Rome Italy Travel Tips

Key Travel Tips for Tourists in Rome:

Getting Around:

  • Public Transport:
    • Use the Metro: The Rome Metro is a great way to get around quickly and cheaply.
    • Master the Buses & Trams: These are the most convenient and efficient way to explore the city, especially the historical center.
    • Beware of pickpockets on public transport: This is a common problem in Rome, so keep your belongings close and be aware of your surroundings.
    • Walking: Rome is a very walkable city, but be prepared for lots of walking!

Cultural Etiquette:

  • Dress Code: Romans tend to dress stylishly, even when sightseeing. Avoid wearing athletic wear, shorts (unless they are tailored), and flip-flops in churches and religious sites. Many churches require shoulders and knees to be covered, so pack a shawl or scarf for easy covering up.

  • Dining:

    • Lunch is sacred: Restaurants often have “fixed price” menus for lunch, offering a great value for a multi-course meal.
    • Dinner starts late: Don’t expect to eat before 8 pm in Rome!
    • “Coperto” is the norm: Be aware that most restaurants in Rome will charge you a “coperto” (cover charge), which is typically around €2-3 per person. This covers bread, water, and sometimes a small amuse-bouche. It’s often included on the bill as a separate charge.

  • Food & Drink:

    • Don’t order cappuccino after 11 am: Cappuccino is traditionally enjoyed in the morning with breakfast. Ordering it later in the day might get you some strange looks!
    • Say “no” to free sugar: Italians prefer their coffee unsweetened and are often surprised when tourists ask for it.

  • Dining Etiquette:

    • Order food, not just drinks: Ordering a cappuccino without ordering anything else is considered a faux pas in Italy.
    • Enjoy the “Coperto” experience: This is a chance to try traditional Italian bread and enjoy a leisurely meal.

  • Dining Out:

    • Don’t rush: Lunchtime and dinnertime are for savoring meals, not rushing through them.

  • Coffee Culture:

    • Coffee at the bar: Coffee is typically consumed standing up at the “bar” (counter) in a cafe.
    • Enjoy the moment: Enjoying a coffee and pastry while standing at the bar is considered a social ritual.

  • Tipping:

    • Not mandatory: Tipping is not expected in Italy as a “coperto” (cover charge) is typically included.

  • Dining Etiquette:

    • Say “grazie” (thank you) and “per favore” (please): This is important when ordering food and drinks, and also for any other interaction where someone helps you.
    • Respect the “coperto”: If a “coperto” is not included in your bill, it’s considered polite to leave a small tip (around 5-10%) for good service.

Dining Etiquette:

  • Don’t order pasta with cream sauce outside of a specific region: For example, carbonara and cacio e pepe are traditionally Roman dishes and are best enjoyed in their “home” city.
  • Order a coffee and a pastry: This is a classic Roman combination for a reason!

Dining in Rome:

  • Enjoy the local experience: Embrace the “aperitivo” culture - enjoy drinks and snacks at a cafe or bar, often with friends before starting a night out.
  • Don’t order a cappuccino with your pasta: This is generally frowned upon.
  • “Coperto” typically includes the cost of bread and water:

Other Tips:

  • Drink Espresso: Italians prefer strong, short coffee shots after meals.

  • Learn basic Italian phrases: “Buongiorno” (good morning/good day), “Buonasera” (good evening), “Ciao” (hello/goodbye), “Grazie” (thank you), and “per favore” (please) will go a long way in making your interactions smoother and more enjoyable.

  • Be patient with the language barrier:

Communication:

  • Use “Buongiorno” (good morning/good day) and “Buonasera” (good evening): Remember to use “buongiorno” when entering a shop or restaurant.

  • Don’t be afraid to ask for help:

  • Learn basic Italian phrases: Even simple greetings and thank yous like “Grazie” (thank you) and “per favore” (please) can be helpful.

  • Respect local customs: Cover your shoulders and knees when entering churches, and remove your hat while inside.

Dining in general:

  • Avoid loud talking or phone use: Italians are generally accustomed to a quieter dining experience.

  • Embrace the “coperto”:

  • Learn about “coperto”: The “coperto” is a common practice in Italy, covering the cost of bread and service.

  • Be aware of Italian dining times: Don’t expect to eat lunch at 1 pm.

  • Enjoy the slower pace:

  • Speak to locals:

  • Learn to observe and respect the Italian “coperto” culture:

Respecting the environment:

  • Don’t litter: Italy takes its environmental regulations seriously.

Tipping in Rome:

At the table:

  • Be mindful of noise: Avoid loud conversations, phone calls, or excessive laughter.
  • Don’t expect to be served a meal quickly: It’s not uncommon for meals to last 2-3 hours, especially lunch and dinner.
  • Say “ciao” as a casual greeting: This is a common practice in Italy and can be used throughout the day.

In general:

  • Respect personal space: Don’t stand too close to people when talking.

  • Enjoy your meals:

Dining Etiquette:

  • Salute! (Cheers!)
  • Don’t be afraid to try new things:

“Buongiorno” and “Ciao” are essential phrases:

  • “Grazie” and “per favore” are the most important words:

Learn about the history and culture:

  • Appreciate the beauty of Rome:

  • Enjoy the slower pace:

  • Embrace the local culture:

Remember, Romans are generally proud people who appreciate good manners.