While in Rome do as Romans Do

Okay first and foremost I am not suggesting that anybody traveling to Rome should wear a Toga or throw a Christian to a lion. This will at best get you some funny looks and at worst commit the rest of your life to a prison cell. What I am suggesting is that when you visit Rome you might enjoy spending your time acting a bit more like a local and less like a tourist. So here are some fun and interesting things to do in Rome that are far away from the usual suggestions.

One of the first things that you will discover when you arrive in Rome is that the locals are extremely friendly. Forget about personal space because, when you are in Rome, there is simply no such thing. Notice how the people of Rome like to talk with their hands and try to join in with them. Whether you speak Italian or not expression is how to fit in. Tell your stories with a flourish and you will be accepted with open arms. And that is the Roman way, accept everyone with open arms and embrace everyone. So rather than worry about the proximity of people on the bus, join in and act like a local.

Of course Italians are renowned for their style and fashion sense and they achieve this by shopping. They love to peruse the various boutiques and designer stores of the city and you can too, by taking the Metro to Spagna and exploring the Spanish Steps and the huge amount of trendy stores that are situated in this fine area of Rome.

Now that you act like a Roman and are hopefully dressed like one it is time to do some people watching. For this you will need to jump onto the bus and head to Campo de Fioro, which is an extremely busy Piazza. When the sun is up this place is full of market stalls selling beautiful flowers, sumptuous fruits and local produce. After the sun sets it turns into a restaurant critics dream with numerous outdoor venues offering only the best Italian cuisine. There is no better place on earth to relax and watch the world go by.

There are of course a few things that are worth mentioning to tourists no matter what city they are visiting and this is crime. Believe it or not Rome is one of the safest cities to visit in the world and there is very little serious crime. However, as with all major tourist traps there are scammers and pickpockets. So always make sure that you use official taxis and that the meter is running. Put your valuables in money belts or inside securely sealed pockets and always stay sober enough to keep yourself safe.

You will notice that Rome’s genuine locals are only too happy to help you in any way possible and, as they are incredibly proud of their brilliant city, they will offer all the advice you need to have the perfect stay. So take advantage of this and join in with the locals as much as you can.

Now all you have left to do is book your hotel in Rome (did you know the term in Norwegian is hotell Roma) and you are good to go, explore taht magnificent city.