Rome

The city’s second airport, Ciampino (CIA), is situated 12km southeast of central Rome and is mainly served by low-cost and charter airlines. Some of these airlines have their own buses. The regular buses depart from the nearby underground station, Anagnina. A taxi ride from the airport and central Rome takes 20 minutes.

Rome is a great city to visit year-round, though the experience varies by season. Summer (June–August) brings hot weather and large crowds, with outdoor concerts, open-air film screenings, and Ferragosto celebrations on 15 August, when many locals leave the city. Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) are quieter, with milder temperatures, blooming gardens, wine and food festivals, and events like the Rome Film Festival in October. Winter (December–February) is cooler and less crowded, but festive lights, Christmas markets in Piazza Navona, and New Year’s Eve fireworks at Circo Massimo create a memorable atmosphere. For fewer tourists and lower accommodation costs, October to April is generally the best period to visit.

Is Rome a safe place to visit? Despite being a major European capital and one of the most visited cities in the world, Rome is a fairly safe city for travellers. However, as with most main tourist destinations, pickpocketing and scams are the biggest concerns here. So be careful with your belongings when taking public transport and around the city's main attractions, and avoid canvassers. Is Rome expensive? Yes, Rome is quite an expensive city to visit but slightly cheaper than other European destinations, such as London and Paris, especially when it comes to accommodation. As of today, the average cost per traveller in Rome is between €80-130 per day. Does Rome have Uber? Yes, the Uber app does work in Rome, and it is totally legal to take one, despite what a few taxi drivers may tell you. However, because there is no UberX or UberPOOL and only Uber Black, Uber Van, and Uber Lux, fares do tend to be higher. For more information on how to get around in Rome, read our sections on Taxi and Public Transport.

Citizens of European Union (EU) and European Economic Area (EEA) countries do not need a visa to enter Italy, only a valid ID. Many other countries, including the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, United Arab Emirates, Australia, and New Zealand, benefit from visa-free entry for short stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Visitors from visa-exempt countries must hold a valid passport and, starting in late 2025, will need to apply for an ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) authorisation online before travelling. For those requiring a visa, such as travellers from some Middle-East, African or Asian nations, a Schengen visa must be obtained prior to arrival. All travellers should ensure their passport is valid for at least three months beyond their intended stay.

Pharmacies in Rome are easy to spot by their green cross and the word “Farmacia” on the frontage. Many are open during regular business hours, with some larger or central pharmacies operating 24 hours. Keep in mind that prescriptions from abroad may not always be accepted, so it helps to know the generic name of any essential medication.

Country code +39 Rome area code: 06 (also dialled in Rome) If you call Italy from abroad, you must always dial zero in the area code (do not omit it as is the general practice when making international telephone calls), e.g. +39 06 + the number.

Italy uses the Type F electrical sockets with two round holes, the same as in many countries in Continental Europe. You will also encounter Type L sockets with three round holes arranged in a line. A “universal“ socket, that accepts Type C, E, F and L plugs, is commonly used in Italy. The standard voltage is 230 volts, but some hotels have special plugs for 110 or 120-volt shavers.