I figured biking through Rome would be charming. How could it not, right? Riding past ancient ruins, weaving through narrow alleys, stopping for espresso and gelato whenever I wanted to. I had this romantic idea of gliding around like a local, totally at ease, just soaking the city's magic.
And then reality came into the picture. Don't get me wrong, biking through Rome can be amazing, but it's also chaotic, loud, and full of surprises no travel blog warned me about. There were moments where I felt completely free, and others where I was gripping the handlebars like my life depended on it.
If you're thinking about exploring Rome on a bike, I'd say, go for it. I'd also say you should stick around and read this article in its entirety because I have all kinds of stuff to share that I wish I knew before I went.
5 Things to Keep in Mind
I knew I wanted to rent an e-bike in Rome, so that's exactly what I did. Then I took it for a ride, all optimistic, seeing myself as the main character in a romantic movie. But here's what I wish I knew before I gave it a go (and why I ended up looking like I belonged more in a sitcom than in a romantic movie).
Cobblestones Are Everywhere and They're Brutal
This one hit me – literally. I was prepared for a bumpy patch here and there, but I wasn't ready for the nonstop cobblestone streets. They look charming in photos, but after twenty minutes of rattling over uneven stone, my arms were sore, my seat hurt, and my bike felt like it was falling apart.
Cobblestones are basically Rome's unofficial terrain, especially around older neighborhoods and historic centers. If I could go back, I'd make sure my tires were better suited for rough surfaces, and I'd definitely bring padded shorts.
Traffic Isn't as Chaotic as It Seems
I was really, really anxious about riding a bike through Roman traffic. I pictured cars everywhere, scooters buzzing by, just total mayhem. Turns out, it's not so bad if you know where to ride. I found that sticking to quieter roads (like those along the Tiber River) or paths (like the Appian Way) made a huge difference.
There are also certain times of day when the streets are calmer, like early mornings and evenings. Once you get a feel of it, riding around Rome gets way less intimidating.
You'll Cover Way More Ground Than Walking
Kind or a no-brainer, right? But the one thing no one tells you about biking in Rome is how easy it is to overdo it. I was so excited to see everything and on a bike, it feels totally doable in a single day. Plus, I'm getting excellent exercise.
But by the afternoon, I was completely exhausted. Biking lets you reach a lot more neighborhoods than you could on foot, but it also tricks you into thinking you can see it all at once. If you want my advice, plan fewer stops, take breaks, and don't rush.
Besides, Rome isn't a city you'd want to speed through anyway.
Not All Bike Lanes Are What They Seem
If you're expecting Rome to have a flawless network of bike lanes like Amsterdam… Yeah, no. Some lanes look promising at first, but they end without warning, or turn into sidewalks you need to share with pedestrians. And sometimes what looks like a bike lane is just a painted line on a busy road. It's not the worst thing ever, but let's just say it kept me on my toes.
What really helped was using a cycling-friendly navigation app (Komoot, Ride with GPS, Maps.me) that showed actual paths and not just the “shortest route.” And do yourself a favor – stay away from Google Maps for this purpose.
Morning and Evening Hits Different
The time of day you ride makes a huge difference in how Rome feels. I absolutely loved early morning rides, when the streets were quiet and the sun made everything have a golden glow. Evenings were beautiful, too, with the cooler air, lively piazzas, and musicians playing near fountains.
Midday, however, was anything but magical. It was hot, crowded, and all in all, completely overwhelming. If I could plan it again, I'd save all my rides for morning and evening. As far as midday goes, I'd take breaks, go eat, or just wander about on foot.
Conclusion
Overall, I give biking in Rome a 9 out of 10, only because you can't be totally comfortable riding a bike at all times of the day. There were some hiccups and I wish I did some things differently, but hey, I'm sure I'll go back and give it another go.
Only this time, I think I'll be a lot happier with it because I'll know what to expect.
