Intro
In this Rome Travel Guide, we will try to take you through the iconic and one of the most traveled cities in Europe.
Rome is a true mix of old and new. From the endless collection of ancient ruins, historical monuments and UNESCO World Heritage sites to the beating heart of the City full of trendy restaurants, amazing nightlife and world class gelato on the Spanish steps – Rome has everything your heart desires.
Tourist Information
Language
The official language in Rome and the rest of Italy is Italian but in most hotels, restaurants and attractions, English will be welcome.
Currency
Italy uses the euro (EUR). Tip: Install a Currency Exchange App (such as XE Currency Exchange or others) on your phone and use it for any transaction you do.
There are plenty of Change shops spread around the city in case you need to exchange your currency, but be sure not to fall into tourist traps and check a few different places for the exchange rate and only then make your exchange!
Climate and Recommended Time to Visit
Like all Mediterranean countries, Rome sees temperatures rising to an average high of 88°F (31°C) and average lows of 68°F (20°C) during the hottest summer months (July and August), and average high temperatures of 53°F (12°C) and average lows of 39°F (4°C) during the coldest months (January and February).
If the heat and humidity during the summer months is not enough to convince you to pick other months for your trip, maybe the intense crowds, will. The best times to visit Rome are spring or autumn when the weather is nice and there are less people to stand in line with you.
Top Attractions and Must-See Sights
COLOSSEUM
Some consider the iconic monument of the Roman Empire, not just a must-see site in Rome but the most important attraction in Italy.
The Colosseum, built to hold up to 80,000 spectators is still the largest amphitheatre ever built. Surviving earthquakes, fires, wars, and riots, 2,000 years later it continues to draw a crowd.
Once clad in ivory travertine marble, looted over the centuries, The Colosseum was used for the mass entertainment of the people of Rome. While the most notable forms of entertainment were gladiator combats and animal fights, the Colosseum could also be flooded for mock naval battles.
ROMAN FORUM
Next to the Colosseum is The Roman Forum. Once the centre of the Roman Empire and the most magnificent site in all of Europe. Filled with the ruins of temples, palaces, government buildings, and shops, the Roman Forum offers a glimpse into the size and importance of the centre to the Roman Empire.
PALATINE HILL
On the hill overlooking the Roman Forum is where Rome was founded. The residential area for Roman nobility, Palatine Hill, one of the seven hills of Rome offers incredible views across the city, the Colosseum, Circus Maximus and the Roman Forum ruin below. The views from Palatine Hill give you a superb overview of the history of Rome.
Once the most lavish place in the world. A place where emperors fought to live and where Imperial Palaces were extravagant beyond imagination. The site of temples and the centre for the legend of Romulus and Remus, Palatine Hill is loaded with remarkable history.
A beautiful and serene green haven, The Palatine is the perfect place to escape the crowds and the heat.
The combined ticket to access all three sites (The Colosseum, The Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill) is €12 and is valid over two consecutive days from the first use for one admission to each site.
Vatican City
The Vatican is the world center of Catholicism, and it packs in a mind-blowing amount of sights, relics, and museums. It also packs in a mind-blowing amount of tourists, so expect to see long lines at THE VATICAN MUSEUM, THE SISTINE CHAPEL, ST. PETER’S BASILICA and ST. PETER’S SQUARE
The Vatican City has a strict dress code so shorts (above the knee), short skirts, hats, and bare shoulders are all banned inside many of the sights.
GIANICOLO HILL
Situated behind the Trastevere neighborhood, Gianicolo Hill is the second-tallest hill in the city and gives you views of just about every major sight in Rome. It’s an excellent place to watch the sunset and then head down the hill for dinner in the Trastevere.
THE PANTHEON
The Pantheon was built in 126 AD to honor the pagan gods. Today, it’s the most well preserved and influential building of ancient Rome — and it contains the largest brick dome in the history of architecture.
THE GREAT SYNAGOGUE AND JEWISH MUSEUM OF ROME
The Great Synagogue of Rome is the largest in the city, and it also houses the Jewish Museum of Rome. The museum offers information about the long history of Rome’s Jewish population and works of art from the Jewish community.
TREVI FOUNTAIN
Possibly the most famous fountain in the world, the Trevi Fountain attracts huge crowds at pretty much all hours of the day. People throw in over 3,000 euros worth of coins each day, but don’t try to steal them — it’s a crime (the money goes to charity).
PIAZZA DI SPAGNA AND THE SPANISH STEPS
The Piazza di Spagna is located at the bottom of the 135-step Spanish Steps is one of the most famous piazzas in Rome.
MONUMENTO A VITTORIO EMANUELE II
This enormous white marble monument was built as a tribute to Victor Emmanuel II, the first king who united Italy. Ride up to the top for great views of the city (ticket to the top costs €7).
The Pantheon was built in 126 AD to honor the pagan gods. Today, it’s the most well preserved and influential building of ancient Rome — and it contains the largest brick dome in the history of architecture.
GALLERIA BORGHESE AND BORGHESE GARDENS
The Galleria Borghese is located in the Borghese Gardens and is considered to be the best art gallery in Rome.
In addition, the Borghese Garden is a massive park that features plenty of greenspaces, beautiful gardens, and a small lake.
Getting Around
Getting to Rome
Dozens of airlines fly to and from Fiumicino Airport daily. Pick the airline best suited to your needs and price range from you country of origin. You can also wheel into Rome by train – most lines run into Roma Termini, Rome’s central train station.
Car
Driving in Rome is not the best option out there, but if you have no choice, you can find a good car rental company on Rental Cars website.
Taxis
Taxis are an option but tend to be more expensive. Uber is another viable option, and at times much cheaper then local taxis.
Public Transport
Another way to explore the city is by foot, like in ancient Rome 😊 – The most fun way to explore Rome is by discovering the lesser-known parts of the city by walking around and getting lost in them.
A tip from us – use “Roma Pass”, which will benefit you most if you are in town for 72 hours or more – just 38 euros will get you full access to public transportation, free admission to some museums, and discounts to other venues.
Best Hotels In Rome
Hotel Locarno
Opened in 1925, Hotel Locarno, a five-star hotel in the historic center of Rome, is a refined ‘guesthouse’: a gem of class and charm and authentic guardian of a certain era. Located Only 150 m from Piazza del Popolo square.
Singer Palace Hotel
Singer is a Boutique Hotel with 30 rooms & suites and located among the most important monuments such as Pantheon, the Spanish Steps, and 350 m from Trevi Fountain.
Hotel Raphael – Relais & Châteaux
A stone’s throw from the Pantheon and St Peter’s Basilica, Hotel Raphael is the ideal starting point to experience the elegance of Rome. The Raphael Hotel is a short walk away from most of Rome’s historic attractions. You can reach the Pantheon in 5 minutes on foot, while Castel Sant’Angelo is only 700 m away.
Mila Guest House
Mila Guest House apartment is set in the San Giovanni district of Rome. The onsite services include airport transfer and housekeeping service. A short 15-min walk will take you to Porta Maggiore. The Coliseum is 1.8 km away.
Rhome Suites
The Rhome Suites is a comfortable guest house in the heart of Rome, few steps from the Metro A stop Re di Roma and the main monuments and museums of the city such as San Giovanni in Laterano, Colosseum or Fori imperiali. At the guest house, every room has a desk, a TV and a private bathroom. Rhome Suites features certain rooms with garden views, and the rooms are equipped with welcome cookies, tea and a kettle. The units will provide guests with a fridge.
Hotel Martis Palace
Located in the Navona district in the heart of Rome, 50 m from Piazza Navona, the unique Hotel Roof Bar offers 360° panoramic views of the historical city center and all its glorious monuments and archaeological sites, from the Vittoriano in Piazza Venezia to the Pantheon and from Gianicolo to Piazza Navona. In this fabulous setting, guests can relax and get ready to explore the city.
Best Restaurants In Rome
SUPPLIZIO
Supplizio is the first street food corner by the chef Arcangelo Dandini. Supplizio fully reflects the chef’s desire to give his take on the traditional cuisine, within this cozy, home living room like restaurant.
Nannarella
The restaurant is on two floors, and can accommodate large groups and single travelers alike, while guaranteeing comfort and service with a smile.
Tatico
From Calabria to Rome. This is the journey that an entire family of Calabrian origin has made. You will not only find Calabrian specialties but also the global Italian and Roman cuisine have their own space. If due to lack of time, you do not have the possibility to stop for lunch or dinner and you are satisfied with a simple aperitif, this choice will not disappoint you.
Trattoria Da Cesare al Casaletto
Many think that this is Rome’s best trattoria and you will too after an amazing meal of Roman standards where virtually every dish is prepared just.
Flavio al Velavevodetto
This casual spot is celebrated locally for its earthy, no-nonsense Roman cuisine. Their top specialties are the “carciofo alla giudia” – deep-fried artichoke, “carbonara” – pasta tubes spiked with morsels of cured pig’s cheek, and a wonderful tiramisu.
Colline Emiliane
This restaurant has been operated by the Latini family since 1931, serving sensational regional cuisine from Emilia-Romagna; the current owners are Paola and Anna. They serve amazing deserts, delicious antipasti, and the pasta is to die for.
Pizzeria “Golfo di Napoli”
The restaurant has undergone significant changes over the years, but what remains unchanged is the passion and quality of the products offered.
At the Gulf of Naples pizza restaurant you will find traditional Neapolitan products such as sfogliatelle, babà, chiacchiere, zeppole di S. Giuseppe, casatielli, pastiere and many other specialties.
How to Stay Safe in Rome
Rome is known for being one of the worst cities when it comes to pickpockets and other petty theft. Termini Station (Rome’s main train station), on the metro, and on buses are the main areas to be extra careful in. Be extra vigilant at all times. If you can, try not to carry anything valuable.
Do not accept any “gift” from strangers such as a flower, crafts, even handbags. Do not even handle them no matter how much the well-meaning person forces it on you. You will be harassed to pay for merely touching the “gift”.
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