Rome, Italy

Rome, also known as ‘the Eternal City’ and ‘City of Seven Hills’ is the capital and largest city of Italy.  It is a tremendously popular tourist destination with visitors of all ages – and for good reason.   

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Top Attractions in Rome

There are so many fascinating things to do and places to see and be photographed in Rome that we cannot begin to cover them all, but here are a few: 

Start with the usual must-see’s, such as: the Coliseum, Trevi Fountain, Pantheon, Piazza Navona, Piazza di Spagna and the Spanish Steps, Piazza del Popolo (People’s Square), Campo di Fiori (flower market), Circus Maximus, the Forum, St Peter’s Basilica, the Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel – to name just a ‘phew’.  The Tiber river runs through Rome and provides scenic backdrops for photo opportunities from Rome’s many ancient bridges.

The main transportation routes in and out of Rome are via the port of Civitavecchia, where cruise ships are a permanent sight, or Leonardo da Vinci and Fiumicino airports.  Rome also has a decent subway and bus system.  Traffic is very congested (and noisy) in the city and many areas have become pedestrianised.  It is wise to use only officially licensed taxis and check that the meter is reset before you set off.

Visit the Foreign Office website (link above) to review their excellent and updated information, provided as part of the ‘Know Before You Go’ campaign.  As an example:

Protect your valuables and be on guard against street crime in popular tourist areas and big cities such as Rome.  Be alert to the possibility of encountering bag-snatchers and pickpockets, especially in crowded places like bus and rail terminals, airport baggage areas and car rental desks.  Be alert to known scams and techniques used by petty criminals to separate you from your valuables.

Here is something many tourists are not aware of: purchasing items from illegal street traders that operate in most major cities and tourist spots of Italy, could result in a large fine if the police catch you.  (We’ve all seen the guys with their wares set out on sheets.  At the first sign of the police they vanish faster than your gelato on a hot day).

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO - ITALY
Useful travel advice from the Foreign & Commonweath Office for travel to Italy. Click Here

The FCO also provides useful information and tips regarding driving and renting a car in Italy.  Why not take advantage of this free advice to help avoid receiving hefty and unnecessary fines.  There are also regulations in place regarding services and charges in restaurants in the Rome area.  Reading this FCO information could save you a lot of money!

For EU citizens:  don’t forget to pack your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) – but never rely on this as a substitute for travel insurance.  The EHIC does not provide cover for much else other than emergency medical care.  If you should have your luggage stolen or need medical repatriation you could be left seriously out of pocket.

Disclaimer: While we have tried to ensure the information in this Travel Guide is correct we do not accept responsibility for any inaccuracy, or the content of external links.

Inclusion in this Travel Guide does not guarantee travel insurance is available in any country at any given time. Travel Insurance is not available in countries where the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) have issued an advisory against travel.

You are strongly advised to visit the FCO website for updated travel information and general travel advice before you travel.