13 Comments

After 20 years of Rome public transportation, I am always missing the boat or waiting longer than any Venetian would abide because I STILL can't trust that a schedule is a schedule 😂

Expand full comment

I buy all my public transport tickets using the TicketAppy app. You can buy as many as you want - just be sure to activate the ticket when you board by clicking on it. Just show your phone with the activated ticket to the controllers if they board the bus. It’s a lot easier than buying paper tickets or squeezing to the front and back of a crowded bus for the contactless machine.

Expand full comment

Wow, I’ve never heard of this app. I’ll check it out!

Expand full comment

I agree that Romans underestimate their subway-- coming from NYC, I'm amazed at how clean and sane it is. But do you use a US credit for your contactless? Every time I use mine, it works fine the first trip, and is blocked for the return. So weird.

Expand full comment

Yes! I've been in NYC for a few days and it's sad how many homeless and seemingly mentally disturbed people there are on the subway. I never see that in Rome.

And yes, I always use an American contactless credit card on the metro in Rome and have never had a problem. It might block access if you try to use the same card twice with less than 100 minutes between rides. If that's not the case, I would try calling the credit card company to find out why it's being blocked.

Expand full comment

Very helpful for new travelers to Rome—and agrees with my experience (except I have not been fined!) I will share with some of the travelers I advise. Thanks!

Expand full comment

Spot on …i ve lived here 60 years and things change so Im glad to have updates from you ….

Expand full comment

Yes, things tend to change slowly in Rome, but they do change!

Expand full comment

Im a bout to publish a visit to my old neighborhoods , in 2 parts

tonight Spanish Steps, tridente ,next week Borgo Pio , Vatican . Looking for places for snacks, lunch in these are as ,,, any suggestione welcome . I will quote you .

Expand full comment

I like to stop by Canova Tadolini on Via del Babuino for an espresso surrounded by beautiful sculptures. And the owners of La Menagère in Florence just opened a very chic new spot near the Spanish Steps.

Expand full comment

Fabulous gelato next to the Fontana di Trevi: (I know!) Gelateria Artigianale Antonietta Cecere

My fave forno near the Vatican is Mosca on via Candia

Expand full comment

Have to weigh in with my Borgo Pio suggestion-- not on Borgo Pio precisely but about 10 steps away on Via del Falco. It's Hostaria Da Benito e Gilberto a Falco -- classic Roman spot for fish. Betting you might already know it though :)

Expand full comment

probably were not there 40-50 years ago we always went to Roberto al Passetto... it sure has changed-saw there was even a McDonalds at the end closest to Porta Sant Anna.

Expand full comment