Take in the unreal food, fascinating culture, laidback lifestyle and experience it all!
Home to endless culture, stunning architecture and buzzing nightlife, Rome is one of the classic quintessentially European hubs to tick off your travel checklist.
Location: Rome, the capital its own region of Lazio, as well as its country, Rome lies in Western Italy at the knee of the boot
Language: Italian
Population of city: 2, 868, 000
Nearest airport: There are two main airports that are both easily reached by public transport or transfer bus – Fiumicino (for pricier but more frequent flights) and Ciampino (budget airlines tend to reign supreme here).
Main train/bus station(s): Termini is the main train station, whilst Tibertina (which also has a large train station), is the main bus station.
Best time to visit? October to April to avoid the hoards of tourists! Autumn is still great weather-wise, so it’s worth it to shorten queuing time at attractions.
Budget level? £££
Best for: History & Museums, Landmarks, Nightlife, Romantic Escapes, Arty
You could spend anywhere between 2 nights and 5, in our book! A city of this size with so many sights demands your full attention!
Italy’s high-speed trains mean that Rome is always within easy reach of other big Italian cities. Elsewhere, you can get here from Southern France and parts of Switzerland and Austria in a day. Night trains here from Germany and Austria are direct if you fancy sleeping your way there, instead!
The city-state is a must visit if you’re planning a trip to Rome. You’ll be amazed by its stunning architecture and essence of grandeur.
Take a step back in time and visit the stunning Colosseum. It’s perhaps the most famous sight in Rome.
This is one for all the romantics out there. Make a wish and throw a penny in – don’t forget the photo op while you’re there!
Work up a sweat climbing all 135 of the famous Spanish Steps. They were the perfect ‘accidental meeting’ place for Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck…
The largest district in Rome! This up-and-coming transport and nightlife hub, located south of the main train station, is ideal for getting to know the city’s vibe as the locals see it.
Equidistant from the Vatican, the Pantheon and the Castel Sant’Angelo, this part of the city is at the heart of old Rome. For quiet nights and jam-packed days, this is the place to be!
We think this one speaks for itself!
At the northern end of the city, these districts are nestled either side of the Vatican City and are brimming with shops to browse around.
Head to Testaccio if you’re an avid foodie to try classic Italian dishes as they’re meant to taste! Aventine Hill is home to the world-renowned Knights of Malta keyhole.
On the west bank of the river, this neighbourhood is criss-crossed with narrow cobbled streets lined with quaint eateries and beautiful churches.
Film buffs will love a visit to these studios to relive cinematic classics.
One of the most devastatingly stunning and ornate churches in the city!
This tomb holds creative works made from the bones of friars past and tells a story of good, evil, and the nature of life and death.
Rome Free Walking Tour runs a free daily walking tour, led by guides all qualified in History of Art or Archaeology – so you know you’re in good hands!
Tours take in several of the city’s main sights, and focus on either the Colosseum or the Vatican. Just head to the right-hand side at the bottom of the Spanish steps, and wait by the large column by the Spanish Embassy to find them!
