Practical tips for visiting Rome
Airports
Leonardo da Vinci Fiumicino (FCO) is around 30 kilometres from the centre. The Leonardo Express train runs non-stop to Termini in 32 minutes for €14; the regional FL1 line is cheaper and stops at Trastevere, Ostiense and Tiburtina. A flat taxi fare of €55 applies to destinations inside the Aurelian Walls; insist on it and use official white taxis. Ciampino (CIA), used by low-cost airlines, is linked by shuttle buses and by train from the nearby Ciampino station; the flat taxi fare is €40.
Getting around
Rome has three metro lines: A, B and the partially opened C, which reached San Giovanni in 2018 and is being extended through the centre. Buses and trams fill the gaps, though they can be slow and crowded. A single BIT ticket is valid for 100 minutes and you can now tap a contactless bank card at metro gates and on many buses. Passes for 24, 48 and 72 hours are available. Above all, Rome is a walking city; the distance from the Colosseum to St Peter's is about 4 kilometres through fascinating streets. Wear comfortable shoes for the cobbles (sampietrini).
When to go
April, May, late September and October offer warm, pleasant weather. Easter and the Jubilee years bring vast crowds of pilgrims. July and August are hot, often above 33°C, and many Romans leave the city around Ferragosto, 15 August. Winter is mild, around 12 to 14°C by day, with occasional rain; it's the best time to see the Vatican without crushing crowds. The Estate Romana summer festival offers outdoor cinema and concerts.
Budget
A bed in a hostel costs €30 to €60, a mid-range double €120 to €220 and luxury hotels €400 upward. A coffee at the bar costs about €1.20 to €1.50, but sitting at a table in a famous piazza can multiply prices. Pizza al taglio or a trattoria lunch keeps costs down. Book major sights online to avoid inflated "skip the line" resellers.
Water and fountains
Rome has around 2,500 public drinking fountains called nasoni ("big noses"). The water is cold and safe; block the spout with your finger and water spurts from a hole on top for easy drinking. The free Acea app maps them.
Dress codes and rules
Cover shoulders and knees for St Peter's, the Vatican Museums and many churches. Rome has banned sitting on the Spanish Steps, wading in fountains and eating messy food at certain monuments, and fines are enforced. Do not pose with men dressed as gladiators who later demand money.
Safety
Rome is safe, but pickpockets are skilled on bus 64 to the Vatican, metro line A, and around Termini, the Colosseum and the Trevi Fountain. Beware of unofficial taxis at the station and of people tying "friendship bracelets" on your wrist.
Coffee culture and dining customs
Cappuccino is a morning drink; ordering one after a meal marks you as a tourist, though no one will refuse. At bars you often pay at the till first, then hand your receipt to the barista. Many restaurants add a coperto (cover charge) of a few euros per person for bread and service, which is legal if stated on the menu. Tipping is not required; rounding up is enough.
Opening hours
Churches often close at lunchtime, roughly 12:30 to 15:30. Many shops close on Sunday mornings and Monday mornings. State museums are free on the first Sunday of the month under the Domenica al Museo scheme, which usually brings crowds.
Language
Italian is the language of Rome; English is common in hotels and central restaurants. Learn "buongiorno", "grazie", "il conto, per favore" (the bill, please) and "permesso" (excuse me) for squeezing past on a bus.
Booking the Colosseum
Colosseum tickets are sold in timed slots on the official website and are personal, with ID checks at the entrance. They sell out quickly, especially for the arena floor and underground areas, so book as soon as possible, typically a few weeks ahead.
ZTL zones
Most of the historic centre is a limited traffic zone (ZTL) monitored by cameras. Driving into it without a permit results in fines, often sent to rental car customers months later. Park outside the zone or avoid driving altogether.
Strikes and transport
Strikes (scioperi) on public transport occur regularly, usually on Fridays, but guaranteed service bands are maintained at certain hours. Check the ATAC website for announcements.
Trevi rules
Sitting on the Trevi Fountain or entering it is forbidden and fined.
Emergencies
Dial 112. Tourist information points (PIT) are located at Fiumicino, Termini and near the Fori Imperiali. Pharmacies display a green cross; the Pharmacy at Piazza dei Cinquecento near Termini is open late.
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