Rome's Best Travel Routes

Rome has its own tempo, and ignoring it can lead to frustration. Shops closed when you want lunch, restaurants refusing to serve cappuccino in the afternoon, crowded museums when you least expect it—timing is everything here.

• Morning: Romans start early, but breakfast is quick. Don’t expect eggs and bacon. A cappuccino and cornetto at the bar is standard. Stand at the counter; it’s generally cheaper than sitting.
• Lunch (Pranzo): Typically from 12:30 to 14:30. Arrive too late, and kitchens may be closed. Many trattorias shut between lunch and dinner.
• Afternoon Pause (Riposo): From 14:30 to 16:30, shops may close, especially outside tourist areas. Use this time for museums, siesta, or gelato.
• Dinner (Cena): Italians eat late. Most restaurants open around 19:00-19:30. Arriving at 18:00 may leave you wandering hungry. Plan an aperitivo—a drink with snacks—between 17:00 and 19:00 to bridge the gap.
• Sunday traditions: Sundays are family time. Expect busier restaurants at lunch, quieter shops in the afternoon, and locals strolling in parks like Villa Borghese.

📝Local Tip: If you see a restaurant open all day with a big “Tourist Menu” outside, skip it. Authentic places respect Italian rhythms—they close in the afternoon, they don’t offer “spaghetti bolognese,” and they have no waiters calling you inside from the street.