beer I have ever had. There were priests sitting in it who they probably pay to sit there to make you feel it must be OK.

plan a cafe for after the Vatican.

loved loved Rome.

Incrediblebuttrue · 20/09/2022 13:06

I live in Italy and have been to Rome many times and yes, I have been pickpocketed once - on a bus. I wasn't distracted, they were just very, very good. 😂I wouldn't let that put you off though. Taxis on the other hand always seem to be problematic. Everyone I know seems to have had problems. Rome - sort it out!!

AnnaMagnani · 20/09/2022 13:13

One other priceless tip a friend - who runs posh bespoke food tours - gave me, was to choose ice cream places where the ice cream wasn't on display but held in those metal cannisters with metal lids flush in the countertop- means the ice cream is stored properly and invariably means a better quality ice cream. (I have not been disappointed yet by following that random advice!)

We were told this v strictly by our food tour guide in Florence:
No piles of ice cream - must be in closed canisters
No unnatural looking colours

If you are seriously into your gelato, there are a lot of food blogs which will give earnest advice about where to eat gelato. Actually food blogs are also a much better way to find good restaurants than Tripadvisor which is often full of '5 stars! Best pizza ever!' just because it didn't taste like Dominos.

What you are looking for is a small place that makes their own using traditional methods, not a huge place buying it in by the truckload from a factory. If it's a good place, there should also be a queue.

JustbackRoma · 20/09/2022 16:29

One other priceless tip a friend - who runs posh bespoke food tours - gave me, was to choose ice cream places where the ice cream wasn't on display but held in those metal cannisters with metal lids flush in the countertop- means the ice cream is stored properly and invariably means a better quality ice cream. (I have not been disappointed yet by following that random advice!)

I did not know this - I thought many were closing up for the day or something. Damn it.

Re. the pickpocketing and theft - it's bad in every city in the world in tourist areas, not just Rome. Tourists are distracted, and generally a bit lacksidasical with their belongings when in chill mode. I don't go to the tourist areas in my city (or very rarely) but I assume it happens there. I live in an area where watch snatching is very common as well.

That said I do feel the street lay out of Rome and the larger open spaces made people more vulnerable.

MichaelAndEagle · 20/09/2022 18:33

Sorry to hijack, I'm going with a 15 and 10 year old in May. Any tips in particular for visiting with kids?

Iamnotthe1 · 20/09/2022 18:49

The early pass for the Vatican is absolutely worth it! I think it's the one where you have breakfast in the Vatican (that's what we did anyway). You're the first people in and so you get to see most of it, including the Sistine Chapel, before it gets busy.

The roads are crazy and take a bit of getting used to. Drivers will go unless there is a person literally in front of them, including at crossings, and will speed off the second you're clear.

The Roman Forum is really interesting if history is part of what draws you there. I think there is a pass whether you can get access to three things at a lower cost and it includes the forum.

If you like cats, there's this lovely rescue centre which is actually inside a sunken ruin. The cats spend all day playing it in and you can go into the main centre to interact with some of the cats and listen to the people talk about the work they do. It's very sweet.

When we've been, we've made the decision to get up early to get places while it's cooler and quieter and then go back to the hotel at midday/early afternoon for a nap or just to get out of the sun. That has always worked well for us.

Hbh17 · 20/09/2022 19:04

I second the Galleria Borghese - booking essential.

For a luxurious, historical cafe go to Antico Caffe Greco in the Via Condotti.

Santa Maria del Popolo for the Caravaggios.

Get the lift to the top of the Vittorio Emmanuele monument for some good views.

If you're going to the Forum, make sure you visit the Palatine Hill too - it's much quieter.

Definitely recommend the San't Ignazio church - the baroque ceiling is stupendous.

Ara Pacis is impressive.

Piazza dei Fiori is a nice market, plus lots of restaurants.

Jewish quarter for authentic Jewish food - not far from the Pantheon.

You can walk everywhere, but group the things you want to see on separate days - so Castel Sant'Angelo with the Vatican, or Colosseum with the Forum. Otherwise you'll get in a real mess.

Remember that not only was Rome not built in a day, it can't be seen in one either. Nor in a week, nor a month. I have been 8 times, and there are still places/things I haven't seen. So be very selective, don't do too much, and take time to just watch the world go by.

maddy68 · 20/09/2022 19:09

Pre book the collumseum
In fact pre book everything

deedledeedledum · 20/09/2022 19:16

Check if they still do the Roma pass. It makes it better value if you are planning to visit several attractions.

Bideshi · 20/09/2022 19:17

Love Rome. I usually stay near the Piazza Navona. I don't go near the Spanish Steps. Read up on whatever interests you before you go so you don't came home and say Bugger I missed that. It's such a culturally amazing city so it's best to do your research first. Walk everywhere and be curious. Don't expect great food. Roman food's a bit Meh: see Stanley Tucci. Not sure the Vatican's worth it. I've been once - wouldn't bother again, other than enjoying the piazza in front of St Peters for an evening walk.
Lucky you. Nothing like a first experience of the Eternal City.

TugboatAnnie · 20/09/2022 19:32

Agree with staying/visiting the Monti area, loads of eating, drinking cafes etc and only a short walk to the Forum/Colosseum. Vittorio Emmanuelle building so over the top, take the lift. My favourite!
We walked to the Vatican but didn't queue or go in, not my thing. The Garibaldi monument is a great viewpoint if you have the time.

Highamite · 20/09/2022 19:38

I stay at campo de fiori it's easy walking to everything. First time I went we used a little pocket guidebook and basically followed what it said and it was wonderful. Now I go and mostly just sit in the bars people
watching. Was there a few weeks ago and still loved it as much as the first time. Although truth be told Florence is my first love ❤️

PhoneyM · 20/09/2022 19:41

MichaelAndEagle · 20/09/2022 18:33

Sorry to hijack, I'm going with a 15 and 10 year old in May. Any tips in particular for visiting with kids?

Buy this book www.amazon.co.uk/Imperial-Rome-Present-Day-Archaeological/dp/8886843798/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_1?keywords=Rome+guide+kids+overlays&qid=1663699222&sr=8-1-fkmr0

MimiSunshine · 20/09/2022 19:43

Loved Rome, never had an issue with pickpockets or even gave it a thought.
pushy flower sellers on the other hand… you just have to quickly learn to give a forceful NO.

we are in back street restaurants in the evening and just bought the most amazing focaccia sandwiches and coffee from tiny sandwich shops squashed between buildings in any of the main areas.
then just found a bench or sat on some steps and took in whatever amazing monument / building was in front of us.

MimiSunshine · 20/09/2022 19:44

Loved Rome, never had an issue with pickpockets or even gave it a thought.

pushy flower sellers on the other hand… you just have to quickly learn to give a forceful NO.

we are in back street restaurants in the evening and just bought the most amazing focaccia sandwiches and coffee from tiny sandwich shops squashed between buildings in any of the main areas for lunch.
then just found a bench or sat on some steps and took in whatever amazing monument / building was in front of us.

tellmewhentheLangshiplandscoz · 20/09/2022 19:54

Right OP, first of all provided you are sensible and have your wits about you Rome is as safe/unsafe as any capital city. You will be fine Grin

My recommendations ...

The Pantheon is wonderful and if you get there for opening, beautifully peaceful and you can take it in better. Actually that's true of all the sites.
Get coffee and pastry here for a reasonable price although standing only
La Casa del Caffè Tazza d'Oro

Or if your in the area and need beautiful pasta and good wine without remortgaging, go here -
Pietro al Pantheon

More to follow Grin