You'll be literally tripping over history while you're in Rome; there are tons of museums, churches and other architectural/historical delights to explore.
However, if you asked any foreigner the two things Rome’s probably most famous for (apart from football), he or she’d probably name the Pope/the Vatican and the Colosseum.
Main Tourist Sights
Find a comprehensive list of the major sights as well as further info on tours and accommodation by visiting the www.enjoyrome.com, a website run by an independent tourist office offering a variety of services to independent travellers in Rome.
Getting Around Generally
Rome’s city centre is divided into distinct blocks. The warren of streets that makes up the Centro Storico (Historic Centre) occupies the hook of land on the east bank of the River Tiber, bordered to the east by Via del Corso and to the north and south by water. From here, Rome’s central core spreads east: across Via del Corso to the major shopping streets and alleys around the Spanish Steps and Roman Forum and Palatine Hill.
The west bank of the river is oddly distanced from the main hum of the city, home to the Vatican and St. Peter’s and, to the south of these, Trastevere - even in ancient times a distinct entity from the city proper, as well as nowadays a focus for nightlife.
The best way to get around central Rome is to walk. That said, public transport is both reliable and cheap. Crossing a street can be a challenge though!
Getting Around By Public Transport
Rome has an integrated public transport system, so the same Metrobus ticket (www.metrobus.it) is valid for all modes of transport. Don’t forget to validate your tickets though, or you could be faced with a €100 fine.
There are two lines, crossing at Termini Station. Line A (red line) runs northwest past the Vatican, and south. Line B (blue line) runs southwest past the Colloseum and northeast. Line A stops running at 9pm
The metro is the most punctual form of public transport and can get extremely crowded, so be aware of pickpockets.
Tram
The tram routes mostly skirt the centre, but there are stops convenient for the Vatican, the Colosseum and the Trastevere area. The number 8 does run into the centre, not far from the Pantheon. The number 2 tram from just north of the Piazza del Popolo will go to the stadium.
Bus
Roman buses are not known for running on strict or reliable schedules! Maps of the bus system are available for purchase (€3.50 from the train station). Bus stops list the stops of the bus, but without a map, you will have a hard time using the city buses. Drivers try to be helpful, but most are not fluent in English. It helps if you have a grasp of basic Italia.
Getting Around By Car
Roman traffic is chaotic, so it is better to use public transport, if possible. Another alternative is to rent a scooter which costs approx €40 a day, ensuring you have the valid documents required.
Getting Around By Taxi
Taxis are costly. You can hail one down in the street or try the ranks at Termini station, Piazza Venezia, Piazza San Sivestro; alternatively call +39 (0)6.3570; +39 (0)6.5551, Roma Sud - +39 (0)6.6645, La Capitale - +39 (0)6 4994, Cosmos - +39 (0)6 88177 to book one
Be warned that when you phone for a taxi, the cab’s meter starts running when it is summoned, not when it arrives to pick you up, so by the time the cab arrives at your location it may already have a substantial amount on the meter. You can get a taxi pretty easily at any Piazza so calling ahead is not really necessary.
