Rome is one of the world’s most popular travel destinations, and for good reason. The Eternal City is steeped in history and famous for its art, cuisine, and architecture. If you visit Rome, you’ll feel like you’re stepping back in time. Here are five tips that will help you get the most out of your trip to the Eternal City.
Learn the Language
A lot of people visit Rome and assume they can speak Italian because they are in Europe. This is a big mistake! You won’t be able to get by in everyday life without knowing at least a few words in Italian. While you don’t need to speak it fluently, it’s important to at least have a basic understanding of the language. If you want to get by in Rome, try learning some basic words and phrases such as:hello, thank you, sorry, and please. Even if you don’t use them, it’s a good idea to learn them so you don’t sound like a tourist. You’ll also want to make sure you’re comfortable with the dialect of the region you’re visiting. For example, in Central Italy you’ll encounter many people from Tuscany who speak with a Southern Italian accent. Knowing a few words and phrases will make you sound more like a local and less like a tourist.
Eat Like A Local
One of the best ways to get a taste of Rome is to eat like a local. Sure, you can go to a fancy restaurant and stuff your face with fancy foods, but that’s not what locals do. To experience the true local food scene, you’ll want to find a local restaurant that serves a range of authentic dishes. When you eat like a local, you’ll be able to try everything from pasta to pizza to gnocchi to pork chops to octopus and much more. You might be surprised at how much you like local cuisine!
Take A Break From The Crowds
Many travelers think that traveling to Rome in the summer is a great idea. While the weather is fantastic, you’ll want to take a break from the crowds. The summer is the peak travel season in Rome, and the Eternal City gets extremely crowded. You’ll want to wait for the crowds to die down before visiting popular attractions. During the months of August and September, you can expect crowds and traffic to be at their worst. Wait until October or November to visit Rome.
Hike Rome’s Hills
You’ve probably seen images of Rome’s Trevi Fountain during your Google search, but have you seen any images of the city’s other hills? Some of the city’s most iconic sights are located on the city’s hills. To get a better view of the city, and to escape the crowds, take a walk up one of the hills. You’ll find famous sights including the ruins of the Colosseum and the Roman Forum. If you have a week to visit Rome, you could also stay in Rome for a few nights and take a day trip to the Forum. This will give you a better understanding of the history behind some of the city’s most famous sights.
Visit The Colosseum And Vatican Museums
If you’re in Rome for a full week, you might want to save these two attractions for your final day. The Colosseum and the Roman Forum are two of Rome’s most famous sights, and they’re located very close to each other. If you have a few hours to visit one or the other, you should have no problem saving them for the end of your trip. The Colosseum is fantastic even if you aren’t a big history buff. If you want to get an idea of what life was like for the Romans, and what happened during some of the more important events in Roman history, the Colosseum is a good choice. The Vatican Museums are famous for their art and antiquities, and they’re located just a short walk away from the Colosseum. If you have a few hours to spend in the Vatican, you should definitely put it on your list of things to do in Rome.
Conclusion
Rome is an unforgettable city, and it’s easy to get sucked in when you’re there. Make sure you take advantage of these tips to get the most out of your visit. But still take your time and prioritize so you can really experience the city. After all, who knows, you might even want to visit Rome again. We do!
