Rome (Italy) > Reviews > 10 brief handy hints for The Eternal City

Author's product rating:   

Value for Money
Sightseeing
Shopping
Nightlife
Ease of getting around

Advantages:	History, Monuments, Shopping
Disadvantages:	Traffic .  .  .  .  .

Recommend to potential buyers:

yes

Full review

So I have read a few reviews about Rome and thought I would drop some handy hints down once you are in the city, as it is one of my favourite european cities.

1. try and speak italian - even if it is "I don't speak italian well!!"
Non parlo italiano molto bene works well in the shops and restaurants and a lot of italians in the big cities speak some english.

2. beware of taxis - generally white or yellow coloured are licensed and learn the place names in Italian. You'll be less likely to be over charged.

3. When crossing the road - walk like you are on a mission. the traffic will stop when you cross at the designated "zebra" crossings, but don't hang about. Those passionate italians will shout and scream if you stop them for longer than necessary.

4. Walk as much as possible. Getting the buses is ok, but you'll miss so much. There is more to Rome than the Colosseum and Roman Forum. Check out the side streets and you'll find many small piazzas that may not be marked in the guide books.

5. Wander off the tourist treks. You'll get to see the italians going about daily things and you are not rushed and surrounded all the time.

6. Shopping in Rome is more boutique style, not shopping centre style. So wander from shop to shop to find what you want.
via Condotti is the major designer street. Make sure your credit cards are clear before you shop here.
via del Corso is alot more affordable and the main high street - you'll find Diesel, Levis, Killer Loop and many more brands.
The shops generally close between 1pm and 4pm.... SIESTA!!!

7. The weather - I went for easter 2005 and it was warm t-shirt weather. I've been in late October too and the it was the same - about 20- 23 degrees C. Beware August - if you can't handle the heat, stay out of Rome for this month. Easily reaches 35 degrees and feels hotter because there is little wind. Is definately not like a hot day in the UK.

8. When in places like train stations - keep a check on your belongings. like so many big tourist cities, there is no getting away from pick pockets. You'll see beggars too - i saw one who was leaving her pitch and when see picked up her bag, on which she had been kneeling, I noticed it was Louis Vuitton.!!!!!

9. Try the cafes and restaurants, they are numerous, but remember that if you have waiter service you will incur a service charge automatically. The food, coffee and other drinks are fantastic though.

10. Above all - ENJOY - soak up the atmosphere, absorb the history, eat the food and remember that pizzas are italian and not american so don't expect deep pan.