The utimate travel guide to Rome

Rome is  the capital city of Italy with a population of more than 2.7 million. It is in no doubt one of the most beautiful cities in the world, with a very delicate blend of the ancient and the modern. This guide not only provide you a mutimedia introduction to Rome, but also with essential information in planning your trips to the city. Videos and pictures are free for your download (some conditions may apply if you would want to re-publish it on your website)

Here's a summary of a step by step guide to Rome:

1.  Making travel plans for Rome 

    a. Best time to visit Rome.

The best time to visit Rome is in the spring (April to May) amd fall (September to October). This is because     in the summer time, the heat and dryness coupled with throngs of crowd can be unbereable, and in the       winter time, though mild but rainy. In any case, try to aviod the month of August because most locals go on vacations and shops may be short-staffed or closed.

    b. Best airfares to Rome 

For the best airfares, timing is everything - early fall. This is when the weather is little cooler, though warm   during the day, and the crowd of students and tour groups have all but disappeared. 

    c.  How long to stay in Rome 

The optimal period of time to stay in Rome is 3 to 4 days.  You could probably do it in 2 days but it'll be very hectic, and certainly not recommended, after all you are on a vacation  and want to set a more relaxed pace.

2.  Getting around Rome

The first place that you would arrive at is the airports - Fiumicino and Ciampino.

a. Rome main airport Fiumicino

Flumicino is Rome's main airport. Inside the airport, an express train will take you to Rome central Station Termini for about $9 euros.  By cab or car, it will be about 20 mins ride and will cost around $35 euros. It generally not recommended to drive around the city because city grid lock.

b. Rome other airport Ciampino

Ciampino is Rome's smaller airport commonly used by tour groups. To get to the centre of Rome by public transportation, take the CTRAL bus( runs every 30 mins until 11pm), and disembarked at Metro A (Anagnina) Station, then to Termini Station.

c. Rome on foot

The best way to get around the main attractions (from Colosseum to Piazza di Spagna) in Rome is by foot because the area covered is only about 1.5 sq miles.

d. Rome by bus

Electric and night buses can be boarded at the Termini (schedules can be picked up at the Termini). This option is generally not recommended  because the bus system though extensive but can be quite intimidating for first time visitors.

e. Rome by subway

The Metropolitana is served by 2 lines A (red) and B (blue) and runs every about 10 minutes(5:30am to 11:30pm or 30 mins after midnight on Saturday)  in a circular fashion around the city.

f. Rome  by bikes or scooters (Vespas)

The most common used transportation choice by the locals are Vespa. The sccoters can rented anywhere around Rome for about 40 to 50 euros.  

3. Best places to stay in Rome

Stay in a place that is within a short walking distance from the heart of the city. Prices varies between luxurious and budget, and are regulated by the goverment, therefore hotels are required to display their prices prominently. 

a. Best hotels locations in Rome

For the budget consious, most popular are the area around  the area to the east of Tiber River; west of Station Termini; Spanish Steps; Piazza di Spagna. In the central part of the city, area to the west of Via del Corso, Travestere  or Vatican city.

Luxurious accomodations can be found between Piazza Novona and Piazza Barberini; Via Veneto; in the vicinity of Vllla Borghese park.

b. Bed and Breakfast in Rome  

Locals offer rooms or entire house for visitors to Rome. Many can be found all over Rome.

c. Hostels and dormitories in Rome

These are rooms are offered by local social organizations that can be very economical accomodation for students.

4. Eating out or dining in Rome

The typical fair served by Rome restarants is pasta, pizza with choice of chicken, pork, veal or seafood. Alot of restaurants can be found to the south of Spanish Steps; between Via del Corso; Piazza Navona. If you like to dine amongst the monuments, go to Piazza della Rotonda which have several cafe facing the Pantheon; Piazza Navona offers views of it's many fountains. For the young at heart, try Piazza di Campo dei Fiori or the vibrant and hip Trastevere.

5. Touring Rome

 Most of Rome's major attractions can be found within a small diamond shaped area with the apex starting at the top from the Spanish Steps extending to the right to Station Termini, to the bottom at Aventine Hill and to the left to Piazza Navona. Because most of the major attractions are situated quite close to one another, it would be best to cover this area by foot.

The Vatican City, Castel Sant'Angelo and Villa Borghese which are attractions outside this diamond shaped area are best to be visited by the subway lines or buses. Many places of interests offer transport anf entrance deals like the "Roma Pass".