I want my Rome trip to run smoothly. Any handy tips?

Question

I've just booked 3 days in Rome staying at a hotel located between the Termini and the Coliseum. Anyone got any tips on what to expect when i arrive at Ciampino airport and best way to get to the Hotel, do i tip in Rome, if so how much, are there ways of saving money in regards to transport (day tickets, etc) and i need to know a great place to eat on the first night that doesn't have to be cheap but serves great italian food. Hope you can help!

Answer 1

Do as the Romans do.

Answer 2

I just got back from 6 days in Rome. It is unbelievable! Ciampino airport is very small so it's a doddle to get around. Go to the Terravision stand  for a bus ticket to Termini. It'll cost you 12 Euros for a return ticket and the journey takes about half an hour. The buses are very regular. They'll ask for your return flight time and tell you the last bus to get back to the plane on time. I'd advise you to get the one an hour before that, as that's what we did and it saved the heartache of a half hour wait to get checked in...the Italians are very laid back! It'll be about a ten minute walk to your hotel. If you get a taxi, make sure the meter is on. A service charge is included in a lot of restaurants so you should ask first. I personally tip nothing if the service is rubbish, which it was a couple of times, 10% if it's ok and 15 to 20% if it's good.  You can buy metro tickets from the many magazine stalls for 1 Euro that gives you unlimited trips on the very frequent trams and buses for 75 mins. Just stick your ticket in the yellow machines on the bus or tram and it'll stamp the expiry time on it. The only amazing meal we had was at Sel and Pepe on Viale de Trastevere. I had a pesto dish and it was amazing. It's about 20 mins from your hotel, all in, but worth it. A guided tour of the Vatican is 25 Euros plus the 13 Euros you'd pay for the admission anyway. Well worth it to skip the huge queue, and you find out things you may never have known. Christians for candlelight? Guides will approach you to ask if you want a your. The Coliseum tour is 11 Euros plus the 10 admission charge, again, totally worth it. Enjoy your trip.

Answer 3

Buon divertimento a Roma.  Quando a Roma fai come i Romani ;)!!!!!!!!

Answer 4

Your lucky.. I live in Rome and I work in a hotel near the spanish steps.

From the ciampino airport the best thing do is to catch the bus that takes doirectly to termini station .In Rome there are day tickets / 3 day tickets or a weekly ticket.

As for the restaurants I suggest the area of Campo dei fiori.. there are typical restaurants at great prices

Have fun in Roma