Rome Travel Guide
Travel guide to Rome, Italy with comprehensive information about events, shopping, and major Rome sporting events to help you enjoy your visit more.
Rome Overview
Known as the eternal city, Rome has been the seat of empires, and the centre of Christianity, and arguably civilisation for millennia. One of the most visited cities in the world, Rome positively drips with historical importance, and has an almost uncountable number of attractions to offer. Rome is a place where you can explore or relax; shop in traditional markets and in designer boutiques, and then experience fine dining, before you party the night away in giant clubs.
Despite being a city burdened with such a rich history, Rome is as alive today as it ever has been, and is perhaps the quintessential city break destination, as well as being the perfect base from which start your holiday exploring Italy.
You can get cheap flights to Rome and good value package holidays throughout the year, although at peak times such as Christmas and Easter, and other religious festivals, it can be difficult to get a room in one of the city's hotels unless you book well in advance.
Top Rome Attractions
Rome has more attractions and sites of interest than almost any other city in the world. Unless you have an unlimited amount of time to spend in Rome, it is advisable to pick out the most important sights in advance, rather than trying to see everything.
Top attractions in Rome include the Roman Collosseum, the Forum, the Pantheon, and the Circus Maximus. You should also make time to see the Vatican City it will take almost a full day to see St Peter's Basilica and the famous Sistine Chapel, so set off early to avoid the biggest crowds.
One of the most romantic spots in Rome is the Trevi fountain, which together with the nearby Spanish Steps provides one of the most instantly recognisable parts of the city. If you have the time, pay a visit to the gardens of the Villa Borghese - a calm and peaceful oasis of green in the city where you can see some great statues.
Shopping in Rome
A frequent criticism levelled at Rome is that it is a particularly expensive place to buy anything, and to a certain extent this is true. Most things are more expensive in Rome than they are either in the UK or in most other Italian cities - particularly in the centre of the city. Leave town through, and the usual mix of out of town outlets and discount shopping malls offer you the chance to find some bargains.
As far as top buys in Rome go, the biggest industry seems to be in the sale of mementos and souvenirs, so you are more likely to end up with a mini amphitheatre and some gladiators than a new wardrobe in Rome.
Rome Sporting Events
Rome is the home of two of the most famous teams in the Italian League. Roma and Lazio share a stadium, and are followed almost religiously by their respective fans. The teams play on opposing weekends throughout the year, and you can generally get tickets on the gate - except for the regular derby matches.
