Rome is the capital of Italy. This amazing city has an extensive history that dates back to two and half thousand years. Rome is a hub for culture, shopping and dining. The magnificent sites from the Roman Empire are still open for tourists to visit and the historical influence of the city cannot be missed. The food and wine is absolutely fabulous and forms a significant part of the Italian culture. After a long day of sightseeing and shopping try some of Italy’s best wines at a trattoria while overlooking the city’s beautiful architecture.
Transport
The are two main airports in the region, Fiumicino airport, also called Leonardo da Vinci Airport, and Ciampino airport. When you arrive from Australia its most likely that you will arrive to the Fiumicino airport, situated approximately 30 kilometers from the city center.
Most people use taxis as transportation in the city center but remember that the system is different from Australia. You must wait at a taxi stand or call in advance, it’s almost impossible to get a taxi on the street. ATAC is the public transport company that runs buses and trams in the city. Most tourists walk or grab a bus/taxi, since the subway only operates in some parts of the city.
Places to visit
- An absolute must whilst you are in Rome is to visit the world famous architectural and engineering wonder of the 2000-year-old Colosseum. Take a tour and take in the history while imagining yourself being one the gladiators fighting in the arena.
- Throw a coin into the Trevi Fountain. The fountain is one of the world’s most well-known fountains. The legend states that if you throw a coin into the fountain you will return to Rome some day.
- One of the most well preserved Roman buildings is the magnificent Dome of Pantheon which definitely is worth a visit. The building stands in the business district of Rome and is approximately eighteen centuries old.
- Visit the Vatican City, which is a city within Rome. The Vatican City is part of the UNESCO world heritage list and has many historical monuments and museums that are worth going to.
- In the center of the Vatican City you will see the magnificent St Peter´s Basilica, which is one of the largest churches of the world and described by many to be the holiest Catholic site. Many tourists go to St. Peter’s Square to take pictures of the obelisk.
Leisure and activities
- There are several excellent day trips to the beautiful Amalfi coast. To get the most out of your visit some might say that taking a boat tour is preferable.
- If you want to learn how to make genuine Italian pasta and pizza you can take one of many Italian cuisine-cooking classes offered in the city.
- If you like theater and opera, Rome has a vibrant scene offering a wide range of shows at different theatres. Rome´s Opera house, Teatro dell’ Opera, is the city’s largest and most famous. If you are visiting Rome during summer the Opera house moves outside presenting open-air shows.
- There are several festivals and special occasions held annually in Rome. Most of them are held during the summer months. The most celebrated and largest festival is the Estate Romana. The festival is generally between 06/and 09/ and is filled with live music, film, sport, theatre and children’s activities.
- If you travel to Rome during the summer you should visit the city Ostia about 20 kilometers outside of Rome. The city is well known for its beaches and is a popular summer holiday resort for many Romans.
Places to eat
Italy is world renowned for its wine and food culture. Every region and city has their own specialties inspired by their history and climate. Roman specialties include the “perfect” carbonara and the Roman Pizza that is known for its thin and crispy base. When in Rome you should sit down and have a meal at a genuine Italian-style Trattoria. Piazza Navona is probably one of the best places to visit if you want to eat, drink and relax while looking at the beautiful buildings and fountains surrounding you.
Nightlife
The Trastevere is a popular area for both Romans and tourists and is well known for its narrow streets with its many pubs and restaurants.
Campo de’ Fiori is a large square in the heart of Rome. During the day it hosts a large market and after the sun sets, it transforms into a great place to sit down and have a drink at one of the many restaurants and bars. If you are looking for a night out dancing and clubbing, the Testaccio area is good place to go as it is dense with clubs and bars.
Rome for kids
Most attractions in Rome offer special guided tours for children or special kids zones where children can play freely. One of the most visited sites for families is the Explora, Rome’s Children Museum (website). The museum has ample space for kids to run around and plenty of things to do. Villa Borghese Park is another great venue for the kids. It has many different activities for kids and provide a great place for the entire family.
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