Other tips

Traffic in Rome can be awful and don’t expect all drivers to stop when you’re trying to cross the street at the pedestrian crossing. So be careful! I highly suggest you to use public transportation rather than renting a car and trying to make your own way through this complex net of narrow streets. Moreover, parts of the historical centre are closed to cars during certain hours and most parking spots must be paid for. Public transportation could definitely be improved (no wonder we Italians all drive cars!), but at least it serves the central areas. There are only two underground lines, A and B, the former having stops close to the major sites. Therefore, I recommend you to stay in a hotel which is located either in the very centre (e.g. areas around Piazza di Spagna, Piazza Navona or the Pantheon) or close to an underground station (preferably line A - stations such as Spagna, Barberini, Repubblica - so you won’t have to change at the train station, the only junction between line A and B). You can buy single, daily or weekly tickets from any tabaccaio (tobacconist’s), automatic machine in the underground or at major stations, such as Lepanto. One ticket allows you just one trip by train, but several trips by bus within a maximum time of 75 minutes. You can feel safe walking through the streets in the centre, which are usually crowded and well-lit. But of course petty theft might happen, so keep your eyes open, needless to say especially on crowded buses and trains. Pay particular attention to gypsies who are often very young but nonetheless skilled thieves!