Buon Natale! Christmas celebrations in Rome

By Go City Expert

With less than two weeks to go until 25th December, we’re all getting very excited. Whether you’ll be in Rome for the actual day or whether you’re just visiting in the run up, you can still enjoy the wide range of festive events and activities going on during the season. Christmas Market at Piazza Navona Although Rome’s not nationally or internationally famed for its Christmas markets, the most popular one can be found dominating the whole of Piazza Navona (accessible on a Rome Bus Tour) from late November through to early January. Filled with fairground-style stalls and novelty gifts, it’s every Roman’s answer to a commercialised Christmas. And so what, it’s fun! With plenty to purchase from candy floss to delicious Italian treats like panettone, it’s worth a visit just to get you in the Christmas spirit at least. Make sure to take loose change though as cash points in the area are hard to come by. Christmas Tree at St Peter’s Square St Peter’s Basilica needs no introduction, and nor do you need reminding of its importance and spiritual and historic symbolism. At Christmas thought it’s famous for another reason (other than the obvious) as a huge Christmas tree (usually around the 25m mark) is erected in the middle of the square. The tradition of the Christmas tree has been around since 1982 when the Polish Pope John Paul II introduced this much loved Northern European festive symbol. Now, every year the tree is donated by a different country and this year it's back to Italy and the Southern region of Calabria. NB: If you’re in Rome for Christmas Eve, their annual Nativity Play is also unveiled to celebrate the birth of Christ – definitely worth a visit! Christmas Music at Natale all'Auditorium Parco della Musica Each country and culture has their own Christmas traditions and music plays as much a part in it as anything. Where the Westernised Christian traditions usually sing carols, in Rome you can enjoy Christmas at the Auditorium Parco della Musica with the Rome Gospel Festival. But it’s not all about the music, although Parco della Musica hosts a wide range of concerts and operas from early December through to early January, there’s also an ice rink and a Christmas market, too. A great place to take the kids for a mix of culture and Christmas cheer! Christmas Shopping Arti & Mestieri Expo Rome has lots of good artisanal shops and independent sellers to get inspired for your Christmas shopping, if you’re looking for something really unique then head to the Arti & Mestieri Expo (Arts & Crafts Expo), from 11th December to 14th December. With stalls exhibiting all sorts of crafts, food, wine, beauty and lifestyle products – there’s something for everyone! Perfect for stocking fillers or substantial presents you can find silver jewellery and leather goods, to handmade cards and knick knacks. Ice Skating at Castel Sant’angelo To top off the Christmas extravaganza in Rome, end your festive holiday with a bit of ice skating. At one of the most picturesque spots, right in front of Castel Sant’angelo, you can skate against a historic backdrop and drink in just being in Rome at Christmas! Just a short walk away is the bustling area of Trastevere, too, a great place to go and warm up with a drink and some pizza afterwards.

Go City Expert
Rome Travel Expert

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St Peter's Basilica in Rome
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Tourist Traps in Rome

It’s a truth universally acknowledged that the closer you are to any major tourist attraction – be it in London, Paris, New York, or wherever – the more likely you are to fall into a classic tourist trap. Sure, you’ll want to hit up bucket-list biggies like the Colosseum and Trevi Fountain while in Rome, but it pays to be aware that this will position you squarely in the danger zone – we’re talking tacky overpriced souvenirs, street scammers, tediously long queues, and takeaway pizza that no right-minded Italian would touch with a bargepole. Fear not though: we’ve got your back. Read on for our guide to the worst tourist traps in Rome, how best to avoid them, and what you should do instead. Tourist Traps at Major Rome Attractions Number one on the list for most Rome sightseers is the Colosseum, that great oval arena in the heart of the city. It just happens to be the biggest and best-preserved Ancient Roman amphitheater on the planet, and one of Rome’s most photo-friendly attractions, so it stands to reason that it’s busy pretty much all the time. First tip: dodge the faux-gladiators touting for photos outside and, if you absolutely must have a selfie with one of them, avoid a fleecing by agreeing a price first. Better still, get yourself onto the arena floor and strike your own Russell Crowe poses for the camera. Yes, it’s busy down there, but there are ways to avoid the worst of the crowds: quieter evening tours kick off around 9PM and the atmosphere under the floodlights is electric – you can almost hear the crowd baying for gladiator blood. Recommended. Another Rome must-do, the Trevi Fountain is also best visited at dawn or dusk if you hope to avoid the worst of the crowds (and touts, and street scammers). This is also when the light is at its softest and most romantic, all but guaranteeing the perfect #humblebrag shots to fill up your Insta. Trevi is the only fountain in Rome to hold a long-established coin-tossing tradition. So sure, flip in a coin and make your wish, but don’t go doing this at every other fountain in town (as many do) – that pocketful of change is far better spent on authentic gelato or produce from local markets like these ones. Skip-the-line tickets are your friend at most other major attractions, especially the Vatican Museums, though be aware you’ll still have to wait for a little whatever ticket type you have. And, although decidedly touristy, the ubiquitous hop-on hop-off bus tour is actually a pretty good way of getting around the city and ticking off many of the top Rome attractions without tiring yourself out. You can save a bit of extra cash for gelato with the OMNIA Vatican & Rome Pass, which includes the hop-on hop-off bus tour, plus access to many more major city attractions, tours and activities. Find out more about the pass here. Traps for Hungry Rome Tourists You’d think it would be impossible to have a bad meal in the world’s culinary capital, but alas, it is not. As ever, a good rule of thumb is that, if it’s within spitting distance of a major Rome attraction, it’s a tourist trap. We’re talking soggy pizza, microwaved supermarket spaghetti, mass-produced factory sauces, and worse (did somebody say ‘pineapple on pizza’?). Besides proximity to tourist hotspots, there are a few telltale signs which can help you sidestep the dodgiest dining disasters. Restaurant signs and menus that are a) in English, b) laminated or c) laying claim to e.g. ‘the best pizza in town’ are major red flags. Run away as fast as you can! The same goes for menus with no prices on them. If you can’t be shown prices up front, it’s a hard no. Aggressive waiters or touts vying for your custom out front of the eaterie. Do. Not. Engage. Italian stereotypes on restaurant signage: mustachioed dudes scoffing pizza, Italian flags, anything still trading on The Godfather movies… avoid, avoid, avoid. Unless, that is, you actually enjoy eating overpriced and unsatisfying food. Gelato from street carts. Far better to find a traditional store in a non-touristy area than to pay top dollar for a single scoop of synthetic disappointment. The people-watching potential of popular piazzas like Navona and del Popolo is second-to-none; the food resolutely… not. Seek out trattoria in smaller neighborhood piazzas for the best Roman cooking instead. The best tip we can give is to eat where the locals eat. Non-touristy neighborhoods like Trastevere, Coppedé and Testaccio are among the most picturesque in town, and are also where can tuck into traditional amatriciana, carbonara and cacio e pepe, safe in the knowledge they’ve been freshly prepared from scratch in the trattoria’s own kitchen. And, if in doubt, Tripadvisor is your friend. Rome Tourist Traps: Common Scams Rome can have an intoxicating effect on newbie visitors, wowed by seeing all those instantly recognizable attractions – the Colosseum, the Pantheon, St Peter’s Basilica – up close. Such distractions make you a prime target for scammers, pickpockets and other dodgy dealers. Here are a few of the scams you may encounter around Rome’s tourist traps, plus tips on how to avoid them. The freebie scam. Picture the scene: you’re minding your own business sitting on the Spanish Steps, or gazing wistfully into the glittering shop windows of the Via del Corso, when a woman or small child approaches and offers you a rose, charm or other trinket. The problem is that, the minute you take it, those sweet, innocent faces will harden and the loudly aggressive demands for cash payment will commence. Avoid by simply declining the item offered, saying a firm ‘no’ and walking away. The map scam. Sidewalk café tables are prime real estate for incurable people-watchers and a great way to watch the world go buy over cappuccino and cannoli. But don’t let yourself get too distracted and, if anyone slaps a map down on your table on the pretext of asking for directions, be on high alert. When they lift the map to leave, chances are they’ll also grab any valuables you’ve left lying underneath. Arrivederci, phone and wallet! The coin scam. Tourist trap hotspots abound around the major Rome attractions and you’ll find plenty of restaurants, stores and street vendors ready to give you dud coins in your change. So, if you absolutely must have that tacky Colosseum keyring, at least check for rogue lira coins in your change before walking away. Read our guide to staying safe in Rome here. Save on Popular Rome Attractions, Tours and Activities Save on admission to Rome attractions with the OMNIA Vatican & Rome Pass. Check out @omniavaticanrome on Instagram for the latest top tips and attraction info.
Stuart Bak
Stuart Bak
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Museums in Rome

The museums in Rome are second to none and known around the world for their cultural and historic offerings, from paintings, sculptures, ancient ceramics and more. Rome is a city that benefits from a wide range of these museums and every visitor should make the most of the smorgasbord of what’s on offer. From the iconic Vatican Museums to the MAXXI, Castel Sant Angelo and the Borghese Gallery, each museum has its own subject matter and specialty waiting to be discovered. Vatican museums The Vatican Museums are considered some of the best museums in the world in terms of their priceless artifacts and historic pieces of art, sculpture, and tapestries. Its contents are an estimated €15 billion and covering over 9 miles, the Vatican Museums are definitely packed with plenty to see. The Raphael Room, the Papal Entrance, the portraits of the Popes and the Sala Rotonda are some of the best things to see – and don’t miss the iconic Sistine Chapel, an exhibit in itself! Address: Viale Vaticano, 00165 Roma Metro: Ottaviano-S.Pietro-Musei Vaticano (Metro A line) Visit Duration: 4 hours Museum of Rome The Museum of Rome is a fine example of Baroque architecture and within champions some of Rome’s best art from the medieval ages to the twentieth century. It’s a fascinating museum in Rome to discover the forgotten art and artists, see frescoes, ceramics, and paintings you wouldn’t usually see. The Palazzo Braschi in which its housed is an important historic building in itself, built for Pope Pius VI’s nephew Luigi Braschi Onesti. Address: Piazza San Pantaleo, 10, 00186 Roma Tram: Arenula/Cairoli (Tram 8) Visit Duration: 2 hours Borghese Gallery If you like your art, the Borghese Gallery is considered one of the finest museums in Rome for classical antiquities and paintings, as well as sculptures. You’ll find famous pieces on exhibit from Caravaggio’s David with the Head of Goliath, as well as Young Sick Bacchus, and sculptures by the iconic Bernini dating back to the 1620s – including the iconic Apollo and Daphne. There are over two thousand years of works to admire, not to mention set in the stunning Villa Borghese Park offering you a picturesque setting once you’re finished. Address: Piazzale del Museo, Borghese, 5 - 00197 Rome Bus: Pinciana- Museo Borghese Visit Duration: 3 hours Capitoline Museums The Capitoline Museums are the oldest national museums in the world, founded originally by Pope Sixtus IV in the 15th century. He donated a collection of bronze statues, making it the first museum open to the public and people of Rome. The museum is set within three historic buildings with a beautiful piazza in the middle. The museum is dedicated to art from Ancient Rome and features the She-Wolf, Hall of Tapestries and historic sculptures, artifacts, and mosaics. Address: Piazza del Campidoglio, 1 - 00186 Rome Metro: Colosseo (Metro line B) Visit Duration: 2 hours Ara Pacis Museum Commissioned by the Roman Senate in 13 BC to honour the return of Augustus, this magnificent sculpture-come-structure depicts the Augustan victory in intricate engravings. Made purely of marble, it’s a spectacular example of the fine classic Roman skill and sculpture. It’s considered one of the most important pieces of ancient sculpture in Rome and is not one to be missed. Address: Lungotevere in Augusta, 00186 Roma Metro: Spagna (Metro line A) Visit Duration: 2 hours Galleria Nazionale d'Arte Antica: Palazzo Barberini One of Rome’s best museums and art galleries is the Galleria Nazionale d'Arte Antica at Palazzo Barberini. Home to a fantastic collection of 16th-century tapestries, as well as works by Raphael and Caravaggio, visitors can admire the private collection within the former home of Pope Urban VIII. The palazzo itself is a testament to the Roman architecture of the time, complete with marble pillar and an orange garden. Address: Via Delle Quattro Fontane, 13, 00186 Roma Metro: Barberini (Metro line A) Visit Duration: 2 hours National Museum of Castel St. Angelo Sat proudly on the northern bank of the River Tiber, Castel Sant’Angelo is Rome’s ancient fortress and mausoleum with a fascinating museum dedicated to exploring its past, from the role it played guarding the city, to being a papal refuge. Castel Sant’Angelo is over 2,000 years old – so that’s over 2,000 years of history to uncover within the museum. See the papal apartments, the statue of the angel and learn about the secret passageway into the Vatican… Address: Lungotevere Castello, 50 - 00186 Rome Metro: Lepanto (Metro line A) Ottaviano (Metro line A) Visit Duration: 2 hours MAXXI Museum The MAXXI museum and art gallery in Rome is one of the finest museums in the world for the art of the 21st century. A real contemporary art gallery and museum, it was designed as a ‘multidisciplinary space’ by Zaha Hadid in 2010 and has been deemed to be the architect’s finest design to date. For those who like contemporary art and architecture, this museum is a must. See the permanent exhibitions and new works, commissions, and ones-to-watch. Address: Via Guido Reni, 4a, 00196 Roma Tram: Flaminia-Reni Visit Duration: 3 hours
Go City Expert
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How well do you know these Ancient Rome Facts?

Ancient Rome facts Do you want to learn a little more about the Eternal City and its origins? Then look no further than this handy pop quiz full of ancient Rome facts. 1. Rome was founded by twin brothers Twins Romulus and Remus were abandoned by their mother at birth, but discovered by a lone she-wolf who nursed them. They then grew up to found a city, but had a fatal disagreement over who would rule. Romulus killed Remus in the fight and named Rome after himself. You can find the original bronze statue Capitoline Wolf, of the wolf suckling the brothers, inside the Capitoline Museums. 2. The Colosseum was once filled with water The legendary stadium served as the location for gladiator combats, animal hunts and even... naval battles. That’s right, great ships were built and ‘sailed’ out into the flooded Colosseum where theatrical battles would be held, with hundreds of actors and live animals including alligators in the water! 3. The hills of ancient Rome influenced the language of today Capitoline Hill, the location of political power in Ancient Rome is responsible for the word ‘capital’ we use today. Not only that, but neighboring Palatine Hill, home to temples, monuments and religious structures gave way to the word ‘palace’. 4. Rome is the only city with a whole country inside it Vatican City, the smallest nation in the world, lies wholly inside Rome, taking up just 44 hectares. Governed by the Pope this tiny city has a population of just over 800, its own army, its own currency and its own post office! 5. Ancient Rome was home to the largest stadium ever Circo Maximo was a vast chariot racing stadium. It was so big almost 3 Colosseums could fit inside. On race days, it could welcome 250,000 spectators - the largest stadiums of today cannot even hold half that number! 6. Romans are the inventors of health spas The Romans took bath time very seriously. The word ‘spa’ comes from the Latin term Sana Per Acquam (health through water) and ancient bathhouses are still enjoyed to this day. Check out the ruins of the Baths of Caracalla to get an idea of how the Romans would get clean and unwind. 7. St Peter’s Basilica took 120 years to build To this day, St. Peter’s Basilica is the world’s largest church and the center of Roman Catholicism. With its opulent decorations and stunning vaulted ceilings, is it any wonder construction took so long to complete? In fact, five different architects took the helm during this magnificent structure’s build. 8. Archangel Michel appeared over the city to signal the end of the plague Yep, Archangel Michel is said to have appeared above the citadel sheathing his sword as a sign that the Justinian plague of 590 had ended. Formerly known as the Mausoleum of Hadrian, the building was renamed Castel Sant’Angelo to honor this event. Pick up an Omnia Rome and Vatican pass and make great savings on attraction admission. You can use your pass to gain free entry to Rome and Vatican City’s top attractions, as well as discounted entry to lots more museums, landmarks and famous locations.
Samuel Ford
The Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill
Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel - Fast Track & Reserved Entry

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