Arrive in the morning and head to your hotel to drop your bags. Check in, and if breakfast is available, take advantage of a coffee or something light.

Spend the late morning wandering near your hotel with no set plan. This is the perfect time to get your bearings, explore the streets, and ease into the rhythm of the city.

Stop for a simple, relaxed lunch, then return to your hotel once your room is ready to rest and reset. Try to stay awake to help adjust to the time change.

In the afternoon, consider an easy option like a golf cart tour to get a feel for the city without overdoing it.

Keep dinner close to your hotel and enjoy a quiet evening before settling in for the night.

Rome is considered a walking city. Many of its major attractions and landmarks are located within a relatively small area in the historic center. Walking allows you to fully immerse yourself in the city's charm, discover hidden gems, and appreciate the architecture and atmosphere of Rome.

However, there are times when you will need to rely on various modes of transportation to get you places. There are Taxi stands located throughout the city. Look for a white TAXI sign and there you will find authorized Taxis. There is also public transportation (buses, local trains), but we don’t have much experience with that in Rome. Instead, if needed, we will generally use these two car services.

Uber

Your Uber app will work in Rome. We have found it very convenient to use Uber while there.

Free Now App

This is similar to Uber, but it is used with Taxis. If you feel more comfortable in a taxi rather than a private car, this is for you! Just download the app-it’s very user friendly.

From the Airport/Train Stations

If you are arriving at the airport or train station, you may be approached by someone offering to give you a ride in their taxi. They are unauthorized taxi drivers. DO NOT GO WITH THEM. They are not regulated and will often charge you way more than a certified taxi driver. If you are at the airport or train station, there will be a formal Taxi Stand and a queue. Just wait patiently until it is your turn to take the next available taxi in the queue.

When booking a place to stay, keep in mind that everyone has their own preferences and opinions. We prefer the areas that have a more active nightlife, for lots of people watching, restaurants and that are also close walking distance to many of the major sites.

Trastevere is one such neighborhood. Trastevere is a picturesque neighborhood known for its narrow streets, medieval charm, and lively atmosphere. It offers a blend of history, local culture, excellent dining options, and a vibrant nightlife scene, enjoyed by both locals and visitors!

Campo de’Fiori is another favorite spot to stay. Staying in the Campo de' Fiori neighborhood in Rome offers several advantages. It has a central location, with close proximity to major attractions. In addition, it has a vibrant outdoor market that is open every morning except Sundays. This area also has a lively nightlife, and charming streets that you could explore. It provides a mix of convenience, cultural immersion, and authentic experiences.

Piazza Navona is another area we have stayed. It’s near Campo de’Fiori. It’s also very close to all of the major sites. It’s a very lively area at night and there are often musicians playing in the piazza. There are many restaurants around the piazza and it’s great for people watching.

We have compiled a list of restaurants that have been recommended to us, or that we have eaten at and enjoyed.

CERCARE Recommended Rome Restaurants

If you are looking for a more comprehensive list from another reputable source, check out this article in Conde Nast Traveler

List of 40 Best Restaurants in Rome

The choice between booking tours or wandering independently depends on your travel style, available time, and level of desired guidance. Both options offer unique advantages so consider which experience would make the most of your time. You can also combine both approaches. Book specific tours for attractions you want guidance on and leave other times for independent discovery. If you plan on seeing certain sites (even if it is independently), please be sure to book ahead.

If you do plan on taking a tour to see the sites, it is worth purchasing a “Skip the Line'' ticket. Some places worth seeing with a tour so that you don’t miss all of the nuanced historical stories are:

The Colosseum, Roman Forum. Palatine Hill, The Vatican

Viator is a great resource when looking for tours or activities.

Here are some tours we’ve taken in the past. There are many companies that offer the same tours. We are only citing the companies we have personally used.

Rolling Rome Golf Cart Tours

This is a convenient way to get a good overview of all the major sites in Rome. It is also generally customizable. The guide will drive your small group to the places that most interest you and give you lots of fun facts and details. Be advised…you will not go into any of the sites. This is just a broad sweep of the city. These tours fill up quickly, so if you’re interested be sure to book right away!

Eating Europe

Twilight Trastevere Rome Food Tour is a delicious way to tour the Trastevere neighborhood. They also manage food restrictions well. Eating Europe has other tours in Rome as well that look interesting. If you like to eat, this is a wonderful, fun, small-group tour!

If you are extending your trip and are interested in visiting other cities, the Italian regional train system is your best bet. The two major sites for purchasing tickets are:

Trentitalia

Italo

We would recommend purchasing tickets online since it secures you get the train and time you want, and also because your ticket will automatically be validated when the conductor scans your ticket.

Please be aware if you buy your ticket at the station and have a paper ticket, you will need to validate it before you board the train, by inserting it into the green validation stations located near the trains.

Dress Code

If you plan on visiting religious sites, please be mindful of your clothing. It is often required to cover your shoulders and too much of your leg shouldn’t be exposed. I generally pack a light scarf in my bag just in case.

Local Customs

It is seen as polite to greet Italians when entering a store, restaurant or even in passing. “Buongiorno” in the morning or “buonasera” for the evening is always welcome. If in doubt, I go with the informal “ciao”.

Restaurant Service Fee

When dining at a restaurant in Italy, you will notice an added cost on the bill. This is a service fee, known as "coperto". This fee is intended to cover the cost of bread, table setting, and service. It is typically a fixed amount per person, regardless of the number of dishes ordered or the size of the group.

Tipping

Tipping is not mandatory as a service charge is generally included in the bill. However, feel free to leave a small tip if the service is good. If you are eating in a very touristic restaurant, some waitstaff will expect a tip. While it still isn’t necessary to tip, it could be unpleasant if you choose not to. This has never happened to me, however, I have heard it happened to someone.

Safety

Finally, Rome is a wonderful city full of incredible history, sites, and many many tourists! It will be very crowded, especially around the popular sites. Like in any major city, please be aware of your surroundings and take precautions against pickpocketing and petty theft. Keep your belongings secure, avoid displaying expensive items, and do not leave your phone or any valuables on the edge of a table when eating or having coffee outside. Overall, it is a safe city, but just be mindful.