If you haven’t been, then you may well have heard; a trip to Italy’s capital Rome isn’t always the most chilled out, relaxing one you’ll take. The traffic is unparalleled, parking impossible, public transport erratic, confrontation common and touts ubiquitous.
But to be put off by these sweeping generalisations is to miss a city whose beauty and generosity is off the chart. You just have to scratch the surface a little, enter with an open mind and heart, and consider these; our 5 IDEAL need-to-know tips for a stress free trip to Rome.
WALK IT, TALK IT
Let’s get straight to the nitty gritty. The primary cause of Rome’s reputation as a stressful city is the transport. As we mentioned already, pretty much every aspect of getting around on four wheels will get you in a fluster (and sometimes a dispute, too; temperatures rise fast here). Best then, to commit to a holiday largely done on foot.
A huge amount of the city’s must-see attractions sit in close proximity to each other, all easily achievable by walking. Actually, the majority are in traffic free zones anyway, so unreachable on wheels. Since the metro system is more of an A to B idea (it gets you in and out of the city, but not around it), then simply strolling the city makes perfect sense, right?
ENJOY THE VISTAS FROM THE SEVEN HILLS OF ROME
Rome isn’t a flat city, that’s for sure, and is built on seven hills which define the city’s position in history as a centre of power. As such, Rome is home to some glorious vantage points, best enjoyed on high (and for free; result!). Though the climb may be strenuous and stretching, once at the top and after a breather, you’ll find the weight of the world lifted and gain perspective on a truly great city.
If you’re keen to avoid the astronomical fees for the world famous sites (and don’t want to endure the crowds) vistas of this majesty are just the ticket. Giancolo is the tallest, and the historical centre of the city is in direct view; ideal for appreciating the city’s most renowned spectacle with a little more elbow room.
DO ST. PETER’S SQUARE SAVVILY
If you’ve got your heart set on visiting the Vatican and getting up, close and personal with St. Peter’s Basilica, then get ready for some sanity sapping crowds, with big queues at St Peter’s to boot. Best, then, to book your slot in advance as there’s no way around it; there will be huge crowds here and as such, it might get a little hectic.
But by booking a popular Vatican tour with perks, like access to the Partner Entrance and guaranteed earlier entry, you’ll avoid the very worst of the commotion. Not only will you learn little-known stories and tales about St Peter’s Square which you wouldn’t otherwise have heard, but by spending time with a reputable tour guide who knows Rome like the back of their hand, you’re sure to learn some insider tips to getting around the city which will help you make the most out of your trip.
TAKE A TIME OUT IN TRASTEVERE
The Trastevere district offers the opportunity to experience the city slowed down, at a local’s pace, with a groovy neighborhood feel far removed from the throngs. Handily housed just a forty minute walk south of the Vatican, Trastevere brings a welcome detachment from Rome’s tourist heavy centre (it’s the walk that puts them off, perhaps, but what’s forty minutes among friends?).
Something as simple as a stroll through cobbled streets here can turn into a really relaxing morning or afternoon; street art, mosaics, religious shrines and foliage all provide a soothing visual balm after all the hustle and bustle of the city at large.
The neighbourhood is known as something of a foodie mecca, with restaurants where you can unwind and take your time over the food, rather than wolfing down a substandard plate while other tourists queue for your seat. Our pick of the bunch? It has to be Osteria Fernanda, which manages to straddle tradition and a little innovation succinctly. And though it gets busy, Pizzeria Ai Marmi is arguably the finest purveyor of Roman style thin crust pizzas in the whole city.
IN SEARCH OF OFFAL
There’s an offal lot of offal in Roman cuisine (sorry we had to) due to its history as one of the slaughterhouse capitals of the continent. As such, the rejected parts of the animal, like intestines, tails, organs and other innards, would be a perk of the job for workers here. Brilliant little restaurants specialising in the good stuff are a very welcome by-product which remains to this day.
The upside? Well, apart from its downright deliciousness, is that offal restaurants tend to cater to a largely local crowd, are less tourist-trappy than their pasta and pizza counterparts, and more affordable to match.
For some of the best, head to Testaccio, the neighborhood where many of the most famous offal dishes came from. Some of best offal offerings include trippa alla romana at (stewed tripe in tomato sauce) pajata (calf intestines with the mother’s milk still inside) and coda alla vaccinara (braised oxtails). When it comes to restaurants opening hours, most tend to start serving dinner around 7.30, but most Romans have dinner around 9pm; plump for the latter time if you want to do things like a proper local.
Perhaps you’re heading south next and looking for inspiration? Check out our 7 IDEAL pit stops along the Amalfi Coast here.