Travel guide
Rome travel guide
Planning a trip to Rome
Rome is walkable and full of free sights: piazzas, fountains and churches cost nothing to enter. The costs come from the major sites, hotels in the historic center and tourist-area restaurants. Eating where locals eat is the biggest saving.
Best time to go
April to June and September to October are warm and comfortable. July and August are very hot and crowded, and some locals' favorite restaurants close in mid-August. Winter is mild and the least crowded, though it rains more often.
Where to stay
Near Termini station is convenient for trains and airport transfers and often cheaper, though the immediate area is less charming. Trastevere and Monti are atmospheric and lively. Staying inside the historic center costs more but cuts walking time.
Getting around
Walking is the best way to see the center. The metro has few lines and mainly helps for Vatican and Colosseum connections. Buses and trams cover the rest but can be slow. A tourist tax is charged per person, per night at your hotel, separate from the room rate.
How to spend less
- Drink espresso standing at the counter (al banco), which costs less than sitting at a table.
- Avoid restaurants with photo menus next to major landmarks. Walk two or three streets away.
- Book the Colosseum and Vatican Museums in advance, since last-minute prices or resale tickets cost more.
- Refill your bottle at the free drinking fountains across the city.
Common mistakes
Overlooking the cover charge (coperto) on restaurant bills. It is normal and not a scam, but check the menu so it does not surprise you. Remember that churches and the Vatican require covered shoulders and knees.