If you are planning to visit Rome in your upcoming vacation, you need to learn how to navigate this magnificent city. You must have a list of places to visit; from the Colosseum, Vatican City, and the Sistine Chapel to the Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon, and the Piazza Navona. You’ll also want to explore local restaurants and markets to grasp the authentic feel of this ancient city.

However, there are a few things to keep in mind when visiting the city’s landmarks and local shops to get the best experience and efficiently navigate the city. Here are a few tips on how to explore each area in Rome.

1. Booking Your Tours and Tickets

Rome is a beloved city for millions of tourists who visit every year. This makes it one of the most crowded cities in the world. It doesn’t matter which day of the week it is as the city is flooded with tourists every single day. This is why it is best to book your tickets online ahead of time. You will need tickets for the Colosseum and the museums in Vatican City. Make sure to check if these places are open for tourists because you don’t want to waste a whole day only to find them closed. If you’re in Rome for a limited time, consider paying extra to get a ticket that allows you to skip the lines. If that wasn’t an option, you can move on to other places on your list because you don’t want to waste time standing in queues.

2. Visiting the Colosseum and Vatican City

One of the best ways to navigate such an old city is to book a guided tour. This way you can just enjoy the view while listening to historical information from your guide. You don’t have to worry about standing in line or where things are. Make sure you do your research about each landmark to give yourself the most unforgettable tourist experiences in Rome; write down a note in your travel journal of the things you want to see the most. This will save you a lot of time roaming around unguided and you’ll get to see a lot of things, making full use of your trip. Don’t miss going to the basements in the Colosseum and the Arena Floor.

While a guided tour is more expensive, you’ll get to see so much in a few hours and still have the time to visit other places. The same goes for Vatican City. With a tour guide, you will be able to navigate every inch of the museum inside without waiting in line for hours just to see the Sistine Chapel’s ceiling for a couple of minutes.

3. Best Visiting Times

Every landmark and place in Rome will be crowded with tourists. You’ll need to know the best times to visit each place to avoid being stuck in the crowds and waiting in lines. Italy’s slowest seasons are in November, December, January, February, and March. There will still be crowds in the city, but it will be less busy than the high season. Next, you should make a note of the best times to visit each area. The best time to visit Vatican City is early in the morning as soon as it opens (before 10 am) or much later in the afternoon (after 3 pm) after the crowds dissipate.

If you don’t mind getting up as early as 7 am, you can visit the Trevi Fountain and enjoy the peace and quiet while listening to the soothing water sounds. You could also visit the fountain late at night when red lights light up the fountain statues to commemorate Christian martyrs. The Spanish Steps and Piazza Navona are also best visited in the early morning or late at night. Leave the Pantheon visit at the end of the day, particularly half an hour before it closes. The entrance is free of charge. You’ll be able to navigate the place freely without standing in lines. Consider replacing the museum visits with Church visits around Rome. You will witness plenty of artwork without paying an entrance fee or standing in lines.

4. Local Restaurants

You can’t miss the food scene in Italy. Everywhere you go, there are restaurants and cafes that fill the air with a delicious aroma. Don’t be tempted to take a break in the restaurants or coffee shops surrounding tourist places. They are extremely expensive and don’t offer the best food experience. Ask the locals where they eat or follow the Italian crowds who stand in line for shops in the side streets and alleys. Check local restaurants near your hotel online and check customers’ reviews like you would at home. If you have some time, you can book a food tour in Rome, which will give you the real taste of Italy and you’ll have a good idea of where to eat in the city during your vacation.

5. Cash versus Credit Card

Many places accept credit cards like when booking your hotel or any place online in addition to various restaurants and shops. However, it is best to have enough cash at hand for street vendors, taxi drivers, and other local shops that only accept cash. Make sure to have Euros with you beforehand to avoid wasting time looking for an exchange office. Cash also comes in handy when tipping in restaurants, guided tours, and other places as it is appreciated in Italy.

6. Stay Near the City Center

While hotels at the city center are more expensive than other areas in Rome, they will help you navigate the city better. You will be able to get a head start in the morning to visit all the landmarks before they get crowded. The area near the Pantheon is ideal for staying a couple of days in Rome so that you can easily walk across the city.

These tips will come in handy if you’re planning on visiting Rome soon. The most important thing is to have fun and avoid over-planning. One of the best experiences you can have in Rome is simply walking in the streets, but try to move away from the crowds so you don’t miss the hidden gems in this marvelous city.