Couple throwing coins over their shoulders into the Trevi Fountain in Rome

Neighborhoods in Rome

Exploring some of the planet’s best-preserved Ancient Roman architecture, wandering cobbled lanes lined with swoonsome palazzi and picture-perfect ocher-colored houses, or just watching the world go by over espresso at a sidewalk café: there’s really something for everyone in Rome’s patchwork of 21 districts, or rione. Hop aboard for our whistle-stop tour of seven of the best neighborhoods in Rome.

Centro Storico

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Right in the heart of the action, Rome’s historic center is unquestionably the best place to start your voyage of discovery in this ancient city. The name is really a catch-all for the relatively compact area that encompasses – deep breath – the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, the Pantheon, Piazza Navona, the Capitoline Museums and the Circus Maximus. And that’s just for starters. This magical labyrinth of atmospheric cobbled alleys, sprawling baroque piazzas and gleaming Renaissance palaces is a treasure trove for history lovers and, well, anyone with even a passing interest in beautiful art or architecture (you’ll find works by the likes of Caravaggio, Bernini and Michelangelo in many of the museums and churches around these parts). And, if it all gets too much, you can always rest up with tagliatelle at a traditional trattoria or people-watch over coffee and cannoli at a cute café. Afterwards, head over to the Largo di Torre Argentina, home of Rome’s biggest cat sanctuary, to spot felines basking in the sunshine amid the ancient ruins of Roman Republican temples and the Theatre of Pompey.

Tridente

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Tridente picks up where the historic center left off, and is loosely defined as the area around the triple-prong of streets that radiate out south from Piazza del Popolo, a vast cobbled square lined with churches and palazzi, as well as several grand fountains and a monumental Egyptian obelisk (they don't do things by half in Rome). It’s here you can get kitted out in the finest Italian fashions in the boutiques on and around Via dei Condotti. We’re talking Gucci, Fendi, Armani, Valentino et al, so be prepared to splurge. Suitably attired, make for the Trevi Fountain where you can indulge in the age-old tradition of throwing in a coin. Assuming you have any left, that is. Then give the quads a workout on the 135-step climb up the Spanish Steps. At the top sits the magnificent Renaissance confection that is the Trinità dei Monti church. Step into its cool interior, where a pair of anamorphic frescoes from the 17th Century are among the many splendid decorative features.

Monti

Crammed in between the Colosseum, the Quirinal Hill, and the Santa Maria Maggiore basilica, diminutive Monti is an attraction all of its own. Ivy climbs ocher-colored houses and wraps itself round iron balconies and locals chatter over morning coffee on the picturesque piazzas. In case it wasn’t already obvious, this largely residential Rome neighborhood is a photographer’s paradise. Budding snappers should head to La Casetta, a tiny trattoria for which the term ‘ivy-clad’ is something of an understatement – it’s virtually drowning in the stuff! Or make for Piazza della Madonna dei Monti, a vibrant square where sunset Aperols are accompanied by sensational views of the Colosseum silhouetted against the skyline.

Monteverde Vecchio

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The clue’s in the name here: Monteverde Vecchio is one of the greenest neighborhoods in Rome. Go here to seek respite from the urban sprawl and enjoy the fresh air and tranquility promised by the Janiculum Hill and the expanse of landscaped gardens surrounding the grand Villa Doria Pamphili.

Trastevere

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Just downriver from the Vatican, Trastevere is another of those Rome neighborhoods that just begs to be photographed, chock-full as it is of café-lined piazzas, achingly picturesque medieval churches and those familiar ocher-colored houses sporting quirky cast-iron door knockers and brightly painted window shutters. Grab a gelato and stroll across medieval Ponte Sisto to Piazza Trilussa, where locals meet and mingle in the evening by the monumental fountain. Visit the fine botanical garden that overlooks baroque Palazzo Corsini. And don’t miss the Sunday flea market at Porta Portese, an absolute treasure trove for diehard rummagers. Take your best haggling game to snare bargains on everything from vintage fashions and antique jewelry to pre-loved vinyl, classic comic books and, well, just about every other trinket and knick-knack you can imagine.

Ostiense

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On the banks of the Tiber, Ostiense wears its industrial heritage on its sleeve, its landscape dominated by a huge metal gasometer from the decommissioned gasworks. If that’s already piqued your interest in this buzzing ‘burb, where ancient and modern Rome collide, you’re going to absolutely love the Central Montemartini museum, where dozens of ancient Greek and Roman statues, busts and friezes hewn from marble and stone are displayed against a backdrop of pipes, engines, turbines and dials inside a former electrical power station. And that’s not all. There’s a thriving street art scene here – meaning Ostiense is one of the best places to see work from up-and-coming Rome graffitos – as well as a number of hip bars, a smattering of craft beer pubs, and a cat café. One of Catholic Rome’s ‘big four’ basilicas, St Paul Outside the Walls, cuts an incongruous figure against what is an otherwise distinctly modern urban landscape.

Parione

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The central rione of Parione is probably most famous for its two sprawling piazzas. Make for vibrant Campo dei Fiori, where Rome’s longest-running market (operating here since 1869), brings its riot of color, sound and scent every morning (except Sunday). Follow your nose past the rainbows of blooming gerberas to the unmissable foodie stalls. You’d require the willpower of a saint to resist temptation in the face of these mountains of homemade cake, freshly baked loaves and pungent Italian cheeses. In the evening, do as the locals do and soak up the baroque splendor of Piazza Navona on a twilight stroll across its cobbled expanse, pausing to swoon at Bernini’s Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi (Fountain of the Four Rivers), watch the street entertainers ply their trade and snap Instagram-ready shots of the fairytale palazzos and churches that line the square. Paper thin and ultra crispy wood-fired pizza at an authentic trattoria (washed down with local craft ales, natch) provides the perfect ending to a day in this historic Rome neighborhood.

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Stuart Bak
Stuart Bak
Freelance travel writer

Stu caught the travel bug at an early age, thanks to childhood road trips to the south of France squeezed into the back of a Ford Cortina with two brothers and a Sony Walkman. Now a freelance writer living on the Norfolk coast, Stu has produced content for travel giants including Frommer’s, British Airways, Expedia, Mr & Mrs Smith, and now Go City. His most memorable travel experiences include drinking kava with the locals in Fiji and pranging a taxi driver’s car in the Honduran capital.

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St. Peter's Basilica viewed from St. Peter's Square
Blog

Rome in March

As the clocks prepare to jump forward, Rome is propelled into one of its most eventful months of the year so far. From religious festivities to athletic events, the city takes on a whole new buzz throughout this period. Between the newfound electric atmosphere and more pleasant springtime weather, Rome in March has plenty to offer. Visiting Rome in March Average Temperature: 43 - 63°F • Average Rainfall: 7 days/mth • Average Sunshine: 7 hours/day Spearheading the beginning of spring, March stands to many as one of the truly best times to visit Rome. Though still in its low season with much of the capital remaining relatively quiet by tourism standards, a number of events see Rome take on more of a charged atmosphere throughout the month. What that typically means is that, outside of large event days, many of the city’s top attractions and landmarks should be relatively straightforward to visit and absent of too many crowds. On top of that, visitors throughout this period can usually benefit from off-peak airfare and hotel rates, sometimes making for quite the substantial discount against high-season summertime prices. To further sweeten the pot, March typically sees the weather in Rome begin to improve significantly. Temperatures throughout the month tend to range from comfortably cool to rather warm, and while you’d be best advised to pack an umbrella for the relatively high likelihood of rain, you’ll most likely be treated to largely clear, sunny days throughout most of your trip. Things to do in March No trip to Rome is ever complete without touring some of the ancient city’s most lauded historical landmarks. The famous Colosseum remains the world’s largest standing amphitheater and provides a window into the gory pastimes of the lost civilization, while the Pantheon remains a marvel of religious architecture. While you’re at it, be sure to take some time to explore the world’s smallest country with a jaunt into Vatican City. Despite its mere 0.2-square-mile footprint, the site is home to some of the most stunning and historically-rich buildings on the planet. As the beating heart of Roman Catholicism, the Vatican boasts the masterful architecture and artwork of the Sistine Chapel, as well as one of the world’s most precious historical collections within the Vatican Museums. For some stellar photo ops, make your way to Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps, where the smaller crowds of Rome in March should hopefully allow you the freedom to snap that perfect shot. But if you’re looking for something a little different, the likes of the Pyramid of Cestius and the ruins of the Roman Forum make for some slightly more niche photos. If you find yourself with enough time during your trip, why not try to fit in a little more of Italy? Destinations such as Naples, Florence and historic Pompeii serve as a fantastic opportunity to experience more of the country’s celebrated history, architecture, cuisine and culture. Sitting only a short train journey from Rome, they each make for a great day trip away from the capital. For those with a taste for the macabre, there’s somewhat of a darker and lesser-seen side to the Italian capital. The Roman Catacombs, for example, are a set of over sixty subterranean passages running for miles beneath the city, lined floor to ceiling with the skeletal remains of a civilization long since passed. In the same vein, the Capuchin Crypt is a small space located beneath the church of Santa Maria della Concezione dei Cappuccini, adorned with the skeletons of thousands of Capuchin friars buried by their order in centuries gone by. What's On in March Easter As the proud home to one of the world’s most important religious sites, it should come as no surprise that Rome takes its Catholic celebrations very seriously. Thousands of faithful pilgrims make their way to the Vatican each year to join in what may be the most significant Easter celebration on the planet, complete with a full program of masses, processions and traditions overseen by the Pope himself. While Vatican events are entirely free, those interested should be sure to book tickets in advance to avoid disappointment. Throughout the Easter period, many retailers, bakeries and cafés throughout Rome offer up a whole host of festive fare. Most common among these treats is colomba, a traditional dove-shaped cake made from a soft dough, not too dissimilar to panettone more commonly eaten around Christmas time. Somewhat ironically given the brief influx of visitors is the fact that Easter is one of the few times when Rome is almost completely empty. With most visitors and locals alike taking part in celebrations at the Vatican or at home, this is the perfect opportunity for those with less of an interest in the holiday to enjoy some of the city’s often busiest attractions and venues at their quietest – most of which remain open throughout the Easter period. Festa della Donna Coinciding with International Women’s Day on March 8, Italy’s Festa della Donna sees Rome in bloom with bright yellow Mimosa flowers in honor of its female population. The day serves as somewhat of a more Italian Valentine’s Day, with many men traditionally treating their partners to dinner and a bunch of pretty Mimosas. Many women also take the day as an opportunity for a girls’ night out, gathering for dinner and drinks and often dressing fittingly in all yellow. A staple of Roman life for the best part of a century (or even longer, depending on who you ask), the Festa della Donna serves to recognize women’s day-to-day efforts and sacrifices. St. Patrick’s Day Second home to all manner of expats from around the world, Rome makes sure to put on a show for some of the year’s most popular international events. Early on March 17, one or more of Rome’s central churches will host a mass in honor of Ireland’s patron saint for the city’s growing Irish population, and many venues throughout the city host special events throughout the day (many alcohol-related). If you’re looking to celebrate in true Irish fashion, you’ll want to make your way to one of Rome’s Irish pubs to sink a few pints of Guinness with your fellow visitors and expats. Some of the most popular venues include The Druid’s Den, The Fiddler’s Elbow, Finnegan’s and Scholars Lounge, most of which have live bands playing traditional Irish ditties through to the wee hours of the morning. As you stumble between pubs or back to your hotel in the evening, keep your eyes peeled to see some of the city’s most iconic landmarks bathed in a lush Irish green as part of Tourism Ireland’s Global Greening marketing campaign. Having now run for over a decade, this campaign has in previous years seen the likes of even the Colosseum and Trajan’s Column don their Irish jackets for the day. Run Rome Marathon Get your training shoes ready and lumber up ahead of your trip to Rome in March for one of the world’s most stunning marathons. Each March, Run Rome draws in hundreds of Romans and visitors alike for an exhilarating 26-mile exploration of the eternal city. The course takes avid athletes on a whirlwind tour across the antique cobblestones of Rome, beginning by the Colosseum and continuing along the Fori Imperiali and through St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican. Passing by many of the city’s most iconic landmarks, a ticket for the Run Rome Marathon means admission to a rare open-air museum available only to the athletically ambitious.
Robert Heaney
Red Vespas parked in a line
Blog

Getting Around Rome

You've likely heard it said that all roads lead to Rome, but how do you get around once you're there? Home to some of Europe's most impressive historical landmarks as well as one of the seven wonders of the world, it's no wonder that visitors flock to Rome from around the globe to explore all that the city has to offer. While much of the city center is fairly compact and its top attractions relatively easily accessible on foot, there’s a number of other options to help you get where you want to be much quicker. Below are details for all major means of getting around Rome to help keep your trip running smoothly. Metro Rome’s metro system leaves something to be desired when compared to many of the larger and more extensive transport networks in Europe, but it’s faster than most overground transportation. While comprising only three lines, the metro mostly services key parts of the city center, including the majority of its top attractions. Line A (orange) runs diagonally from the northwest to southeast and is most useful for visiting Vatican City, Piazza di Spagna, Trevi Fountain and the Pantheon. It also stops at Roma Termini railway station, from which you can take a bus or train to both Fiumicino and Ciampino airports, as well as to many other major cities in Italy. Line B (blue) runs from the northeast to the south, passing close by the Colosseum and the Roman Forum. As with Line A, this line also intersects Roma Termini railway station. Line C (green) primarily connects the city center to the northern suburbs. For the most part, you’re unlikely to need to use this line unless you’re staying to the north of the city center. Urban Railway Rome’s urban trains, or Ferrovie Urbane, serve to complement the metro system and run under the same organization. Three lines extend the existing metro service to connect the city center to Lido, Viterbo and Giardinetti respectively. Operating Times Metro: Mon – Thu: 5:30AM – 11:30PMFri – Sat: 5:30AM – 1:30AMSun: 5:30AM – 11:30PM Urban Railway: Viterbo Line: 5:30AM – 10:30PMGiardinetti Line: 5:30AM – 10:30PMLido Line: 5:30AM – 11:30PM Exact service times will vary per service and may differ on public holidays, during large events or as the result of service maintenance. Important information such as metro routes, timetables and long-term disruptions can be found at all metro stations. Information regarding the metro network can also be found on the official service website. Bus In stark contrast to the metro, the Rome bus network is incredibly extensive – sometimes overwhelmingly so. Over 350 lines comprise Rome’s public bus transport system, offering virtually around-the-clock services throughout the city. Servicing over 8,000 stops, the bus network provides the most precise and widespread mode of public transport in Rome. The network isn’t without its faults, though. Given the nature of buses and the often extremely busy metropolis that is Rome, services can often be delayed by traffic and the buses themselves can get fairly crowded during peak times. Even so, as long as you aren’t in any major rush and can bear the sometimes cramped conditions, Rome’s buses are your best bet for getting where you want to go. The network comprises four types of buses, identified by the letter beside their service number. Urban (U) lines make up the majority of services within and without the city center. Express (X) lines typically service the outskirts of the city and offer a quicker turnaround on long journeys. Exact (E) buses serve to connect the city center with the surrounding neighborhoods. Night (N) buses operate in the early hours before the other lines begin their service. Operating Times Day Buses (U/X/E): 5:30AM – 12:00AMNight Buses (N): 12:00AM – 6:00AM Exact schedules will vary per service and may differ on public holidays, during large events or as the result of service maintenance. Important information such as bus routes, timetables and long-term disruptions can be found on each bus stop. Information regarding the entire bus network can be found on the official service website or via its Apple and Android apps. Big Bus Entirely unaffiliated with Rome’s primary bus network, a Big Bus tour is one of the best ways to get between some of the city’s top attractions. The tour passes by the likes of the Colosseum, Castel Sant’Angelo, the Spanish Steps and Trevi Fountain, accompanied by optional pre-recorded commentary in nine different languages offering local insights for each important location. You can choose a ticket covering one, two or three days, allowing you to explore the city center at your own pace. Depending on your personal itinerary, this could potentially be all the transport you need during your trip. Visitors can hop on and off at their leisure or sit tight for a whirlwind tour of some of the capital’s best touristic offerings. Operating Times Termini Station: 9:00AM – 5:19PMPiazza Barberini: 10:19AM – 6:42PM Operating times may vary from time to time. Be sure to consult the Big Bus Website or Apple and Android apps for more up-to-date information. Trams Although more extensive than the metro service, operating a total of six lines, Rome’s trams aren’t usually of much use to tourists. Very few routes offer a viable means of getting between tourism hubs, but may still be useful if they stop close enough to your accommodation. Among the six available services, Line 8 between Torre Argentina and Trastevere is likely the only potentially useful one to most visitors. Operating Times Daily: 5:30AM – 12:00AM Exact schedules will vary per service and may differ on public holidays, during large events or as the result of service maintenance. Important information such as tram routes, timetables and long-term disruptions can be found at each tram stop. Information regarding the tram network can be found on the official service website. Taxis As with most destinations, taxis offer one of the most convenient means of getting around Rome. Officially licensed taxis are all white with a rooftop taxi sign and Roma Capitale printed on the front doors along with the taxi’s license number. While you can hail a passing taxi, it’s often cheapest to wait by a taxi rank. You can also call for a taxi directly, though this will typically be more expensive. Rome’s taxi drivers unfortunately have somewhat of a tarnished reputation for overcharging both tourists and locals alike, so it’s useful to have an idea of what you should be paying. Above all, you should always choose to pay a metered fare rather than an arranged price, except for airport and train station transfers which should always be the same price. Taxi Rates Min. Rate Mon – Sat: € 3.00Min. Rate Sun: € 4.50Min. Rate Night: € 6.50Journey Rate: € 1.10 – 1.60/km To/From Fiumicino Airport: € 48.00To/From Ciampino Airport: € 30.00To/From Termini Station: € 8.00 – 15.00 Telephone Reservations Radio Taxi: 06-3570Pronto Taxi: 06-6645Taxi Roma: 06-5551Taxi Tevere: 06-4994 Note that when ordering a taxi by phone, the meter will be turned on immediately from wherever the driver receives the call. You’ll be charged for the driver’s initial journey to your location on top of the rate for your own journey, as well as a € 3.00 reservation charge. Scooter While driving a car around Rome isn’t typically recommended, scooters and motorcycles offer one of the quickest ways for capable drivers to get around the city. Aside from being better for navigating the busy streets of the Italian capital, they’re also much more convenient to park and can be rented from various locations around the center. Most of the city’s historic center is closed to unauthorized traffic between 6:30AM and 6:00PM on weekdays, as well as between 11:00PM and 3:00AM on Friday and from 2:00PM to 6:00PM on Saturday. A number of Limited Traffic Zones also operate in various parts of the city. Be sure to consult official information surrounding these zones for permit and access details. Average rental prices can range anywhere from € 30 to € 350 per day depending on the size, specs and classification of the vehicle. Most rentals will also require a rather hefty security deposit of several hundred euros. Among the most popular and reliable scooter rental operators are Eco Move Rent, Roma Rent Scooter and BigaBike.
Robert Heaney

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