Rome enchants the visitor with its unreal surroundings. But what things come as a surprise?
1. Take into account the accommodation tax
The tourist tax, i.e. a nightly surcharge paid by tourists for accommodation, has quickly spread to popular holiday destinations. The tax is easily overlooked by travelers booking hotels. Many booking websites mention this in the small print, which is not necessarily connected to the price information.
The tourist tax introduced in Rome in 2011 has been increased from the original price. In 2024, it will be 4–10 euros per person per night, depending on the level of accommodation. The cheapest tax is charged for a one-star hotel, the highest for a five-star hotel.
Each accommodation can bill customers for a maximum of ten nights. For example, a couple spending a long weekend in a five-star hotel will incur an additional fee of 60 euros. There is no additional fee for children under 10 years old.
The tax is paid separately at the accommodation either upon arrival or upon departure. When booking a hotel, check whether the tax is included in the price breakdown.
2. History is everywhere
If you traveled to Rome to see the historical places with your own eyes, it’s worth the money. Monuments that are thousands of years old make the visitor quiet. It is incredible to imagine that the same streets have been trodden by characters known from history books.
However, many are surprised that the charm of Rome is by no means limited to its most famous squares. In the eternal city, history is present everywhere: you may come across impressive sights while waiting to cross the road or getting lost on a side street in search of an interesting restaurant. Old buildings have wonderful details.
>> Read also: The best sights in Rome – 18 tips
3. The subway network is limited
European capitals usually have great metro connections, which you can expect to get almost everywhere. Rome also has a metro, but its network is surprisingly narrow.
It is said that the expansion of Rome’s metro is being slowed down by the city’s archaeological treasures, which are inevitably unearthed when the tunnels are dug.
Among the places of interest to tourists, for example, the lovely Trastevere is a part of the city that cannot be reached by metro. This should be taken into account when choosing accommodation. The area is served by buses and trams.
Metro tickets can be bought at stations, newsagents and tobacconists. The same tickets are also valid for buses and trams.
4. There are tourists in Rome – always
Thought you could sneakily avoid the tourist crowds by traveling to Rome in winter? The worst rumba may not be seen, but you shouldn’t imagine that Rome is ever quiet. In the eternal city, the season never ends. However, accommodation is cheaper in winter than in summer.
World-class attractions make sure you can’t get to the Colosseum or the Vatican without queuing at any time of the year. The Spanish Steps and the Trevi Fountain are always crowded.
Tickets for paid attractions should be booked in advance.
5. Opening hours of restaurants
If you want to eat well in Rome, be prepared to adapt to local dining times. Many restaurants located near attractions serve customers all day, but a common local practice is to open the restaurant first for lunch and then for dinner.
Lunch is usually served around 12-3pm, after which the kitchen or the entire restaurant closes. Dinner is usually served at seven at the earliest. The restaurant can be expected to be open at least until 11 p.m. or often even later.
6. Rome is dirty
One thing cannot be embellished: Rome is dirty, and that is the worst downside of the city.
It’s hard to think of another top European destination whose streets are in the same condition. The problem is well known in the city, whose grievances are highlighted by activists on social media.
The areas popular with tourists are still in relatively good condition, but you only have to step a little further to witness the freezing waste problem. For example, the streets and flower plantings around the main railway station Termini were literally littered with garbage.
There are many opinions about the graffiti covering the walls of Roman buildings. For some, they are an abomination, while for many others, they only represent the decadent romance that exudes from the city.
Read also: Watch out for these on your vacation – 7 most common tourist scams in Rome
Source: www.rantapallo.fi
