Looking for the best things to do in Rome? Here's your guide
Looking for the best things to do in Rome? I just returned from a month long stay and wanted to share some of the highlights from my trip. As you already know, I’m not one for small talk, so let’s get to it.
Fair question and good on you for asking. I’m an American traveler that spends 6 months of the year abroad. I’ve visited Rome four times (can’t stay away) and recently returned for a month-long stay. I’ve seen the sights and found joy in the never-ending list of the best things to do in Rome.
My husband and I travel often and we can both definitely say that Italians are the nicest people we’ve ever come across. As such, visiting Rome always feels like such a joy and we typically count down the days until we can return.
What am I, your mother? You know the drill folks, always use sunscreen. Shade is hard to come by while visiting Rome (especially when exploring the Colosseum and Forum), so make sure you pack some quality sunscreen. I saw SO many folks nursing terrible burns in the evenings.
If helpful, here’s the only sunscreen I use. I discovered it in France and now refuse to leave the house without it.
As you probably know, cash is preferred to cards in Europe. As such, it’s always handy to have euros while visiting Rome (I typically arrive with 300-500€). Most restaurants take credit cards, but a few small shops I went to asked for cash, especially if the total was less than 10€.
However, if you find yourself short on cash there’s plenty of ATMs to be found so don’t stress it. I suggest using them minimally though because ATM fees add up fast.
Personally speaking, I don’t travel with a money belt, but my worrywart of a mother raves about this one.
Here’s something most folks don’t realize when visiting Rome for the first time: dinner starts around 7:30-8pm. If you’re trying to get into a popular restaurant that doesn’t take reservations than I suggest showing up before 6:30pm to increase your chance of scoring a table.
Once seated, don’t expect fast service. Meals are fully enjoyed in Rome, they’re not seen as something to check off your list for the day. Lean into change of pace and embrace it. You’ll never be pushed out of a restaurant and will need to ask for the check when you’re ready to call it.
As mentioned, I’ve visited Rome several times over the past five years. I’ve stayed in various neighborhoods but my favorite areas (by far) are these two gems — Roman neighborhood #1 & Roman neighborhood #2. You can’t go wrong with either!
