Basic City Guide

Useful Tips for Your Time in Rome

City Guide

Italian Language Guide

Once in Rome, try practicing your Italian or learning some new words while you’re on your way to a dolce vita. Although you will be among many English-speaking tourists, don’t be shy to try to blend in with the local Romans. 

Hello, Mrs./Miss/Mr. Hi! I speak a little Italian Do you speak English? Where is the hotel? Could you help?
Buongiorno, Signora / Signorina / Signore Ciao! Io parlo un po’ di italiano Lei parla inglese? Dov’è l’albergo? Potrebbe aiutarmi, per favore?
I am searching for… Yes, thank you very much! No… Good evening! Goodbye! See you later
Sto cercando… Sì, graze mille! No… Buonasera! Arrivederci! A più tardi

 

Acquaint Yourself With the Roman Neighborhoods

Rome Neighborhoods

Neighborhoods in Rome

Rome can be categorized into 18 different neighborhoods.

Aventine - Known as the oasis of Rome, Aventine is a neighbourhood full of lush gardens, private homes, historic churches and stunning walkways. Discover the Parco Savello with the Giardino degli Aranci by the Basilica of Santa Sabina and the keyhole at the Knights of Malta entrance. Amongst the ancient buildings, you will find modern architecture nestled in between and onto the 4th century Roman wall. 

Campo Marzio - In the Campo Marzio you will encounter Baroque and Renaissance palazzos along the street with boutique and food stores to satisfy your gusto. This ancient neighborhood was previously an army training field and still carries its ancient aria. It won’t be difficult to spot elegantly dressed locals strolling around Piazza San Lorenzo. Best to visit this gem during the day, as the nighttime sees less activities blooming. 

Colonna - Colonna stands as the cosmopolitan center of Rome. Teeming with politicians, tourists, fashion models and locals, here is the intersection of chaos and beauty. Find the shopping area in Belle Epoque, the Baroque parliament building and a 2nd century column in the midst of cafes, boutique stores, museums, restaurants and tourists. 

Esquilino - As one of the oldest areas of Rome, Esquilino is located on one of the world-renowned Seven Hills of Rome. The Esquilino neighborhood presents a pseudo-traditional picture of Rome with its long boulevards, arches, piazzas, tiny alleys, multicultural vibe and street art. Hear the bells of the Santa Maria Maggiore ring while you stroll around Esquilino and enjoy a gelato in the piazza. 

Flaminio - Contemporary art and architecture dominate the scene in Flaminio. Discover the Ponte della Musica, the MAXXI Museum of contemporary art and the Parco della Musica well-known for hosting international performances. You may have heard of this neighborhood from the 1960s Olympic Games or the Stadio Olympic football stadium that you can easily reach within minutes. 

Ghetto - The Ghetto is historically recognised as the neighbourhood of Rome’s Jewish community since 300 years ago. Today it is a multicultural area still boasting ancient and medieval designed homes next to family-run restaurants, bakeries and shops. Walk through Via del Portico d’Ottavia to experience the liveliness of this community, but be aware that businesses here close from Friday to Saturday for the Jewish Shabbat. 

Ludovisi & Via Veneto - If you have seen Fellini’s La Dolce Vita, then you were probably expecting to see the Ludovisi and Via Veneto neighborhood. This iconic location of Italian cinema still has its signature bars and cafes nestled between modern hotels, businesses, banks and embassies. Once you’re in the area, walk to the gorgeous Villa Borghese park and absorb the historical culture surrounding you. 

Monteverde - Monteverde rests upon Janiculum hill as the most popular neighborhood to escape to in Rome. Visit the tranquil Villa Pamphili, the largest urban park in Rome, in Monteverde. A bit removed from the center, this neighborhood gives an aura that you are on a different kind of Roman holiday. 

Monti - Dive into the alternative, traditional and gritty Monti area of Rome. Reach Monti easily from the Termini Station and walk into an immersion of creative shops, food markets and local businesses set up on cobblestone streets. Sit around the Piazza della Madonna dei Monti or walk towards the Colosseum where you will find men in Roman soldier costumes eager to take photos with you. 

 

Rome Neighborhoods

Navona, Pantheon & Campo de’ Fiori, Rome - The Navona, Pantheon, and Campo Piazzas may arguably be the most beautiful areas in Rome. Try strolling through the three piazzas and not be captivated by the art galleries, cafes, boutique shops, wine bars and bakeries lining the streets. Maybe grab your bike and cycle amongst the locals and Vespas. The Roman charm here is undeniable. 

Parioli - Parioli is home to a more modernised Rome with houses of wealthy families situated between palaces from the 1930s, street markets and cafes. Instead of finding Renaissance architecture, here you will encounter the bourgeois style of the 20th century. Step inside a modern art museum, the oldest zoo in Europe, or in the parks of Villa Ada, Villa Glori and Villa Borghese. 

Piazza Venezia & Ancient City - There is no other true center of the Eternal City as the Piazza Venezia and the Ancient City. The Imperial and Roman Forums hover over you with their columns as you walk through the ancient beginnings of Western civilization. Have lunch at the nearby trattorie and enter the churches. Hear the Roman traffic come to life with its buses, cars and Vespas, and enjoy the serenity that comes in the evening. 

Prati - When the chaos of Rome becomes too much, walk through the Prati neighbourhood. Known for its organized grid layout, Prati receives praise as the calmest one of Rome. Shop at the various boutique shops along the streets and watch grandmothers walk with their grandchildren. Or step into a bar around the corner to treat yourself to an aperitivo

San Lorenzo - San Lorenzo is known to be the student neighborhood of Rome, but it is growing more avant-garde by the day. Call it infiltration or gentrification, but San Lorenzo is lining up with chic art galleries, cafes, boutique shops and artisanal restaurants. Perhaps you will walk into a student demonstration, but there is nothing that a few glasses of wine at the local bar cannot fix. 

Testaccio - Get ready to find the major discoteche, crowds and parties in Testaccio. An ancient Roman port and working class area in its past life, Testaccio became the place where you will hear club music at night. But don’t hesitate to check out the food markets and local stores during the day. 

Trastevere - Trastevere, or ‚beyond the Tiber’, is where the large piazzas meet faded Renaissance buildings and what first comes to mind when you think of Rome. The fade, however, is charming, and you will not be disappointed with the street performances, delicious restaurants, bars and cafes all around. As this neighborhood becomes quite the tourist mecca, go towards the south of Trastevere for less crowds and a more ‚modern‘ Roman aura. 

Trevi - Trevi will always be full of tourists waiting to throw in a coin or take a photo, but it shouldn’t stop you from seeing the beauty of the Trevi Fountain. Hotels, restaurants, gelaterias, bars, cafes and shops fill the area to satisfy tourists and locals alike. Get ready for crowds of people and if that is not part of your itinerary, make your way to Trevi in the morning. 

Vatican & Borgo - The Vatican and Borgo neighbourhood is the gateway to the Vatican City. Here you will find Swiss Guards, priests, nuns and tour guides walking side by side. Line up to enter the Vatican or use your Roma Pass to explore the holy medieval sector. This area is a spiritual and architectural haven for the religious and non-religious alike. 

Traveler Information

Traveler Information

Currency

The official currency of Italy is the Euro like many other Western European countries. You will find that the Euro comes in 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 and 200 bills, with €0.01, €0.02, €0.05, €0.10, €0.20, €0.50, €1.00 and €2.00 coins. 

Metrics

If you are coming from a country that does not use the International System of Units (SI), be sure to become familiarized with this way of measurement. One kilometer is about 0.6 miles. One kilogram is 2.2 pounds. One meter is about 39.37 inches...

Visa and Passport

Entrance restrictions into Italy vary upon nationality. Citizens from the US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand do not need a visa to enter Italy for trips less than six months. You are required to bring your current passport that is updated. European Union residents only need to show a national identity card upon arrival, although bringing a passport is recommended. For those outside the aforementioned countries, please be sure to contact the Italian consulate nearest to you regarding exact requirements.

Public Holidays

Don't miss out on your Roman holiday. Be on the lookout for the following dates:

January 1, New Year’s Day, Capodanno

Januar 6, Epiphany, Epifania

Monday after Easter, Easter Monday, Lunedì dell’Angelo, Lunedì in Albas or Pasquetta

April 25, Liberation Day, Festa della Liberazione

May 1, International Workers’ Day, Festa del Lavoro (Festa dei Lavoratori)

June 2, Republic Day, Festa della Repubblica

August 15, Assumption Day, Ferragosto and Assunzione

November 1, All Saint’s Day, Tutti i santi (Ognissanti)

December 8, Immaculate Conception, Immacolata Concezione (Immacolata)

December 25, Christmas Day, Natale

December 26, St. Stephen’s Day, Santo Stefano

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