Rome, known as the Eternal City, has attracted visitors for over 2,000 years. It is one of the most magnificent and romantic cities in the world, boasting an attractive mix of grandiose sights — the likes of the Colosseum, Roman Pantheon and Forum — and bustling city life. Life is sweet: the cake is there for eating. Italian designer shopping, smooth ice cream, frothy cappuccino and exquisite wines to name but a few things that draw in over 4.2 million tourists in search of a taste of Italian 'dolce vita' every year.
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Il Messaggero
La Repubblica
Il Tempo
La Città Metropolitana
Shops in Rome are normally open 9.00-13.00 and 15.00-20.00. Department stores are usually open 24/7.
2.879 million
APT Rome
Via Parigi 11, Rome
+39 06 488991
Mon-Sat 9am-12:30pm / 3-7:30pm
For more information about sights, accommodation, and city transport, and up-to-date listings visit the official website:
www.turismoroma.it
Where should one begin to summarise the history of the Eternal City? A good date might be 21 April 753 B.C., when Romulus founded the city after murdering his twin brother Remus. During the following centuries, Rome grew into a powerful empire, peaking during the rule of Marcus Aurelius in 161-180 A.D.
Like the ancient city, today's Rome is built on seven hills: Capitolino, Palatino, Quirinale, Viminale, Esquilino, Celio, and Aventino. The central area is called Campo Marzio, named after the Roman god of war, and was the ancient army’s training grounds. This is where many of the famous sights are located. Other well-known areas are Trastevere, on the other side of the Tiber river, and Monti. Little Pigneto is considered to be the most typically Roman neighbourhood.
The vibrant capital of Italy is a unique fusion of rich history, culture, natural beauty, and monuments. It goes much further than the usual tourist sites: delve into Rome's hidden gems that are just a few steps away from the well-trodden paths and monuments.
Here's a shortlist of Rome's tucked-away treasures that will leave you taken with the city's seemingly endless offerings.
Villa Doria Pamphili
Centrale Montemartini
Tor Marancia Street Art
Casina delle Civette Museum
Tempietto del Bramante
Rome is one of a kind. No other city – not even Athens, Istanbul, London or New York – has as many world-class sites as Rome. Walking down Via del Fori Imperiali towards the Colosseum will impress even the most spoiled and shopping-crazed teenager. The city has so much to offer: besides the Roman heritage, there are also medieval neighbourhoods, well-designed squares, colourful markets and Vatican City with St. Peter’s Basilica. Read on for more on the best of Rome.
Parco degli Acquedotti
Cooking Classes and Food Tours in Rome
Colosseum
Spanish Steps
Museo di Roma
Galleria Borghese
Forum Romanum
Pantheon
Fontana di Trevi
Santa Costanza
Piazza Navona
Domus Aurea – Nero’s Golden House
The Vatican City
San Clemente Basilica
Ara Pacis Museum
Aventine Hill
VIGAMUS - The Video Game Museum
St. Peter's Basilica
Thermae of Caracalla
Wax Museum
Villa Adriana
Villa d'Este
Palazzo delle Esposizioni
Explora: the Kids' Museum
The National Museums Of Ancient Rome
Sant'Agnese in Agone
Keats-Shelley Memorial House
Goethe House
MAXXI
Raphael in the Villa Farnesina
Rome's restaurants cater to all tastes. There are American steakhouses, Lebanese meze restaurants, Vietnamese eateries, and several haute cuisine establishments celebrated in the Guide Michelin, but when in Rome, do as the Romans do and choose the less extravagant restaurants and trattorias for a memorable dining experience.
The Italian word for dinner, "cena", comes from the Latin convivium which means "live together". Eating is a social get-together which consists of at least three courses—often even at lunchtime. The Romans do not eat dinner until nine in the evening.
Rome is known for its Carbonara (made with egg, guanciale, and hard cheese, and black pepper) and Amatriciana (made with guanciale, pecorino Romano and tomatoes).
Ad Hoc
Ristorante Tema
La Pergola
Sakana Sushi
Spirito Divino
Osteria Barberini
Pane e Salame
Roma Sparita
Trattoria Da Cesare al Casaletto
Osteria Fernanda
Orso 80
Ginger Sapori e Salute
Ristorante Clotilde
Va.Do al Pigneto
Reserva Restaurante
Caffetteria-Bistrot Chiostro del Bramante
Hostaria Da Cesare
Harry’s Bar
Baghetto
Rinaldi al Quirinale
Ristorante Camponeschi
Italy is a Mecca when it comes to coffee and ice cream, the Romans know exactly which cafés to visit and don’t mind going across town to reach the best.
Caffè Sant' Eustachio
La Casa Del Caffè Tazza D'Oro
Forno Campo de' Fiori
200 Gradi
Caffetteria-Bistrot Chiostro del Bramante
Gelateria della Palma
Ciampini Cafè
Giolitti
Sora Mirella
Sciascia Caffè 1919
Faro - Luminari del Caffè
Antico Caffè Greco
Canova
Supplì
Colbert
Mizzica
Barnum Cafe
The Romans love to meet over aperitivo around 7:30 pm, after which they either go on to a restaurant or home for dinner. The drinks need not be alcoholic. Many bars serve light snacks that are included in the price.
After 11 pm most of those looking to party head over to the Testaccio area. Named after the mountain of discarded amphoras, the area is home to many sites, ranging from small piano bars to equally small discos. Make sure you take at least a night out to experience the bar and club scene in Rome.
The Fiddler’s Elbow
Chorus Cafè
La Conventicola degli Ultramoderni
Maggazzino Scipioni
The Druid’s Den
Birreria Marconi
Qube Disco
BeBop Jazz Club
Pub Cuccagna
Goa Club
Gregory's Jazz Club
Salotto42
Black Market
Caruso Cafe
Barnum Cafe
High fashion shopping in Rome is concentrated on two streets running parallel to each other from the Spanish Steps. Via Condotti is home to Prada, Valentino, Gucci, Armani, and Max-Mara. Over on Via Borgognona, one can find the likes of Dolce & Gabbana, Versace, Gianfranco Ferré, Laura Biagiotti, and Gai Mattiolo. Closer to Piazza Navona is Via dei Giubbonari and its street fashion stores McQueen and Liquid. Also nearby is Via del Governo Vecchio with its elegant vintage fashion boutiques.
When it comes to food, Rome has several notable spots. Volpetti, on Via Marmorata 47 in Testaccio, is as close to heaven as you can get. This bustling, high-paced place offers many deli options—Latini pasta from Osimo, salsiccia and spicy sandwich meats. Its speciality, however, is its cheeses, including the formaggio di fossa, matured underground. Two other delis to revel in are ancient Franchi and Castroni on Via Cola di Rienzo. Castroni offers a slightly international selection. Campo de' Fiori is the site of a daily food market that embodies the terms picturesque and colourful. Come early when the shadows are long and the morning is at its freshest. Another nice market, with more of a food hall atmosphere, is Mercato di Testaccio.
La Rinascente
Galleria Alberto Sordi
Coin
Battistoni
Bottega Veneta
Laura Biagiotti
Abitart
Eataly
Castel Romano Designer Outlet
Carlo Cecchini
McArthurGlen Castel Romano Designer Outlet
Fiumicino International Airport
Rome’s main airport, Leonardo da Vinci, is located in Fiumicino, 30 kilometres (18.5 miles) from the city.
There are several ways to get into the city centre from the airport:
Leonardo Express
The Leonardo Express leaves every half hour in each direction and connects the Roma Termini station with Fiumicino airport. Tickets can be bought at machines, travel agencies, ticket desks and on the website.
Train
You can reach Rome by train directly to the Termini railway station.
Metro
The metropolitan train FM1 links the airport with regions like Fara Sabina, Orte and Poggio Mirteto. Please note that the Metro does not stop at central station Termini.
Terravision Shuttle Bus
This bus line takes you to the central station Termini.
Address: Via dell' Aeroporto di Fiumicino 320, Rome
Email:
Phone: +39 06 65951
Website: www.adr.it
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Ciampino Airport
The city’s second airport Ciampino is situated 12.0 km southeast of central Rome and is mainly served by low-cost and charter airlines.
Bus
Some low-cost airlines have their own buses. The regular buses depart from the nearby underground station Anagnina.
Taxi
A taxi ride from the airport and central Rome takes 20 minutes.
Address: Via Appia Nuova 1651, Ciampino
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Phone:
Website: www.adr.it/ciampino
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Passport / Visa
Italy can be visited visa-free for up to 90 days by citizens of Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Malaysia, Israel, UAE and most countries in America. If you are unsure whether or not you need to apply for a visa, we recommend contacting the embassy or consulate in your country. International (non-Schengen) travellers need a passport that is valid for at least 3 months after the end of their intended trip to enter the Schengen zone. Citizens of Schengen countries can travel without a passport but must have a valid ID with them during their stay.
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Best Time to Visit
Rome is a traveller's darling throughout the year, with spring being the most pleasant time to visit. The summer brings peak visitor numbers to Rome, and some of the year's highest temperatures fall on July and August. If your visit happens to be during these two months, check that your accommodation is equipped with air conditioning.
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Public Transport
Getting around Rome is very affordable if you use public transport. The system includes three metro lines, buses, trams and urban railway (Ferrovie Urbane).
The Termini station is the hub for Rome’s transportation network. The name of the local bus and streetcar company is ATAC. All tickets must be purchased from ATAC ticket machines, newsagents, or ticket outlets on the underground. The underground runs until midnight. Night buses stop at stations marked ”N”.
There are also different choices of travel passes for 1, 3 or 7 days that are valid on all public transportation.
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Taxi
Taxi stands can be found throughout the city centre. It is recommended that tourists only use licensed yellow and white taxis. An extra fee is payable per suitcase to and from the airport. There is also a surcharge at night, on public holidays and Sundays. It is cheaper to hail a taxi in the street than get one at a taxi stand or book via telephone. Tipping at 5-10% is encouraged.
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Phone: +39 060609
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Post
The post offices are usually open 09:00-14:30 from Monday to Friday and between 09:30–13:00 on Saturdays.
Stamps can be bought at tobacconists that either carry a blue and white "Tabacchi" sign or are simply marked by the ”T” sign.
Address: Via di Porta Angelica 23, Rome
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Phone: +39 06 68801276
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Pharmacy
You recognise a pharmacy in Rome by a green sign with a cross. They are open Monday-Friday 08:30-13:00 and 15:30-19:00. On Via Nazionale 228, Via Arenula 73 and Piazza Barberini, there are pharmacies open during the night time.
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Telephone
Country code +39
Rome area code: 06 (also dialled in Rome)
If you call Italy from abroad, you must always dial zero in the area code (do not omit it as is the general practice when making international telephone calls), e.g. +39 06 + the number.
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Electricity
The standard voltage is 230 V and the standard frequency is 50 Hz. Plugs and outlets are of type F and L.
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