Welcome to Rome
Rome isn’t just a city; it’s an open-air museum where ancient history meets modern Italian life. As an Arizona woman who traded DoorDash for dolce vita, I’ve walked these cobblestone streets in comfortable shoes and discovered that Rome reveals itself differently to those who take their time. Here’s my honest guide to experiencing The Eternal City like a local, not a tourist.
The Roman Experience
Rome captivates with its magnificent ruins, Renaissance masterpieces, and vibrant piazzas where locals gather at dusk. The city operates on its own rhythm—slower mornings, afternoon riposo (rest period), and evenings that stretch well past midnight.
What makes Rome special isn’t just its monuments but the everyday scenes: nuns licking gelato cones, businessmen debating politics over espresso, and families strolling through piazzas on Sunday evenings. The city feels both grand and intimate, a place where world-changing history happened on what are now ordinary street corners.
Practical Rome Information
Average Costs
- Coffee: €1-2 for espresso at a bar (standing); €3-5 if you sit at a table
- Gelato: €2.50-4 for a small cup or cone
- Lunch: €10-15 for a quick meal; €15-25 for a sit-down lunch
- Dinner: €25-40 per person at neighborhood trattorias; €50+ at fancier establishments
- Water: Most restaurants charge €2-3 for bottled water (still or sparkling)
Walking in Rome
Rome is a wonderfully walkable city, but it comes with challenges:
- Terrain: Uneven cobblestones, unexpected steps, and hills (Rome has seven!)
- Daily step count: Expect 15,000-20,000 steps on sightseeing days
- Public transport: The metro system is limited but useful for longer distances
- Taxi accessibility: Available but sometimes difficult to hail during peak times
Pro tip: Divide Rome into walkable “districts” and tackle one per day, rather than crisscrossing the city.
Essential Italian Phrases for Rome
| English | Italian | Pronunciation |
| Where is the Colosseum? | Dov’è il Colosseo? | doh-VEH eel koh-loh-SEH-oh |
| How much is the entrance fee? | Quanto costa il biglietto d’ingresso? | KWAHN-toh KOSS-tah eel bee-lee-ET-oh deen-GRESS-oh |
| Do you have a table for two? | Avete un tavolo per due? | ah-VEH-teh oon TAH-voh-loh per DOO-eh |
| The check, please | Il conto, per favore | eel KON-toh, per fah-VOR-eh |
| May I have a glass of house wine? | Posso avere un bicchiere di vino della casa? | POSS-oh ah-VEH-reh oon bee-kee-EH-reh dee VEE-noh DEL-lah KAH-sah |
Top 5 Things to Do in Rome
- The Colosseum & Roman Forum – Go early (8:30am) or late afternoon (after 3:30pm) to avoid the worst crowds
- The Vatican Museums & St. Peter’s Basilica – Book “skip the line” tickets online and visit on Tuesday or Thursday for smaller crowds
- Trastevere Neighborhood – Cross the Tiber for Rome’s most charming district with narrow medieval streets and authentic restaurants
- Trevi Fountain at Night – Visit after 11pm when the crowds thin and the lighting creates a magical atmosphere
- Campo de’ Fiori Market – Experience a real Roman market in the morning, then return in the evening when it transforms into a nightlife hub
Hidden Gems
- Palazzo Doria Pamphilj – A stunning private art collection in a family palace that most tourists miss
- Basilica of San Clemente – Descend through three levels of history from the 12th century to ancient Rome
- Aventine Keyhole – Peek through the keyhole at the Priory of the Knights of Malta for a perfectly framed view of St. Peter’s dome
- Centrale Montemartini – Ancient Roman statues displayed in a former power plant
- Quartiere Coppedè – A tiny fairytale neighborhood with whimsical architecture
Tips for Enjoying Rome
Skip the tourist menus – Restaurants with “tourist menus” or pictures of food typically serve lower-quality meals at higher prices.
Riposo is real – Many shops close from roughly 1-4pm. Plan accordingly or join locals for a leisurely lunch.
Water is everywhere – Bring a refillable bottle and use Rome’s fountains (nasoni) for cold, clean drinking water.
Timing is everything – Major sites are least crowded during lunch (12:30-2pm) and near closing time.
Dress appropriately – Shoulders and knees must be covered to enter churches, including St. Peter’s.