As one tour guide told us, “Rome is complicated.” Even with all our travels and the fact that Italy borders Germany, I found Rome to be an interesting place and very different from its northern neighbor. Many times we asked ourselves why something was a certain way. And then answered with: because it just works.
Shortly before our trip, I did a little research on some things to know before heading to Rome. After confirming a few, I compiled my own list. I’m also certain I left off things, but these were the ones that affected us most during our week-long visit.
1. Consider Where You Seat Your Cheeks
New rules in Rome: There are places you simply cannot sit (as of October 2019 anyway). If seated you will first have a police officer incessantly blow a whistle and motion for you to get up. If you don’t get up, you’ll be issued a fine. Do not sit on the rim around the Trevi Fountain. Lots of police whistles there. And absolutely, do not sit on the iconic Spanish Steps. Nope, you’ll be told, most likely in person, to remove thou butt cheeks from thy marble steps.
Rumor has it tourism is ruining the ruins so the Italians are trying to solve crowd control in their own way. The upside to this: You will have less people in your photos. What I find hilarious though is that neither place has any signage alerting you to this. It’s also fun to people watch as people sit down and are told to get up.
Related: Want an Authentic Italian Experience? Learn to Make Homemade Pasta in Rome
2. Follow Your Spidey Sense
Did you hear about the couple who had to pay €430 for their dinner for two? I do not claim to be a Roman expert after only a week, but there are some definite things which might set off your spidey sense and a few others money-related things which are just good to know.
- The official taxis are cheap, plentiful, and have a meter. Easy to spot since they are white with an official tariff sign on them. These drivers will not come up and ask if you need a taxi. If someone at the airport or train station asks if you need a taxi, just keep walking.
- If you cannot find a metered taxi, negotiate the price before getting into an unofficial “cab.”
- Restaurants in very touristy areas may charge an excessive service fee. Check the menu first and then check the itemized bill. In most places, you shouldn’t have to pay for a service fee unless stated on the menu.
- Fish is apparently sold by the weight and the weight can be somewhat subjective. If ordering fish, find a place with it on the menu where the actual price is listed.
- When at a restaurant, the bread basket and tap water are typically not free. As in many places in Europe, don’t be deceived by the bread basket dropped on your table. If you’re hungry, go for it. But if you’re trying to budget consensus, ask about the price. We had one basket delivered to us a the price of €8. They will try to serve you bottled water, but if you want tap water, you’ll have to ask. There will likely be a minimal fee for the carafe of tap water.
Related: Explore 2,000 Years of Stone and Ruins Along the Roman Appian Way
3. Drinking Water is Everywhere and Free (Except Maybe the Restaurants)
Speaking of water, Rome has 2,500 drinking fountains with spring water from the nearby mountains. It’s safe, cold, and free. What we found funny is the water is constantly running so it’s easy to just stop by and take a swig. However, please, do not put your mouth on the spigot. We watched some lady just suck the life out of one faucet. Why? If you use your finger to plug the running water, water will jump out of the small hole in the top to make an instant drinking fountain.
Bring along a bottle and fill it up often.
4. Eat Gelato Daily
In Italy, Gelato is basically a food group. This is no lie! Rome has gelato like the U.S. has Starbucks. Literally every street has at least one gelateria. When in Rome…..we ate gelato every day, and it’s a good thing because it’s so important to test which ones were the best. So many flavors out there it’s important to never have the same one twice.
Related: Favorite Off-the-Beaten-Path Activities in Rome with Teens
5. Be Mindful About Your Attire
Churches may be as plentiful as gelaterias and every turn leads to a different piazza with an unsuspecting church. The doors are almost always open, and most of these are little off-the-beaten-path gems. But all of these churches ask for proper attire: no bare shoulders and no short shorts. Most places won’t stop you, though some will. It’s respectful to dress appropriately for these sights.
While talking clothing, I’ll throw in a note that wearing really good comfortable shoes is essential. Hey, Rome is really old and the streets are almost all cobblestone. Occasionally, glamorous Italian women with their very expensive high heels are spotted in the evening, but for the most part comfortable walking shoes that can stand the uneven roads and slippery marble steps is preferred.
6. Sipping Coffee is an Italian Experience
Cappuccino and Espresso were born in Italy! No surprise the Italians take their cup of Jo very seriously. If coffee is your bag, like gelato, you should be switching between coffee and gelato every day to try it everywhere. Period.
A few things to note about getting coffee in Rome as it’s a bit complicated. First, there are two different prices for coffee. One for standing or take away and one for sitting. In most places the price difference isn’t much, but in some of the historic ones like Caffe Greco the difference might surprise. Second, in many places you will need to order with the cashier and take a receipt to the barista to make the coffee. This system of pay, paper, and order seemed to be the routine in many places. And it’s true, cappuccino is only for before lunch.
7. Security Lines Are the Same
Here is a tip for many European cities. So far 100% of the queues for security checks at museums and sights all lead to the same end point. Translation: Even though with lines marked for “ticketholders”, “groups”, “buy tickets”, ” or “people with whiny kids” just get in the shortest line and go. If unsure, stand in line and have one of your teens scope out where the security lines end.
Probably best not to try this at an airport where there are men with guns, but in general, the trend seems to be clear people through the security then separate to where tourists need to be. This might save you some extra time when waiting.
Related: How to Make Your Colosseum Visit Awesome
8. Ride Public Transportation like the Locals
Rome like other European cities has an extensive public transportation system with buses, trams, and a subway. The subway is the smallest system in Europe, likely because there is so much many ruins underground it would be hard to dig. Tickets for the bus can be purchased at the local tobacconists which are around town. Make sure you tell them you want the city bus and not the Hop On Hop Off Bus. I think they assume tourists aren’t up for the regular bus. Tickets cost a little over €1 each way. Validate the ticket on the bus by inserting it into the machine.
All photos © Linda Kerr, TravelTeening
