Rome Basics

Weather & Climate

The climate in the Eternal City is mild and temperate with an average temperature of 15˚C. Rome’s hottest month is July. And visiting the city during this month can be stifling because of the high heat and humidity. January and February are the coldest months of the year in the city. During these winter months, it often rains in Rome. So, spring or autumn is the best time to visit the city.

Crime & Safety

Although Italy’s capital is a big city, it is a safe city with a relatively low rate of violent crime. But, bag snatchers, thieves, and pickpockets are actually active in crowded areas with many tourists like St. Peter’s Square, the Colosseum, the Spanish Steps, and Piazza Venezia. So, make sure that your phone, wallet, and other valuables are stowed securely and don’t carry lots of cash; otherwise, you will let pickpockets ruin your trip.

Hospitals

Many hospitals in Rome offer quality healthcare. If you want to avoid lengthy delays in public hospitals and be treated in a private hospital, you can use your travel medical insurance to cover your medical costs. In an emergency, just call 118. Luckily, some hospitals in the city have English-speaking doctors and staff, like Salvator Mundi International Hospital, Concordia Hospital, and Rome American Hospital. Hope you never have to use this information during your trip.

Public Toilets

Finding a public toilet in Rome can be hard, but it is something you have to do when you are caught short. There’re a few public restrooms in the city, which are located near the Basilica of St. Paul, Piazza Garibaldi, Via di Ripetta, the Colosseum, and Castel Sant'Angelo. The usage fee is a euro. And most of the time, there’s no toilet paper or seat. So, when nature calls, just walk into a bar, order something, and use the toilet.

Internet

When in Rome, you will probably have to connect to the Internet. Free Wi-Fi is available in most hostels, hotels and apartments, but its signal quality may vary. Also, free public Wi-Fi is widely and readily available in the city, so you can email a friend or let your mother know that you arrived safely.

Tap Water

The tap water in Rome is safe to drink. It is also refreshing and tastes great. So, just buy a bottle of water and refill it daily from the fountains across the city to boost your energy and stay hydrated.

Speaking Italian

Italian is the official and most widely spoken language in Italy. But, as Rome is one of the world’s most popular tourist cities, many locals, particularly those who work in the tourism industry, speak English. Even though most Rome’s residents are friendly and helpful to tourists, learning a few basic Italian phrases (Hello/Bye – Ciao; Thank you – Grazie; Please – Per favore; Excuse me/Sorry – Mi scusi; I don’t understand – Non capisco; Do you speak English? – Parla inglese?) will help you better assimilate into the Roman culture.