As the saying goes 'when in Rome...' visit the ancient landmarks, eat the great food and enjoy the laidback lifestyle that is the envy of the world!
Rome is known as the 'eternal city', because of its beauty, contrast and life. It's the capital of Italy as it is the most populated and largest municipality.
Also the religious world centre of the Catholic Church and situated in the city is the worlds smallest country Vatican City, home of the pope. Fall in love with the architecture and history the city has to offer with so much site seeing to do and great food to indulge.
Packed with tourist attractions and world famous sites it's impossible to see it all on a tight schedule. Here are some of the highlights:
- The Trevi Fountain, whose water is supplied by the oldest Roman aqueducts depicts Triton taming Oceanus shell shaped chariot drawn by sea horses.
- The Vatican Mueseum, home to the Sistine Chapel, will take more than a day to see it all.
- The Colosseum which is the largest amphitheatre in the world - skip the queues and pre book tickets.
- Piazza Navona, which is considered the most elegant and cheerful of all Roman piazzas. A great meeting spot for Romans and tourist with plenty of bars and street artists.
With so much to see, the only way to truly experience Rome is by staying in the historic heart and getting around by foot.
Tridente and the Spanish Steps
The northern part of Rome is known as Tridente. It gets its name from the many trident shape roads leading down from the apex of Piazza del Popolo to Via di Ripetta, Via del Corso, and Via del Babuino.
The main attraction here is Piazza di Spagna which attracts Romans and tourists to sit on the Spanish Steps and take in the surrounds. You will also find shopping streets, designer boutiques and chic restaurants to explore.
Centro Storico and the Pantheon
A maze of narrow streets and cobbled laneways dating back to the middle ages, Centro Storico is one of the busiest areas of Rome. Filled with churches and palaces built during the renaissance and baroque era's, here you will find sidewalk cafes, palazzi, street artists, musicians - but beware of pickpockets.
Rivalling this Centro Storico are the areas around the Pantheon from the ancient Roman times. In the west of Via Arenula is the old Jewish ghetto which is both intriguing and known for fashionable dining options.
The Pantheon is dedicated to the worship of every God and worth a visit. When you enter you are drawn to the sunlight coming through the nine metre round hole at the top of the dome which illuminates the entire building.
Vatican City and the Prati
Most people who come to Rome will visit the sovereign state Vatican City where the pope has lived for six centuries. Made up of the Vatican Museums, Saint Peters Basilica and the Vatican Gardens it takes more than a day to see it all.
Basilica of Saint Peter is one of the largest churches in the world. It is believed the Apostle Saint Peter is buried here.
Basiclica of Saint Paul outside the walls is the second largest church, where it is believed the Apostle Saint Paul was buried.
Prati is the white collar district of Rome a middle class suburb east of the Vatican. Here you will find affordable hotels, shopping streets and some of the best places to eat.
From the airport
The Leonardo Express is the direct train that serves the route between Fiumicino Airport and the centre of the city at Termini Station. There is also the option to use the metro train which links the airport with the regions Roma Tiburtina, Fara Sabina, Poggio Mirteto and Orte. The Metro does not stop at Termini.
The Terravision shuttle bus runs seven days and serves the route between the airport and Termini Station.
Taxis in Rome offer fix fares from the airport to the city centre and vice versa.
In and around the city
The best way to see central Rome is on foot, with most of the sites of interest grouped together and many parts not accessible by car.
There is the option of the Metro which has three lines: Line A (orange) runs southeast to northwest via Termini, Barberini, Spagna and several stations in Prati near the Vatican; Line B (blue), running north to south via Termini and stops in Ancient Rome; Line C (green) running from Monte Compatri in the southeast to San Giovanni (on Line A).
Rome car hire
Enjoy great rates with Avis, Budget, Hertz or Thrifty and no booking fees. Qantas Frequent Flyers can also earn Qantas Points^ with Avis and Budget.
Your flight with Qantas
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Book on qantas.com and enjoy the best deals on flights, car hire, activities, hotels and more with our Price Promise#.
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Enjoy the freshest seasonal flavours on your flight to Rome, with Neil Perry inspired menus in Premium cabins.
Important Information
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