Where To Stay: Rome, Italy

Where To Stay: Rome, Italy

Rome is one of those cities that genuinely earns every superlative thrown at it. From the crumbling grandeur of the Colosseum to the hushed interiors of Vatican City, the Eternal City has been pulling travellers into its orbit for centuries — and it shows no signs of losing its grip anytime soon.

Overview

Rome is the capital of Italy and home to roughly 4.3 million people, making it one of the most densely layered cities on earth in terms of history, culture, and sheer sensory experience. It sits in the Lazio region of central Italy and operates as the country's political, cultural, and religious hub. Whether you're wandering cobblestoned alleys in Trastevere, tossing a coin into the Trevi Fountain, or nursing an espresso in a Campo de' Fiori café, Rome has a way of making every moment feel cinematic. It's a city that rewards slow travel — the kind where you get deliberately lost and stumble onto a 2,000-year-old temple between a pharmacy and a pizza window.

Essential Information

• Language: Italian, though English is widely spoken in tourist areas
• Currency: Euro (€). As of 2025, roughly $1 USD equals €0.92
• Time Zone: Central European Time (CET), UTC+1; UTC+2 in summer
• Best time to visit: April to June and September to October offer mild weather and thinner crowds
• Average daily budget: Budget travellers can get by on $80–100 USD per day; mid-range expect $150–220; luxury travellers should budget $400 and above
• Visa requirements: US, UK, Canadian, and Australian citizens can visit for up to 90 days without a visa under the Schengen Area rules
• Tipping: Not obligatory but appreciated — rounding up the bill or leaving €1–2 per person is considered generous and appropriate

Practical Tips

Rome has a few quirks worth knowing before you arrive. Dress codes at religious sites are strictly enforced — shoulders and knees must be covered at the Vatican, St. Peter's Basilica, and most churches. Carry a light scarf in your bag for impromptu visits. Tap water in Rome is completely safe to drink, and you'll find free drinking fountains called nasoni scattered throughout the city — use them, they're a local institution.

Pick-pocketing is a real concern around major tourist sites and on crowded buses, particularly the notorious 40 and 64 lines to the Vatican. Use a crossbody bag, keep your phone in a front pocket, and stay alert on public transport. For getting around, the metro is limited but useful for longer journeys; walking is genuinely the best way to explore the historic centre. A 100-minute public transport ticket costs around €1.50 USD equivalent, and day passes are available for approximately $7 USD.

If you're planning to visit the Colosseum, Vatican Museums, or Borghese Gallery, book tickets well in advance — sometimes weeks ahead during peak season. Many travellers make the costly mistake of showing up without a reservation and losing half a day in a queue.

Getting There

Rome is served by two airports. Leonardo da Vinci International Airport, universally known as Fiumicino (FCO), is the main international hub and sits about 19 miles southwest of the city centre. Most long-haul and major European carriers fly into FCO, including direct routes from New York (JFK and EWR), Los Angeles, Miami, Chicago, London Heathrow, and Dubai. The Leonardo Express train connects Fiumicino to Roma Termini station in roughly 32 minutes and costs around $17 USD. Taxis from FCO to the historic centre are fixed-rate at €55 (approximately $60 USD).

Ciampino Airport (CIA) is smaller and primarily used by budget carriers like Ryanair and Wizz Air operating European routes. It's about 9 miles from the centre, and shuttle buses to Termini cost around $7–10 USD. If you're flying from within Europe, Ciampino can save you money — just factor in the extra ground transfer time.

Accommodation Options

Where you stay in Rome dramatically shapes your experience. Here's a breakdown by budget and neighbourhood:

• Budget ($60–120/night): The Prati neighbourhood, just north of the Vatican, offers excellent value with clean guesthouses and B&Bs. Generator Rome near Termini is a well-regarded hostel with private rooms starting around $70 USD. Termini itself is convenient but less charming — fine for a short stay on a tight budget.
• Mid-range ($150–300/night): Trastevere and the historic centre around Campo de' Fiori are the sweet spots. Boutique hotels here put you within walking distance of nearly everything. Look at Hotel Santa Maria in Trastevere or the charming Relais Le Clarisse — both offer character and location without breaking the bank.
• Luxury ($350+/night): The Spanish Steps and Via Veneto areas are home to Rome's grand hotels. The Hotel de Russie and Hassler Roma are perennial favourites among luxury travellers, offering impeccable service, rooftop terraces, and the kind of Roman elegance that feels genuinely earned.

Start Planning Your Roman Holiday

Rome is one of those rare destinations that lives up to the hype — and then some. Whether you're here for a long weekend or a slow two-week Italian adventure, the city offers something that simply can't be replicated anywhere else. The key is to arrive curious, plan loosely, and let the city lead. Ready