From tickets to dress code, follow our ultimate guide about tips to know before travelling to Rome.
Rome is a dream destination for everyone who loves to spend free time travelling. It’s the dream of a lifetime, a destination to enjoy at least once in a lifetime. It is a city with 2,700 years of history and the largest historic city center in the world, along with many museums and monuments to visit.
If you are planning a vacation in Rome, it would be better to organize your vacation days in advance. Something that will allow you to fully enjoy the great beauty of this unique place once you arrive in the Eternal City. From suggestions about travel clothes to tips for booking tickets, follow our ultimate guide about what you need to know before travelling to Rome.
Tips to know before traveling to Rome: be aware of the distances
Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1980, Rome’s historic center is the largest in the world, packed with monuments enclosed within the Aurelian and Gianicolo walls. With an area of 14 square kilometers, distances in Rome are significant, and many landmarks are too far apart to visit just by strolling. Be prepared to walk several kilometers daily or consider using a golf cart to travel between monuments while soaking in the magical atmosphere of Rome’s ancient alleys and historic streets.
Book tickets in advance
Rome is consistently one of the world’s top travel destinations, attracting millions of local and international tourists every year. In 2024, 51 million visitors chose Rome for their vacation. To avoid missing out on major attractions or wasting time in long entrance queues, it is highly recommended to book tickets for monuments and museums in advance. Many famous sites offer skip-the-line tickets, and our tours include entry tickets. Planning in advance is a fundamental tip for making the most of your visit to Rome.
Check museum closures
In addition to booking tickets in advance, it is essential to check the opening days of monuments and museums, even if they offer free entry. Some of Rome’s attractions have weekly closing days. It is also a good idea to check official websites for updated opening hours and service times, especially if you plan to visit Rome’s churches, which house stunning masterpieces. Creating a day-by-day itinerary will help you maximize your visit and avoid any unexpected closures.
Wear comfortable shoes and pay attention to dress code
Since distances in Rome are significant, and the city is famous for its archaeological and architectural wonders, wearing comfortable shoes is a must. The streets in the historic center are often paved with sanpietrini, the characteristic black stones that can be difficult to walk on without comfortable shoes. Additionally, remember to respect the dress code when visiting churches: shorts and hot pants are not allowed, and neither are tops with bare shoulders.
Buy bus tickets
If you plan to use public transportation in Rome, keep in mind that bus tickets cannot be purchased on board. You must have a ticket before boarding. However, subway tickets are available at ticket machines in every metro station, where you can use a debit or credit card to purchase them. You can also enter the metro directly by tapping your contactless card using the “Tap & Go” system.
Tips to know before travelling to Rome: carry Cash with you
Although electronic payments are widely accepted in most shops, restaurants, and museums, it’s still a good idea to carry some cash when visiting Rome. Be sure to exchange your currency for euros before your trip. Some churches require a coin to illuminate their paintings or frescoes, and having cash on hand can also be useful when shopping at local market stalls instead of regular stores. However, be mindful of your wallet in crowded areas. Rome is generally a safe city, but as a large metropolis, it attracts people from all walks of life.
Enjoy Rome’s free water
Last but not least, before traveling to Rome, bring a reusable water bottle to refill at the “nasoni” during your walks through the city’s streets and alleys. The so-called nasoni are the typical small fountains that characterize the streets of the Eternal City. They can be found on almost every corner and provide fresh, drinkable water. Refilling your bottle at a nasone not only ensures you always have cool water (a big plus, especially in summer), but it also helps reduce plastic waste and is a common local habit.
After all, “when in Rome, do as the Romans do.”
