Rome Holidays Travel Guide

Why is Rome famous?

Rome is famous all around the world for its stunning architecture! The Colosseum, the Pantheon, and Trevi Fountain are some of the main attractions in Rome. In ancient times, Rome was the center of the Roman Empire that ruled the European Continent for several centuries. Today, vestiges of the Roman Empire are scattered all around the town, attracting numerous visitors every year.

Where is Rome located?

Rome is located in the central part of the Italian peninsula, alongside the Tiber River, about 15 miles (24 km) away from the Tyrrhenian Sea.

Read also: Florence holidays travel guide | Naples holidays travel guide | Milan holidays travel guide | Venice holidays travel guide

What is the best time to visit Rome?

The best time to visit Rome -if you want to avoid the crowds- is autumn (September to November) and spring (April to May). Although in spring there’s a chance of wind, and in autumn, there’s a chance of rain, these months are the best ones to visit Rome. That’s because during these months the city is not packed with tourists, days are long, and the weather is good -you’ll only need a light jacket on your evening strolls.

In summer, the weather is sunny, but it is often very hot, especially in the second half of summer. Despite the heat, though, hordes of tourists from all around the world flock to the city every summer to spend their summer vacation in Rome.

Weather in Rome

What are the most popular events in Rome?

What are the best things to do in Rome?

Related: 19 Best things to do in Rome: Top attractions, places to visit & Trips you must do

What are the shopping hours in Rome?

Shops in Rome are typically open from 9 am to 1 pm and from 3.30 pm to 7.30 pm (4-8 pm in the summer). They are closed on Sundays and during lunch break (1 pm-3.30 pm). Grocery shops are usually closed on Thursday afternoons. Some small shops in Rome often close for two weeks to a month in summer.

On the main commercial streets in Rome, clothing stores and department stores are open from 9 am to 7.30 pm or later without closing for a lunch break. They are also open on Sundays from 10.00 am.

Key facts about Rome

How you can get to Rome

You can get to Rome by car, plane, ferry, and train. Getting to Rome is easier if you are traveling from another European country, as there are frequent flight, train, and ferry schedules, as well as a good road network. However, flying to Rome is probably the most popular and fastest way to reach the “eternal city”!

Getting to Rome by air

Rome has two international airports, Fiumicino and Ciampino. Fiumicino Rome Airport (FCO) is the biggest airport in Rome and Italy. Its official name is Aeroporto Leonardo da Vinci.

The Ciampino Rome Airport (CIA) is the second-largest airport in Rome. You can easily reach them from Rome city center.

If you’re flying from the United States to Rome, you’ll find direct flights to Rome from big cities like New York, Philadelphia, Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Miami, Los Angeles and Washington, D.C. The airline companies that fly directly from the U.S to Rome are Alitalia, Delta, Lufthansa, American Airlines, United Airlines, and KLM.

If you’re traveling from Canada to Rome, it might be more difficult for you to find direct flights, but there are still some airlines that fly directly to Rome, like Air Canada, Alitalia, Air Transat, and Air Canada Rouge. Otherwise, you can opt for flights with one or more stops, which are more frequent.

As for traveling from Australia to Rome, there aren’t any direct flights to Rome airports. However, there are indirect flights from Sydney, Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Cairns, and Perth.

Traveling to Rome from Europe is an easy and cheap way to reach the “eternal city”, as you can find tickets for less than 50 euros with low-cost airlines, like Vueling, Ryanair, Wizzair, and Easyjet.

Getting to Rome by ferry

The main port of Rome is Civitavecchia port, which is located 70 kilometers northwest of the city, at Molo Vespucci. You can easily reach Rome by ferry from Sicily, Sardinia, Tunisia, and Barcelona. The ferry companies that sail to Rome are Grimaldi Lines, Moby Lines, Tirrenia Navigazione, and Sardinia Ferries.

You can get to the port of Rome by car (via motorway A12 and highway SS1), by taxi, or by train following the rail line to Civitavecchia. The train journey from Rome city center to the port lasts from 45 minutes to 1 hour and 20 minutes. When you arrive at the Civitavecchia Rome train station, you can get a bus or a taxi to get to the port. Buses from the train station to the port run every 20 minutes and will get you to the port in about 10 minutes for 2 euros. These buses will take you to Rome Cruise Terminal, where you’ll embark on a shuttle bus that will take you to your terminal or departure quay.

Another option is to get to the port by foot from Civitavecchia Rome Train Station to Rome Cruise Terminal and then take the free shuttle bus from there.

Getting to Rome by train

It’s easy to get to Rome by train, as the city is well connected by train to many cities in Italy. The two main hub stations for international trains are Roma Termini and Rome Tiburtina. Roma Termini is located opposite Piazza dei Cinquecento bus station and serves international train itineraries from London and other European cities. Rome Tiburtina mainly serves national itineraries from northern and southern Italian cities like Milan, Venice, Naples, Salerno, and Turin.

Getting to Rome by car

Getting to Rome by car is an ideal option for those who want to make the “eternal city” part of their road trip in Italy. So, if you’re planning to visit several Italian cities by car, don’t forget to include Pisa, Monaco, Bologna, Genoa, and Florence in your itinerary.

Where to stay in Rome

The best area to stay in Rome for first time visitors

The historic center of Rome is a must for first-time visitors, thanks to its central location, historical sites, great selection of shops, and charming atmosphere. Trastevere is another popular district for first-timers. Full of medieval streets, colorful houses, traditional trattorias, and little local shops, it has a unique charm.

Tip: For an authentic accommodation experience, we recommend that you stay at an Airbnb in Rome!

Some of the best hotels in Rome city center are: Hotel Eden, Rocco Forte Hotel De Russie, The St. Regis Rome, Villa Agrippina Gran Meliá, and Hassler Roma

The best area to stay in Rome for local culture

San Giovanni is one of the most authentic and traditional neighborhoods in Rome -the ultimate cultural gem! Some of the best things to do in San Giovanni is to visit the Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano, shop at the local shops and traditional neighborhood markets, and try local specialties at the cute restaurants. Monti, which is located very close to the Colosseum, is also a hip neighborhood with a retro atmosphere.

Some of the best hotels in San Giovanni are: RomAntic Dreams Guest House, Etruria Relais and Wine, Hotel San Giovanni Roma, Serventi Longhi Rooms, and The Roman Way San Giovanni

The best area to stay in Rome for foodies

The Testaccio neighborhood in Rome offers plenty of choices, from traditional family-run trattorias to delicious pizzerias and Michelin-awarded high-end restaurants. The Jewish cooking scene is also booming in Rome, so if you want a taste of it, head to the restaurants on Via del Portico d’Ottavia.

Some of the best hotels in Testaccio are: Seven Suites, San Anselmo, The Corner Townhouse, Hotel Villa San Pio, and Hotel Aventino

The best area to stay in Rome for couples

One of the most romantic locations to stay in Rome is Aventine Hill, which is full of Art Nouveau Roman villas and has an elegant atmosphere. This is a quiet neighborhood, a little bit off the beaten tourist trail, which will let you enjoy a private stay at a romantic hotel in Rome! Some of the most beautiful attractions in the area are the Giardino Degli Aranci (Orange Garden) -ideal for sunset gazing and the Villa del Priorato di Malta.

Some of the best hotels in Aventine Hill are: Residenza Roma Imperiale, Colosseum Corner, Restart Accommodations Rome, Residenza Maritti ContemporarySuite, and 2 Passi Al Colosseo B&B

The best area to stay in Rome for sightseeing

The main sightseeing areas in Rome are three: Ancient Rome, the historic center of Rome, and the Vatican. The Ancient Rome area stretches around the Colosseum and includes some of the most important landmarks of the city. The historic center is very popular with tourists who want to combine shopping with sightseeing in Rome. It includes attractions like the Pantheon and Trevi Fountain. The Vatican is another super-famous spot. Inside the Vatican, you’ll find important monuments like the St Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican Museums.

Some of the best hotels in Vatican are: Al Ponte Del Papa B&B, Restart Accommodations Rome, Vatican Style, NH Collection Roma Giustiniano, and Trianon Borgo Pio Aparthotel

The best area to stay in Rome for nightlife

Trastevere is a one-way destination for crazy nightlife in Rome, as it is packed with many bars, nightclubs, and cafes. The heart of the city’s nightlife also beats at Rome’s historic center, where you’ll find a selection of pubs, rooftop bars, discos, and risto-bars. Alternatively, you can opt for San Lorenzo, or Pigneto, a hip bar hub east of the Termini station.

Some of the best hotels to stay in Trastevere are: Horti 14 Borgo Trastevere, Hotel Santa Maria, VOI Donna Camilla Savelli Hotel, Tree Charme, and Trastevere Royal Suite Trilussa

Related: Rome best hotels and places to stay

Getting around Rome on foot

One of the most important things you should know before your trip to Rome is that you’re going to walk -a lot! So, don’t forget to pack a pair or two of comfortable shoes and get free city maps at municipal information booths. If your destination is far and you don’t want to walk, there’s always the option of getting a taxi, which is rather pricey.

Getting around Rome by metro

The Metro is the most popular and easiest way to get around Rome, as there are many metro stations near all the main tourist attractions. The Metro lines in Rome are three: A and B, which connect at Termini station, and C.

Linea A (the red line) starts from the eastern part of Rome and makes stops at Piazza Barberini, Piazza di Spagna, Piazzale Flaminio (Piazza del Popolo), and Ottaviano/San Pietro, which is close to the Basilica di San Pietro and the Musei Vaticani.

Linea B (the blue line) makes stops near the Colosseum, the Circus Maximus, the Pyramid, and the Basilica di San Paolo Fuori le Mura.

Linea C starts from the eastern outskirts of the city through Pigneto.

The Metro is open from 5:30 am to 11:30 pm, when the last train leaves. On Friday and Saturday nights the last trains on the A and B lines leave at 1:30 am.

Getting around Rome by bus/tram

The bus and the tram are the second most popular public means of transportation in Rome. The bus isn’t as fast as the metro, but it offers amazing views of the city. Buses and trams have different colors. ATAC city buses are orange, gray-and-red, or blue-and-orange, while the trams are orange or green.

Keep in mind that you should board from the front door and exit from the middle door and validate your ticket at the bus entrance. Buses and trams run from 5:30 in the morning until midnight.

Ticket options

A ticket for the public means of transportation in Rome costs 1.50 euros and is valid for 100 minutes for transportation via buses, trams, and the Metro. You can purchase tickets at tobacco shops, newsstands, some coffee shops, automatic ticket machines at Metro stations, ATAC ticket booths, and bus stops. Although you can purchase a single ticket, we recommend buying a few, so you can get around without delays.

Alternatively, you can purchase a Roma24H ticket, or biglietto integrato giornaliero (integrated daily ticket). This ticket costs 7 euros and is valid for 24 hours starting from your first validation. You can also purchase a Roma 48H ticket, which is valid for 48 hours and costs 12.50 euros, a Roma 72H ticket, which lasts for 72 hours and costs 18 euros, and a CIS (Carta Integrata Settimanale), which is valid for one week and costs 24 euros. All tickets grant admission to ATAC buses, COTRAL urban bus services, trains for the Lido and Viterbo, and Metro.

If you’re planning to stay in Rome for more than a week, your best bet is to get a BIRG (daily regional ticket) or a CIRS (weekly regional ticket) from the railway station. With these tickets, you can move around using all state transport throughout the region of Lazio.

Getting around Rome by car

If you want to get around Rome at your own pace or go on road trips to nearby towns and villages, the car is the best option. Find below some facts about driving in Rome:

Documents required:

• Driving license issued by any of the EU member states or an international driving permit or a sworn translation of your license.
• To drive in Italy, you must be over 18.
• Seatbelts must be fastened both in the front and the rear.
• Keep right and overtake on the left.
• Items you need to have on the vehicle: a triangle, a spare tire, an extinguisher, a reflective safety jacket, and Civil Liability insurance.
• Helmets are compulsory for motorcycles and mopeds, regardless of the engine size.

How much will you spend in Rome per day?

How much money you’re going to spend each day in Rome depends on your overall budget, but in general, if you are a mid-range or budget-conscious traveler, you should plan to spend around 130 euros (141 $) per day. This amount of money includes accommodation, food, and drink, as well as public transportation tickets.

What are the must-try foods in Rome?

Health care & Safety

What clothes to pack for your trip to Rome?

Packing for summer in Rome

Summer in Rome is pretty hot, so make sure you pack light and breathable clothing like cotton t-shirts, sundresses, and linen pants. Opt for natural fabrics that absorb sweat, leaving your skin dry. Also, pack comfortable sandals or breathable sneakers for all the walking you’re going to do in Rome.

Packing for autumn in Rome

Autumn weather in Rome is neither too hot nor too cold, so it’s ideal for exploration. However, be prepared for rain, especially in November, which is the rainiest month in Rome. For a fall holiday in Rome, pack some light summer clothes for mornings and some long-sleeve shirts and light jackets for nights, when the temperature drops. Oh, and don’t forget your raincoat!

Packing for winter in Rome

Winter is the coldest season of the year in Rome, so clothes have to be warm. Days can still be sunny, but nights are quite crisp, so don’t forget to pack a warm coat, a pair of leather boots, a pair of gloves, a scarf, and sweaters.