Rome, the Eternal City, has a rich history, art, and culture that have fascinated travelers for centuries. If you’re planning a short family vacation to Rome, there are plenty of attractions and experiences that will make your trip unforgettable. Here are some tips and tricks to help you make the most of your visit to Rome, Italy:

1. Plan Your Itinerary

Rome is a city with many attractions, and it can be overwhelming to decide what to see and do. Make a list of your must-see attractions, and plan your itinerary around them. Consider purchasing skip-the-line tickets to avoid the long queues at popular attractions such as the Colosseum, Vatican Museums, and St. Peter’s Basilica.

Tip: The tourist attractions in Rome are almost crowded and the lines are overwhelmingly long. You could stand in line for two hours for each tourist destination (it depends which tourist attraction) so plan your itinerary carefully.

One more thing. If you are planning to visit the top tourist destinations in Rome during the free days, make sure to go early to avoid the huge crowd. Don’t fall in line three hours before the cut off because it will be useless even if you make it. You won’t be able to enjoy the visit as you will end up scurrying because of the closing time. Go there earlier than that!

2. Wear Comfortable Shoes

Rome is a city with cobblestone streets, uneven pavements, and plenty of hills. Make sure to wear comfortable shoes that are suitable for walking long distances. You’ll be doing a lot of walking, so it’s important to take care of your feet.

During our visit, my father wore uncomfortable sneakers and he suffered! We walked a lot and he ended up with blisters so make sure to choose the right shoes!

3. Bring a Bottle of Water and umbrella

The Italian sun can be unforgiving, especially during the summer months. Make sure to bring a reusable water bottle and stay hydrated throughout the day. You’ll find plenty of public water fountains in Rome where you can refill your bottle for free.

During our vacation there, we thought the weather was wonderful until it suddenly poured out of nowhere. We didn’t expect this so we had to buy 4 umbrellas for each of us which wasn’t that practical considering that the price of 4 umbrellas was almost the same price if we bought ourselves some snacks.

4. Use Public Transportation

Driving in Rome can be a nightmare, especially if you’re not used to the chaotic traffic and narrow streets. Instead, use public transportation to get around the city. Rome has an extensive network of buses, trams, and metro lines that will take you to all the major tourist attractions. Buy a Roma Pass for free transportation and skip-the-line access to several attractions.

Warning: The trains could be jam packed because of the overwhelming number of tourists so you need to be ready and alert. Public transportations is the favorite spot of pickpockets, so watch out!

5. Stay Outside the ZTL Zone

If you’re driving to Rome, make sure to park your car outside the ZTL (limited traffic zone) to avoid getting fined. Look for accommodations outside the ZTL zone, which will be cheaper and more convenient. There are plenty of hotels, B&Bs, and apartments outside the ZTL that offer excellent value for money.

Tip: Look for a parking lot just outside the ZTL zone or just near the border which is also near the train station. This was what we did when we went to Rome. The parking lot where we parked our car was just near the train station (border of the ZTL zone) so it was convenient for us not to mention that the price was reasonable. 

6. Try Local Cuisine

Rome is famous for its delicious cuisine, including pizza, pasta, gelato, and other Italian delicacies. Try to avoid tourist traps and instead look for local trattorias and osterias where you can taste authentic Roman dishes. Don’t forget to try a refreshing granita di caffe, a traditional Sicilian drink that’s perfect for hot summer days.

One thing to keep in mind when visiting Rome is that there can be overwhelming queues in every tourist attraction. This can be especially true during the peak tourist season in the spring to summer months. To avoid spending too much time waiting in line, it is recommended that visitors purchase tickets in advance, which can be done online or at certain ticket kiosks throughout the city.

However, there is some good news for those looking to save money on their trip to Rome. Some of the most popular tourist attractions offer free entry on the first or last Sunday of every month, it depends on which tourist attraction. This includes places like the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and the Palatine Hill which are free on the first Sunday of every month. While the Vatican museums are free on every last sunday every month. 

If you’re planning on taking advantage of this free entry, it’s important to keep in mind that the queues can be incredibly long, so it’s best to arrive early to ensure that you have enough time to see everything you want to see. If I said ‘early’, I mean earlier than early and I am not exaggerating! 

Additionally, it’s important to be aware that some areas of the attractions may be closed off due to the high number of visitors.

In addition to the free entry on the first and last Sunday of the month, there are also a number of other ways to save money while exploring Rome. For example, many of the city’s museums and galleries offer reduced admission for students, seniors, and other groups. Check the official websites of each tourist spot you want to visit to see if you’re eligible for this. 

 Additionally, there are a number of free walking tours available that can be a great way to see the city without the need to spend too much. 

Overall, while there may be queues and crowds to contend with, there are also plenty of ways to save money and make the most of your time in Rome. By planning carefully ahead and taking advantage of some of the city’s free entry days and other discounts, you can enjoy all that this incredible city has to offer without breaking the bank.

FAQs:

Q: What was your favorite tourist attraction in Rome?

A: Our favorite tourist attractions were the Vatican Museums, St. Peter’s Basilica, and the Colosseum. Each of these attractions is steeped in history and offers a unique glimpse into ancient Rome’s rich cultural heritage.

Q: What was the food like in Rome?

A: The food in Rome was incredible, and we tried some of the local dishes, including pizza, pasta, and gelato. We also tried some lesser-known Roman specialties such as coda alla vaccinara (oxtail stew), carciofi alla romana (Roman-style artichokes), and suppli al telefono (fried rice balls with mozzarella).

Q: How did you get around Rome?

A: We parked our car right outside the ZTL zone and took the train into the city center to get around. We also used the metro to visit various tourist attractions.

Q: What tips would you give to someone planning a trip to Rome?

A: Wear comfortable shoes, bring a bottle of water, and be prepared to walk a lot! Plan your itinerary in advance, use public transportation, and try to experience the local culture by trying local cuisine and interacting with the locals

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