Rome travel guide
Meet RomeRome weather reportGetting into RomeTop attractions in RomeGetting around Rome Where to eat in RomePage 2: More information on Rome
Meet Rome
Italy: country of pizza, Pavarotti and the Pope. Rome is at the heart of it, channelling the vibes of this world-revered place.
Nowhere does history like Rome. The city spreads out like one big museum, and all the historic culture you could possibly dream of can be found here. Wander through the higgledy piggledy streets and you will find evidence everywhere of the great Empire that fell here. The iconic, crumbling Colosseum and the Forum are images of Rome you will already be familiar with, as well as the impressive Vatican City – the home of Catholicism and a completely independent state.
Understand the place that inspired Ovid and Virgil, Fellini’s ‘La Dolce Vita’, the Poetry of Keats, Byron and Shelley, the Opera of Puccini and more recently the Dan Brown books – the lists of artists and writers who found their muse within Roman walls are never-ending, and perhaps this is down to a unique combination of classic beauty and mystery. Lots of cities are beautiful but there is something intangible about Rome, like an aura. The Italians are known for their obsessions with aesthetics, and Roman architecture will not disappoint – this is one good lookin’ city, however there’s more than that. For something to be truly beautiful, superficial prettiness is not enough. Rome has depth. It is not a city to have a weekend fling with; it is a place where you will fall in love.
Rome weather report
Rome is a Mediterranean city so expect very hot summers from June to September. July and August are the hottest months with average temperatures of around 30C°. The wiggling alleyways of the old town manage to stay surprisingly cool, but then step out into a piazza and the heat will hit you like a wall. Temperatures start to rise in May and this is when alfresco dining begins, however there may still be some rain at this time.
September and October are arguably the best months to visit, the summer heat has cooled and yet it is still mild enough to eat and drink outside.
Winters can get quite chilly and you will need a thick coat. November is the official start of winter and this is also the month with the heaviest rainfall.
Temperatures barely drop below freezing but if you are staying in a small hotel it is a good idea to request extra blankets as soon as you arrive as they may have a limited supply (Many of the smaller hotels don’t have central heating.)
For the latest weather info use the Pampo weather forecast tool.
Getting into Rome
Airports Fiumicino and Ciampino are the main arrival points. Fiumicino deals with a great deal of scheduled flights and Ciampino handles most of the charter flights. For budget travellers, Easyjet and Ryanair are most likely to fly to Ciampino.
From Fiumicino into Rome catch the ‘Leonardo Express’ train which runs every half hour between 6.35am – 11.35pm and goes directly to Termini (the main train station in the centre of Rome). Tickets cost €11.
From Ciampino the quickest way into the city-centre is by Terravision coach, which also goes to Termini station, costing €8 single/€14 return. A cheaper option is to catch the Cotral or Schiaffini bus to Auagnina metro station, and then from here you can get the underground to Termini station. Tickets cost €1 (with an additional €1 if you have a large bag). If you decide to splurge and get a taxi then be sure to only use the official white cabs, this should cost around €30.
Top attractions in Rome
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One of Rome’s most recognisable landmarks is the Colosseum. Commissioned by the Emperor Vespasian in AD 72, the great amphitheatre which held 55,000 spectators was the venue for many bloody animal and gladiatorial fights in ancient times. Gladiators were usually slaves or prisoners of war, and they used to fight and kill each other for the entertainment of those watching – shockingly barbaric in hindsight. Perhaps today’s equivalent would be the Jeremy Kyle show? Animal fights at times were a real novelty; with creatures such as lions, elephants and zebra’s were brought over from as far away as the Middle East and North Africa.
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Having seen much wear and tear over the years the Colosseum is not as it once stood – great parts of the stone are missing, however this only adds to the romance and majesty of what still stands. Tourists swarm here during daytime, all year round. You can take a tour inside and get a feel for what it would have been like to watch some of the legendary battles, and to see the underground rooms where animals were kept. However there is nothing like coming here in the evening, when the sun has set and the hoards of people have finished sight-seeing for the day. Spectacularly lit from inside, with glowing oranges and purples shining out the arches, you can walk around the whole thing largely undisturbed. Unforgettable.
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Mere moments from the Colosseum sits the ancient Roman Forum. This was the centre of political and commercial life for the Romans pre-Julius Caesar (who decided it was not big enough). Crumbling pillars and ruined remains of temples are all that is left.
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Coming to Rome and not visiting the Vatican would be a crime... Or a sin, perhaps? Religious or not, this is the home of the Catholic faith, the largest branch of Christianity and one of the most widely spread religions in the world. Vatican City is a completely different state to the rest of Rome – with its own government, and is, of course, where the Pope lives. Pilgrims arrive in droves to visit St. Peters Church, and few are disappointed by its ornate grandeur. Tourists can climb the hundreds of stairs to the top of the Dome and get breathtaking views of Piazza San Pietro (St. Peters Square) and out across Rome.
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While you’re here (and if you’re not too averse to queuing) go round the corner to the Vatican Museums, with its diverse range of treasures and antiquities from Ancient Rome, Greece and Egypt. This is also where you will find the Sistine Chapel – Michelangelo’s most famous masterpiece.
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The Pantheon, built in 118 – 125 AD by Hadrian, is known as temple of ‘all the gods’ and has become a veritable symbol of Rome. Great Italian artist Raphael was buried here at his request.
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OK, ancient history lecture over. 17th century-built Spanish Steps link the Trinita dei Monti church with Piazza di Spagna. Sweeping and dramatic, these stairs are a great place to come and people-watch and eat gelato.
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Poetry-lovers and romantics will enjoy the Keats-Shelley Memorial House, at the bottom of the steps on the right facing upwards.
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If you’re feeling homesick, pop into Babington’s Tea Rooms, (also at the bottom of the steps but at the opposite side) have a pot of Earl Grey and a scone. Opened in 1896 by two Englishwomen, this tea room is now world-famous.
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The Trevi Fountain, built in 1762 is the cities most iconic fountain. An impressive marble scene depicting Neptune and his sea-horse, this is the landmark in La Dolce Vita where the character of Sylvia wades in and has to be rescued.
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If you’ve had enough of history but still crave culture then Rome is rich in avant-garde art galleries. Start with the Galleria Valentina Moncada and the Fontanella Borghese.
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For lovers of the Dan Brown novels The Da Vinci Code and Angels and Demons, you can take a tour of the hotspots from the latter book.
Getting around Rome
There are scores of buses and trams to get you around the city, running from early morning until around midnight. The narrow zig-zag alleyways that make up a great deal of historic Rome often make it difficult to be transported up close to your destination, especially many of the tourist sites so comfy shoes is always a good idea. Bus stops have easy to read maps and if night buses run from the stop it will be signed with a picture of a blue owl.
The underground metro system is pretty basic – merely forming a sort of ‘X’ shape. The cross-over point is at Termini station. These run from 5.30am to 11.30pm (1.30am Friday and Saturday).
Driving and moped riding are not for the faint hearted – Roman drivers are notoriously wild. This being said, accidents are rare. There are several rental places dotted about, try Collalti for scooter hire. Rome is probably the only place on earth where you will see a nun zipping about on a Vespa!
Where to eat in Rome
Italian food is world famous, and for good reason. The home of pizza, spaghetti, risotto, gnocchi,
aromatic antipasti: marinated artichokes, garlic and olive oil, salted fish, stuffed tomatoes and roasted peppers...the mouth waters just thinking about it. The way Italians see it; food is just another opportunity for art.
This is the Eternal city. It has been here forever and certainly isn’t going anywhere, so why rush? Life is lived to the full and bellies must never be empty. For the sensual Italians eating is a seductive experience and is to be enjoyed at leisure. Fast food is very un-Italian; meal times are never hurried, and in the summer there is nothing better than eating alfresco (outside) in a glorious piazza under the sun.
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La Campana – a historic trattoria (family run restaurant) dating back to 1518. Excellent food, service, wine list and it won’t break the bank.
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Enoteca Corsi – an informal, cheap and cheerful wine bar with daily specials.
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La Rosetta – Rome’s most elegant fish restaurant, with seafood being flown in daily from Sicily. Expect high prices. Booking is essential. Tel: 06 6830 8841
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Tad Cafe – Well heeled but inexpensive, this picturesque patio cafe serves light meals. Perfect for lunching.
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La Bruschetta – a little pizzeria near Termini station. Great for a light meal or a snack.
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L’Angolo dell’Artista – Gelaterie, an ice cream parlour with all the flavours you could possibly desire.