Vacations in Rome: tips, addresses, tourist attractions

Rome is an Italian city, located in the central part of the country. Since 1871, it is the Italian capital. With its 2,722,900 inhabitants, the city of Rome is the largest municipality in Italy, but it remains less important than Naples or Milan. Known for its Baroque and Renaissance style, Rome is the third most visited European city, just behind London and Paris.

Practical information

Tipping

When you go out in the evening or even at lunchtime, know that the choice to leave a tip is totally up to you.

This means that you are not obliged to leave a tip and if you do not leave anything, it will not be frowned upon. However, if you see your bill increased, know that it is the bottle of mineral water that was charged to you.

Distractions

Visits to churches are free. In the museums, the entrance fees vary between 8 and 15€ per person. And if you have trouble choosing the right attractions, don’t hesitate to go to one of the information points, well distributed in the city center.

Indeed, they replace the tourist office, but you can find city maps, passes and advice. These points are open every day from 9:30 am to 7 pm. At the Visitor Centre, you can see exhibitions of models of the imperial forums.

Italian cuisine

The presentation Italian cuisine is very influenced by the rural environment, but also by the Jewish culture. It is known all over the world as being quite simple, but at the same time tasty, healthy and above all nutritious.

The most popular dishes are pasta, of course, but also meat, especially white meat. Fish is also appreciated.

However, it is a product that is still very expensive. The most popular dishes are vegetable-based dishes. In the list, you will find the artichokes à la romaine.

The tradition in Rome says that on Thursdays you have to eat gnocchi. Friday is the place for fish, and more precisely, cod.

Finally, Saturday is the day of tripe. To accompany their meal, Italians prefer white or red wine. Thus, wine bars are places that you can see everywhere.

What to see

Rome is an ancient city, with churches and fountains that reveal its history.

The churches

If you are passionate about churches, the complete list of churches in Rome will guide you in your visit. Start by visiting St. Peter’s Basilica, then continue your day by visiting the Vatican Museums. Here you can see the Sistine Chapel, the Chamber of Raphael, but also the Pinacoteca. Other churches not to be missed are the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, St. Peter’s, Trinity of the Mounts.

The gardens

Discover the magnificent gardens of Villa Medici. As for the fountains, you have about fifteen of them. Among the most famous and most visited are the Piazza Venezia, the Fountain of the Bees and the Trevi Fountain.

Accommodation

Hotels

The city of Rome offers several accommodation options. Here you will find a variety of hotels. For those on a budget, you can choose between dormitories, youth hostels, religious institutions or smaller hotels. Camping can be another solution.

Campsites

During the summer it is quite difficult to find accommodation, so camping can be a good plan for your trip or weekend in Rome. A special edition is dedicated to camping. It is available in Italian bookstores. You will find all the campsites in Rome. Prices vary between 20 and 30€ for 2 people (prices in June 2011). There is a special rate for children. Youth hostels are everywhere in Rome. If you have not booked online, do not forget the AJ card, available in France.