Rome

Rome, the 'Eternal City', is the capital of Italy and a millennia-long centre of power, culture and religion. The historic centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with grand ruins, opulent monuments, and a cosmopolitan atmosphere. It is one of the world's most visited capitals, with a growing nightlife scene and status as a fashion capital.

Rome is served by two main airports: Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino, the main international airport, and Ciampino, used by low-cost carriers. From Fiumicino, the Leonardo Express train connects to Roma Termini in 30 minutes for €14 each way. Coaches cost 7-9€ and take up to an hour. From Ciampino, take a train to Ciampino station then a bus; total journey around 40 minutes from Termini.

Rome's historic centre is walkable, but for longer distances, use the metro, buses, or trams. Bicycle and scooter rentals are available; for example, Biga Bike Rent & Tours offers bike and scooter hire near Ostiense Station. Bike rentals cost around €3/hour or €10/day at some locations near the Appian Way.

Rome has a Mediterranean climate with hot summers and mild winters. Spring and autumn offer pleasant weather for sightseeing. Summers can be very hot and crowded; many shops and restaurants close for holidays in August (Chiuso per ferie). Snow is rare in winter.

Accommodation in Rome varies from hostels to luxury hotels. The area southwest of Termini has many large hotels used by groups, while the other side of the station has smaller inexpensive hotels. Staying in the historic centre near the Pantheon allows walking to most attractions, though pricier. Short-term apartment rentals are also abundant. An accommodation tax of €5-10 per person per night applies.

Rome is full of good restaurants. To eat like a Roman, try local dishes such as carciofi alla romana (artichokes), bucatini all'amatriciana, coda alla vaccinara (oxtail stew), and pizza a taglio (by the slice). For authentic and affordable meals, look for restaurants in residential areas rather than tourist spots. Many trattorias near Monte Verde Vecchio offer authentic cuisine at reasonable prices.

Must-see sights include the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Pantheon, and Vatican City. Government-owned museums offer free admission on the first Sunday of each month. For a different perspective, walk along the Tiber river banks or explore the Trastevere neighbourhood for cafes and trattorie. The Auditorium Parco della Musica hosts concerts year-round.

Rome is generally safe, but pickpocketing and scams target tourists, especially around Termini. Avoid looking like a tourist by keeping valuables secure. If robbed, report to police (Carabinieri or Polizia). During the Rome Derby, avoid displaying team colours to prevent confrontation. Be cautious at night around Termini.

As of Sept 2021, Rome has 5G from all Italian carriers. WiFi is widely available in public places. Tourist information points (PIT) are open daily 09:00-18:00 at various locations including Termini and major sights.

Rome can be expensive, but budget options exist. The Leonardo Express from Fiumicino costs €14, while coaches are 7-9€. Bike rentals start at €3/hour. Luggage storage at Termini is €4 for 5 hours. Accommodation tax is €5-10 per person per night.

Day trips from Rome include Ostia Antica (ancient harbour, accessible by metro), Tivoli (Villa d'Este fountains), Frascati (white wine and hill town), and Castel Gandolfo (Pope's summer residence). These are accessible by train or bus for around €2-3.

Romans are polite but busy. Always apologise if you bump into someone (mi scusi). Offer your seat to the elderly on public transport. Queues can be chaotic; it's considered impolite but common. When driving, be aware that Romans often bend traffic rules.

From Rome, onward destinations include Naples (1 hour by high-speed train), Pompeii (3 hours), and the Etruscan sites of Cerveteri and Tarquinia. Also, Civitavecchia port offers ferries to Sardinia, Corsica, Sicily, and other Mediterranean destinations.