Back in the day, tourists had to lug around guidebooks and phrasebooks while looking like idiots gawking at outstretched maps and wandering aimlessly trying to find their way or a decent place to eat. While it still may be easy to pick out the tourists, at least you don’t have to haul all that gear. Now all you need is a smartphone and these Rome apps (and perhaps an extra battery pack.)
Even if you turn off your voice and data roaming while over seas, your smartphone can still be handy for more than just a camera when traveling. I have a number of mobile apps that I recommend when traveling internationally, but here some specific Rome apps to download before you leave on your trip.
Make Sure you Download These Rome Apps
Google Maps
I used to always download the local metro and maps apps when I traveled internationally, but recently I’ve found that Google Maps works just fine. In addition to driving and walking directions, the public transportation options are spot on and can be helpful in letting you know which platform to take, how many stops to go, etc.
There are times when I prefer Apple Maps for walking directions, as they can be a bit more descriptive. The key to either is to download maps to use offline if you plan on leaving your phone in airplane mode or turning off your data roaming.
Google Translate
As prevalent as English is in a modern city like Rome, it is still helpful to have Google Translate in your back pocket. This is helpful in scanning menus and signs using the camera function and overcoming language barriers with locals using the microphone. Just make sure you download the Italian dictionary before you go so that it is available offline and remember that the translation isn’t perfect!
Learn Italian
Learn Italian is an Italian phrases app. There are many on the app store and whichever one you go with, just make sure you pick one that operates offline and you download the content before you go (if needed.) I like to have a phrases app because it makes it easier to quickly look up common words and phrases based on different settings (restaurant, hotel, medical, greetings, etc.) This way the few words you need are easy to review and learn right before you need them.
For language learning before the trip, I use DuoLingo Italian and I’m on a streak of over 2 years!
Rick Steve’s Audio Europe
I’m a big fan of Rick Steve’s podcasts and guidebooks and his Rick Steve’s Audio Europe app offers guided walking tours of popular attractions in Rome like the Colosseum, Forum, Jewish Ghetto, Pantheon, St. Peter’s and the Sistine Chapel, Trastevere, and the Heart of Rome. So if you don’t want to hire a tour guide, this might be the next best thing.
LivTours
The LivTours app from one of my favorite tour companies offers an overview (with a map) to some of Rome’s popular or more off-the-beaten-path attractions. You can find attractions or shops, filter by points of interest, and learn the history of each attraction.
The real wow factor is with their virtual reality features, which can only be unlocked when you are on one of their tours.
Free Now
While you can use Uber in Rome, it will cost you more as only Uber Black is available. If you prefer to take a taxi, you usually have to find a local taxi stand or ask the restaurant to call one for you. Now, consumers have a little more control and you can call a taxi using Free Now. You need to download the app and set up an account (so maybe you prefer to pay the Uber premium for simplicity.)
This app can also help you locate and rent e-scooters. Another app that I use to set up airport transfers is Welcome Pickups.
The Fork
If you use OpenTable in the United States, you can also try that in Rome, but you might find more options on its sister platform, The Fork. You can read reviews, sort by price, type, or neighborhood, and book reservations online.
If you enjoy fine dining, you can also download the MICHELIN Guide app to find and sometimes book Michelin star restaurants.
Italian Menu Decoder
Italy is probably one of the easier countries to travel to because most of us are fairly familiar with the menu. However, sometimes if you want to avoid foods like tripe or just get a better understanding of what something is before you order, download the Italian Menu Decoder. Someday I’ll have to tell you the story of how an app like this would have saved my husband a lot of embarrassment in France! This app provide an alphabetical index of foods and their descriptions so you can decide if that is really what you want to eat or not.
Acea Waidy WOW
Rome has public water fountains throughout the city so instead of buying bottles of water, you can bring along a refillable bottle and this app can help you find where to fill it. The digital map on Acea Waidy WOW includes the location of 3,000 public fountains. Other apps include I Nasoni di Roma and Fountains in Italy.
WC Rome
There may not be a lot of free public restrooms in Rome, but to find them, you can use the WC Rome app. There are also other apps such as Flush Toilet App and Whizzier.
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Tamara Gruber is the Founder and Publisher of We3Travel. A former marketing executive and travel advisor, Tamara is an award-winning travel writer and recognized expert in family travel. Tamara is a member of SATW and the Adventure Travel Trade Association, and serves on the Board of the Family Travel Association. She is also the publisher of YourTimetoFly.com and the co-host of the Vacation Mavens travel podcast.
