Rome
Rome
Rome, known as the Eternal City, has attracted visitors for over 2,000 years. It is one of the most magnificent and romantic cities in the world, boasting an attractive mix of grandiose sights — the likes of the Colosseum, Roman Pantheon and Forum — and bustling city life. Life is sweet: the cake is there for eating. Italian designer shopping, smooth ice cream, frothy cappuccino and exquisite wines to name but a few things that draw in over 4.2 million tourists in search of a taste of Italian 'dolce vita' every year.Find your trip
Away from the city bustle of Rome, this park area is marked by what's left of two ancient aqueducts that once carried water. Both aqueducts were built by the Romans and are worth the ride out into Rome's suburbs.
Perhaps Rome's most famous landmark, the massive stone amphitheatre was built under Emperor Vespasian in A.D. 70-72 and completed by his son Titus 10 years later. As in the movie "Gladiator", it has hosted violent and brutal displays of gladiatorial combats and wild animal fights, all just for the delight of crowds. Inauguration lasted one hundred days, and approximately 9,000 animals and 2,000 gladiators were killed during the event. At its peak this place hosted 87,000 spectators. Today, it is Rome's most visited sight, which never fails to leave visitors awe-struck.
Named after the nearby Embassy of Spain, the Spanish Steps link Piazza di Spagna with Piazza di Trinità dei Monti. The monumental stairway is famous for being a gathering point for both tourists and locals who grab a front-row seat to the spectacle of Rome's street life after an exhausting day of shopping or sightseeing. During spring, the Spanish Steps bloom with azalea flowers, making it one of the most photogenic attractions in Rome. The steps became famous all around the world thanks, in part, to Audrey Hepburn's film A Roman Holiday and Bob Dylan's song When I Paint My Masterpiece. Mind that a new regulation now prevents anyone from sitting on the steps.
The Museum of Rome or "Museo di Roma", housed in the neoclassical 18th century Palazzo Braschi—the former headquarters of the National Fascist Party—receives critical acclaim for its exclusive collection. The museum holds approximately 40,000 pieces of artwork all depicting Rome's history from the Middle Ages until the 20th century. After the Second World War 300 families were evacuated to this location and many of the frescoes were damaged by the fires that were lit in order to keep warm.
Rome falls short of Venice and Florence when it comes to art, but this gallery is an exception. The bi-level art gallery, housed in the former Villa Borghese Pinciana, displays masterpieces by renowned artists such as Botticelli, Raphael, Caravaggio, Rubens, and Tiziano. The adjacent gardens are as breathtaking as the artwork showcased in the gallery. Tip: Because of its popularity, it is highly recommended to book tickets in advance.
In the city centre, you will find Forum Romanum sandwiched between the Palatine and Capitoline hills. The open-air forum was the commercial, political, social, and religious hub of Ancient Rome. Throughout the Imperial Period, Emperors like Julius Caesar and Augusts expanded the Forum to include temples, statues and monuments, a senate house, and low courts. Today, the Forum Romanum is one of the most visited archaeological sites in the world and offers insights into the Roman civilization.
An astonishing 2,000-year-old temple, now a church, the Pantheon is a remarkable building to see when in Rome. The Pantheon, built as a temple to all gods, is the best-preserved marvel from Ancient Rome. Its main and most fascinating feature is the design of the dome and open oculus, the only source of natural light. Tourists from around the world flock into the Pantheon to see what Michelangelo defined as an “angelic and not human design”. The Pantheon also houses the tomb of the great painter Raphael. The square in front of the Pantheon is called Piazza della Rotonda. It is located near Piazza Navona and Campo de Fiori so take the opportunity to stroll around in this area, there is much to see.
Designed by Salvi and completed by Pannini in 1762, the striking Trevi Fountain amazes onlookers with its 26.3-metre (86 ft) height and 49.15-metre (161.3 ft) width, making it the largest Baroque fountain in the city and the most famous one in the world. Several movies, including Roman Holiday and Fellini's La Dolce Vita, have contributed to its fame. In 2016, Fendi chose the fountain as the stage of one of its memorable shows ever, wherein a clear plexiglass runway stretched across the Trevi Fountain. Some useful tips before visiting Rome's iconic Trevi Fountain: - It's illegal to fish out coins from the fountain. - It's strictly forbidden to bathe in the fountain.
Away from the city bustle of Rome, this park area is marked by what's left of two ancient aqueducts that once carried water. Both aqueducts were built by the Romans and are worth the ride out into Rome's suburbs.
Perhaps Rome's most famous landmark, the massive stone amphitheatre was built under Emperor Vespasian in A.D. 70-72 and completed by his son Titus 10 years later. As in the movie "Gladiator", it has hosted violent and brutal displays of gladiatorial combats and wild animal fights, all just for the delight of crowds. Inauguration lasted one hundred days, and approximately 9,000 animals and 2,000 gladiators were killed during the event. At its peak this place hosted 87,000 spectators. Today, it is Rome's most visited sight, which never fails to leave visitors awe-struck.
Ristorante Ad Hoc, with its romantic setting, is the perfect restaurant to relax after a stroll in the city centre of Rome. Choose from a menu with typical Roman and Mediterranean dishes and well-reputed wines. Ad Hoc is also popular among locals and national celebrities.
Experience fine dining in one of the most ancient districts of Rome. Whether you prefer fish or meat Ristorante Tema offers your protein of choice of the best quality and prepares it to perfection. Even if the restaurant is known for fine dining, the service is warm and relaxing.
This award-winning restaurant with three Michelin stars serves not only exquisite food but also offers an amazing view over the city of Rome. On top of the Rome Cavalieri Hotel, La Pergola offers you to choose from a menu presenting dishes made of products from the best producers in Italy. The wine cellar contains 53,000 bottles of wines and as for the accompanying water, there are over 25 different sorts to choose from. La Pergola will give you an unforgettable gourmet experience.
If you're yearning for something other than Italian food, Sakana Sushi is the place to go. In an oriental setting, traditional Japanese dishes are served. If you feel having your meal in a nearby park or just somewhere outside, Sakana Sushi also provides a takeaway menu to choose from.
In the heart of Trastevere, Spirito Di Vino serves the very true meaning of "slow food". In their wine cellar, they house over 800 bottles of wines (where surely you'll find the perfect combination to every dish and take the culinary experience to another level).
Taking advantage of its location—right in Piazza del Tritone—Osteria Barberini is a family-owned eatery that offers Italian fine cuisine: jazz and swing music in the background, wooden tables, and a simple interior make the dining comfortable and a fave with locals and tourists alike. Refined dishes with black truffle and white made by chef Gabriel are the real stars here but don't miss out on the other innovative yet traditional plates: The menu also includes typical Roman dishes (such as ravioli, carbonara...) and seafood specialties.
Pane e Salame ('bread and salami' in English) with its long and narrow dining room is a snug yet comfortable eatery. Made-to-measure taglieri (wooden chopping boards) come loaded with cold cuts, cheeses, roasted eggplants, zucchini and pates, and are usually combined with a glass of fine wine to be enjoyed to the fullest. It's highly recommended to come early as the place gets busy, especially during rush hour.
Since the restaurant Roma Sparita blazed onto the Rome dining scene over 10 years ago, it has been a power centre that bolsters the meaning of tradition and innovation with its original dishes. Its pièce de résistance is the outdoor terrace which comes to life, especially during the summer. The menu packs multiple Roman-style dishes, from the 'bucatini all'amatriciana' to the 'trippa alla Romana'.
Ristorante Ad Hoc, with its romantic setting, is the perfect restaurant to relax after a stroll in the city centre of Rome. Choose from a menu with typical Roman and Mediterranean dishes and well-reputed wines. Ad Hoc is also popular among locals and national celebrities.
Experience fine dining in one of the most ancient districts of Rome. Whether you prefer fish or meat Ristorante Tema offers your protein of choice of the best quality and prepares it to perfection. Even if the restaurant is known for fine dining, the service is warm and relaxing.
La Rinascente is a slightly more exclusive department store, carrying many high-end brands. They have everything from clothes to shoes, perfume and accessories. After a long day of shopping, you can enjoy a walk through the close-by Villa Borghese gardens.
Beautiful 19th-century arcade with enormous cut-glass chandeliers and a vaulted glass roof, this mall was recently named after the very popular, now late actor Alberto Sordi. Various shops and coffee bars, but mainly fashion clothes, but also the book shop Feltrinelli, which has a wide range of guides and books in various languages.
Coin specialises in men's and women's clothing and beauty items. Not only will you find shoes, bags, jewellery, and perfumes, but also a great selection of high-quality kitchen and bathroom gadgets.
Battistoni is a fashion institute that started its business in the year 1946 here in Rome and makes flawless tailoring for men and women. If it is an elegant Italian design you are looking for, then you have come to the right place.
Leather, leather, leather, it is almost a guarantee to walk out with a beautiful bag or a lovely pair of shoes when visiting this boutique. Bottega Veneta also has a dangerously lovely home and furniture line.
Laura Biagiotti is one of Italy's greatest designers, crowned the "Queen of Cashmere." This line has everything from elegant clothing to shoes, bags, eyewear and underwear.
At Abitart you can get your hands on a one-of-a-kind, colourful clothes. The designer comes from an artistic background that is reflected in their creative women's clothing.
Eataly is a famous megastore-chain offering high-quality Italian delicacies. In Rome, they are situated at Ostiense railway station and provide you with multiple floors of food heaven. You can pick up some souvenirs and attend cooking classes or visit one of their restaurants.
La Rinascente is a slightly more exclusive department store, carrying many high-end brands. They have everything from clothes to shoes, perfume and accessories. After a long day of shopping, you can enjoy a walk through the close-by Villa Borghese gardens.
Beautiful 19th-century arcade with enormous cut-glass chandeliers and a vaulted glass roof, this mall was recently named after the very popular, now late actor Alberto Sordi. Various shops and coffee bars, but mainly fashion clothes, but also the book shop Feltrinelli, which has a wide range of guides and books in various languages.
Fiumicino International Airport
Rome’s main airport, Leonardo da Vinci, is located in Fiumicino, 30 kilometres (18.5 miles) from the city. There are several ways to get into the city centre from the airport: Leonardo Express The Leonardo Express leaves every half hour in each direction and connects the Roma Termini station with Fiumicino airport. Tickets can be bought at machines, travel agencies, ticket desks and on the website. Train You can reach Rome by train directly to the Termini railway station. Metro The metropolitan train FM1 links the airport with regions like Fara Sabina, Orte and Poggio Mirteto. Please note that the Metro does not stop at central station Termini. Terravision Shuttle Bus This bus line takes you to the central station Termini.
Ciampino Airport
The city’s second airport Ciampino is situated 12.0 km southeast of central Rome and is mainly served by low-cost and charter airlines. Bus Some low-cost airlines have their own buses. The regular buses depart from the nearby underground station Anagnina. Taxi A taxi ride from the airport and central Rome takes 20 minutes.
Passport / Visa
Italy can be visited visa-free for up to 90 days by citizens of Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Malaysia, Israel, UAE and most countries in America. If you are unsure whether or not you need to apply for a visa, we recommend contacting the embassy or consulate in your country. International (non-Schengen) travellers need a passport that is valid for at least 3 months after the end of their intended trip to enter the Schengen zone. Citizens of Schengen countries can travel without a passport but must have a valid ID with them during their stay.
Best Time to Visit
Rome is a traveller's darling throughout the year, with spring being the most pleasant time to visit. The summer brings peak visitor numbers to Rome, and some of the year's highest temperatures fall on July and August. If your visit happens to be during these two months, check that your accommodation is equipped with air conditioning.
Public Transport
Getting around Rome is very affordable if you use public transport. The system includes three metro lines, buses, trams and urban railway (Ferrovie Urbane). The Termini station is the hub for Rome’s transportation network. The name of the local bus and streetcar company is ATAC. All tickets must be purchased from ATAC ticket machines, newsagents, or ticket outlets on the underground. The underground runs until midnight. Night buses stop at stations marked ”N”. There are also different choices of travel passes for 1, 3 or 7 days that are valid on all public transportation.
Taxi
Taxi stands can be found throughout the city centre. It is recommended that tourists only use licensed yellow and white taxis. An extra fee is payable per suitcase to and from the airport. There is also a surcharge at night, on public holidays and Sundays. It is cheaper to hail a taxi in the street than get one at a taxi stand or book via telephone. Tipping at 5-10% is encouraged.
Post
The post offices are usually open 09:00-14:30 from Monday to Friday and between 09:30–13:00 on Saturdays. Stamps can be bought at tobacconists that either carry a blue and white "Tabacchi" sign or are simply marked by the ”T” sign.
Fiumicino International Airport
Rome’s main airport, Leonardo da Vinci, is located in Fiumicino, 30 kilometres (18.5 miles) from the city. There are several ways to get into the city centre from the airport: Leonardo Express The Leonardo Express leaves every half hour in each direction and connects the Roma Termini station with Fiumicino airport. Tickets can be bought at machines, travel agencies, ticket desks and on the website. Train You can reach Rome by train directly to the Termini railway station. Metro The metropolitan train FM1 links the airport with regions like Fara Sabina, Orte and Poggio Mirteto. Please note that the Metro does not stop at central station Termini. Terravision Shuttle Bus This bus line takes you to the central station Termini.
Ciampino Airport
The city’s second airport Ciampino is situated 12.0 km southeast of central Rome and is mainly served by low-cost and charter airlines. Bus Some low-cost airlines have their own buses. The regular buses depart from the nearby underground station Anagnina. Taxi A taxi ride from the airport and central Rome takes 20 minutes.
