Last week I had the beautiful honour of
visiting Rome, Italy. As with all city breaks, we walked for four days until we
couldn’t feel our toes anymore; wearing pointed ankle boots probably didn’t
help in my situation, ate a lot of pasta and pizza, and swooned over pretty boys (and buildings!)
Here are a few handy tips you should know before
visiting the city.
1. Check your
transfers
Being part of the organised family that I am,
we booked our transfers in advance from a secure website. Though stupidly didn’t
question the name ‘Terravision’. It sounds like a horror film, because it is. Even
in January, Fiumicino airport was packed with tourists and locals pushing and
fighting for their place on the coaches. There are problems with fake tickets,
paper tickets not being accepted and a whole load of confusion.
However, the metro station is right next to
the airport, and lines run to stations named after their landmark. If you know
where your accommodation is near, then a train to the city centre will cost you
roughly eight euros each. Alternatively, grab a taxi for a set price of 48
euros. Believe me, it’s worth avoiding the stress.
2. Be road
aware
It sounds so silly but Italy has very
different rules of the road to the UK. Lanes don’t exist, neither do speed
limits, apparently, and the roads are always busy. You literally have to just go for it and cross the road, basically
walking into the traffic. I’d strongly advise you to stay off your phone and be
a bit focussed when getting used to the new ways! Though don’t be scared to
follow the locals else you’ll never get across the road. Read up on Rome’s
rules about zebra crossings.
3. You’ll
probably have to pay a city tax
Upon arriving at our accommodation, we were
told to pay a city taxi. The tax amount is determined by how many nights you’re
staying and how many stars your hotel is rated. It’s handy to be aware before
you arrive so you have some extra euros on you. Read more here.
4. Apartments
are cheaper
During my stay, I was at Nerva Appartments. I
was dubious at first, though pleasantly surprised. Rooms were modern, fresh and
clean. There was everything you could have needed including spacious wardrobes,
shower, towels and a hair-dryer provided. There was also a shared kitchen area
with complimentary juices, kettle and cereals. Nerva was also located a five
minute walk from the Colosseum, and a metro stop was literally outside of the
door. There’s also free Wifi!
5. The
Colosseum only accepts debit/credit cards
I don’t know whether it’s just me, but I tend
not to take my cards away on holiday with me in fear of losing them. However,
the Colosseum only accepts card payments. So if you’re planning on visiting, definitely
make sure you have your card on you. The admission price to the Colosseum also includes access to the Palatine (a five minute walk away), and is valid for two days!
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| Inside the Colosseum |
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| The Palatine, a small town in itself |
6. Happy Hour
means a buffet
There are many different types of bars in Rome,
many are coffee shops by day. Though us English are fooled by the ‘happy hour’
signs! In Italy, happy hour means that a buffet (cheese, meat, crisps, olives)
are laid out to enjoy for free. Alcohol in bars is expensive, just as any city.
However, if you’re wanting to get to know the young people of Rome then join
them in the squares across the city. It’s a nightly occurrence to buy a two
euro bottle of Peroni from the shop, and sit in a square socialising.
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| Hang out on the Spanish Steps of an evening |
7. Research events/visitors
Checking the web after returning home, my
sister and I were gutted to hear that Pope Francis had been out in the Vatican
City giving talks and meeting people. Including Leonardo DiCaprio! Rome
welcomes many people and has a lot of special events and holidays. Research these
before you go and join in the celebrations. For example, on the last Sunday of
every month all attractions are free entry.
8. Take the
time to read the menu
Everything is very fast paced in Rome, and
orders are taken when eating out very quickly. Though take the time to read the
menu if you’re there on a budget, as items can be very expensive. Also, be sure
of what you’re ordering. On a whim I asked for a lemonade, expecting a 3 euro
7up. However I received a large glass of fresh lemon juice costing me close to
ten euros! Specify size.
9. Free entrance
places
There are the obvious tourist
attractions/photo opps in Rome; the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, The Pantheon,
Spanish Steps… all are either free or at a cheap price. Don’t be discouraged by
the large queues, they’re usually for security checks and not payments. As well
as this, many of the stunning buildings that you walk past are free to look
around and enjoy. You can also climb to the top of them and see the city from
above, including the Vittoriano Monument
(free) and St
Peter’s Basilica (six euro). The Basilica has 551 narrow steps, and was
definitely my highlight of the trip. Even if you don’t climb, visit the
stunning interior for free.
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| View from the top of Vittoriano |
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| View from the top of St Peter's |
Tours are regularly advertised to tourists,
and having caught snippets of them they seem well worth the money if this is
something that interests you. As well as this, some allow access to parts of
the attractions that the general public can’t. However there are plenty of free tours, and apps like Triposo that
you can download to be used without Wifi or data.
10. The airport
may be bigger than you think, get to your gate
Finally, once you get to the airport then go
straight to your gate! We had a near miss when we blissfully sat at gate B,
thinking that gate G wouldn’t be too far away considering the shops and cafes
were in front of us. Once the boarding was announced, we headed to the gate. Only
to discover that it was a half hour walk and
a half hour shuttle bus away! We got on the flight with a minute to spare,
and welcomed by lots of glaring faces!
