When in Rome…

When in Rome, do as the Romans do! But for most of us that want an amazing experience, we don’t have to do what the locals do. In fact, this world famous city provides plenty of treasure troves, historical artefacts, and an authentic experience of what modern day Italy has to offer. It’s not just about the Colosseum!

Things To Do

If you like your museums, the Galleria Borghese provides an abundance of artistic highlights including Boy with a Basket of Fruit by Caravaggio. Or if you want to get an overview of the history of Rome from the prehistoric era up to the present day, the Welcome To Rome multimedia show provides an IMAX experience, immersing you into the history of this grand city, which follows up with a tour of interactive models made of plastic. Or if you just want to go shopping, the Via del Corso is the equivalent of any average high street. There are plenty of superstores and the big names to choose from, but there are also small, family-run shopping establishments, which can give you the little gems and souvenirs that can be the highlight of your shopping experience. And we can’t mention Italy without the vast amount of sport on offer. The Stadio Olimpico doesn’t just provide soccer and rugby (think football without the protective headgear) you could also attend a Roma-Lazio game, also known as a “derby”. As far as experience and atmosphere are concerned, the Stadio Olimpico gives you a visceral experience of what Rome has to offer.

Let’s Eat!

If you’re looking for an authentic Italian experience, you never have to go far. The Testaccio Market, a contemporary building that houses numerous cuisines that highlight just how diverse Rome really is! If you want pasta and wine, but also something a bit more adventurous, like tripe stews, Testaccio Market gives you options aplenty. And let’s not forget about Suppli, a deep-fried ball of rice, filled with a mix of meat, tomato sauce, and mozzarella cheese right in the middle, gives you an amazing snack to eat on the go, or a delicious starter while waiting for your rigatoni carbonara (a deliciously creamy and rich dish).

The Transport Options

Getting around is impossibly easy. If you want, you can walk everywhere, which is amazing during the summer months. But if you want to cover a lot of ground, you can take the bus or the metro. The metro is really quick, giving you the opportunity to see as much as humanly possible. And the tickets are, at 1.5 euro, very cheap. The bus lines are numerous, and most will take you via the tourist highlights, like the number 23 and 40 (and many others) go via Vatican City.

Handy Hints

Buy your tickets for public transport before getting on bored. You can go to any tabacchi (tobacco shop) and get tickets for the metro or bus. And if anyone offers you a rose in the street, even a child, politely decline and carry on walking as they will charge you for the flower!