In 2024, the Baths of Caracalla in Rome welcomed the return of water through a remarkable installation named ‘Lo Specchio’ (‘The Mirror’). This contemporary feature, measuring 42 meters by 32 meters, creates a reflective surface that mirrors the grandeur of the ancient ruins, offering a visual connection between Rome’s storied past and its present.
The pool is not an attempt to recreate the historical baths but rather to evoke the essence of the site. Cultural officials, including Daniela Porro, the special superintendent for cultural affairs in Rome, have expressed that the reintroduction of water symbolizes a tangible link to the ancient world. The installation is designed to complement the ancient architecture, reinforcing the Baths of Caracalla’s role as a hub of culture and art.
Equipped with water jets and spotlights at its base, ‘Lo Specchio’ also serves a functional purpose. It can host a stage for performances, blending the arts with this historic backdrop. The inaugural event for the public is set to be a ballet set to George Gershwin’s ‘Rhapsody in Blue,’ on April 13.
The Baths of Caracalla, constructed between 212 and 216 AD, were among the largest bath complexes of antiquity and remained operational until the sixth century. Today, the site is not only a testament to Roman engineering and social life but also a venue for operas, concerts, and contemporary art installations.
This innovative project, led by site director Mirella Serlorenzi and overseen by Porro, was brought to life by architects Hannes Peer and Paolo Bornello. ‘Lo Specchio’ stands as a modern tribute to the enduring legacy of the Baths of Caracalla, inviting visitors to experience a fusion of history and modernity.
Photo courtesy of finestresullarte.info, taken by Fabio Caricchia and Leandro Lentini.
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Starbucks opened in the historic and political heart of Rome. The store is located in Piazza Montecitorio and has an area of 200 square meters on two floors, with 80 seats offering a view of the Chamber of Deputies. The ground floor is made of travertine marble and tuff, typical of traditional Roman buildings, where customers can order their favorite food and drinks. The upper floor provides a quieter space to enjoy the traditional Starbucks experience. The materials used recall the color shades of Piazza Montecitorio.
Food offerings at the new store include bakery items, salads, and desserts. The menu also features the brand new Oleato™ beverages made from Starbucks’ finest Arabica coffee infused with extra virgin olive oil. The menu caters to the tastes of Italian customers, with espresso being the most popular beverage in the country, and younger generations loving Starbucks’ cold beverages and iced coffee. Starbucks also creates unique food and beverage proposals for Italian customers during the seasons to continue meeting their needs and surprising them.
Starbucks will also open two more stores at Termini Station at the end of May, including a grab-and-go in the basement and a store on the terrace, welcoming tourists, commuters, and locals when they arrive in Rome.
If you’re planning to visit Starbucks Piazza Montecitorio, the address is Via della Guglia 56°-57-58-59, Roma, and it will be open Monday to Sunday from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. The Starbucks store at Stazione Roma Termini will be located at Piazza dei Cinquecento, Roma, and will be open Monday to Sunday from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
In conclusion, Starbucks is expanding its presence in Italy with a new store opening in the heart of Rome. The company has made efforts to cater to the tastes of Italian customers by offering a menu that includes both traditional Italian coffee drinks and Starbucks’ signature cold beverages and iced coffee. If you’re visiting Rome and want to try out Starbucks’ offerings, head to Piazza Montecitorio or Termini Station.
Read more about:
Starbucks Stores in the Center of Rome
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#1 Visit the Christmas Markets
Ice skating in December at the Christmas market in the Auditorium Parco della Musica or eating traditional Italian Christmas sweets at Mercatino di Natale di Roma Piazza Caprera 2021.
Rome’s Christmas markets are a joy to behold and the perfect day out for families and friends.
This year’s Christmas market in Rome, with it’s northern tradition look, you will see the presence of some Nordic chalets type stands. Piazza Caprera, is one of the most beautiful Umbertine squares in Rome, with it’s enchanted scenery and the magical atmosphere of Christmas. In the evening, the slightly dim lights illuminates the stands.
Without much further ado, here is a list of the top 4 Christmas markets in Rome in 2021:
#1 Natale Auditorium at the Auditorium Parco della Musica
Let’s ring in the festive season with a visit to the Natale Auditorium. This small but charming Christmas market has over 30 stalls featuring food from various Italian regions, artisan works and hand-crafted gifts. However, the unmissable highlight of this market is without a doubt the ice rink. A perfect day out for some Christmas shopping and a spin on the ice.
Dates: 4 th of December – 6 th of January 2022
Where: Viale Pietro De Coubertin, 30 (Parioli)
Further information: Visit website
#2 Christmas Land in Rome
Every year in December, the Vintage market (known as V-market) turns festive. Christmas Land has truly earned its name with over 200 exhibitors spread out over a space of 6000 square meters. This market has something for everyone: a children’s area (by Tauccine’s bookshop), Buba’s vintage for those who want to go vintage shopping, a farmer’s market with a 0 km policy for foodies and much more.
Entry fee: 3€ (free for children up to 12 years)
Dates: 4-5, 11-12, 18-19 December
Opening hours: 10am – 8pm
WHERE: Former Atac Depot in Piazza Ragusa, entrance via Tuscolana 179
Further information: vintage market roma
3. VILLAGGIO DI NATALE in Cinecittà World
This Christmas village in Cinecittà World is a perfect day out for families. The village opens at 11am with a Christmas show featuring tunes such as Jingle Bells and Christmas carols. Inside the village are many different attractions for the whole family, such as Christmas face painting for the children, a virtual rollercoaster that allows guests to ride on Santa's sleigh to deliver gifts to children all over the world and the ice kingdom, the only indoor snow park in Italy.
From the afternoon until the evening, the most beautiful Christmas film scenes will be projected on a wall of water in the Piazza del Parco. Lastly, at 5pm in theatre one a live musical show will be held to celebrate the most magical time of the year with the whole cast of singers and dancers in the park.
Dates: From the 6 th of November onwards
Opening hours: 11am to 7pm (recommended to arrive before 11am
#4. Mercatino di Natale di Roma Piazza Caprera
This wonderful Christmas market is known for its great selection of traditional Italian Christmas sweets. Piazza Caprera is one of the most beautiful Umbertine squares in Rome with its enchanted scenery and the magical atmosphere of the Christmas market. This year’s market will feature some Nordic chalet type stalls.
Date: TBA
#2 Watch the Nutcracker in the Teatro dell ‘opera
What would Christmas be without The Nutcracker at the Teatro dell ‘opera in Rome.
A sparkling festive treat for the whole family, the famous ballet composed by Tchaikovsky tells the story of Clara, who is gifted an enchanted nutcracker doll. At the stroke of midnight, a magical adventure awaits Clara and her nutcracker.
Starting with the first performance on the 19th of December and running until the 2nd of January 2022, this is an unmissable ballet for the whole family (and a good introduction for young children to the magic of ballet) in the beautiful Teatro Constanci in Rome.
Tickets (17€ – 75€) can be bought online, on the phone or at the ticket office at the Teatro dell ‘opera.
More information on where to buy the tickets at: Operaroma.it
#3 Watch the lighting of the tree on the 8th of December and the Christmas mass at the Vatican
Every year since 1982 a Christmas tree is decorated (with 600 wooden decorations, handcrafted by Andalo artisans and low energy consumption lighting) and erected on St. Peter’s Square, as part of the Christmas festivities.
The tree itself is donated from all over Europe, with the first one in 1982 hailing from the Alban Hills in Italy, and according to the Vatican is sourced with sustainability in mind.
Each year a lighting of the Christmas scene takes place in St. Peter’s Square, where the tree and the nativity scene are lit. This years nativity scene, for the first time, comes from the Andes and will feature traditional Chopcca costumes, alpacas, vicunas and the Andean condor, Peru’s national symbol.
This year’s ceremony will take place on December 10th and start at 5pm in the evening. It is recommended to turn up at least an hour early to secure a good spot to watch the lighting of the Christmas scene.
The Christmas mass in the stunning St. Peter’s Basilica is the most watched Christmas mass around the world and it is truly a spectacle to behold.
Starting at 9.30pm on the 24th of December and not as the name implies at midnight, it is a free event for the lucky ones, who are able to get a ticket.
How can you get a ticket?
1. Fill out this form. 2. Send it via fax to the following number: +39 06 698 85863
(The Vatican recommends to request the tickets around two to six months in advance. Those who request less than 6 tickets have a higher chance of approval of their request. Those who need more than 6 tickets, it would be best that you send a letter from your parish or some authority of the church along with the request.)
2. Head to the Preffetura Office 3-5 days before the mass, between 8 AM to 6 PM, to know the status of your ticket. There you will either receive the tickets or a letter stating that there is no availability.
What to do, if you have not been able to get a ticket?
Don’t worry you can always try next year and in the meantime, the Christmas midnight mass will be livestreamed on St. Peter’s Square.
No matter, whether you have tickets for the mass inside the St. Peter’s basilica or are going to watch it outside in the square, arrive early, as it does get crowded.
#4 Christmas nativity scenes
Christmas nativity scenes have a long tradition in Italy and in December you will be able to find them in about every church and at some of the piazzas around Rome.
One of the most famous ones is the nativity scene in St. Peter’s Square. This year coming from the Andes and featuring traditional Andean elements, such as alpacas, traditional Chopcca costumes and much more.
Other nativity scenes are on display in Piazza del Campidoglio, Piazza di Spagna and Piazza del Popolo.
Another exhibition not to be missed is the International Exhibition “100 Presipi” featuring 100 different nativity scenes. Running from the 5th of December to the 9th of January. This free exhibition can be found in the Colonnades of St. Peter’s Square (can’t be missed, there are two big banners showing where the entrance is).
#5 Rome Expats Misfits Christmas Dinner
On Friday December 24th from 19:00 to 23:00, Misfits Christmas Eve Dinner. Cost: €25 a person. Traditional Christmas Dinner & Open bar + deserts! Reservations required via email info@expatslivinginrome.com
Are you in Rome alone for the holidays or Christmas?
Every year even before the pandemic #RomeExpats here for the holidays come together. If you are here for the holidays then join other Expats & Locals in our WHATSAPP CHAT. Enter chat and introduce yourself and also add which area you are in so others know if they are close by or not. You can suggest a meetup or attend a meetup organized by us or someone in the chat.
By Sarah Grunenberg
Here is the answer to the much asked question! The Vatican is the smallest state in the world but also one of the most famous. However, many do not know its history and wonder: why is the Vatican located in Rome?
The Vatican is a well known autonomous state, and also the smallest in the world, both in size and population. Officially born when signed by the Lateran Pacts in 1929, the Papal States have an ancient and fascinating history.
Why is the Vatican located in Rome?
The Vatican is on one of the hills of Rome; in ancient times it was an uncultivated and unhealthy area. However, according to Pliny the Elder, the humid climate that characterized the hill on the right side of the Tiber river favored the growth of a special plant: a magical holm oak. It is a legend, of course, which gives the place a certain charm. Agrippinia Maggiore then had gardens built there and later Nero built a private circus there. Where the Vatican stands today, the martyrs of the first Christians took place, among whom there was also Saint Peter, Jesus's apostle.
The legend has it that Saint Peter was buried in the same place where he was crucified, in the fourth century after Christ the basilica was built in his honor above his remains, by the will of Constantine. However, at the time, the remains of the Holy Apostle had not yet been found.
Where are the relics of St. Peter?
The location of the relics of the Prince of the Apostles remained a legend until 1950. In fact, on the initiative of Pope Pius XII - who also financed the operation, in 1940 research began on the remains of St. Peter under the Vatican. Archaeological excavations continued unabated - even during the Second World War - until 1949. A Roman necropolis was found in which numerous Christians and non-Christians were buried. In 1950, Pius XII himself announced the discovery of the bones of San Pietro. Fundamental were the studies of the archaeologist Margherita Guarducci who confirmed in 1965 the identification of the remains and the tomb that bore the epigraph in Greek "Pietro is here".
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Coronavirus: a new decree signed overnight by the Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte and published in the Official Journal contains more stringent measures to contain the spread of the virus in Lombardy and in 14 other provinces where the number of infections are greater.
A series of other measures are valid throughout the national territory. Compared to the initial draft, which began to circulate yesterday evening, there are 14 provinces and not 11 provinces, in addition to Lombardy, affected by more rigorous measures to contain the infection. These provinces are Modena, Parma, Piacenza, Reggio Emilia, Rimini, Pesaro e Urbino, Alessandria, Asti, Novara, Verbano Cusio Ossola, Vercelli, Padova, Treviso and Venezia. The measures stated in the decree are valid from today, March 8, until April 3.
RED ZONE MEASURES (Article 1 of the decree of 8 March 2020)
It is forbidden to enter and exit
Travel in and out of Lombardy and the 14 provinces stated above is prohibited. One can only move for emergencies or "proven" work needs, which must however be authorized by the prefect. Absolute ban on mobility for those who have been in quarantine.
Schools closed until April 3 - The teaching activity for schools of all levels, universities and academies is suspended until April 3.
Bars and restaurants open from 6 to 18 - The decree states an opening hours allowed for restaurant and bar services, from 6 to 18, provided that a place is able to comply with the "obligation" to ensure the interpersonal safety distance of 1 meter in the premises, with the sanction of suspension of the activity in case of violation. The suspension of exams for a driving license is also ordered.
Closed gyms and swimming pools. Derogation for games behind closed doors
The decree also establishes the closure in Lombardy and in the 14 provinces mentioned above of all gyms, swimming pools, spas and wellness centers. Outdoor sports competitions are allowed only behind closed doors (no fans). Shopping centers will have to be closed but only on the weekend. Other commercial activities, other than catering, may remain open on condition that they are able to guarantee a distance of one meter between customers. Instead, museums, cultural centers and ski resorts are closed. Contests are also suspended.
No weddings or funerals. Cinemas and theaters are closed
Civil and religious ceremonies, including funeral ceremonies, are suspended. All organized events are also suspended, as well as events in public or private places, including those of a cultural, recreational, sporting and religious nature, even if held in closed places but open to the public, such as large events, cinemas, theaters, pubs, schools dance halls, game rooms, betting rooms and bingo halls, discos and similar places.
Holidays
Whenever possible, employers are advised to encourage the use of ordinary leave or holidays by their employees.
VALID MEASURES IN THE REST OF ITALY (Articles 2 and 3 of the decree of 8 March 2020)
Schools are closed until March 15th
The teaching activity for schools of all levels and universities remains suspended until March 15th. Educational trips and school trips are suspended until April 3.
Cinemas, theaters and museums are closed
Throughout the whole national territory, the suspension of cinematographic, theatre events and events and shows of any nature "carried out in every place, both public and private". Opening of museums is suspended. The Municipality of Rome announces that it has ordered the closure of all museums, theatres and all places and institutes of culture.
Closed pubs, discos and bingo
Pubs, dance schools, game rooms, betting rooms and bingo halls, discos and similar clubs are suspended.
Bars and restaurants, gyms and swimming pools are open but with an obligation to keep distance of 1 meter between customers.
The managers of catering businesses can continue to keep the premises open, provided that they guarantee the interpersonal safety distance of at least one meter. Same goes for gyms and swimming pools, which can remain open as long as the visitors are guarantee safety distance from each other.
Limit travel
Among the preventive measures, art. 3 point C reads: "It is recommended to limit, where possible, the movement to strictly necessary cases".
Prohibition of staying in emergency rooms
Patient carers cannot stay in the emergency room waiting. Access of relatives and visitors to hospitals is also limited.
Prohibition of mobility for quarantined individuals
Even in the rest of Italy who is in preventive quarantine or has tested positive for the virus cannot move from home.
No civil and religious ceremonies, including funerals
Weddings and funerals are also suspended throughout the country.
Medical congresses suspension
Conferences, meetings and events involving healthcare personnel are suspended.
Prison visits
The decree provides for people in prisons to carry out the visits not in person but by telephone or video.
Holidays
As in the red zone, same goes for the rest of Italy, whenever possible, employers are advised to encourage the use of ordinary leave or holidays by their employees.
Public transport and sanitation of vehicles
Public transport companies will have to take extraordinary measures to disinfect their vehicles.
Communicate to ASL (national heath care company) if you come from the red zone
Anyone returning to Italy from countries at epidemiological risk must communicate it to the competent ASL office. But also those who have passed through the red zones in the last 14 days (article 5, point 2).
THE SANCTIONS
Failure to comply with the decree is punished according to the article 650 of the Criminal Code, as required by the law of 23 February, i.e. with the arrest of up to 3 months and a fine of up to 206 euros.
Original article in Italian and the PDF of the decree you can read here.
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#RomeExpatsStoryContest Submit your stories of love success or bad romance! We're looking for expat stories, experiences with someone from a different country. 600-800 words. Winner will be posted online. Anonymity promised, if preferred.
Submission Fee: FREE
Language: English
Timing: The contest deadline is Feb 3rd at midnight.
Length: Minimum 600 words max 2 images and no links of advertising included or plugins.
If we accept your story it will enter the contest and published on our blog and then shared to our social media channels. The story with the most likes, clicks, shares, and votes wins!
On Tuesday 12th we will select the final winner from among our top three contestants. Votes will conclude at 10.00pm. A winner will be selected during the Pre-Valentine's Contest Aperitivo. Reserve a spot for you and your friends through our websites: FACEBOOK EVENT | EVENTBRITE
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Submit your story to info@expatslivinginrome.com for review. Good luck!
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Rome is one of the most popular holiday destinations in the world, receiving between seven and ten million tourists a year! It’s easy to see why: it is a magnificent city, rich in history, culture, and charm. With thousands of people visiting the Eternal City every day, it is unsurprising that tourist traps and scams have popped up left right and centre. In this post, I would like to advise you how to avoid the most common ones. I should preface this post by saying that Rome is not a dangerous city. Even if you do experience crime, it is much more likely to be petty crime rather than violent. I lived there for almost two years and never had any moments when I felt unsafe.
Good common sense is necessary whenever travelling. For example:
- Making photocopies of your passport, visa and other important documents
- Knowing the emergency telephone number (112 in Italy)
- Being aware of your belongings and general surroundings at all times.
- Having an offline map downloaded onto your phone so you can navigate your way without data or wifi. I use Googlemaps and Maps.me.
- Knowing how late buses & trains run and having enough cash on you for an emergency taxi ride
- Not leaving your drink unguarded (and making sure you don’t go over your limits)
- Listening to your gut – if a person or situation makes you feel uncomfortable or afraid, get away as quickly as possible.
The citizens of Rome are kind-hearted, gregarious people who are generally welcoming and friendly to tourists. Unfortunately there are some bad apples who will try to extort (or steal) money from you. Follow my top tips and don’t give them the satisfaction!
Pickpockets
Let’s start with the worst offenders. Being robbed can seriously spoil your trip and dealing with insurance claims and police reports can be stressful, time-consuming processes. In Rome, many pickpockets work in groups using the distraction technique. Locals can recognise the gaggle of teenage, female pickpocketers by sight now! They mostly operate around Termini (the central train station which connects the A and B metro lines) along with stops along the A line at the major tourist attractions. The pickpocketing gangs distract you by pushing into you during the surge of people entering and exiting at different stops. While you focus on regaining your balance or finding something to hold onto, one of them slips their hand into your pockets. They immediately get off the train and blend into the crowd. However, solo pickpocketers also operate on the train (and buses and trams) so you should be aware of your belongings and surroundings whenever using public transport.
To protect against pickpocketing:
- Don’t keep your wallet or phone in the back pocket of your jeans.
- Keep your bag in front of you, with the opening close to your body. I usually stand with one hand over the opening clasp.
- If you have a backpack, take it off and rest it on your lap (if seated) or hold it in your arms (if facing).
- Leave your passport at your accommodation in a hotel room safe (or hostel locker) and keep a photocopy in your bag.
- Buy a spare wallet, money belt or anti-theft bag.
- Only carry small amounts of cash around with you – look into a bank account which lets you visit ATM/cash machines without incurring charges, so you don’t have to carry all your spending money around with you. I use N26, who offer free withdrawals around Europe, and can provide referral codes if you would like to sign up!
- Put your money and cards in different pockets and wallets, not in just one place.
Street distractions
Here are some of the typical street distractions that you might encounter in Rome. The purpose is to convince you to part with your hard-earned cash… or distract & snatch.
- A stranger approaching you for help with a survey (or to get your signature). While you are distracted, one of their accomplices snatches your valuables.
- Asking for directions and blocking your vision with a map, so you can’t see a hand sneaking into your bag or pocket.
- A street game / exhibition (again, taking advantage of your distracted state). In Rome, there are lots of street musicians, artists and performers, most of who are legitimate but it is good to be careful.
Street sellers
It is a universal truth that when in Rome, street vendors will try persistently to sell you things. Bottles of ice cold water, selfie sticks, scarves, trinkets and souvenirs to name a few. Generally you can dismiss them with a “No, grazie” or just ignore them. However, some vendors can be really pushy and determined. You will often see vendors trying to sell red roses, usually to couples strolling hand in hand. If you are offered one, don’t accept it unless you are willing to pay for it. Even holding it for a brief moment will result in the vendor badgering you for payment (usually a few euros).
An alternative to the red roses is ‘the friendship bracelet’ or ‘friendship ring’ scam. The vendor might offer it as a gift, but once accepted, they immediately put it onto your hand or wrist. Once you’ve worn it, even for a split second, they will try to guilt-trip you into giving them money. I made the rookie mistake of engaging a street vendor in conversation and before I knew it, I had a threaded bracelet around my wrist. After much pleading from him, and rigid refusal from me, he angrily cut the bracelet off with scissors and stormed away. He may have put a hex on me too!
Restaurants
As a general rule, if a margherita pizza costs more than €7-8 euros, it is probably a tourist trap. Keep that in mind, along with these other words of wisdom to ensure that you don’t get ripped off whilst dining in Rome.
- If your dish is much larger than expected, or an extra dish arrives at your table that you didn’t order, question it before tucking in. It might be a mistake or even a present from the restaurant staff (listen out for the magic word gratis!).However, it could be a sneaky dish that you will be charged for. Many restaurants serve limoncello at the end of dinner on the house… but a side portion of fresh oysters probably isn’t going to be complimentary!
- Avoid menus that do not include prices
- Ask for an English and Italian menu so you can check the prices are the same
- Eat where the locals eat; check out the other diners and see if there are any Italians. If everyone looks and sounds like a tourist, it probably won’t be an amazing, authentic dining experience.
In Italy, it is illegal not to be given an itemised receipt. So if you are suspicious about the bill, ask for an itemised receipt and don’t accept a receipt that only shows the total.
There are some additional charges which might seem like scams, but actually aren’t. A cover charge will probably be added to your restaurant bill; pane e coperto (which translates as ‘bread and tableware’). This is normal. If you don’t want the bread, wave it away when it is brought over, or it will be added automatically. You may be surprised by water bottles being added to your bill when you thought they were complimentary. In Rome, it’s uncommon to ask for or receive tap water so you should expect to pay for water.
A little note about café culture – it is customary to quickly drink your coffee standing at the bar, rather than sip it slowly and leisurely at a table. If you want to sit down, your order will be more expensive. Cafés generally have two prices for each item – the al banco standing price and the al tavolo table price. Sometimes the difference can be quite ridiculous – like coffees costing two or three times more if consumed al tavolo. This is especially common in cafés surrounding the piazzas or near the main tourist attractions. Always check the menu before you order and don’t feel pressurised into sitting down if you just want a quick caffeine boost.
Train station ‘helpers’
Nothing screams ‘tourist’ like someone wandering around a train station with a confused look on their face, or spending five minutes pressing buttons on a ticket machine. I have witnessed ‘helpers’ prey on tourists many times. These people don’t work at the train station, they are just opportunists. Be very aware that if someone offers to show you how to buy your ticket, they might not be doing it out of the goodness of their heart. Single journey tickets cost €1.50 in Rome, and it is very common for a friendly stranger to try to persuade you to hand over some of your change. I have seen tourists paying willing, grateful for the assistance, but I have also seen people hand over the cash, looking confused and uncertain, wondering if this is part of the Italian tipping culture. It’s not.
Hopefully these ‘helpers’ will just badger you for some small coins but it could be worse. Someone could steal your wallet or demand a larger tip after helping to carry your bags. Keep hold of your belongings, use a polite but firm ‘No, grazie!’ and ask official train station staff for assistance.
Taxis
Taxi drivers are notorious for overcharging unsuspecting tourists. I’ve heard of visitors paying €250 to travel from Fiumicino airport to the city centre. A staggering rip-off considering all official city taxis have fixed fares within the city limits. A single taxi journey from Fiumicino airport costs €48 and €30 from Ciampino airport. The city centre is classified as anywhere within the Aurelian walls. This map shows (in orange) which areas are included in this fixed fare scheme.
Use the official white taxis, rather than unmarked taxis whose drivers can charge whatever they like. If you do use a private taxi firm, ask how much it will roughly cost before getting in. You shouldn’t be charged extra per bag or passenger.
Make sure you have small change as well, so the driver cannot claim he doesn’t have any small notes and coins, and pockets your change.
Find one at a taxi rank or call a taxi firm. If you decide to book over the phone, be aware that the meter starts running once the booking is confirmed, not once you get inside the vehicle. At the time of writing, Uber Black is available in Rome and Scooterino is a popular alternative to Uber (the same premise except you whizz around the city on the back of a motorbike)
Other scams and tourist traps
Count your change before leaving the shop/till area. This is something I always had to check, especially when shopping in food and street markets. Don’t be embarrassed about slowly & carefully checking that you have received the right amount and question any discrepancies. Once they’ve been caught out, the vendors usually hand over the correct change with a half-hearted (or non-existent) apology.
There are hundreds of tour providers in Rome for the major sites like the Colosseum, Roman Forum and the Vatican. Do your research before arriving and use reputable tour companies with official names/ logos / T-shirt. If in doubt, ask for recommendations from hotel staff.
Near the Colosseum, you will see men dressed in Roman gladiator costumes. They are routinely banned from loitering outside, but often return to persuade tourists to pose for photos. Once the photo has been taken, they will hound you for cash.
Walking around the city, you will see fake luxury products, like watches and handbags, being sold at knock-off prices. These are often sold on the bridges crossing the Tiber river and outside metro stations. It is a crime to be in possession of fake goods in Rome, and if caught by the police, you may be fined several thousand euros.
You may see tourists travelling around Rome in horse-drawn carts. I personally don’t agree with these as the horses are often overworked, underfed and dehydrated from dragging people around under the hot sun. If you want to ride in one of these carts, get a quote before climbing in.
I hope these tips have been helpful to you! Do you know of any other well-known scams that we should be aware of?
Ciao for now
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It’s no novel idea to toss a coin into a fountain and make a wish, but there’s something particularly romantic about doing so at the Trevi Fountain in Rome.
The legend comes from the 1950s Academy Award-winning film “Three Coins in the Fountain”: Throw a coin into the famed Fontana di Trevi, regarded as the most beautiful Baroque fountain in all of Italy, and you’ll one day return to visit Rome.
Toss in two more coins and you’ll be met with new romance and, eventually, a beautiful Roman wedding.
It may seem a silly tourist attraction, but millions of visitors flock to the 18th-century landmark each year to partake in the tradition. In fact, the fountain fills up so quickly that Rome’s city workers sweep its floor every night to collect the day’s loot.
Throughout 2016 they collected $1.5 million, according to NBC News, money that has long been sent to Caritas, a Catholic nonprofit that supports causes around the world related to health, disaster relief, poverty, and migration.
Keep reading to learn more about the fountain’s history, how the coins are collected, and …
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Source: businessinsider