Roman Holiday : A few travel tips
At Cul de Sac, one of my favorite wine bars in the center.
Coming to Rome in August? Wonderful! Rome is happy to welcome you. This city has quickly become my stomping ground and I am happy to share a few things that would make your trip a bit more pleasant! Here’s a quick list to help you navigate the Eternal City.
Currency: Italy is in the European Union and uses the euro. Cash is king, and you can use a card in many more places than before. Even in a taxi, they do have the ability to take a card. American Express is not used as much, but Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted. There are ATMs (Bancomat) everywhere, so you can make a withdrawal here easily if you don’t want to carry a wallet full of cash. If you are going to an open market or making a transaction under 20 euro, cash is usually preferred.
From the Airport: From Fiumicino Airport you can take the regional train into the city (8 euro or 15 for the fast train to Termini) or take a taxi from the airport stand and its 48 euro for anywhere within the city walls, you can round up to 50. But not one cent more! There is not an additional luggage or mulitple person fee. It is a flat rate and listed on the side of the taxi. Basta. If you are travelling with another person or heavy luggage, go for the taxi ride. If I travel for a weekend with just my carryon, I hop on the regionale.
Climate: Ok. let’s face it, Rome in August is an oven. It can reach 37C/98F and its packed full of humidity. If you are staying in an Airbnb, make sure it has air conditioning! Even at night the air is very humid, and unless you are a mosquito or a tropical animal you will be uncomfortable. It does start to cool off in September, but be prepared for some solid poaching temperatures if you travel here between late June-August.
Dress Code: In this heat, be comfortable. People generally dress up a bit more, even to go grocery shopping. I would say that Romans don’t really run errands in yoga pants. You don’t need to be in your Sunday best, because this time of year, you will sweat through just about anything you wear. Nota Bene: if you are visiting the Vatican or other churches, you need to have your shoulders and knees covered - they will turn you away if you are wearing shorts and a tank top and it is not uncommon to see people wrapped in scarves they bought just outside the Vatican.
Shoes: Rome is a walking city. Wear flats, sneakers and sandals. If you wear heels, book your chiropractor for the trip home. The cobblestones here are a thing. And Rome was built on seven hills. No one can see the heels on your selfie anyways, better to be comfortable ;)
Tipping: So unlike Washington D.C. where 20% is expected, here it is more like rounding up. If your bill is 35 euro and you pay 40, that is considered very kind. It is not a cultural thing like it is in the US. Americans are known to tip when abroad which in some touristy places, the staff can be a bit annoying. But for the most part, you do you.
Getting around: So there is a metro - but its a giant X. So not everything is easily accessible from it. Buses do run, but some lines are more consistent than others (85, 81, 87 and the 51 are usually ok) You can buy a single ticket from a metro station or from a tabacco shop - but if you are staying a few days - it may be worth getting a 24/48/72 hour ticket depending on how much you plan on seeing. Yes, you will see people get on the bus and not put a ticket through the machine. Don’t be this person, ti prego. Pay for a ticket and avoid a fine. And it is just good manners.
Depending on your budget there are taxis and Uber. Free Now or IT taxi apps work well in Rome, but if you take a taxi from a stand, it can avoid the driver running up the meter. If you enter a cab and it has more than 3.50/4 or 6.50(on a Sunday) this person is running the meter. I hop out of the cab if I see that. They may say something unpleasant, but I refuse to be bullied, because no. It has only happened twice in my three years here. Someone arrived to my place with 12 euro. Nope, not today Satan.
Meal Times: Italians like their breakfasts sweet. Very sweet. Coffee and a cornetto, or a cornetto filled with nutella or pistachio cream. Or at home they literally have coffee and cookies. Go to the grocery store and what would be the cereal aisle in the US is the cookie aisle in Italy. If you want something savory it will be in a hotel or some touristy cafes will have eggs and avocado toast. Lunch is usually around 1pm and dinner is around 8pm at the earliest. In the touristy areas some restaurants do adjust hours, but smaller trattorias will be closed from 4-7pm. Which here in Rome, is time for yet another coffee or an aperitivo :)
Drinking: Italians are famous for wine. And spritzes! But they don’t really binge drink. Alcohol is usually enjoyed with food. Of course, if you are on vacation and want to drink you are most welcome. But people here don’t get drunk in public. It is a bit tacky…and a good way to make yourself a target to get robbed. You do you, but just be cautious in a new city.
Safety: As a whole, I feel pretty safe here. The biggest crime risk to tourists and locals alike are pickpockets and purse snatchers. Never leave your purse hanging on a chair - keep it in your lap. Even in a nicer neighborhood. A crossbody shoulder strap bag is useful here. I know people that have been robbed just the same in Termini train station, in Aventino having lunch or in Monti having dinner. So just be aware of surroundings. Avoid Termini Station at night and take a taxi if you are out late and by yourself. Better safe than sorry.
Enjoy the city, there is so much to see, to eat and to soak in. And remember, you do not need to see it all in one trip. You can have something to look forward to next time. Ci vediamo!