Rome
Dubbed the Eternal City of the Seven Hills and the Vatican, Rome is the capital of Italy. Traveling to Rome is like going back in time to the story of civilization and Christianity as each part showcases ancient, medieval, Renaissance and Baroque historic sites. Don’t miss the Coliseum, that used to seat 60,000 spectators of gladiator fights, the Forum, and the Palatine Hill–all of which are close to each other, as well as the Pantheon or the ancient temple, Trajan’s Column and the Catacombs to name only a few. Rome enjoys a Mediterranean climate most pleasant from April to June and September to October. It’s great to go in mid-May, when landmarks, other famous sites, and government museums are open to the public. If it’s rainy, go to the Pantheon to see the rain pouring inside the building. St. Peter’s Basilica, the finest, largest church in the world is also a must see, along with other medieval churches with 4th century mosaic and fresco art. Visit Michelangelo’s Piazza del Campidoglio, step into magnificent squares adorned with obelisks and view Baroque palaces. Relax in the public parks and gardens or in the modern center for shopping and dining along the Via Veneto.
- Pictures |
- Things to do |
- Nightlife |
- Dining |
- Shopping |
- Travel tips
Rome Pictures
Things to do in Rome
Rome has a great energy, and tons of historic sights to see. Buy a tourist pass for the Coliseum, Palatine Hill, Caracalla Baths, Catacombs and other sites. Marvel at the ancient Pantheon while it’s raining, reminisce about the past in the Roman forum or climb to the top of the Fori Imperiali (fort) to get a fantastic view of the city. Visit the Capitoline Museum to see classical and ancient art and sculpture, or visit any one of the many churches, feel their serenity, and enjoy their rich décor. You can attend the Summer Festival (June-September) or a variety of events of the White Night in September. Take a trip to historic Pompeii, Frascati and Ostia Antica or to villa d’Este with its famed fountains.
Nightlife in Rome
The best places in Rome for a night out before dinner are the areas around Piazza delle Coppelle or the Piazza di Pietra, the square and streets of Campo de Fiori, and the streets behind the Pantheon. The Supperclub is great for an unusual dinner experience, lots of fun, dancing and enjoyment. For after-dinner partying, Testaccio is the best place, especially for dancing in the summer. Young people also go on the famous Roman Pub crawls like the Colosseum Pub Crawl.
Dining in Rome
The best areas for dining in Rome are the Trastevere and the old Jewish quarter. Rome has a lot of fine food to offer, including carciofi alla romana (artichokes), puntarelle (chicory salad), buccatini alla amatriciana (pasta dish), abbacchio (lamb chops), cornetti (sweet pastry) and of course pizza. Da Baffeto, Pizzeria Maratoneta, and EST, EST, EST are famous for their pizza. EST also offers excellent calzones. Il Baccaro is noted for romantic meals with good wine. You must also try the Kosher and ethnic foods.
Shopping in Rome
You can find great shopping at Via del Corso and Via Condotti, as well as in surrounding areas. If you love designer clothes, then Via Condotti is the place for you, while Via del Corso is more for bargain shoppers. Euroma2 is the biggest mall in Rome , and has offerings for everyone. Castel Romano is a place for branded shops that you might also like to try.
Rome travel tips
- The dialect spoken within Rome is like standard Italian, but different from Romanesco-influenced dialects in the Lazio region. English is widely spoken by people in tourism and by the younger Italians, ages 14 to 35.
- Rome is known for its Summer Festival from late June through early September with its various musical events, film, sports and theater–plan your trip around it if you can!
- Some of the best trattorie and ristoranti are in the Trastevere neighborhood. Some of the best places serve pizza only in the evening.
