Rome
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Latest page update: 1 November 2025
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By: Dion Protani
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Where is
Where is Rome?
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The Eternal City, Rome is a captivating blend of ancient history and vibrant modern culture. Iconic landmarks such as the Colosseum and the Roman Forum transport visitors back to ancient times, while the Pantheon showcases stunning architecture.
The Vatican City, home to St. Peter’s Basilica and the Sistine Chapel, is a must-visit for art and history enthusiasts. Wander through the charming streets of Trastevere for local dining and atmosphere, and don’t forget to toss a coin in the Trevi Fountain to ensure a return visit to this enchanting city. |
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Roma Capitale
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Province: Metropolitan City of Rome
Region: Lazio Population: 2,754,719 Size: 1,285 km² Elevation: 21 metres Highlights: Colosseum, Castel Sant'Angelo, Roman Forum Fly to: Rome Fiumicino Airport, Rome Ciampino Airport |
What People Ask About Rome
Is Rome worth visiting?
How do I get to Rome?
What are the main attractions in Rome?
When is the best time to visit Rome?
What food is Rome known for?
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Discover
Discover Rome
Rome is the capital of Lazio and Italy’s largest city, located in the central-western part of the country on the banks of the River Tiber. Built across seven historic hills, it combines ancient ruins with elegant piazzas, grand avenues, and lively neighbourhoods. The city’s layout reflects over two thousand years of development, from imperial landmarks to Renaissance palaces and Baroque fountains, giving it an atmosphere that blends history, culture, and everyday Roman life.
Famed as the Eternal City, Rome holds some of the world’s most iconic monuments, including the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and the Pantheon. Within its boundaries lies Vatican City, the seat of the Catholic Church and home to St Peter’s Basilica and the Sistine Chapel. Its influence as a centre of art and learning continues today through museums, galleries, and universities. Surrounded by the rolling landscapes of Lazio and well connected by air and rail, Rome serves as a gateway to central Italy and a focal point for exploring the region’s historic towns and countryside.
Famed as the Eternal City, Rome holds some of the world’s most iconic monuments, including the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and the Pantheon. Within its boundaries lies Vatican City, the seat of the Catholic Church and home to St Peter’s Basilica and the Sistine Chapel. Its influence as a centre of art and learning continues today through museums, galleries, and universities. Surrounded by the rolling landscapes of Lazio and well connected by air and rail, Rome serves as a gateway to central Italy and a focal point for exploring the region’s historic towns and countryside.
Where to Stay
Where to Stay in Rome
Rome has an extensive range of established hotels, with the best-reviewed options located in and around the historic centre. Most combine classic architecture with refined service, offering convenient access to the Trevi Fountain, the Spanish Steps, Piazza Navona and the Colosseum.
Hotel de’ Ricci is a highly regarded boutique hotel in the city centre, appreciated for its elegant interiors, personal service and consistently strong guest feedback (€€€). Hotel Artemide provides a refined stay on Via Nazionale, known for its spa facilities, modern comforts and convenient location for exploring on foot (€€€). Hotel Barocco offers a classic option overlooking Piazza Barberini, noted for its welcoming atmosphere, comfortable rooms and reliable standards (€€).
Hotel de’ Ricci is a highly regarded boutique hotel in the city centre, appreciated for its elegant interiors, personal service and consistently strong guest feedback (€€€). Hotel Artemide provides a refined stay on Via Nazionale, known for its spa facilities, modern comforts and convenient location for exploring on foot (€€€). Hotel Barocco offers a classic option overlooking Piazza Barberini, noted for its welcoming atmosphere, comfortable rooms and reliable standards (€€).
Photo Gallery
Rome Photo Gallery
Things to Do
Things to Do in Rome
- Colosseum is Rome’s most iconic monument, built in the 1st century AD as the grand amphitheatre of the Roman Empire. Its vast stone tiers once hosted gladiatorial contests and public spectacles. Walking through its arches offers a powerful glimpse into ancient history and engineering brilliance.
- Roman Forum lies beside the Colosseum, a sprawling area of temples, basilicas, and triumphal arches. It was the political and social centre of ancient Rome, where laws were made and ceremonies held. The ruins trace the city’s transformation from republic to empire.
- Pantheon stands in Piazza della Rotonda, remarkably preserved since its reconstruction by Emperor Hadrian. Its enormous dome and oculus remain architectural marvels of the ancient world. Inside lies a harmonious blend of Roman structure and later Christian adaptation.
- Piazza Navona reflects the Baroque elegance of 17th-century Rome, built on the site of an ancient stadium. Fountains by Bernini and surrounding palaces create one of the city’s most atmospheric squares. Street artists and cafés add to its lively character day and night.
- Guided walking and food tours in Rome combine exploration of ancient monuments with the city’s culinary traditions. Local guides lead visitors through markets, hidden alleys, and family-run trattorias. Tastings of pasta, gelato, and Roman specialities provide an authentic sense of the capital’s culture.
Tours and Activities
Rome Tours and Activities
Where to Eat
Where to Eat in Rome
Dining in Rome captures the heart of traditional Italian cooking, where family-run trattorias sit alongside contemporary restaurants and lively enoteche. The city’s dining areas range from the narrow lanes of Trastevere to the elegant streets around Piazza Navona and the Testaccio district, known for its classic Roman fare. The atmosphere is convivial and full of character, with menus that celebrate local ingredients and long-standing recipes. Lunch is usually served between 12:30 and 14:30, with dinner beginning from about 19:30.
Roman cuisine is defined by bold flavours and simplicity, featuring dishes such as carbonara (pasta with egg, pecorino, and guanciale), amatriciana (pasta with tomato and cured pork), and coda alla vaccinara (oxtail stew). Starters often include carciofi alla romana (braised artichokes) or supplì (fried rice balls), while desserts such as tiramisu and crostate di ricotta are popular. Local wines such as Frascati Superiore, Cesanese del Piglio, and Malvasia Puntinata are commonly served, typically €6–€8 by the glass or €20–€35 per bottle.
Typical Prices of Popular Dishes
Antipasto romano (€10–€14), spaghetti alla carbonara (€13–€17), coda alla vaccinara (€24–€32), and tiramisù (€6–€8). A typical meal with wine costs around €40–€55 per person.
Roman cuisine is defined by bold flavours and simplicity, featuring dishes such as carbonara (pasta with egg, pecorino, and guanciale), amatriciana (pasta with tomato and cured pork), and coda alla vaccinara (oxtail stew). Starters often include carciofi alla romana (braised artichokes) or supplì (fried rice balls), while desserts such as tiramisu and crostate di ricotta are popular. Local wines such as Frascati Superiore, Cesanese del Piglio, and Malvasia Puntinata are commonly served, typically €6–€8 by the glass or €20–€35 per bottle.
Typical Prices of Popular Dishes
Antipasto romano (€10–€14), spaghetti alla carbonara (€13–€17), coda alla vaccinara (€24–€32), and tiramisù (€6–€8). A typical meal with wine costs around €40–€55 per person.
Day Trips from [Place Name]
Day Trips from Rome
From Rome, there are countless possibilities for day trips that reveal more of central Italy’s history and landscapes. To the east, Tivoli is an easy journey, home to the gardens of Villa d’Este and the ancient remains of Hadrian’s Villa. South of the city, the Castelli Romani hill towns such as Castel Gandolfo and Frascati offer views over volcanic lakes and are known for their local wine and cuisine. Travelling west reaches Ostia Antica, the remarkably preserved Roman port city near the coast, while the seaside resort of Fregene provides a relaxing contrast to Rome’s urban bustle.
To the north, Viterbo is notable for its medieval quarter and nearby hot springs, while the lakes of Bracciano and Martignano offer swimming and walking opportunities. The ancient Via Appia Antica begins just outside Rome and makes a rewarding excursion for those interested in catacombs and Roman monuments. For a full-day trip, the Abbey of Montecassino and the hilltop town of Orvieto can both be reached by train or car, combining historic interest with striking views over the countryside.
To the north, Viterbo is notable for its medieval quarter and nearby hot springs, while the lakes of Bracciano and Martignano offer swimming and walking opportunities. The ancient Via Appia Antica begins just outside Rome and makes a rewarding excursion for those interested in catacombs and Roman monuments. For a full-day trip, the Abbey of Montecassino and the hilltop town of Orvieto can both be reached by train or car, combining historic interest with striking views over the countryside.
How to Get to [Place Name]
How to Get to Rome
By Rail: Rome is one of Italy’s main rail hubs, with Roma Termini and Roma Tiburtina serving as its principal train stations. High-speed Trenitalia and Italo services connect Florence in about 1 hour and 30 minutes, Milan in roughly 3 hours, and Naples in around 1 hour and 10 minutes. Both Termini and Tiburtina stations are well linked to the city’s metro, bus, and tram networks, providing direct access to all major districts and attractions.
By Road: Rome is encircled by the Grande Raccordo Anulare (GRA), a ring road connecting the capital to the country’s main motorways — the A1 (to Florence and Naples), A12 (to Civitavecchia), and A24 (to L’Aquila). The city lies about 230 kilometres south of Florence and 220 kilometres north of Naples. Driving within central Rome requires a ZTL permit, though car parks and park-and-ride facilities are available near metro stations outside the restricted zone.
Nearest International Airports:
By Road: Rome is encircled by the Grande Raccordo Anulare (GRA), a ring road connecting the capital to the country’s main motorways — the A1 (to Florence and Naples), A12 (to Civitavecchia), and A24 (to L’Aquila). The city lies about 230 kilometres south of Florence and 220 kilometres north of Naples. Driving within central Rome requires a ZTL permit, though car parks and park-and-ride facilities are available near metro stations outside the restricted zone.
Nearest International Airports:
- Rome Fiumicino International Airport (Leonardo da Vinci): Located about 30 kilometres southwest of the city centre, with a 30-minute journey by Leonardo Express train or around 40 minutes by car. It is Italy’s largest airport, offering extensive global connections.
- Rome Ciampino International Airport: Situated approximately 15 kilometres southeast of the centre, taking about 25 minutes by car. It mainly handles low-cost and European flights.
- Naples–Capodichino International Airport: Roughly 225 kilometres south of Rome, with a travel time of around 2 hours and 15 minutes via the A1 motorway. It serves as an alternative gateway for southern Italy.
Private Transfers
Rome Private Transfers
A private transfer offers a comfortable and direct way to travel between Rome and Lake Garda, with a professional local driver providing door-to-door service. It’s an excellent option for travellers who prefer a smooth, uninterrupted journey without the need for train changes or airport connections, especially when travelling with luggage or as part of a group.
Transfers can be arranged from Rome Fiumicino Airport or Rome Ciampino Airport, both operating regular domestic and international flights. Private transfers also link Rome with key destinations around Lake Garda, including Sirmione, Desenzano del Garda, and Riva del Garda, allowing you to travel comfortably and at your own pace through the heart of Italy.
To request a quote or check availability for a private transfer, just fill out the short form below and we’ll get back to you with all the details.
Transfers can be arranged from Rome Fiumicino Airport or Rome Ciampino Airport, both operating regular domestic and international flights. Private transfers also link Rome with key destinations around Lake Garda, including Sirmione, Desenzano del Garda, and Riva del Garda, allowing you to travel comfortably and at your own pace through the heart of Italy.
To request a quote or check availability for a private transfer, just fill out the short form below and we’ll get back to you with all the details.
