Rome, City of Eternal Love

Currency: Euro

Language: Italian

Tax Refund: Can be done together on your final departure from European Union

From Airport / Train Station to the City

The main airport in Rome is known as Leonardo da Vinci Fiumicino International Airport, it is also the airport where most international flights arrive. While a taxi ride to the city will cost a flat 48 Euro and taking around 45 mins, you can also take the Leonardo Express that leaves every 30 minutes to Roma Termini. Tickets will cost 14 Euro. Remember to validate your ticket before heading on if not you will incur a hefty fine.

The Roma Termini, which is the city main train station is located right in town. Here you can connect to the metro or buses that will take you to anywhere in the city.

Attractions

The Pantheon

One of the most photographed and well known icon in the eternal city it is also one of the must visit in this city. A classic example of the roman tributes, this is a temple and church with close to two thousand years of history and establishment. It is also the final resting place of Rahpael’s. It is open daily from 9am to 7.30pm. The dome is impressive too.

Piazza Navona

The plaza were everyone knows about and the place for all the happenings and hype. It is also the main meeting place in town. It is beautifully decorated with fountains and bricks flooring. The square or plaza is then surrounded with restaurants and bars. The place have been established in 1 A.D. the classic 17th century fountain in the middle is a must photograph.

Colosseum

Classic linkage that people will think of when Rome is being mentioned. I don’t think that anyone would not know this place. It is the most well-known and recognizable icon of this city. This is also the most well-known roman site and gladiatorial site in the world. The tickets cost 15.50 Euros.

Arc de Constantin

A historic landmark of the city, this is to celebrate the triumph of the Roman Empire victory in the battle of Milvian Bridge in 312. That simply shows how long it has been and how important this arch is. It is also a famous filming site in many shows. This place is definitely worthy of a visit. It is located right next to the Colosseum.

Piazza della Repubblica

Known as the loveliest plaza in Rome, the vibes here are extremely great and romantic. Even if you are alone it is still a must visit. The fountain in the centre of the plaza is super fantastic and even in the night there is an alternative vibes and feel to it.

Trevi Fountain

Need there be any more introduction to this place. It is the fountain that stands for Rome. While people do not rely on the water for survival anymore it is more of a meeting place now. The myth and typical believe here is that if you back face the fountain and throw a coin while making a wish over your left shoulder, it will come true and you will also return to this place in the future. The sculpture here is extremely detailed and they have been built since 1762.

Santa Maria della Vittoria

A roman church built in 1620 that is dedicated to the Virgin Mary it is well known for the masterpiece of Gian Lorenzo Bernini in the Cornaro Chapel, the Ecstasy of Saint Teresa. It is also one of the filming site of the movie Angels and Demons.

Spanish Steps

The well-known Spanish steps in town. It is a staircase, it is also a well-known meeting place for the people in rome. Here it’s often crowded, with many people meeting people and siting on the steps, enjoying the sun. The fountain in front of the steps is also famous, and shaped like a ship. If you wish you could definitely drink from it. Leading to the steps is also the famed shopping district in Rome, Via dei Condotti. This street is full of boutiques that you can think of.

Sistine Chapel

This place is in fact in another country called Vatican. It is one of the most famous place in the world and a main filming site in Angels & Demons. A Catholic Church, it is the official residence of the pope.

Ponte Sant’Angelo

The ancient bridge built over 2000 years ago by Emperor Hadrian, it leads to the Sant’ Angelo castle. The castle consists of amazing impressive marble fascias and cravings. It is also known as the Bridge of Angels.

Campo de’ Fiori market

A popular outdoor market in a public square, it is selling the freshest fruits and vegetables. There is also an amazing flower section. It is one of the best place to see the local romans lives. The market is only open in the morning, so be early, it is also closed on Sundays.

The Roman Forum

Via della Salaria Vecchia, 5/6, Roma

The heart and now ruins of the great Roman Empire, this place was once the greatness and might of the rulers. With many of them dating back more than 2000 years. The place has its character and is super gorgeous. The site is open to public after November 25th. If you would like a view of the whole place from height, it is always visible from Via dei Fori Imperiali.

Restaurants

Al Piccolo Arancio

Vicolo Scanderbeg, 112, 00187 Roma, Italy

Within steps of the Trevi Fountain, it is the place that serves up good, old fashion Italian food right in the heart of the city, but without the tourist prices. Their pasta and especially the homemade ravioli is much recommended. It is closed on Mon, on other days it is open from 12pm to 3pm and from 7pm to midnight.

Il Gelato di San Crispino

Via della Panetteria, 42, 00187 Roma, Italy

One of the spot to get the best gelato in Rome. When in Rome you could always find gelato and ice cream around almost every corner. But to get the authentic, house made ones is a totally different story, San Crispino is one of the most traditional place to grab one, it is located near to the Trevi Fountain. It is open daily from 11am till late. Some of the special and recommended flavours includes the Walnut & Fig and Ginger & Cinnamon.

Bar Pompi

Via della Croce, 82, 00187 Roma, Italy

When in Italy, the one dessert that you got to have besides handmade artisan gelato is tiramisu. Bar Pompi serves up the most famous tiramisu in Rome. Always expect crowds to be here. A cup of coffee here together with the tiramisu cake, it is perfect. It is open daily from 11am to 9.30pm from Sun to Thurs and from 10.30am to 11.30pm. Besides the original tiramisu they also have a couple of twist and creations.

Gelateria Della Palma

Via della Maddalena 19/23, 00186 Rome – Italy

If you are talking about ice cream and something that is fit for the roman royalty, Della Palma is the place to be. It can be said as the king of gelato in Rome and probably in the world. The only bad side here is the ability to choose, since there is more than 150 flavours to choose from on a daily basis. It is open daily from 8.30am to 12.30am.

Ristorante Calabascio

Via Properzio, 20/22/24, Rome, Italy 00193 Roma

Located between the Vatican City and Rome, it is an Italian restaurant with focus on Mediterranean flair. It is modern yet with authentic cooking inputs. It is open daily from 11.30am to Midnight. Prices are fair. They also have handmade fresh pasta available.

Frigidarium

Via del Governo Vecchio, 112, 00186 Roma

One of the best Gelato located near the gorgeous Piazza Navona and Pantheon, so plan out your route and itinerary accordingly. Costing 2EUR for small cone with 2 flavours, comes with free whipped cream or chocolate dip. Open from 10am till 1am.

Giolitti

Via degli Uffici del Vicario, 40, 00186 Roma

Known as the best gelato in Rome, a hot favourite with a really beautiful seating area in a very grand and old interior deco style. A stone throw away from the Pantheon, it has a wide selection of flavours, but definitely crowded with tourists. Cost 3,50EUR for a medium cone with 3 flavours, it also comes with whipped cream. Open all day from 7am to 1.30am.