Much has already been said and written about Rome. You'll undoubtedly find all the information you need in books and on websites. Here are a few tips that are useful to know before leaving on a city break to Rome. I also mention a few things we discovered while we were there, things you might not discover spontaneously.
From airport Fiumicino to the city center
There are several options to get from the airport to the city center: train, shuttle bus, taxi (arranged in advance or not).
If you're traveling with two people, the Leonardo Express is definitely recommended. This train takes you to Roma Termini station in the city center in half an hour. A ride costs around €18.
If you're traveling with three or more people, a taxi is actually cheaper. You don't need to book one in advance. There are plenty of them at the airport. They all charge a flat rate of €50 for the ride to the city center. Due to heavy traffic, the journey takes a little longer than the train but you'll be dropped off right in front of your hotel. No more struggling with suitcases on the narrow, often elevated sidewalks.
When we were there, we were traveling with five people. We needed a larger taxi and paid a surcharge of only €5 for it.
🍶 Bring a water bottle
Throughout Rome, you'll find "nasoni," or drinking fountains, where you can get fresh, safe water, free of charge. At the Colosseum, there's even a large water reservoir where you can fill your water bottle. Very welcome in the hot summer months!
🥾 Provide good walking shoes
Rome is one big open-air museum. The best way to explore the city is on foot. A new attraction pops up around every corner.
The metro is convenient for traveling from one side of the city to the other, especially over longer distances.
Other options: buses, trams and even Uber. Uber works very well in Rome. We always found a ride quickly.
🏛 So much more than the big attractions
Anyone visiting Rome naturally wants to see the famous sights: the Colosseum, the Pantheon, Piazza Navona, the Trevi Fountain and St. Peter's Basilica, to name a few. However, Rome is also a city where you can wander around without a fixed plan. Stroll through the streets, pop into a church, pause by a fountain or enjoy an ice cream. We've already discovered several lovely spots this way.
The charming Monti neighborhood is home to some of the best restaurants. Some recommendations include Urbana 47 or Sciuè Sciuè.
https://urbana47.com/
https://www.sciuesciuemonti.com/
Fancy an aperitif? Find yourself a nice little terrace. In the early evening, many bars offer a free plate of bruschette or other treats. That's how we ended up at Tonnarello in the Trastevere neighborhood. By the time we finished our aperitifs, there was no need to eat anymore.
https://tonnarello.it/
Feel like a coffee or a fresh 'spremuta' in the afternoon? Bar/restaurant Canova Tadolini is a place you won't find anywhere else. This was once the studio of the artist Canova and his apprentice Tadolini. Inside, you'll find yourself surrounded by impressive statues, but the terrace is also very pleasant.
https://www.canovatadolini.com/
Near that bar is Via Margutta, without exaggeration one of Rome's most beautiful streets. You'll feel like you're on the set of an Italian film. Number 110 was once home to the film director Federico Fellini.
To finish off, one last tip: the Campo Santo dei Teutonici e Fiamminghi, a small cemetery just outside the colonnade surrounding St. Peter's Square. German, Dutch and German pilgrims were buried here. It's an oasis of calm in the bustling city and you have a special view of the dome of St. Peter's Basilica. Note: the cemetery is only open in the mornings, and to enter, you must request permission from the Swiss Guards. It's often said that you need to present a Belgian, Dutch or German passport to enter, but we weren't asked and were allowed in right away.
https://www.camposantoteutonico.va/