Helpful Tips
Getting Around
Taxi's
In Rome, you can't just hail a taxi like here in New York. You must find a taxi stand. There is usually an orange sign with the word "TAXI" on it, and there you should see white city taxis lined up. If you arrive at a taxi stand and there are no taxis, you can wait there as they are usually bound to turn up soon. If you are leaving a restaurant and need a taxi, ask the hostess and they will be more than happy to call you one. Although Uber is not used in Italy, there are similar apps. We have found that these apps are reliable the majority of the time. --> SamarcandaPLUS You can also send them a WhatsApp message to request a taxi at +39.329.498.5551 Their operators speak English! --> FreeNow
Summer in Rome
Get ready for the heat!
Stay hydrated! It is best to go sigh-seeing early in the morning or at night. Bring light, breathable clothes. In hot weather, a hot espresso is not ideal but Rome does have a hot-weather alternative: granita di caffe’. Granita is shaved iced with coffee on top and usually cream and is a delightful and refreshing way to drink coffee in Rome in summer. If the idea of shaved ice tempts you but you do not like coffee, then you want to try the quintessential summer treat in Rome: grattachecca!
Museum Closures
Museum Closures
Many of Rome’s city and state-owned museums, like Galleria Borghese and Palazzo Barberini, are closed on Mondays, so plan your schedule accordingly. The Vatican Museums are closed on Sundays instead, so they’re very crowded on Saturdays and Mondays.
Vatican Museum
Buy Vatican tickets online to skip the line
Housing one of the world’s greatest collections, the Vatican Museums are one of Italy’s most popular attractions, visited by over 5 million people annually. Though you’ll inevitably face a crowd, you can skip the long lines by purchasing your museum tickets on the Vatican website. The extra Euros for booking online are well worth the time you’ll save by not waiting in line. The Vatican museums are closed on Sundays.
Church
Dress modestly in Church
Rome has over 900 churches that house some of the city’s most beautiful works of art, so don’t miss stepping inside to marvel at their treasures, whether you’re devout or not. Just be sure to dress appropriately to enter these holy spaces: women’s shoulders should be covered, and skirts should hit at or below the knee, while men should wear pants or shorts that extend to the knees. Linen pants are a great option for the summer, and a scarf is a perfect last-minute cover-up if you’re wearing a tank top.
Tipping
Tipping is not obligatory, but it’s appreciated
Tipping has not traditionally been part of the Italian culture, as service charge is generally included in the bill as the coperto (cover) or breadbasket, but leaving a few extra coins at the table is often appreciated. Depending on the final price of your meal, the level of service you received and the number of people in your party, you can leave anywhere from 5-10% on the table.
WiFi
Don’t count on WiFi
The internet is spotty around Rome, and even hotels, cafés and restaurants that advertise free WiFi can’t always guarantee coverage. Consider signing up for an international plan while in the city or bringing a portable hotspot with you if you need it to get around or for work
Shoes
Bring your walking shoes
One of the most charming aspects of Rome’s urban typography is its cobblestone streets, but uneven stones can take a toll on your feet. Pack a couple of pairs of comfortable walking shoes so you can avoid pain or injury.
Dinner
Dinner Starts Late
Drinking and dining are important rituals in Italy, and meals start later than normal (and last longer) than in other countries. In the evenings, Italians usually meet friends or colleagues for an aperitivo around 7pm, which consists of a drink and some light snacks, before going to dinner around 8-9pm. On the weekends, it’s not uncommon to arrive at a restaurant around 10pm.
Gelato
Gelato is acceptable at anytime.
Great news for gelato lovers. Gelato is acceptable at anytime. You can order one of these bad boys anywhere, anytime. The gelato world is your oyster in Rome, and their flavours change seasonally, so you’ll never get bored.
Healthy Foods
If you need vegetables, look for ‘contorni’
With pizza, pasta and pastries around every corner, Italy is a veritable carb-lover’s paradise. But, sometimes, you need a break from starchy foods. Italians are masters at preparing vegetables, too, so get your fix of sautéed greens and braised Roman artichokes under the contorni (or side dish) portion of the menu, which is usually listed in the back.
Wine
Order House Wine
Local house wine is one of the greatest things about dining out in Rome and across Italy. Not only is it extremely affordable, but it’s also usually amazing.