Rome

Overview

Bustling with baroque masterpieces rich in culture and artistic heritage, crowded piazzas, lively sidewalk cafes, renowned cuisine and gelaterias all set against a backdrop of centuries-old villas and pristine places of worship that collide bygone eras with modern-day charm, it’s no wonder Rome is dubbed the Eternal City.

Experience La Dolce Vita with our newest destination and find out why all roads lead to Rome.

5 things you’ll want to do when in Rome…

1

Trevi Fountain

Still waters run deep. Cast your coins, 3 to be exact in the famed Trevi fountain, immortalized in Fellini’s 1960’s flick, “La Dolce Vita” to ensure your return trip.

Highlight: Don’t miss the small “fountain of lovers”. Legend states if a couple drinks together from this mini basin they will forever be faithfully betrothed. Verona’s got competition, indeed!

2

The Pantheon – a UNESCO World Heritage site

Witness the work of angels, at least according to renaissance master Michelangelo at the Pantheon, the most preserved ancient Roman monument that remains virtually intact to this day.

Highlight: Be transported to over 2,000 years ago without closing your eyes.

3

Passeggiata from Piazza to Piazza

People watch in the many piazzas while you leisurely stroll from one vantage point to the next. Rome’s public squares offer colourful and vibrant meeting hubs for exchanges with family, romantic folly and travellers alike.

Highlights: there are many, here’s just a few
Have a beer in Piazza Santa Maria in Trastevere.

Meander through Campo de' Fiori’s eclectic fruit and vegetable market open since 1869 then settle in for the evening in one of many trendy cocktail bars or take in a movie at the Cinema Farnese.

Piazza di Spagna is home to designer boutiques and the iconic Spanish Steps where the rosy sunsets are a sight to behold.

Piazza Navona known for its trifecta of majestic fountains – Bernini's Fontana di Fiumi, the Fontana di Nettuno, and the Fontana del Moro are flanked by cafes, musicians, and artisan wares.

4

Villa-Borghese

Just north of the Spanish Steps you’ll find Rome’s largest urban park, landscaped to perfection for a much-needed reprieve. The 80-hectare grounds include a lake, bio-park, temples, museums and an amphitheatre amongst its green canopy.

Highlight: Escape to The Secret Garden to experience the beauty of tranquility.

5

Vatican City

The world's smallest state and home to the Pope. This walled refuge houses cultural juggernauts including the Sistine Chapel, St. Peter’s Basilica, and the Vatican Museums, home to some of the world’s most famous artwork and sculptures.

Highlight: Don’t miss the Pinacoteca (Picture Gallery) with its 16 rooms of priceless art dating back to the Middle Ages – a picture is worth a thousand words.

A spectacular day in Rome

WestJetter Paulina starts her Roman holiday at a hip new café for morning espresso and cannoli before venturing to the Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill to take in the Imperial city. Later she strolls through a few piazzas stopping for a homemade pasta lunch, followed by boutique browsing and a cultural break to admire the Sistine Chapel. She ends her day by throwing a few coins into Trevi fountain to secure her return fate – after all, Rome was not built in a day!

Airport served by:

FCO

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Destination Basics

Climate

Spring (March – May) and Fall (September – November) are your best bets for sunny, walkable days and cool evenings where a light jacket will suffice.

Pro tip: Rome observes all Italian public holidays, including designated Rome-specific days on April 21 and June 29. Most businesses are closed during holidays as well as the month of August.

Rome highlights

Archaeological sites and ruins

Rome is not complete without a visit to the Colosseum where Gladiators once battled Royale!

Be at the centre of it all, the Roman Forum intersected social, political and commerce life for ancient Romans. Its rumoured that the tomb of Romulus lies beneath the ruins.

In the Circus Maximus, picture the chariot races hurtling to be the fastest.

Looking for the Holy Grail? You may just find it in the Catacombs

Food and drink

Food

Cucina romana (Roman cooking) is a mixture of traditional trattorias, enotecas (wine bars) and a burgeoning gastronomical scene ripe with local ingredients and international flair.

Pasta staples: carbonara, alla gricia, amatriciana and cacio e pepe are a must!

Drink

Salute! Indulge in over 2,000 grape varieties with a wine culture that spans millennia. It’s the best way to perfect your il dolce far niente, the sweet art of idleness.

Pro-tip: Book a private food and wine tour with Katie Parla, a Rome-based food journalist and educator.

Casa Mia offers bespoke food, wine and cheese excursions as well as private cooking classes for those feeling adventurous.

Sustainable water supply

A nasoni always knows. There are over 2,000+ fountains with nose-shaped taps offering a fresh flow of spring water to quench your thirst.

Fashion

Main street shopping on Via del Corso features H&M, Sephora, Puma and more.

Via Cola di Rienzo is a mix of premium boutiques and teen dreams like Brandy Melville.

A treasure trove of vintage finds, bookstores and independent shops lines Via del Governo Vecchio.

Via dei Condotti is home to luxury fashion houses, the catwalk of Rome – think Giorgio Armani, Dolce & Gabbana, Jimmy Choo and Miu Miu.

Getting around

ATAC – Rome’s Public Transit Network

The ATAC network of buses, trams, and the metro conveniently connects all corners of Rome.

Tickets are accessible via kiosks, newspaper stands and vending machines across the city.

Pro tip: Plan your route – there’s an app for that.

Taxis

Grab a taxi from their designated taxi stands.

Pro tip: Be wary of hailing taxis without clearly visible official taxi company telephone numbers.

Eco-friendly

Or try Ecooltra, Rome’s official electric scooter sharing service to whizz around town.