Rome - The Eternal City
Rome is definitely one of those cities you simply have to see. Its typical Italian charm, rich historic heritage, numerous attractions for all ages and that special atmosphere are what makes Rome a wonderful place to visit.
When to visit Rome
The best time to travel to Rome is between April and October. July and August can be very hot and the beaches can be crowded. If you plan on travelling in December or January, know that the weather can be quite unpredictable. The Rome Marathon, Maratona della Città di Roma, takes place in March, and the Eastern processions take place in March/April from Maundy Thursday till Palm Sunday. There is a Sunday Easter Mass at St. Peter's Basilica. On 2nd of June, Italy celebrates the Festa della Republica, a national holiday with military parades and events. On 29th of June, you can enjoy the Feasts of St. Peter and Paul and in the summer months (June till August) you can visit numerous festivals such as Rock in Roma.
What you should know before travelling to Rome
Italy has a no smoking policy in all restaurants, bars and public transport. In general, living costs in Rome are cheaper than in London and in the UK, so you can get food in supermarkets and restaurants at lower prices. Italian restaurants charge for the "coperto" (cover), which covers the use of cutlery, plates and tablecloth. Bread and grissini often also come at an extra charge. "Coperto" is often listed as "servizio" in Rome and surroundings. It is not customary to leave a tip in restaurants in Rome.
Local information you need for your trip to Rome
If you arrive to the FCO airport, you can take the "Leonardo Express" to Termini station for around 14 EUR (the trip takes about 35 minutes) or a local express train FL1 to Trastevere, Ostiense, Tuscolana and Tiburtina, which costs around 8 EUR, or a bus shuttle "Terravision" to Termini Station for around 4 EUR (the trip takes about 1 hour). A taxi to the city centre will cost you about 40 EUR.
If you arrive to the CIA airport, you can transfer from the Ciampino station using the express train FL4 to Termini station for about 1.50 EUR (the trip takes about 15 minutes) or bus shuttles "Terravision" to Termini station for around 4 EUR (40 minutes). If you would prefer a taxi, it will cost you about 35 EUR.
Local public transport in Rome is operated by ATAC, and it includes metro, trolley bus, tram, and city and regional trains. Single tickets are valid for 100 minutes and cost about 1.50 EUR, a day pass costs around 6 EUR, a 3-day pass costs around 16.50 EUR, and a week pass is around 24 EUR. Taxi prices start at around 7.30 EUR for the first 3 km, and then around 1.10 EUR per km.
Guest house or hostel prices start from about 15 EUR per night, and 3-star hotels are available from around 35 EUR per night/person.
