Rome isn’t merely a city — it’s an experience; a time machine that transports you back 2,000-plus years to witness the art, architecture and living history of one of the world’s greatest civilizations. Whether you’re standing before the Colosseum or sipping espresso in a narrow piazza, Rome feels like a dialogue between past and present. It is a place where history isn’t merely shrouded in study — it’s lived.
Italy’s capital, and the largest city in Italy, Rome will never grow old! It was the centre of one of the world’s greatest civilisations ever – at least I think it still is… at being 2500 years old; mythology becomes history eventually.
A JOURNEY THROUGH HISTORY
According to legend, Rome was founded in 753 B.C. by Romulus, one of the twin brothers who had been raised by a she-wolf. Whether the tale is apocrypha or history, there’s no disputing that an area once home to a little village developed into one of the world’s most successful societies: The Roman Empire.
For millennia, the city held sway as a hub of political power, art spawned new lines of philosophy and innovation. It bequeathed us roads, aqueducts, concrete and forms of governance still used today. Following the collapse of the Roman Empire, it existed as the centre for Catholicism and is now home to Vatican City and Pope.
The city is a mosaic of time, from ancient ruins to Renaissance grandeur to modern boulevards. There’s a piece of the past around every corner, whether it be a temple, fountain or a crumbling wall that predates most countries.
ROME TODAY: POPULATION AND PEOPLE
Present day Rome is a city that inspires people with its dynamic atmosphere and through which run 2.8m inhabitants, making it the largest city in Italy. The Upper West Side is a mishmash of old-line families who have lived in the city for generations, immigrants from around the world, students and, of course, millions of tourists who make their way here every year.
Old as it is, Rome is a vibrant city—it has hectic rush-hour traffic jams, busking street performers, stylish young women on their way to cafés and football (soccer) matches. It may be a little more laid-back than other capital cities, but don’t let that lull you into thinking it’s sleepy. Passione, espressività e senso di appartenenza romano These are things you can’t help picking up from daily life in Rome.
LANGUAGE, CURRENCY AND ELECTRICITY
Roman is Italian, and that’s the language you hear at restaurants, shops and on the street. In touristy locations, relatively few but generally younger people will speak some English, but it’s a good courtesy to know at least a bit of Italian. “Buongiorno” or “Grazie” come in handy.
The official money is the Euro (€). Credit and debit cards are taken almost everywhere, but it’s good to have some cash on you for smaller outlets, markets or local cafés.
The supply voltage in Rome are of 230 volts and a frequency of 50 Hz. The plug types used are C, F, L. Visitors from countries with other standards (such as the U.S. or UK) will need plug adapters and may also require voltage converters for some appliances.
CLIMATE: MEDITERRANEAN CHARM
Rome has a typical Mediterranean hot dry summer, and mild wet winter.
Summer (June-August): There’s plenty of sunshine and temps routinely rise above 30°C (86°F). In July and August it can become pretty hot, however, so don’t forget about sunblock, water and shade.
Autmn and spring (September-November & March-May) is the best time to visit. The mild weather, the blooming gardens and fewer tourists make for a relaxed scene.
Winter (December to February): Snow is uncommon, but it can get cold and damp with temperatures between 7ºF to 13ºC (45–550F).
At any season of the year, Rome has a kind of charm that no weather can dispel.
WHAT’S ON THE PLATE: ROMAN CUISINE
Italian food hardly requires an introduction and Rome has plenty to feast up on its own. The basics of Roman food are simple, delicious and steeped in tradition. It’s all about great ingredients, smart preparation and letting each ingredient be the star.
These are some of the food you have to try in Rome:
Cacio e Pepe – Pasta (typically tonnarelli or spaghetti) with pecorino cheese and freshly ground black pepper. A minimalist’s dream.
Carbonara – Egg, pecorino, guanciale and black pepper. Creamy without cream — just the yolks.
Amatriciana – Tomato sauce, guanciale (cured pork) and pecorino. Spicy, rich, and comforting.
Saltimbocca alla Romana – Slices of veal, hammered thin, are topped with a slice of prosciutto and then with a sage leaf, and finally they are sauteed in white wine and butter.
Supplì – Balls of deep-fried rice with ragù and mozzarella inside. A favorite Roman street food.
Save room for gelato, stop at the bar for an espresso and do some relaxed people-watching in a sunny piazza. In Rome, food isn’t simply nourishment — it’s culture, identity and pleasure.
GETTING AROUND: TRANSPORTATION IN ROME
Rome is a big place, and it can get crazy, but you can cope with some planning.
Metro: Rome has three metro lines (A, B and C) It’s reasonably efficient. They don’t crisscross the entire city, but they join major landmarks.
Buses & Trams: Abundant but with the odd hitch. They are a decent alternative if you don’t know your stop or are using a transit app.
Walking: The best way to explore Rome. The historic sites are for the most part in the same area, and walking allows you to absorb the city.
Taxis: Available but pricey. Only take official white taxis, and make sure they use the meter.
Scooter Rentals: Hot with locals and adventurous visitors. Fun but not for the squeamish.
Roma Pass or public transport passes: Excellent if you plan to take various modes of transit as an urban visitor.
Rush-hour traffic is intense in Rome, and the drivers are… spirited, for lack of a better word. It may feel like a high-stakes endeavor to cross streets, but locals walk across with confidence — so keep your eyes open and walk the way the traffic is going.
SAFETY IN ROME
Rome is generally safe, especially in tourist-heavy areas. Violent crime is rare, but petty theft, like pickpocketing, is a common problem — especially in crowded areas like Termini Station, buses, and within sight of popular sights.
Some tips:
Keep your bag zipped, and in sight.
Do not bring a lot of cash.
Be wary of anyone offering “help” near ATMs or hawking souvenirs too aggressively.
At night, the streets of many downtown neighborhoods continue to be bustling and safe. Alternatively, some parts of the area immediately surrounding Termini might seem dodgy after dark — keep to well-lit streets and don’t go wandering alone late at night in unfamiliar surroundings.
MAIN TOURIST ATTRACTIONS: MUST-SEE ROME
Rome is one of those cities where the sightseeing checklist can seem endless. Everywhere you look there is something historic or beautiful to discover.
Here’s what stood out:
The Colosseum: The iconic amphitheater could accommodate 50,000 people in its heyday. Roman engineering and culture at its most powerful.
Roman Forum – Ruins of Ancient Rome that were once the center of Roman public and political life.
The Pantheon – A feat in architecture perfection and sphere, with its oculus. Continue to be used as a church today.
Trevi Fountain – You Had Me At, Toss a Coin and a Make A Wish. Among the most photographed spots in Rome.
The Vatican – It’s not really its own country, but close (forty one thousand people live in it), and nestled right inside Rome. Home to St. Peter’s Basilica, the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel, where Michelangelo’s frescoes are so captivating they render visitors silent.
Piazza Navona – A stunning square packed with fountains, artists, cafés and baroque buildings.
Spanish Steps – It’s a cliche meeting place for tourists and locals alike, at the steps of the Trinità dei Monti church.
Trastevere – A quaint bohemian neighborhood with narrow streets, bars, and classic trattorias.
And that’s just the beginning. Rome is not a one-day place — it’s a city that warrants take-en-count time spent in slow exploration.
OTHER ASPECTS TO KNOW
Siesta: Many small shops will still close in the middle of the day from approximately 1–4 pm especially if you get outside the tourist centers.
Tipping: Not necessary, but rounding up your bill or 5 to 10 percent for excellent service is considered polite.
Dress Modestly in Churches: While visiting the Vatican, think twice before wearing sleeveless tops or short shorts.
Rome isn’t trying to impress you — it just is, as it always has been, layers of time and beauty and contradiction folded around itself. One minute you’re gazing at a 2,000-year-old ruin; the next, sitting in a hip cafe sipping a perfect cappuccino. That’s the magic.
It isn’t just a city you visit. It is a location that sticks with you. You don’t just see Rome — you feel it. And if you’re lucky, it changes you in some small way.
