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My first trip to Rome was amazing! It’s a city full of old stories at every corner. I learned many things I wish I knew before I went. This guide has my personal tips and easy advice for anyone planning their first time in Rome.
It will help you get around the city like you’ve been there before, even if it’s your very first visit. We’ll talk about what to see, yummy food, where to sleep, and how to be safe.
My First Time in Rome: What I Noticed First
When I arrived in Rome, I felt the city’s lively energy right away. I was tired from my flight, but a strong Italian coffee helped me feel better. I think that was a smart choice!
I soon learned that Rome is easy to walk around. But, it’s important to plan to see places that are near each other on the same day. This saves you from getting too tired.
One of the first things I learned was how big places like the Vatican Museums are. It’s a wonderful place, but it can get very crowded.
I found it helpful to have a simple plan, even when I was just looking around by myself. It was also nice to just enjoy the feeling of a surprise square or church I found while walking.
💡Musa’s Simple Rome Truth
Rome is like a storybook with many layers – old times, art times, and today – all mixed together. Enjoy the exciting, busy feeling. Wear your most comfortable shoes! You might find something new and interesting just by turning a corner. Being patient will make your trip better.
Planning Your First Rome Trip: Things to Know Before You Go
Planning well can make a big difference for your first time in Rome. This city feels different in different seasons. Knowing the best time to visit can really change your trip.
Rome Best Time to Visit
When is the rome best time to visit? I found that spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) are good times. The weather is nice for walking. There are usually fewer people than in the very busy summer.
Summer (June-August) is very popular. But it can be very hot and full of people. Winter (November-February) is cooler and has fewer tourists. This can be nice, but some places might close earlier.
I also found out that 2025 is a special “Jubilee Year.” The theme is “Pilgrims of Hope,” and it lasts from December 24, 2024, to January 6, 2026. This means Rome will be extra busy, so get some tips for understanding the Jubilee Year.
If you plan to go then, book everything (like flights and hotels) very early! You can find out more on the official Jubilee website: www.iubilaeum2025.va.
Important Bookings for Rome
Where to Stay in Rome: My Favorite Areas for First-Timers
Choosing where to stay in Rome for your first visit might seem hard. I found it helps to stay near the city center. This is good if you want to go back to your room for a rest, especially if it’s hot, choosing the best area to stay in Rome.
Here are some neighborhoods I liked or heard good things about:
This area is very nice. It feels like a small village with unique shops and good little restaurants. It’s close to the Colosseum and Forum. Easy to walk there. The Metro train (Cavour stop) is nearby. I found it less busy than places right next to big famous sights.
This area is famous for its lively feeling, old stone streets, and great food places. It can be a bit loud at night but it’s very charming. Be sure to explore Trastevere’s renowned food scene. It’s a longer walk to some old sights, but many people love the atmosphere here.
This area has more homes and is usually quieter. It’s great if you plan to visit the Vatican a lot. There are good shops and it’s easy to get transport. I stayed near the Vatican once; it was easy to visit St. Peter’s Basilica early in the morning.
Getting Around Rome: My Easy Transport Tips
Rome is easy to walk around, which is great! But for far places, public transport like buses and trains is helpful. Learn more about Rome’s public transport system here.
Buses from Ciampino like Rome Airport Bus are a good deal. The Leonardo Express train from Fiumicino airport is fast to Termini station. Check their websites for current times and best prices.
The Metro train (Lines A & B) is good for main sights. Buses go where trains don’t. Remember to stamp your ticket! You can now pay with contactless cards. See ATAC Rome for info. Passes are good if you travel a lot. Kids under 10 are often free.
Use official white taxis from taxi stands. Or use an app. FREENOW (free-now.com) and itTaxi (ittaxi.it) work well. Uber in Rome is mostly “Uber Black” (private cars). It’s often more expensive. Make sure the taxi meter is on. Or agree on a price for private cars.
Famous Sights & How to See Them (Rome in a Day & More)
For your first time in Rome, you’ll want to see the famous places. A “Rome in a Day” tour can show you the main spots quickly. But you’ll want more time to really see them.
Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill
These old, amazing places are all near each other. I really suggest buying tickets online before you go. Get them from the official seller: colosseo.it. A normal ticket costs about €18 (plus a small booking fee).
It usually lets you in for 24 hours (one visit to each place). The views from Palatine Hill looking over the Forum are fantastic.
Vatican City: St. Peter’s Basilica & Vatican Museums
This is like a small country inside Rome! If it’s your first time in Vatican City, it’s helpful to know that it’s free to go into St. Peter’s Basilica. But you might have to wait in long lines for security checks. For the Vatican Museums (where the Sistine Chapel is), you MUST book tickets online. Go to tickets.museivaticani.va.
An online ticket is €20 plus a €5 booking fee. The museums are very big. It can take 3 or 4 hours to see them. I found Rick Steves’ audio guides good for looking around by myself.
🌍The Amazing Pantheon
The Pantheon was one of my very favorite places. It’s amazing to stand inside and look up at the big hole in the roof (the oculus). Since 2023, you have to pay a small fee to get in (about €5 if you’re not from the EU). It’s a good idea to book tickets online at museiitaliani.it, especially if you go when it’s busy.
Other Famous Sights
Don’t miss the Trevi Fountain! Try to go early in the morning when it’s not so crowded. Also see the Spanish Steps, Piazza Navona, and Campo de’ Fiori. I loved just walking around and finding churches that weren’t famous. Many are free to enter and have beautiful art inside.
For the Borghese Gallery (an art museum), you must book tickets long before you go. Use the Galleria Borghese official site. Tickets are about €15 plus a booking fee.
Eating & Drinking in Rome: My Food Tips
Rome has so much delicious food! I learned quickly to walk a few streets away from the big tourist spots. The food there is often better and costs less. For example, try exploring the food scene in vibrant neighborhoods like Trastevere.
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Trattoria Da Enzo al 29 (in Trastevere)
Real Roman food. I heard their fried artichokes (carciofi alla giudia) are great. You might have to wait in line. (A main dish costs about €15-€25).
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Alice Pizza (many places)
Good for pizza al taglio (pizza by the slice). Near the Vatican, I got 3 slices and a drink for €8. It was a perfect quick, tasty, and cheap lunch.
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Fatamorgana Gelato (many places)
Ice cream with interesting and tasty flavors. The pistachio was so good! (Costs about €2.50-€4 for a cup or cone).
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Aperitivo Places (all over the city)
This is a fun thing to do before dinner! You buy a drink (like a Spritz or Negroni) and often get snacks with it. (Costs about €8-€15 for a drink with food).
Look for restaurants with plastic tablecloths and simple menus. These are often good, honest food places. And don’t be afraid to order the house wine (vino della casa)!
Staying Safe in Rome: What I Learned (Rome safety at night)
Rome is mostly a safe city. But like all big cities, you need to be careful. This is true for rome safety at night and watching out for people who might try to steal things (pickpockets).
⚠️Watch Out for Pickpockets!
Be very careful in crowded places. This includes: Termini train station, Metro trains (Lines A & B are known for this), famous tourist spots (Colosseum, Vatican, Trevi Fountain), and crowded buses (like bus #64 to the Vatican). I saw groups of people who looked very normal trying to steal. Use a bag that zips and wear it across your body. Keep money and phones where they are hard to reach.
This is from what I saw and common travel advice.
I felt okay carrying a color copy of my passport and my driver’s license for ID. I kept my real passport locked up where I was staying. The main tourist areas are busy and felt safe at night.
But I would be extra careful near Termini station late at night. If street sellers try to give you “gifts,” just say “no, grazie” (no, thank you) firmly and walk away.
How Much Money for Your Trip? (Cheap Rome City Breaks)
You can enjoy Rome even if you don’t want to spend a lot of money. This means cheap rome city breaks are possible.
- Food Money Per Day (one person):Small budget: €25-€35. Medium budget: €40-€60.
- Easy Lunch (like pizza slice, drink):About €10-€20.
- Medium Dinner for Two (with house wine):About €50-€70.
- Public Transport Pass (for 3 days):€18. Good deal if you travel a lot.
Where you sleep will probably cost the most. You can save money by eating at local spots, using public transport, and enjoying free things. Walking around pretty squares or visiting churches are free.
Remember “Free Museum Sunday” (the first Sunday of each month for government museums).
But expect very big crowds then. Always check the official Ministry of Culture website (beniculturali.it) for the newest information about this.
Last Thoughts & Very Important Rome Tips for Your First Visit
My first time in Rome was a trip I’ll never forget. The city asks for your patience because of the crowds and lines. But what you get in return is wonderful.
FAQs: Your Questions on a First Time in Rome
How many days for a first trip to Rome?
A: I think 3 or 4 full days lets you see the main sights well. You can see top spots in 2 days if you hurry. (A real “Rome in a Day” is very fast!). If you have 5 days or more, you can see things slowly and relax. Even then, you’ll want to come back!
Do people speak English in Rome?
A: Yes, in tourist areas, hotels, and big sights, many people speak English. People in restaurants and shops usually know some English. It’s nice to learn a few basic Italian words like “grazie” (thank you). Being polite and patient always helps.
Should I tip in Rome?
A: Tipping is not as common or expected as in some countries (like the USA). Restaurants often add a service charge (“servizio”) to the bill. If not, you can round up the bill or leave a few euros if service was good. For taxis, just rounding up the fare is fine. No need for a big tip.
Can I drink the tap water in Rome? Is it okay?
A: Oh yeah, the tap water in Rome is totally fine to drink! Those little street fountains, the ‘nasoni,’ have fresh, cold water. I filled my bottle from them all the time. It saves money and the water’s good! So, yes, drink up from the tap or nasoni.
Should I use mostly cash or cards in Rome?
A: Cards are pretty widely accepted now, especially in hotels and bigger places. But, yeah, it’s smart to have some cash on you too. You’ll definitely need cash for small things, like a single gelato. Or for bus tickets from a little shop, or at some market stalls.
Is the Roma Pass worth getting for a first visit?
A: The Roma Pass can be a good deal, yeah, it really can. Especially if you plan to visit lots of museums and use public transport a lot. It usually gives free entry to one or two places, then discounts. Plus unlimited transport. Just do the math for what YOU want to see.
Any surprising local habits I should know for Rome?
A: One thing that got me was how late Romans eat dinner! Many restaurants don’t even think about opening before 7:30 or 8 PM. So, don’t expect an early dinner at 6 PM like you might elsewhere. Just go with it, eating later is part of the Rome experience!
What about public toilets in Rome? Easy to find?
A: Public toilets aren’t super common on the streets, to be honest. Your best bet is usually to use the restroom in a cafe or bar. You might need to buy a coffee or a small drink first. But it’s generally the easiest way to find one when you’re out.