Just the vast size of this magnificent city should tell you that there is a lot of Rome tourist information you should become familiar with if you intend on visiting. Not only is this Italy's largest and most famous city, the Historic Centre has been labelled a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is estimated that more than four million tourists come to visit the Colosseum every year.
Climate is likely at the top of your list if you are looking for tourist information. The city enjoys a Mediterranean climate with warm to hot summers and cool but comfortable winters. October through February sees a significant amount of precipitation but it's generally condensed to 8 to 10 days per month. Temperatures average 23.9°C and the city sees an abundance of sunshine all summer long.
Italian is the primary language in Rome but in tourist hotels and many attractions, you can find English-speaking workers. Most of the younger generation today speaks English as well. Finding someone over 60 who will understand you is rare but the city is flooded with friendly people who will at least try to help you. Learn a few Italian words, at least to show respect and gratitude. Interestingly, you will also hear a lot of Romanian, French, Spanish and Portuguese here as well.
If you are interested in tourist information regarding safety, you will be happy to learn that Rome is incredibly safe, even for single women travellers. There is plenty of pickpocketing but it's typically targeted at people who are careless or those who look like tourists; try to blend in. It should also be noted that there are problems with people riding by on mopeds who snatch purses and bags so carry your belongings on the side furthest from the street. The areas where most theft occurs include Esquilino, Fermini, the Trevi fountain and bus line 64.
If someone approaches you and asks to see your passport, don't assume that they are the police; ask for their identification. Also, do not let people tie bracelets around your wrist; they are not trying to be friendly, the expect payment for these. If you need the police, call 112 or 113, dial 118 for an ambulance and carry the contact number and address of your consulate or embassy.
Although credit cards are widely accepted and ATM machines are everywhere, you should know that euro is the currency. Exchanges can be done at major banks, airports, railways stations, post offices, hotels, Piazza Barberini, Piazza della Repubblica and Via del Corso. You will find some places that will accept pound sterling or the US dollar with a painful exchange rate; this should be avoided.
Transportation is the next thing that should be covered in this Rome tourist information guide. If you are staying three days or longer, buy a
Roma Pass . This gives you free access to Rome's public transportation system and free and discounted tickets to many sites, attractions and events.
Roman buses are crowded but also reliable and quite prompt. Some areas offer late night buses as well. Ho-Ho (Hop-on/Hop-off) buses are popular as well. These open-top double-decker buses are budget-friendly and a great way to see the city. If you are going to the outskirts of the city, the tram is recommended; it also makes stops at the Trastevere area, the Colosseum the Vatican. The metro is a fast way to get across the city as well but it should be avoided during morning and evening rush hours.
Many people seeking transportation tourist information are interested in hiring a bike which can be done all over the city. This is the most inexpensive way to get around and the easiest way to avoid traffic jams. Mopeds or scooters are another option. Even in the winter you can rent these along with rain boots, raincoats and blankets.
You will also find that there are an abundance of taxis but they prefer to pick up at stands, not be flagged down. You should know that if you call for a taxi in Rome, the meter begins to run immediately, not when the car picks you up so whenever possible, use the stands!
