Rome Travel Guide

Historic Rome is the capital of Italy. The 496 square mile city is situated in the central region of the country, right on the Tiber River. While it’s a bustling, modern city, it was once the heart of the Roman Empire, having a far-reaching impact on the rest of civilisation.

The primary language spoken in Rome is Italian, with some locals also speaking English as a second language. Unlike other European capital cities, English isn’t widely spoken, so it’s a great idea to arrive in the city with a handful of Italian phrases, or even a translation app. Rest assured, most restaurants in the city centre offer menus in both Italian and English - so you certainly want be going hungry!

You will be pleased that Rome enjoys a Mediterranean climate, meaning it has mild winters and long, hot summers. The cooler months are a fabulous time to visit if you are hoping to avoid the heat and also, the large summer crowds. In terms of budgeting, Rome can be expensive if you stick to the shopping streets like the Via Condotti, but you can easily find affordable dining options and street food throughout the city.

Above all, visit Rome for its beauty. Italy is home to an impressive 58 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, some of which are in Rome. This means you can expect an abundance of architectural masterpieces and at every turn, you will be reminded of the impressive, forward-thinking nature of the Roman Empire. The civilisation truly left its mark on the city with its innovative aqueducts, fountains, streets, and amphitheatres.

If you are wondering how to travel to Rome, the best way is to hop on a plane. The city has two major airports, Leonardo da Vinci International Airport in Fiumicino and Ciampino Airport. Fiumicino is serviced by major airlines, while Ciampino Airport is a budget airline hub.

Fiumicino is easier to fly into as it has a train station, so it’s a seamless, half-hour trip right into Rome in half from there. If you were feeling adventurous, you could take an overnight train from London St Pancras into Rome, however, flying is quicker and usually more affordable. The choice is yours!

If you are interested in what the perfect day in Rome looks like, look no further. Begin with a bit of caffeination. One of the best parts about a Roman holiday is the opportunities to people watch - and the Romans certainly are a stylish bunch! For the best place to sit and watch the world go by, head to the colourful coffee shop of Caffè Perù, in the city centre. Order an espresso, just like the locals, and kick back to observe.

Spend the afternoon ambling around the ancient streets, and keep an eye for the locations that have featured in many Hollywood films. Piazzetta Di San Simeone is a true gem, an unassuming neighbourhood square with a quaint water feature. It was also where Eat Pray Love was filmed! By night, change into something sharp and head up to Terrazza Borromini. The trendy rooftop bar offers panoramic views over the city’s rooftops, as well as the bustling Piazza Navona below.

It might sound simplistic, but eating is one of the best things to do in Rome. The most characteristically Roman dish has to be cacio e pepe. Chances are, you have already sampled this simple pasta classic, but you have never had it properly until you have enjoyed it in Rome! Plenty of restaurants will marry sheep’s milk pecorino romano and cracked black pepper to create this culinary hit, but the best restaurant to go to in Rome is Da Felice in Testaccio. This delightfully old-school eatery is a local institution that will allow you to have the skilled waiter toss the dish right at your table. Talk about dinner and a show.

Italy is fantastic for solo travel, with a range of locations to explore at your own pace. Plus it is safe to travel to Rome alone. With the warm and friendly locals, you will never truly feel alone, so don’t be shy to make friends! With the country’s rich, traditional food culture, it is not out of the norm to find other solo travellers - or simply solo locals - dining alone at restaurants, with a delicious glass of red.

When it comes to safety for solo female travellers, you will feel comfortable in Italy, however, the men tend to be flirtatious. So, if you are travelling on your own, you might notice you receive a little bit more male attention than usual.

Rome is one of the best destinations for over 50s travel. With endless dining options, ancient history on every corner, sophisticated art galleries, and well-appointed, comfortable accommodation, you will feel ready to live La Dolce Vita. A fantastic way to guarantee a stress-free, relaxing holiday in Rome is to book an escorted holiday. Our tours offer the chance to be immersed in Roman culture with an informative, expert guide, the flexibility to explore the city in your own time, and plenty of memorable moments to meet other like-minded travellers.