When in Rome, do as the Romans. Try not to look like a tourist. You'll be an easy target for crime and you won't get treated as well. I did a lot of research about how to dress and act. No printed "American" tshirts and NO flip flops. Italians take pride in their dress though simple. Nicer shoes and nicer jeans or pants. I actually packed for my husband. I didn't let him take his tennis shoes. He has a nicer pair of walking shoes. I bought kitten heels because it is difficult walking on the cobblestone and they are easier on the feet while still looking nice. 
 
Don't bring a huge suitcase if you aren't staying in one location. It is difficult to drag it around, put it in tiny taxis and to drag down a narrow train isle. We brought oversized wheeled duffle bags. I packed 3 weeks worth of clothes in it with 6 pairs of shoes. I did just fine. 

We stayed at the Daphne Inn Veneto. It was the perfect little place off of Piazza Barberini. Picturesque and safe. There were shops and restaurants all around our hotel. The hotel was small and quaint but so Rome. We loved it. 
  
I have to say, I started out feeling like Rome was way to touristy and I was disappointed until..we plopped ourselves in front of the Pantheon at a little cafe and had ourselves a glass of wine. Then I relaxed and let Rome happen. The Pantheon is in amazing condition for how old it is. It was wonderful sitting across from it and watching the city go by. 
 
 We wandered and meandered up and down streets, snacked and sat. Wonderful. The streets looked exactly like the pictures you see. Romantic and beautiful. The pizza...delicious.