F.A.Q. about Rome
- What is the best way to get from Fiumicino Airport to Rome hotels and vice versa?
There are many ways to get from FCO to hotels in and around Rome. What determines which is the best depends on your budget.
Below are several options, ranging from least expensive to most expensive (and consequently from least convenient to most convenient).
1. Regional train from FCO to Tuscolana station. From there you can access underground Metro line A to Termini station or anywhere else in Rome. Ticket costs 5 Euro. For more info: http://www.adr.it/content.asp?Subc=1362&L=1&idMen=731. Click on the Schedule from FCO to Stazione Tiburtina and return
2. Leonardo Express Train - Leaves Fiumicino airport every 30 minutes. Travel time is 35 minutes to Termini station with no stops in between. cost is 11 Euro. For more info and schedule see: http://www.adr.it/content.asp?SUBC=1361&L=3&IDMEN=731
3. Rome taxi - Use only authorized taxis. These are white, have built in meters, and are found at the arrivals area of each terminal. The fare offered by Roman city cabs is 40,00, including luggage for a max of 4 people as long as the destination is within the Aurelian walls which mark the "center of Rome". Fares offered by Fiumicino local cabs is higher, 60 Euros so be sure to check where your cab is from and agree on the rate before you step inside. The local telephone number for taxi service is 06 3570.4. Shuttle transfer - These are most convenient as the driver waits for you as you exit customs with your name written on a sign. They help with luggage, and deliver you to the doorstep of wherever you need to go. Rates are generally 40 Euro for a shuttle, or 55 if you prefer a private ride. Sometimes you will have a private ride at the shuttle rate whether you request it or not. We recommend Roma Shuttle at www.romashuttle.com.
- What is the best way to change currency in Rome?
There are several options for changing money in Rome. The currency adopted by Italy and most European countries is the Euro. For the most up to date conversions with global currencies see www.xe.com. In our experience, the best way to get access to cash in Rome is by ATM withdrawal, using a debit or credit card. A debit card that functions like a credit card is ideal and gives you access to your money at both ATMs and inside banks, without the finance charges that result when using a credit card. Banks with ATMs are located all over the city. Sometimes certain banks are not on the international wire, so if you have trouble at one bank keep trying until you find one that accepts your card. Be sure and check with your local bank about any charges for international withdrawals.
If you do want to bring money with you, we recommend purchasing travelers checks. Most stores will not accept them, so you will have to exchange them at a bank or the American Express offices in Rome or Italy.
Do not carry large amounts of cash around the streets of Rome or Italy. Although Italy is a safe country, theft is common, especially among tourists.- Should I carry my passport with me at all times?
There is no need to carry your passport around the city with you. Make a photocopy and have that with you in case of emergency, but leave the originals at the hotel safe, they will be much safer there.
- What are some fun activities in Rome for small children?
With all the churches, museums and historical sites you will want to see in Rome, when traveling with small children it is a good idea to break up some of the hard core sightseeing with a few attractions and outdoor activities designed for kids.
Parks: Villa Borghese - 65 acres of grounds belonging to the 17th Century aristocrat Cardinal Scipione Borghese. Here you will find grassy areas, beautiful overlooks of the city, caffes, gelateria, a zoo, bicycle rentals for adults and children, picnic areas, a playground, and often a puppet theatre in operation. Closest Metro stations are Spagna and Flaminio (Metro line A).
Luna Park: Set in the EUR section of Rome, this amusement park boasts a Ferris wheel, merry go round, bumper cars, roller coaster, and many more activities to keep your little ones entertained.
Address: Via delle Tre Fontane, tel 06 592 5933 Opening hours are Monday to Thursday, 3 pm - 8 p.m. ; Friday, 3 pm - midnight; Saturday 3 pm - 2 amParco della Caffarella - This park sprawls across the Appian way and offers a wonderful escape from the chaos of Rome. There are streams, hills, ancient remains of the roman aqueducts, and best of all there is lush green that stretches as far as the eye can see. Animals graze in the park, and there is a small farm house that makes and sells fresh cheeses, eggs, etc. A lovely place to picnic.
Closest Metro station: Colli Albani (Metro line A)
Website available in English at http://www.parcoappiaantica.org/en/default.asp
Children's museum of Rome:
Museo dei Bambini di Roma - Although much of the material is in Italian only, kids will dig this museum and its interesting exhibits touching on the creation of life, the body, transportation, the environment, etc.
Via Flaminia, 82 - closest metro station Flaminia (Metro Line A) Piazza del Popolo
Tuesday -Friday 9:30 - 11:30 am and 3-5 pm.
Saturday, Sunday and holidays 10:00 to 12:00 and 3-5:00 pm
Website available in English: http://www.mdbr.it/inglese/- Is there any English language entertainment in Rome?
Yes, especially during tourist season. You will find several cinemas that offer films in English such as the Metropolitan, Warner Village Moderno, and Nuovo Olimpia. English language theatre is also common in Rome. For full up-to-date details of what's on in Rome, see www.inromenow.com.
- Is Rome's public transport dangerous? Is it hard to navigate?
For the most part, no. Certain bus lines that cover touristy routes like the 64 or 40 going from Termini Station to the Vatican can be packed and it is not uncommon to find gypsies, tramps and/or thieves on them. If you keep your belongings well concealed and keep a firm hand over your handbag, wallet, etc at all times, there is no reason for you to become a victim. Note that money belts are useless if you hang them around your neck outside clothing. Same goes for cameras and camcorders. Keep these well out of sight to avoid tempting any potential predators. Sometimes despite the best of efforts, thieves get the best of people. Don't beat yourself up if it happens. They are very good at what they do and it is not uncommon for even the wisest of Romans to fall victim.
For more information on Rome's Bus and metro lines, the official website is www.atac.roma.it (only available in Italian). For extensive information in English on transportation in Rome, see the Slow Travel website at http://www.slowtrav.com/italy/rome_transportation/index.htm
- How can I find schedules and prices for trains in Italy?
At http://www.trenitalia.com/en/index.html you will find all the information you could ever want or need regarding trains in Italy. You can purchase tickets online, compare fares, browse schedules, and now they even offer car rental service through Maggiore rentals.
- What is the best area for shopping in Rome?
That depends what you want to buy, and how much you want to spend.
For designer shopping in Rome, the area around the Spanish Steps (Via Condotti, Via delle Carrozze, Via della Croce, Via del Babuino, etc) is where you will find Gucci, Prada, Versace, Bulgari, Missoni, and the like.
The nearby area of Via del Corso (leads from Piazza Venezia all the way to Piazza del Popolo) is full of shops with a broad variety of merchandise to suit all budgets. Trendy clothes, shoes, gadgets, linens, cosmetics, souvenirs, etc can all be purchased here.
If you prefer to get a bit off the beaten path, Via Cola di Rienzo (Vatican area) Via Marconi (Ostiense/Testaccio area on Metro line B) and Via Tuscolana (Southeast of center, along Metro line A) are also great areas for shopping. You will find fewer tourists and most likely better prices than the Via del Corso.
If you are looking for religious souvenirs, the area surrounding the Vatican is the best place to shop. Along the Borgo Pio there are several stores that sell these items in bulk at much lower prices than you would find in some of the shops right along the main access route between St. Peter's Basilica and the Vatican Museum entrance.
Rome's street markets can be a great place to purchase stylish clothes at modest prices.
Sales are infrequent in Rome but if you happen to be visiting during the months of July or January you will find prices slashed up to 50% on merchandise from the outgoing season.
There are two main outlet malls that are worth visiting, and both are outside Rome. One is in CastelRomano (http://castelromano.mcarthurglen.it/index.php?lang=en ) and the other one in Valmontone (http://www.valmontone-outlet.com). Both have provided for many a happy shopping experience among When in Rome staffers :)
- What are some good day trips from Rome?
There are several day trips that can be taken using Rome as a home base.
1. Tivoli. Tivoli is only about a 40 minute drive from Rome. It has been named part of the UNESCO patrimony and has some lovely villas and ancient ruins to visit.
The Villa D'Este, a 16th century villa created by cardinal Ippolito II D'Este should not be missed. The palace and grounds are breathtaking and include over 400 fountains that are still in working order and works by Gianlorenzo Bernini (added after the original completion of the villa).
Villa Adriana or Hadrian's Villa dates back to the 2nd century A.D. and was commissioned and partially designed by emperor Hadrian. Much of the original architecture and many of the gardens are still intact despite the many environmental and deliberate damage inflicted over the centuries.
Villa Gregoriana was built to defend the town of Tivoli from the frequent flooding of the Aniene river. The villa is actually an accessory to a hydraulic structure built to change the course of the river and on its grounds there are ancient ruins and an acropolis, a great waterfall, caves, and numerous dramatic overlooks.
Practical information on how to get there and more can be found at: http://goeurope.about.com/cs/italy/p/villa_deste.htm
2. Ostia Antica.
An Ancient Roman city situated at the mouth of the Tiber River about 30 km West of Rome. According to ancient scripture, Ostia was founded by the fourth king of Rome, Ancus Marcus in the late 7th century B.C., later becoming a naval base and eventually the main commercial harbor of Rome. Emperors over the years built both the harbor and the city up to Imperial standards and much of the architecture is still intact today.
Ostia can be reached by taking the "Ostia Lido" train from Piramide or Magliana (Metro line B).
3. Pompeii.
A bit far for a day trip (about 3.5 hours each way), but if a day trip from Rome is all you can spend, it can be done.
This ancient city was destroyed when Mt. Vesuvius erupted on August 24 in the year 79 A.D. Ash that was deposited from the eruption covered the city to such an extent that it wasn't until 1748 that excavations began to reveal Pompeii, an ancient city frozen in time.
Pompeii is located to the Southeast of Rome past Naples. To get there, take the train from Termini station to Napoli Centrale (www.trenitalia.it ), then change to the local Circumvesuviana train to Pompei Scavi. More information on Pompeii is available at the official website: www.pompeiisites.org.
4. Castelgandolfo and Lake Albano.
A short train ride (30 minutes) from Termini Station will take you south of Rome to Castelgandolfo and the Albano lake. This is where the Papal summer residence is located and is the spot where the Pope generally gives his weekly audiences during the months of July and August when the Rome heat can be too severe.
The lake can provide for a cool haven from the city during the hot summer months. Pedal boats can be rented as well as bicycles and scooters for exploring the nearby areas.
5. Assisi.
This is a long day trip (2.5 hours each way) but worth it to visit the pristine Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi. Assisi is the birthplace of St. Francis, who founded the Franciscan religious order back in 1208. Assisi is now a UNESCO World heritage site, largely due to the The Basilica of San Francesco d'Assisi which was begun just after the canonization of the saint in 1228 and completed in 1253. Inside the church are frescoes by the artists Cimabue and Giotto. A 1997 earthquake caused extensive damage to the basilica and claimed the lives of four people. In 1999, the restored basilica re-opened to the public.
To get there from Rome, take the Roma-Ancona train line and change trains at Foligno. From there take a train bound for Perugia and get off at Santa Maria degli Angeli. From there you will need to catch a bus to the center of town.- How many days should I spend in Rome?
If possible, at least four. One day to get oriented/sleep off jet lag, one to visit the Ancient monuments, One to focus on the Vatican, and one for Baroque Rome. More if shopping, parks, and/or other museums are on your to-do list. If you absolutely must see Rome in one or two days, know that you will be missing out on much of what this amazing city has to offer.
- How can I avoid looking like a tourist in Italy?
Top ten signs Italians use to recognize tourists:
1. Ordering cappuccino after 11:00 AM
2. Guide book in hand
3. Camera around neck
4. Money belt outside clothing
5. Skirt with sneakers
6. Skirt with flip-flops
7. Shorts
8. Maps in hand
9. Tank tops/short sleeves/shorts before the month of June or after September
10. sneakers
- What kind of weather can I expect in Rome?
Rome has a mild climate. It rarely if ever reaches freezing. Winters are short, lasting from about the end of November to the end of February. By mid-April, days are mostly sunny and a jacket is really only necessary at night. Come June, temperatures begin to soar. July and August can bring oppressive heat to the city, while September through November are
pleasantly warm during the day and cooler at night.
For specific information on weather forecasting in Rome, see http://wwwa.accuweather.com/world-index-forecast.asp?partner=accuweather&traveler=0&loccode=EUR|IT|IT007|ROME