Fiumicino (FCO): Leonardo Express
Non-stop train from the airport to Roma Termini. The easiest choice if you are staying near Termini.
Rome Travel Guide
A city so full of ancient ruins and Renaissance art that it feels like an open-air museum. Perfect for lovers of history, architecture, pasta and gelato, and most of the center is walkable.
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At a glance
- Currency
- EUR (€)
- Power & plugs
- 230V · Type C/F/L
- Driving side
- Right
- Tipping
- Optional (small, for good service)
- Local language
- Italiano
- How long to stay
- 3 to 4 nights
Emergency numbers
When to go
April to June and September to October are the most comfortable. July and August often top 35°C, making midday sightseeing tough. Easter and major Catholic events bring huge crowds around the Vatican.
Airport to the city
Fiumicino (FCO): Flat-rate Taxi
Official white taxis charge a flat fare to the historic center inside the Aurelian Walls. Never accept rides from touts.
FCO & Ciampino: Airport Buses
Several companies run buses to Termini, the cheapest option. Travel time varies a lot with traffic.
Ciampino (CIA): Flat-rate Taxi
Ciampino, used mainly by low-cost airlines, has no train station at the terminal, so a flat-rate taxi is easiest with luggage.
Getting around
Walking
The Colosseum, Pantheon, Trevi Fountain and Piazza Navona are all walkable from one another. Cobblestones make comfortable shoes essential.
Metro Lines A & B
Limited network but handy for the Vatican (Ottaviano, Line A), Spanish Steps (Line A) and Colosseum (Line B). A single ticket is about €1.50, valid 100 minutes.
Contactless (Tap & Go)
Tap a contactless card or phone at metro gates and bus validators to ride.
Buses & Trams
Useful for areas like Trastevere that the metro doesn't reach. Validate paper tickets on boarding and watch for pickpockets on crowded buses.
Taxis
Use taxi ranks or official taxi apps rather than hailing, and make sure the meter is running.
Where to stay
Centro Storico (Pantheon & Navona)
Good for: First-timers, walking
Everything is within walking distance. Hotels are pricey and rooms small.
Monti
Good for: Near the Colosseum, atmosphere
A village-like neighborhood beside the Colosseum with plenty of restaurants and bars, close to Metro B.
Trastevere
Good for: Local vibe, dinners
Ivy-covered lanes packed with trattorias; romantic but can be noisy late at night.
Around Termini
Good for: Value, airport and rail links
Airport trains and both metro lines meet here, and hotels are cheaper. The station area can feel rough at night.
Prati (near the Vatican)
Good for: Vatican visits, quieter stays
An orderly residential district close to the Vatican and relatively calm, served by Metro A.
Top sights
Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill
One combined ticket covers all three; timed booking is practically required. Shade is scarce, so bring water and a hat.
Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel
Book ahead and go right at opening. Usually closed Sundays, and photography is banned in the Sistine Chapel.
St. Peter's Basilica
Free entry but long security lines. Shoulders and knees must be covered; the dome climb is paid.
Pantheon
A nearly 2,000-year-old dome, now with a small entry fee. On rainy days, watch rain fall through the oculus.
Trevi Fountain
Extremely crowded by day, so visit early morning or late at night. Access to the area right by the basin is managed, so follow on-site signs.
Piazza Navona & Spanish Steps
Iconic free squares. Sitting or eating on the Spanish Steps is prohibited.
Borghese Gallery
A small gallery of Bernini sculptures and Caravaggio paintings; timed reservations are mandatory. Pair it with a walk in the Borghese Gardens.
What to eat
Cacio e Pepe & Carbonara
Rome's signature pastas; real carbonara uses egg, pecorino and guanciale, no cream. About €12-16 (~$13-18) at a trattoria.
Pizza al Taglio
Pizza sold by weight, perfect for a quick lunch, about €3-6 (~$3-7).
Supplì
Fried rice balls of tomato risotto with a mozzarella center, about €2-3 (~$2-3) each.
Gelato
Choose shops with covered metal tubs over neon-colored, piled-high displays. About €3-5 (~$3-5).
Espresso & Cornetto
Standing at the bar is much cheaper than table service; an espresso is about €1.20-1.50 (~$1.50).
Daily budget (per person)
Budgetabout €70-90 (~$75-100) per day - hostels, pizza al taglio and supplì, walking
Mid-rangeabout €170-250 (~$185-275) per day - mid-range hotel, trattoria meals, one or two paid sights
Comfortabout €450+ (~$490+) per day - luxury hotel, fine dining, guided tours
Sample itinerary
- Day 1
Colosseum in the morning → Roman Forum and Palatine Hill → lunch in Monti → Piazza Venezia, then an evening wander through Monti.
- Day 2
Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel → St. Peter's Basilica → Castel Sant'Angelo → cross the Tiber for dinner in Trastevere.
- Day 3
Pantheon → Piazza Navona → Trevi Fountain → Spanish Steps → relaxed afternoon at the Borghese Gallery and Gardens.
- Day 4
Campo de' Fiori market → Appian Way or Baths of Caracalla, or a day trip by train to a nearby town.
Local tips
- With the EU Entry/Exit System (EES) in place, non-EU travelers may have fingerprints and a photo taken at the border. Check the official EU website before travel for the current status of ETIAS.
- A "coperto" (cover charge) on restaurant bills is legal and normal. Tipping is not required; leaving small change for good service is enough.
- Hotels usually collect a city tax per person per night, often paid separately on site.
- Churches require covered shoulders and knees, so carry a light scarf or wear long trousers.
- Water from the public "nasone" fountains is safe to drink; carry a refillable bottle in summer.
- Pickpockets target Termini, the 64 bus and the Trevi area. Politely refuse people offering photos, roses or bracelets.
- Cards are widely accepted, but keep a little cash for small bars and shops.
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Prices and times are approximate as of 2026-09 and may change. Always re-check visa and entry rules with official sources before you travel.