Welcome to Rome

Rome is a city of layers — an open-air museum threaded with lively piazzas, winding cobblestone streets, and a pulse that mixes ancient grandeur with contemporary Roman life. Whether you’re drawn by history, art, food, or simply the rhythm of daily passeggiata, Rome rewards slow looking and spontaneous detours.

History

Rome’s history spans more than two and a half millennia, from a collection of hilltop settlements to the heart of a vast empire that shaped law, language, and architecture across Europe and the Mediterranean. The city’s medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque chapters added churches, palaces, and public spaces that layered atop Roman foundations, creating a palimpsest of built heritage visible on every street.

Current Status

Today Rome is Italy’s capital and a bustling metropolitan hub where government institutions, international organizations, and a lively creative economy coexist with a robust tourism sector. Modern infrastructure and neighborhoods mix with preservation challenges, meaning visitors will see both carefully restored monuments and ongoing efforts to maintain the city’s fabric.

Local Culture

Roman culture prizes conviviality, community, and a relaxed approach to time — meals are savored, conversations are animated, and the piazza serves as both stage and living room. Social life revolves around family, neighborhood ties, and rituals like the evening passeggiata; expect warm hospitality, occasional Roman directness, and an appetite for beauty in daily life.

Food

Rome’s cuisine emphasizes bold, straightforward flavors built on excellent ingredients: simple pastas like cacio e pepe and carbonara, the rich supplì and crispy Roman-style pizza al taglio, and seasonal vegetables such as puntarelle. Markets, neighborhood trattorie, and tiny espresso bars are where locals eat — following those rhythms will lead to some of the most memorable meals.

Attractions

The Colosseum stands as an icon of imperial Rome: a monumental amphitheater where gladiators fought and Romans gathered. Visiting reveals layers of history — from spectacle and engineering to later reuse of materials — and offers a powerful sense of scale and human drama.

The Roman Forum and Palatine Hill are neighboring sites where political, commercial, and religious life of ancient Rome unfolded. Wandering the ruins you can piece together how temples, basilicas, and public spaces connected everyday life and civic power.

The Vatican City, with St. Peter’s Basilica and the Sistine Chapel, houses some of the world’s most important sacred and artistic treasures. Beyond the religious significance, its museums and frescoes chronicle centuries of patronage and artistic achievement.

Piazza Navona and the surrounding historic center showcase Baroque exuberance in fountains, churches, and urban design while offering lively cafés and street life. The square’s layered artistry and everyday social scene make it a perfect place to pause, watch, and listen to the city.

Trastevere is a neighborhood that blends medieval charm with vibrant nightlife and intimate streets lined with ivy-covered buildings. Its narrow lanes, local osterie, and spirited character give a sense of neighborhood Rome that contrasts with the grandeur of central monuments.

The Pantheon, with its magnificent oculus and perfectly proportioned interior, remains one of antiquity’s best-preserved monuments. Its ongoing use as a church and burial site links ancient engineering to living tradition.

Final Note

Rome invites you to balance the must-see monuments with slower discovery — lingering in a café, exploring a side street, or letting a neighborhood market set the day’s pace. Each visit uncovers new layers: history, flavors, and the small human moments that define the Eternal City.

Rome — Practical Travel Tips

Local customs

• Greet with a friendly "Buongiorno" (morning) or "Buonasera" (evening); a simple "Ciao" is informal.
• Dress modestly when visiting churches (cover shoulders and knees); comfortable shoes are a must.
• Italians value politeness: say "per favore", "grazie" and nod or make eye contact when interacting.
• Meal times: lunch ~1–3pm, dinner 8pm onward; many restaurants close mid‑afternoon.
• Tipping: not required; leave small change or round up for good service (5–10% rarely expected).
• Avoid loud phone conversations on public transport and in restaurants.

Transportation

• Metro: three lines (A, B, C) cover major sites; validate paper tickets in machines before boarding.
• Buses & trams: buy tickets at kiosks/tabacchi or machines; one ticket often covers metro + buses for 100 minutes.
• Tickets: fines are hefty if caught on trains/buses without validated ticket — always validate.
• Walking: central Rome is compact — many streets are pedestrian-friendly; expect cobblestones.
• Taxis: use official white taxis (metered); book by phone or at taxi ranks; avoid unlicensed drivers.
• Scooters & bike sharing: convenient but traffic is fast and streets uneven; wear a helmet if possible.
• Trains to/from airports: Leonardo Express to Fiumicino; regional trains and buses are alternatives.

Safety

• Pickpockets: common in crowded areas, public transport, and around tourist sites — use a money belt or front bag.
• Keep copies of passport/IDs and store originals securely; leave extras in hotel safe.
• ATM safety: use ATMs inside banks when possible and cover PIN entry.
• Night safety: central Rome is generally safe, but avoid poorly lit side streets late at night and watch for scams.
• Water: tap water is drinkable at many public fountains (nasoni) — bring a refillable bottle.

Insider tips

• Buy tickets for major attractions (Colosseum, Vatican Museums) in advance to skip long lines; early morning or late afternoon visits are quieter.
• Explore neighborhoods: Trastevere for nightlife and food; Monti for boutiques and cafes; Testaccio for authentic markets.
• Coffee culture: espresso at the bar is cheaper than table service; say what you want (e.g., "un caffè").
• Dining etiquette: many restaurants add a coperto (cover charge); check the menu for prices before ordering.
• Gelato: look for natural colors and full names on display; "gelato artigianale" indicates artisanal shops.
• Siesta & shop hours: small shops may close midday; plan shopping and errands accordingly.
• Free attractions: roam squares (Piazza Navona, Campo de' Fiori), basilicas, and many scenic viewpoints without entry fees.
• Currency: euros — carry some cash for markets and small purchases; cards widely accepted but check for minimums.
• Language: a few Italian phrases go far; many staff speak English in tourist areas but try Italian greetings first.
• Respect holy sites: keep voices low, no photos where prohibited, and follow dress rules.

Enjoy Rome: slow down, allow time to wander, and savor the food and street life.