There’s no city on earth quite like Rome. Nestled in the middle of the boot, Rome represents some of the greatest scientific and cultural achievements ever known to mankind. A center for art and the cradle for the Vatican, Rome is a treasure trove of history and stands as one of the most important cities ever constructed. Excuse us for being verbose, but Rome is that big of a deal. From Julius Caesar crossing the Rubicon to Gregory Peck crossing the Piazza di Spagna, Rome holds a kind of magic in the public consciousness that is unlike anywhere else. And with that magic comes a myriad of things to do and see. That’s why for some new visitors to this miraculous city it can be hard to know how to navigate all of the ins and outs that Rome has to offer. Fear, not traveler! For it is because of this very reason, that we’ve created this guide of useful tips and strategies. So that you can spend more time in front of the sites than in front of the lines!

Lose the Luggage

Picture this, you’ve been in line all morning waiting to see the Pantheon. It’s hot and getting hotter, and your bag is heavy and getting heavier. All of a sudden you find yourself caring not so much about the incredible feat of engineering and architecture and more about finding a place to sit down and rest that throbbing shoulder. That’s no way to spend a vacation. What you need is a luggage lock-up. These can be found easily with any search for luggage storage Rome, but we’ve linked our favorite one here. Locking up your luggage is a great way to avoid the hassle of lugging all of your stuff through the streets of Rome. Leaving your luggage in a storage facility can also be a safer option for you or your travel companion, as leaving your stuff all in one place greatly reduces the chance for accidents! And with locations all over the city, storing your luggage has never been more convenient, making this a perfect option for world travelers who want to keep it light while they’re experiencing the beauty of the city.

Renting a Vespa!

Imagine this, the sun is shining. The birds are singing, and you’re jetting along the beautiful pathways of an ancient city, without a care in the world. Doesn’t that sound incredible? This is why we recommend renting a Vespa or other motor scooter. See the city in style and avoid all the clogs that can be caused by foot traffic. Not only are scooters a great option for those looking to travel around the city quickly. They also save you money in the long run, so that you don’t have to concern yourself with haggling cabbies for a fair rate. 

Make a Plan!

In a city like Rome, it can be overwhelming trying to see everything. That’s why our next suggestion is to gather with your family (or travel companions) and make a list of everything you want to see. Rome is such a dense city with so much to do, that if you put yourself on the spot you’re more than likely going to forget about something that you wanted to do. Making a plan of what to see and do that day, ensures that everybody’s on the same page and immediately quells any arguments about what to see or do next. This is especially helpful for families traveling with kids, as the kids know exactly what’s going on and you have one less thing to worry about!

Pace Yourself on the Pasta

Something that Rome is well known for is its incredible cuisine, and when you’re on vacation it’s easy to indulge. Now we’re not saying that you shouldn’t enjoy your meal, but we are suggesting that you leave the heaviest meals for dinner, after you’ve done your site-seeing. Rome is an active city with a lot of walking and a lot of time spent outside. Sometimes the combination of being outside and that gnocchi you were noshing on earlier don’t blend well. This can lead to nausea and in the worst cases, sunstroke. Couple that with the fact that Rome has almost no public toilet facilities can spell disaster for any fun day out. That’s why we felt that though this wasn’t the most fun topic to cover. It would be well worth it to save our dear readers a bit of embarrassment in the long term!

Rome is one of the grandest cities in the world. A truly beautiful place unlike any other on this planet. And we hope that you truly enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime experience traveling through one of the most historic cities in history!