The water coming from the small fountains in Rome is drinkable everywhere. Yes, you have read it well, do not do that skeptical face please! Believe me, the water is drinkable for everybody, locals and tourists. Explore the city bringing a bottle that you can fill every time you feel thirsty. The city is filled with small fountains and the water is always cool (and I really mean it, even in summer!)

Do not bath in the fountains!

Even if temperature is super hot and you are literally melting, please refrain from bathing in the fountains. Please do not even just put your feet in them, it is forbidden. I am also sure you do not want to get fined by the local police (another good reason to avoid that I suppose!). Use a small fountain to get refreshed instead.

Stay away from tourist traps

Rome is beautiful but like in every touristic city there are traps to be avoided. As a general rule, avoid places where they sell touristic menus at inviting prices, they will certainly charge you with something else (very pricey) at the end. Also avoid places where they invite from outside to get in. A good place does not need waiters standing outside to invite customers in. Stay away as well from restaurants where the menu is written outside in English. A top suggestion for you: Go in places where there are only Italians, the more they are around you, the better is the food.

Do not rent a car in Rome!

When you are in Rome, be ready to walk. You not only get much better the vibrancy of the city but you can see places you would miss if renting a car. Cars cannot go everywhere in the center and most importantly… have you seen how the Romans drive? Are you sure you want to venture in such a jungle of cars? Oh, I was forgetting… parking in the center of Rome sometimes is like winning a lottery. So, walk, take the metro, a bus or a taxi (the official white ones of course).

Do not wait to cross the street

Let’s put it this way, Romans drive a bit like crazy. Have you noticed that? When crossing the street do not be hesitant but be instead very determined. When you are on the edge of the street to cross and you see that there is enough space between you and the next car coming… go! Believe in what you are doing (which is crossing the street!) and you will see that magically the car will stop without hitting you. In Rome drivers do not like to run over people (!) but they will not stop for you unless you cross the street self-confidently.

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Pincio terrace

It is in the Borghese Gardens, facing Piazza del Popolo. Ideal for a romantic moment and unmissable at sunset.

Campidoglio terrace

Not many tourists know it but from the coffee place in the Capitoline Museums there is a fantastic view. The even more interesting thing is that you don’t need to access (and pay the ticket of) the Capitoline Museums but you can go there for free! The exact address is Piazzale Caffarelli, 4 . Check their website: https://www.terrazzacaffarelli.it/en/

From the Gianicolo hill

A classic viewpoint even for the Romans. When the sky is clear you can even see hills and mountains surrounding Rome. Don’t expect to see St. Peter’s Basilica though, that is kind of behind you.

Orange Garden

This is probably my preferite one. It is located exactly on the opposite side of the Janiculum hill (so this time you can indeed see St. Peter’s Basilica!), it is never very crowded and the small park called Orange Garden is very pretty and well kept. Located on top of the Aventine Hill. A must.

Lo Zodiaco (the Zodiac) at Monte Mario

Grab a taxi and ask the driver to take you to the panoramic terrace called lo Zodiaco on top of Monte Mario. That is the highest point of Rome and from there you can enjoy a comprehensive and beautiful view of the whole city. Recommended at night.

Trinità dei Monti terrace

From the top of the Spanish Steps (where there is the obelisk) the view is enchanting. You are a bit above the roofs of many places but high enough to enjoy a spectacular view. Anytime of the day is fine but at sunset is better.

Rinascente rooftop garden

This shopping mall has been recently opened and it is interesting not only because in the basement you can see what it has been found during the construction of this place (many ruins of an ancient aqueduct beautifully explained with a light show in both Italian and English) but also because of the rooftop garden. No need to buy or consume anything at the bar, simply go there and enjoy the view! The address is Via del Tritone, 61.

So far the free options. If you want to spend a few euros these other places I can recommend you are wonderful as well, if not better!

The dome of St. Peter’s Basilica

This is highest manmade point in Rome and if I suggest you this place there is a valid reason. The view is truly unforgettable. You can see Rome at your feet and when the sky is clear you can even see the sea! Since the view is so beautiful it can be also very crowded. Go there as soon as they open, buy the ticket to take the lift (highly recommended option) and be ready to walk within the dome projected by Michelangelo. A few minutes walking up narrow stairs that will be compensated by one of the most beautiful views of your life. Do not go if you are claustrophobic, the passages inside the structure of the dome are very narrow and there is no escape or way to go back once you start climbing.

The roof of the Vittoriano monument

Since 2007 there are a couple of lifts which take you directly on the top of this controversial yet very loved monument (especially by tourists). The view from up there is highly spectacular as you are literally in the middle of the center of Rome.

Panoramic terrace from the Palatine Hill

Why not combining history with a stunning view? The best way is to go on top of Palatine Hill (Horti Farnesiani section) and enjoy the best view of the Roman Forum and part of the center of Rome.

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Trevi Fountain

It is one of the unmissable sights in Rome, but you are not the only one who wants to see it. If you do not want to be surrounded by thousands of other people, go to see it very early in the morning. There is perfect light for great photos and only a handful of people around you. Better, it isn’t?

Colosseum

The most iconic monument of Rome and one of the most recognizable buildings in the world. Literally everybody coming to Rome wants to see it. Tips to fully enjoy your visit: 1) if you don’t have a prebooked ticket with a timed entry, buy your ticket at Via di San Gregorio 30. It is a less known entrance for most tourists to see the Palatine Hill and the Roman Forum. The ticket is a combined one: you can enter both the Colosseum and Palatine/Roman Forum with it. Buy your ticket there early in the morning (check the opening times online) and go immediately to the Colosseum; 2) if you already have a ticket valid for that day, go as soon as it opens in the morning or one hour before closing in the afternoon. It will be a different experience.

Spanish steps

What a beautiful place to sit, have a chat, take some photos, and relax… unless you are surrounded by a million people! Same tip as for Trevi Fountain: be an early bird. Early in the morning, it is quiet and the light is perfect for photos.

Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel

Here it is a bit more complicated to avoid crowds because they are part of the game in this wonderful place. Try to book a tour for a Friday evening through on of a few reliable tour operators. If you prebook a ticket, choose to visit any time after 2 PM. If you are on a budget and don’t want to spend an extra 4 euros to buy the ticket online and avoid the line, then start queuing after 2 PM. Normally, at that time, lines are shorter and museums are less busy.

Pantheon

This is the most incredible monument left by the Ancient Romans. Today it is a church and sometimes there are long lines to enter. Be an early bird or… a late one! Avoid the middle of the day. And remember (for women) to cover your shoulders and legs, and wear shorts below the knee (for men). Clothing checks are made at the entrance.

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1) Visit churches

You are not Catholic or religious? No problem, you don’t need to be Catholic or religious to appreciate the many artistic treasures you will find. Go to visit papal basilicas (i.e. Santa Maria Maggiore, San Giovanni in Laterano, Santa Croce in Gerusalemme) or other churches, such as Sant’Ignazio, Chiesa del Gesù, Santa Maria in Vallicella, Santa Maria in Trastevere, Santa Cecilia… the list is endless. Simply venture.

2) Capitoline Museums

This is one of the many undervisited gems. Tons of spectacular things to see, including the Lupa (that is the she-wolf, symbol of Rome), plus a breath-taking view from the coffee place at the top (if you are lucky and is has stopped raining in the meantime, even better!). There are never lines to buy tickets.

3) Palazzo Massimo

Who knows why this place is visited by only a handful of people every day. It should be as crowded as the Vatican Museums. If you are into Ancient Romans, this is the place to visit. Statues, mosaics, frescoes, inlaid marbles, and in the basement there is the most spectacular collection of ancient Roman coins in the world (the gold ones are amazing). A must if you are in Rome (and not only when it rains).

4) Galleria Doria Pamphilij

Centrally located (the entrance is in Via del Corso), this picture gallery gives you an idea of the life of a noble family a few centuries ago. Paintings and artworks are displayed in the beautiful galleries and rooms where the Pamphilij family used to live. The descendants of this family live in the other side of this palace. There are works by Raphael, Caravaggio, Velasquez, and so on. Not bad for a rainy day.

5) Basilica of San Clemente

If it happens to rain when you are around the Colosseum and you don’t know what to do… well visit this other must-see site in Rome. This three-level church will keep you busy and interested for a good hour (especially if you have a paper guide with you). Here you will understand very well why Rome is called “lasagna city”!

7) Maxxi

Are you into contemporary art and want to see one of the most spectacular modern buildings of Rome? Then go to Maxxi. It is an excellent choice for something to do when it rains.

8) Stylish bars

If you are tired of walking, try one of the below bars. You will not be disappointed and the frustration of rain will disappear in no time!

• Babington’s Tea (Piazza di Spagna, 23. At the bottom of the steps, left side – the first English tearoom opened in Rome)
• Chiostro del Bramante (Arco della Pace 5, very close to Piazza Navona – modern looking and a warm atmosphere)
• Cafè Doria (Via della Gatta, 1, close to the Pantheon)
• Antico Caffè Greco (Via dei Condotti, 86 – a bit upscale, but with a long history. The favorite coffee place of countless celebrities. Check out the beautiful artworks on the walls).

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