Rome

Travel to Rome

Elisabeth Bertrand

Written by Elisabeth Jane Bertrand and our editorial team from personal experience in Italy.

Rome, the Eternal City, a metropolis that you have to see at least once in your life, but take your time over it. It is a city with so many treasures that there will always be something left over for you to visit another time.   Garbatella, Prati, Parioli, Ostiense, San Lorenzo, the Via Appia Antica, Ostia Antica.  If you want to discover the real Rome, you must go beyond the famous sights and monuments like the Colosseum, the Piazza Navona, the Pantheon and the Trevi Fountain. And that's where Dolcevia.com can help.

Whether you want to spend a few days touring the Vatican, drop a penny into the Trevi Fountain, explore the Colosseum, pet a kitten at the Largo Argentina, or just go on an intensive scavenger hunt into the rich past of this metropolis, you'll always have more to see when you come back.

For those who want to explore the history of this metropolis at their leisure, a visit to the Regional Park Via Appia Antica is a must. Rome is also a city of parks, where you can find some peace and quiet if you know where to go. I always pity visitors who want to see everything in one week. It's impossible. It's better to plan a few things you really want to see and then leave some time to just enjoy the city.

The most important sights and monuments are of course the Colosseum, the Pantheon, the Forum Romanum, the Vatican City with the St. Peter's Basilica and the Sixtine Chapel (Italian: Cappella Sistina), the most famous chapel in the Apostolic Palace. And of course the fountains, especially the famous La Barcaccia at the foot of the Spanish Steps and the newly restored Trevi Fountain. Then there are some neighborhoods and parks to check out, such as Trastevere and Villa Borghese. These are just the highlights, there is so much more, in fact too much to mention.

For those who come to Rome for the second time or have a little more time, there are a number of museums that are always worth a visit. The most beautiful, in my opinion, are the Vatican Museums, then the Palazzo Borghese, the Musei Capitolini and the National Museum, the Museo Nazionale Romano (about Roman history) with the main building right on the Piazza Repubblica opposite the Termini train station with the new Mercato Centrale, a maze of typical restaurants.

FAQ about Rome

Where is the Via Appia?

The Via Appia is one of the oldest and most important roads in Rome. It runs from Rome to the south and was originally a route for military parades and trade. Today it is a popular tourist attraction and can be explored on foot or by bicycle. If you are going to Rome, it is definitely worth taking a walk along the Via Appia and enjoying the historic sights along the way.

What to see along the Via Appia?

There are many interesting sights to see along the Via Appia in Rome. For example, there is the Mausoleum of Cecilia Metella, a monumental tomb built in the 1st century BC for the daughter of a Roman consul. There are also several catacombs, including the Catacombs of San Callisto, one of the largest and most important complexes of underground cemeteries in Rome. Along the way you can also see some villas and palaces, such as the Outer Palace of Massenzio, which was built in the 4th century as a residence for the Roman emperor.

The Aqua Virgo, an aqueduct that still supplies water to Rome's famous Trevi Fountain in the heart of the city, was built by Agrippa in 19 B.C. during the reign of Augustus. Not all of Rome's parks are overrun with tourists. In fact, Rome is one of the greenest cities in Europe, and there are many parks that have yet to be discovered by casual visitors.

The Aqueduct Park is a good example of an interesting place off the beaten track. The park is mainly used by joggers and there are a few private sports clubs. In the park you will find the massive remains of a number of ancient aqueducts built during the Roman Empire. The park covers about 240 hectares and is located in the southeastern part of the city. In ancient times, it was a real crossroads for the water supply of the urban area.

Read also: Appian Way - The best free sightseeing tour in Rome

What are the beaches near Rome?

There are several beaches near Rome that are popular with tourists and residents of the city. One of the most famous beaches is the Lido di Ostia, which is located about 30 km from the city center and is easily accessible by public transportation. Other popular beaches near Rome are Santa Marinella, Fregene and Sabaudia. If you are in Rome and want to enjoy the sun and the beach, you can take a day trip to one of these beaches, most of which can be reached by train.

Are there boat tours on the Tiber in Rome?

Yes, there are several boat tours on the Tiber in Rome that offer tourists the chance to explore the city from the water. These cruises are a fun way to see famous sights of Rome, such as the Castel Sant'Angelo and the Pantheon, while relaxing and enjoying the view. The tours usually last about an hour and are a fun activity for the whole family. If you are visiting Rome, you can book a cruise on the Tiber River to experience the city in a unique way.

What is the Villa Borghese?

The Villa Borghese is a park in Rome known for its beautiful gardens and art collections. The park is approximately 80 acres and contains several attractions, including fountains, sculptures, lakes, and a zoo. The park also contains several museums, including the Museum of Fine Arts and the Museo Nazionale di Villa Borghese, which is known for its collection of ancient art. Visiting Villa Borghese and enjoying the beautiful gardens and works of art the park has to offer is a must when visiting Rome.</p

What airports are there in Rome?

There are two airports in Rome: the Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino International Airport and the Ciampino-G.B. Pastine International Airport. Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino International Airport is the largest airport in Rome and is also known as Fiumicino Airport. It is the busiest airport in Italy and offers flights to various destinations around the world. The Ciampino-G.B. Pastine International Airport is a smaller airport used mainly by low-cost carriers and charter flights. It is advisable to check which airport is closest to your accommodation and travel there if you are flying into Rome.</p

There are several ways to get from Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino International Airport to the center of Rome. One of the easiest ways is by train. A train runs from the airport to Termini station, which is located in the heart of Rome. The trip takes about 30 minutes and trains run every 15-20 minutes. Traveling by bus is another option. Several buses run from the airport to different parts of Rome, such as the city center, Trastevere and Termini. You can also take a taxi from the airport to the center, which costs about 40-50 euros per trip.

From Ciampino-G.B. Pastine International Airport to the center of Rome, the easiest way is to take the bus. Several buses run from the airport to Termini train station, which is located in the heart of Rome. The trip takes about 40 minutes and buses run every 30 minutes. Another option is to take a taxi. Taxis are available at the airport and you can take one to the center of Rome.

Where can I find a taxi in Rome? 

Check the following map for all taxi stations in Rome. Unlike in other cities, hailing a cab in Rome by waving your hands and gesturing is not a common practice, you can use the taxi stations instead. If the cab is free the 'illuminated sign on the roof of the car will be on, while if the sign is off then the cab is either busy or is picking up a customer. Please check the following official document for current taxi rates in Rome. https://www.comune.roma.it/web-resources/cms/documents/Tariffario_Taxi_REV.pdf
The numbers to call to request a cab in Rome are 06 3570, 06 4994, 06 6645, 06 5551 or 06 8822. Map Taxi stations

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