Rome Travel Guide

The Italian capital of Rome, known as the Eternal City, continues to shine as one of the world's most famous destinations. The city is steeped in ancient history, medieval glory and cosmopolitan sophistication.

Currency: Euro
Languages: Italian
Airport: Rome Airport Fiumicino
Population: 2,761, 500
Time Zone: UTC +1

Where to Stay

Rome offers a multitude of accommodation options to suit all tastes and budgets. There are hostels to suit the backpacker through to two and three star hotels and onto opulent luxury hotels that become a destination in themselves. If you’re considering lingering a little longer, consider renting an apartment and making the most of your Roman experience. Browse through our range of Roman accommodation deals.

Transport

Rome is compact enough to walk between sites. However the metro network combined with the bus system provide easy transportation around the city. Taxis are regularly available but require nerves of steel as Italians aren’t known as the safest drivers. If travelling further afield consider hiring a car.

Flights

A large number of international airlines fly to Rome including Qantas, Virgin Australia, Etihad, Emirates, Singapore Airlines and Cathay Pacific. Flight durations vary depending on the airline and stopover destinations; however flights from Australia generally take between 22 and 25 hours. View the latest cheap flights to Rome.

Climate

With a warm Mediterranean climate, Rome is a year round destination. During summer the temperature rises to an average of 30 degrees, while in winter the mercury peaks at around 12 degrees. The Romans have a special name for October, ottobrate meaning, ‘beautiful October days,’ as the weather is considered perfect - sunny and warm. Rain is most common in the summer months and July is the driest month.

Food

I guess we don’t need to say that pizza is popular in Rome. For lunch on-the-go consider pizza by the slice. Alternatively, enjoy a relaxed dining experience in an authentic Italian trattoria. For something slightly different, a calzone is a pizza folded in half with the topping enclosed inside. The Italian’s also developed gelato, so tasting this delicious treat is obligatory when in Rome. Gelato is sold from gelateria; usually the hardest part is picking a flavour.

Insider Tips

Once the centre of the Roman Empire, the architectural legacy of this ancient civilisation includes, amongst others, the Colosseum, the largest amphitheatre ever constructed, the Roman Forum, the political heart of ancient Rome and the Pantheon. Constructed on the burial site of Saint Peter, St Peter’s Basilica together with the adjoining St Peter’s Square, are also must-see sites in Rome. Consider exploring the Vatican through the Vatican Museum and appreciate the incredible collection of renaissance art and the iconic Sistine Chapel. Other significant attractions include the Trevi Fountain, the Vittorio Emanuele monument and the Spanish Steps.