13 Essential Apps for Travellers Visiting Rome in 2023
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  • Writer's pictureWill von Behr, MA

13 Essential Apps for Travellers Visiting Rome in 2023

Imagine exploring the eternal city of Rome with the best apps for visiting Rome at your fingertips, making your trip seamless, enjoyable, and budget-friendly. This blog post will guide you through the must-have apps for every aspect of your Roman adventure, from navigating the city to savouring authentic Italian cuisine. Get ready to make the most of your Roman holiday with these essential tools!

Map showing a pin in the city of Rome

Best apps for Rome in 2023

5. Moovit

6. Urbi

13. Maps.me


Essential Free Phone Apps for Rome Travelers

Rome is a city rich in history, art, and culture, but even the most seasoned travellers can benefit from a little digital assistance during their trip to Rome. Our list of the 13 best free phone apps for Rome travellers, which includes essential free phone apps, will help you navigate the city, learn the local language, and discover hidden gems like Rome’s vibrant street art scene.



1. Urbs Travel for GPS city routes with expert audio guides

Screenshots of Urbs App's Rome content

Urbs Travel is a fantastic app for tourists visiting Rome, offering GPS city routes with expert audio guides, bespoke routes, and essential travel knowledge. Designed by cultural experts and local writers, this app provides unique content that gives you an immersive and personalized experience while exploring Rome’s historic sites.


Unlike other navigation apps like Google Maps, Urbs Travel focuses on the city’s attractions and creates a more engaging sightseeing experience. The expert audio guides offer fascinating insights into Rome’s history and culture, enriching your visit and allowing you to appreciate the city’s treasures fully.



2. Navigate the City with Google Maps

Screenshots of Google Maps' Rome content

While Urbs Travel is great for exploring specific attractions, Google Maps is a reliable app for navigating Rome’s streets and finding points of interest. It provides detailed maps of the city, turn-by-turn navigation, and real-time traffic updates to help you steer clear of congested areas.


Before heading out, check the map to plan your route and avoid getting lost in Rome’s maze of ancient streets. With Google Maps, you can easily locate points of interest like restaurants, museums, and other attractions, making it an indispensable tool for any traveller in the eternal city.


Download from Google Play or Apple App Store.


3. Learn Italian with Duolingo

Screenshots of Duolingo's Italian content

While many Romans speak English, learning some Italian before and during your trip can enhance your experience and help you connect with locals. Duolingo is a popular language-learning app that offers a fun and engaging way to learn Italian, the local language of Rome. The gamified approach of Duolingo makes it enjoyable to learn new vocabulary and practice grammar, while the app’s lessons, multimedia, peer feedback, and live tutoring can help you learn Italian quickly and effectively.

With Duolingo, you’ll be ordering your morning cappuccino like a true Roman in no time!


Download from Google Play or Apple App Store.


4. Uncover Global Street Art with Street Art Cities

Screenshots of Street Art Cities' Rome content

Beyond the ancient ruins and Renaissance art, Rome is part of a global network of vibrant street art, a network you can explore with the Street Art Cities app. This app not only covers Rome but also cities around the world, offering a fresh perspective on their creative landscapes.


Street Art Cities provides an overview of artworks on a map, allows you to like artworks, and view pieces by specific artists. It also offers walking and bicycling routes for easy exploration. The app is a hub for a global community of street art 'hunters' who ensure the quality of artworks and collect background information.


With Street Art Cities, you can connect with this global community and discover the stories behind the art.


Download from Google Play or Apple App Store.


Must-Have Apps for Public and Private Mobility

Navigating Rome’s public and private transportation can be challenging, especially for first-time visitors. Fortunately, there are several must-have apps to help you get around the city with ease.


Whether you prefer public transportation or exploring Rome on a bike, scooter, or in a car, these apps will ensure you travel efficiently and comfortably throughout the city.


5. Moovit for Real-Time Public Transport Info

Screenshots of Moovit Rome content

Moovit is a popular app for real-time public transportation information, making navigating Rome’s buses, trams, and metro system easy. With Moovit, you can plan your trips, stay up-to-date with public transportation schedules, and find the most efficient routes to get around Rome's city centre.


The app also provides real-time traffic updates, so you can avoid busy areas and make the most of your valuable sightseeing time. With Moovit at your fingertips, exploring Rome’s public transportation has never been easier.


Download from Google Play or Apple App Store.


6. Urbi for Car, Scooter, and Bike Sharing

Screenshots of Urbi's Rome content

Urbi is a one-stop app for car, scooter, and bike-sharing services in Rome, partnering with companies like Enjoy, ShareNow, Lime, eCooltra, Helbiz, and Acciona. Urbi simplifies the process of finding and booking shared vehicles by consolidating multiple services in one user-friendly platform.


To get started, download the Urbi app and create an account. Once logged in, you can explore the available car, scooter, and bike-sharing services in Rome, and easily book a ride based on your preferences and location. With Urbi, navigating Rome’s streets has never been more convenient and eco-friendly.


Download from Google Play or Apple App Store.


7. Free Now for Booking Taxis

Screenshots of Free Now's Rome content.

While public transportation and shared rides are popular options in Rome, sometimes you may prefer the comfort and convenience of a taxi. Free Now is an app that allows tourists to easily book taxis in Rome, providing an alternative to traditional taxi queues.

With Free Now, you can enter your destination, select your preferred vehicle type, and see the estimated fare and ETA before confirming your booking. You can also choose your preferred payment method, including major credit and debit cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay, or even cash. Booking taxis in Rome has never been more hassle-free.


Download from Google Play or Apple App Store.


Foodie-Friendly Apps to Savor Rome's Cuisine

Italian cuisine is world-renowned, and Rome is no exception. From traditional trattorias to modern fusion restaurants, the city offers a diverse culinary landscape for food lovers to explore.


To help you savour Rome’s cuisine, we have handpicked a selection of foodie-friendly apps that will enhance your dining experience, from discounted meals to restaurant reservations and food delivery.


8. Too Good To Go for Discounted Leftover Food

Screenshots of Too Good To Go's Rome stuff

Too Good To Be True. Go is an innovative app that helps you find discounted leftover food from nearby cafes and restaurants, reducing food waste and saving you money. By connecting users with local establishments that have unsold food at the end of the day, you can purchase delicious meals at a fraction of the original price and do your part in reducing food waste.


Simply download the app, create an account, and search for participating restaurants and cafes near you offering discounted leftover food. Once you find a location you like, purchase the food and pick it up at the designated time. It’s a win-win situation for both your wallet and the environment.


Download from Google Play or Apple App Store.


9. The Fork for Restaurant Reservations

Screenshots of the Rome restaurants in The Fork app.

The Fork is a restaurant booking platform and app that allows you to find and book restaurants in Rome based on your preferences and real-time availability. The app also features special offers at partner restaurants, giving you the opportunity to enjoy a great meal at a discounted price.


To use The Fork, simply download the app, create an account, and search for restaurants in Rome based on your desired criteria. Once you find a restaurant you like, you can book a table directly through the app and enjoy a seamless dining experience in the eternal city.


Download from Google Play or Apple App Store.


10. Deliveroo for Food Delivery

When you prefer to enjoy Rome’s delicious cuisine from the comfort of your accommodation, Deliveroo is the app for you. Deliveroo offers food delivery from various Rome’s restaurants, allowing you to indulge in local dishes without stepping outside.


The app is user-friendly and offers various payment options, making it convenient for tourists to order meals from their favourite restaurants. So whether you’re craving a classic Roman pasta dish or a delectable dessert, Deliveroo brings Rome’s culinary delights right to your doorstep.


Download from Google Play or Apple App Store.


Stay Connected and Informed with Essential Utilities

While exploring Rome, staying connected and informed is important to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience. This section will cover essential utility apps that will help you stay updated with accurate weather information, access medical assistance, and navigate the city without an internet connection.



11. Roma Meteo for Weather Updates

Roma Meteo is a reliable weather app that provides accurate and up-to-date weather information for Rome, helping you plan your activities accordingly. Knowing the weather forecast is crucial for making the most of your trip, whether it’s deciding when to visit outdoor attractions or packing the right clothing.


Simply download the app and check the current weather conditions and the forecast for the upcoming days. With Roma Meteo, you can stay prepared for Rome’s ever-changing weather and enjoy your visit to the fullest.


Download from Google Play or Apple App Store.


12. MedinAction for Medical Assistance

While we all hope to stay healthy during our travels, it’s important to be prepared in case of any medical issues. MedinAction is an app that connects tourists with English-speaking medical professionals in Rome, offering 24/7 assistance through visits or free chats with doctors.


Whether you need a prescription, a diagnosis, or advice on a medical issue, MedinAction provides easy access to qualified doctors, ensuring you receive the care you need during your visit to Rome. With this app, you can know that medical assistance is just a few taps away.


Download from Apple App Store.


13. Maps.me for Offline Navigation

Navigating Rome can be challenging, especially when you don’t have access to the internet. Maps.me is a popular offline navigation tool for Rome, ensuring tourists can find their way around the city without internet access.


To use Maps.me, simply download the app and the map of Rome. Once downloaded, you can access the map offline and use it to explore the city. With its detailed maps and user-friendly interface, Maps.me is an essential app for staying on track while discovering the beauty of Rome.


Download from Google Play or Apple App Store.


Summary

In conclusion, these must-have apps will help you make the most of your Roman adventure by enhancing your sightseeing experience, navigating public and private transportation, savouring Rome’s cuisine, and staying connected and informed. By incorporating these essential tools into your trip, you can ensure a seamless, enjoyable, and budget-friendly visit to the eternal city.

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Download the app
and start exploring

So, what are you waiting for? Download the Urbs app today and bring your travel dreams to life.

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