The World In A Weekend

Breathtaking architecture, centuries of history, cuisine that’s to die for are just a few of the reasons nearly 13 million tourists flock to the Eternal City each year. I recently had the opportunity to travel to Rome and I learned 5 things that I wish I had known before arriving. Doing your research on the location that you are traveling to can save you from a lot of headaches. 

I had my opportunity to visit Rome in November of 2023. A time of year that I highly recommend for the mild weather, cheaper prices, and smaller crowds. While I was in Rome I learned a few things that could have saved me a ton of time and money. Things like, where to exchange money, how to get around, and how to avoid the tourist traps will really come in handy in Rome. 

Traveling to Rome is a dream vacation for millions of people from all over the world, and the last thing that you want is your dream vacation getting ruined by overly high exchange rates or overspending on taxi rides. In this article I will explain the 5 things that I wish I knew before arriving in the Eternal City and maybe you can avoid the mistakes that I made. 

Where to exchange money in rome?

Finding out where to exchange money in Rome can be a daunting task. The cash exchange locations in the airport and nearby popular tourist attractions charge a lot more to exchange your money. If you want the cheapest exchange rates go to a money exchange location on the outskirts of the downtown area.You definitely want to avoid exchanging money close to the popular tourist destinations also.

If you let your bank know that you are traveling to Rome then you can use your debit or credit card while on vacation. They will charge an exchange fee for each transaction. These fees can add up very quickly. In my opinion the cheapest way to get euros is use an ATM, you can withdraw euros from the ATM and your bank will charge an exchange fee each time that you withdraw money.

How to Get around in rome?

How you get around depends on where you are staying and what you are trying to do. If you are staying downtown and don’t mind walking then you can get to all of the major tourist attractions by walking. If you are staying outside of town you can catch a taxi downtown for around 20 euros.

If you’re not a big fan of walking, but still want to see all of Rome’s top attractions then purchase a Big Bus ticket. The Big Bus is a great way to see the entire city on a budget. You can purchase a bus ticket and hop on and off for 24 hours at all of the major tourist destinations in the city.

They also provide headphones and historical commentary so you can learn a bit of the history of the city while you ride. When I needed a taxi while in Rome I scheduled the taxi through Booking.com, it was more convenient than hailing a taxi on the streets. If you want to go to the Vatican book your tickets online well ahead of your arrival.

how far is the airport from the the city center?

The airports in Europe are usually around 40 minutes from the city center, so take note of that when booking your room. A private taxi to the city center will usually run you around 60 euros. If you are traveling on a budget there are buses that will take you to various bus stops within the city. 

You would get off at the bus stop closest to your hotel, gather your luggage and walk to your hotel from there. The bus tickets usually cost around 15 euros per person. There are 2 major airports that serve Rome, the Fiumicino (FCO) and the Ciampino (CIA).

It would be wise to check which airport that you are arriving at and leaving from to avoid any missed flights. My first time in Rome I arrived at Fiumicino airport and when it was time to leave I  assumed that I would be departing from Fiumicino. When I arrived at Fiumicino I noticed that my plane was departing from Ciampino Airport in an hour and thirty minutes!!

Luckily for me I found a heavy footed taxi driver that got me to Ciampino just in time for my flight. I tipped him well for his effort. You can easily avoid that mistake by checking and double checking your flight information. 

how big are the hotel rooms in Rome?

Hotel rooms in Rome are like most hotels in Europe. The rooms are usually rather small compared to the rooms in the United States. If you like larger hotel rooms make sure you check the size of the room before you book it to avoid any inconvenience.

 It would also be wise to check the location of your hotel. The location of your room will determine if you are able to walk to where you are trying to go or if you would have to call a taxi or use public transportation. If you are planning on walking then pack some flat shoes that are comfortable for walking, because the streets are made of cobblestone. 

what language is spoken in rome?

Rome is an Italian city, so the language spoken there is Italian. It would be wise to learn some Italian before arriving in Rome because  not many people speak English outside of the tourist areas. Learning some of the more common words and phrases will really help you out when you are out in the city or dining. 

While I was in Rome I wanted to have an authentic Italian experience. I ate at restaurants that weren’t close to popular tourist attractions. The prices will be cheaper and the food more authentic, but in these restaurants you won’t find anyone who speaks English. 

In conclusion, if you:

• Use the ATM to withdraw euros
• Stay in the city center
• Use public transportation from the airport
• Research the size and quality of your hotel room
• Learn a little Italian before you arrive

You’ll be sure to have an unforgettable trip, and create memories that will last a lifetime. Have a glass of wine, try the lasagna and drink fill your water bottle from the cities water fountains. The experience Is what you make it!!! And as I Always say, the most important thing to pack is your willingness to embrace something new! Safe travels!!!