Explore the City Rome: Where to Go and What to See
The Eternal City Rome is home to over 3 million people and rises from the Lazio Region in the central west of Italy. Cradled between the Apennine Mountains and the Tyrrhenian Sea.
According to legend, Rome was founded by twin brothers, Romulus and Remus, 700 years before the birth of Jesus Christ. And it was here, on Palatine hill that the foundations for the city were laid. A city that would soon become the Capital of the World.
Even today the atmosphere of the Roman era could be felt throughout the city.
Rome Colosseum – Symbol of Ancient Rome
Surviving earthquakes and centuries of stone-thieves, the magnificent Colosseum, remains the most enduring symbol of Ancient Rome. Impressive structure is still in very good condition, you need just little imagination to frame up images of gladiator doing battle. Across four centuries, tens of thousands of gladiators, slaves and Christians died in a blaze of glory.
Colosseum by night is eye pleasing, during summer time it is now possible to see Colosseum at the night of Monday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. Make sure you buy your tickets to Colosseum in advance during your Rome holiday planning stage otherwise you will have to stand in a queue for a long time.
Roman Forum
Below the birthplace of Rome lays the Roman Forum – the Foro Romano filled with temples, monuments and markets, The Forum was the center of public life in Ancient Rome and the most celebrated meeting place in the world, and it was the heart of the city. When the Roman Empire fell in 5th century the forum was reduced to a cow pasture; a mere vegetable garden. But, the eight columns of the temple of Saturn, and the Arch of Septimius refused to crumble.
In the 17th century young European travellers came to Rome, searching for the roots of western civilization. This hunger for Rome’s antiquities led to their preservation. And still the travellers come from all corners of the world. Roman Forum is very close to Rome Colosseum.
The Pantheon – The Place to Worship
On the nearby Arch of Constantine, an inscription bears the words, inspired by divine. The Pantheon, one of the oldest Roman building was a place to worship all the gods, from Juno the god of fertility, to Mars the god of war.
Step beneath the dome’s central oculus and stand in the same divine light that has bathed emperors, gladiators, merchants and travellers for almost two millennia.
Toss the Coin in Trevi Fountain
Located in the city center hidden in the maze of Small Street is Trevi Fountain. No Roman holiday is complete without making a wish at the Trevi Fountain. Throw one coin into Trevi, and one day you will return to Rome (may be another relaxing Rome city break). Throw two coins and you will fall in love with a Roman. After tossing coins you can relax on the steps with a scoop of gelato, the city’s famous ice cream.
World’s Largest Church Saint Peter’s Basilica
Rome may no longer be the capital of the world, but it has long been the center of Christianity. Today modern pilgrims continue to cross the river, guided by the bridge’s angel as they make their way to one of the world’ great squares,
Piazza Saint Pietro, St Peter’s Square.
And here stands the world’s largest church Saint Peter’s Basilica. Filled with masterpieces by Bernini, Giotto, Raphael, St Peter’s crowning glory is her dome, designed by the brightest star of the Renaissance, Michelangelo.
From the dome look down upon the holy square where two colonnades reach out like open arms welcoming the faithful who gather in their thousands to receive blessings from the Pope. This Vatican City is the seat of the Catholic Church and home of the Pope.
Piazza Navona is One of Europe’s Great Squares
Once a stadium, today Piazza Navona is one of Europe’s great squares. The thundering crowds and chariots have long faded replaced by a trio of fountains, Baroque architectures, artists, and the aroma of Rome’s best coffee.
Traditional Roman Cuisine near River Tiber
As the sun sets on Rome, head to the Island sanctuary of Isola Tiberina. Let the rushing water of the River Tiber soothe your senses, and enjoy authentic Roman cuisines that have been perfected by generations of Italian grandmothers and great grandmothers. This is just a highlight. To really taste all of the Rome’s treasures can take a lifetime. But it only takes a moment for Rome to make you fall in love with him, so be ready.
Shopping in Rome
While during your relaxing Rome holiday, if you’re planning or have already planned to do some shopping then, you will find designer stores featuring every famous brand like Zara, Gucci, Prada and so on close to the Piazza di Spagna near the famous Spanish Steps. Various other shops can be found elsewhere in the city and along the length of the Via del Corso.
Nightlife in Rome
After the sunset Rome becomes an enchanting and Romantic city. Its lighted bridges and buildings make it even more beautiful at night then it is during the day. The old ruins, the countless churches and the small street looks so beautiful at night that you cannot express in words. The city has many bars and clubs often with a live music and entertainment. You can visit to a traditional pizza and pasta parlour if you stomach need some bites.
Transport in Rome
Rome is a city of Photogenic alleys, large and small squares and busy junctions. There are numerous ways of travelling in the city, the locals favour small cars and Vespa. In the city center everything is easily done on foot but you can also use Taxi, buses, metro, rental bikes or one of the double decker open buses laid on for tourist to see the city’s most important sights.
Food in Rome
Rome has lot of cafe spread throughout the city. Pizzerias also among the favourites – a place that you should definitely visit on your Rome city break. Another place you should definitely visit is Trastevere, a neighbourhood with a wonderful and superb atmosphere due to its many old streets and characteristics buildings. It has both stylist cafes and restaurants where both tourist and locals come to feed their tummies.
What are the Major Events Happening in Rome?
There are many important festivals and events that take place during the year, that include several cultural, music and religious celebrations.
January: New Year’s Day, Epiphany (Three wise men’s visit to Jesus)
March: Street Carnival, Festa di Santa Francesca Romana
April: Natale di Roma
June: The Festa di San Giovanni, Feast of Saint Peter and Saint Paul
July: Donna Sotto le Stelle
August: Festa della Madonna delle Neve
October: Roma Europa Festival
November: The Roma Jazz festival
December: Christmas in London, New Year’s Eve fireworks
When is the Best Time to Visit Rome?
Rome is one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations in the world even though it is possible to enjoy this city at any time of the year, some season are better than others.
Spring: March to May is counted as spring and see temperature of around 12 to 18 degree Celsius (53.6 to 64.4 degree Fahrenheit)
Spring is one of the good time and also it is less crowded than summer but don’t expect it to be cheap. The weather is beautiful and make it a favourite time of the year for savvy travellers.
Summer: June to August is counted as summer and see temperature of around 28 to 32 degree Celsius (82.4 to 89.6 degree Fahrenheit)
The most expensive time to visit Rome is from June to Early September, July and August temperatures can get very high and also this is the time when most of the tourists visit the city. It will be harder than ever to find the hotel rooms in Rome, so if you absolutely must visit during summer be sure to book your Rome holiday far in advance.
Autumn: September to November is counted as autumn and see temperature of around 18 to 23 degree Celsius (64.4 to 73.4 degree Fahrenheit)
Autumn is again one of the best time to visit Rome, weather is good and not hot as it is in summer. Also less crowded compare to summer.
Winter: December to February is counted as winter and see temperature of around 2 to 10 degree Celsius (35.6 to 50 degree Fahrenheit)
If you don’t mind the time of the year then you’re better off heading to Rome in the off season, which is late fall in January through March, it is the least expensive time to visit Rome and there’s still some bargains to be found.
Useful and Great Advice
Rome is super busy during peak season or in fact all around the year, so buy your tickets for things to do in advance otherwise you will standing and standing in long queues.
Make sure you dress properly (cover shoulders and knees) if you are visiting Saint Peter’s Basilica otherwise they will turn you back, that means you might be lining up for 1 hour to only find out you can’t get in.
On your trip to Rome, we suggest that you only buy one bottle of water, finish that and keep the bottle with you because that can help you when you find the fountains, it is all over the city – fresh flowing water and it’s free.
In Rome one thing you need to be aware of is Pickpockets. Make sure you keep an eye and take care of your pockets otherwise your short breaks to Rome city can turned to broke in Rome.
Where to Stay in Rome?
Whatever your budget for your Rome city breaks, find and book hotels in Rome based on budget. You can use our unique budget feature; simply enter your destination, stay dates and your budget and Search.
There is an option to stay in hotels, bed & breakfast, hostels, Apartments, and self-catering studio or rooms.
Price range varies from hotel to hotel and board basis, but our research on hotel prices says that the minimum recommended budget per night is �20 and up (hostels or budget hotels). The average recommended budget per night is �70.
Tip: Sometimes food become pricey in Rome during peak seasons, so it is advisable to book the board basis hotel room simply book a hotel room with breakfast or half board. That’s your saving shot.
Enjoy our Rome city guide and plan your short break: Rome, Italy! Book your short break-Rome and save with Build A Holiday! Choose from thousands of great hotel deals to Rome using Our Budget feature.
Chintan Maisuria is a Growth Hacker and do Growth marketing for Buildaholiday. Chintan writes at: https://www.buildaholiday.com/ and https://www.buildaholiday.com/holidays