When In Rome... a day in the life

One of the best things to do when experiencing another culture is to fully embrace it yourself. Whether it’s with the locals themselves, or with your family, get to grips with the Roman culture to make the most of your stay. From how to drink your coffee, to getting around the city, these are our top tips and recommendations for things to do when in Rome. Drink an espresso... standing up It’s no surprise that Italians love their coffee. Did you know the espresso is even regulated by the Italian government as it’s considered an essential part of an Italian’s daily lifestyle? In Rome, you’ll notice most drink their coffees, stood up, at a bar (not the alcoholic kind) but a very understated coffee shop, before 9am. Also, if you don’t like your coffee strong you’ll have to specify that you want milk adding to it, otherwise just asking for un caffè will mean you’ll get an espresso automatically. FYI - if you want an Americano, you want to ask for un caffè lungo. Hire a Vespa Getting around Rome is even easier if you hire a Vespa. Traffic in Rome is crazy at the best of times, so you’ll want to avoid getting in a taxi, and public buses can be few and far between. The best way to nip around Rome – if you’re a confident driver – is to hire a classic Vespa from Bici&Baci. Take in the sites on two wheels and you can determine your own sightseeing itinerary. What’s more, you don’t have to worry about parking either, just do as the Romans do and leave it wherever you want! Just don’t forget where and take your helmets with you! Get a photo with a Gladiator It’s not often, if ever, you see swarms of grown men dressed head to toe as a gladiators unless it’s for a themed social event. In Rome you only need to be 200m from the Coliseum and Roman Forum and you’ll see them with their red pleated skirts and bronze armour hustling for a photo. The best thing is to wait, and while they’re not looking, get one from afar – if not, you’ll end up forking out to pay for that precious selfie, which could be a costly souvenir. Eat a gelato If you’re visiting Rome in the warmer months, or any month for that matter, a gelato is a must. This creamy ice cream is one of the most popular foods in the city and you’ll see everyone walking around with a dripping cone of multi-coloured scoops. The Italians are experimental with their gelato flavours and you can pretty much get anything that’s edible whipped up; some of our personal favourites are Panacotta and Bacio. For a taste of real authentic Roman gelato make a beeline for Giolitti, the city’s favourite gelato house! Shop like a local The Italians love their food and they have a huge culture around fresh, local produce. Forget anything processed and refined, when in Rome, you will eat well. Locals champion traditional recipes and eating simply – and everything is delicious! If you’re staying in an Air B&B or are self-catered, why don’t you join the locals and do your shop at a fresh food market. With the help of some authentic recipes and fresh ingredients, you can make your own restaurant-worthy meals. Make sure Campo dei Fiori is on your list of places to visit, it’s the oldest running market in Rome, operating since 1869 and has an impressive offering of fresh ingredients every day except Sunday.

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4 Days in Rome: Top Things To Do

Discover one of the world's most historic city with our comprehensive guide to 4 days in Rome! Planning to spend 4 days in Rome? With hundreds of fountains, churches and world-famous monuments spanning more than 2,700 years of history, you’ll be spoilt for choice of exciting things to do. Read on for some top tips from our team to help you get the most from your trip! Day 1 There are lots of different kinds of guided tour to help you get your bearings and make getting around during your stay that bit easier. There are hop-on-hop-off bus tours with audio commentary, excellent (and often free) guided walks, bike tours (with or without the help of an electric motor) and even segway tours. Once you have worked up an appetite why not choose a ‘trattoria’, a type of informal restaurant, and settle down to a traditionally Roman pasta dish of ‘cacio e pepe’ or ‘amatriciana’? Batteries recharged, head down to the Pantheon, the roughly 2000-year-old temple built to honour Pagan gods (pan = all, theos = god). It’s the best preserved of the ancient Roman monuments, in part because it was converted into a church in the 7th century. The building is an incredible feat of engineering, featuring an 8m-wide oculus to let in sunlight and a completely unreinforced concrete dome, which is larger than that of St. Peter’s Basilica. Day 2 The Vatican is one of the must-see attractions for most visitors to Rome and there’s lots to see, including St Peter’s Basilica and its Necropolis, the Sistine Chapel and the Vatican Museums, which contain thousands of famous paintings and sculptures. If you spent a minute looking at each painting in the Vatican Museums’ collections, you would have to stay for four years! Next, take in some fresh air with a visit to Castel Sant’Angelo, on the banks of the Tiber. Built in the 2nd century AD, it was originally designed as a mausoleum by the Roman emperor Hadrian. Over the centuries it has been used as a fortress, papal residence and even a prison, before becoming a museum in 1901. The views from the Castle’s rooftop over the city are beautiful and although 4 days in Rome will fly by, it’s well worth leaving time for a stroll by the river and to explore the magnificent grounds. Day 3 Time to return to the monuments of Ancient Rome, starting with the Colosseum, the amphitheatre that is one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. The Roman Forum with its ancient ruins, and Palatine Hill with its views over the oldest parts of Rome, are only a short walk away. Excavations of the Forum didn’t start until 1803 and you’ll be able to see ruins of templates, government buildings, triumphal arches and market halls, literally following in the footsteps of senators and emperors. Finish your day with a relaxing visit to Villa Borghese. Although you couldn’t tell from the name, this is a fairly large public park, which houses a popular art gallery and other attractions. Tickets for the gallery have to purchased online in advance. This means that visitor numbers are restricted and it’s less busy than some of the major attractions. Day 4 There are scores of captivating museums in Rome, but particular highlights are the Capitoline Museums and the Museum of Rome. The Capitoline is remarkable in itself, dating back to 1471, and most of the exhibits come from the city of Rome and relate to its history. Particular crowd-pleasers include the collection of classical sculpture and picture gallery with masterpieces by the likes of Titian, Tintoretto, Rubens and Caravaggio. The museum includes a famous sculpture showing Remus and Romulus being suckled by a she-wolf, part of the legend of Rome’s foundation. This image has come to represent Rome and can be seen around the city. Finish off your visit with a walk from the Spanish Steps, built in the 18th century and a popular meeting point, to the Trevi fountain. Tradition has it that if you throw a coin into the Trevi fountain, you will return to Rome. In fact, every night about 3,000 Euros are swept up from the bottom of the basin and donated to the charity Caritas, to provide services for families in need. This concludes our suggestions for what to do for 4 days in Rome. We hope that you have an amazing trip!
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The Best Area to Stay in Rome

You have booked your flight, but where is the best area to stay in Rome? Rome is a big place. The city centre is divided into smaller neighbourhoods that each has its own character. And even the locals don’t agree completely where one area starts and another finishes! So, a good starting point is to think about what you want to get out of your trip and what you are hoping to see. As well as consult this guide, brought to you by the OMNIA Vatican & Rome Pass team. Centro storico Think of Rome, and you probably picture the ancient centre: winding medieval streets, beautiful Baroque fountains, atmosphere and romance. Indeed, if you stay in this district, many of the main attractions (including the Pantheon and the Piazza Navona) are in walking distance. You can also stroll a little further to Campo de’ Fiori and the Ghetto, both particularly picturesque parts of this area - slightly quieter and further away from the big-ticket attractions. Being able to easily return to your hotel during the day to get changed or ‘re-charge’ is important, especially when the weather is very hot. So please note, the nearest metro station is around 20 minutes away and, because the area is so popular, it’s important to look carefully for a good deal on food or accommodation. Tridente and the Spanish steps Extending from the Piazza del Popolo, the area of Tridente is in the northern part of central Rome. With plenty of designer boutiques, chic hotels and luxury accommodation, this is one of the more exclusive parts of Rome to stay... and to shop. Many people come to visit the Piazza di Spagna just to sit on the famous Spanish steps and watch the world go by. The steps were built in the 1720s to connect the Piazza to the Trinità dei Monti church and have been a famous meeting point ever since. The Trevi fountain is also close by and legend has it that if you throw a coin into the fountain, you are sure to return to Rome in the future. Colosseum If you love history, archeology or dressing up, the area around the Colosseum is perfect for you. The most ancient part of the city, it’s also close to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. You’ll be walking in the footsteps of Romus and Remulus, the city’s founders - as well as Roman emperors (and lots of people in gladiator costumes). This neighbourhood is one of the busiest and, as you might guess, it can be quite noisy. It does however offer a great choice of accommodation. Termini Stazione Termini is a major transport hub, where railway, metro and most bus routes intersect. It’s super-convenient for early morning departures and hop-on hop-off bus tours, but not the most charming of Rome’s neighbourhoods. There are usually plenty of affordable hotel options here, but it’s too far from the main attractions to make a good base for exploring the city on foot. Prati Prati is perfect for visiting the sights of the Vatican, as it is just outside the enclave’s walls. A quieter area, away from the bustle of the main tourist thoroughfares, it is nevertheless well connected in terms of transport and its wide, tree-lined boulevards and fine eateries make for a pleasant stay. Since it’s not directly in the city centre, prices are often reasonable. Trastevere Trastevere could be considered the best area to stay in Rome – for people who enjoy nightlife. Located on the western river bank, it’s a working-class neighbourhood (up-and-coming), in easy walking distance of the Vatican and central attractions. You’ll find photo ops at the corner of pretty much every ivy-covered cobbled lane or tiny piazza. Trastevere is also known for its excellent restaurants, and good atmosphere that lasts well into the night. Regardless of where you decide to stay, bear in mind that Rome’s hotel prices fluctuate heavily. Booking well in advance and reading hotel reviews carefully are always a good idea in order to get value for money. Alternatively, why not rent an apartment and live like a local for a few days? With a bit of forethought you are sure to find the best area to stay in Rome - or rather, the best area for you. Wishing you a good trip!
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Is Rome Safe?

Safety can be one of the biggest concerns when planning a vacation. 'A stranger in a strange land', as the saying goes. That's why it's always important to know what to expect when visiting a new city and country. Take Rome, for instance. It's one of the most popular tourist spots in Europe, but how safe is it? Read on, and find out as we explore how to stay safe in Rome, what to look out for, and neighborhoods to avoid. Including: How safe is Rome? Common threats to safety in Rome Neighborhoods to avoid Is public transport safe in Rome? and more! How safe is Rome? Rome is one of the most historic cities in Europe, so it's no wonder countless people flock there every year. In fact, Rome plays host to around 10 million tourists every year, making it one of Europe's most popular destinations. Some come for the ancient architecture and history-soaked streets. Others visit for the nightlife, food, and shopping. But how safe is Rome? Rome is considered a relatively safe city, ranking 29th in The Economist's Safe City Index 2021. Many factors make up this ranking, including personal safety, environmental safety, and even digital security. Those factors don't make a huge difference here, as Rome's 'personal security' ranking has it at 29th too! So, what should you look out for on your trip to Rome? Common threats to safety in Rome Rome's most frequent crimes are petty theft. And, like many travel hotspots around the world, tourists are usually targeted. So let's talk about the types of theft you should be aware of on your vacation. Pickpockets During peak tourist season in the summer, you should be aware that many pickpockets operate in Rome. Focusing on the most popular spots as well as trains, they target tourists because of the large amount of vacation cash they may have on them. This is relatively common in any big city that welcomes a lot of tourist traffic, so you may already be aware of the dos and don'ts. If not, or you just need a refresher, here are our tips to keep your belongings belonging to you! Keep your bag, purse, or clutch close to you at all times. Try and avoid carrying large amounts of cash - most places will accept card, even if it's from a different country. Don't leave coats, jackets, wallets, or phones unattended when you're having a drink, getting a bite to eat, or going up to the counter to collect your order. Be aware of distraction techniques. Thieves often work in pairs, so while one may strike up a conversation, ask directions, or 'accidentally' fall into, the other may well be attempting to swipe your cash or camera. Avoid using paper maps when out and about. If you know where you want to go, use your phone's GPS and then stick an earbud in and listen for directions. You'll blend right in. Muggings Though chances of a violent mugging are much lower than being pickpocketed, it's still worth being mindful when walking around Rome. Public transport, especially at night, can make you an easy target. If you want to avoid a mugging, do the following. Avoid public transport at night when possible - book a taxi from a reputable company instead. Check online to find one, though you may pay more than a local. Alternatively, go through a taxi app, if you're comfortable. At night, try and travel in groups of two or more. Plan your route around your daily plans and know when and where you're going to avoid unnecessary loitering - you may draw the attention of ruffians. Scams Scams have become one of the most popular forms of crime in many cities. Rome is no different, with a number of scams operating throughout the city. Unfortunately, taxis are one of those. As we mentioned above, taxi drivers may be tempted to charge tourists higher rates than locals. Always make sure your driver is on the meter, and if they offer you a flat fee or 'forget' to put the meter on, they're likely trying to scam more money out of you. Politely ask them to put the meter on or request to leave the vehicle. You may also be approached in the street and offered a free charm or trinket. Ensure you do not accept this, and be firm if necessary. If you take it, they will loudly and aggressively demand payment. Another common scam is fake charity petitions. While not every one is fake, it may be difficult to discern which is not. We'd advise you to avoid these where possible, and give through a charity's website instead. Even signing a petition might lead to an aggressive demand for a donation, and that donation is going straight into the scammer's pocket. Make sure you check ATMs for tampering, as scammers target those too. Most places in Rome will allow card payments, so if you're lucky, you won't need to use one at all. Neighborhoods to avoid Rome's most crime-riddled neighborhoods include Tor Bella Monaca, Romanina, San Basilio, and Corviale. As these are predominantly residential areas, you may have no reason to ever visit them. However, if you do, try to avoid them at night. If that's not possible, make sure you travel in a group to avoid being targeted as much as possible. Is public transport safe in Rome? As we mentioned, there are some things worth bearing in mind regarding public transport. We've talked about taxis at length, so be vigilant of those. Regarding other forms, they are generally safe, especially during the day. Do bear in mind that some train stations such as Termini are pickpocket hotspots, especially in the evening. As a general rule, try and avoid using public transport at night if possible. That way, you lower your risk of potential muggings or pickpocketing. And that's our guide to staying safe in Rome! Want to make the most of your vacation? Check out Go City. With us, you can see all of Rome's best bits when and how you want.
Dom Bewley

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