Rome

Rome is located in central Italy, in the Lazio region, roughly halfway between Florence and Naples. It’s well-connected by air, train, and bus to other major Italian and European cities.

The best month to visit Rome depends on what you’re looking for. Do you want the best weather, fewer crowds, or the best value? Following are our suggestions for each.

The best weather is a personal preference. We find the best weather for exploring a city is around 55° F and sunny. The weather in Rome during the summer can be very hot, so plan accordingly if you’re visiting in July or August.

Below is a chart showing the average high and low temperatures for each month so you can decide what is best for you.

The time of year with good weather and fewer crowds is often called the shoulder season. The shoulder season in Rome is mid-March through early May and mid-October through November. For many, this is the best time of the year to visit. We spent all of March and April in Rome. The weather was cool and comfortable. The city was crowded with tourists, but not as much as it is during the summer months.

March and November are good months to visit Rome for the best value and with fewer crowds. The weather during these months is cool in Rome and similar to our preferred temperature for walking most of the day.

There are many great places to stay in Rome. For the best experience, we recommend staying near the Historic Center (the castle marker on the map below). The area around the Historic Center is the most pedestrian-friendly, filled with historical landmarks, many of the main streets and squares are close to vehicles, making it more pedestrian-friendly than other areas.

Here’s a map with hotel and apartment options that can be filtered to meet your needs. Select your travel dates to get specific availability and prices.

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Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport (code: FCO) – there are numerous direct flights from the United States to FCO.

Roma Termini, Via Giovanni Giolitti, 40, is the main train station in Rome.

CEST (Central European Summer Time) UTC/GMT +2 hours

Euro €

Italian – Rome is a city where English is abundantly spoken.

Citizens from the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia don’t need a visa to visit Italy if they stay 90 days or less. For more information on visa-free travel in Italy, check out our article on traveling visa-free.

Italy’s electrical outlets are Type C, F, and L. They have a 230V supply voltage and 50Hz. Travelers from the United States will need an adapter.

If you have many items to plug in, we recommend a travel power strip with multiple USBs and standard plug-ins. Using a power strip, you will only need one adapter to plug the strip into the wall.

Travelers will want a SIM card for Italy. You can get either a local SIM card or an eSIM card.

To get a local SIM card, you have to find a local cellular service provider, often stand in line for assistance, show your passport, and complete some paperwork. The SIM cards work great, but purchasing them is somewhat inconvenient. This option is best if you need more than 5GB of data.

We use eSIMs exclusively because they can be purchased through an app prior to arrival in a new country and activated when you hit a cell tower in the country. We use Airalo eSIMs. They work great, and I recommend them if you plan to use less than 5 GB of data during your stay or if you need internet immediately on arrival.

The fantastic train system in Italy makes rental cars unnecessary for most destinations. However, rental cars are needed to reach smaller towns and explore the countryside. In addition to the major car rental companies found in the United States, Sixt and Europcar are common throughout Europe. For a comparison of rental car offers from large, international brands and smaller regional brands, we recommend Discover Cars.

Rome is best known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and delicious cuisine. The city is home to iconic landmarks such as the Colosseum, Vatican City, and the Trevi Fountain. Visitors also come to Rome to experience the vibrant street life, charming piazzas, and world-class museums.

The best month to travel to Rome is typically in April, May, or September. During these months, the weather is generally pleasant with mild temperatures, making it ideal for exploring the city and visiting its many attractions without the intense heat of summer or the crowds of peak tourist season. Additionally, you may be able to find better deals on accommodations and experience shorter lines at popular tourist sites compared to the summer months.

When visiting Rome for the first time, it’s recommended to stay in the historic center, near popular attractions such as the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Pantheon. This area is known for its charming cobblestone streets, lively atmosphere, and proximity to many iconic landmarks. Staying in the historic center will allow you to easily explore Rome’s rich history and culture on foot, with plenty of cafes, restaurants, and shops to enjoy along the way. Additionally, this area is well-connected by public transportation, making it convenient to venture out and discover other parts of the city during your stay.

Rome can be considered moderately expensive compared to other European cities. The cost of living in Rome, including accommodation, food, transportation, and entertainment, can vary depending on your preferences and lifestyle. It’s advisable to plan a budget and make reservations in advance to manage your expenses effectively during your stay in Rome.

The number of days you need in Rome really depends on your travel preferences and the sights you want to see. However, to truly immerse yourself in the beauty and history of Rome, it is recommended to spend at least 3-4 days in the city. This will give you enough time to visit iconic landmarks such as the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Vatican City, and Trevi Fountain, as well as explore the charming neighborhoods, indulge in delicious Italian cuisine, and soak in the vibrant atmosphere of this ancient city. Ultimately, the more time you can spend in Rome, the better you can experience all that it has to offer.