Guide to Rome, Italy

Rome - the Eternal City - is the capital and largest city of Italy and has an immense historic heritage. Today Rome is one of the most influential, beautiful and visited cities in the world, with a vibrant cultural heartbeat.

Top reasons to visit Rome

Learn about the rich history of the Roman Empire from the Historic Centre, a world UNESCO Heritage Site.

Live La Dolce Vita (the sweet or the good life) around the Trevi Fountain.

Visit the world’s smallest sovereign state, Vatican City.

Marvel in magnificent monuments such as the Pantheon, the Colosseum and the Piazza Navona.

Main areas of Rome

Most tourist sights are located between Station Termini and the Vatican on the other side of the Tiber River.

The Pantheon and Piazza Navona lie at Rome’s ancient historic centre, whilst The Colosseum lies to the South East.

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When to go to Rome

Although popular all year round Easter, summer and autumn are the busiest times to visit Rome. Between June and September Rome hosts Estate Romana, a large and varied cultural festival whilst the Rome Film festival is in October. Be careful in August, as many of Rome’s inhabitants take their two week holidays so shops, restaurants and bars may be closed.

Rome has a Mediterranean climate, with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters.

5 Rome experiences

1. Ancient Rome - The Colosseum, Roman Forum, Palatine Hill and Capitoline Hill.
2. Vatican City - St Peter’s Basilica and Square, Vatican Museums
3. Hang out in the trendy Travestere
4. Spanish Steps and Piazza Navona
5. Villa Borghese - relax in this beautiful large public garden

Top Attractions in Rome

• Roman Forum and Palatine Hill
• Colosseum
• Pantheon
• Trevi Fountain
• Spanish Steps
• Bocca della Verita
• Vatican Museums
• Churches - St Peter’s Basilica
• Castel Sant’Angelo
• Villa Borghese
• Piazza Navona
• Museo Nationale Romano
• Appia Antica and the Catacombs
• Tiber Island

Shopping in Rome

Shopping is a real treat in Rome, from the flea markets and boutiques to designer flagship stores.

• Designer - Via dei Condotti, Via Nazionale
• Boutiques - Via del Governo Vecchio and Trastevere
• Arts and antiques - Via dei Coronari, Via Margutta

Eating in Rome

No visit to Rome is complete without trying the local delicacies, such as:-

• Pizza - a flatbread generally topped with cheese, tomato sauce and delicious toppings
• Gelato - Italian ice cream
• Bruschetta - antipasto (starter dish) of bread rubbed with oil and garlic
• Pasta - lasagne, ravioli or local favourites such cache e pepe or all’amatriciana
• Tiramisu - a coffee-flavoured dessert

The best areas to eat in Rome are around the Centro Storico (Historic Centre), San Lorenzo and Testaccio.

Nightlife and Entertainment in Rome

Rome has a growing nightlife scene, and the best areas are around the Centro Storico (Historic Centre), Campo de’ Fiori, Trastevere, San Lorenzo and around Piazza Navona.

• Classical music - Auditorium Parco della Musica, Accademia Filarmonica Romana and di Santa Cecilia
• Theatre - Teatro Olimpico
• Opera - Teatro dell’Opera
• Nightclubs and live music - AKAB, Alexanderplatz, Anima, Big Mama, Goa and Village Globale.

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