Among the largest and most populated European capitals, Rome and its historic center exemplify how nearly three millennia of history have blended together perfectly. Its geographical location at the center of the Italian peninsula, the meeting point of ancient trade routes, partly explains its development as an ancient center of the Mediterranean. The rest is due to the organizational genius of the people who founded it. Its thousand-year history has made it eternal, a modern metropolis and at the same time a welcoming village for travelers. Rome’s gastronomy welcomes visitors with vegetables such as Romanesco broccoli or artichokes, offered as a side dish to baked abbacchio protein and cooked with the scents of Mediterranean herbs. But the symbol of Romanity at the table is the rich and flavorful pasta alla Carbonara: guanciale (pork cheek), egg yolk, salt, pepper, and a generous sprinkling of Roman pecorino cheese. Museums, churches and monuments are the most famous aspect of the city, but the map of Rome contains little-known itineraries through which to discover hidden treasures. From Ponte Milvio to Porta Portese, markets among the streets of the historic center offer unimagined surprises to those who visit them. Rome by night offers attractions and venues of all kinds: from traditional trattorias, where you can take a step back in time amid music and stornelli, to the trendiest pubs and discos. For those who enjoy walking, there are many vantage points for breathtaking views of the city, from the famous Monte Mario Bench to the Zodiac.
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The best time to travel
A travel guide to Rome cannot disregard an indication of what is the best time to visit Rome. Terraces and bell towers, domes and mosaics stand out on the city skyline; its main characteristic is its color, the brick red of the typical plaster. In different seasons, Rome’s color also varies, and it is in late spring that the light best brings out the contrast between the white of the marble and the red of the plasterwork.
March – June Visiting Rome in spring allows you to experience this city outside the traditional circuits of monument visits. Its riverfronts and parks will introduce you to a different city.
Weather
If, in choosing when to visit Rome, you have decided on the spring months, you will find mild weather with little precipitation and pleasant easterly winds. Temperatures, averaging between 10 and 25 °C, entice walking.
Events & Parties
Parks and gardens are at your disposal: as you can easily see from the map of Rome, the Eternal City is the European capital with the most acres of public green space. In spring, you can admire the blossoming cherry trees and the tree-lined avenues of Villa Borghese with its secret gardens and fountains, all the way to the Pincio Terrace with its panoramic view.
Price evolution
Although the city is not as expensive as other European or non-European capitals, we certainly cannot say that it is one of the cheapest. The currency used in Rome is the euro and, almost always, credit card payments are allowed. As is the case in all metropolises, there are plenty of opportunities, and the spring period, which is touristically considered low season, will allow you to find great deals.
June – September Your trip to Rome during the warmer weather season can be an interesting choice if you plan to tour museums, churches and basilicas, cool environments by definition.
Weather
The weather in Rome in summer is hot, with sunny days and sometimes high humidity. The feeling of mugginess is limited by the pleasant sea breeze, typical of the Tyrrhenian coast, which cools summer evenings: the ponentino.
Events & Parties
Festivals, exhibitions, shows and concerts: in summer in Rome there are events for every taste. You will be able to easily find information, with dates, times and tips, on Rome’s official tourist website. Don’t miss, for example, a magical and cool night visit to Castel Sant’Angelo, during which you can walk through the famous Passetto. If you crave real thrills and the sight of a macabre environment doesn’t scare you, the Crypt of the Capuchins, in the vicinity of Via Veneto, is for you.
Price evolution
As in any part of the world, it may happen that in summer, due to the large influx of tourists, the costs of some kinds or services are adjusted. However, every public establishment is required to display a freely available price list.
September – December Fall, from a travel perspective, is an often underrated season. In Rome, however, autumn is a pleasant season, as the popular expression ottobrata romana indicates.
Weather
The fall weather is mild and humid, with sunny days alternating with rainy days, but during october there are still distinctly summer temperatures. The advice, therefore, is to dress lightly, not forgetting the umbrella.
Events & Parties
A sunset walk at the Aqueduct Park, with the sun reflecting in the pond and the leaves of the trees turning red, will convince you that the beauty of Rome is not limited by the calendar. The autumn period can be suitable for visiting the most charming historic neighborhoods, such as Trastevere, or for a walk among the market stalls of Campo de’ Fiori.
Price evolution
As in the spring, you can find great deals in the fall. In addition, the somewhat reduced tourist flow makes the city less chaotic and more livable.
December – March The best way to decide how many days to spend in Rome in the winter is to allow for the Christmas holidays.
Weather
The winter weather is never harsh. Average temperatures are about 8 °C, so you can combine sightseeing with long walks in the bustling shopping streets.
Events & Parties
On the occasion of Christmas and New Year’s Eve, the city streets are illuminated with striking decorations and the most famous shopping streets, from Via dei Condotti to Via del Corso, are dressed up for the holidays. The nativity scene and Christmas tree in St. Peter’s Square and the Christmas markets, first and foremost the one in Piazza Navona, have nothing to envy of those in northern European regions.
Price evolution
During the winter holidays, average prices are somewhat higher than the European average. To avoid overspending, it is advisable to book well in advance, or conversely take advantage of last-minute deals.
What to see and do
How to get there from the airport
The airports serving Rome are two airports for domestic and international flights operated by both scheduled and low-cost airlines: Ciampino and Fiumicino. The latter is closest to the city center and is excellently connected to it by bus or train line. The fastest way is the Leonardo Express train, which connects the airport with Rome’s Termini station in just 31 minutes. Buses that take the same route are significantly cheaper, but much slower.
Where to stay
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