Photo credit Carlos Ibšñez and Spencer Davis
10 tips for a great holiday in Rome
A first time visitor in a big city might have a relatively hard time trying to figure out a couple of things and settle in the flow of the city. It's advisable to memorize a few tips so that they won’t be caught off-guard. These tips are quite helpful as they can both save money and time; making the holiday hassle free.
Once you are equipped with these, all that is left is to enjoy yourself with the peace of mind that everything is taken care of.
Most tourists are taken advantage of or even conned by unsuspecting strangers who see them as vulnerable. The Eternal City is a fun space to be in and therefore you shouldn’t allow a few hindrances that you could easily avoid to come in between the fun..
Stay Alert due to the High Number of Pickpockets
One of the ways in which this can be mitigated is by wearing pickpocket proof clothing so that you are safe as you go about your business.
Most of these clothing have zips and it is not easy to pickpocket someone without them noticing.
Pickpockets are all over Rome and they are mainly situated around monuments and archaeological sites. Also, there are pickpockets in certain bus routes since they are aware that tourists are more likely to use these.
Bypass Queues
Bypassing the queues is important since you then won’t have to waste a lot of time. There are plenty of queues especially in certain tourist attractions such as monuments and museums.
The queue at the Colosseum is one of the most renowned. So be sure to book in advance to all the attractions you want to see whenever possible.
Invest in a Roma Pass
Investing in a Roma pass is quite helpful since it aids in accessing free transport services for all the buses and metros that operate in Rome.
The few pennies spared could be used elsewhere, bearing in mind the trip is not as cheap as you would think. The pass also allows you access to many museums at zero cost. Basically, it comes with a lot of benefits.
Use it when it comes to Visiting Certain Locations
Visiting the Vatican late in the afternoon is a nice move especially since most people have already left the place. Visiting the Vatican early in the morning is not the wisest decision since there is a lot of traffic buildup and one can hardly move.
The fact that the entrance is free makes it easy for one to access it easily when the time is right since there are zero formalities involved. A ticket is needed only for those who intend to visit the top of the dome or the Vatican Museum.
Also, when it comes to visiting the Pantheon, it is advisable to visit when they are almost closing. This is the perfect time to visit since you are able to see it in its wholeness. Also, you will avoid the crowdedness that exists throughout the day.
Rent a Bike to get More out of your Time in Rome
Rome is a magnificent city and one can never get enough of it. One of the ways to maximize the stay here is to rent a bike which you can use to get around.
Some of the monumental structures in the city are located close to each other and therefore a bike would be the best means to access each of them. These include Piazza Navona, the Vatican, Pantheon, The Trevi Fountain, the Colosseum and the Spanish Steps.
With a bike you will be able to cover large distances in relatively short times.
Dorn Proper Attire while Visiting Rome
Rome is a big city, so you'll be walking, climbing stairs and spending a lot of time outside. In the summer, temperatures peak in August at around 29℃. That's hot, so you'll need lightweight clothing and good shoes. In winter, the lowest temperatures tend to be in January at 12℃. Wear layers and definitely have a waterproof jacket or umbrella handy.
Follow the Appropriate Code where Necessary
For those who intend to visit the Vatican, it is advisable that you do prior research on the expected dress code before visiting, otherwise you may not be allowed into the church.
The Vatican dress code is such that you should not expose your shoulders, upper arms, legs, cleavage or midriff. This especially applies for women and the general principle is that, decency should be maintained.
Seek Cheaper Alternatives of Accommodation
For those who are budget backpacking, look at services such as Airbnb, as most will be better than 1 and 2 star hotels for a similar cost. If you're able to consider a hotel, then try to stretch to 4 and 5 star to get the best locations. Travelsoop can help you find hotel + flight deals from many major travel providers.
This is crucial especially when touring as a group since there are excellent offers available. Also, you won’t need to break the bank or cut the trip sort due to a depletion of your financial resources.
Throw a Coin into the Trevi Fountain
The Trevi Fountain acts as home to thousands of coins which are tossed in on a daily basis.
Most people who toss the coins are of the opinion that certain things are going to happen a certain way if they toss the coins in a certain manner.
The superstitions and traditions which form the basis of the practice have existed for years on end. A lot of coins are collected on a daily basis and then they are donated for a non-profit course to aid those in need.
Book Online
Booking online is an efficient way of getting rid of such hindrances as having to queue for various services.
Booking tickets online cuts down the waiting time by a great proportion and you do not have to go through many of the usual formal procedures. This applies for many services e.g. flights, trains, cabs and accommodation.
Use of a luggage storage network is key for those who desire comfort and minimal hassle. You will be able to focus having the best time in Rome while not worrying about the safety of your luggage plus you don’t have to walk around dragging your luggage with you everywhere you go.
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