Rome city breaks
History is around every corner of Rome. From the Pantheon and the piazzas to Vatican City’s Sistine Chapel, the ‘Eternal City’ is one of the world’s most historically significant destinations. In Italy’s capital, you’ll discover cultural remnants of the Roman Empire, awe-inspiring Renaissance art, numerous historic landmarks as well as the culinary delights of la dolce vita - the sweet life.
Things to do
A city break in Rome offers countless things to see and do, buy or eat. Some of the world’s most influential art is here – both inside museums and outside in the public squares and parks. Walk among ancient ruins of the Roman Empire or drop a coin in the Trevi Fountain. Buy Italian leather goods in the market and order fresh gnocchi at dinner.
29 ℃
April-June and September-Octobe View live forecast
2.5 hours
Leonardo da Vinci/Fiumicino International Airport (FCO) is 26km southwest of the city centre
Travel guide
Things to do
Currency
Travel guide
Travel guide
Weather & Climate
Temperatures °C : Average highs of 29 (°C) in summer and 13 (°C) in winter
Best time to visit: April-June and September-October The rainfall is steady and moderate year-round.Rome’s Mediterranean heat is especially balmy in July and August. The spring and autumn months are more comfortable.
ROME IS BEST FOR…
Foodies: If you’ve had your fill of gelato, try tiramisu – a combination of cheese, chocolate and coffee.
Art enthusiasts: Marvel at the frescos lining the interior of the Vatican’s Sistine Chapel.
Couples: Walk through the piazzas and along the Tiber River as the sun sets.
Fast facts:
Language: The language spoken in Rome is Italian
Currency: The currency used in Rome is the Euro (€)
Local time: Rome is 1 hour ahead of GMT/UK time
Fly: Leonardo da Vinci/Fiumicino International Airport (FCO) is 26km southwest of the city centre
Flight time from UK: 2 hours 30 minutes
Tourist Information: Further Rome tourist information can be found at www.turismoroma.it
Visa / Health:
Before your holiday to Rome, visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/italy for recommendations and advice on visas and health.
Getting around
By foot: The city centre is easiest to cover on foot. Look out for mopeds and bicycles when crossing the street at busy intersections.
By tourist bus: When not walking between attractions, try one of the many hop-on/hop-off, open-top tourist buses.
By bus or metro: Buses are a reliable (but crowded) way to get round the city. A 2-3 day Roma Pass includes all public transport, entrance fees to two attractions and discounts to many other museums.
By taxi: Taxi stands are at all the piazzas and train stations. Make sure the meter is running. If paying by credit card, inform the driver before starting the journey.
Events
White night: On La Notte Bianca, the Eternal City becomes a pedestrian zone and stays open all night, offering street dances, concerts, wine tastings, museum tours and children’s activities. Rome’s ancient monuments are lit and open to the public.
Estate Romana (Roman summer): If you can bear the heat, Rome has an extraordinary cultural programme throughout the summer. Over a thousand performances, events and exhibitions are held, including an open-air cinema and pop-up shops and food stalls on the Tiber riverbank.
Easter sunday: On Pasqua, the Roman Catholic Pope gives a blessing and an Easter message from the balcony of St Peter’s Basilica to everyone gathered in St Peter’s Square.
Things to do
Packed with romance, culture, and of course, pizza, here’s our pick of the best things to do in Rome. With its ancient landmarks, rich history and delicious Italian food, Rome is a Mediterranean gem you can’t afford to miss.
Places to go
There’s no shortage of ancient landmarks to explore in Rome, but why not start with the most popular? Rome’s Colosseum is the largest amphitheatre in the world and the city’s most recognisable building. Built in AD80, it was designed to hold 55,000 spectators who came to watch gladiators fight to the death. Stop off outside the entrance to have your photo taken with a ‘real’ Roman gladiator.From there, it’s on to the Pantheon, then the Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps. Legend says that if you turn your back to the fountain and throw a coin over your shoulder into the water, you’ll return to Rome someday. The Spanish steps is a popular meeting point for Rome’s youngsters but it’s also a great photo opportunity, packed with activity day and night.
Things to do in Rome
Piazza Navona
One of Rome’s best-loved squares, Piazza Navona began life as a stadium for 30,000 spectators who enjoyed watching athletics and mock naval … Find out moreThe Vatican Museums
You’re likely to have the Vatican Museums near the top of your Rome things-to-see list. Vatican City is the world’s smallest sovereign state, with … Find out moreRoman Forum
A visit to the Roman Forum is a chance to step back in time and get a feel for the Roman Empire. You can picture shoppers and street sellers going … Find out moreMonti’s Vintage Market
Visit Rome’s hippest neighbourhood as you search for retro treasures at Monti’s vintage market. Browse unique handmade products created by local … Find out moreCircus Maximus
Just below Palatine Hill is Circus Maximus, once the home of chariot racing, gladiator fights, and Roman games, and one of the most important … Find out moreWalking Food Tour
Taste the very best dishes in Rome as you take a walking food tour through the city. Choose between Rome’s favourite foodie districts, Testaccio … Find out moreSpanish Steps in Rome
Don’t forget to add the Spanish Steps to your list of must-dos for your trip to Rome. It’s a prime people-watching spot, and since 1723 thousands … Find out morePantheon
Walking from Piazza di Sant’Ignazio, head along the narrow Via del Seminario towards Piazza della Rotonda, where you’ll see the huge columns of … Find out moreSt. Peter’s Basilica
Visible from most of the city, St. Peter’s Basilica is a must-visit on your trip to Rome. Arriving at the square from Via Della Conciliazione, … Find out moreColosseum
It’s one of the greatest and most recognisable buildings in the world, the Colosseum Rome. So no city break to Rome is complete without a photo of … Find out moreCurrency
