The Best Area to Stay in Rome

By Go City Expert

You have booked your flight, but where is the best area to stay in Rome? Rome is a big place. The city centre is divided into smaller neighbourhoods that each has its own character. And even the locals don’t agree completely where one area starts and another finishes! So, a good starting point is to think about what you want to get out of your trip and what you are hoping to see. As well as consult this guide, brought to you by the OMNIA Vatican & Rome Pass team. Centro storico Think of Rome, and you probably picture the ancient centre: winding medieval streets, beautiful Baroque fountains, atmosphere and romance. Indeed, if you stay in this district, many of the main attractions (including the Pantheon and the Piazza Navona) are in walking distance. You can also stroll a little further to Campo de’ Fiori and the Ghetto, both particularly picturesque parts of this area - slightly quieter and further away from the big-ticket attractions. Being able to easily return to your hotel during the day to get changed or ‘re-charge’ is important, especially when the weather is very hot. So please note, the nearest metro station is around 20 minutes away and, because the area is so popular, it’s important to look carefully for a good deal on food or accommodation. Tridente and the Spanish steps Extending from the Piazza del Popolo, the area of Tridente is in the northern part of central Rome. With plenty of designer boutiques, chic hotels and luxury accommodation, this is one of the more exclusive parts of Rome to stay... and to shop. Many people come to visit the Piazza di Spagna just to sit on the famous Spanish steps and watch the world go by. The steps were built in the 1720s to connect the Piazza to the Trinità dei Monti church and have been a famous meeting point ever since. The Trevi fountain is also close by and legend has it that if you throw a coin into the fountain, you are sure to return to Rome in the future. Colosseum If you love history, archeology or dressing up, the area around the Colosseum is perfect for you. The most ancient part of the city, it’s also close to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. You’ll be walking in the footsteps of Romus and Remulus, the city’s founders - as well as Roman emperors (and lots of people in gladiator costumes). This neighbourhood is one of the busiest and, as you might guess, it can be quite noisy. It does however offer a great choice of accommodation. Termini Stazione Termini is a major transport hub, where railway, metro and most bus routes intersect. It’s super-convenient for early morning departures and hop-on hop-off bus tours, but not the most charming of Rome’s neighbourhoods. There are usually plenty of affordable hotel options here, but it’s too far from the main attractions to make a good base for exploring the city on foot. Prati Prati is perfect for visiting the sights of the Vatican, as it is just outside the enclave’s walls. A quieter area, away from the bustle of the main tourist thoroughfares, it is nevertheless well connected in terms of transport and its wide, tree-lined boulevards and fine eateries make for a pleasant stay. Since it’s not directly in the city centre, prices are often reasonable. Trastevere Trastevere could be considered the best area to stay in Rome – for people who enjoy nightlife. Located on the western river bank, it’s a working-class neighbourhood (up-and-coming), in easy walking distance of the Vatican and central attractions. You’ll find photo ops at the corner of pretty much every ivy-covered cobbled lane or tiny piazza. Trastevere is also known for its excellent restaurants, and good atmosphere that lasts well into the night. Regardless of where you decide to stay, bear in mind that Rome’s hotel prices fluctuate heavily. Booking well in advance and reading hotel reviews carefully are always a good idea in order to get value for money. Alternatively, why not rent an apartment and live like a local for a few days? With a bit of forethought you are sure to find the best area to stay in Rome - or rather, the best area for you. Wishing you a good trip!

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Top 10 Rome Foods You Need to Try

Eat your heart out with some of these fantastic Rome foods. : you're in Italy now and most of the best things to eat will be pasta-based. From crunchy fried artichokes to cheesy pasta dishes, check out our list of classic Rome foods below. La carbonara perfetta🍳 #romefood #testaccio #foodporn #daFelice #foodandwine #pastalover #spaghetticarbonara #eggsauce A photo posted by Sara Frangelli (@sarafrang) on Jan 20, 2017 at 3:37pm PST Carbonara This pasta is undoubtedly one of Rome's best claims to culinary fame, however the recipe has been chopped and changed in recent years. Traditional carbonara uses raw eggs instead of a cream-based sauce and is served with guanciale (cured pork jowl) or pancetta. Finished off with a sprinkling of Pecorino Romana cheese, it's a dish that even the fussiest child will love. 🍝AMATRICIANA.🍝#amatriciana #pasta #pastalover #pastaaddict #bucatini #bucatiniallamatriciana #italianfood #italianpasta #eatpasta #igersitalia #fooditaly #eataly #sugo #primi #mangio #picoftheday #sunday #domenica #buonadomenica #pranzo #lunch #lunchtime #yummy #gnam A photo posted by Emanuela Scimonelli (@astroculinaria) on Jan 29, 2017 at 9:12am PST Bucatini all'Amatriciana This classic dish uses bucatini pasta, a thicker, grown up version of spaghetti pasta which is hollow all the way through. Combining peppers, guanciale or pancetta, tomatoes and cheese, it's a distinctive recipe that sounds like it should sound like any old bolognaise but goes so much further. • CACIO & PEPE • #enjoy #happiness #openmind #befree #roma #cacioepepe #orgasmoculinario #pasta #tonnarelli #lovelive #feelgood #feelhappy #italy #sentirsivivi #AM# A photo posted by A N D R E A P R O F I C O (@andrea_profico) on Jan 29, 2017 at 6:24am PST Spaghetti Cacio e Pepe This simple dish is living proof that sometimes less is more when it comes to cooking. This pasta dish is beloved by many in Rome and combines pasta, black pepper and Pecorino Romano cheese to create the ultimate comfort food. Carciofi fritti😜#carciofifritti #carciofi #artichoke #friedartichokes #instalike #instagood #goodfood #cibobuono #foodpic #foodporn #pornfood #yummy #sogood #followme #inpiattati #piattiitaliani #primoitaliano #ciboitaliano #officialitalianfood #italianfood #foodlike #italianfoodbloggers #foodblogger #artichokes #foodbeast #instafoodie #dinnertime #italianlunch #buonappetito #pranzoitaliano A photo posted by @sweetsaltyirene94 on Jan 30, 2017 at 3:45am PST Carciofi alla Giudiá Popularised by the Jewish community in Rome, fried artichokes are a well-loved delicacy and boom in popularity when they come into season in the summer. Deep-fried in olive oil until every leaf has crisped over, they wind up looking similar to flowers. Pizza al taglio sul Campo de' Fiori 🍕🌼 #morepizzalessproblems #bigmammatour A photo posted by Constance (@constancelggr) on Jan 24, 2017 at 2:52am PST Pizza Bianca Pizza Bianca is a great example of Roman street food and can be mistaken at a first glance for foccacia. These pale, circular discs can be filled with cheese or prosciutto and are chewy in texture, baken in the oven and served piping hot. Most bakeries will sell their own versions, so keep an eye out for the queues spilling out onto the street for a great bite. Pane e carbonara leggerissimiiii A photo posted by giacomobrando (@giacomobrando) on Mar 26, 2016 at 5:52am PDT Suppli Similar to arancini, these deep fried rice balls are served usually as an appetiser to a meal. Rice flavoured usually with meat of some kind is packed around a ball of mozzarella and fried, making each bite a decadent, gooey one. Summer antipasto #fioridizucca #antipasto #summer #theheirloomchronicle A photo posted by Carmen (@theheirloomchronicle) on Jan 24, 2017 at 10:48pm PST Fiori di Zucca Fritti Another fried appetiser on the list, zucchini flowers are everywhere in Rome and can be used as garnishes as well as dishes all of their own. Variations include stuffing them with mozzarella and anchovies for a more filling dish - forget about the cholesterol and indulge yourself. Panino with tongue, salsa verde, & a hint of chilli. Best sandwich in town, hands down. A photo posted by Agnes Crawford (@understandingrome) on Apr 26, 2016 at 3:52am PDT Quinto Quarto While this might not be an option for more squeamish eaters, quinto quarto - or offal - is an important part of Roman cooking. Think of everything that you don't usually see in a supermarket: intestines, tripe, lungs, heart, kidneys. The Romans are masters of offal cooking and it's worth giving a dish a go, if only to say that you've had it. Saltimbocca alla romana! A photo posted by Donatella (@rossidonatella61) on Jan 26, 2017 at 10:42am PST Veal Saltimbocca alla Romana This dish is so delicious that it's name includes the phrase saltimbocca, or 'jump into your mouth'. Unlike the many pasta dishes on this list, it's a meat dish which consists of a medallion of veal wrapped in prosciutto and sage, then marinated in white wine and fried. Good morning, #cheeselovers ! ❤️🧀❤️ Did you know that #Italy exports around 250k tons of #cheese annually?! Did you also know that there are seemingly endless options for types of #pecorino (#pecorinotoscano and #pecorinoromano aren't the only ones out there! 😉). We just got some killer new ones in (#exclusive to @petersoncheese !), and I couldn't stop snacking on this crumbly beauty- #Fauglia ! This #sheep milk #formaggio is made using #parmigianoreggiano cultures and is pretty much the #perfect blend of parm and pecorino. You gotta try it! 😍😁 (seriously though- how #sexy is all of that texture?!?) #sheepcheese #italiancheese #caseificiobusti #busticheese #seattle #pnw #cheesemonger #curdnerd #foodie #seattlefoodie #foodstagram #eeeeeats #fromage #queso #kaas A photo posted by @thecheesequeen on Jan 19, 2017 at 7:39am PST Pecorino Romano Many Roman pasta dishes incorporate this hard, sharp cheese, made of sheep's milk and grated for an extra kick. As one of the oldest cheeses in Italy, it's usually made in Sardinia and traditionally was a key component of a meal for ancient Roman soldiers.
Megan Hills
rome safe
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Is Rome Safe?

Safety can be one of the biggest concerns when planning a vacation. 'A stranger in a strange land', as the saying goes. That's why it's always important to know what to expect when visiting a new city and country. Take Rome, for instance. It's one of the most popular tourist spots in Europe, but how safe is it? Read on, and find out as we explore how to stay safe in Rome, what to look out for, and neighborhoods to avoid. Including: How safe is Rome? Common threats to safety in Rome Neighborhoods to avoid Is public transport safe in Rome? and more! How safe is Rome? Rome is one of the most historic cities in Europe, so it's no wonder countless people flock there every year. In fact, Rome plays host to around 10 million tourists every year, making it one of Europe's most popular destinations. Some come for the ancient architecture and history-soaked streets. Others visit for the nightlife, food, and shopping. But how safe is Rome? Rome is considered a relatively safe city, ranking 29th in The Economist's Safe City Index 2021. Many factors make up this ranking, including personal safety, environmental safety, and even digital security. Those factors don't make a huge difference here, as Rome's 'personal security' ranking has it at 29th too! So, what should you look out for on your trip to Rome? Common threats to safety in Rome Rome's most frequent crimes are petty theft. And, like many travel hotspots around the world, tourists are usually targeted. So let's talk about the types of theft you should be aware of on your vacation. Pickpockets During peak tourist season in the summer, you should be aware that many pickpockets operate in Rome. Focusing on the most popular spots as well as trains, they target tourists because of the large amount of vacation cash they may have on them. This is relatively common in any big city that welcomes a lot of tourist traffic, so you may already be aware of the dos and don'ts. If not, or you just need a refresher, here are our tips to keep your belongings belonging to you! Keep your bag, purse, or clutch close to you at all times. Try and avoid carrying large amounts of cash - most places will accept card, even if it's from a different country. Don't leave coats, jackets, wallets, or phones unattended when you're having a drink, getting a bite to eat, or going up to the counter to collect your order. Be aware of distraction techniques. Thieves often work in pairs, so while one may strike up a conversation, ask directions, or 'accidentally' fall into, the other may well be attempting to swipe your cash or camera. Avoid using paper maps when out and about. If you know where you want to go, use your phone's GPS and then stick an earbud in and listen for directions. You'll blend right in. Muggings Though chances of a violent mugging are much lower than being pickpocketed, it's still worth being mindful when walking around Rome. Public transport, especially at night, can make you an easy target. If you want to avoid a mugging, do the following. Avoid public transport at night when possible - book a taxi from a reputable company instead. Check online to find one, though you may pay more than a local. Alternatively, go through a taxi app, if you're comfortable. At night, try and travel in groups of two or more. Plan your route around your daily plans and know when and where you're going to avoid unnecessary loitering - you may draw the attention of ruffians. Scams Scams have become one of the most popular forms of crime in many cities. Rome is no different, with a number of scams operating throughout the city. Unfortunately, taxis are one of those. As we mentioned above, taxi drivers may be tempted to charge tourists higher rates than locals. Always make sure your driver is on the meter, and if they offer you a flat fee or 'forget' to put the meter on, they're likely trying to scam more money out of you. Politely ask them to put the meter on or request to leave the vehicle. You may also be approached in the street and offered a free charm or trinket. Ensure you do not accept this, and be firm if necessary. If you take it, they will loudly and aggressively demand payment. Another common scam is fake charity petitions. While not every one is fake, it may be difficult to discern which is not. We'd advise you to avoid these where possible, and give through a charity's website instead. Even signing a petition might lead to an aggressive demand for a donation, and that donation is going straight into the scammer's pocket. Make sure you check ATMs for tampering, as scammers target those too. Most places in Rome will allow card payments, so if you're lucky, you won't need to use one at all. Neighborhoods to avoid Rome's most crime-riddled neighborhoods include Tor Bella Monaca, Romanina, San Basilio, and Corviale. As these are predominantly residential areas, you may have no reason to ever visit them. However, if you do, try to avoid them at night. If that's not possible, make sure you travel in a group to avoid being targeted as much as possible. Is public transport safe in Rome? As we mentioned, there are some things worth bearing in mind regarding public transport. We've talked about taxis at length, so be vigilant of those. Regarding other forms, they are generally safe, especially during the day. Do bear in mind that some train stations such as Termini are pickpocket hotspots, especially in the evening. As a general rule, try and avoid using public transport at night if possible. That way, you lower your risk of potential muggings or pickpocketing. And that's our guide to staying safe in Rome! Want to make the most of your vacation? Check out Go City. With us, you can see all of Rome's best bits when and how you want.
Dom Bewley
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Our Easy Guide to Vatican City

Beat the holiday crowds and make your vacation a blessed one with our sightseeing guide to Vatican City. If the idea of queuing to hours and elbowing through crowds of people doesn't sound like too much fun... then you're in luck! With the OMNIA Vatican & Rome Pass, you can skip the queues and head straight to the amazing landmarks in Vatican City. From the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Basilica to the Vatican Museums and more, here's our easy-to-follow guide to Vatican City. Sistine Chapel Not only is the Sistine Chapel a grand place of worship, it also houses some of the world's finest Renaissance art. Drawing its name from Pope Sixtus IV della Rovere, the man who oversaw its construction, the chapel is part of the Vatican Museums and is always bustling with tourists. Famous master artists such as Botticelli were commissioned to create works for the chapel, including Michelangelo whose detailed ceiling frescoes and The Last Judgment never fails to amaze all those who pass through its doors. Opening hours: 10am - 6pm Highlights: The ceiling and painting The Last Judgment by Michelangelo, Temptation of Christ and Trial of Moses by Botticelli St Peter's Basilica As one of the largest churches in the world, St Peter's Basilica is an icon of the Vatican City and is easily spotted by its elaborate dome designed by Michelangelo. With enough room for 20,000 people, it was built to honour Saint Peter after his crucifixion in 324AD and his tomb still remains in the scavi (grottoes) beneath the basilica, alongside beloved popes. Aside from its impressive standing in the religious community, it also boasts an incredible view from its dome of the city well worth climbing the stairs for. Keep an eye out for the general audiences with the Pope on Wednesdays at 10am - you'll need to sort out tickets in advance which can be found at the basilica, but they're free. Opening hours: 7am - 7pm daily, April - September; 7am - 6pm, October - March Highlights: The view from Michelangelo's dome, Vatican grottoes, general audiences with the Pope, Michelangelo's Piéta Basilica of St John Lateran Situated beyond the Vatican City's limits, the Basilica of St John Lateran is the oldest in Rome and also one of its most important as it houses the official papal throne. While the Pope technically spends most of his time in the Vatican City at St Peter's Basilica, the cathedral is still worth the visit and impressive in its own right with Baroque statues of the apostles adorning its hall. It is also said to house a part of the table from Jesus' last supper, as well as his blood. Venture across the road to the Holy Stairs, the steps of Pontius Pilate's palace that Jesus descended following the trial that led to his crucifixion which can only be climbed on your knees. Opening hours: 7am - 7pm, with the exception of winter months 7am - 6pm Highlights: Papal tombs and throne, holy relics, Holy Stairs, apostle statues Vatican Museums Tackling the Vatican Museums is no small task with over twenty distinct sections and notoriously long lines, however it's a must-visit for any traveller in the Vatican City. Started by Pope Julius II in the early 1500s with just a small collection of statues, it has since become a sprawling epicenter of art and religious iconography spanning centuries and countries. The Raphael Rooms, located at the entrance, herald the unbelievable mastery and beauty of the works to come and a photo of the iconic spiral staircase is mandatory. Opening Hours: Ticket office, 9am - 4pm; museums, 9am - 6pm Highlights: Raphael rooms, spiral staircase, Egyptian museum, Vatican Historical Museum
Megan Hills

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