A Tourist Guide To Rome

Rome is the capital city of Italy and one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. It is ridded with fabulous architecture, historic attractions and small cobblestone streets. Its many famous landmarks including the magnificent Colosseum will make your stay in the city one that will be remembered for life.

Traveling There

Flying is an easy option as Rome has its own airport (Leonardo da Vinci Airport) that receives flights from many other worldwide international airports. There are frequent shuttle bus transfers and trains that run from both the international and domestic airports in Rome.

Great rail and bus services operate throughout Italy so getting around I easy. Also, good road networks make driving an option for those who want to take in the scenery on the way.

Accommodation Choices

Rome is a luxurious and expensive city and for this reason you can expect the accommodation rates to be quite high. The city is also very popular so be sure to book well in advance. All kinds of accommodation can be found within the city such as hotels, guesthouses, apartments and hostels.

History

Rome has a vast and interesting history as it was once the capital of the Roman Empire that began in 753 BC. The Empire practically took over the world and conquered up to one fifth of its population. Later on in the Middle Ages, Rome grew as a cultural and artistic capital city.

Sights and Attractions

The main reason that the majority of tourists visit Rome is because of the amazing sightseeing. The main attraction and a must see is the huge Colosseum. If architecture is of your interest be sure to visit Panthenon in the city centre. This building was far ahead of its time. Also go and see the Trevi Fountain and Spanish Steps and be sure to be overwhelmed.

Shopping

Many people travel to Italy for its shopping potential and Rome is often the place where they go. Whilst in the city you can see and feel the locals love for style and fashion. The streets of Rome are full of the world’s leading designer brands and can be particularly dear in price. If you are after high street fashion then head for the areas of Via Nazionale, Via del Corso and Via Cola di Rienzo.

Dining Options

Rome is a great place to go out eating and drinking. Most restaurants offer an Array of international cuisine and Italian specialties such as traditional pizza and many pasta dishes. Dining establishments can be found all over the city and cater for all budgets.

Tips for visiting Rome

Rome is an amazing city. Whether your into the churches, the art, the gorgeous food and wine or the handsome Italian’s, this city has it all.

What to do depends on 1) if it’s your first trip 2) your interests 3) how long you go for.

1) If it’s your first time in Rome there are certain "must sees". The vatican, the colosseum, trevi fountain, Piazza Navona, Piazza di Spagna etc… Rome is actually very easy to get around and you should be able to cover all the big sites in one or two days. Make sure you get to the vatican early or you could find yourself in line for hours.

2) A lot depends on your interests too. There are churches everywhere which are worth a visit both for religous reasons and for the art. Monuments are everywhere too and you’ll find you see a lot of art and history just walking around the city. If you’re more into nature and relaxing, there are numerous parks (Villa Borghese is right in the centre and great for a picnic. From the Pincio you get a great view over Rome too).

3) How long you stay for will also effect how much you see. As the famous saying goes "A lifetime is not enough". If you have a couple of weeks check out the big sites in the centre and some of the lesser visited ones like St. Petro in vincoli (up the hill in front of the Colosseum which has in my opinion one of Michelangelo’s best pieces), take one of the boat trips down the tevere river to Ostia (the beach), get a bus to Tivoli and go to Villa D’este (a beautiful villa with gorgeous gardens full of statues, fountains, and view of Rome from a distance)

make sure you eat at restaurants where Italians eat and not at the tourist restaurants in the centre. Although some tourist menus are ok they are nothing compared the Italian food prepared for Italians. Think about it, tourists menus are created for people who won’t be coming back, proper Italian restaurant what the people to come back and therefore have better quality of food and service…and price!