CITY GUIDE

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BIRTH DATE - 

• 21/4/753 BC

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POPULATION - 

• 4,253,370​

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MEANING - 

• Strength, Vigour

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AKA - 

• Eternal City, Caput Mundi

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RIVER - 

• The very polluted Tiber River                                                                                                 (Fiume Tevere)

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HISTORY - 

• Mythically speaking Rome was founded by the twins Romulus and Remus who were suckled by a she-wolf. Romulus killed Remus and became the first king of Rome.

• There were 7 hills and 7 kings.

• Then Rome became a republic in 509 BC. The republic grew into an empire over the years and was often involved in wars.

• After 180 BC Rome was split into Eastern and Western Empires.

• 476 AD was effectively the end of the Roman Empire.

• During the renaissance period in the 15th century some of Rome's most famous buildings were built. Including the Sistine Chapel, St Peter's Basilica and the Piazza Novana.

• The Kingdom of Italy was declared in 1861 and in 1870 Rome became its' capital.

• In 1922 Mussolini marched on Rome with his fascist party and declared a new Italian Empire.

• Rome suffered very little damage during WW2 and was briefly taken over by the Nazis.

• In 1960 they hosted the Olympic games.

• It remains one of the most popular tourist destinations on earth.

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BEST TIME TO GO - 

• If you want to avoid tourists and pay cheaper prices go between October and April. You'll need some warm clothes though.

• Things start warming up in May and then June to August is peak season. It is hot and humid and you will need to book your hotel at least 6 months ahead.

• September the weather and tourist numbers are starting to cool down again.

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TOP 10 - In No Order - 

1. Colosseum

2. Roman Forum

3.  Trevi Fountain

4. St Peter's Square

5. Sistine Chapel

6. Piazza di Spagna                                                                                                                  & the Spanish Steps

7. Pantheon

8. Catacombs

9. Vatican City

10. Piazza Navona

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STAY - 

• Most hotels are available on Booking.com unless otherwise stated. It's best to get bookings with free cancellation and pay on site when you get there. Hotels chosen are usually 3*** or 4 or 5 if they are good value. They are chosen firstly for their location, value for money, positive testimonials regarding cleanliness and service and features like rooftop terraces and great views. 

• Since the end of Covid a lot of prices have gone through the roof. So if the selected hotel is out of your price range click on the location map and choose something cheaper nearby. Or you might prefer something else but try to stay in the same area.

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FUN FACTS - 

• 700,000 Euros are thrown into Trevi Fountain each year, they go to charity.

• The first ever shopping mall was built here between 107 and 110 AD

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SAFETY - 

• Rome is a safe city. How ever being a tourist mecca draws in the usual pick pockets, bag snatchers and the like. Just be alert and aware and they'll pick on someone else.

• If someone drops something let them pick it up. Don't be fooled by things you would normally do at home.

• Watch out for fake Euros.

• Don't accept food or drink from strangers near tourist areas (including train stations etc)

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FOOD - 

• Italy is one of the world's great food destinations. Each region has it's own specialties and Rome is no different. Dubbed la cucina povera the recipes tend to be simple and with few ingredients. Try some of these while you're there. 

• Maritozzi - yeast buns with different fillings for breakfast, along with some Canoli and coffee (Italians don't have milk in their coffees after lunch),

• Saltimbocca a la Romana - a delicious veal dish, 

• Allesso di Bollito - simmered beef sandwiches, 

• Artichokes - when in season are a local specialty, 

• Supplì - is a famous Roman snack consisting of a meaty, cheesey saucy croquette,

• Porchetta - is a pork lovers delight, deboned, seasoned, rolled, slow cooked to perfection, 

• Carbonara - local invention which uses eggs - not cream, for the creaminess

• Cacio e Pepe - simple but good if done properly, pasta with cheese and pepper,

• Bucatini all’Amatriciana with a spicy tomato sauce and pork cheek,

• Pizza al Taglio or Pizza by the slice is how they do it in Rome and you'll find it everywhere, it's worth checking out some of the famous ones,

• Gelato - you should have one every afternoon, try it at  Giolitti, a few blocks from the Pantheon where they have been selling it since 1900.

• And if you're still hungry head off to Eataly for a megastore of Italian specialties and all things "food".

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NIGHTLIFE - 

• Nightlife starts and finishes late in Rome. People don't go out for dinner until after 9 pm. People often head off to bed after a quick cornetto for breakfast on the way home.

• How ever if you do start a bit earlier during happy hour you are almost guaranteed to get some bar snacks with your drink.

• Some of the different areas to head off to include Testaccio a cobble stoned area of bars and restaurants that parties until dawn. It is also the area for clubbing. 

• Pigneto is an up and coming neighborhood with a bit of a raw edge.

• Trastevere has a bohemian vibe and has lots of restaurants and bars.

• San Lorenzo is a University district and has an alternative atmosphere.  

• Campo de’ Fiori is a good place to mingle with people from a diverse group of countries. 

• Piazza Navona has lots of artists and buskers.

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SIDE TRIP - 

• Bari and surrounds

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COSTS - 

• Rome is expensive but with a few tips and tricks you should be able to stay around a reasonable level of spending especially if there are two of you to share accommodation and transport costs.

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GETTING AROUND - 

• Buses run 24 hours a day are cheap and cover most of the city. Tickets are interchangeable with the Metro.

• Rome has 2 Metro lines. Some of their stops are conveniently near tourist attractions.

• Make sure taxis use their meters. If catching one at the Termini Station get it from the taxi rank only.

• You could hire a Vespa or ride on the back of one to see the city the way the locals do.

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MUST DO - 

• Get Lost in the Centro Storico

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First step is to get some flights - 

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