Rome Holidays

Why visit Rome

Rome layers almost three thousand years of history into streets you can walk in a day, from the Colosseum and Forum to baroque fountains and quiet courtyards. Yet it is also a very lived-in city, with trattorias, espresso bars and neighbourhoods such as Trastevere that reward slow wandering. Come for the ancient sites and the Vatican, and stay for the food and the golden light on warm evenings.

Highlights of Rome

• Colosseum and Forum: Step inside the great amphitheatre and wander the ruins of the ancient Roman Forum and Palatine Hill.
• Vatican Museums: Walk through vast galleries to the Sistine Chapel, then visit St Peter's Basilica and its soaring dome.
• Trevi Fountain and Pantheon: Two icons within walking distance, best seen early or late when the crowds thin out.
• Trastevere: Cobbled lanes, ivy-covered buildings and lively trattorias on the western bank of the Tiber.
• Roman food: Try carbonara, cacio e pepe and supplì, finishing with proper gelato and an espresso at the bar.

Best time to visit Rome

April to June and September to October are the sweet spots, with pleasant temperatures and long days for sightseeing. July and August can be very hot and crowded, so start early and rest in the afternoon. Winter is mild and much quieter, with lower crowds at major sights, though some rain is likely.

Getting there from the UK

Direct flights from London to Rome Fiumicino take about 2 hours 40 minutes, and Ciampino is also served by some carriers. The Leonardo Express train runs from Fiumicino to Termini station in around 30 minutes, making arrival simple.

Good to know

The currency is the euro, and Italian is the language, though English is common in tourist areas. Plugs are the European two-pin or three-pin type, so UK visitors need an adaptor. Dress codes apply in churches, with shoulders and knees covered. Check the latest GOV.UK foreign travel advice for entry requirements.