BY YVONNE PORTER
Photo by Ludwig Thalheimer
One of the wonderful things about exploring historic cities like Rome is that they’re often designed for walking. You can’t beat hitting the streets on your feet if you want to get a real feel for the city.
You can also find all sorts of things as you walk around and, if you want to travel a little further, hop onto public transport. Here are a few tips to help you enjoy your exploration in Rome.
Store Your Luggage
If you have a lot of luggage with you, perhaps because you’ve been shopping or you’re just in Rome for the day before traveling somewhere else, it can weigh you down. Walking around all day can get tiring enough, let alone if you’re carrying heavy bags with you as well.
One way to get around this is by using luggage storage Rome. This allows you to keep your belongings safe and accessible, while freeing you up to wander around. It’s also useful if you wanted to hop onto a bus to visit somewhere specific, but didn’t want everything with you.
Getting Around Rome
If you’re happy to wander around on foot, make sure that you have comfortable shoes and clothes. Dress according to the weather. Rome tends to enjoy warm and mild weather, especially in the summer. Bring sunscreen to protect your skin. If you visit any churches, it’s best to dress respectfully.
Good shoes are especially important in the city center, which is well worth seeing. The tiles paving the streets are beautiful, but they can be hard to walk on with heels.
Otherwise, consider getting a taxi or hopping on public transport. You can buy digital passes, which is much easier and can be cheaper if you’re traveling multiple times in a day. Just make sure you download the right app.
If you want to visit a few monuments and historical sites, look into Roma pass. It’s a prepaid card that includes entry tickets and public transport tickets alike. As you can imagine, this can save you money and time, allowing you to skip lines.
Eating and Drinking
Italy is famous for its food and drink. Rather than rushing around, it’s best to enjoy a slower lifestyle. Savor your food and drink.
Look for independent places where you can, such as small coffee shops and espresso bars where you can eat a bite and appreciate amazing coffee. Italian food at its best is simple, using fantastic ingredients.
Learning the Language
It’s more common in the cities to find people who speak English, especially in the more touristy areas. But it does help to learn at least a little Italian to get by and talk to people.
Learn how to greet people, thank people, and ask basic questions like directions and if they speak English. Even if you’re not fluent, this can open doors to better experiences. If you do want to find independent shops and restaurants, be aware that the proprietors are less likely to speak English.