So you’ve decided to vacation in Rome this year. Excellent choice! From iconic landmarks to world-renowned cuisine, there isn’t much to complain about in Rome.
That said, having some insider tips up your sleeve can make your trip more memorable and comfortable. Here are five important things you should know about Rome before traveling:
There’s a Cheaper Way to Get to Downtown Rome
A lot of first-time visitors make the mistake of paying for an overpriced taxi to get to downtown Rome from the airport. You don’t have to do that.
The easiest and cost-effective way to get to downtown Rome from the Fiumicino Airport is the Leonardo Express. It takes roughly 32 minutes and leaves the airport every half-hour, or every 15 minutes during peak hours.
It costs €14 and is a direct train straight from the airport to the main Central Station in downtown Rome. Since there are no stops, there’s little chance of messing up or getting confused.
You Will Need a VPN for Digital Protection
Many tourists use public Wi-Fi in foreign countries, either to use Google Maps or to make a payment. What they don’t realize is that public Wi-Fi networks aren’t always secure. If you’re not careful, your personal information could end up in the wrong hands.
The best thing you can do is install a virtual private network (VPN) on your phone and other devices. A VPN encrypts your traffic, protecting your passwords, credit card numbers, and browsing history from “man-in-the-middle” attacks.
The surprising part? A VPN does so much more than protect your information. It helps you access services or websites that may be restricted in Rome. For instance, if you’re from Canada, use ExpressVPN Canada to access your home country’s Netflix library and more.
Having a Game Plan Helps
There are a lot of travel destinations in the world where you could just show up and explore wherever the roads lead you. While you can do that with Rome, seasoned visitors advise against it. There’s so much to see in Rome, so having some sort of a game plan helps.
Planning ahead also means booking early. This is especially important if you’re planning to visit major sites like the Colosseum, Vatican Museums, and Borghese Gallery. Yes, you can buy tickets on-site. But there are ridiculous lines, and the last thing you should do is spend hours standing in lines.
The Coffee Culture is a Bit Different
We agree – there’s no wrong way to enjoy coffee. But the Romans take coffee to go, which means takeout cups are rare. Coffee is seen as a social, standing activity rather than a leisurely break.
Romans visit local bars for a quick caffeine shot and to chat with the barista. They usually drink at the counter. So what does that mean for first-time visitors who like to sit down to have coffee in their home countries? Well, you’ll pay extra.
Remember that the coffee shop isn’t trying to scam you: it’s just how things go.
There is a Dress Code for Churches
You can’t go to Rome and not visit churches. They are home to world-renowned art and architecture. Not to mention that many churches, such as St. Peter’s Basilica, house masterpieces by artists like Michelangelo and Bernini. But there is a dress code for Roman churches.
Simply put, you cannot show your knees or shoulders. So avoid tank tops, crop tops, skirts, and dresses. Make sure the dress or skirt covers the knees. Carry a light scarf, shawl, or sarong to quickly cover shoulders if needed.
Source: freepik
