wear a money belt
by vikendall
Unfortunately, as it was explained to me, Rome is awash in gypsy pickpockets, not meaning to imply a racist remark. Be VERY careful with yourself, and be aware of your surroundings. My husband and I were outside the collloseum when a youth tried to knock him down. Wrong thing to do to my 'bear', a former football player. My husband didn't budge, but the youth fell to the ground. Do not put your wallet in your back pocket. They will slice your pocket, and you will never know. I, unfortunately, am a food oriented person. Rome has so many fine restaurants, and not enough time to visit them all. The waitstaff is fabulous, and friendly, yet very professional. The food is so light, you don't feel like you've eaten. Wonderful, wonderful, wonderful. Tastes that will linger in your memory for years. Pay the price, enjoy yourself.
Rome: best dressed city in the world?
by Lacristina
I often tell people about the beautiful woman, with coifed hair and manicure, wearing jewelry, heels and a long elegant coat, who swept into the hotel in which I was staying. Ten minutes later I saw her in slippers and a pink maid's uniform!
While styles have definitely become more casual over the past five years, Rome still dresses up more than American cities. I'm not the clothes police, but if you're over 30, your jeans should probably be designer jeans and you should be wearing them with $300 stiletto heel leather boots. You never used to see Italians wearing shorts, but lately......
Big, bulky white running/walking shoes aren't seen much (though leather "bowling" shoes are popular). Ditch the fanny pack and I've never seen an Italian wearing sweats. Other than that, your feet need to be comfortable, cause you're going to be doing a lot more walking than the gorgeous Italian woman with the fabulous 300 Euro shoes.
To look more Italian, just carry a cell phone next to your ear and say loudly into it "COH-may?"
Of course, teenagers and 20-somethings dress more casually. You'll find them in torn jeans, backpacks and running shoes, just like everywhere. But you'll also find some young fashion victims wearing the newest (and sometimes bizarre) styles.
UPDATE, Oct 2005: The times they are a changing. If you can believe it - I actually saw three ITALIANS in sweat pants! To be sure, it was in Naples, but sweat pants? On an Italian? Good lord.
Orvieto
by janchan
Orvieto is in Umbria region, but very easy to reach by highway from Rome (about 1:30 hours). A lovely town with many places of interest.
It could be an excellent option for a day trip from Rome.
Check my specific page on this town, for more infos and pictures.
Rome public bus service
by Gili_S
Rome public bus service is cheap and easy to use if you jump on the right bus. Tickets should bought in advance in local kiosk, as you cannot buy ticket from a driver. One time ride was only one euro.
Would highly recommend because...
by vysnaite about Pastarito Pizzarito
Would highly recommend because of tasty to the last bit food, wonderful service, great atmosphere- a rare blend these days! Pastarito and Pizzarito. Great pasta, wonderful tiramisu, pizza also very good and most important very pleasant atmosphere and service ;)