I'm visiting Rome (August 1st-11th), it's the only time that I can go. Any tips? Do's and don'ts?

Question

Thanks "Lion of Judah" that's highly selassie of you - but some like it hot!

Answer 1

I will admit that it is very hot in August, but otherwise the city certainly is not as bad as other responses have indicated.  Feel free to wear jewelry if you like, and to carry a purse and do whatever else you would normally do- just do it with caution as you would in any big city (NYC, London, etc)  Pickpocketing is a problem in Rome as it is in most larger urban areas, just be aware of your surroundings and take the normal precautions of not carrying too much cash, etc.  Otherwise you don't have to be fearful your entire vacation, I always feel very safe when visiting Rome.

Yes, there are men selling umbrellas and other items and they do tend to try and sell to tourists.  I have never seen anyone being stalked- they can be pushy but a firm "No" and then completely ignoring them usually does the trick.  

Major credit cards are accepted in larger shops.  In small cafes and tabacco shops they are not- you are expected to pay cash for a quick coffee, other drinks, cigarettes, etc.  But if you go to a sit down restaurant or go shopping, most will take credit cards.  

Driving is a nightmare, but the public transportation is easy to use.  They also have these big double deck busses that you can buy passes for- I think it is €20 for a 3 day pass- it stops at all the major sights you would want to see and you can get on and off as much as you would like.  They have a headphone set that comes with the pass- you can plug it in and pick your language and listen to a guided tour.  It is a really great and inexpensive way to get around and see the city.

The garbage strike is a problem in Naples right now, not Rome.  Rome is a pretty clean city taking into consideration it's size.

It is a wonderful city with a lot to see and do.  You will enjoy it even if it is hot (which it is very hot that time of year, but it is not completely unbearable)!  Enjoy!

Answer 2

Don't wear any jewlery. Make sure you are wearing light clothes as it will be scorching hot. This is the worse time in the year to go to Rome. It'll also be half deserted..

Make sure you LOOK when you are crossing the street as they get run over daily by drivers that go through red lights (sober and not so sober).

Look out for pick pocketers..

Enjoy getting roasted by the sun while being miles away from where you should really be: the sea.

Answer 3

it will be very,very hot.......

most shops shut in august as the romans dessert the city and go to the seaside...

Answer 4

ok i was there in the winter and it was 70 80 degrees fahrenheit.  driving can be really tough and i suggest u dont its crazy. bring a lot of cash becuz when i went to rome and naples neither place took credit cards. its a good thing we found an atm. umm.  u gotta see colloseum, trevi fountain, vatican city, and i forgot everywhere else we went. make sure u bring an umbrella for everyone thats going with cuz if it rains theres gonna be ppl walking all over trying to sell u umbrellas and they will stalk u if u dont have one. trust me its happened. UMBELLA UMBELLA thats all they say. they are having a strike so garbage is all over the streets in ginourmous piles. thats about all i can think of but theres so much more. hope that helps u!!!

Answer 5

Don't mention the war.