Questions about Rome answered
If it’s your first visit to Italy and you’ve booked your design hotel in Rome, you may have some lingering concerns about aspects of your trip to the Eternal City. Here we will try to deal with some of them.
How safe is the city?
It’s almost impossible to compare crime statistics between major cities because there are so many variables involved. However, the Italian capital should not, on average, offer more problems than any other major European capital and mass tourism destination. Of course, it is almost inevitable that certain criminals will target tourists, and that can happen in London, Paris or Rome. It only makes sense to take certain precautions, such as avoiding carrying large amounts of cash or wandering into deserted alleys, etc., at odd hours. Wear a money belt and avoid handbags; use a shoulder strap bag instead.
How is the public transport?
Reasonably good on paper, but remember that buses and trains can be exceptionally busy at rush hour and Italians generally don’t respect queues very much; be prepared to stand your ground and back up if necessary. When it comes to details, the staff at your design hotel in Rome will be happy to offer advice for your own local area.
What are the problems I’ve read about with people wearing ancient Roman costumes?
This has been greatly exaggerated in the general press, but there have been a few incidents, so to explain:
In certain places, such as the Colosseum, you may see people dressed in ancient Roman costumes (often legionnaires). They are there to pose for pictures with tourists. Remember that these are private individuals who do this for a living and for their own account. If you include them in your group photos, they will expect to be paid and not just given a warm handshake of thanks. In the past, when some tourists refused to offer payment, some problems arose. This is very common all over the world and is not limited to this city. If you want to include these people in your photos, just ask and agree on a price in advance. However, recently the government has cracked down on these colorful people and you may not see them as often anymore.
How hot is it?
In July and August it can be very hot, with temperatures reaching 30 degrees Celsius. Public buildings, restaurants, and many designer hotels in Rome will have air conditioning, but the streets, of course, will not. If you are very sensitive to heat, it might be sensible to plan a trip in the spring or fall.
Are the main public attractions always open?
Yes and no. Opening hours can vary seasonally and it’s also worth bearing in mind that sometimes even the most famous sites may be closed for restoration or refurbishment.
There is no easy answer to this other than checking with your local tourist office, or alternatively the staff at your design hotel in Rome will be able to tell you the opening hours of the main attractions in advance.