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Places to See

Festivals & Events

Best Time to Visit:

The best time to visit Rome is during the spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October). During these months, the weather is pleasant, and the tourist crowds are not as intense as in the summer. Here are some highlights of visiting during these seasons:

Spring (April to June) - The weather is mild with blooming flowers that make it a beautiful time to explore the city. The crowds are much less so popular attractions are less crowded compared to summer months, allowing for a more enjoyable visit. You'll have a chance to experience local events such as the Natale di Roma (Rome's Birthday) on April 21st.

Autumn (September to October) - The heat of summer has subsided, and the temperatures are still warm enough for comfortable sightseeing. Its the harvest Season, so you can enjoy local festivals celebrating the grape and olive harvests, and savor seasonal Italian cuisine. Again, fewer tourists similar to spring, the reduced number of tourists makes it easier to enjoy Rome's iconic landmarks without long waits.

Other Considerations

Winter (November to March) - While the weather can be colder and wetter, the city is much quieter, and you can find great deals on accommodations. The Christmas season also brings festive decorations and events.

Summer (July to August) - This is peak tourist season, with hot temperatures and larger crowds. However, the city hosts many cultural events, and it's a lively time to experience Rome.

Ultimately, the best time to visit depends on your preferences for weather, crowd levels, and events. Enjoy planning your trip to the Eternal City!

Getting There - There are several options for getting into Rome from international destinations.

By Plane - Most international travelers arrive at Fiumicino Airport (Leonardo da Vinci), which is about 32 kilometers (20 miles) southwest of the city center. You can take the Leonardo Express train to Roma Termini for €14 or a taxi for around €55 - €80. Click here for more information.

By Train - High-speed trains connect Rome to major European cities like Paris, Vienna, and Milan. Trains arrive at Roma Termini or Roma Tiburtina stations.

By Bus - Direct bus services from various European cities stop at Roma Tiburtina or Roma Termini stations.

By Cruise Ship - If you're arriving by cruise, you'll dock at Civitavecchia Port, about 70 kilometers (43 miles) northwest of Rome. You can take a train, taxi, or private transfer to the city. For transfers to city click here.

By Car - If you prefer driving, you can rent a car and take the A1 or A12 highways to reach Rome. For rentals click here.

Each option offers a different balance of cost, convenience, and travel time, so you can choose the one that best suits your needs

Getting Around: The best way to get around Rome for tourists is to walk as much as possible, especially in the city center where many attractions are clustered together. Rome's narrow streets and historic sites are best explored on foot, allowing you to soak in the atmosphere and discover hidden gems along the way. For longer distances or areas outside the city center, you can use the metro, buses, or trams operated by ATAC. The metro is particularly convenient for visiting major attractions like the Colosseum and Vatican City. You can also consider using taxis or ride-sharing services like Uber (quite convenient and can be cheaper than taxis in Rome) for more direct travel, though be prepared for traffic and potential delay. Pick-pockets and petty thieves are common in tourist areas and Termini, so it pays to be vigilant and keep your important items in a safe place well fastened.

Shopping: Depending on what you are looking for there is an entire block of designer boutiques across the Spanish Steps and many small boutiques throughout the narrow alleys of Rome offering many unique and interesting items.

High End - Via del Condotti, Via del Babuino, Spanish Steps, Trevi.
Mid-Range - Via del Coronari close to Piazza Navone, Via del Corso, Galleria Alberto Sordi
Low End - Porta Portese open air market of Rome (open of Sundays only) from 10AM to 2AM

Malls:

Castel Romano Designer Outlet: Located just outside Rome, this outlet mall offers discounted luxury goods from well-known brands. It's a great place to find designer items at a fraction of the cost.
Cinecittà Due: This shopping mall has a variety of stores and restaurants, offering a mix of affordable and mid-range options. It's a good place to shop and relax with a coffee or meal.
EUROMA2: Another large shopping mall with a wide selection of stores and restaurants. You can find everything from fashion to electronics here, with many budget-friendly options.
Porta di Roma: This mall is home to IKEA and Leroy Merlin, along with 199 other stores and restaurants. It's a great destination for a wide range of shopping needs.

In general, Rome is dotted with many shops and boutiques in all of the main tourist areas and they are priced on the higher side for obvious reasons.

Language: Italian!! But many people in Rome, especially those working in the tourism industry such as in hotels, restaurants, and major tourist attractions, speak English. However, knowing a few basic Italian phrases can be very helpful and appreciated by the locals. It’s always a good idea to learn simple greetings and polite expressions like “buongiorno” (good morning), “grazie” (thank you), and “per favore” (please) to enhance your travel experience.

Medical Emergency or Doctors Consultation: Following clinics and doctors can be contacted for any medical emergency in Rome

If you’re just looking for advice, you can call the Guardia Medica on 06 570 600. Operators should speak English, or may be able to find someone who does. Failing that try one of the the Guardia Medica Turistica numbers: Trastevere: +39-06 77306650, Historic center: +39-06 77306112/3

Electric Power/Voltage: Italy runs on 220V – 230V* and 50mHz, while the US and Canada standard is 120V and 60mHz. You need to check the voltage for any electronics you’re planning on bringing to Italy – the input range must include 220V or 230V. You can find the range on your electronic device’s power brick or on the device itself. Electric sockets in Italy are also different in shape. The three main socket types: Type C, Type L, and Type F (aka Schuko plug).

Type C – two small pins (increasingly rare in Italy)
Type F – two larger pins
Type L – three small pins (the most modern style of outlets you’ll find in Italy)

Therefore, it is suggested that you carry a travel adapter/converter with multi type plugs.

Weather: Rome enjoys a Mediterranean climate with distinct seasons. Summers (June to August) are hot and dry, with temperatures often reaching up to 30°C (86°F). Winters (December to February) are mild but can be wet, with temperatures ranging from 3°C to 12°C (37°F to 54°F). Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) offer pleasant weather, making them ideal times to visit. Rainfall is more common in autumn and winter, while summers are mostly sunny

Currency: EURO, debit and credit cards are widely accepted. ATM machines are widely used but its always good to keep some cash in hand incase of machine failures.

Travel Advisories: While Rome is generally a safe city for tourists, to stay safe, be aware of your surroundings, follow the instructions of local authorities, and monitor local media for breaking events. Enrolling in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP - for US nationals only) can also help you receive alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency. As a general caution, there are a few areas you might want to avoid, especially at night, due to higher crime rates and petty theft. These areas include:

Esquilino: Located near Termini Train Station, this area is known for pickpocketing and scams.

San Basilio: A bit further from the city center, this district has higher rates of drug-related crimes and prostitution.

Tor Bella Monaca: Known for petty crimes and drug use, it's best to avoid this area, especially at night.

Corviale: This area has a high prevalence of petty theft and drug use.

It's always a good idea to stay vigilant, especially in crowded places and on public transport. Keep your belongings secure and be aware of your surroundings.

Starting 2025 the EU is planning to introduce EES & ETIAS which are new requirements for travel to Europe. To keep yourself updated on the matter please visit this link. ETIAS - European Union

Travel Tips - things to know before you go...

Rome