Rome Travel Answers

Not sure if you're male or female so I'll cover both? It will be very hot and humid in July so you want to wear light, cool fabrics: nothing heavy. Don't bring shorts as the locals simply do not wear them around the city, and your knees (and shoulders - both men and women) must be covered to visit the churches and some of the museums. Gauzy, below-the-knee skirts, below-the-knee capris, or lightweight trousers would be best. Shirts/blouses (modest necklines) should be as breathable as possible and able to be rinsed in the sink and drip-dried for multiple wearings. Don't take anything you'd only wear once, any "fussy" fabrics, and if you do pack anything sleeveless, carry a scarf to cover your shoulders if need be. Footwear should be the most comfortable, breathable walking shoe/sandal you have and with a decent tread. Surfaces in Rome range from uneven cobblestones to smooth, very slippery marble so slick bottoms or flimsy support will have you sliding all over the place or hurting in a couple of hours. I wouldn't bring more than 2 pair of shoes (wear one - pack one) or even one if your trip is short. You will want a little dressier pair for evening if you intend to go to upscale restaurants: a nice pair of comfortable flats would work well. Does this help?

Excellent advice above. I'll only add one thing. Don't worry about what you wear. There will be tourists from Italy and from all over the world so you will see every possible mode of dress. We just take our normal clothes along with us and it's fine. We live in very warm California so we're ready for warm weather. If you live in a cooler country, you might want to invest in some very light clothes for the trip. Do wear comfortable shoes . . . and yes, Italians (and nearly everyone else) wear sneakers, even white sneakers. The object is to be pain free at the end of the day and Rome is so interesting that you will want to walk everywhere. Enjoy your trip.

Thank you for the great advice I am so glad you addressed male and female as my husband need s to know what to pack as well. Thanks for the reminder about the street surface. I will definitly find some comfortable shoes.

You are most welcome. Rome is a fascinating city and you are going to have a wonderful trip! Let us know if there are any other questions we can help you with?

.. just remember that he Vatican and most churches require modest dress. i.e cover shoulders and knees and don't show excessive cleavage. Take a sarong or shawl (some churches provide these but I don't think the Vatican does) Men - light trousers rather than shorts although I have seen men go-into churches with shorts.

NO shorts for either gender - at least not above the knee. I wouldn't even risk it.

What we used to call Bermuda shorts (nearly to the knee) might be okay for men but I wouldn't take a chance. Light khakis are fine and much more suitable for city sightseeing.

As far as shoes go's I tell all my older friends this because younger people don't seem to do it but don't buy new white sneakers for the trip. A lot of older people think it is cool or looks neat but pick pockets target people with new white sneakers often pegging them as american tourists. So get any other color you can find.

Make sure when visiting any religious places, men and women must have clothes below their knees and shoulders covered. There are no exceptions (my Dad ended up walking around the Vatican with a sarong wrapped around his waist as he was wearing shorts!). Have fun, I love Rome! Hayley :)