Rome Tourist Information

Rome Travel Guide

There are few cities in the world that can compete with Rome in terms of history, culture and architecture, given its long and often brutal history that has inspired countless novels and films. Often referred to as the 'Eternal City', Rome is the capital of Italy, and its historic centre is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Sitting on the river Tiber, between the Tyrrhenian sea and the Apennine mountains, 3,000-year-old Rome was once the throne of the powerful Roman empire, and is hence home to countless architectural gems and artworks created by the famous painters who once resided here, including Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo.

Rome Tourist Attractions

Rome's sights are vast, making it impossible to see all of its wonders in just a few days, or even weeks. Fortunately, three of the city's most notable landmarks are all within close proximity to one another: the Colosseum, Forum and Palatine Hill. Another must-see is the Pantheon, an ancient temple built in honour of the gods and highlighted by a large dome. The Trevi fountain, which attracts crowds of visitors year-round, is also worth a visit, many tourists take a tour of Rome to see all of the sights.

Rome is famous for its wealth of Catholic churches, including the world's most famous, St Peter's, where the pope himself resides. A trip to St Peter's should be paired with a visit to the museums at the Vatican, which include the Sistine Chapel with Michelangelo's beautiful frescos. Remember to wear conservative clothing when visiting Rome's churches.

If you're tired of viewing history and art, take a trip to the Trastevere neighbourhood and enjoy a traditional Italian coffee in a local café.

As with most European cities, Rome is blisteringly hot in July and August. This is when the city faces the most crowds. A visit in the spring of autumn is often preferable, as there are fewer people and the climate is cooler.

Transport Around Rome

Getting to Rome is an easy task, as the city has two international airports, while trains from many European cities arrive at the central train station. Buses are also an option.

Driving in Rome is not advised, as the locals drive fast and occasionally aggressively. If you do plan to drive while on holiday, or participate in any activities, we strongly recommend you take out travel insurance before as healthcare costs in Rome can be expensive. In addition, Rome is notorious for its pickpockets and scam artists, so although it is a relatively safe holiday destination, a good insurance plan will ensure you are reimbursed for any losses.