Rome Travel Guide
Welcome to the Eternal City! Rome, the capital of Italy, is a sprawling, cosmopolitan city with nearly 3,000 years of globally influential art, architecture, and culture on display.
How to Get There
Rome is accessible via various modes of transport:
- By Air: Rome's Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport (FCO) is the main international gateway to the city, located about 35km west of Rome.
- By Train: Roma Termini is Rome's main railway station with daily connections across Italy and international destinations.
- By Road: Rome is linked with the rest of Italy by the Autostrada (motorway).
Best Time to Visit
Rome can be visited all year round. Still, the best times are generally:
- Spring (April to June): The weather is warm, and wildflowers are in bloom.
- Fall (September to October): The summer crowds have thinned out, and temperatures are cooler yet comfortable.
Top Attractions
- Colosseum: A monumental three-tiered Roman amphitheater known for its gladiator tournaments.
- Roman Forum: It was the center of political, commercial, and judicial life in ancient Rome.
- Pantheon: A testament to Rome's architectural grandeur, originally built as a temple to all the gods of Rome.
- St. Peter’s Basilica: The world’s largest Basilica of Christianity, nested into the Vatican City.
- Vatican Museums: Home to priceless artwork and treasures, including Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel.
Museums and Cultural Sites
Get an insight into Rome’s rich history and culture at these well-known museums:
- Capitoline Museums: Known as the world's first museum, it houses collections of classical sculptures and Renaissance art.
- Galleria Borghese: This museum houses a substantial part of the Borghese collection of paintings, sculpture, antiques, and includes masterpieces by Rafael, Titian, and Caravaggio.
Food and Drink
Dive into Rome's rich culinary scene:
- Pizzarium Bonci: Known for the Roman-style pizza al taglio, a rectangular pizza sold by weight.
- Roscioli: A renowned family-owned deli, bakery, restaurant, and wine bar, it's an excellent workplace to sample authentic Roman pasta dishes like carbonara and amatriciana.
- Tazza d'Oro: Coffee lovers must visit this iconic roaster and cafe located near the Pantheon.
Day Trips
- Pompeii and Naples: Visit the ancient, well-preserved Roman town of Pompeii and the vibrant, archaeological city of Naples.
- Florence: Known as the Cradle of the Renaissance, Florence is filled with art and architectural masterpieces.
Live Events
- Opera at the Teatro dell’Opera di Roma: Watch world-class opera in a sumptuous setting.
- Estate Romana Festival: A four-month-long summer festival featuring music, dance, theatre, and film.
Rome, Italy's "Eternal City," allows you to walk through history while enjoying its vibrant street life, exceptional cuisine, and bustling piazzas. Don't forget to toss a coin in the Trevi Fountain and enjoy a scoop (or two) of gelato!