Rome

Good to know

1. 1Rome was the capital of the Roman Empire, and the Forum, the Colosseum and the Pantheon are still standing in the middle of the modern city.
2. 2Vatican City, the seat of the Catholic Church and the smallest independent state in the world, lies inside Rome. St Peter's Basilica and the Vatican Museums are there.
3. 3Roman cooking is simple and built on a few ingredients. Classic pasta dishes include cacio e pepe, carbonara, amatriciana and gricia.
4. 4Rome has hundreds of fountains, and many of them, including the Trevi Fountain, were fed by aqueducts that go back to ancient or Renaissance times.
5. 5The city is built on seven hills, which is why a walk can involve more climbing than you expect.
6. 6Italian is spoken everywhere. Staff in hotels and busy restaurants usually manage some English, but a few words of Italian are always appreciated. The currency is the euro.

Tips for a first visit

• Walk as much as you can. The historic centre is compact, and many sights are close enough to link on foot, but wear comfortable shoes because the cobblestones are hard on feet.
• Dress modestly for churches, including St Peter's. Shoulders and knees should be covered, or you may be turned away at the door.
• Book the Vatican Museums and the Colosseum ahead when you can, since queues for both can be long.
• Try the public drinking fountains, known as nasoni. The water is safe and cold, and it saves buying bottles.
• Eat where Romans eat, a street or two away from the main sights, and be wary of restaurants with staff calling people in from the pavement.
• Keep an eye on your bag and phone in crowded places such as the metro, buses and busy tourist spots, as pickpockets work there.

When to go

Spring and autumn are the most comfortable times, with mild days that suit long walks. Summer is hot and busy, and many Romans leave the city around mid-August. Winter is cooler and quieter, with some rain, and it is a good time if you want the sights with fewer people.

From the airport

Rome has two airports. Fiumicino, the main international one, is connected to the city by a direct train that reaches the central Termini station in roughly half an hour, and there are also regional trains, coaches and taxis. Ciampino, used by some low-cost airlines, is closer to the city and is served by shuttle buses and taxis, with a journey of around 40 minutes depending on traffic.