Rome City Guide

Food is excellent with local dishes like Carbonara, Cacio e Pepe, and Roman-style artichokes. The city has many international options and is increasingly vegetarian and vegan friendly. Some late-night pizzerias and eateries operate on weekends.

Nightlife includes wine bars, pubs, nightclubs, and lively neighborhoods like Trastevere and Testaccio.

Strong espresso culture focused on quick drinks at the bar. Specialty coffee shops are growing but still limited.

Tipping is optional. Restaurants may include a service charge. Small tips or rounding up are appreciated but not required.

Buy SIM cards at provider stores like TIM, Vodafone, WindTre, and Iliad across the city and airports. Major providers offer good coverage and eSIM options. Registration requires ID or passport.

Cleanliness varies by neighborhood. Tourist areas are generally cleaner; some outskirts struggle with litter. Recycling and waste pickup are regular.

Some pharmacies rotate 24/7 shifts. Small late-night stores and emergency rooms operate around the clock. Late-night food options exist on weekends.

Supermarkets carry some international products; specialized items might need a deli or bigger store. Main supermarkets include Carrefour, Conad, Coop, and Esselunga. Fresh markets like Campo de' Fiori and Mercato Testaccio are popular. Hours are usually 8–9 AM to 8–9 PM. Many close or reduce hours on Sundays and holidays. Prices are fixed; bargaining is rare except in flea markets.

Most shops and restaurants accept cards, especially in tourist areas. Smaller places and some taxis may prefer cash.

ATMs are widespread, found at banks, post offices, and tourist spots. Watch for possible fees from your bank or the ATM operator.

Rome has many international schools like St. Stephen's School, Marymount, and American Overseas School Roche. Local schools teach in Italian; international schools use English. Admissions open in fall with common waitlists.

Growing digital nomad scene with meetups, co-working spaces, and active Facebook groups.

Large parks like Villa Borghese and Appian Way Park provide shaded paths and running routes.

Popular routes include Villa Borghese and along the Tiber. Generally safe in parks, with several running clubs and an annual marathon.

Many gyms offer daily or weekly passes and cater to various fitness levels.

Many tennis and padel clubs exist with various courts, online booking, equipment rental, and coaching options.

Padel is popular with clubs offering courts, rentals, and coaching.

Yoga studios offering various styles and meditation classes are common, with many English-speaking instructors in central Rome.

Many dojos offer BJJ, Muay Thai, Boxing, Judo, Karate, and Taekwondo. Drop-in classes and English-speaking instructors are available.

Nearby resorts like Terminillo are 1.5–2 hours away. They offer slopes for all levels and rental gear, with season from December to March.

Kayaking, paddleboarding, and sailing are common at coastal and lake locations like Lake Bracciano, mostly from May to September.

Surf spots near Ostia and Santa Marinella are 30–60 minutes away. The waves suit beginners and some advanced surfers, with best seasons in autumn and winter.

Diving is possible along the coast and islands, best from May to October. Sites range from beginner reefs to advanced wrecks, with marine life including fish and octopus.

Public healthcare is good but can have long waits; private clinics offer faster service and some English-speaking staff. Salvator Mundi International Hospital and Rome American Hospital are known for English support. Pharmacies have varying hours; some rotate 24/7 availability.

Tap water is safe to drink, often from natural springs and public fountains called 'nasoni'.

Good for families with many playgrounds in parks like Villa Borghese and Villa Ada. Kid-friendly cafés and baby supplies are easy to find. Attractions include Explora Children's Museum and Bioparco Zoo.

Generally accepting city with pride events and safe gay-friendly areas like Gay Street. Some discrimination risks exist but legal protections are in place.

Rome is pet-friendly with dog parks, vet clinics, pet stores, and many pet-friendly restaurants and hotels.