Traveling to Rome on your own, tips for all occasions. What else to see in Rome? Rome tourist routes for independent travel

Having visited here recently, I understood why: magnificent architecture, where different centuries and eras are intertwined, delicious cuisine, greenery everywhere and, oddly enough, the absence of the noise typical of big cities.

If you are planning a trip to Rome on your own for a weekend, then below I suggest you consider the possible walking routes around the city, which we compiled for our trip.

I will not talk in detail about the attractions, because there are a large number of competent sites on the Internet where you can find absolutely any information you are interested in. Let this article be a so-called beacon on a trip to Rome, but nothing more.

What to see in Rome on your own

I would like to note right away that 3 days will be enough to see the basic minimum of attractions in Rome. If you want to see something different, then you should come here more than once or initially focus on visiting non-tourist places.

So, let's get started with walking route around the Eternal City.

Day 1

via Margutta / Piazza del Popolo / Villa Borghese / Castel Sant'Angelo / Piazza Navona / Fontana Trevi

We arrived in Rome from Verona at 10 am and immediately took the metro to the hotel. Having left our things there, without wasting any time, we set off to explore the city.

Every day new useful information about independent travel in Italy on my Instagram account

Our hotel was located literally a couple of tens of meters from the famous Plaza de España(Piazza Spagna), on a very picturesque and cozy street of Margutta (via Margutta).

Via Margutta
via Margutta

Via Margutta, famous for its art shops and studios, and also because a scene from the film “Roman Holiday” with Audrey Hepburn was filmed in one of its courtyards. At different times, famous artists, antique dealers, and actors lived here. For example, the famous Italian director Federico Fellini, writer Gianni Rodari, artist Giorgio de Chirico.

Not far from Via Margutta there is another famous square - Piazza del Popolo, which translated into Russian means “People's Square”.

Piazza del Popolo
Piazza del Popolo

It is on this square that the three main arteries of the city come together: the streets

via del Babuino
via Ripetta
via del Corso

A special decoration of the square are the churches of Santa Maria in Montesanto and Santa Maria dei Miracoli located here, as well as the Egyptian obelisk, which is the oldest and second tallest in Rome. If you look closely, you will see that it is completely covered with inscriptions that praise the deeds of Pharaoh Ramses II.

Villa Borghese
Villa Borghese

From Piazza del Popolo you can climb to Piazza Napoleon I, from where you can see panoramic view of the Eternal City. Rising a little higher you will find yourself in Villa Borghese park, where walking along the alleys you can forget that you are in a large metropolis.

It is quiet, calm here, and in the shade of centuries-old trees you can enjoy the fresh air, and also, if you are lucky, see the parrots that live here along with other birds.

The park is very large, so you can rent a rickshaw or a Segway.

One of the park's paths will definitely lead you to a picturesque garden by the lake, made in the English style.

Here you can rent a boat or just walk around it.

Pay attention to the shores; in sunny weather, aquatic turtles crawl out to bask on the pebbles.

Walking through the park you can see statue of Alexander Sergeevich Pushkin, kindly donated to the city by the Russian Embassy in Rome.

Castle Sant'Angelo
Castel Sant'Angelo

After having a snack at one of the restaurants* located near Piazza del Popolo, we went to Castel Sant'Angelo. It's not a great walk, but if you have the desire and time, why not go there along the banks of the Tiber?

* about where exactly, read below

Built as a mausoleum for emperors, during its almost 2 thousand history, the Castle of St. Angel managed to be the residence of the Pope, a prison, and currently houses the Military History Museum.

The best way to look at Castel Sant'Angelo is from the opposite bank; to do this, you need to cross an equally beautiful bridge, on the sides of which there are statues... If you consider yourself to be a photography enthusiast, then here you can take some very beautiful views.

Here you can also meet large sea gulls who will happily pose for you)

By the way, the castle is a 10-minute walk from the Vatican)

Piazza Navona.
Piazza Navona

Crossing the Ponte Sant'Angelo, on the way back to the hotel, we found ourselves in another square in Rome - Piazza Navona. One source describes her as the most elegant square in the city. It is a kind of “living room”: it is very cozy, calm and picturesque. This is probably why locals and tourists choose it as a meeting place... Along the perimeter there are bars, restaurants and gelaterias, where you can buy ice cream and sit on one of the benches, enjoy its architecture or, for example, relax and indulge in your own thoughts to the sound of the water of the fountains .

The square contains architectural monuments of two famous Italian architects, who were once great rivals: Church of Saint Agnese in Agone(la chiesa di Sant’Agnese in Agone) works Francesco Borromini(Francesco Borromini) and river fountain(la Fontana dei Fiumi) Gian Lorenzo Bernini(Gian Lorenzo Bernini).
The Fountain of Rivers features sculptures of four people, symbolizing the great rivers known at that time of the four continents:

Danube
Rio de la Plata

According to one of the legends, Gian Lorenzo Bernini depicted the Nile statue with his hand covering his eyes to express his dislike of the church of Santa Agnese in Agone located opposite.

This remains a legend, because according to existing data, the construction of the fountain was completed even before the church was built.
Associated with the rivalry between Borromini and Bernini another legend. Supposedly the statue, personifying the Rio de la Plata River, is depicted with a raised hand to protect itself from the possible fall of the bell tower and dome of the Church.

I can say with absolute certainty that Piazza Navona will remain in my memory as one of the most beautiful places in Rome.

Trevi Fountain
Fontana di Trevi

After dinner* we went to see the famous Trevi Fountain, which is located literally 10 minutes walk from Plaza España and is one of the main points of the program travel to Rome. What to say? It amazes with its beauty.

Built in the Rococo style between 1732 and 1762 by two Italian architects Nicolo Salvi and Giuseppe Pannini. The Trevi Fountain was and probably still is a favorite setting for filming.

One of the scenes of the legendary Federico Fellini’s film “La Dolce Vita” (“La dolce vita”) was filmed here, in which Anita Ekberg’s heroine, dressed in an elegant black dress, enters the fountain and leaves behind Marcello Mastroianni…

From 2014 to 2015, the Trevi Fountain was closed for reconstruction, which was carried out under the leadership of the famous fashion house Fendi.

They say that to return to Rome you need to say goodbye throw a coin at him . If you looking for great love , and as sources indicate, possibly of Italian nationality, you need to throw not one, but several coins in order to ultimately be sure that you will soon tie the knot...

And finally, I would like to note that we came to see the Trevi Fountain during the day, but still agreed that it was magnificent against the backdrop of the night sky.

On this wonderful note, our first day in Rome came to an end and there was a new day ahead and a visit to the famous Vatican Museums and St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican, but more on that in the next article).

Where to eat in Rome

The traditional cuisine of Rome is represented by a huge number of dishes that you can read about.
Here I will leave the names and websites of those places where you can inexpensive and tasty food in Rome.

Everyone has their own concept of inexpensive, so I’ll give you the prices. A meal for two cost us an average of 35-50 euros.

Via Margutta
via Margutta

Osteria Margutta

The magnificent design, reminiscent of theatrical scenery, attracts attention and invites art lovers like me to visit.
The history of the osteria is closely connected with the name of its founder - musical and theatrical impresario Pietro Gabrielli. Thanks to his love of art and cuisine, as well as his collaboration with the literary magazine “il Caffè”, he has made the osteria a meeting place for many writers, artists, directors and actors.

There were: Italo Calvino, Giorgio di Quirico, Pier Paolo Pasolini, Natalia Ginzburg, Peppino de Filippo, Federico Fellini. Evidence of their connection with the osteria today are the nameplates that are attached to the backs of the chairs.

Piazza del Popolo
Piazza del Popolo

Trattoria e pizzeria Dal Pollarollo 1936

The trattoria is located a stone's throw from Piazza del Popolo
Since its foundation it has belonged to the Serpilli family. In 1936, it was discovered by grandmother Palmira (nonna Palmira). Management then passed to her son Augusto, who owned a chicken shop next door to the trattoria, which gave the trattoria its name. Today the trattoria is run by Agusta's daughter Ludovina, her husband Tonino and brother Alessendro.

Piazza Spain
Piazza Spagna

Hostaria al 31

The osteria is located on one of the streets next to the magnificent Plaza de España. Despite the location in the very center of the city, prices here are quite reasonable.
For more than 30 years, the osteria has been run by cousins Angelo and Umberto.

How to get to Rome

By plane

The fastest way to get there to Rome from Moscow or other cities in Russia - use the services of air carriers. All major Russian carriers fly from Moscow to Rome, as well as the Italian Alitalia and many other foreign airlines. I usually look for flight offers on the official websites of carriers or on skyscanner or ozontravel.

From Verona Airport to Rome Flights of the Italian company Alitalia depart every day. Flight time is just over an hour.

By train

If you are already in Italy and want to get to Rome, then probably the easiest and most profitable way is to use the services of the railway.

Since December 2015 from Verona began to go to Rome direct high-speed trains Italo. Three hours on the road at a speed of up to 300 km/h and you are in the capital of Italy. I really like traveling with this company because... There is always the opportunity to buy tickets at a very attractive price, taking advantage of numerous promotions, which the company organizes almost every week.
We managed to travel to Rome for 40 euros (round trip) in a first class carriage!
It is worth noting that these trains are very comfortable, but if you suffer from motion sickness on public transport, then take pills or bracelets just in case.
The Italian railway Trenitalia also provides transportation to Rome. Ticket prices and directions can be found on the company’s official website.

How to see all the most important things in the capital of Italy and at the same time have time to enjoy the unique atmosphere of the eternal city in 3 days? This article contains detailed routes, ticket prices and opening hours of attractions. If you are traveling to Rome for 1 day or 2 days, then simply choose the appropriate route: the ancient city, the central part or the Vatican. Prepare for your trip in advance and find out what to see in Rome in 3 days.

Ticket prices and visiting hours for museums and attractions are presented for 2019.

1 day in Rome

Start your walk around the city from the main thing and see the Colosseum in Rome. This is the most iconic Roman landmark, without visiting which it is impossible to imagine the capital of Italy.

It is better to combine the three main sites of ancient Roman civilization, including the Palatine and the Roman Forum, in one walk, especially since you can buy a single ticket to visit them, and they are located not far from each other.

The easiest way to get to Colosseo Square is by metro. You need to get off at the station of the same name. When you go up, you will immediately see a huge (by ancient Roman standards) arena with many arches - this is the famous Colosseum. Examine it from the outside, go inside. This structure was truly the largest in the history of the ancient world.

The amphitheater is open from April to September daily from 9.00 to 19.00, from March to April - from 9.00 to 17.00, from January to March - from 9.00 to 16.00, from October to January - from 9.00 to 15.00.

Next to the Colosseum is the ancient Palatine Hill, in the vastness of which there are ancient temples, buildings and structures. Some of them are perfectly preserved, while others only have columns left.

It was from this hill that the history of the eternal city began, so visiting it is a must to get acquainted with the history of Rome.

Palatine opening hours: from 8.30 to 17.00 daily, and from March to September until 19.00.

Roman forum

Another center of ancient Roman civilization is the Roman Forum (Forum Romanum). It is here that the main buildings of the ancient city are concentrated, which over time turned into delightful ruins. However, according to the outlines of many of them, the architecture of the ancient city is easily reproduced in the imagination. Having climbed to the top of the slope, take in the entire area at one glance and take a photo as a souvenir.

Visiting hours: from 8.30 to 17.00 daily, and from March to September until 19.00.

Tickets

Don't be put off by having to stand in a long line. Buy a single ticket at the Palatine Hill ticket office, located on Via di San Gregorio, number 30, or Piazza Santa Maria Nova, number 53 (only 200 m from the Colosseum), or at Forum box office. This ticket is valid for 24 hours and allows you to enter all three attractions without queuing. It costs 12 Euros per adult and is free for children under 18 years of age.

Most likely, visiting these large-scale historical sites will take you the first half of the day. To gain strength, you can have lunch at an authentic restaurant not far from the Forum and go past the Altar of the Fatherland for a walk to Piazza Venezia, and from there to the Capitoline Hill.

Venice Square (Piazza Venezia) is famous for the palace of the same name, from the balcony of which Mussolini spoke to citizens. Currently, it houses the National Museum of Palazzo Venezia, as well as the Cere Wax Museum. Opening hours: daily, except Mondays, from 8.30 to 19.30. The ticket costs 5 Euro.

On the way to Piazza Venice there is the Altar of the Fatherland (Altare della Patria) or Vittoriano (Il Vittoriano). This is a memorial erected by the architect G. Sakonni for the anniversary of the unification of Italy. First opened in 1911, its construction took 26 years.

In the center of the memorial stands a monument to Victor Emmanuel II, made of bronze. You can reach the Altar via a wide staircase.

By taking the elevator for 7 Euros to the observation deck, you can admire the wonderful view of the city.

Capitol Hill and museums

Further along the route – (Monte Capitolino). The main attractions in this place are Michelangelo's staircase, which is decorated with sculptures of lions brought from the Egyptian temple of the goddess Isis, as well as majestic statues from the Theater of Pompeii. In the central part of the square there is a statue of Marcus Aurelius.

Here you can visit three palaces with Capitoline museums and see the original sculpture of the She-Wolf feeding Remus and Romulus, a symbol of the famous legend about the origin of Rome.

Don’t be confused by the similar sculpture at the entrance to the museum, because it is only a copy. Museum opening hours: daily from 9.30 to 19.30, ticket price – 16 Euro. Among them there are museums that can be visited for free.

2 day in Rome

On the second day, you can stroll through the main squares of the city with majestic palaces, luxurious fountains and ancient churches. And, of course, look into the Pantheon in Rome.

Start your walk from Piazza del Popolo. You can get here by metro - you need to get off at the station of the same name. Pause for a moment in this delightful square and admire the Egyptian obelisk and three fountains: Neptune, the Goddess of Rome and the central fountain. The Church of Santa Maria del Popolo is also located here.

Along the way, turn slightly left to see the famous Spanish Steps (Scalinata di Spagna), dotted with flowers in the summer and tourists enjoying the sunny weather. At the top rises the temple of Trinità dei Monti (Scalinata di Trinità dei Monti).

There is always a festive atmosphere in Piazza di Spagna, especially during the Haute Couture days that take place here every summer.

Which is the official representative of the Consulate General of Italy, providing services for obtaining an Italian visa in Russia. To successfully obtain a visa, you must carefully prepare all documents, including a correctly completed application form, and sign up to submit documents on the visa center website. On the same website you will find a list of documents for an Italian visa and a form to fill out.

You can receive some of the documents listed in the list directly at the Visa Center when submitting documents (insurance and a receipt for payment of the consular fee), the rest you must prepare in advance. Regarding hotel reservations for an Italy visa, it is usually sufficient to provide a booking confirmation from booking.com. Just make sure that it contains the name of the person who is applying for the visa. If the reservation is made for another person, then the names of other guests must be indicated in the additional list of occupants of the room.

What to take with you to Italy

Copies of documents. Copies of important documents will help to avoid many problems in case of loss of your passport.

Clothes: layering and matching. Try to choose things for your trip so that they can be easily combined with each other. This principle will help you save a lot of space and kilograms in your luggage. Another useful rule is layering. While Roman weather in summer is quite predictable, during cooler periods it is worth taking several layers of clothing to be able to adapt to possible weather surprises throughout the day. In addition, you will make your life much easier if you take things that do not require the use of an iron.

Clothes for visiting the basilica. When visiting Roman churches, you will need modest clothing that covers your arms and legs up to the knees (this is especially true in the summer - you may simply not be allowed in in short shorts and bare shoulders). For such situations, it is convenient to have a stole or a wide scarf with you.

Be mindful of the season. If you are planning a trip to Rome in the summer, do not forget about sun protection: a hat, sunglasses and cosmetics with UV filters are required. In winter and early spring, an umbrella, waterproof shoes and a warm scarf will come in handy.

Comfortable, versatile shoes. Medieval paving stones do not go well with high stilettos. Therefore, if you are planning a busy program and walking tours around Rome (and without them you will not understand and feel this city), you need comfortable shoes. Additionally, minimize your baggage by choosing shoes that are versatile and, if possible, go with all or most outfits.

Technique. Don't forget chargers for your mobile devices and cameras. Check in advance if the hotel has a hairdryer and iron (if you need one). A hairdryer is usually not a problem, but using an iron in some hotels may require a fee.

SIM card for travel. Stay connected and avoid overpaying roaming charges during your trip to Rome. allows you to communicate with loved ones and use the Internet at special rates.

Hotels in Rome

On the one hand, Rome, as a major tourist center, offers a huge selection of hotels and apartments. On the other hand, it is very difficult to make a really good choice among them. “Star rating” is not a determining indicator of the quality of a Roman hotel, so when choosing a place it is better to pay attention to reviews.

There are a lot of mini-hotels and B&Bs in Rome, which are often converted apartments in ordinary residential buildings in the city center. If you are looking for an inexpensive hotel in Rome, then these options can help you out, as they usually cost much less than chain hotels. However, carefully read the reviews before making your choice. Pay attention to the description of the living conditions - many budget options offer amenities “on the floor”, that is, other guests will use them besides you. This option may not suit you. Also keep in mind that most budget hotels in the historic city center offer very small rooms.

Research the area, its safety and proximity to attractions of interest. After all, your impressions of the city largely depend on what part of Rome you will live in. We have prepared .Considering that Rome is not a very large city with an incredible number of tourists, finding a good budget hotel in Rome can be a difficult but very important task.

On the popular resource booking.com you can find different accommodation options - from budget mini-hotels and B&B to luxury apartments. In any case, you can always find profitable special offers there:

Rome on your own: attractions

Book museum tickets in advance online

To avoid huge queues at the Vatican Museums, take the opportunity to buy a ticket to the Vatican online on the official website.

To visit the famous Borghese Gallery, you will also need to purchase your ticket online. There you can also book tickets to several other museums in Rome.

Official site for booking tickets to the Colosseum.

Read also:

Many of Rome's attractions are completely free!

In Rome you will see works of art, historical monuments, architectural masterpieces and others literally at every turn. This is a grand open-air museum, and even simple walks along the streets of Rome can turn into a fascinating cultural event, especially if you are with . Don't forget to also check out the ancient basilicas (Roman churches) - you'll find unique works of art there that can be viewed completely free of charge! For example, in the church of Santa Maria del Popolo you will find works by Caravaggio, in Santa Maria della Vittoria - a statue of St. Teresa by Bernini, in the temple of San Pietro in Vincoli - a sculpture of Moses created by the great Michelangelo. These are just a few. We will tell you about them and many others in the Travelry guide to Rome. In addition, in the summer, basilicas are a real salvation for diligent travelers who are tired of the heat and long walking - you can calmly sit in them in the cool, “breathe” high art, and think about the eternal.

With a skillful approach, even paid museums can be visited for free. For example, on the last Sunday of every month from 9.00 to 12.30 you can get into the famous Vatican Museums completely free of charge (just be sure to arrive as early as possible before the opening so as not to get stuck in line for a long time). The same opportunity is available on the last Sunday of the month at another Roman museum, the Musei Capitolini.

Take advantage of the cardROMA PASS

Transport in Rome

Rome: how to get there from the airport

You can get to Rome from Fiumicino Airport by taxi, train or bus. If you are traveling in a group of 4 or more people, then a taxi option is quite suitable for you (a trip from the airport to the center of Rome will cost approximately 50 euros). But if, for example, there are two of you, then it will be much more economical to use the Leonardo Express train, which will take you to Termini station in 45 minutes and for 14 euros per person. You can buy a train ticket at the terminal or ticket office at the airport; trains run every 30 minutes. Another (most economical) option to get from the airport to Rome, and also back, is by bus. A one-way trip costs only 4 euros, the trip will take about an hour (unless, of course, there are heavy traffic jams). There are several companies that organize bus services between Rome airports and the city center. The most popular among them is Terravision. If you prefer comfort and certainty, book in advance to ensure quick and easy access to your hotel.

City public transport

Tickets for buses, trams and the metro are purchased in advance - at the ticket office at the entrance to the metro, at Tabaccheria kiosks, and from vending machines at train stations. Inside a bus or tram, this can only be done after 9 pm, and the ticket will be one and a half times more expensive. A single trip ticket (biglietto integrato a tempo) costs €1.50 and is valid for 100 minutes, during which time you can make transfers and change buses and trams. However, this ticket includes only one trip on the metro.

Buses and trams

If you plan to actively use public transport in Rome, you will need the Roma Bus app, available on the Play Market and App Store (though only in English).

You must enter a bus or tram through the front or back door, and exit through the middle doors. When entering a bus, tram, or approaching the turnstile in the metro, you must validate your ticket (if the machine on the bus does not work, write down your boarding information with a pen).

Rome Metro

If you are traveling to Rome on your own, then you will most likely need to use the metro. The Rome metro operates from 5:30 to 23:30, and on Saturdays until 0:30. Trains run every 5–10 minutes depending on the time of day.

Taxi in Rome

Taxis in Rome can be found at ranks near tourist spots or called using an app such as Uber. They charge 3 euros for boarding during the day (4.5 euros on weekends) and 6.5 euros at night, 5 euros when ordering through the Uber app. Keep in mind that taxis in Rome have different tariff zones (T1, T2 and T3), and the driver is required to warn you of the tariff change when entering a particular zone (this is also shown on the meter display on the right).

Rent a Car

Cafes and restaurants

Be prepared for the fact that in many Roman cafes and restaurants such a mysterious item as coperto will automatically be included in your bill. Even if you didn’t order any coperto, you shouldn’t be indignant about this, since the Italians use this word to describe the service of table setting and service. Its cost is approximately 2-3 euros and is mandatory (if you refuse service, they will not be able to serve you!) In fact, this is a tip that is initially included in the bill. However, it is not customary to tip waiters separately in Italy.

When choosing a place for lunch and dinner, try to avoid crowded tourist places - there is a high chance of disappointment in them. Study reviews and look for places where Italians themselves eat - this is a kind of sign of the quality of cuisine in a particular place.

Check out ours to find out what Italian cuisine to try in Rome.

Opening hours: Italian siesta

When planning a trip on your own, take into account the opening hours of restaurants and some. Many of them close for several hours during the day. Very often this takes tourists by surprise who are just getting ready to have lunch and are surprised to find that all the restaurants are closed, and they have to wait until the evening. Of course, in popular tourist places there will be cafes that are open without interruption, but firstly, their choice will be small, and secondly, the quality of the cuisine is unlikely to please you (it is also quite possible that lunch will not be very fresh). If you want to have a good meal in Rome, do it with the Romans, adapting to their rhythm of life. Lunch (pranzo) in Italy is taken from approximately 12.00 to 13.00 (in some places until 14.00). After 14.00, restaurant kitchens usually close for a break until 18.30-19.00, when Italian dinner time begins.

Forewarned is forearmed

Keep in mind that by taking photos with professional “gladiators” in front of the Colosseum, you will automatically incur a bill of at least 10 euros. This is exactly the amount the gladiator will ask for as his fee. And if there are several gladiators in your photo, then each of them will ask for this amount. If such expenses are not included in your plans, be able to say a decisive “no” in advance.

If you really like swimming in city fountains, prepare up to 500 “extra” euros in advance - fines for swimming in Roman fountains can reach this amount.

In addition, according to the law, a law was passed in 2008 according to which it is prohibited to eat, drink alcoholic beverages, shout and sleep near historical monuments of Rome. Violators of the order will be fined 50 euros.

Like any tourist city, Rome is full of pickpockets. Therefore, while admiring the beauty of the Eternal City, do not forget about your wallet, keep your bag close to you, and leave documents and valuables in the hotel safe.

Don't be afraid to drink water from fountains

Of course, you can buy water at any kiosk. However, there is an alternative option - you can draw water from any Roman fountain, with the exception of those that have the warning sign “aqua non-potabile”. The water in the Roman water supply (of which the ancient aqueducts are still a part) is quite drinkable and very tasty.

Happy travels!

Communication will make your trip even brighter! Use ours on your trip.

They run (not walk, but rather run) to the Colosseum, then to the Vatican, visit the Capitoline Hill, the Forum, the Baths of Caracalla. After excursions, my head is usually a complete jumble of places, people, paintings, sculptures, pasta, pizza, mozzarella and fountains.

It’s probably right to visit all the places listed, but if you went to Rome together on a romantic trip or just without a goal, Okay THERE will offer you a different route, which you need to take slowly, stopping here and there - for coffee, a glass of wine, pizza, pasta or a portion of delicious ice cream.

You can start your walk from Plaza de España, where there is Spanish steps and cute graceful Barcaccia fountain(Bernini's father). By the way, you can drink water in Rome from every pump and every fountain. There is a tea room next to the Spanish Steps - Tea Room "Babington"s", existing there since 1893. They serve authentic English sandwiches, muffins and excellent tea.

From the Spanish Steps you can continue your way through the small narrow streets of medieval Rome Pantheon, built in 126 AD by Emperor Hadrian on the site of the previous Pantheon erected by Marcus Vipsanius Agrippa, as evidenced by the inscription on the pediment. Since 609 the Pantheon is Catholic Church of St. Mary and Martyrs. The building is extraordinary! To understand the greatness of the Roman Empire, be sure to visit it - the power of this temple is amazing.

Be sure to sit in a cafe near the Pantheon and drink a cappuccino with brioche, for example, with custard. These cafes serve the best espresso and cappuccino in the city; musicians perform in the square, singing Italian and French songs with guitar and accordion.

After taking a break from the Pantheon, go to Campo dei Fiore square- Squares of flowers. Every day (except Sunday) until 14:00 there is a market where they sell vegetables, fruits, meat products, spices, and flowers. Here you can have a snack by buying a sandwich with boiled pork from a local merchant, and in a nearby shop a drink - “Italian cola” Chinotto or Chino, which is made from citrus fruits. You can eat while sitting on the side of the fountain or on the pedestal monument to Giordano Bruno.

The square also houses a self-service cafe with its own bakery, where you can buy a slice of pizza or bruschetta, fresh bread, brioche or a sandwich. You can have lunch across the Tiber River, in the Trastevere area. The Romans themselves have lunch and dinner there; there are many family restaurants in this area with delicious food and attractive prices. To get from Campo dei Fiore to Trastevere, in order to get really hungry, I suggest the following route: Piazza Venezia, Palazzo Orsini, the Jewish ghetto, through the island of Teberina, where the city hospital has been located since the Middle Ages, in which, as they say, they filmed film "The Adventures of Italians in Russia".

After lunch, go to Basilica of Santa Maria in Trastevere, built in the 3rd century (even before the division of the Christian Church into Catholic and Orthodox) with beautiful mosaics inside, and then climb the Janiculum - one of the seven hills of Rome. According to legend, it was on Janiculum that St. Peter was crucified, and from its observation area one can see magnificent view of Rome. Once again descending into the Trastevere area, have an espresso with ice cream or a glass of wine with bruschetta, for example, in a restaurant Sabatini in Trastevere. Italians drink cappuccino only for breakfast, and espresso the rest of the day.

You can complete your walk and daylight in Rome in the Vatican, crossing the invisible border line in St. Peter's Square. Around six-thirty in the evening, St. Peter's Cathedral is almost empty, which is very rare. Without queues and crowds you can admire Pieta by Michelangelo- the only sculpture signed by the master - and rub the foot of the statue of St. Peter “for luck”, making a wish. For dinner, you can go back to the Pantheon area, having previously sent yourself and your loved ones postcard from the Vatican post office.

Rome is best known for its history, which dates back to the eras of Octavian, Julius Caesar and Hadrian, but is also a fast-paced, modern and relevant city, with brilliant designer storefronts, elegant hotels and cutting-edge restaurants. Art lovers will find satisfaction in the artwork housed in the Vatican Museums, while gourmets will enjoy excellent Italian cuisine. Be sure to visit Rome, it is one of the most romantic and inspiring cities in the world.

Travel to Rome on your own

The capital of Italy has stood on its famous seven hills for about three thousand years. The city, nicknamed eternal even before our era, has seen a lot and can surprise many. You will not find such a mixture of different eras and styles anywhere else - in Rome, monuments of antiquity, early Christianity, the Middle Ages, Baroque and Renaissance have been preserved not only as individual objects, but also as entire ensembles. Therefore, a trip to Rome is a real journey into the past.

In this article we will tell you in detail how to plan a trip to Rome on your own.

We are travel experts and know how much time and effort goes into planning each trip. That's why we created a mobile application "Travel planner and guide" for and Android. All attractions, guides and ready-made routes are part of our free mobile application. Offline maps and GPS are a bonus. So, let's go!

Here every street, every building breathes history. Unlike many European cities, Rome was virtually undamaged during the world wars of the 20th century and has retained its authentic architecture. Masterpieces of Italian painting and sculpture are also perfectly preserved: they are exhibited in many museums, churches and palaces.

In terms of the number of unique objects, no other capital in the world can compete with Rome. But this does not mean that the city is covered with the dust of centuries and lives only in the past. It has everything to enjoy life here and now: quiet picturesque parks and noisy modern streets, fashionable shops and magical antique shops, delicious food and excellent coffee, and most importantly - the special atmosphere of the city to which all roads lead.

How to get to Rome?

The easiest way to get to the capital of Italy from Russia, Ukraine and other CIS countries is by plane. Many airlines offer flights with different prices and conditions. From Moscow and St. Petersburg, the most convenient way to buy air tickets is on a direct flight with Transaero, Aeroflot or Alitalia. In this case, the flight time will be no more than 5 hours. Direct flights from Kyiv are provided only by Ukraine International Airlines, with which you will arrive in Rome within 3 hours of flight.

You can search for connecting flights from many other airlines, for example, Lufthansa, SwissAir, AirBerlin, Turkish Airlines, WizzAir, SAS, KLM, Brussels Airlines. If longer travel time is not critical for you, you can save a lot on a connecting flight.

To easily understand the intricacies of air ticket prices and choose the most convenient flight for yourself, the site recommends using the Aviasales service. With its help you can quickly find the cheapest air tickets. Navigation of this site is extremely simple and clear: you can select departure dates and times, airlines, and transfer options. Aviasales contains offers from hundreds of airlines and air ticket sales agencies, so you can easily choose the right flight option. In the tips section from the site, we talk in detail about how to buy cheap plane tickets using the Aviasales service.

Where to stay in Rome?

Rome is a fairly large city, so choosing a place to stay should be approached carefully. A hotel, apartment or hostel in the right area is a guarantee that you will have enough time for all the planned attractions, and the trip to them will not take several hours. Each district of the Eternal City is attractive in its own way. Therefore, it is worth spending a little time carefully choosing a place to stay, but then your vacation in Rome will be useful and enjoyable.

Map of Rome districts

Historical Center

Undoubtedly, here is the largest number of interesting places that every traveler wants to see, especially if he is in Rome for the first time. The Spanish Steps are located right here - the names alone excite the imagination!

All these objects are within walking distance of each other, so you don’t even have to worry about transport. In addition, you will find shopping areas with the most luxurious boutiques, as well as numerous cafes, bars and restaurants. There are always a lot of tourists here, and almost always quite noisy.

Prices for accommodation in the most modest hotel start from 120-130 euros per night. This is clearly not the most budget option, but living in the very center of the Eternal City is worth it!

Hotels in Trastavere are already cheaper, but finding a free room here is not so easy. The silence and comfort of this area is also appreciated because there are numerous authentic cafes, pizzerias and trattorias where the Romans themselves simply love to spend their evenings.

Visa to Italy

To get to Italy, residents of Russia and the CIS countries must apply for a Schengen visa. Usually it is issued for six months, during which you can stay in the territory of another state for up to 90 days. There is a possibility that the validity of the visa will be increased by up to a year upon re-applying, and even by 2-3 years if you already had a one-year visa before.

The standard period for obtaining a visa to Italy is 5 days, but during the tourist season this time can increase to one and a half weeks, so we recommend that you take care of completing all the necessary documents in advance.

Since information regarding prices, deadlines, documentary evidence and other conditions for issuing Schengen visas changes periodically, we advise you to check the current data on the official website of the Italy Visa Application Center in Moscow or St. Petersburg. Citizens of Ukraine to clarify the nuances can contact the Italian Visa Center corresponding to their region.

How to get from Rome airport to the city

Leonardo da Vinci International Airport (Fiumicino Airport) located approximately 30 km from Rome. There are several ways to get from here to the city center:
Leonardo Express Train departs every half hour and goes non-stop to Termini Station, located in the center of Rome. Travel time is 30 minutes, ticket price is 14 euros.

Electric train- This is a cheaper but slower route as the trains make many stops. Ticket price is 5.5 euros, travel time is 45 minutes.

They run around the clock, but at long intervals (1-2 hours) municipal buses. A ticket can be bought from the driver, the cost is 4-5 euros one way, 7-8 euros two ways. Travel time is about an hour. In addition, there are a number of private companies that own Airbuses. For example, SITB BusShuttle, which you can use for 5-6 euros for one way travel.

Taxi waiting for passengers in a parking lot near the airport. City authorities strongly recommend using only licensed official taxis: they are white, with a “TAXI” sign on the roof. A trip to Rome will cost about 60-70 euros.

Discount airlines fly to Ciampino Airport. It is even closer to the capital and is connected to it by train, bus, and metro lines. A taxi ride from here will cost 40-50 euros.

Car rental in Rome

Throw away all stereotypes and forget about group excursions - you can travel all over Italy, not only Rome, on your own, just rent a car. Renting a car in Rome using the RentalCars service is a proven and reliable way to experience the most complete impressions of all Italian beauties. How many amazing places can be found both in provincial towns and in other cities - , ... Don’t forget that there are other countries within a few hours’ drive: France, Switzerland, Austria, where you can make a motor rally without depending on any schedules and conventions. Treat yourself to freedom of movement! Read more about the capabilities of RentalCars in our review.

Public transport in Rome

A universal travel ticket is valid for all types of public transport - metro, bus, tram and one trolleybus route. You can buy it at the ticket offices at the entrance to the metro, at stops, at newspaper and tobacco kiosks. After 21:00, drivers also start selling tickets, but they are one and a half times more expensive.

Don't forget to validate your tickets in yellow composters! Please note that tickets in Rome are not valid for 24 hours from the moment of validation, but on calendar days until 23:59.

The most convenient way to get around the city is considered to be a bus - with an extensive network of routes, including night routes, and short intervals. To get on the bus, you need to honk at the driver while standing at the bus stop, and to get off, press one of the buttons inside the bus. At the ATAS information point in front of Termini Station you can purchase a complete map of bus routes.

Tourist card ROMA PASS

Costs 34 euros and is valid for three days. Sold on the official website, at metro ticket offices (not at all stations), at tourist information points (Punti Informativi Turistici / PIT), in museums and archaeological sites. Allows:
use city public transport free of charge (except for routes to airports);

visit two historical places or museums of your choice free of charge and without a queue and receive discounts on tickets to the third and all subsequent ones;

Additionally, visit a number of less popular museums for free;

and also receive a number of other advantages - for example, a separate turnstile at the entrance to the Colosseum. Included with the ROMA PASS is a detailed map of the city, a list of museums and places worth visiting.

Self-guided tours of Rome

The most budget-friendly way to get to know the city is to make your own walking plans. This is why we have developed a mobile application "Travel planner and guide" for And Android - ready-made routes and walks, hundreds of attractions, an offline map and GPS - everything you need to get to know a new city.

Ready-made routes and walks around Rome

In addition, you can travel to the main attractions of the city on excursion buses. Usually their tickets are valid for any number of trips within 24 or 48 hours. The cost of such a 48-hour pass is from 15 to 30 euros. There are also sightseeing trams and boats in Rome.

Mobile communications and Internet in Italy

The most popular operators are Vodafone, TIM and Wind. The cost of a SIM card is about 15-25 euros, most of which is deposited into the account. Tariffs are approximately the same, there are special offers for tourists. Inexpensive calls are offered by the PosteMobile network, which you can connect to at the post office. By law, you must present your passport when purchasing. It happens that SIM cards are not activated in Russian phones, in which case you can ask the seller for help.

Pay attention to the municipal project Digit Roma, which provides free Internet access for 4 hours a day through a network of hotspots. An Italian SIM card is required for registration.

Shopping in Rome

Shops in Rome are usually open from 9:00 to 19:00 or 19:30, with a break of 2-3 hours in the middle of the day (from about 13:00 to 16:00), Sunday is a day off.

Sales are held twice a year with discounts of up to 70%: winter in January-February and summer in July-August. It is believed that prices in Italy are among the lowest in Europe. Particularly profitable purchases can be made in outlets in Rome.

The most expensive stores are concentrated around Piazza di Spagna, more democratic - in the Via del Corso area. Another popular shopping street stretches from Termini Station - Via Nazionale. The Esquilino food market is famous for its delicious goods from all over the world. On weekends, flea markets open in different parts of the city.

Roman cuisine

The basis of Roman cuisine is simple and satisfying food for workers. The most famous example is pasta carbonara, always with a raw egg. Classic dishes: “Salti in bocca alla romana”- pieces of veal wrapped in Parma ham and stewed with sage in white wine and “Tripla alla romana”- stewed beef stomach with spices.

Only in Rome you can try it “Coda alla Vaccinara”(oxtail stew) and “Rigatoni alla Pajata”(paste with calf intestines). Those who are not ready to experiment can enjoy the exquisite taste of stewed artichokes (carciofi), as well as a variety of sweets, such as donuts with whipped cream (Maritozzo con la panna).

In restaurants, the bill often includes a service charge (servizio) - up to 15%. However, if you leave a few more euros on top, no one will be offended.

By the way, there are many drinking water fountains scattered throughout Rome. Feel free to drink it and take it with you in plastic bottles.

History of Rome

Rome was founded in 753 BC, and by the beginning of our era it became the capital of the Roman Empire, which captured almost all of Europe and the Mediterranean. In the 4th century AD. the city turned into the center of the Christian world, and its ruler, the Pope, became the most powerful man in Europe. In the 5th century, due to the invasion of barbarians, Rome fell into decline, but by the 9th century it had restored its reputation, becoming the capital of the Holy Roman Empire.

The deeply religious Middle Ages left the city a legacy of a huge number of amazing churches and cathedrals. By the 15th century, Rome was embraced by the ideas of the Renaissance: the best artists of the time came here in search of inspiration and recognition. In 1870, it became the capital of the newly unified Italy and began active development and construction of new territories.

It is important to know:

Official language: Italian

City area: 1500 sq. km. Rome is located in the Lazio region, on the Tiber River. The main attractions are concentrated on the left bank. On the right, within the city, is the Vatican State.

Population: 2.8 million people, mostly Italians, Catholics.

Currency: Euro

Visa: Schengen, standard requirements. The cost of a tourist visa is 35 euros.

Time difference with Moscow:-2 hours in summer, -3 hours in winter

Climate: The best time to visit Rome is considered to be spring and autumn, when the weather is comfortable and warm. In summer it can be very hot here, up to +40°C. In July-August, local residents try to go on vacation; there are fewer people in the city and more closed cafes and shops. In winter, the temperature remains confidently above zero (+5-10°C), but rain can ruin your holiday.

Holidays and non-working days:
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