What should I know about Rome?

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romeoitaly

You can say a lot of things about Rome and the Romans but my wife and I have only ever felt safe walking through the center of Rome - there is an unobtrusive police presence in most squares and touristy spots.

Pack: 1) Most importantly a comfortable pair of walking shoes! Rome is a city you will want to walk a lot in.
2) If you're going in Summer - plenty of sun protection, and a large hat.
3) A little backpack for your maps, snacks, guide book
4) A little water bottle. Rome has thousands of free drinking fountains - and yes the water in Rome is potable - and in fact due to its mineral content it's probably better than most bottled mineral waters.

For shopping http://www.romanlife-romeitaly.com/shopping-in-rome-italy.html should give you a better idea about the prime spots, brand shopping, local markets, etiquette etc.

Restaurants are abundant so an intro into the food culture http://www.romanlife-romeitaly.com/rome-restaurants.html is a good start.

Enjoy, you're going to love it, but like most things in life doing a little homework upfront means that you will reap the rewards later - so you're off to a good start by preparing like you're already doing!

Stan

I've never had a problem with crime. What you need to know about Rome (and all other European cities) is that they expect you to go to the bathroom someplace else - I guess in your hotel. If you need to use the bathroom go to McDonald's (there's no Starbuck's in Italy but that's another place to go elswhere in Europe).

I always bring back a ton of coffee from Tazza d'Oro. It's right by the Pantheon.

Take advantage of the Metro. Bring some comfortable shoes that are good for walking. Bring as much money as you can. Being there you can take your time. You won't need to see it all in 2 days.

Red

It's located on the knee cap of the boot.

Steven J

you have to get some ice cream. and alo if you like chinese food go here MING YUAN, its on via barberini N.57. really cheap for rome and its good. watch out for beggers and pick pockets

BDR100

if you're in a very large crowd (which is obviously hard to avoid in such a touristy area) make sure you're really aware of your surroundings. someone walked extremely closed to one of my friends and almost stole things out of their bag because it is such an overcrowded area that often times tourists are so absorbed in the sights that they aren't aware of other people around them. it seems really self explanatory, but a lot of the thieves over there thrive on the oblivion of tourists.

also, avoid gypsies at all costs. they intentionally heckle tourists for money and such, and you really just need to ignore them and keep walking. sometimes they try to follow you and try to sell you things, but don't pay them any attention. if you do buy something from them, watch your money closely because even when you think you're paying attention they're really quick and can grab money right under your nose.

Dead Day Afternoon

It's very dirty and there is a ton of crime.
Be careful.

Eccentric_One

It's not dangerous at all, as long as you avoid services offered to you at Termini station. For eating, go where the locals go. Depending when you are going, always have 2 pairs of long pants and light jacket. Rome is usually warm after March. Pack the usual. There are nice stores everywhere, but try to visit Piazza Navona, Boca Della Verita, the Coliseum is a must, Vatican City, and enjoy the terrasses. Eating in Trastevere is good, lots of local hangouts there and nice neighborhood.

marco f

I live in Rome and I never had problems with crime.... I mean in all big cities you must be careful....no? EATING CHINESE in Italy ooo come on!!! there are a lot of restaurants in the center with fixed prices for the menu. for shopping try Via del corso, via frattina, via condotti and piazza di spagna they are all in the center and you can find stores with all kinds of prices from cheap to expensive and you can find McDonald's if you wish..

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