Tips when Visiting Rome Part I

Photo by David Iliff

Rome is one of Europe's top tourist destinations and with over 3.8 million residents, there are a few things that you should know before arriving.

There are two airports that service Rome. The major one is Leonardo da Vinci, also commonly known as Fiumicino. The secondary airport is the one most commonly serviced by charter flights and the average discount flight that many airlines offer from various European cities. Ciampino is the secondary airport and though it's less serviced by major transit, it's easy to take a CORTAL bus to the Metropolitana station which connects with a train that ends at Stazione Termini. This train leaves from Fiumicino every hour. The station is located in the heart of old Rome and is the main hub for all trains, subways, and buses in Rome. It's also surrounded by the cheapest hotels in the city.

The quickest and cheapest way to get around Rome is by bus. ATAC is the main bus company servicing Rome, and two routes go directly through the historical district and the cultural center of Rome. If you're looking to get into the historical center of Rome and the entrance to the Vatican, you'll have to go by bus, taxi, or on foot. While Rome has a subway, called Metro, it doesn't service the oldest parts of the city.

Small fountains found along the streets of Rome, along with larger more decorative fountains are all flowing with cold, fresh water that flows down the mountain springs in the outer areas of the city. These fountains are safe to drink from unless they have a sign posted that reads "acqua non potabile" in which case the water is not safe for drinking. Although drinking is allowed from the fountains, bathing and swimming never is, so don't dip in no matter how hot it is or how inviting the water is, unless you're hoping to be arrested and charged.

Since transit tickets can be used on the bus and the train your pass simply needs to be activated. There are metro ticket machines, however these only take exact change and are known to eat money and produce no tickets. Instead of using the machines, purchase your tickets at the station, from a newsstand, or a nearby tobacconist.

Street scammers, beggars, and thieves run abundant in the Eternal City, so make sure you're prepared ahead of time. Always wear a money belt or secure money pouch under your clothing. Bags should have a secure zipper and if possible, a Velcro flap over the zipper as well. Never leave bags on the ground or walk away from your belongings. If you turn your head for even a moment, you may lose your belongings. Also be aware of scammers who present themselves as police and demand to know the pin numbers of your credit and debit cards. They scan your cards into a machine and then demand to know your personal identification number. These are not really police, the police would never demand your pin. As soon as possible, call your bank and report this activity to the real police. Any case of robbery should be reported immediately.

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