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Rick Steves Pocket Rome
Make the most of every day and every dollar with Rick Steves! This colorful, compact guidebook is perfect for spending a week or less in City walks and Six detailed tours and walks showcase Rome's essential sights, including the Colosseum, St. Peter's Basilica, and the lively Piazza Navona, plus handy neighborhood breakdowns Rick's strategic advice on what experiences are worth your time and money What to eat and where to Grab a quick lunch of pizza al taglio, people-watch as you sip wine on a sunny piazza and savor a multi-course meal at a neighborhood enotecaDay-by-day itineraries to help you prioritize your time A detailed, detachable fold-out map, plus museum and city maps throughout Full-color, portable, and slim for exploring on the go Trip-planning practicalities like when to go, how to get around, and more Lightweight yet packed with valuable insight into Rome's history and culture, Rick Steves Pocket Rome truly is a tour guide in your pocket.
Spending more than a week in the city? Try Rick Steves Rome!
Spending more than a week in the city? Try Rick Steves Rome!
- GenresTravelNonfictionItaly
232 pages, Paperback
First published May 3, 2011
About the author
Rick Steves
587 books760 followersRick Steves is an American travel writer, television personality, and activist known for encouraging meaningful travel that emphasizes cultural immersion and thoughtful global citizenship. Born in California and raised in Edmonds, Washington, he began traveling in his teens, inspired by a family trip to Europe. After graduating from the University of Washington with a degree in European history and business, Steves started teaching travel classes, which led to his first guidebook, Europe Through the Back Door, self-published in 1980.
Steves built his Edmonds-based travel company on the idea that travelers should explore less-touristy areas and engage with local cultures. He gained national prominence as host and producer of Rick Steves' Europe, which has aired on public television since 2000. He also hosts a weekly public radio show, Travel with Rick Steves, and has authored dozens of popular guidebooks, including bestselling titles on Italy and Europe at large.
Beyond travel, Steves is an outspoken advocate for drug policy reform, environmental sustainability, and social justice. He supports marijuana legalization and chairs the board of NORML. He has funded housing for homeless families and donates to anti-hunger and arts organizations. In 2019, he pledged $1 million annually to offset the carbon emissions of his tour groups.
Steves is a practicing Lutheran with Norwegian ancestry and continues to live in Edmonds. He has two adult children and is in a relationship with Reverend Shelley Bryan Wee. Despite health challenges, including a prostate cancer diagnosis in 2024, Steves remains committed to his mission of helping Americans travel with greater purpose, empathy, and understanding of the world. His work reflects a belief that travel, done right, can be both transformative and a force for peace.
Steves built his Edmonds-based travel company on the idea that travelers should explore less-touristy areas and engage with local cultures. He gained national prominence as host and producer of Rick Steves' Europe, which has aired on public television since 2000. He also hosts a weekly public radio show, Travel with Rick Steves, and has authored dozens of popular guidebooks, including bestselling titles on Italy and Europe at large.
Beyond travel, Steves is an outspoken advocate for drug policy reform, environmental sustainability, and social justice. He supports marijuana legalization and chairs the board of NORML. He has funded housing for homeless families and donates to anti-hunger and arts organizations. In 2019, he pledged $1 million annually to offset the carbon emissions of his tour groups.
Steves is a practicing Lutheran with Norwegian ancestry and continues to live in Edmonds. He has two adult children and is in a relationship with Reverend Shelley Bryan Wee. Despite health challenges, including a prostate cancer diagnosis in 2024, Steves remains committed to his mission of helping Americans travel with greater purpose, empathy, and understanding of the world. His work reflects a belief that travel, done right, can be both transformative and a force for peace.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
April 29, 2018
Another super-helpful Rick Steves pocket guide. I love these since they’re small, light, and convenient to travel with. I also enjoy the color photos.
May 19, 2026
Honestly impressed with how concise it was. Even with "survival words" with a list of basic Italian phrases to help out. Excited for me honeymoon!
January 31, 2018
Compact size with foldout map. His itineraries are well-mapped.
July 25, 2022
Steve's writing is informative, funny, witty, and I loved the things he highlighted. We basically did everything on this list.
February 13, 2018
I was first introduced to Rick Steve’s in my high school German class. I am a big fan of this first travel book I’ve purchased from him. It was not only information but humorous and historical. I will definitely be taking some of his suggestions and looking into his suggested hotels. The Roma Pass sounds awesome, much like the New York City Pass I used a few years ago.
May 6, 2017
Read both this and the Pocket London from cover to cover. And, they were both a 2017 edition, not a 2015. Rick Steves does a great job of preparing one for a trip to Rome. The best thing is that he is spot on about the prices of getting into the Vatican museum and the Colosseum. But, and this is a big but(t) (tee hee), he fails to give all the information that one needs for a first trip to Rome. For example, here are a few notes about what he should include:
1. Keep receipts for money exchange. All money exchanges (unless I am mistake, if you know, fill me in) take a percentage of the money exchanged. We found that the least percentage was done at the airport. Again, if you have more info about this, let me know. But a guy working at a money exchange counter in Germany told us to keep the receipt, and when you come back to re-exchange your money it's free--no percentage. But it may not be all money exchanges. It's good to ask!
2. Make sure that your hotel/air bnb/hostel is close to public transportation! In Rome, it is not called the train or the subway. People will look at you weirdly if you ask them about that. It's called the Metro. It's really the best way to go, and people who travel to Europe a lot will tell you the same. Ideally, try for a block to 2 blocks away. You still have to lug your luggage (that word takes on a new meaning, now) around, so try to make it easy for yourself.
3. Research your water. Water: in Germany, water is either Still or Sparkling (you have to be clear or they will give you mineral water), in Italy, it is either Gas or No Gas (no gas is also called "natural" but only on the bottled water labels & of course, no gas is regular water, not mineral), and in England, it is also Gas or no Gas. But generally, England prefers no gas. Europe is big on mineral water, in general.
4. Do your research!!! Can you believe that some people actually go without doing any research? It's amazing. Know your prices!! When you get to Rome, it's a big hot mess. People cut in line all over the place. And the people trying to jack up the prices and try to sell you "something better" are extremely clever and aggressive. For example, there are people everywhere trying to turn you away from St. Peter's Basilica to sell you a combination ticket for the Basilica and Vatican Museum. St. Peter's Basilica is free, people!! So, do your homework! Despite Rome's hot mess, I loved every minute of it and would go back in a heartbeat!
Would love to hear any feedback if I've missed something or am wrong about something. I love having as much info as possible for the next time that I go to Europe!!
1. Keep receipts for money exchange. All money exchanges (unless I am mistake, if you know, fill me in) take a percentage of the money exchanged. We found that the least percentage was done at the airport. Again, if you have more info about this, let me know. But a guy working at a money exchange counter in Germany told us to keep the receipt, and when you come back to re-exchange your money it's free--no percentage. But it may not be all money exchanges. It's good to ask!
2. Make sure that your hotel/air bnb/hostel is close to public transportation! In Rome, it is not called the train or the subway. People will look at you weirdly if you ask them about that. It's called the Metro. It's really the best way to go, and people who travel to Europe a lot will tell you the same. Ideally, try for a block to 2 blocks away. You still have to lug your luggage (that word takes on a new meaning, now) around, so try to make it easy for yourself.
3. Research your water. Water: in Germany, water is either Still or Sparkling (you have to be clear or they will give you mineral water), in Italy, it is either Gas or No Gas (no gas is also called "natural" but only on the bottled water labels & of course, no gas is regular water, not mineral), and in England, it is also Gas or no Gas. But generally, England prefers no gas. Europe is big on mineral water, in general.
4. Do your research!!! Can you believe that some people actually go without doing any research? It's amazing. Know your prices!! When you get to Rome, it's a big hot mess. People cut in line all over the place. And the people trying to jack up the prices and try to sell you "something better" are extremely clever and aggressive. For example, there are people everywhere trying to turn you away from St. Peter's Basilica to sell you a combination ticket for the Basilica and Vatican Museum. St. Peter's Basilica is free, people!! So, do your homework! Despite Rome's hot mess, I loved every minute of it and would go back in a heartbeat!
Would love to hear any feedback if I've missed something or am wrong about something. I love having as much info as possible for the next time that I go to Europe!!
July 16, 2026
For the record, there is a lot of useful information in this book but I read bits and pieces for what I needed to make it feel less overwhelming. For example the chapters and notes about the food or the general travel notes or the specific places I was going to visit in Rome. I liked the pull-out foldable map that comes with this version too. I had planned to carry this in my travel purse. The QR/website to add Rick's app to your phone is a good idea too and it is free.
May 10, 2017
Well worth the price. Most of the tips were useful. It helped us save a lot of money and time
September 30, 2018
Vacation in Rome completed. Book very helpful; recommend
July 15, 2019
A must read if you are visiting Rome
August 8, 2022
great reference for travel especially for off the beaten path gems
February 14, 2024
Another excellent and concise overview, this time of Rome. Great maps, tours, and recommendations. All around great summary which will definitely go with us to Rome! Thanks again, Rick Steves!
May 18, 2024
Very trustworthy and truthful. Highly recommend his books.
July 29, 2024
Great pocket guide with maps.
October 31, 2024
Very helpful to plan a visit to Rome
August 5, 2016
Popsugar 2016 Reading Challenge - A book set in Europe.
Some of his hotel recommendations were off - for example not noting rickety elevators or stairs to a third floor reception desk. Rick explained other sites and attractions in an easy going and practical way.
Can't wait to use it in Rome!
Some of his hotel recommendations were off - for example not noting rickety elevators or stairs to a third floor reception desk. Rick explained other sites and attractions in an easy going and practical way.
Can't wait to use it in Rome!
May 15, 2011
excellent little book that was very helpful--heading there soon and found new places to visit that we didn't see the first time!
November 11, 2014
Perfect size for travel and full of great information.
February 10, 2015
Typical Rick Steves. Good, simple guide.
October 4, 2016
Great companion for my visit to Rome
October 11, 2016
Covers all the main attractions (we did all his tours!) and provides essential information to make each stop easy to understand and enjoy. Perfect size for your back pocket!
January 1, 2017
Great book! Used while I was on holiday in Rome!
December 29, 2012
Yahoo...great book and will be useful!
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews