These tips are from a variety of locations where I've posted my advice.
1. Know that the majority of gelato places offer free whip cream, but most tourist don't know this and never ask for it. Be sure to ask for creme or doppio creme (whipped cream on the bottom of the cone and whipped cream on the top of the gelato). The hubby thinks it's funny that I'm amazed by this.
2. I mentioned it in the food post, most table wine in Italy is infinity tastier than table wine served in the United States. For the average tourist the table wine is just fine. Sometimes you hear that table wine is just all the left over wine poured together, this may or may not be true for some not so reputable restaurants(this is the kind of story you hear in a lot of countries and isn't limited to Italy), but it's not the norm.
3. Water is not free in restaurants (though free from many fountains around the city), usually when you ask for water you will be sold bottled water, it's worth asking for "aqua della spina", or tap water. Some of the more touristic restaurants will refuse to give free tap water, but many restaurants will comply if you ask specifically for it. On the same topic, often bottled water, juice, and soda can cost more than beer and wine, so plan accordingly.
4. If you plan on taking the train in Italy, other than the main tourist routes with high speed trains (Rome to Florence, Florence to Venice, etc...) the regional train is a cheaper option. Though often times they take longer to arrive at the destination, if you are on a budget and missed out on the cheaper price deals for high speed trains, they are always a good alternative. The prices for these trains do not increase as the travel date gets closer and can be bought the day of or a few days before you plan to take them. Just be sure to validate your ticket at the little yellow machines before boarding. Another benefit of regional trains is often times they are more scenic. Since high speed trains are inherently fast, they often go through tunnels to avoid disturbing the people in the communities they pass through.
5. This goes with tip 4. Trenitalia is the primary train operator in Italy, but for a few years now they've been getting competition from Italo. Pricing and routes are similar for both companies, so check both sites for schedules that match your itinerary. Keep in mind, Italo does not go to Termini, the main station in Rome, instead it goes to Tiburtina, which is just a short metro ride from the city center.
6. I mentioned that the water from the fountains (not the famous decorative fountains like the Trevi Fountain, though if you are facing Trevi Fountain, to the bottom right there is a drinking fountain) is free and delicious. Bring your own water bottle instead of constantly buying water. Also, never buy from the trucks in the tourist areas, those are very overpriced and often run by mafia. One more note about fountains, most have a little hole at the top of the spout, cover the part where the water is coming out from and the water will come out of that hole instead, making it much easier to drink.
7. When choosing where to get gelato, avoid any place where the gelato looks overly large or fluffy, these are industrial made gelati that have had air pumped into them in order to make them more voluminous.
8. I don't like to recommend specific places to eat in Rome, for example, I used to recommend Caccio e Pepe, but it has gained in popularity and lately reports have talked about how the quality has gone down. With that said, I will recommend one place, not for the food, but for the best view of the Colosseo. Oppio Caffe was a place I was shown on my last night of my first trip to Rome. It's a fun story, but for another time. Go for drinks and the view. The food, I never tried, but heard it is so so.
9. I like recommending the neighborhood of Monti for a place to stay and/or explore. It is the oldest part of Rome, historically where the brothels were located during ancient Rome, and now full of gorgeous ivy covered buildings, small streets, picture perfect scenes of what tourist have in mind when they think Rome, and trendy local bars, restaurants, and shops that locals even go to. It is also located within easy walking distance to the Colosseo and to Termini Station. Added bonus: many of the vacation rentals in this area come with a balcony. For exploring, it's not only less touristic than Trastevere (which has not been a hidden gem, off the beaten path location in years), it is also more convenient to get to and from.
10. At most drinking establishments children are welcomed during the day time. So if you go out for aperitivo (which you absolutely must!), feel free to bring babies and kids. If someone under aged wants to join in, they can order non-alcoholic drinks and take part in the food.
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