Rome for First Timers

Updated: April 19, 2026
By Santorini Dave • dave@santorinidave.com

My Favorite Hotels in Rome

• 5-Star: Hassler
• 4-Star: Artemide • Singer Palace
• 3-Star: Palm Gallery • HT6 Hotel
• For families: Internazionale Domus
• For couples: Inn at the Roman Forum

15 Tips for First-Time Visitors to Rome

1. Stay in the Centro Storico (Historic Center)

For a first visit to Rome, this is where you want to stay. Basing yourself in the historic center puts you in the middle of the city’s most atmospheric streets. You will be able to walk to most ancient sights, stumble upon incredible trattorias, and feel completely immersed in Roman life. Family-friendly rooms are tough to find in this area, so I recommend booking as early as possible.

2. Understanding the Boundaries of the Historic Center

Think of the center as a large, walkable diamond defined by major landmarks. The northern point is the Spanish Steps, the western boundary is the Tiber River, and the eastern edge runs roughly along the Via del Tritone. The southern point is Piazza Venezia, which borders the Roman Forum. Deep inside this diamond is where you will find the heart of the city, including the Pantheon and the Trevi Fountain. Staying anywhere within this area is ideal for sightseeing.

3. Use the Metro for Speed, Buses for Coverage

Rome’s public transport consists of two systems that work together. The Metro is best for high-speed travel between major hubs, such as moving from Termini Station to the Colosseum or from the Spanish Steps to the Vatican. However, Metro lines do not cover the historic core. The bus network is what you will use to reach the narrow streets around the Pantheon or neighborhoods like Trastevere. My best strategy is to walk as much as possible, use the metro for long hops, and use the bus to fill the gaps.

4. Pay for Transport with a Contactless Card

The easiest way to pay for the metro, buses, and trams is with the Tap & Go system. Use a contactless credit card, debit card, or your phone with Apple Pay or Google Wallet. On the Metro, you tap your card at the gate to enter. On a bus or tram, you tap once on the reader when you board. Each rider needs their own separate card or device: you cannot tap the same card twice to pay for two people.

5. Plan Your Fiumicino Airport (FCO) Transfer in Advance

Decide how you will get to your hotel before you land. From Rome’s main airport, you have three primary options:

• The Leonardo Express train is the fastest way to reach Termini Station, though you will still need to get from the station to your hotel.
• Official white city taxis from the designated rank have a fixed fare to the city center and offer door-to-door service.
• A pre-booked car service is the most seamless method. The driver meets you in the arrivals hall for a fixed price, which I find is the most stress-free way to start a trip, especially for families.

6. Use Termini Station, But Do Not Stay There

You will likely use Termini Station as it is the hub for airport trains and high-speed rail. While hotel prices are lower in this area, it lacks the charm and magic of the rest of Rome. The neighborhood is chaotic and noisy. It is much better to stay in a central neighborhood like the area around the Pantheon or in Trastevere and take a short taxi or metro ride to Termini when you need to catch a train.

7. Confirm Your Hotel Has A/C and an Elevator

These are two critical details for a comfortable stay. Air conditioning is essential if you are traveling during the summer as the heat can be intense. Additionally, many charming hotels are located in ancient buildings that do not have an elevator. If stairs are a concern, filter your search for a lift or contact the property directly to confirm.

8. Book Your Hotel Months in Advance

The best hotels and guesthouses in the historic center are often small properties that sell out quickly. For travel during peak season, I suggest booking your accommodations six to nine months in advance to secure a high-quality room in a prime location.

9. Book Colosseum and Vatican Tickets Immediately

As soon as your flights and hotel are confirmed, book your tickets for the Colosseum and the Vatican Museums. These sights frequently sell out weeks or months in advance. You should not expect to buy tickets on the day of your visit. Book directly through official websites or a reputable tour company.

10. A Guided Tour is a Worthwhile Investment

Rome’s history is incredibly dense. A guided tour of the Roman Forum, Colosseum, and the Vatican Museums is worth the expense. A professional guide will navigate the crowds and provide the context necessary to make the ruins and art truly meaningful.

11. Wear Your Most Comfortable Shoes

You will walk more in Rome than you expect, and much of it will be on uneven cobblestones known as sanpietrini. This is a city where function must come before fashion. Your most comfortable, broken-in walking shoes are the most important item you will pack.

12. Drink from the Nasoni Water Fountains

Public drinking fountains called nasoni (big noses) are located all over the city. The water is fresh, cold, and safe to drink. Carry a reusable bottle and fill it up throughout the day to stay hydrated and save money.

13. Make Dinner Reservations and Eat Late

Most restaurants in Rome get busy around 8:30 PM or 9:00 PM. For any highly-rated spot, especially in popular areas like Trastevere, a reservation is essential. Also, look for the coperto on your bill, which is a standard, non-optional cover charge for bread and table service.

14. Learn the Italian Coffee Rules

For a quick and inexpensive coffee, stand at the bar (al banco) like a local. An espresso usually costs about one euro at the bar. If you choose to sit at a table (a tavola), that same coffee can cost significantly more. Additionally, Italians generally view a cappuccino as a morning-only drink.

15. Cover Up to Enter Churches

A strict dress code is enforced at St. Peter’s Basilica, the Pantheon, and most other churches. Shoulders and knees must be covered for all visitors. I recommend carrying a lightweight scarf that you can easily wrap around your shoulders or waist before entering a sacred site.