20 travel tips every first-time Rome visitor should follow

Italy still largely functions on a cash economy, so be sure to carry cash with you during your time in Rome. Coins, or spicci, are especially welcome at cafés small shops so hold on to your Euros – they’re a precious commodity here. Most stores and large restaurants will process cards, but restaurants don’t traditionally split the bill so cash is always useful to have, especially if you’re travelling with a group.

Tipping has not traditionally been part of the Italian culture, as service charge is generally included in the bill as the coperto (cover) or bread basket, but leaving a few extra coins at the table is often appreciated. Depending on the final price of your meal, the level of service you received and the number of people in your party, you can leave anywhere from 5-10% on the table.

Italy’s longstanding customs and traditions can be difficult to navigate, but you don’t have to worry about eating gelato in the colder months. Italians enjoy this treat year-round and Rome’s best artisanal gelaterie change their flavours seasonally, so look out for juicy fruit flavours and interesting combinations with pistachios and hazelnuts.

Rome’s public transportation leaves much to be desired, but if you need to take a bus in the city centre, be sure to stock up on bus tickets ahead of time because you can’t buy them on the bus. You can buy tickets at any tabaccheria in the city, little convenient shops that are designated with a large T. Tickets are €1.50 each, or opt for a 24-hour, 48-hour or weekly ticket for a discounted price. Tickets are valid for all forms of public transportation in Rome (bus, metro, tram and local train).

Speaking of public transportation, your €1.50 ticket is also valid on the local commuter trains in Rome, including a line that goes straight to the beach. You can catch a train at the Piramide Metro Station that will take you directly to Ostia Lido, Rome’s local beach. Although it’s not the most glamorous beach near Rome, Ostia is perfect for an inexpensive day trip, some sunshine and fresh seafood.

There are many family-run artisan workshops and small boutiques in Rome, and you’ll often find the owner manning the cashier as you peruse the store. In Italy, it’s customary to greet the owner when you enter and leave the shop. When you enter, you can say “buongiorno” until lunchtime and “buonasera” in the afternoon and evening; when you leave, you should say “arrivederci.”

One of the most charming aspects about Rome’s urban typography are its cobblestone streets, but uneven stones can take a toll on your feet. Pack a couple pairs of comfortable walking shoes so you can avoid pain or injury. If you bring heels, skip the stilettos, which can get caught in-between the cobblestone grooves.

Rome’s state-owned museums, galleries, archeological sites, parks and gardens are free on the first Sunday of each month, so be sure to drop by and soak in some art if you’re in town these days. Lines quickly form outside the main attractions, so plan to show up early or visit a lesser-known destination (warning: you’ll still need to pay a fee to browse through special exhibitions).

Housing one of the world’s greatest collections, the Vatican Museums are one of Italy’s most popular attractions, visited by over 5 million people per year. Though you’ll inevitably face a crowd, you can skip the long lines by purchasing your museum tickets on the Vatican website. The extra €4 for booking online are well worth the time you’ll save by not waiting in line.

Drinking and dining are important rituals in Italy and meals tend to start later than normal (and last for longer) than in other countries. In the evenings, Italians usually meet friends or colleagues for an aperitivo around 7pm, which consists of a drink and some light snacks, before going to dinner around 8-9pm. On the weekends, it’s not uncommon to arrive to a restaurant around 10pm.

With pizza, pasta and pastries around every corner, Italy is a veritable carb-lover’s paradise. But, sometimes, you need a break from starchy foods. Italians are masters at preparing vegetables, too, so get your fix of sautéed greens and braised Roman artichokes under the “contorni,” or side dish, portion of the menu, which is usually listed in the back. Although large mixed salads haven’t really caught on in the city, you can order a few side dishes at once if you’re trying to eat healthy.

Local house wine is one of the greatest things about dining out in Rome and across Italy: not only is it extremely affordable, it’s usually quite decent. House wine is available in red or white and you can usually order a a quarter, a half or full litre of wine for under €10.

Rome may be famous for its monumental fountains like the Trevi Fountain and the Fountain of the Four Rivers, but the city is also filled with drinking fountains everywhere you look. These small fountains are affectionately called “nasoni,” or little noses, because of their curved shape. They deliver free-flowing water, gratis, so save your empty water bottles and fill them up all around town.