25 Things to Know Before Visiting Rome | First Trip to Rome

25 Things to Know Before Visiting Rome.- especially if this is your first trip to Rome!

Hi! I'm Megan, a licensed NYC tour guide, and I recently paid my first visit to the Eternal City. I immediately fell in love with Rome, but a few things about Rome were a bit trick for an first-time visitor. (At least an American first-time visitor to Rome.) Here is a Rome Travel guide I put together of 25 things I wish I knew before traveling to Rome. (It's TECHNICALLY 26...you get a bonus!)

A few links. I DO NOT MAKE A COMMISSION ON THESE! My mom and I paid for everything on this trip ourselves, so this is our absolute honest Rome experience.

00:00 Intro
00:44 Do you need to know Italian
01:45 Nasone
02:31 Tap, Still, or Sparkling
03:03 Book a Tour
03:34 Extreme Heat
03:54 How to Dress for the Heat
04:51 How to Dress for Religious Sites
05:28 Crowds
06:18 Book in Advance
06:51 Parks
07:34 Taxis
08:15 Getting Around
09:05 Tiny Sidewalks
09:44 Should You Drive?
10:24 Comfy Shoes
11:20 Pick-Pocket Proof Bags
12:14 Airtags
13:10 Hotel Rules
13:39 Shopping
14:14 Cash or Credit
14:57 Tipping
15:38 Large Food Portions
16:27 Restaurant Reservations
17:13 Late Dinners
17:35 New Experiences
18:42 Let Yourself Wander (This is the bonus!)
19:36 Final Thoughts

[thatonegirl]

I studied abroad in Rome/Florence. Don’t take a taxi. They will rip you off. Take an uber. If you are in a busy area, walk 10 minutes away and then call. You’ll save money. I probably took 30 ubers during my stay and only a handful cancelled but i always got another driver. Try taking the subway or the trains! Super user friendly.

[beckymastache]

I agree with you. My favorite thing about Rome was just wandering with no destination in mind. Let the Eternal City reveal itself to you. I'm not normally a big city person, but I LOVED Rome. ❤

[macca]

As someone going to Rome from the UK this week, this video was one of the best on Rome I’ve seen. Informative and interesting, your personality and presenting style really make it stand out. Grazie….

[jamesdominiak]

You went to Italy in the middle of a heatwave across central Europe. You coped well as many countries were hit really badly by it. Thanks for the video tips as I they really help.

[gdyshus]

My husband and I will be in Rome this October and I knew we were doing good to miss the crowds, but sounds like missing the heat is a big bonus.

[lindaheter]

We were in Florence, but only for a day! I would love to go back again! Love, love Italy 🇮🇹 ❤️

[leonciocapola]

Thanks for sharing. I'm coming in 3rd week of May for a three day stay. Wishing for a nice weather.

[reemitchell]

Best advice, "just wander." I have quite a bit planned but there is time scheduled to just wander around. Can't wait!

[molliespencer]

The park is the Villa Borghese, which has (amongst many other things!) a viewing "platform" overlooking the Piazza Del Popolo & a panoramic view of Rome, including St Peters on the horizon. Have never been when it is so hot, so some useful tips here!

[BlancaRuiz-gx]

Loved the energy of your video. So relaxed and enjoyable. I will be going to Rome this July 2024, and was stressing out from watching other videos that are so alarming and scary. Thank you for all your wonderful tips. You’ve been so helpful.

[TripHacksDC]

I appreciate seeing this from the perspective of a traveler. Looks like you had a great trip!

[junepark]

Im heading to Rome next week and it’s not 100 degrees but still quite hot. Needing to cover up my shoulders is not something I thought of. Thanks for all the tips!

[mewarner]

Amazing video....going in July so this was on point!!!! Thank you so much and thank your mom for me

[frankdriessen]

Love your video! As a Dutch resident we drove with our own car to Rome. Been there just after the heatwave!! Sooo cool to park your car in a Roman street just below the Spanish steps :-)

[pongo]

As Italian living abroad, I have to say that her report is quite honest, and thank you for portraiting Rome in such a beautiful way (better than actually it might be).
The town is really very much crowded and the summer season is every year hotter and hotter, so you've to train yourself before to the heat waves, and queues under the sun.
A lot of useful tips here, and it would be even better to find a roman friend who could show you the town from the point of view of a resident.
We warmly welcome all the educated and polite tourists, and advice not to leave any graffity on the monuments (it's a criminal offence that might be very costly) and we hope you will have a nice experience there.

[carolinecourtney]

You did a fantastic job with this video!

[markclements]

So happy to have found your channel. I am booking Cecilia for the end of September for my wife and I. I can’t wait. Great info through your entire video. Thank you.

[wendyhubble]

I am getting ready to travel to Italy today. I love your video. Actually watching you and your mom live the experience is helpful for future travelers 😁

[malindahumphreys]

Loved your presenting style. Well done.

[vegasbound]

Amazing Video. Going to Rome in 2 weeks and this video really was extremely informative and appreciated. You are the Best :)