Rome is a city that needs no introduction. It is the eternal city, where ancient history meets modern life, where art and beauty are everywhere, and where food and wine are a way of living. Rome is a city that will captivate you, inspire you, and surprise you. Whether you are interested in history, architecture, religion, or culture, Rome has something for you. Here are some of the most important things to know before you visit Rome, how to get there, what to do and see, and where to eat and stay.
What to Know Before You Visit Rome
Before you pack your bags and head to Rome, there are some things you should know to make your trip easier and more enjoyable. Here are some of the most important ones:
- Language: The official language of Rome is Italian, but you will also hear some people speaking Romanesco, a local dialect. Many people in Rome can speak some English, especially in the tourist areas, but it is always polite and helpful to learn some basic Italian phrases, such as hello (ciao), thank you (grazie), and excuse me (scusi).
- Currency: The currency of Rome is the euro (EUR). You can exchange your money at the airport, banks, or exchange offices, but you will usually get a better rate by using your debit or credit card at ATMs. You can also use your card to pay at most places, but it is always good to have some cash for small purchases, tips, or emergencies.
- Climate: Rome has a Mediterranean climate, with hot and dry summers and mild and wet winters. The average temperature in Rome is 16°C (61°F), but it can vary from 4°C (39°F) in January to 30°C (86°F) in July. The best time to visit Rome is from April to June and from September to October, when the weather is pleasant and the crowds are smaller. July and August are the hottest and busiest months, while November and December are the rainiest and coldest months.
- Transportation: Rome has a good public transportation system, consisting of buses, trams, metro, and trains. You can buy tickets at kiosks, vending machines, or newsstands, and you need to validate them before boarding. A single ticket costs 1.50 EUR and is valid for 100 minutes on any combination of buses, trams, or metro. You can also buy a 24-hour ticket for 7 EUR, a 48-hour ticket for 12.50 EUR, a 72-hour ticket for 18 EUR, or a 7-day ticket for 24 EUR. If you are staying for at least 3 days, you can also consider buying the Roma Pass, which costs 38.50 EUR and includes unlimited public transportation, free entry to two museums or archaeological sites, and discounts on other attractions. You can also use taxis, Uber, or bike-sharing services, but they are more expensive and less reliable than public transportation.
- Safety: Rome is a safe city, but like any big city, it has some risks and dangers. You should be aware of pickpockets, scammers, and beggars, especially in crowded and touristy areas. You should also avoid walking alone at night in dark or isolated streets, and be careful when crossing the roads, as drivers can be aggressive and unpredictable. You should also respect the local laws and customs, and avoid any political or religious demonstrations. If you need any help or emergency, you can call 112, the European emergency number, or 113, the Italian police number.
How to Get to Rome
There are many ways to get to Rome, depending on where you are coming from and what your budget and preferences are. Here are some of the most common ones:
- By plane: Rome has two main airports, Fiumicino (FCO) and Ciampino (CIA). Fiumicino is the larger and more modern airport, and it is served by many international and domestic flights. Ciampino is the smaller and older airport, and it is mainly used by low-cost and charter flights. Both airports are about 30 km (19 miles) from the city center, and you can reach them by bus, train, taxi, or private transfer. A bus ticket costs 5-7 EUR and takes about 40-60 minutes. A train ticket costs 8-14 EUR and takes about 30-40 minutes. A taxi or a private transfer costs 40-50 EUR and takes about 30-40 minutes.
- By train: Rome has several train stations, but the main one is Roma Termini, which is located in the center of the city and connected to many other destinations in Italy and Europe. You can take high-speed trains, such as Frecciarossa, Frecciargento, or Italo, which are fast and comfortable, but more expensive. You can also take regional trains, which are slower and cheaper, but less frequent and reliable. You can buy train tickets online, at the station, or at authorized agencies, and you need to validate them before boarding. A train ticket from Florence to Rome costs 19-43 EUR and takes 1.5-3 hours. A train ticket from Venice to Rome costs 29-67 EUR and takes 3.5-6 hours. A train ticket from Paris to Rome costs 59-159 EUR and takes 11-14 hours.
- By bus: Rome has several bus stations, but the main one is Tiburtina, which is located on the east side of the city and connected to the metro line B. You can take buses from many other cities in Italy and Europe, such as Flixbus, Eurolines, or Buscenter. Buses are usually cheaper than trains or planes, but they are also slower and less comfortable. You can buy bus tickets online, at the station, or at authorized agencies, and you need to show them to the driver before boarding. A bus ticket from Florence to Rome costs 9-15 EUR and takes 3-4 hours. A bus ticket from Venice to Rome costs 15-25 EUR and takes 6-7 hours. A bus ticket from Paris to Rome costs 35-65 EUR and takes 20-22 hours.
What to Do and See in Rome
Rome is a city that has so much to offer, that you will never run out of things to do and see. You can spend days, weeks, or even months exploring its attractions, and you will always find something new and exciting. Here are some of the most popular and recommended things to do and see in Rome:
- Visit the Colosseum: The Colosseum is the most iconic and impressive landmark of Rome, and a masterpiece of ancient engineering and architecture. It was built in the 1st century AD, and it was the largest amphitheater in the Roman Empire, with a capacity of 50,000-80,000 spectators. It was used for gladiatorial games, animal hunts, executions, and other spectacles, until the 6th century AD. Today, it is a museum and a symbol of the city, and it attracts millions of visitors every year. You can visit the Colosseum by buying a ticket online or at the entrance, which costs 16 EUR and includes access to the Roman Forum and the Palatine Hill. You can also book a guided tour, which costs 22-64 EUR and includes access to the arena, the underground, and the upper levels.
- Explore the Vatican City: The Vatican City is the smallest and the holiest country in the world, and the seat of the Catholic Church. It is located within the city of Rome, and it is surrounded by walls and guarded by the Swiss Guards. It is composed of several buildings and gardens, such as the St. Peter’s Basilica, the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel, and the Castel Sant’Angelo. You can visit the Vatican City by buying a ticket online or at the entrance, which costs 17-21 EUR and includes access to the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel. You can also book a guided tour, which costs 27-75 EUR and includes access to the St. Peter’s Basilica, the Vatican Gardens, and the Papal Audience.
- See the Trevi Fountain: The Trevi Fountain is the most famous and beautiful fountain in Rome, and one of the most romantic spots in the city. It was built in the 18th century, and it is the end point of the ancient Aqua Virgo aqueduct, which brought water to the city. It is decorated with statues and reliefs, depicting the sea god Oceanus, the goddess Abundance, and the virgin Trivia, who gave the name to the fountain. It is also a popular tradition to throw a coin into the fountain, which means that you will return to Rome someday. You can see the Trevi Fountain for free, but you should avoid the crowds and the scammers, and respect the rules and the environment.