The City
Rome is one of Europe’s most ancient urban centers, dating back almost 3 000 years. The modern city is scattered with a vast number of architectural masterpieces such as the Colosseum. Rome also boasts with magnificent art including Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel and the baroque Trevi Fountain. You will also find great restaurants, trattorie, osterie, pizzeria, enoteche, cafes, bars and gelaterie. The locals, Romans, love to eat, drink wine, soccer, fashion and films. In the heart of Rome you will find the Catholic Church’s independent city-state, the Vatican, which is home to the Pope.
Tourism
Airport
Coordinates: 41°48’01”N 012°14’20”E
The Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport is Italy’s largest airport and it is a 30 – 40 minute drive away from Rome’s city centre. This airport served 35 226 351 passengers in 2008 and is the world’s 25th busiest airport. There is a train from the airport to Rome’s central train station.
Airlines
The following airlines have regular flights to Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport:
- Emirates (from Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban)
- Egypt Air (from Johannesburg and Durban)
- Lufthansa (from Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban)
- Air France (from Johannesburg and Durban)
- SWISS (from Cape Town and Durban)
- Turkish Airlines (form Cape Town)
- KLM Royal Dutch Airlines (form Cape Town)
- Egypt Air (form Durban)
What to see
- Pantheon
- Galleria Doria Pamphilj
- Galleria Borghese
- Roman Forum
- Vatican
- Colosseum
- Piazza Navona
- Basilica San Clemente
- Ara Pacis
- Piazza del Campidolio
- Isola Tiberina
- Trevi Fountain
- MAXXI Museum
Events
- Epiphany – Epiphany Toys Fair held at the Piazza Novana
- International Urban Theatre Festival – Arts and performances of theatre
- Roma Europa Festival – A festivity of modern art and theatre performances
- La Notte Bianca – Performances of dance, music and theatre including visual arts
- La Festa di San Silvestro – Traditional Italian cuisine, wine, live music on New Year’s Eve
Accommodation
Search over 1600 hotels in Rome, Italy
General Information
Italy is six hours ahead of U.S. Eastern Standard Time and the currency used in Rome is the euro. Getting around in Rome is easy. All the famous landmarks are located within walking distance from each other and it your feet get sore you can easily hop on a bus. If you are planning on visiting the Catholic churches in Rome remember knees and shoulders must be covered, so be sure to pack a shawl is you are a lady and long pants if you are a gentleman. Sunglasses and sunscreen is essential to protect you from the harsh sun. Comfortable flat shoes will save you feet the aches and pains from walking around Rome.
Weather
Spring is from March through May and autumn is from late September through October. This is the best time to travel to Rome, when the weather is fine and the crowds are few. Summer is form June through August and can be a bit to hot for sightseeing.
