October 30, 2025, 12:03 pm | Read time: 7 minutes

Rome is also called the “Eternal City”—because life has been unfolding here for millennia. Even the ancient Romans were convinced that their city would always endure. With its high density of UNESCO World Heritage sites, Rome resembles a vast open-air museum, telling a story at every corner. Yet, Rome is not a city of the past but full of energy, chaos, and charm—a place that stays in your memory. Here are seven tips to make your stay not only stress-free but also more authentic.

1. Book Admission Tickets Online in Advance

It may sound simple, but it saves nerves: For highlights like the Vatican, the Colosseum, or the Pantheon, tickets should be booked online before the trip. On-site, the lines are often endless, especially if you arrive during peak times. Before our visit, we searched just a few days in advance on the Vatican Museums’ website for tickets and, lo and behold, all time slots were sold out. Admission to the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel can be purchased together as a ticket.

At St. Peter’s Basilica, which is also part of the Vatican, admission is generally free. However, some providers promise faster entry for a small fee. We arrived at St. Peter’s Basilica on a Sunday afternoon. No chance: It was not clear which line was the “Fast Entry” with a ticket and which was the regular visitor line, as everyone was merged into a single waiting mass. Estimated wait time: three hours. Our tip would be to try entry on a weekday at an off-peak time.

At the famous Colosseum, a booked entry slot is also required: Here, the demand for tickets in advance is not quite as high—even a few days before, free slots were available online.

2. Start Early to Avoid Crowds

Rome in the early morning is almost a different city. Those who are out before 9 a.m. have many of the attractions to themselves: no crowds at the popular Trevi Fountain, no selfie congestion at the Spanish Steps, and no long lines at the Vatican. And the best part: Especially in the summer months, you escape the hot midday sun. Less advisable: Visiting the Trevi Fountain on a Saturday at 3 p.m.—as we did. Even on the way there, you almost get stuck in the masses.

3. Be Cautious When Buying Tickets for Transportation

A ride on public transport costs 1.50 euros, and a day pass for 24 hours is 8.50 euros. For 48 hours, you pay 15 euros (as of 2025). The fastest way from the airport to Rome is with the Leonardo Express, which costs 14 euros per ride.

Now, to a scam we fell for: In the rush, we searched online for day passes and were immediately directed to a site that seemed legitimate. It claimed to sell various services in one package: a 48-hour ticket, airport transport, Uber-Lime bike, and up to 5 euros for taxi rides—for 21 euros. What did we get for it? Only the 48-hour ticket, which normally costs 15 euros. Very annoying, especially since we walked a lot and didn’t even need all the day passes.

Also, be cautious of supposed street vendors around train stations or tourist spots—these tickets are often overpriced or invalid.

4. Explore Rome’s Authentic Neighborhoods

Sure, the Colosseum, Vatican, and Pantheon belong on every Rome bucket list—but the real Rome hides between the attractions. In neighborhoods like Trastevere, Monti, or Testaccio, Rome shows its most authentic side: Here, laundry lines hang between old facades, Vespas rattle over cobblestones, and small trattorias smell of fresh pasta and pecorino. Instead of souvenir shops, you’ll find vintage boutiques, street art, and wine bars where Italian is still spoken.

Especially the trendy Trastevere neighborhood transforms into a small stage full of life in the evenings: music, laughter, aperitivo glasses—and in the midst of it all, the colorful hustle and bustle where locals and travelers mix. To truly understand Rome, leave the major attractions behind for a moment—and dive right into the Dolce Vita between alleys, gelato, and relaxation.

5. Eat Away from Tourist Hotspots

Rome is a paradise for gourmets—if you know where to eat. Around major attractions, many overpriced restaurants with tourist menus and average pizza and pasta lurk. It’s better to walk a few streets further and dine where Italian is spoken and the menu is short and honest. The slightly less touristy neighborhoods like Testaccio, Trastevere, or Monti are also recommended. Here you’ll find authentic trattorias and osterias. Add a glass of house wine, the buzz of voices around you—and you’re right in the middle of real Roman life.

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6. Bring Water Bottles and Refill Them Often

A real Rome life hack: All over the city, there are small drinking water fountains, the so-called “Nasoni.” The water is fresh, clean, and free. Perfect for refilling your bottle on the go—especially in summer when Rome heats up significantly. There are over 2,500 of them, so don’t worry: You definitely won’t go thirsty here.

7. Enjoy Rome at Sunset—Even for Free

As the sun sets over the rooftops of Rome, the city transforms into a magical sunset scene. A tip for a free view of Rome is the Vittorio Emanuele II Monument. You can climb a few steps to the terraces and have a breathtaking view over Piazza del Campidoglio, the Roman Forum, and the Colosseum.

It’s quieter than in the city center on the Janiculum Hill above Trastevere. The climb is worth it: From here, you get a breathtaking view over the city’s rooftops to St. Peter’s Basilica and the hills on the horizon.

The Terrazza del Pincio near Villa Borghese is also worth a visit for the sundowner. The sun slowly disappears behind the rooftops here, bathing the city’s domes in warm light. On the terrace, locals and visitors gather, lean against the railing, listen to street musicians, and enjoy the moment. Even during the day, the expansive city park Villa Borghese is ideal for a breather—shady paths and wide meadows invite you to relax. You can even rent rowboats on the small lake there. Bellissimo!