Rome, Italy

Italy

Rome

Two thousand years of history, one very chaotic airport.

112

Places to stay

265

Flight routes

74

Packages

0

Flights from

Plan your trip

Everything for Rome

directions_car

Airport transfer to Rome

Rome Fiumicino (FCO) · 32km from centre · 30–45 min

Book transferarrow_forward

From the archivist

What to know before you go

Book the Vatican Museums at least three days in advance – always

Trastevere and Pigneto for restaurants away from the forum crowds

The Metro has only two useful lines; buses fill the gaps

Most churches are free and contain more art than many paid museums

Best for

History and archaeology loversFirst-time Italy visitorsFood pilgrimsArchitecture enthusiastsTravellers with a flexible schedule
commute

Getting around Rome

Rome's Metro covers the main tourist sights on Lines A and B, but the historic centre is best explored on foot — distances between major landmarks are shorter than they look on a map, and walking reveals the city's texture in a way no transit can replicate. Buses fill the gaps the Metro misses and are useful for reaching Trastevere or Testaccio. Taxis are metered and reasonably priced; always use the official white licensed taxis from designated ranks.

MetroBusTramTaxi
calendar_month

Best time to visit

April, May, and September strike the right balance: warm enough for outdoor sites, cool enough to be comfortable, and less congested than the summer peak. Spring also brings the bonus of lower accommodation prices before the high-season surge in June.

Apr – MayPeak
Sep – OctShoulder
Nov – FebLow

Frequently asked questions about Rome

When is the best time to visit Rome?

April, May, and early June are the best months — warm enough to enjoy the outdoor sites comfortably, with manageable crowds and good light for photography. September and October are excellent alternatives: summer heat has broken, crowds thin after the Italian school term starts, and the city returns to a more local rhythm. July and August are hot (regularly above 35°C), humid, and crowded; if you go, start every day early and retreat indoors by midday. Winter is mild and Rome is quieter, though rain is more frequent from November to February.

What are the top things to do in Rome?

The Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St Peter's Basilica require advance booking — at least three to four days ahead, more in high season. The Colosseum and Roman Forum are best first thing in the morning before tour groups arrive. The Pantheon is free (though timed entry is now required), and still one of the most impressive buildings in the world. For something quieter, Villa Borghese gardens and the Capitoline Museums are both underrated. Trastevere for an evening wander; Testaccio for authentic neighbourhood life.

What should I eat in Rome?

Cacio e pepe, carbonara, and amatriciana are the three Roman pasta pillars — all should be tried in their home city. Pizza al taglio (pizza by the cut) from a neighbourhood bakery makes a cheap, excellent lunch. Supplì (fried rice balls with mozzarella) are Rome's definitive street snack. For gelato, look for places that store it in metal lidded containers rather than towering piles. An artichoke alla giudia (deep-fried Jewish-style) in the old ghetto is worth seeking out. Avoid anywhere with photos on the menu near the major monuments.

How do I get around Rome?

Rome's Metro has only two main lines — A and B — which cover the key tourist sites but leave gaps. Buses fill those gaps but run irregularly and can be confusing. For most visitors, walking is the most practical way to move between sights in the historic centre; distances are shorter than they appear on a map. Trams run on a few routes and are reliable when available. Avoid the official taxi rank at Fiumicino airport; use a licensed metered taxi from the authorised queue or pre-book a transfer. Ride-hailing apps are available but less prevalent than in northern Europe.

Is Rome safe for tourists, and what should I know before I go?

Rome is safe but petty theft is common — keep bags in front of you on the Metro and in busy areas like the Trevi Fountain and Termini station. Scooter theft from bags while walking is a known issue in tourist zones. Dress modestly (covered shoulders and knees) when entering churches and the Vatican; many will turn you away if you don't. Tap water in Rome is excellent — the city's nasoni (street fountains) run cold, clean water continuously. Restaurant service includes a coperto (cover charge) per person, which is normal and not a scam.

From the journal

Worth reading before you book

Ready to plan your Rome trip?

Start with accommodation, or go straight to flights.