Rome Holidays

Q: Is Rome family-friendly?

Rome isn't a particularly family-friendly destination, especially if you're travelling with smaller children. Rome holidays are all about exploring iconic sites and delicious meals at romantic restaurants. And this can be a little awkward if you're also pushing buggies or keeping a close eye on little ones. But some places do cater for family holidays. Villa Borghese Park is ideal for an afternoon picnic in the sun. It also has several children's playgrounds and a large zoo. And the kids will love an afternoon at the Explora Museum, which is designed for kids of all ages.

Q: Does Rome have good nightlife?

Whatever you're into, the nightlife in Rome is excellent. For some low-key, chilled-out vibes, head down to Trastevere. This funky neighbourhood has craft beer bars, artist hang-outs, and cool riverside cocktail lounges. Testaccio is where the locals and tourists party until the sun comes up. Testaccio is famous (and maybe even a little notorious) for its underground house and techno scene. It's also the city's main LGBT party district. Via Vittorio Veneto is a popular hang-out for the sophisticated crowd. Expect exclusive wine bars, VIP cocktail lounges, and five-star luxury hotels with paparazzi hanging around the steps.

Q: What's the best time to visit Rome?

June and July are the peak tourist months. The long days and clear skies give you the chance to see Rome in all its glory. But you'll have to battle through large crowds, especially around popular sites like the Colosseum and the Vatican. An early spring trip is often the better option. The crowds are smaller, and hotel prices are significantly lower. You'll also have a much easier time getting tables at the best restaurants and bars. And the weather is still a pleasant 22°C in April and May, creating ideal weather conditions for city walking tours.

Q: What is the best area to stay in Rome?

The Esquilino Neighbourhood is packed with budget-friendly hotels. And it's walking distance from the city centre. Esquilino is inexpensive, but it might be too rough and ready for some holidaymakers. The Trastevere neighbourhood is slightly more polished but still offers that authentic bohemian vibe. Staying in bustling Centro Storico puts you right in the heart of the city. Some of Rome's most iconic sites are on your doorstep, and you're just yards away from all the restaurants, bars, and cafes. Summer travellers should book their stay as early as possible. Centro Storico is super-busy during June and July.

Q: Is a weekend enough time to visit Rome?

You can see a lot in Rome in a weekend, as there are so many sights concentrated in the historic centre. However, there’s also plenty to occupy you for a week or more.

Q: How far is Rome from the beach?

Ostia has been a popular beachside resort with the Romans since they were, well, Romans. It's only 45 minutes away. It gets lively at night and finding a spot can be awkward. Most beaches are private, so you'll need to pay for a sunbed. And the water quality isn't always the best. Sabaudia and Santa Marinella are a little further away, but you can get there in just over an hour by car or train. And they all have blue-flag beaches open to the public. These well-organised and clean beaches are well worth the extra travel time.

Q: Is eating out expensive in Rome?

Dining out in restaurants in Rome is surprisingly affordable, as many of them offer very reasonable set menus. Having pizza is also one of the cheapest ways to fill yourself up.

Q: What’s a good souvenir from Rome?

Consider stopping by one of the city’s exclusive clerical outfitters that dresses everyone up to (and including) the Pope for top-of-the-line socks, belts, gloves and other accessories.

Q: How can I get to and from the airport in Rome?

Fiumicino airport is about half an hour from the centre of Rome. Taxis pick up near the arrival terminal and there's a fixed rate for all trips into the city. It means you won't pay more than €48. All taxis accept card or cash payment. Ubers might be more expensive, with some charging €60. Unlicensed cabs operate around the airports. Rates are lower, but avoid these for safety reasons. You can also take the train. A line runs from the airport into central Rome. Trains leave every 15 minutes, and the journey takes 30 minutes. Tickets cost €8 per person.

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An eternally alluring city

Enter a riotous world of chic, Vespa-riding locals, mighty ancient monuments, surreally beautiful churches and fantastic pizza and pasta – Rome holidays are simply full of romance and wonder. As the home of the Pope and the Catholic Church, Rome also has some of the world’s finest religious architecture and buildings filled with works by legendary artists like Michelangelo, Caravaggio and Raphael.

Its many glorious museums are crammed full of everything from Greek and Roman treasures to important contemporary art, and, in the centre of the city, vast monuments of ancient Rome still stand as they have done for more than 2,000 years. However, Rome is not just a museum city. It fizzes with life and energy. The sunny climate means that life is generally lived outdoors, and part of the joy of being here is taking an early evening stroll (the famous Italian ‘passeggiata’), before settling down to sip a drink in a piazza.

Rome has great food as well, which includes world-leading pasta, deceptively simple meat and fish dishes, and sizzling thin-crust pizzas, washed down with local wines. From the legendary Colosseum to film-star fountains and intimate restaurants, holidays to Rome will thrill gladiator-loving kids as much as honeymooning couples, and you’ll soon be planning a return visit.

Need to know

Language
Italian

Currency
Euro

Time zone
GMT +1

Flight time
1hr 55mins

* Average time from London Gatwick to Rome

Explore our map of Rome

Exploring Rome

The Colosseum
Over 2,000 years old, this vast stadium still stands in central Rome. Visit it to see where wild beasts, prisoners and gladiators once fought to provide entertainment for the masses and their emperors.
The Sistine Chapel
In the Vatican Palace, this chapel is most famous for its ceiling, which Michelangelo painted in the 16th century. It is considered one of the world’s finest works of art.
The Trevi Fountain
Rome’s most famous fountain (and the setting of the famous scene in ‘La Dolce Vita’) almost fills a whole piazza. Tradition says that if you throw a coin in over your shoulder, you’ll return to Rome.