First Time in Rome: What You Need to Know

on 30. January 2025   /   0   /  

Traveling to Rome for the first time undoubtedly brings many questions. The Eternal City is a popular destination for many, whether it’s for its sights, food, or Dolce Vita. And when the time finally comes, your first vacation in Rome should be perfect. To ensure this, you’ll find important information and useful tips for all Rome newcomers in this article!

Traveling to Rome for the First Time: Everything You Need to Know!

1. Arrival and Airports

Rome has two international airports: Fiumicino (Leonardo da Vinci) and Ciampino. Fiumicino is the larger and better-connected airport, while Ciampino is primarily served by low-cost airlines.

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Transfer to the City Center

  • Fiumicino: Quick connection via the Leonardo Express (approx. 32 minutes) to Termini Main Station. Alternatively, buses or taxis are available.
  • Ciampino: Affordable bus operators will take you to the center within 30–40 minutes.
  • Tip: Taxis have fixed prices: €50 from Fiumicino and €31 from Ciampino to the city center. Make sure to use official, white taxis.

2. Accommodation: The Right Location for Every Desire

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Rome is divided into several districts (Municipi) and countless neighborhoods (Rioni). Your optimal location depends on your travel style:

DistrictDescription
Historic Center (Centro Storico)Perfect for pedestrians, as many sights are close to each other. Includes neighborhoods like Pantheon, Piazza Navona, and Trevi Fountain.
Monti and EsquilinoYoung and creative, with a vibrant food scene and plenty of vintage shopping. The Colosseum and Roman Forum are just around the corner.
TrastevereCharming and authentic, with narrow streets and evening nightlife spots. Ideal for those wanting to experience Roman flair.
PratiNear the Vatican, elegant and quieter. Perfect if you prefer a bit more space but still want to be close to the center.

3. Transportation in Rome

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Public Transport

  • Metro: Two main lines (A and B) intersecting at Termini Station, plus Line C in the outskirts. The metro is straightforward but not very extensive.
  • Buses and Trams: Cover the city but can get very crowded during peak times.

Ticket Tips

  • Single Ticket (BIT): Valid for 100 minutes from validation (€1.50).
  • Daily and Multi-Day Passes (e.g., 48h, 72h) are worth it for intensive use.

Walking Around

Rome is a city that is wonderfully walkable. Just make sure to wear comfortable shoes and watch out for the infamous cobblestones (Sampietrini).

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Taxis and Apps

  • White Taxis are officially licensed.
  • App Services like Free Now or itTaxi can also be convenient.
  • Ride-Sharing Services like Uber are more expensive than taxis and not as widespread as in other cities.

4. Best Times and Weather

  • Spring (March–May) and Autumn (September–October): Pleasant temperatures and relatively fewer tourists than in the peak summer.
  • Summer (June–August): Hot, often over 30°C, and very crowded. Many Romans flee to the seaside, which can lead to some venues closing.
  • Winter (November–February): Mild winters compared to Northern and Central Europe, but it can be rainy. A good time to visit museums and churches without long queues.

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5. Sights: Book in Advance or Visit Spontaneously?

Rome is an open-air museum. Antique monuments, baroque fountains, and hidden churches await at every corner. Small churches and squares are usually free and without queues—ideal for spontaneous visits. For some highlights, it’s worth booking tickets in advance:

  • Colosseum & Roman Forum: Online reservations save time. Bonus points for combined tours.
  • Galleria Borghese: Only bookable with a fixed time slot, maximum 2 hours in the museum.

6. Roman Food Culture

Meal Times

  • Breakfast: Usually small, consisting of an espresso and a cornetto (croissant).
  • Lunch: Between 1 PM and 3 PM, often a three-course meal.
  • Aperitivo: From 6 PM in bars, cocktails or wine with small snacks.
  • Dinner: From as early as 8 PM, often around 9 PM.

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Typical Dishes

  • Pasta Cacio e Pepe: Pasta with Pecorino cheese and pepper.
  • Carbonara: With egg, guanciale (pork cheek), and Pecorino.
  • Carciofi alla Romana: Artichokes Roman-style.
  • Gelato: A must! Try gelaterias in small side streets.

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Tip on Tourist Traps: Prices near famous sights are often high. Instead, look for places in side streets or residential neighborhoods.

7. Dress Code: Churches and Museums

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Many churches, especially St. Peter’s Basilica, have strict rules:

  • Shoulders and knees should be covered.
  • Make sure to bring a scarf or a light jacket.
  • Some museums (e.g., Vatican Museums) have similar requirements. Check in advance to avoid being turned away.

8. Pickpocketing and Tourist Scams

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Like in many big cities, you should stay vigilant in busy areas (Termini Station, metro, Trevi Fountain, etc.):

  • Carry valuables on your person (belt bag, inner pockets).
  • Avoid holding open bags in crowds.
  • Ignore pushy flower sellers or “friendship bracelet” vendors, as these are often scams.
  • Offers like “Free Guides” or “Extra Fees” for photos are usually dubious.
  • Make sure to use official taxi stands and avoid “walking” away with the meter running.

9. Culture and Etiquette

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  • Drinking Water: Rome has many small drinking fountains (“Nasoni”). Regularly refill your bottle; the water is clean and free.
  • Smoking Ban: Strict no-smoking rules in restaurants and enclosed spaces.
  • Fountains and Monuments: Do not throw coins into fountains (except the Trevi!) and do not eat or drink on historical monuments.

10. Insider Tips for the First Visit

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  • Climb the Gianicolo Hill: Breathtaking panoramic views of the city, especially at sunset.
  • Monti Neighborhood: A small trendy district near the Colosseum, perfect for evening street food and wine bars.
  • Day Trip to Ostia Antica: An ancient port city only 30 km away, with fewer visitors and great ruins.
  • Visit Mercato Testaccio: A modern market with fresh products and street food—an authentic Rome experience.

11. Language: Do Romans Speak German or English?

  • Italian is, of course, the main language.
  • In tourist areas and hotels, many Romans speak English, at least at a basic level.
  • English is well spoken, in very touristy areas and hotels.

Tip: Knowing a few Italian phrases (Grazie, Prego, Scusi) is always appreciated.

12. Public Holidays in Rome: When to Avoid?

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Rome can become very crowded during religious holidays and special occasions:

  • Easter (Pasqua): Holy Week and Easter Sunday are particularly crowded around the Vatican.
  • Christmas: Especially from December 24–26, the city can be partly overcrowded, though many Romans stay home—some restaurants and shops close earlier.
  • National Holiday (June 2): Parades and road closures, many visitors.
  • Ferragosto (August 15): Midsummer, many Romans are away, but tourist flows are often still large.

Rome is heavily frequented during all religious festivals (e.g., Saints Peter and Paul on June 29) as pilgrims also come to the city. If you dislike crowds, you should try to avoid these dates if possible. Otherwise, book tickets early and bring plenty of patience.

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Rome can quickly overwhelm you with its countless churches, monuments, and culinary hotspots on your first visit. However, with a bit of preparation—such as booking important tickets in advance, choosing the right time to travel, and being aware of local customs and traditions—everything will go smoothly. Take your time, walk a lot, and allow yourself to wander. Amidst baroque splendor, ancient sites, and Roman temperament, you’ll quickly understand why Rome has been revered as the “Eternal City” for centuries. Now you can enjoy your first time in Rome !

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