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ROME CITY GUIDE - THINGS TO SEE AND DO

See inside for details about getting around, sightseeing, shopping, nightlife and more The ancient Romans called the “Eternal City”. They were of the belief that regardless of what happened in the rest of the World the city of Rome would always remain standing.

Rome is the third most visited city in Europe and the fourteenth worldwide. People visit from all over the world to discover the city’s impressive monuments and archaeological sites; not to mention its excellent cuisine!

Explore the and imagine how the fought for their lives in the arena, cheered by the crowd. In Maximus picture the smashing into each other to be first in the race and in the you can see what the Roman public life was like. There is so much to see in this fantastic City.

Moving around – Transportation Rome Metro (open every day from 5.30 a.m. until 11.30 p.m. and until 1.30 a.m. on Friday and Saturday

Since it opened in 1955, the metro has grown very little and currently only operates 37,3 miles (60 km) made up of three lines. Take line A (Orange) to get to some of the city's most important landmarks such as the , the , St Peters Square and St peters . Take line B () to visit the Colosseum and the Roman Forum.

Tickets can be purchased at the metro stations, at news-stands and in most corner shops. If you are planning to use public transport regularly we recommend that you buy a few tickets at a time or buy a travel card.

Rome Buses As the Rome Metro is rather limited you will need to use the public bus transportation system to get to various parts of the City. It may not be the most comfortable or punctual form of transportation. Nevertheless, to get to certain monuments and museums it is essential to use the bus.

Currently, Rome has 338 bus lines that run throughout the day, 22 night buses and 8,260 stops. As traffic is an important issue in Rome, do not get impatient if the buses are delayed or if you get stuck in traffic jams, as it is most likely to happen and at any time of day.

In Rome there are many types of lines, here are the most popular: • Urban lines (U): The large majority. They start between 5 am and 6:30 am and finish at midnight. • Night buses (N): These lines operate while the urban lines "rest", that is to say, between midnight and 5:00-6:00 am. • Express (X): These lines are for the outskirts of Rome, for longer journeys. • Exact (E): These lines link the centre with the surrounding neighbourhoods. They run on fixed timetables. How do I catch a bus? Rome’s bus routes are possibly the most complex of Europe. The most important information is found on each bus stop. This includes the bus’s route, the first and last bus and its timetable. Many bus stops now include screens with the number of the bus and when the next is due to arrive.

Where to buy a bus ticket? Bus tickets can be bought in any metro station, news-stand or convenience stores. If you are planning on using the bus regularly, we recommend you buy a few at a time or get a travel card, which might be a better option.

Always validate your ticket Although it might seem like nobody in Rome validates their ticket, that is because they have monthly passes which don’t require to be inserted into a machine. However, tourists must insert their tickets in a validation machine.

Rome Trams Rome’s trams are usually cleaner than the buses and are also considered by many more romantic. Nonetheless, the trams six lines are small and as it doesn’t get to the city centre this makes it less appealing for visitors.

Hop on-Hop off Bus Tours: Another way to both plan your own sightseeing tour and travel easily between all of Rome's major attractions, including the Colosseum, St Peter's Basilica and the , is to take one of the many Hop on-Hop off bus tours that are available in the City.

You can enjoy the views from your comfortable double- decker bus and learn more about the city as you listen to your audio commentary on board.

Make the most of your time in 's capital, exploring its historic monuments and vibrant atmosphere with a hop- on hop-off bus ticket. Admire the architectural magnificence of the city from the deck of the bus, or hop off at any of the world-renowned attractions, such as the Colosseum, Spanish Steps and Vatican. The route is designed to ensure you don't miss its most iconic landmarks.

Choose from 13 languages and learn more about Rome's ancient history and timeless beauty via your own set of complimentary headphones. Stops along the route include the , Island, and St. Peter's Basilica Not to be missed Colosseum: Known as the Flavian , the Roman Colosseum is one of the capital's most remarkable monuments. Every year over 6 million people visit it. The Colosseum is the main symbol of Rome. This imposing construction has almost 2,000 years of history and will take you back in time to discover the way of life in the .

The construction of the Colosseum began in the year 72 under the empire of Vespasian and was finished in the year 80 during the rule of the emperor , who inaugurated the Colosseum with 100 days of games, which took the life of more than 2,000 gladiators.

The Pantheon:The Pantheon of Agrippa, also known as the Roman Pantheon, is one of the architectural masterpieces of the Italian capital. It is the best preserved building from .

The current Pantheon was built during the reign of Hadrian, in the year 126 A.D. The name ‘Agrippa’ comes from the place in which the current building is built, which was previously occupied by the Pantheon of Agrippa, which was built in the year 27 B.C but was destroyed in a fire in the year 80 A.D.

At the start of the 7th century the building was donated to the Boniface IV, who transformed it into a church, which it still is.

Go inside the Pantheon to see the tombs of numerous Italian kings and a multitude of art works. The best- known person who can be found buried in the Pantheon is, without doubt. the painter and Renaissance architect Raphael.

Outside the Pantheon is usually full of people at all hours, either photographing the imposing building or having a traditional supper in some of the terraces of the while they enjoy the shows put on by different street artists.

The Roman Forum: The Roman Forum was where religious and public life in ancient Rome took place. The Forum and the Colosseum, are the greatest signs of the splendour of the Roman Empire that can be seen today.

The Roman Forum is one of the most beautiful and interesting places in the city, Visiting Rome without walking around the Forum is like going to Paris without seeing the Eiffel Tower. As you travel along the , close your eyes and imagine it as it was more than 20 centuries ago, when walked there. St. Peter's Square is one of the largest and most beautiful squares in the world. It is located in , at the feet of St. Peter's Basilica. The dimensions of the square are spectacular: 320 metres long and 240 metres wide. St. Peter's Square has held more than 300,000 people.

Construction of the square was completed in 1667 by the famous Italian sculptor and architect Bernini, with the full support of Pope Alexander XII.

The most impressive part of the square, besides its size, are its 284 columns and 88 pilasters that flank the square in a colonnade of four rows. Above the columns there are 140 statues of saints created in 1670 by the disciples of Bernini.

In the centre of the square the and the two fountains, one of Bernini (1675) and another of Maderno (1614) stand out. The obelisk, which is 25 metres tall, was carried to Rome from Egypt in 1586. Shopping in Rome If shopping is important, Rome offers plenty of options. In Italy’s capital, you’ll find a wide variety of small shops selling traditional products, high streets, department stores and top international designer boutiques.

It’s a well known fact that Italians love fashion and Rome has some of the best designer boutiques in Italy. To discover these shops, head to , where the most prestigious boutiques are located, or to the streets surrounding Piazza di , especially Via dei Condotti, where you’ll find Prada, Gucci, Louis Vuitton or Armani. Then walk to , where there are other stores of the same standard.

If you’re looking for counterfeit products, especially bags, you’ll be surprised at how many are available on the popular streets of Rome. It is possible to purchase a Gucci replica bag for €10.00!

Souvenir shops and street stalls are found in Rome’s most important tourist spots. If you are good at bargaining, you will be able to get the typical figurines and other souvenirs for great prices.

One of the most popular products to buy in Italy is pasta. You will find all types of pasta of different shapes and sizes, flavour and ingredients throughout the city. The most extravagant variations can cost up to 3€ for a 500-gram bag.

If you like parmesan cheese, you can get some in Rome, which is normally a lot cheaper and better quality than in the rest of Europe. Department stores: Unlike most capital cities in Europe, Rome doesn’t have many department stores. The closest to the city centre is the Galleria Alberto Sordi, on Via del Corso, near the Piazza . It opens every day from 10 am to 10 pm.

Street markets: Rome has several very interesting street markets full of traditional products, art, clothes and antiques. Here are some:

Porta Portese Market: Only open on Sunday mornings, this traditional flea market that sells everything from books to clothes to CDs is Rome’s largest street market. It is spread throughout the streets of Railway Station.

Piazza Fontanella Borghese Market: It opens every morning except Sundays and specialises in books and antiques. You will will find it near the .

Via Sannio Market: Five minutes from San Giovanni metro station is located Via Sannio Market. It opens on weekdays until 8 pm (approximately). It mainly sells clothes and jewellery.

Other things to do and see in Rome

Most people when they visit Rome come to see the main attractions shown above under the ’not to be missed’ section, however there are one or two other things that are worth taking the time to visit. Here are a couple of ideas:

The Original Crypts & Catacombs Tour with Bone Chapel Visit: Descend into the chill of Rome’s mysterious underworld with the longest running crypts and catacombs tour. Beneath the sun-baked streets lie layer upon layer of history.

First, visit the hallowed catacombs where, beneath their persecutors’ feet, early Christians practised their forbidden faith. Almost 2,000 years ago, this secret network of tunnels doubled as a place of worship and burial ground.

As you explore tombs carved out of solid rock, your guide – a local, expert English-speaker – will relate the fascinating history of this sacred spot. The Museum of Souls in Purgatory: This museum is found within another museum. Museumception.

The Museum of Souls in Purgatory is situated in the vestry of the Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. This is a place in Rome which is really off the beaten path and isn’t full of tourists. The amazing thing about this place? It’s just a simple room full of scorched papers, books and bibles of people’s faces – representing souls trapped in purgatory.

Explore Pigneto’s street art: Paris has Belleville, London has Shoreditch, New York has Williamsburg and Italy has Pigneto. It’s the alternative neighbourhood that’s bursting with enough street art to throw a stick at.

Local artists flock here from all over and the decorated buildings are a feast for the eyes. So for the hipsters amongst us, this is certainly a place to go and get lost in the streets.

In this little corner of Rome there’s also a cinema and a food market making it one vibrant and cultural district worth witnessing.

Follow in Audrey Hepburn’s Footsteps: Ahh, Audrey Hepburn. Such class. Such refinery. As the princess in the film Roman Holiday, she escapes her royal duties and goes off on her own to really discover Rome.

On her discoveries she visits the Mouth of Truth or La Bocca della Verità in Italian. Its purpose is to “eat” the hands of liars when you slide your hand into its mouth. Try it! Although, unlike Audrey, it’s doubtful you’ll win an Academy Award during your visit.

Rome nightlife

Since most Romans don’t have dinner until after 9pm, nightlife in Rome starts pretty late. Don’t be fooled if bars are empty at 7pm—have a little patience and they will soon start to fill up.

All through the week, you’ll find locals hanging out in low-key wine bars or restaurants, while Friday-Sunday is the best time to hit the pubs, rooftop bars and clubs. Coming home at 6am is normal for party-goers here. They’ll park their scooters outside a 24-bakery and eat a cornetto (not the ice cream), straight from the oven, before heading to bed.

Viva l’Italia! Best nightlife in Rome Macchésietivenutiafà: What is it? In the heart of Trastevere, the crowds at this wonderfully-named dive bar (loosely translated, it means ‘What the hell are you doing here?’) often spill out onto the street.

Offering a huge selection of craft beers, it’s a place for making new friends. Why go? Trust us, it might look rough around the edges but it makes for a great night out. Don’t judge this book by its cover!

Nearby is Piazza Trilussa, where you can drink al fresco, side-by-side with the young Roman crowd; students and tourists alike.

Baja: What is it? This fancy floating conservatory-looking structure looks like something out of a Fitzgerald novel, but is really a former harbour barge that floats on the Tiber river in the heart of Rome. One of the favourite hangouts in summer.

Why go? This hotspot offers live music and cocktails made with local, organic ingredients. Tip: if you want a highly coveted window-seat, put on your glad-rags! (Romans also flock here for Sunday brunch.)

Voodoo Bar: What is it? Having only opened in 2017, Voodoo bar has fast become the favourite place to see and be seen. Revellers sip on fun, fruity cocktails at the Caribbean bar, or share sushi and tapas at the Tropical Restaurant.

Why go? Follow the candlelit path into the park to party the night away with live music and DJ sets at this -American style outdoor club. If it all gets too much, enjoy their ‘chilling zone’ – you can even get a massage! Best of all, it’s free entry.

Burlesque @ Micca Club: What is it? If you’re looking for something a little different on your night out, head to the centre of town and you’ll find Micca: a feast for the eyes. This Burlesque club will show you a good time.

Why go? The entry fee includes an aperitivo (drink and finger food) or dinner, as well as the show. Choose to sit in a box for more luxurious viewing. A naughty but nice evening out! Getting to Rome

There are two main airports that serve Rome, Ciampino and Leonardo da Vinci.

Ciampino is just over 10 miles from the tournament base. Only Ryan Air fly there from the UK and Ireland. Their departure airports are Dublin, East Midlands, Edinburgh, London-Stansted, Manchester and Prestwick.

Leonardo da Vinci is 26 miles away but there are more airlines to choose from:

Aer Lingus from Dublin.

Alitalia from London-Heathrow

BA from London-City, London-Gatwick and London-Heathrow

EasyJet from Bristol, London-Gatwick, London-Luton and Manchester,

Jet2 from Birmingham, Glasgow, Leeds/Bradford, Manchester and Newcastle Upon Tyne.

Vueling from London-Gatwick

Know before you go

Electricity in Italy conforms to the European standard of 220V to 230V, with a frequency of 50Hz. Wall outlets typically accommodate plugs with two or three round pins (the latter grounded, the former not).

Useful phone numbers Police (Polizia): 113 Ambulance: 118 Fire: 115 Emergency Break-Through: 4197 English-speaking doctors: 06.488 2371 24-Hour Veterinary Emergency: 06.660 681 Suicide Alert (The Samaritans): 800 8600 22 Alcoholics Anonymous: 06.474 2913 Narcotics Anonymous: 06.860 4788 Directory Information: 12 40 Operator Assistance: 170 General/International Information: 4176 City of Rome: 06.0606

Credit Card Loss: American Express: 06.72282 Visa/Mastercard: 800 151616 Diner’s Club: 800 864 064 or 06.32 12841 ATAC (buses, metro routes) 06.46951

Embassies United Kingdom - Via XX Settembre, 80/A tel. 06.422 00001 Ireland - Piazza Campitelli, 3 tel. 06.697 9121 How can I make a ‘phone call during my time in Rome? If you wish to call another country from Italy, dial 00 + country code + the phone number. You can place international calls from a public phone. There are two types of public pay phones in Italy: those that take both coins and phonecards, and those that take only phone cards (carta telefonica or scheda telefonica). Many also take credit cards.

You can buy these prepaid phone cards at any tabacchi (tobacconists), most newsstands, and some bars in several denominations from €1 to €8.

Is smoking prohibited? Smoking in Italy has been banned in public places including bars, restaurants, discotheques and offices since 2005. A majority of Italians supported the ban at the time it was first implemented, but there was a lack of support from smokers and some bar owners. 5% of bar and restaurant owners immediately introduced separate smoking rooms.

On 1 August 2005 a judge ruled that business owners could not be punished for not informing the police about infringing customers.

Paying for things

It’s not uncommon for places to only accept cash, so make sure you have enough euros on hand for your day’s planned activities.

Notify your bank before traveling so you don’t find yourself with frozen debit and credit cards, and withdraw at least some money from a cash point when you arrive at the airport. You don’t want to be stuck looking for an ATM while you’re jet lagged and may even run into one or two that don’t work.

When you do need more cash, look for ATMs that are attached to a bank just in case it eats your card.

Where can you change foreign currency?You can

You can change currencies in bureaux de change and some banks. This service is also available in many hotels and travel agencies.

Table service in restaurants

Coperto is a table service fee — usually 1-3 Euros or 10% of your meal — and is charged to every person who sits at the table. Restaurants should disclose the service fee, but expect it regardless.

There is almost always a charge for bread, so if you don’t want bread (or rather, don’t want to be charged for it) let your waiter/waitress know as soon as you sit down so they don’t bring it out automatically as they normally do.

Public holidays in 2021

1 Jan Fri New Year's Day 6 Jan Wed Epiphany 02 Jun Wed Republic Day 01 Nov Mon All Saints Day 04 Apr Sun Easter Sunday 08 Dec Wed Feast of the immaculate conception 05 Apr Mon Easter Monday 25 Dec Sat Christmas Day 1 May Sat Labour Day 26 Dec Sun St Stephens Day How can you go online and check your e-mails?

Free wi-fi is widely available in hostels, B&Bs and hotels, though signal quality varies. Some places also provide laptops/computers. Many bars and cafes offer wi-fi.

There are many public wi-fi hotspots across town run by WiFimetropolitano (www.cittametropolitanaroma.gov.it/ wifimetropolitano). To use these, you'll need to register online using a credit card or Italian mobile phone.

How can I send a letter or postcard?

For those of you who still write and send postcards, here’s a tip that will not only speed your postcards on their journey but be a fun memento for whoever receives them as well. You probably already know that Vatican City, rather than being a neighbourhood of Rome, is its own independent country. While it doesn’t have its own currency, the Vatican does have its own post office – and it’s notoriously more efficient than Italy’s postal system.

If you time your visit to Vatican City right, you’ll have visited other spots in Rome and have postcards already written when you head for St. Peter’s. The easiest post office in Vatican City to find and use opens onto St. Peter’s Square. If you’re looking at St. Peter’s Basilica, the post office is to the left. You’ll recognise it by the bright yellow “Poste Vaticane” boxes outside the door.

Remember that Italian stamps won’t work in the Poste Vaticane boxes, and Vatican stamps won’t work in the boxes. So bring your postcards to the Vatican without stamps, buy them in the Vatican post office, and send them on their way. And, as a bonus, if you know anyone who’s a stamp collector (or just a Catholic, for that matter), a Vatican stamp makes an excellent souvenir.