In the article below you will learn how to get to Rome and where to stay, what to see and where to go in the evening as well as the most interesting things to do in Rome.
Rome, the eternal city where all roads lead to, where you can live your whole life in one day-long vacation or get lost for weeks. The concentration of sights in Rome reaches such magnitudes that after just a couple of hours in this city, the heart and brain of a poor tourist begin to refuse to accommodate new ones.
So, to spend a day or two in Rome is simply not enough. Here you can come again and again. The main thing is to realize that Rome is not Italy. Consider it a separate state or even a separate world. Rome is monstrously old and forever young, it has seen the rise and fall of one of the greatest civilizations on the planet. No wonder its entire historic center has been declared a World Heritage Site.
Ancient Rome
The beauty of exploring ancient buildings lies in the relative crowdedness of most of them. Here is the whole plan for the day: walk from the Forum to the Colosseum, take a photo at the arches of Titus and Constantine, climb the Capitoline Hill or Palatine, mentally put on a toga, sit on the thousand-year-old stones of Caesar’s Forum, fighting off pesky gladiators, go to Trajan’s Forum and touch the Column of the same Trajan.
Then turn around and wander to the Great Circus, from it walk and see the Thermae of Caracalla, return and check yourself in the Mouth of Truth, and then look at the Theater of Marcellus at dusk. The next day, don’t forget the Pantheon, the obelisk on the Piazza del Popolo, the Mausoleum of Augustus and the Champ de Mars. Click here to learn more about the history of Ancient Rome.
Rome Neighborhoods
Rome is divided into many zones, districts-municipalities, suburbs, districts, neighborhoods and other residential areas. Undoubtedly, each of them has its own gem, but it is difficult to understand all the subtleties of urban planning even for Romans in the seventh generation, so for the first acquaintance it is better to choose one of the historical districts, and the working suburbs to leave for later.
The city welcomes its guests with the Termini district – by the main station of the same name in Rome. Many travel agencies recommend this place, talking about the cheapness of housing and the convenience of logistics, but in fact these advantages are very doubtful, and other minuses in plenty: station areas are characterized by increased noise, dirt, bustle, some criminal patina, Termini is not an exception. And imaginary transport accessibility – so it is almost everywhere in Rome.
Pro Tip: You can walk around the central part of Rome without fear, but it is better to avoid the “immigrant” neighborhoods. The main danger for tourists is pickpockets, especially gypsies, in crowded streets and on public transportation. Many bus stops even have special inscriptions warning about pickpockets.
Another impressive group of neighborhoods lies just above the Colosseum: Trevi, Parione, Pigna and Regola. Besides the endless palazzos, temples and squares, this area is notable for its stores – small private stores, trendy boutiques, markets, as well as many cozy cafes, bars and gelaterias. The main landmarks are Piazza Navona, the Pantheon, the Trevi Fountain and the Barberini metro.
The north of the right bank center of tourist Rome is occupied by the districts of Ponte, Colonna and Campo Marzio. The first is recommended for lovers of walking along the promenades and bridges – its coat of arms even depicts the Bridge of the Holy Angel, and the Vatican is within walking distance. The Column and the Champ de Mars are good for both self-guided tours and shopping.
On the left bank of the Tiber, Trastevere occupies a large area. To ignore this neighborhood is a real sacrilege. Firstly, you cross the bridge and you are already in the center. Secondly, it has its own attractions. And thirdly – this area is alive, here live the most ordinary Romans, they go to non-tourist stores and cheap trattorias for locals, trade in real, not souvenir markets and do not dress up in costumes of legionaries and gladiators. In Trastevere you will feel the rhythm of modern society, harmoniously existing within the walls of medieval streets of the eternal monument. On the downside, the young people here don’t come to a standstill until the early hours of the morning.
To the north are Borgo and Vatican City. The main difference from Trastevere: tourists and pilgrims, as well as crooks are much more than natives, but if you get deep into the neighborhoods, you will surely find a quiet and inexpensive place.
Rome Hotels
The main place of concentration of hotels in Rome is around the main railway station, where Russian travel agencies like to settle their clients. There are both nice establishments and shocking by their size hotels, where on 3 square meters they manage to cram all the necessary attributes of hotel life: a bed, a closet, a bedside table and so on. The cost for two people per night ranges around 100 EUR.
There are no less hotels in the area of Campo de’ Fiori Square and Pantheon. Having paid 120-150 EUR per night, a tourist will enjoy beautiful views of the domes and cathedrals of baroque Rome every day. In addition, you can look for hotels near Piazza España.
Do not forget about the so-called apartments. They cost not much less, about the same 120 EUR (but not for two people, but 3-4-5, etc. people), but instead of one room with a shower, the tourist will live in a spacious two- or three-room apartment with a kitchen, a hallway and a full bathroom. As a bonus to the apartments comes with the feeling of being a full-fledged resident of Rome: to greet the neighbors, buy milk in the nearest supermarket for breakfast and take out the garbage, boringly separating it into glass or paper, for the sake of ecology.
Outlying neighborhoods with affordable housing and good conditions include Eure, with its Palazzo dei Congreso and square Colosseum, and tidy and green Monteverde. In Testaccio go for nightlife and a tour of small family-run pizzerias.
West of Termini and north of Ostiense there is a whole bunch of ancient neighborhoods where you can’t pass without tripping over a landmark or bumping your forehead into it: Monti, Campitelli, Celio and Ripa. Yes, these are crowded and very popular neighborhoods, the roundels of tourists around the Colosseum do not stop even at night. But if you try hard enough, you can find not the most expensive accommodation on a quiet street a stone’s throw from the Forum and enjoy the view of these majestic ruins in the early morning while everyone is asleep. The number of not the most famous, but incredibly beautiful churches here is off the charts.
There is no low season in Rome, so it’s worth booking a hotel in advance anyway.
Transportation in Rome
The work of public transportation in Rome is perfectly adjusted under the aegis of ATAC company. The cost of a single ticket is 2,40 EUR, it is called BIT, it is valid for 100 minutes from the moment of composting (or one passage through the subway turnstile). If you plan to spend several days in Rome and actively move around, buy a pass. There are tickets for 24, 48 and 72 hours, as well as for 7 days. They are valid in the subway, streetcars and city buses, sold, as well as BIT, in vending machines at stations, in bars, tobacco and newspaper stands. Prices on the page are for November 2021.
All tickets must be punched in the little yellow boxes, otherwise the controller will give you a decent fine and no “russo turisto no comprendo” will work.
Ground transportation
An extensive network of buses permeates the whole of Rome, including the suburbs, and streetcar lines are a great addition to the system, allowing you to get around without rush hour delays. Note that schedules can vary between weekdays and weekends. At night, the number of buses is reduced many times, but it is still possible to get to the desired point. Buses often pass by small stops, don’t hesitate to wave to the driver.
In the evening in the streets of Rome it is good to take a ride on rare streetcars TRAMbelcanto and TRAMjazz, the pleasure is not cheap, but the atmosphere is heartwarming.
Subway
The subway is not particularly large, only 3 lines, new stations are being built slowly – the reason is the numerous historical monuments and archeological finds. But for a quick trip around the city the metro is perfect, it is easy to understand the scheme – many stations are linked to world-famous sights. The metro works from 5:30 to 23:30, on Saturdays until 1:30, the interval of trains from 5 to 15 minutes.
Pro Tip: Tourists should be cautious on all means of transportation heading towards the Vatican, especially on buses Nos. 64, 640 and on the Metro A line from Termini Station to the Vatican. You should not carry large sums of money in your pockets. It is better to keep your passport and airline ticket in the hotel safe and carry certified photocopies of them with you.
Cabs
Cabs in Rome are usually white in color, with a sign “servizio pubblico”. They pay by the meter, but tips are welcome. For boarding on a weekday on average ask 5 EUR, 1 km of the way – about one and a half euros, on weekends, holidays and night time there is a surcharge. Standing in traffic will cost about 40 EUR per hour. For trips outside the city (e.g. to the airport) there is a special fixed fare.
Pro Tip: There are also private cabs in Rome, which are cabs that do not have a government license. They are usually cheaper, but are considered unsafe. Romans tend to avoid them; cautious tourists do too.
Tour buses
There are several companies running tour buses around Rome. International City Sightseeing and Rome ATAC have a joint project – common unlimited passes for city transport and sightseeing buses for 24 and 48 hours. The price is 30 EUR and 40 EUR. The yellow Roma Cristiana buses focus on iconic sites of the Christian religion, while the green Archeobus buses introduce important archaeological areas. There are also CiaoRoma, Green Line Tours, Trambus open, Roma open tour – all these companies are easy to find online and familiarize yourself with their routes and prices.
River streetcars
You can ride along the Tiber on river streetcars from March to November, in winter the navigation is closed. Take into account that the embankments in the city are high, so you can’t see much from the deck of the boat, but don’t be in a hurry to ignore this romantic mode of transportation – bridges, sunsets and light reflections on the domes of cathedrals have not been canceled. Ticket price depends on the services and duration of the excursion. The simplest will cost a couple of euros for the passage from the island of Tiberina to the bridge of the Duke of Aosta, excursions with dinner – from 60 EUR.
From the airport and back
Between Fiumicino and Termini there is the Leonardo Express train twice an hour, travel time 30 minutes, ticket costs 14 EUR. There is a regular train to Ostiense and Tiburtina stations with a ticket for 10 EUR, goes a little longer, and also a special metro line FM1, leading to major stations in the city. The fare is 7 EUR. The trains run from about 6:00 to 23:30. Also, Cotral, T.A.M., Terravision, and other companies have regular buses leaving from the airport to the city. An hour-long trip will cost about 10 EUR. Tickets are sold on websites or from drivers. Alas, also go only until midnight. After that a cab remains. The average rate is 65 EUR, but they can ask for more, so it makes sense to order a cab in advance through one of the international dispatch services.
Renting bicycles and mopeds
The streets of Rome are full of mopeds and bicycles. In such an environment, it is tempting to give in to two-wheeled provocation and get your portion of conditional freedom of movement. But be aware that the owners of large vehicles treat cyclists not at all as equals, and it is difficult to ride on sidewalks and pedestrian streets – there are too many people in Rome. Rental of pedal transport will cost about 15-25 EUR per day, a bicycle with electric drive – 25-40 EUR, moped – 35-70 EUR per day. You don’t need a license for scooters with engines up to 125 cc, but anti-theft equipment and helmets are necessary.
Rent a car
Renting a car in Rome is not a problem, it is more important to understand why you need it. If it is not your first visit to the city, and the program includes trips to the surrounding areas with visits to medieval castles near Bracciano, rest by the sea, visits to country museums and amusement parks, then in advance use the services of major international services – Europcar, Rentalcars, Autoeurope and many others are at your service. There are also plenty of local rental companies on the market, whose prices may be somewhat lower, but carefully study all the terms of the contract.
The difference in the price of rent from companies at first glance may seem multiple. For example, for “little” Fiat Panda and Fiat 500 they ask from 15 EUR to 60 EUR per day, but as usual the devil is in the details – additionally added to the “cheap” package insurance against theft or damage (and it is worth to be insured) just equalizes the tariff rates with less attractive offers. Slightly more daring Lancia Ypsilon and Alfa Romeo Mito will cost 45-75 EUR, not the most prestigious, but still a convertible will cost about the same amount. Family Fiat Qubo will cost from 70 EUR, spacious Fiat Scudo Panorama – from 170 EUR. Fans of chic and racing are offered Maserati Gran Cabrio and other Ferrari 458 Italia. For a day of owning such a car, get ready to pay from 1100 to 2000 EUR.
Warning: Drivers under 25 will have to shell out a special fee “Young Driver” – per day from 15 EUR plus VAT, not including rental and insurance fees.
If you intend to spend most of the time in Rome itself, exploring its historic center, then the car will be an unnecessary burden – narrow streets, traffic restrictions, lack of parking spaces and a huge number of tourists staring dumbfoundedly at the sides can seriously damage your nerves and rest.
Internet and Wi-Fi
Rome has a wonderful project called Metropolitana Wi-Fi, which covers the entire city and surrounding areas with a network of public Internet access points. You can connect to the network in many cafes, museums, bus stops, train stations and other public places. Another project is RomaWireless Wi-Fi, there are fewer public points, but they are there and there is no sense to ignore them.
In addition, no one has canceled the possibility to book a hotel with Wi-Fi connection. However, this point should be clarified in advance – often you can access the Internet for free only in the hotel lobby, but for access in the room you will be asked to pay extra.
It is easier to make calls via the Internet, but if you want, it is easy to buy a local SIM card. It is better to do it in a company salon of one of the Italian mobile operators – most of their consultants are very good at explaining themselves in English and will help you choose the right tariff or package of services.
Roma Pass
Many cities have tourist maps, but not all are equally useful. Decide if you need a Roma Pass. There are two types of cards: Roma Pass and Roma Pass 48 hours. The first one is valid for 3 days, gives free admission to 2 museums or archaeological zones from the program list, discounts on tickets to the third and subsequent museums, and also replaces the city public transport pass for 3 days. The second one has all the same except for a 48-hour validity period and only one free museum. The bonus is a map of Rome and a guide to the Roma Pass. You can buy it in any of the museums of the program, in tourist info-centers PIT or in one of the hundreds of kiosks Tabaccheria. Or you can buy a Rome guest card online: it’s quick and convenient.
On the plus side: you can get to popular places without waiting in line, such as the Colosseum or the Castel Sant’Angelo. Minuses: a strict time bound – you will have to make non-stop voyage through museums, you can’t get to Fiumicino and Ciampino with these cards, they don’t work in Vatican museums, other museums don’t have particularly grandiose discounts on tickets – 1-2,5 EUR on average, as a result – dubious savings, which can be seen only when you scrupulously analyze and compare ticket prices and carefully draw up your own program of three-day running around Rome.
Shopping
From Rome you can bring good leather goods (shoes, jackets, bags), clothes of Italian fashion designers, knitwear, beautiful linen, porcelain, crystal, jewelry and costume jewelry, souvenirs, picture frames in ancient style or a custom-made copy of an ancient statue. Read more: shopping in Rome.
Rome’s main shopping streets are Via del Corso, Via del Tritone and Via Nazionale, which starts at Piazza Venezia, runs northwest and is the central artery of a neighborhood that is almost entirely made up of stores. The latest, exclusive shoes, clothes, accessories and jewelry from Armani, Gianfranco Ferre, Gucci, Dolce & Gabbana, Laura Biagiotti, Valentino, Rocco Barocco, Trussardi and many others are sold in the Piazza di Spagna area.
Prices in Rome are lower than in Milan, higher than in Naples. In winter from January 15 and in summer from August 16, the sale season (sconti and saldi) starts; if you get there near the end, discounts can reach 70%.
A couple of minutes’ walk from the Trevi Fountain is one of Rome’s most prestigious shopping centers, the Alberto Sordi Gallery. It’s history and art in itself, so check it out if only for the sake of interest – century-old stores aren’t found on every corner. Also worth a look are the modern malls Euroma2 and Roma Est, though it’s harder to get to them, but when has that ever stopped a real shopaholic?
Those who like to spend a day in outlet stores will have to go out of town: to the second largest in Italy Castel Romano 25 km away, to Valmontone outlet – one of the largest in the world by area – about 45 km. But there are several family-run mini-outlets in the center of Rome as well – look for the UPIM signs, this chain works with Italian brands and offers good discounts all year round.
Pro Tip: Be sure to visit at least a couple of Rome’s flea markets: Porta Portese where you can find everything, buy spices at Mercato Campo de Fiori, pick up an original closet piece at Mercato Monti, Vintage Market and Borghetto Flaminio, and find a rare comic book or your favorite book in a vintage edition at Mercato delle Stampe.
In the narrow streets of non-touristy neighborhoods, look for inconspicuous grocery stores that can surprise foodies with incredible sauces, sweets, cheeses, sausages and coffee. Be sure to check out the authentic book and stationery shops for books, old and new postcards, posters, reproductions and cool calendars. The streets near the Vatican are filled with religious-themed souvenirs and Roman-Italian themed items, but compare prices at a few shops first.
What to try
Pizza in all its forms, delicious ice cream from old family gelaterias, coffee, coffee and coffee again.
For lovers of non-alcoholic fizz, we advise you to hunt for the local drink of the gods – “chinotto”, an unusual and flavorful soda made from the extract of the fruit of the bitter orange-pomeranian. Try several different varieties and find the best one. The unusual refreshing taste of “chinotto” will make you run around Russian grocery departments for a long time (and, most likely, unsuccessfully): alas, this drink is imported to us very rarely, if not accidentally.
Pro Tip: There are small drinking fountains scattered all over Rome: you can drink water from them! It is much tastier than some Russian mineral water and absolutely harmless, as it is still delivered through ancient aqueducts. Besides, it is economical: having bought once a bottle of 0,5 liters of water and having paid for it about 2 EUR, you can constantly replenish the reserves of life-giving moisture absolutely free of charge in these very fountains.
Cafes and restaurants in Rome
In Rome there are trattoria and hosteria – analogs of the Russian term “inn”. Such establishments, as a rule, are characterized by good cuisine. To eat here costs a bit less than in a restaurant – about 15 EUR for a full lunch or a multi-course dinner.
Rosticeria – small restaurants with home cuisine. This is the most economical option – here lunch or dinner will cost about 9 EUR. “Rosticeria”, as a rule, are located in quiet alleys, away from the busy tourist spots. They are gladly visited by Italians themselves. And the cheapest way to eat out is to get a takeaway pizza for 3 EUR or more.
Warning: Don’t try to ask for a slice of pizza in an establishment labeled Pizzicheria – it’s just an ordinary grocery store, a small deli. Cheese and ham – yes, pizza – very unlikely.
Breakfast in Rome is eaten on the run, gulping down a cup of coffee and a croissant in three minutes. Lunch, as a rule, is also eaten in bars (panini sandwiches or takeaway pizza – pizza al taglio). Dinner starts around 19:30 and lasts until midnight.
Pro Tip: When choosing a restaurant to dine in, be guided by the crowd. The best sign of a good place is a few noisy Italian families and companies of different ages at neighboring tables.
Roman cuisine is tasty, but very ambiguous. For example, frying is often done not with refined olive oil, but with the fat from salted prosciutto ham. For the strong of heart and stomach we recommend you to go to all lengths and try the oxtail stew popular in Rome for several thousand years – “coda alla vaccinara”, pork brains, stewed giblets and veal intestines as a main course or pasta ingredient, tripe with cheese under the code name “trippa” or fried testicles of ram or bull. There will be something to remember and tell later.
Those who do not agree to such experiments, can treat themselves to rolls “saltimbocca”, “abbacio” in spices and herbs of lamb, fillet of baccala cod with vegetables in the form of steamed thick soup or one of the many pastas. Just be mindful of the likely trebuchets or salty guanciale pork cheeks in the lineup. If you’re absolutely terrified, opt for cacio e pepe, a traditional Roman spaghetti with grated cheese, olive oil and black pepper. For an appetizer in both cases, order the bruschetta-which is a little burnt.
Rome Attractions
The futility of trying to embrace the vastness of Rome and its sights. Every time you go from your hotel to a pre-designated point on the map, you will be distracted again and again, stop and be surprised by unexpected findings. It’s hard to offer a one-size-fits-all recipe for covering as much as possible without spreading yourself thin over the unplanned. Try to order an individual tour and separately discuss this moment with the organizer. Another option – walks based on books and movies. Or you can organize the Day of Roman fountains or the Day of Roman archaeology. Take your pick.
7 things to do in Rome
- Get in the spirit of the Empire by standing in the Colosseum arena.
- Drink water from the public fountain – just like in Nero’s time.
- Choose Latin at a Vatican ATM and withdraw EUR “quantum satis”.
- See the beginnings of Rome on Palatine Hill.
- Throw a coin into the Trevi Fountain (no swimming in it).
- Dine like a true Italian in a “trattoria” or “hosteria”, ordering, for example, oxtail soup.
- Take the example of Placido Domingo and sing E lucevan le stelle on the cogs of the Castel Sant’Angelo.
Piazzas and fountains
Rome’s most “lively” sights, especially after the ancient ruins. Richly decorated, the squares are always bustling with tourists, artists, painters and musicians. Must-sees include the Piazza del Popolo with its marvelous churches, the balustrade of the seasons and the Obelisk of Flaminius, the majestic St. Peter’s Square in the Vatican with Bernini’s colonnade and (again! ) the Egyptian obelisk. ) Egyptian obelisk, Piazza España with the Spanish Steps and Barcaccio’s fountain, Piazza Venezia with the grandiose Vittoriano, the magnificent Navona and its palazzo palaces, churches and a complex of fountains – the Moor, Neptune and the Fountain of the Four Rivers. The obelisk is attached.
No less interesting are Piazza Barberini with two Bernini fountains – the Fountain of the Bees and the Triton, Campo dei Fiori with the monument to Giordano Bruno, Piazza Colonna with the Column of Marcus Aurelius, the intersection of the Four Fountains and Piazza della Repubblica with the Fountain of the Naiads. And don’t forget Rome’s main fountain, the Trevi Fountain!
Churches and Cathedrals
The most difficult point of the program – there are too many churches in the old part of Rome, each has an interesting story to tell, and even the most unassuming building inside can turn out to be a real masterpiece or contains works of art by the greatest artists and sculptors.
Of course, you can’t miss St. Peter’s Basilica, Il Gesù, Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore, Lateran Basilica or Santa Maria del Popolo, but trust me, there will probably be a smaller but unique church near your hotel.
And a short walk will turn into an acquaintance with not the most famous work of Michelangelo or Bernini, the traditions of free masons, Jesuits and Capuchins, the mystery of rituals or a mesmerizing service. Churches don’t usually charge money for admission, but donations are approved, buy a keepsake postcard, for example.
Inside you can see almost everything, observe silence, do not violate photography bans, if any, and do not go behind fenced areas. The main thing – do not hesitate and do not hesitate, open the doors of all the churches on your way and thus join the treasures of world culture.
Pro Tip: The best panorama of Rome is from the dome of St. Peter’s Cathedral in Vatican City. You can go up there for 15 EUR (elevator + 300+ steps) or 12 EUR (without elevator, 500+ steps). Besides, climbing up, you can see the whole cathedral from inside from above, as the way goes through the gallery inside the dome.
Museums
There are also many museums, but here everything is simpler – some are interested in paintings, others in ethnography, others in mechanics or history. The Capitoline Museums, Vatican Museum Complex and Villa Borghese Museums are universal solutions. The Museum of Roman Civilization will help you compare ancient and modern Rome, and the Planetarium and the Museum of Astronomy are nearby.
The National Museum of Rome boasts the richest collection of ancient sculpture, and for contemporary art go to MAXXI and MACRO. For the unusual, check out the Leonardo da Vinci Museum, the Museum of Lost Souls and Purgatory (not for the faint-hearted and impressionable), the Italian Police Museum and the Museum of Criminology in a former prison, the Pasta Museum (of course!), aviation and automobile museums, military and weapons museums, and the Napoleon Museum. Based on interests, pick yours and hit the road.
Pro Tip: Every first Sunday of the month, many of Rome’s public museums, archaeological areas, galleries, parks and gardens are free to visit.
EUR District
Want to surprise your friends with unexpected stories and photos? Visit the Colosseum – the palace of Italian civilization, and just walk around the unusual and busy Roman district of EUR. Be sure to walk along the pedestrian bridges in the city center at sunset – live music, surprise performances and great shots are guaranteed.
The Castel Sant’Angelo is wonderful in its own right, but it’s worth taking the time to walk around it, with the bonus of boutique markets, green lawns and great views. For connoisseurs of Italian cinema, check out the famous Cinecitta Studios in the southeast of the city. And to add a bit of mysticism, tours of underground Rome will help.
Pro Tip: One of the best ways to see the city’s main attractions and save money is to buy a Roma Pass travel card. Each card is equipped with a microchip, which makes it easier for guests to use public transportation and visit museums. In addition, cardholders can receive SMS or e-mail messages with information about cultural events taking place in the city.
Rome in Books and Movies
You can love Dan Brown or call him popsy, but following in the footsteps of the characters in Angels and Demons is a fascinating endeavor. For romantic individuals will suit the movies “Roman Vacation” and “Madly in Love”, for couples – “Roman Adventures”. All without exception watch “Rome Fellini”, read “Kamo Gredeshi” by Henryk Sienkiewicz, “Rome.
Walks in the Eternal City” by Henry W. Morton, the anthology “Russian letters about Rome”, “Here was Rome. Modern Walks in the Ancient City” by Victor Sonkin and something else about ancient times in the spirit of “One Day in Ancient Rome” by Alberto Angelo or “Ancient Rome” by Claude Moatti.
Rome for Children
Probably, Rome is not the most “childish” city, you should get acquainted with it, having emotions from the books you have read, recognizing streets and churches familiar from textbooks and movies, remembering the history of the great Empire and its descendants, not to mention that it would be good to be physically ready for hours of walking on stone sidewalks and quiet corridors of museums. But if you have to go with a child, it’s better to do it in summer, when you can visit the local amusement parks.
The most important amusement park in Rome (if not Italy) is Rainbow Magicland, which opened in 2011 on the outskirts of Valmontone. Rainbow Magicland will appeal to both very young travelers and older kids, and some of the rides will bring adult guests back to childhood as well.
On hot days, visit one of the water parks closest to Rome. The easiest way to get to Hydromania Park, located on the western border of the city, will take about 1.5 hours with 1-2 transfers by metro and bus.
In 35 km to the east, at the military airport of Guidonia-Montechello in the warm season operates one of Europe’s largest water parks Aquapiper, and to the north, at the port of Civitavecchia spread out favorite residents of central Italy park Aquafelix. Zoomarine amusement park in the seaside village of Torvajanica combines water slides, a swimming pool, oceanarium, sea lion and dolphin shows, a science and exhibition center, and several quiet land rides and cafes.
On the grounds of Villa Borghese, guests are welcomed by the pets of the Rome Biopark – this small zoo features lemurs and juvenile giraffes, as well as fun in the Ark amusement area.
Weather in Rome
Summers in Rome are dry and hot, winters are mild. It is worth coming to Rome at any time of the year. The most successful season is spring, starting from the Easter holidays until June. However, fall is also a good time to visit the capital.
Related Article: Rome FAQs – the top 20 Rome-related questions from readers on our website.