There is no better way to get to know a city than on foot. Getting lost for an afternoon will lead to new discoveries that are easily overlooked on a tour bus or by car. However, Rome is no walkers wonderland. There are uneven cobblestone streets and narrow sidewalks to contend with. Don’t worry because all this means is you need a good pair of walking shoes and a plan of action for the day. Rome can be conquered by foot as long as you put in the research before you begin your trek.
Choose Your Tour Wisely
Rome is a wonderful city to explore by foot, but it is important to know how much time you are going to spend walking. A walking tour can last between 3 and 6 hours easily and that is not including if there are stops inside museums along the way. Breaking up a long tour between the morning and afternoon is a wise decision and permits time for a long energizing lunch in Rome. The key is to plan a tour that allows for ample resting time along the way.
No Need for a Guided Tour
Nothing is more fun than arriving in a new city and setting off on foot to explore your new surroundings. Traversing a city on foot can unveil hidden allies with cafés tucked away or hidden gems otherwise left unseen. With careful planning and an online map for your smartphone, there is no problem exploring Rome without a guide or tour. Not only will you save money skipping the fees for a guide but you will also get to know the city better and know your way around on foot. Next time you might even be able to guide your friends around Rome!
Why Hiring a Guide Can Be Great
As much fun as exploring a city on your own is, having a guide can also be great. They are informative professionals who know everything there is to know about their city. Rome is an easy city to explore alone, but there is a massive amount of historical information to absorb without a guide. This is when paying a little extra for a guided tour will make your afternoon on foot a little easier. A group tour will save you money, but a private tour might be your style of travel. No matter your decision, there is nothing wrong with hiring a guide or joining a tour around Rome.
How to Select a Tour
A quality guide can make or break a tour. Knowledgeable tour guides improve every aspect about learning about a new city. Read reviews thoroughly, and take recommendations from experienced travel bloggers. Established and highly reviewed companies, such as Walks of Italy, are a great place to start the search for the perfect tour. They offer short tours of 3 hours and even longer tours up to 9 hours. They also have a variety of day tours from Rome to the surrounding areas.
Walking Rome
Rome is a walkable city and a great place to explore by foot. Skip the massive tour bus and see the city unfold in front of you. Don’t worry if you get lost along the way because you never know what you might discover in Rome.
Photos via Trover, Trover, Trover
