03/08/2026
Here’s a few of these things we learned along the way that we wish we knew sooner, so now we tell everyone we know before they go to Rome ⤵️
1. Your hotel will charge a tourist tax that’s rarely included in your booking total. It’s usually a few euros per person, per night, paid in cash at check-in or check-out.
2. Taking the train in from the airport isn’t always the easier or cheaper choice. By the time you factor in getting from Termini to your hotel with luggage, a taxi straight from FCO can end up being simpler and about the same cost or more depending on the number of people. Research your options ahead of time. Remember you might be tired and so taking a taxi might be worth a few extra Euros since you’re navigating a new city!
3. Pack lighter than you think you need to. Cobblestones, stairs, and tiny (or nonexistent) elevators, taxis and trains make big suitcases a real problem.
4. Your hotel key card isn’t just for the door. Most rooms need the card in a slot by the entrance or nothing turns on, not even the lights. So if they aren’t coming on, find the keycard slot.
5. Ordering a “margarita” gets you a pizza, not a drink. If you want the cocktail, be specific, or try a spritz instead. When in Rome.
6. Bathrooms aren’t always what you expect. Be prepared to pay a couple euros to use a public toilet. And even then some don’t have seats and some don’t have paper. Always carry a pack of tissues of your own just in case.
7. Always carry some cash. Small cafés, bathrooms, and even card machines going down unexpectedly in a coffee shop mean a few euros in coins can save you real stress. We’ve even seen the machines are down catch locals off guard.
8. Sitting down at a café may come with a small cover charge. Usually covers bread and other small things they serve and is usually listed on the menu.
9. Restaurants close between meals. Show up at 3pm expecting lunch and you might be out of luck until dinner.
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