Rome travel information
Rome is the bustling and historic capital of Italy. It’s no place to relax; even crossing the road can prove to be a frustrating experience. However, the number of historical monuments and stunning architectural wonders makes a visit here essential. Tourist infrastructure is well developed and most of the major sights are within a reasonable distance of the central railway station.
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The main tourist season starts at Easter and runs until October; peak periods are in spring and autumn and are best avoided unless you want to be caught up in the tour bus crowd.
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Italy is famous for its shopping, as well as its strictly enforced shopping etiquette. Make sure you greet the storeowner as this sets a pleasant mood. Never touch anything in the window display; you’ll be severely chastised otherwise. Eating, drinking and smoking are generally frowned upon.
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Making an effort to speak a few words of Italian goes a long way, and you’ll find new friendships and opportunities present themselves as a result.
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If you can handle the crowds, Easter celebrations and services at Rome’s numerous basilicas and at the Vatican are unforgettable.
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Rome’s numerous markets are a sight to behold and a great place to pick up some souvenirs and mix with the locals.
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There is an incredible number and variety of bars. On any street, there will be a bar every hundred metres or so, and unlike bars in the US or pubs in England, Italian bars do not just sell alcoholic drinks, but also a variety of hot and cold non-alcoholic beverages, the chief among them being coffee.
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Bag-snatchers and pickpockets are often a problem in touristy areas of Rome and they operate either in groups (with one distracting you while the other fishes in your bag) or snatching violently from the back of a moped scooter. Use a concealed money bag and remember that even cameras fastened around your neck and shoulders can be cut loose.
Useful travel tips resources
Lonely Planet – Rome
Excellent resource on Rome from this well-known travel guide publisher.
www.lonelyplanet.com
World Guides – Rome
An exhaustive site offering loads of information and tips.
http://www.rome.world-guides.com/
Rome
A thorough guide to all there is to know about Rome.
http://www.rome.info/
More topics on this site…
Rome maps and geography
Italy travel information
Italy travel tips
Italy health and safety
Italy maps and geography
Essentials
Visas: Not required for most nationals, 90-day tourist stays
Season: April-May, October-November
Money: Euro – ATMs widely available
Language: Italian
Emergency #: Ambulance 118, Police 113, Fire 115