Rome
Welcome to Rome
Welcome to the cradle of a thousand-year-old civilization, a place that preserves the fantastic remains of the former empire, a city that is the heart of the Catholic faith, and at the same time, a space that best conveys the typical Italian. To be able to explore all of the above during your trip, we have made a complete tourist guide through Rome. It will give you the most important information about entering the city, organizing a vacation, enjoying Italian gastronomy, finding accommodation, exploring the city. Discover all the details of Rome's tourist offer. Get ready for an unforgettable experience.
Rome Attractions
Blog
Keep exploring with the help of similar blogs on our website.
The most important information about Rome
Rome, the so-called Eternal City, is one of the most important historical centers. Many buildings have triumphed over the flow of time and have kept enduring for centuries. This city has its unique charm; it is home to pleasant and heartwarming people who share their culture with the rest of the world. It's worth seeing, and remember that tossing a coin into the Trevi Fountain ensures that you'll be back in Rome soon.
- History of Rome - It all began in Rome. The history of the whole of Italy is connected to this ancient city, built 28 centuries ago. Rome rose from a modest town and grew into the capital of the world's most recognizable empires over the centuries. Romulus and Remus, two brothers, raised by a she-wolf who became a symbol of Rome, are responsible for its foundation. This city's rich history has led it to become one of the most visited and appreciated modern metropolises, having passed through periods of monarchy, republic, and empire. The Colosseum, Pantheon, and Roman Forum are now reminders of Rome's illustrious past.
- Geography and time zone - Rome is the capital of Italy as well as the Lazio region. It is situated in the geographical middle of the Italian peninsula. As a result, Rome enjoys a Mediterranean climate with mild winters and warm summers. Rome is in the Central European Time Zone, as is the rest of the country.
- Demography - The city of Rome has a population of 2,873 million people. Non-Italian people make up less than 10% of the people, with Romanians, Ukrainians, Poles, and Albanians making up the majority. The city is not particularly young when it comes to the average age, with the Italian population averaging 45.7 years old.
- Tradition and culture - What is this city unique for? - The Eternal City, as the capital of Italy is known, is steeped in heritage and culture. Rome's rich architecture, art, and history, as well as its distinct cuisine, are all hallmarks of the city. We are all familiar with the Colosseum and the Trevi Fountain, as well as the famed Spaghetti alla Carbonara and Roman Pizza. In addition, the Vatican, a country within a country, is housed within this metropolis. From fashion to everyday rituals, you can find a piece of Italian culture and elegance in every area of the city.
Rome Travel Tips
These are some of the most important details to know before visiting Rome. You may already be familiar with some of them, but it's advisable to refresh your memory and possibly keep some of the phone numbers you'll need during your stay in the city.
- Official Language and other languages spoken - Italian is the official language in Rome. But don't be alarmed if you hear Italian that you don't understand. It's most likely Romanesco dialect, which the Romans are proud of. English is the second most commonly spoken language, notably at restaurants, hotels, and other public places. Italians are also fluent in French, which comes in handy in a variety of situations.
- Entering the city: Procedures and requirements - You will need a passport, and depending on the country you are coming from, a visa may be required to enter the country. You can get all the information needed at the Embassy of Italy in your country.
Important Numbers
- Country Dialing Code Prefix - Dialing Code Prefix for the whole country is +39.
- Carabinieri: 112
- Coast Guards: 1530
- Guardia di Finanza: 117
- Forestry Guards: 1515
- Police: 113
- Municipal Police – Municipality of Rome: 060606
- Railway Police: 06 4620341
- Central Questura (Police Headquarters) of Rome: 06 46861
- Fire and rescue: 115
- Protezione Civile: 06 68201 (national switchboard)
- Ambulance: 118
- ACI – Emergency road assistance: 803 116 – Toll-free number, always active
Money Tips
- Currency - The euro is the currency of the entire country of Italy. Rome is not considered a much costly city, since there are plenty of options to save money or to find a cheaper solution that will be almost as good as the luxurious one. You will need around 130 euro daily to fulfill all your wishes in Rome.
- If you want to save money in a coffee shop, get your espresso at the counter rather than at a table because pricing in Italy varies based on where you order your drink. However, this is an excellent method to meet new people, so don't be afraid to try it. You may receive a bill that includes a tip in restaurants and cafes, so double-check it before paying.
- If you are under 25 years, make sure to bring with you your European Youth Card, International Student Identity Card (ISIC), International Teacher Identity Card (ITIC), or International Youth Travel Card (IYTC). In that case, you will get a discount on some museum and gallery tickets. You can get The Roma Pass of Omnia Card to benefit from discounts at museums and galleries while exploring the city.
Useful apps, free travel map
- Cittymapper is an excellent tool for exploring Rome because it provides amazing maps with the fastest routes and exact locations and information on buses, metro, cabs, and other modes of transportation.
- Free Now is an app that works similarly to Uber in that it will supply you with cab services at any time. You don't have to pay cash, and you can save your favorite drivers' information so you can call them again.
- Urbi will provide you with essential information on all available rental vehicles that you can use at any time.
- Deliveroo - as the name implies, this fantastic app allows you to order food. They are quite efficient and provide you with a wide range of restaurant and cuisine options.
- Meetup - you've arrived in Rome alone and want to socialize? By using this software to look for the company, you will locate it in no time. You'll come across groups of people who attend activities that you might be interested in. Don't be shy; give it a shot; you'll undoubtedly meet some wonderful folks!
- Triposo - If you're looking for recommendations for places to dine, drink, or go out, this app can assist. You can either book a hotel or go to the nearest food shop. Download it and take a look around.
When to visit Rome?
As is typical for inland cities, the best time to visit Rome is in the spring or fall. However, because Rome's temperature is mild and pleasant, you can visit in the spring or winter. You will not be disappointed because this city has something to offer in every season.
How to get to Rome?
Rome is well-connected with many countries in the world. It's also easily reachable from any city in Italy, you just have to find a way that suits you the most.
- Plane - Rome has two airports, Fiumicino and Ciampino. Ciampino is closer to the city center, so Ciampino is closer to the city center. So it is a better alternative if you want to travel to the city quickly and easily. Fiumicino airport is also known as Leonardo da Vince Airport. This one is a little further out than Ciampino Airport, which is located to the south of the city, but it covers more destinations and airlines.
- Train - The train is a wonderful alternative to keep in mind if you're intending on traveling through Italy. The whole country has a highly developed railway network, so you can get to Rome and other Italian cities in no time. You can use three types of trains to travel through Italy - Frecciarossa (high-speed train), Frecciargento, and Frecciabianca. This allows you to travel long distances in a short time. For example, you can reach Rome from Florence in an hour and a half by Frecciarossa. You can find all the information about departures, timetables, and ticket prices on the official Trenitalia website.
- Bus - Transport by bus is not much widespread in Italy as in train. From abroad you can travel to Rome with Eurolines, a bus company that runs throughout Europe.
- Car - When traveling by car, you can always find the best routes to suit your needs. Our recommendation is to take a trip to the key cities in southern Italy, such as Torino, Milano, Genova, Bologna, and Firenze.
Activities for tourists in Rome
Best tours - Rome can be explored in many different ways, whether on foot or by vehicle. We will show you some of the most exciting tours that will help you experience the city from a curious perspective.
- Vespa Tour - Vespa is the brand name for Italian-made scooters that are popular around the world. What better way to get a vibe of the city than by riding Italy's most iconic vehicle? Someone will drive it for you if you don't know how to. This is a wonderful method to navigate around the city, and you should not miss it. Rent a Vespa and take this great tour.
- Bike Tour - Depending on the terrain, many cities in Italy are bike-friendly. Rome is regarded as one of them. Rent a bike and go for a ride in the city center and beyond. This is a fantastic sightseeing choice, as well as a simple method to get a parking spot and see all of Rome's highlights.
- Tour with Roma Pass - Purchase a Roma Pass which will give you access to many Roman museums and galleries. This will save you a lot of money and make your trip much easier.
- Hop-on Hop-off Bus Sightseeing Tour - Open-top buses will allow you to experience Rome in a unique way. You can board your bus at any moment during the day and get off whenever you wish to see any site or simply go for a walk.
Best Shopping - Because Rome, like the rest of Italy, is recognized for its exquisite fashion, there are entire districts dedicated to shopping that you may spend a whole day exploring. We suggest the following streets as a starting point:
- The most exquisite outfits may be found on the Via Del Corso. This is the city's major shopping street, which runs through the heart of the city. You won't be able to ignore it; the gleaming storefronts will undoubtedly entice you.
- Via Dei Condotti has a large selection of branded Italian leather bags.
- If you want to go street shopping or buy vintage items, Via Cola Di Rienzo and Via Dei Coronari are fantastic places to go.
Events and festivals - You can attend a variety of events and festivals in Rome at any time of year. Some of the most famous festivals are:
- From April until June, the Spring Festival offers a variety of activities and events. You can go to any type of event you choose, whether it's music, theater, or sports. Then, once this event is complete, you can go to Romaeuropa, a festival that showcases artists from many fields from June through September.
- The Great Autumn Market, which takes place at the Autodromo di Vallelunga in the autumn, is a must-see.
- Many exhibitions and concerts are held during White Nights, one of the most famous September Roman festivals.
- The Piazza Navona Christmas Market is dedicated for the most stunning New Year's and Christmas celebrations.
Tourist attractions in Rome
There are numerous attractions in this ancient city that will spark your attention and motivate you to learn more about Rome. You will not be disappointed with any of the sites you visit; they are all worthwhile.
- Colosseum - If you visit Rome, this is a must-see attraction. The Colosseum is the most famous and well-known attraction in Rome, if not all of Italy. For nearly 2,000 years, this magnificent structure remains a testament to Rome's turbulent history. We recommend you take a guided tour to experience this colossal arena in the best possible way. The regular ticket price is 12 euros.
- Pantheon - This is a Roman temple built in 126 AD. This is the best-preserved building of Ancient Rome. It’s located in the same area as other symbols of Rome - Piazza Navona and Trevi Fountain. Entrance to this site is free.
- Trevi Fountain - famosissima Fontana di Trevi. This is the largest fountain in Rome, and also the most famous one. The fountain we know today was built in 1762, even though its origins go back to 19BC. Exists a belief that if you throw one coin in the fountain, you will return to Rome. If you throw two, you will fall in love with a handsome Italian, and with three coins, you will marry the person you met.
- Saint Peter’s Basilica - this is one of the largest buildings in the world. It is located in Vatican City, and it covers an area of 23.000 square meters. This monumental building represents the headquarters of the Catholic Church as well as the Pope's residence. It’s a real must-see if you are visiting Rome.
- Roman Forum - Roman Forum is another testament of the Roman Empire's greatness, just about as impressive as the Colosseum. This was the central place for all political and social activity. Today, this is one of the most famous sites of whole Italy. The regular ticket price is 12 euros.
- Vatican Museums - this one attraction takes time to visit. 17 museums within this museum complex collected and preserved great parts of human history. Here you will find evidence of Roman history and parts of Egyptian, Etruscan, and other nations’ past.
- Sistine Chapel - This chapel preserves one of the most important works of Michelangelo. You will see the famous ceiling he painted at this very place, which contains works such as Creation of Adam and The Final Judgment. This is an absolute masterpiece that cannot be described in words. It is something you have to experience.
- Piazza Navona - The most famous square in Rome is Piazza Navona, which contains three fascinating fountains designed during the XVI and XVII century. There you will find Fontana Dei Quattro Fiumi (Fountain of the Four Rivers), Fontana del Moro (Seashell Fountain), and Fontana del Nettuno (Fountain of Neptune).
- Piazza di Spagna and Spanish Steps - This represents Italian Baroque style, a beautiful square with remarkable Spanish Steps that count 135 steps to the top. And at the bottom of the stairs lays Fontana della Barcaccia - Fountain of the Ugly Boat. Even though its name says differently, this is one of many of Rome’s stunning fountains.
- Borghese Gallery and Museum - Borghese Gallery and Museum is a real gem worth visiting. In Villa Borghese, you will get a chance to see Renaissance and Baroque antiquities and art pieces.
Accommodation in Rome
Rome is one of the most visited cities in Europe, so you can expect various types of rooms and hotels to satisfy any of your desires.
- Hotels - If you are in search of luxury rooms and apartments, you can explore these hotels in the center of the city: Hotel Artemide - 4 stars hotel, with a price of 150 euros for a room and G-Rough - 50 meters from the famous Piazza Navona, you can find a luxury room in this hotel. The average price per night is 500 euros.
- Hostels - For the ones who want to find accommodation in hostels of Rome, here’s our choice: Yellow Square Rome - less than 2 km from the city center, this hostel offers 12 euros per night accommodation and Freedom Traveller - free morning coffee and great people you can encounter! Find this hostel 1.5 km from the city center, pay the price of 12 euros.
- Apartments and private rooms - The best way to explore this type of accommodation is by using Airbnb, the website which provides you with apartments and private rooms will be a great way of saving money and meeting great and friendly hosts. If you are also a fan of couch surfing, know that many young Italians offer their apartments for you to rest and enjoy some time with locals.
Where to find best food and drinks in Rome
This is a gastronomic city with a wide variety of traditional dishes to enjoy. We recommend that you try them all because they are all excellent and evocative of Roman tradition.
Best restaurants - We already know how much Italy is famous for its food. If you go to Rome, don’t miss a chance to enjoy traditional Spaghetti alla Carbonara, Pasta Cacio and Pepe, Roman Pizza of fantastic gelato. The most famous restaurants are:
- Felice e Testaccio is an old-school restaurant that will serve you the best roman traditional meals you can find.
- Trattoria Monti is loved by tourists and locals, this is a perfect place for an afternoon meal after a big tour in Rome.
- Pizzeria da Remo after a night out you don’t want to miss eating traditional Roman pizza. You will find the finest pizzas at this place open every evening.
- Pianostrada is an elegant and friendly restaurant that offers excellent dishes for its guests. A glass of high-quality wine goes without saying.
Best Wine shops in Rome - Italy is known for being one of the best wines you can find in the whole of Europe. And if you are a fan of a good glass of wine, we will lead you. Best enotecas and wine bars:
- Cul de Sac
- Trimani
- Enoteca Regionale Palatium
- La Barrique
- Antica Enoteca
Public transport in Rome
Public Transport in Rome is considered cheap. You can buy a public transport pass that will get you into the transport you need to explore the city.
- Metro - Rome has three metro lines that reach the most important landmarks of the city. Line A runs from the northwest to southeast, from Battistini to Anagnina. Line B Connects the northeast to the south of Rome, from Rebibbia to Laurentina. Tickets can be purchased at the metro stations, at newsstands, and in most corner shops.
- Bus - The bus has many different types of lines, Urban lines (U), Night buses (N), Express (X), and Exact (E). Information about bus arrivals and lines you can find at every bus stop.
- Other types of transport - Rome also has trams, an urban railway, and taxis at your disposal.
Frequently asked questions about Rome
What country is Rome in?
Rome is located in Italy. It represents its capital and the biggest city.
When should I visit Rome?
From October to April is the best period to visit Rome. In that period, Rome offers a lot of events and the whole city looks incredible.
What is Rome famous for?
Rome is famous for its rich architecture, art, rich history, but also its specific cuisine.
Is Rome safe?
Rome is considered a safe city since the violent crime rates are low these days.
What time zone is Rome?
Rome is in the Central European Time Zone
Is Rome expensive?
Rome is known to be one of the most expensive cities in Europe. Yet, this city has so much to offer in return.
What do you need to enter Rome?
You will need a passport, and depending on the country you are coming from, you will have to provide a visa.
What is the best way to get around Rome?
Use public transport, it’s cheap and easily accessible. Some companies rent Vespas, electric scooters, bikes, and other vehicles. You can also try car sharing or a taxi.
The most important information before going to Rome?
- Keep an eye on your money at any time. Even though this is a safe city, there are always pickpocketers on the streets.
- Use apps that could help you explore the city
- Learn some Italian words and phrases, it could help you a lot.
- Get a public transport pass that you will use during your stay in Rome.
- Keep in mind that the airport in Rome is away from the city center, so make sure you can find the transport you need after you enter the city.
- Inform yourself before coming to Rome. The city is pretty big so you will need some basic information to explore it correctly.