Going to Rome next month and I’ve watched countless videos on tips and tricks for getting around Rome. This has been the most informational and helpful. Thank you so much.
I'm currently on my last night of being in rome (60hrs) and I was so poorly prepared I only saw the collosseum. I never even thought to look up any guides or tips. I just showed up 😅 Man there's sooooo much to see and I barely saw 1%
What a great video! I lived in Rome 30 years ago and am going back for the first time since then in 2024. Of course things have changed a lot since then. Your advice is excellent!
Thanks for the kind words & I am glad you liked the video. Some things have changed over the past 30 years in Rome but so much has stayed the same. Enjoy your trip!
Thank you for the tips I am planning a trip to Rome Florence and Venice in September and appreciated the info on the metro payments and high speed rail
Some people just want to see the Saint peters and don’t have to pay. It’s still better to get there early as the crowds are much smaller and you can actually enjoy the place much better. If you wanna go on top of the dome, you still have to get there you can’t pre-pay your tickets for that And the dome opens at 8 AM. Saint peters now opens at 7 AM.
Actually, St Peter's Basilica opens at 7am and the Vatican Museums open at 8am. The Basilica is free and you enter from the side closest to St Peter's Square. The museums have a totally different entrance and it's not from St Peter's Square
Thank you for these tips 🤩I’m finding Rome to be overwhelming; nevertheless I want to travel Italy to experience it. My Mom , Uncle and Grandfather (1st marriage) were all born in Corropoli and moved to Canada in the ‘50’s. Unfortunately all three were loss when I was young so never had the chance to ask them about Italy 🇮🇹. Their family name was : Varze ; if anyone from Italy has this last name, please let me know. My mom named me ‘Bari Marcus Anthony’. This being said I most likely will travel Italy to see Rome, Pompeii, Venice and Como without the aid of my relatives in Italy, simply cuz I can’t find them. As a greenhorn tourist to Italy I pretty much need all the advice I can get coming from Canada, including the best connecting flights, hotels and places to eat . Cheers ! Chef Bari
Rome is a bit chaotic but awesome at the same time. My recommendation is just do it. For first time in Rome try staying in the Monti area where there is easy access to the subway and many things to see within walking distance. If you do not stay in Monti just try to stay in city center/ historical area. May I also recommend you visit Florence. It is a small city and easy to get around and it is also stunningly beautiful. I personally did not care for Pomeii it was ruin overload for me but most people really enjoy it. I would rather visit Sorrento and Naples that are nearby. Have a great trip. I hope you find your relatives!
Lots of great information and advice in this video! I've been watching videos for months in preparation for my trip to Rome and this was the first time I've seen anyone mention Tap & Go. Thank you! 🙂
Appreciate so much information☀️ do you feel it’s OK use a 16 oz stainless steel water bottle into the Vatican, Colosseum or other museums, including the churches and Basilica? I was thinking of getting that instead of using plastic bottles to refill. Regarding pickpockets, is it common that someone’s crossover bag have the string cut and removed? I’m being advised not to take a purse, but I feel it would be safe. I have already been to Spain two years ago, watched my surroundings and had no issues. thank you!
First question I think stainless water bottle would be great, water fill ups everywhere. Secpond question very unlikely to have straps cut or removed. Press on!
Here is an updated version with soe repeats but I think there are 7 new tips ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-DPVXyWiYuio.htmlsi=wvOlXhhEF_pyfyrC
Thanks so much for these great new ‘24 tips. I’m all set for using Rome /Naples transportation now & downloaded the free now app. Saving money & time..
You can use the same credit card as long as it is on separate devices so you can have the same card on 2 different smartphones or one could be on phone and the other use actual card. It just needs to track each person individually. If you were to scan the same card or devise twice it would only charge once until it has been 100 minutes
You are likely talking about the museum? There are some museum tickets that also give access to Saint Peters Basilica. If you have that ticket you will not need to worry about the line. If not you will also have to wait in additional line to get into basilica. Hope that helps.
I love your videos!! Thank you for your valuable tips & wonderful advice - they're certainly ones I will be using next time I travel to "heaven" (Italy!). Yourself and your wife are so kind - and very down to earth. Very much appreciated. I look forward to seeing more of your tips in future. 🤩🤩
I really appreciate you taking the time to comment. Comments like yours motivates me to make more videos. Glad you liked the video. Each video I am trying to make a little better!
Great advice for the Vatican. I went in February and went to the museums in the morning and then went to visit the Basiilica straight after. Line was ridiculous. Came back the next morning and got there at 7.30am and was in line for about 10-15 minutes. Early bird gets the worm.
Gelato is a type of ice cream and basically the only type sold in Italy. Panna is great on almost anything! Most shops add it for free but you usually have to ask.
Just discovered your channel and am about to head to Europe (including Rome) in a few days with my partner. Great and realistic advice, some good information to take with me!
This did happen to me recently and I was also curious how they would verify. I told them I used Tap & Go and they just asked to see the app or credit card I used and they were able to verify in just a few seconds that it was used to purchase Tap & Go. Works great!
Le statue più ammirate da Goethe, Winkelman, Lessing, Stendhal e dai turisti del Grand Tour, in gran parte , sono esposte nel Museo Nazionale Romano nella sede di Palazzo Altemps. Questo museo è immenso: ha quattro sedi: Palazzo Massimo (vicino alla stazione Termini),Palazzo Altemps (vicino a Piazza Navona),le Terme di Diocleziano (vicino alla stazione Termini) e Cripta Balbi. Ecco un piccolissimo elenco di opere di eccezionale importanza: Il Galata suicida insieme alla sua donna (faceva coppia con il Galata morente dei Musei Capitolini) Discobolo Lancellotti (statua contesa fra Roma e Monaco di Baviera) Discobolo di Castel Porziano Acrolito Ludovisi (originale greco) Niobide degli orti sallustiani (originale greco importantissimo) Trono Ludovisi (originale greco) Ermes Loghios Ares Ludovisi (con eccezionali restauri di G.L.Bernini) Erinni Ludovisi (originale greco) Augusto nella veste di Pontefice Massimo Il Busto di Giunone (Goethe se ne immamorò a tal punto che acquistò il relativo gesso che portò a casa sua a WEIMAR dove ancora si vede). L'Apollo del Tevere Il pugile in riposo Il principe ellenistico LA FANCIULLA DI ANZIO (originale ellenistico preziosissimo che fu acquistato dallo stato italiano con una cifra enorme per evitare che uscisse dai confini dell'Italia). Il ritratto dell'imperatore Gallieno Ara di Ostia antica Sarcofago Ludovisi Sarcofago di Acilia Christus docens Efebo di Subiaco Ecc.ecc. Inoltre in questo museo sono conservati gli affreschi della villa di Livia , la moglie dell'imperatore Augusto e gli affreschi della villa Farnesina. Perché queste pitture sono importanti? Perché sono opere dei pittori migliori essendo le loro opere destinate addirittura all'imperatore! Nessun museo al mondo possiede pitture di questa qualità! Quando esisteva il Grand Tour e i turisti erano più preparati intellettualmente essi si rivolgevano al più illustre ritrattista dell'epoca Pompeo Batoni . Si facevano effigiare accanto a molte delle statue che ho prima citato. Questi ritratti ora sono esposti nei più prestigiosi musei del mondo (National Gallery di Londra, Galleria Nazionale di arte antica di Roma, Louvre ecc.ecc, ) Potrei parlare molto più a lungo. Mi meraviglio che questo museo sia così poco noto all'estero. In realtà è probabilmente il più importante del mondo per quanto riguarda I 'arte greco-romana. Sono stato abbastanza convincente?
Your videos are highly informative. My wife and I will be visiting in May 2024. Question: Years ago, we used Eurail to explore some countries. Do they still have those information kiosks marked with "I' at major train stations where you can make pensione and hotel reservations. Our aim is not to prebook accommodations so we can have a much more flexible itinerary. Your recommendation is greatly appreciated. We will be travelling from USA/Nevada.
I’m currently in Rome and we were scammed by a taxi. We had no idea about the app, we stood in the Taxi pickup area. We gave the driver a 50 Euro and he hid it and pulled out 5 Euro and said that is what we gave him. They need to do something about these scoundrels!
Sorry to hear that really sucks. There is always somebody out there trying to take advantage. Yeah I would recommend using the app next time you get a taxi because on the app it tells you the amount that’s anticipated for the ride and you can also pay through the app. If you don’t pay through the app I pay with credit card to the taxi. Also, whenever you get in a taxi, make sure they turn the meter on just so they can’t make up a price when they get there. The meter should be in display that you can watch the fee increase as you progress on your trip. Remember if you use a taxi late at night, on Sundays and holidays there is a few dollar surcharge in addition to their normal rates, but that’s included on the meter. The pick up fee is just greater during those times.
@@RozierRoma Thanks for the explanation. We enjoyed our 3 day stay in Rome, now we are in Florence!! We met a few families who took advantage of the Costco Travel discount prices. It was a steal 😉
When paying cash for anything anywhere in the world, I always say out loud how much I am handing over in bills and lay out the bills clearly, like "here's 2 twenties, a 10, and 4 ones. That's 54, right?" I also expect some sort of acknowledgement on the part of the receiver. It's not foolproof but it makes them aware that I am paying attention. 😊
A fantastic video. So well made just one question. Let's say I tap my card getting onto the bus or at the metro, don't I have to make sure I tap again getting off the bus or coming out of metro, otherwise I'll keep been charged? That's how it was in London so not sure.
No, you do not. Online B there are some turnstiles that will require you to tap again for the turnstile to work but it will not charge you. Otherwise, you do not need to tap again to get off buses or metro.
Great video, with a tap and go does it have a ticket that registers in your wallet so you can prove you paid? Also what is the train app you used? Thanks
This happened to me recently. If you use a credit card or an app on your phone, all you need to show the attendant is your credit card or app and let them know that you use tap and go. They have a device to quickly check if the card or app was used. It takes about five seconds. The app I was using was Italo. Another app is Trenitalia. Both have high-speed rail, but I typically use it low as it is typically less expensive and equally nice trains. The network of trains is not as extensive as the other, but it does tend to serve most of the popular cities with high-speed rail. There are other apps out there, third-party apps that I would not recommend using.
I am glad it was helpful, just remember to be on time to the train!! Here is a link to a new video I just made that I think you may find helpful.ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-CUQ4erd_A9Y.htmlsi=4ygdVjvkc1v9XP8X
Wow ! I stumbled upon your channel. Thank you so much; really informative but tell me if an inspector on the metro wants you to evidence a ticket but you paid with your credit card then how do you prove you paid? Thanks again pal.
Thank you!! Lots of useful tips in comparison to other videos. Love the Tap and Go tip and opting for a taxi once arriving at Rome. Will be there in 3 weeks!
Ciao! I am confused on the train app you used at the end for reservations. You mentioned in a comment below that you used FREENOW app but I am seeing only cab type rides with this app. Am I missing something? Will be traveling from Milan to Rome mid May.
Sorry I may have spoke wrong. The app for taxis is FREENOW but for trains it is Italo & trainitalia. Italo is only high speed and serves only major cities. Better if you can find your train on it otherwise use Trenitalia
You lost me at tax refund. Are you talking about duty-free shopping? I’m not really sure how that works. I see stores in the airports but in general, not sure. My personal opinion is if you ask for that when shopping in Rome, they will not know where you’re talking about.
Tip 4 is wonderful! I hope you will do a full-length video on budget food in Rome, and show us all of your favorite places and dishes/items! And, because our family is vegan, we would love any similar options that offer vegan! For example, we would love to try a sandwich like offered at All'Antico Vinaio, but I don't believe they have vegan options! :(
Great idea! I will do that. I know Vinaio has at least 1 vegan option and a few vegetarian options. My favorite sandwitch in Rome is actually the Forno in Campo De' Fiori. Priced half as much as Vinaio and in my opinion are better. I know they have vegan options there.
I don't understand why these videos never point out how dirty these places are with graffiti and trash. Scammers and puck pockets and people selling bracelets and bull crap to scam you. It's not peaceful vacation vibes. Rome is filthy. Monuments are beautiful but the town is like an American ghetto.
There is hardly a city in the USA with millions of people with less crime and cleaner than Rome. Other than theft crime in Rome is very low. All the scams are minor and easily avoided. Graffiti is a problem but in some neighborhoods like Trastevere it is embraced and adds to the atmosphere. There is good and bad everywhere and the good far exceeds the bad in Rome. As far as a peaceful vacation I agree Rome is not that type of vacation however there are plenty of locations in Italy that are.
I noticed in the comments that you said there was a flat rate of 50 euros from the airport (FCO?) to Rome. Is it that same flat fare from central Rome to FCO?
Yes, it is the same fee. Either way in fact, in all of the taxi doors are the rates to and from the airport which indicate €50. They may charge an extra one dollar per bag but some taxi drivers do and some don’t. Just make sure you’re getting into a taxi with the taxi sign on top and not a black sedan. Typically black sedans and vans cost more. Once in Rome, it is best to use the app FRENOW and you can request the size of tax you need if you need it for four passengers. It cost the same. You don’t need to use the app if you’re near a taxi station, however
Great tips, not sure how to avoid the metro though (with all your bags) if you are using train and rail between major cities/towns and might not be able to book a high speed train for every destination? Also which app were you using for the High Speed Rail?
If you arrive to Rome by train you can gran a taxi at Termini station for about 15 euros to most hotels. I use Italo app for high speed train. From Rome most major cities are connected by high speed rail. If you have the time regular speed trains are much cheaper. All other trains I use Trenitalia app
I recently heard that there was a law passed in Rome, in which tourists must show their actual passport, if requested by the authorities. They also said that a copy of the passport was no longer valid, and that the patron would be fined for not producing their passport, when requested. Is this true?? Thanks!
I have never heard that and I would doubt it too be true. If you carry your passport with you you are just asking for it to be stollen. During covid they did require it for a minute.
many people have advised that the law requires travelers to carry their passport and cops may stop you and require to see the passport (photo is not accepted). How often could this happen?
How do I get from Chivitiveccia to Rome with a tour of the city & drop off at my hotel? I’m coming into Italy on RCCL but their buses are sold out for next May 2025. It was $159 pp Any one way transportation w a day tour?
@@RozierRoma I’d like to be picked up at the port & take advantage of my short 3 night stay by getting a tour of the city since I can’t check into the hotel anyway.
They carry a device sick and easily check if your credit card or phone was used to purchase via the tapping go system. Just tap every time and you’ll be good.
The ticket checkers carry a devise that can see if you used Tap & Go. You tap their device with your card in it lets them know if it was used. Super easy
Official taxis 1000% can rip you right off. Be cautious and have data on your cellphone with google maps. In 2005 I was working the line at the Vatican and there was a skip the line guided tour I was offering. It was half legit, a made guy was taking care of it. Do they still offer this service?
If you are in the city of Rome and in a legit taxi it is unlikely you will get ripped off especially if you do two things. Before getting in ask in the credit cards are ok if not find a taxi with a working card reader and make sure they turn to meter on when you get in. Outside of Rome it is still the wild west, buyer beware. Yes there are always several people selling skip the line tickets. I think what they are doing is buying the tickets early before they sell out and resale them at a premium day of. Not real sure about that I have never purchased from them.
Not sure the exact reason, but from time to time it does shut down. One time shut down for us when we were out by the Vatican and we had to walk everywhere because once the metro shut down, it’s hard to get a taxi.
Sorry if you have already answered this but what app are you referring to with the high speed train? I kept going back but didn't hear you say the name of the app. My family is going to Italy in late June and we are tying to save as much money as possible. Thank a ton.
For high-speed rail, that is where you save money not on the regular local trains and the app I use is Italo app. Remember you have to book as far in advance as possible, especially in peak season to get savings but if you don’t use your ticket for any reason they will not refund you any money. That is the slight drawback best of luck.
You do save money by taking local trains. Don’t get me wrong but the price does not change typically with advanced purchase that’s all I’m saying. If you’re not going very far and you have the time taking a regular train to, for example Naples consider you quite a bit of money if you don’t get a good discount on the high-speed, but it does take, about two hours longer
Hello. It seems that you are giving contradictory information regarding the Metro. On the one hand it sounded like you could tap and go into the Metro and therefore no ticket is needed. And then at another point you say that Metro people may check on your way out of the Metro for a ticket. But if you tap in you won't have a ticket. So, question is, do you or do you not need a ticket to get on the Metro? I may have heard incorrectly, so just checking as we are leaving for Rome in mid June
Sorry I was not clear. If you are using paper tickets, if proof of purchase is required, you will need that ticket on the way out. So do not throw your ticket away until you exit. If you are using Tap & Go just show the ticket enforcer your credit card or phone and they have device they tap it with to verify if used to purchase. So your phone or credit card is your ticket. Hope that helps.
I would not recommend taking a taxi from Rome to Naples but you can if you are willing to pay. It will cost around 400 euros if you can get a driver to accept. He may want you to also pay for him to get back to Rome, maybe another 200 euros. High speed rail is much faster and better. The FREEnow app is also used in Naples as in most larger cities in Italy.
Thanks for the very practical tips! I’ve watched over a dozen videos for my upcoming trip and yours has been the most informative! I did have a couple questions: 1) Tap and Go will obviously means you avoid fines at any stage since you’re always validated, but do you need to tap out on the bus? 2) I had to buy a new ticket (earlier train) via the Trenitalia app from Cinque Terre to Rome, is there a ticket resale platform as I can’t get a refund?
Answer to first question you only need to tap when getting on but. Also there are a few metro stations where you will need to tap to get out, Also good to know the Tap & Go machines are located on front of bus so best to enter at front. Train tickets that are not assigned seats need to be validated. If you are on a non high speed train your purchased ticket can be used for other times just validate before getting on departure. If you purchased high speed train tickets you may be able to get a partial refund just depending on the type of ticket you purchased.
Just show your phone or credit card and they have a devise they tap with it the verifies that it was used. I have many great tips and information about Rome in a new Travel guide I am making rometravelguida.com. Check it out!
I just watched my first video on your channel and subscribed right away, tey are great, thanks for making them. I am going for two weeks I'm October,, flying into Rome and leaving from Venice. I am in the process of booking accomodations for my wife and I and am wondering if you have recommendations in that regard. Thanks!
Don't wait too much longer to get your place secured. Check out the video.ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-qVhgZI7TFQo.htmlsi=raePYqOlKzONY1dV For other options I would recommend looking on airbnb in the Campo de fiori/largo Agentina/Navona area. Get one with at least 50 reviews and 4.7 or higher if available. good luck.
Day of you will pay full fair. To get a discount you will need to purchase in advance and during peak season you may need to purchase 3 to 4 weeks in advance to get the largest discount. All high speed trains have assigned seats and some trains will sell out in advance. You can usually find tickets day of if flexible on times.
Just show how you paid either ard or phone anf they have a devise that can determine if used. You basically tap their devise with method you tapped for entry
With tap & go, do you have to use or tap the credit card again exiting the Metro. Also with tap & go, what do you show a ticket inspector if you get stopped?
Just arrived Germany from romefrom9 days Easter holiday. Been pickpocket despite been careful throughout the trip and jumped up on crowded bus 64 for 3 stations stop to termini on raining day, within 5mins, wallet gone. Very sure pickpockets still in same bus with me when discovered wallet gone.
Thank you very much! These are great tips for planning my trip to Italy. Could I ask for those trains at great low prices, which often can’t be canceled or mortified, what should I do if the train gets cancelled, would they automatically book me for a new train? Or do I have to buy new ticket? Thank you!
It is very rare that high speed trains with pre-paid tickets get cancelled but if for some reason they do they will notify you via the app and give you options. We just put out a Rome Travel Guide called Rome Travel Guida. I think it would be very helpful to you as you plan your visit, It is $20 but half off with code "Guidame".
That’s also what makes it beautiful! Thanks for watching a video and making a comment. Hopefully the rest of your trip impress for you. Don’t forget to grab pizza at the Jewish bakery in the Jewish ghetto. That will put a smile on your face not the service but the pizza, which is actually more of a pastry but not super sweet. Give it a try you’ll love it.
Monthly transit passes are good for a specific month and can be purchased at ticket offices in the metro or at many tobacco stores. If your 30 days in split into 2 different months you will need to purchase a pass for each month, may or may not be worth it. Good luck!
7:03 ive seen others say that you're actually supposed to walk around with your passport in case you need ID... is this not the case? i'd SO prefer not to walk around with it like you suggest! just something i saw lots of people say
Lots of people say that but I promise a picture of it on your phone works just fine. If you are getting a rental car, sim card you will need to shaw actual passport. Do not tour city with passport in my opinion
How are you supposed to show your ticket ( if asked), if you used the tap & go to get on the bus/metro.. IF I get stopped, I have nothing to show them besides my card.
Appreciate this comprehensive yet simple video! We are going to Rome in 4 weeks and it’s not possible to buy a ticket to the vatican anymore. Of course on some ripoff sites you can buy them but not from the official site. Do you thin kwe can get in at 8am buying a ticket right there?
To go to the Vatican Basilica it is free and it opens at 7 AM. If you get there before eight, you should not have too long of a line to stand in. If you want to go to the museum, it opens at 8 AM.. I was just getting there closer to seven or 7:30 AM at the latest to get in line for tickets. The earlier the better. The line putting the museum starts forming early. Hope you had a great trip.
Thank you for this! A couple of tours I have booked have stated that to curb the issue of ticket scalping, they are requiring passports as identification. Will a picture suffice for this purpose?
Thank you so much. We are going to Italy in Sept and getting on a cruise ship. We will spend 2 days in Rome first. We have seen so much information on where to stay near the train or cruise port. What advice do you have for that? Thank you.
I recommend staying in Rome. You can catch the train at Termini train station and there’s also a train station that it passes next to or very close to the Vatican that you can catch to Ciavitavechia. That way you can spend more time in Rome and the boats don’t leave until the evening so you have plenty of time to get there without a problem .
For tours for the colosseum and Vatican, do we need our passport for identification? I know they said we need form of identification but I’m not sure if our normal ID is enough?😢
They cary a devise that you tap if requested to show proof. It happened to me recently. It only took a few seconds for them to verify my credit card was used to purchase tap & go. So no need for a ticket as proof of purchase.
@rozierroama I really love your videos, very informative and right on time ! Yes..I see. I visited last year first week in May. I have noticed such a price increase in air and hotel! . I am reserving the excursions now. Wow!
Yeah, I get those rooms booked right away the closer you get to May the higher the prices go. As high as the prices seem right now, they can go quite a bit higher as the date approaches.
I don’t understand. You can use your phone to pay on a bus or a turnstile. Does it dispense the ticket? And each ticket is for 100 minutes? Can you get a ticket for the whole day?
With tap and go, you just tap every time and the most it will charge you in a given day is the cost of a daily ticket which I think is seven euros but whatever it is you get the best rate. You do not need a ticket if they check you for a ticket just show them your phone that you paid with or your credit card or ATM and they can verify it quickly through a device they carry, with tap and go they do make it easy for you because now you really only pay for what you use. In the past, you could buy a three day ticket but not even use the metro or bus enough to justify the purchase, but now if you do justify the purchase, it will automatically give you the one day rate, two day rate, three day rate, whatever’s best value for you
Bus tickets are good for 100 minutes but even if you get on a second bus 30 minutes later and tap it will not charge you the second tap because you tapped within 100 minutes. The same tickets are used for the metro, but they are only good for one time underground not for 100 minutes.
