Rome City Guide

Rome, the Eternal City, is a living museum where millennia of history blend seamlessly with modern life. Begin any visit at the Colosseum, the world's largest ancient amphitheater, and walk through the adjacent Roman Forum to see the ruins of the empire's political heart. Nearby, the Pantheon stands as a testament to Roman engineering, featuring a breathtaking dome that remains the largest unreinforced concrete structure in the world.

Cross the Tiber to explore Vatican City, home to St. Peter's Basilica and the Vatican Museums, which house the incomparable Sistine Chapel. No trip is complete without tossing a coin into the Trevi Fountain to ensure a return visit, followed by a climb up the Spanish Steps for sweeping city views. These iconic sites provide the backdrop to Rome's legendary artistic and architectural legacy.

For a taste of local life, wander the winding, ivy-clad streets of Trastevere, where cozy trattorias serve authentic Roman pasta. As the sun sets, join the locals for an aperitivo in a bustling piazza, soaking in the atmosphere of a city that has captivated travelers for centuries. Whether exploring ancient catacombs or browsing high-end boutiques on Via dei Condotti, Rome offers an endless array of experiences.

Beyond the marble pillars of the Forum lies Rome's industrial past at Centrale Montemartini. Housed in the city's first public electricity plant, classical Roman statues are displayed against a backdrop of massive black engines and steel boilers. It is a striking juxtaposition of antiquity and the machine age that remains blissfully quiet compared to the Vatican Museums.

For a taste of early 20th-century urban planning, wander through the Garbatella neighborhood. Built in the 1920s with a "garden city" philosophy, its winding alleys and courtyards feature "Barocchetto" architecture—a blend of medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque styles. It feels like a small village tucked within the metropolis, where laundry hangs between terracotta walls and local life moves at a slower pace.

In the elegant Villa Torlonia, the Casina delle Civette (House of the Owls) offers a whimsical escape. Once the residence of Prince Giovanni Torlonia, this fairy-tale structure is adorned with stained glass, turreted roofs, and intricate mosaics. It provides a surreal contrast to Rome’s grand imperial monuments, surrounded by quiet, leafy gardens frequented by local families.

Rome is best explored on foot, as the historic center is an expansive open-air museum where most major landmarks are within a pleasant walking distance of one another. For longer journeys, the public transport network includes an extensive web of buses, trams, and a three-line metro system. A standard BIT ticket costs 1.50 Euro and is valid for 100 minutes of travel across all modes. These tickets should be purchased in advance at tobacco shops or newsstands, though contactless payment is now widely available at metro turnstiles and on many buses.

Official white taxis are a reliable alternative and are most easily found at designated taxi ranks throughout the city. While Uber operates in Rome, it is restricted to high-end services like Uber Black, which often makes traditional taxis more economical. For airport transfers, the Leonardo Express train from Fiumicino Airport provides a swift, direct connection to Termini Station for 14 Euro. Alternatively, fixed-rate taxi fares offer predictability for travelers, costing approximately 50 Euro from Fiumicino and 31 Euro from Ciampino to central locations within the Aurelian Walls.

Rome offers a shopping experience that blends ancient charm with modern elegance. For those seeking high-end luxury, the streets surrounding the Spanish Steps, particularly Via dei Condotti, are home to Italy's most prestigious fashion houses. Here, you can find world-renowned leather goods, bespoke tailoring, and exquisite jewelry from brands like Fendi and Bulgari that define Italian craftsmanship.

For a more accessible selection, head to Via del Corso, which stretches through the heart of the city with a mix of international brands and local boutiques. Nearby, Via Cola di Rienzo in the Prati district offers a more authentic Roman atmosphere with high-quality department stores and specialty food shops. These areas are perfect for finding stylish apparel and unique souvenirs without the haute couture price tag.

Bargain hunters and vintage lovers should not miss the bustling Porta Portese flea market on Sunday mornings, where everything from antique furniture to retro clothing can be found. Additionally, the bohemian Monti neighborhood is the place to go for artisanal jewelry and one-of-a-kind handmade items. Whether looking for a designer handbag or a simple piece of Roman ceramics, the city provides treasures for every budget.

Tipping in Rome is a gesture of appreciation rather than a strict obligation. In casual settings like cafes or bars, simply rounding up to the nearest Euro or leaving small change is sufficient. For more formal dining, a tip of 5% to 10% is considered generous, especially if a service charge is not already included. It is important to distinguish the tip from the "coperto," a standard cover charge for bread and table settings that stays with the restaurant. For taxi drivers and hotel staff, rounding up the fare or offering one Euro per bag is a polite way to acknowledge helpful service.

The local currency used is the Euro (€), which currently exchanges at a rate of approximately 1.10 USD to 1 Euro. While credit cards are widely accepted for the main bill, keeping small coins or low-denomination notes on hand is practical for these modest gratuities. This balanced approach respects local customs while ensuring that exceptional service is properly recognized during your stay in the Eternal City.

Rome is most enchanting during the shoulder seasons of April to May and September to October. These months offer a perfect harmony of mild temperatures and golden light, ideal for long walks through ancient ruins and lingering at sidewalk cafes. While tourism remains active, visitors avoid the oppressive humidity and the densest crowds of the mid-summer peak.

For travelers prioritizing budget and tranquility, the winter months of November through February present the best value. Aside from the holiday season, hotel rates drop significantly and the city’s major landmarks are far less congested. Although the weather is cooler and occasionally damp, the shorter lines at the Vatican and Colosseum allow for a more intimate exploration of the Eternal City’s treasures.