Travel Italy - Planning A Trip to Rome

Planning a trip to Rome needn't be exhausting if you keep a few things in mind. Your first step onto Roman soil will swallow you whole. Rome is the ancient world in grandiose scale, with large piazzas, enormous buildings and towering statues boasting their existence. Sitting alongside these thousand-year-old monuments are apartment buildings, drug stores, and even a McDonalds or two. Rome is the old world alive today, and it's an experience that will leave you panting for more.

Before You Go To Rome

Rome is worth three or four days out of any schedule. If you can fit in more time, do it. With only a few days you can easily hit the major sights: the Colosseum, St. Peter's Basilica, the Vatican Museum, the Forum, etc. Add a few days and you can comb Rome's ruins for a more fulfilling experience.

Learn basic Italian phrases before you go. Most shops speak some English, but remember the old saying: When in Rome, do as the Romans. Honor that ancient advice and brush up on your Italian. You'll catch smiles and appreciative people no matter how poorly you stutter the language.

Planning a Trip to Rome: When To Go

Tourism is Rome's biggest business. You'll sometimes wonder if any Italians actually live here. Each season in Rome has different crowds, different store hours and different weather. Generally, everything is cheaper, lines are shorter and shop hours are decreased from November through May, Rome's "off-season".

Use the information below to plan your trip wisely:

Summer (June - October)

• Warm to hot days with lots of sunshine.
• Long lines for everything. Rome is packed with tourists in the summer.
• Shops and museums are open the most.
• Hotel and museum prices may be inflated.

Winter (November - February)

• Cooler, more overcast/rainy days.
• Shorter lines for sights.
• Shops/museums may close early and have more days off.

Spring (March - May)

• Warm, moist days. Bring an umbrella.
• Shorter lines for sights.
• Shops and museums may close a little earlier.

Getting to Rome

Rome is easy to get into by any means except car. Avoid traveling by car in Rome, it will cause you more hassle than good. If you manage to squirm your way into the city's center in a car, you'll never find a parking space and end up walking long distances regardless. Stick to trains, buses and foot travel.

The central, throbbing pulse of Roman transportation is Roma Termini, the train station located in the northeast corner of the old city. Buses, airplanes, taxis and trains almost always make stops at this station. Use it as a central hub for your excursions into the city's core.

More information on traveling within and to Rome can be found in our article Travel Italy - Travel to Rome.

Travel Inside Rome

While in Rome, a minimalist Metro system can shuttle you to the main areas the city. Buses cover the streets quite well but are often unreliable due to traffic and events closing certain roads. The most reliable way of traversing the city is by foot. You'll get a great view of "bella Roma", but will have to allow extra time for the journey.

Planning a Trip to Rome: Sightseeing

You cannot possibly stuff over two thousand years of history into a few short days of sightseeing. Expect to leave Rome with a longing to come back. You can hit the major sites with a few well-organized day trips.

Because the city is so large, traveling from one corner to another will eat up most of your day.

For simplicity's sake, divide Rome into these four areas:

• Northwest (Vatican, Basilica and other sights)
• Southwest (Trastevere, for strolling and eating)
• Southeast (Colosseum, the Forum, grand old Rome)
• Northeast (Roma Termini and shopping)

These four areas are discussed in more detail in our article Travel Italy - Rome's Four Corners.

Concentrate a day or two in each of those areas, allowing time for meals, idle strolling and waiting in lines. Don't forget to wander through the main part of Rome to see the various piazzas (squares) and other beautiful architecture. No matter where you go or what you do, Rome will fill your eyes with beauty. Soak it in and live the Roman life.

Other Tips for Rome

• Keep a wary eye open for pickpockets and purse snatchers. Secure your money, avoid walking at night, and be especially careful in crowded trains and buses.

• When planning a trip to Rome, remember that Italian life is vastly different from American and European life. Take in the relaxed attitude and don't be afraid to speak to the natives. The more open you are the better time you'll have.

Related Italy Travel Links

• Travel Italy - Travel to Rome
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