Where is the best place to exchange dollars. Should I do it before I come? Do they take US credit cards?
We recommend getting local currency by using an Italian bank ATM, as the currency exchange vendors usually charge high commission fees and don't offer the most advantageous exchange rates. Avoid convenience (non-Italian bank) ATMs such as Euronet, which cater to tourists and charge high commission fees.
Are gluten free and dairy free options common for most restaurants?
Here are several restaurants in Rome that have been certified by AIC, the Italian Celiac Association, which means they offer gluten-free dishes prepared properly to avoid contamination with any other gluten-containing products in the restaurant.
Pantha Rei: via della Minerva 18/19 (Pantheon)
Mama Eat: via di San Cosimato, 7/9 (Trastevere) | Viale di Tor di Quinto, 21 (Ponte Milvio) | Borgo Pio, 28 (Vatican)
Pizza in Trevi: via di San Vincenzo 30-30/A (Trevi)
Il Secchio e l'Olivaro: Via delle Sette Chiese 188 (Garbatella), Via del Porto Fluviale 3 (Ostiense)
Écru: Via Acciaioli, 13 (Piazza Navona)
La Soffitta Renovatio: Piazza Risorgimento, 46/a (Vaticano)
Vegetarian options?
Buddy Veggy Restaurant Cafè: Corso Vittorio Emanuele II, 107A (vegan)
Il Margutta: Via Margutta 118
Rifugio Romano: Via Volturno 38/41
Vegan options?
Ops! Vegan Buffet: Via Bergamo 56
VEG-Jo: Via Vasto 4 (San Giovanni neighborhood)
Backpacks are not allowed when visiting the Vatican?
The official regulation for the Vatican Museums is that bags larger than 40x35x15 cm are not allowed. This probably excludes most regular backpacks. However we recommend traveling as light as possible.
We are going next week. what kind of bike rental options are available?
Here are links to some companies that offer bike rental in Rome:
Bicycle Roma (this is a link to their rental point on the Tiber River bike path)
Easy Bike Rent
Bici e Baci
There are also two bike-sharing services that operate in Rome:
Lime
Dott
For the Roma Termini Lounge, the only way to get in is to book online?
For the ItaliaPass members-only lounge, booking online in advance is required for entry. Instructions for booking are included via email when you receive your member benefits information. You can become a member at italiapass.com.
As for espresso in the afternoon, I understand no cappuccino, but can you get espresso with milk at all? love me after lunch coffee.... 🙂
There are a couple of espresso variations with foamed milk: caffè macchiato (espresso + a bit of milk) and marocchino (espresso + milk + cocoa powder and sometimes chocolate syrup). If you want to do a deep dive into coffee in Italy, check out this ebook: How to Order an Italian Coffee in Italy.
Hi, I have purchased tickets on ItaliaRail and selected my seats paying extra. Sala Blu told me that they will be assigning our seats. It is important that my family of 4 sit together on the trains. How do I get around this. I'd like to sit in the seats we purchased. Our daughter has a manual wheelchair.
ItaliaRail agents can help you make arrangements, simply contact them via email at [email protected] or call 1 (877) 375-7245.
How far is cab from train station to Westin Excelsior Hotel? How much does it cost?
The ride from Termini station to the Westin Excelsior is about 3 km. The cost of a taxi should be around €10 to €12.
I'm coming early March-coat weather or jackets?
In March the average temperature ranges from a high of 62 degrees F during the day to a low of 42 degrees F at night so we recommend layering.
What about restrooms? Are there plenty and do they cost?
Public paid restrooms are scarce in Rome, so we recommend using a coffee bar restroom by making a small courtesy purchase such as a bottle of water, espresso, or pack of gum and then asking to use the restroom. We also recommend carrying travel tissues with you as sometimes the bar restrooms don't have toilet paper.
On the trains safe place to store luggage?
There are luggage racks on the trains for storing your luggage, however we recommend traveling light because if the train is crowded the luggage racks fill up fast, which might force you to store your bags further from your seat.
What's the best way to get from Roma Termini to your hotel?
It depends on where your hotel is and how much luggage you have. If you are traveling with a lot of bags you'll probably want to take a taxi from the train station, but if you're traveling light and your hotel is in the center and you want to save money then there are lots of public transport options from Termini, both by bus and subway.
Also, if you have big bags and you leave them at the lockers for more than two days at the Termini Lockers?
Check with the luggage storage facility to see how long you can leave your bags.
Where can I go to get smaller denomination bills? I have 100 euro notes.
Probably the easiest way to break a large bank note such as a 100-euro bill is to use it for a purchase of 50 euros or more.
Is it true we need our knees covered in some venues?
Yes, knees and shoulders have to be covered in the major basilicas and churches. It's courteous to have knees and shoulders covered in all churches.
What would you recommend for getting data in the city? We've been looking into eSIMs, is that a good option? Or would you recommend purchasing them in the city?
Getting an eSIM prior to departure is a good option if you want cell phone data while traveling and don't have an overseas plan with your home provider. Our customers have reported success with Airalo eSIMs.