Rome at a glance
Rome is truly a unique destination; the world’s smallest country, Vatican City, lies just a stone’s throw from the city centre and it boasts more history than most countries do. With a history dating back 2,500 years, Rome is one of the oldest cities in Europe, earning it the title of The Eternal City. The whole city feels like a large open-air museum with ancient ruins greeting you at every turn.
Things to do in Rome
- Trevi Fountain: Rome’s largest and most famous fountain; a large baroque artwork which was immortalised in the film ‘La Dolce Vita’.
- The Colosseum: the symbol of eternal Rome where gladiators fought each other and condemned prisoners fought off hungry lions.
- Sistine Chapel: Michelangelo’s masterpiece is the highlight of any tour through the Vatican museums.
- St Peter’s Basilica: admire Michelangelo’s beautiful interior and enjoy the stunning views from the top.
- Piazza Navona: a vast beautiful piazza, lined with Baroque palaces. The perfect place to enjoy a drink.
- The Pantheon: a stunning piece of architecture and a spectacular piece of history.
- Villa Borghese: Rome’s most famous park boasts acres of gardens, flowerbeds, shaded walkways and monuments.
- Campo de Fiori: by day this square hosts a fruit and vegetable market and by night it is buzzing with locals and visitors enjoying a drink.
- The Forum: the commercial, political and religious centre of ancient Rome.
We can book many tours to make your trip to Rome truly memorable, visit our Osprey Experiences page for more information or contact on our team.
Getting around
It is easy to navigate many parts of the city on foot, with the majority of the ancient sites lying to the east of the Tiber River and the Vatican lying to the west. There is an efficient bus service that serves the city centre and a metro that runs on three lines towards the outer parts of the city. We recommend take a hop on, hop off bus tour if walking doesn’t work for you.
Dining in Rome
World-renowned restaurants and less formal eateries called trattoria offer exceptional, freshly made, local cuisine. Italy is one of the top wine producing countries of the world, making the choice of wines and wine bars plentiful, while side streets and squares, called piazzas, offer up wonderful cafes, perfect for people watching while you enjoy a rich Italian coffee or decadent gelato.
Must-try local dishes:
- Pizza - in Rome the base is thin and crispy
- Cacio e pepe: grated Pecorino Romano and cracked black pepper, tossed with spaghetti and olive oil
- Gelato
Osprey Holidays top tips
Visit the Trevi Fountain after 6pm when the crowds have dissipated and you are able to fully admire this amazing Baroque masterpiece. The photos you can capture when the fountain is illuminated will make your social media feed go wild!
- Important information
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Languages Italian Currency Euro Visa Information No visa required for UK citizens - Average temperatures
(monthly highs °C)
- Interesting facts
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The Roma Pass gets you free or reduced entry to many attractions, as well as three days travel on the city's buses and subway.
- Distance from airports
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Rome Fiumicino Airport 30 km Rome Ciampino Airport 15 km
- Railway stations
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Rome Termini