Timeless Traveler's Guide
Ultimate Travel Guide to
Rome, Italy
Flights, Hotels, Connectivity & Insurance
Salve!
Welcome to Rome
Timeless Eternal City Charm
Rome, the vibrant capital of Italy, is a living museum where 2.8 million residents share streets with over 2,000 years of history. Known as the Eternal City, it’s a place where ancient ruins like the Colosseum stand alongside Baroque fountains and bustling trattorias. Whether you’re tossing a coin into the Trevi Fountain, marveling at the Sistine Chapel, or sipping espresso in a sunlit piazza, Rome blends the past and present into an unforgettable adventure.
Best Flights to Rome this year
Rome’s main gateways are Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport (FCO), 30 km southwest of the city, and Ciampino Airport (CIA), 15 km southeast. Here’s how to get there:
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Expedia: Are a great option for searching for the perfect flights from practically any location on earth. Search for your flights now!
Popular Airlines and Routes
From Europe: London, Paris, or Berlin flights range €30–€150 ($32–$160 USD, 2–3 hours) with Ryanair, easyJet, or ITA Airways—direct options galore.
From the U.S.: New York or L.A. to Rome costs $400–$1,000 (9–12 hours) via Delta, United, or ITA Airways—direct from major hubs.
From Asia: Tokyo or Singapore flights run $600–$1,200 (15–18 hours) with Singapore Airlines or Turkish Airlines—typically one stop.
From Australia: Sydney or Melbourne to Rome is $1,000–$1,600 (22–26 hours) via Qantas, Emirates, or Qatar Airways—one or two stops.
When to Book for the Best Deals
Summer (Jun–Aug) peaks with tourists—book 3–4 months ahead. Mid-week flights (Tuesday/Wednesday) can save €50–$150. Shoulder seasons (Apr–May, Sep–Oct) offer mild weather and better fares—watch for spring sales!Rome Travel Tips
Airport Transfers: From FCO, the Leonardo Express train to Termini Station is €14/$15 USD (32 minutes). CIA’s shuttle buses to Termini cost €6/$6.50 USD (40 minutes). Taxis run €40–€60 ($43–$64 USD)—pre-book via Expedia.
Visa Requirements: U.S., UK, and Aussie citizens get 90 days visa-free (Schengen Area); others need a Schengen Visa (€80/$85 USD, apply at vfsglobal.com).
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Top Places to Stay in Rome
Whether you’re traveling on a shoestring budget or looking for high-end luxury, Rome offers accommodation to suit every type of traveler. From city center luxury hotels to historic apartments, here are our top recommendations:
Sometimes the easiest way to book a hotel or resort is to see all the options available on a handy map. Choose your dates, choose your preferred location and see a myriad of options. Book your place in Rome now!
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Where to Stay: Hotels in Rome
Rome’s neighborhoods cater to every vibe.
Budget travelers can bunk at The Yellow in Termini (€30–€70/$32–$75 USD/night) or Generator Rome (€40–€80/$43–$85 USD/night).
Mid-range gems like Hotel Artemide near Termini (€120–€200/$128–$213 USD/night) offer elegance
While luxury shines at Hotel de Russie near Piazza del Popolo (€500–€1,000/$533–$1,065 USD/night) or Hassler Roma above the Spanish Steps (€600–€1,200/$640–$1,280 USD/night).
Find your ideal place to stay with Expedia. With everything from Luxury Resorts & 5-star Hotels to local Boutique Backpackers. We have something here for everyone. All conveniently displayed on a easy map to quickly find exactly where you want to stay. Enter where your going, the dates, hit search and find the perfect place to stay.
Best Local Food in Rome
Rome’s cuisine is rustic, bold, and soul-warming—a celebration of simple ingredients turned sublime.
Cacio e Pepe: Tonnarelli pasta with pecorino cheese and black pepper—sharp and silky. Try it at Roscioli near Campo de’ Fiori (€15/$16 USD).
Carbonara: Spaghetti with guanciale, egg, and pecorino—creamy, no cream needed. Felice a Testaccio perfects it (€14/$15 USD).
Pizza al Taglio: Thick, square-cut pizza by weight. Pizzarium Bonci in Prati (€5–€10/$5–$11 USD) is a must.
Traditional Roman Dishes to Try
Saltimbocca: Veal with prosciutto and sage—tender and savory. Nonna Betta in the Jewish Ghetto (€18/$19 USD).
Supplì: Fried rice balls with mozzarella—street food gold. Supplizio in Centro Storico (€3/$3.20 USD each).
Artichokes alla Giudia: Crispy, golden artichokes—a Jewish-Roman classic. Piperno (€12/$13 USD).
Tiramisù: Coffee-soaked bliss. Pompi near Spanish Steps (€5/$5.30 USD).
Best Restaurants in Rome
Ristorante Alla Rampa (Trastevere): Roman classics with charm (€25/$27 USD mains).
Armando al Pantheon (Centro Storico): Cozy, authentic vibes (€20/$21 USD mains).
Osteria Barberini (Trevi): Truffle-rich dishes (€30/$32 USD mains).
Il Pagliaccio (Centro Storico): Michelin-starred creativity (€80+/$85+ USD mains).
Vegan and Vegetarian Options
Ops! (Trastevere): Plant-based Roman fare (€12/$13 USD).
Buddy (Monti): Veggie comfort food (€15/$16 USD).
Staying Connected: Best eSIM Providers for Rome
Stay online with an eSIM—TIM, Vodafone, and WindTre provide solid 4G/5G across Rome, though rural Lazio dips. Airalo’s “Italy” plan (5GB for $15, 10 days) fits short trips; Ubigi’s options (500MB for $2, 10GB for $25) flex for longer stays. Public Wi-Fi’s patchy—don’t bank on it!
iRoamly eSIMs: iRoamly offers eSIM data packages tailored to Italy, with fast and affordable plans. You can activate it before departure and start using it as soon as you arrive. Get your iRoamly eSIM here!
easySim: For frequent travelers, easySim offers global coverage and flexible data plans perfect for staying connected no matter where you go. Purchase your eSIM now!
Best Attractions in Rome
Must-Do in Rome: Unmissable Experiences
Rome’s a treasure chest of history and la dolce vita—here’s your must-see list, packed with details.
Tour the Colosseum
Why: Ancient Rome’s gladiator arena—raw and iconic.
Details: Entry €16/$17 USD, 9 AM–7 PM (book online to skip lines). Allow 1–2 hours.
Tip: Add the underground tour (€9/$10 USD extra)—goosebumps guaranteed.
Visit the Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel
Why: Michelangelo’s masterpiece and art galore.
Details: €20/$21 USD, 8:30 AM–6:30 PM (closed Sundays). Takes 3–4 hours.
Tip: Early entry beats crowds—book via Vatican Museums.
Wander the Roman Forum
Why: Heart of ancient Rome’s political life.
Details: €12/$13 USD (or Colosseum combo), 9 AM–7 PM. Needs 1–2 hours.
Tip: Climb Palatine Hill for panoramic views.
Toss a Coin in the Trevi Fountain
Why: Baroque beauty and a return-to-Rome ritual.
Details: Free, 24/7. Quick 15-minute stop.
Tip: Dawn visits dodge the throngs.
Marvel at the Pantheon
Why: Perfectly preserved Roman temple—roof oculus included.
Details: Free (church donation optional), 9 AM–7 PM. Takes 30–60 minutes.
Tip: Rainy days make the oculus a spectacle.
Stroll Trastevere
Why: Cobblestone charm and bohemian nightlife.
Details: Free to roam; dinner €15–€30/$16–$32 USD. Allow 2–3 hours.
Tip: Sunset at Piazza Santa Maria sets the mood.
Climb the Spanish Steps
Why: Elegant steps with Piazza di Spagna buzz.
Details: Free, 24/7. Quick 30-minute visit.
Tip: Spring blooms here are Instagram gold.
Travel Doctor
We hope you'll never find yourself in the intrepid position of needing a doctor whilst you're on the other side of the planet. But life happens! And so does the need for quality medical care.
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Why Travel Insurance is a Wise Idea for Your Trip to Rome
From cobblestone slips to pickpockets, Rome’s charm has risks—minor care starts at €100/$107 USD. Insurance covering cancellations, health, and lost luggage costs 5–8% of your trip—$50–$100 for a $1,000 adventure. Check out the opions below for some straightforward options.
Faye Travel Insurance: Whether you’re planning adventurous activities like diving or trekking, Faye Travel Insurance offers comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, trip cancellations and even has add-ons for adventure & extreme sports. Get a free quote here.
OnshoreKare Travel Insurance: For those seeking a range of coverage options, OnshareKare offers affordable plans that include trip cancellations, lost luggage, and emergency medical assistance. Protect your trip today!
Freely Travel Insurance: Need specialized coverage? Freely offers essential travel insurance that is customizable with the add-ons you need to suit the needs of families, solo travelers and adventurers alike. You can even add daily boosts to suit those last minute trips. See your insurance options.
Practical Tips for Rome
Best Time to Visit: Spring (Apr–May) or autumn (Sep–Oct)—warm, less crowded; summer’s hot, winter’s quiet.
Getting Around: Metro tickets €1.50/$1.60 USD (100 minutes); Roma Pass (€38/$41 USD, 72 hours) covers transport and sights. Walk Centro Storico!
Currency: Euro (€); $1 USD = ~€0.95. Cards common, cash for small spots.
Pack: Comfy shoes—cobblestones rule.
Let the Good Times Roll in Rome
Rome is a dazzling destination for travelers craving history, art, and la dolce vita. Whether you’re exploring ancient ruins, savoring pasta in a hidden osteria, or soaking in the city’s golden glow, Rome delivers moments that echo through time. By booking smart flights, picking the perfect stay, tasting local flavors, and diving into its iconic and offbeat gems, you’ll unlock the magic of the Eternal City.
Planning your Roman escape is seamless with the right resources. Whether securing flights, choosing a hotel, or staying connected with an eSIM, this guide has you covered. Don’t forget travel insurance for that extra peace of mind. Get ready to immerse yourself in the timeless wonder of Rome this season!
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