Rome — travel guide
Rome — the Eternal City — is one of the world's most historic and culturally rich capitals. The Colosseum, the Roman Forum, the Vatican, the Trevi Fountain and its lively piazzas make it an open-air museum. For travelers from Georgia, Rome is one of Europe's great destinations — a capital of ancient history, art and delicious cuisine, where two millennia of heritage are felt at every step. This guide will help you plan your visit from start to finish — from the sights and the visa to getting around.
What to see in Rome
The symbol of Rome is, of course, the Colosseum — an enormous ancient amphitheater where gladiator fights were held two thousand years ago. It's best to buy your ticket in advance so you don't lose time in line at the entrance. Right beside it lie the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill — the political and religious center of ancient Rome, where among the ruins of temples and palaces you step back into antiquity. These three sites are covered by a single ticket and can be explored at a relaxed pace in one day.
In the heart of the historic center stands the Pantheon — an ancient, almost perfectly preserved Roman temple with its ingenious dome and the round opening in its ceiling. A few minutes' walk away is the Trevi Fountain, where by tradition people toss a coin to ensure they one day return to the city. Be sure to stroll over to Piazza Navona and the Spanish Steps — squares full of Baroque fountains, cafés and a lively atmosphere. These quarters are all connected on foot.
Set aside a separate day for Vatican City — the world's smallest independent state, in the middle of Rome. Here stands St. Peter's Basilica, from whose dome a panorama of the city unfolds, and the Vatican Museums with the Sistine Chapel, home to Michelangelo's famous frescoes. Buy your museum ticket in advance, as the lines are often very long. If it's your first time, plan at least four days to explore the main sights and neighborhoods at a relaxed pace.
Flying from Georgia to Rome
Rome is one of the most sought-after air destinations from Georgia. You can fly either on direct routes (depending on the season) or with convenient connections through European hubs — Istanbul, Vienna, Munich or Warsaw. A direct flight from Tbilisi takes about four to five hours, while a connecting flight depends on the route.
Rome is served by two main airports: Fiumicino — Leonardo da Vinci (FCO) to the southwest of the city, the largest international hub, from which you can easily reach the center by the Leonardo Express train, and Ciampino (CIA), used mainly by low-cost airlines. Before booking a hotel, take into account which airport you'll be landing at.
Ticket prices vary significantly by season and how far ahead you book — booking early and keeping your dates flexible often saves you a great deal. To see specific prices and schedules, use the flight search and compare several airlines in a single window.
The best season to visit
The most pleasant seasons to see Rome are spring (April–June) and autumn (September–October). During these periods the weather is moderately warm, the skies are clear, and the tourist flow is lower than in summer — the ideal time for long walks on foot and for lingering at outdoor cafés.
Summer (July–August) is hot and the busiest period; temperatures often climb above 35°C, and the queues at the sights are long. If you come during these months, buy tickets to the main attractions in advance, plan your excursions for the morning or evening, and carry water — the city has plenty of free drinking fountains.
Winter in Rome is mild, though at times damp and rainy. This is the low season — meaning more favorable prices on flights and hotels and comparatively smaller crowds at the sights. December's Christmas spirit adds a special charm to the city. Be sure to bring warm clothing and waterproof shoes.
Where to stay — neighborhoods
The most convenient place to stay in Rome is the historic center (Centro Storico) — the area around the Pantheon and Piazza Navona, from which you can even walk to the main sights. It's a lively, though relatively expensive, neighborhood, but in return you're right in the heart of the city and can fully enjoy the evening atmosphere.
Trastevere — a charming neighborhood of narrow streets on the other bank of the Tiber — is known for its restaurants, bars and nightlife; here you feel an authentic, local Rome. Monti is close to the Colosseum and offers a bohemian, trendy atmosphere with boutiques and cafés. Both districts are within walking distance of the center and are a good choice for a first visit.
Prati, near the Vatican, is a quiet, elegant residential district with good shops and restaurants — convenient if you're planning more time to see the Vatican. Travelers looking to save on their budget might consider districts further from the center, from which you can quickly reach it by metro. The main thing is that your hotel be close to a metro station or a main bus line.
Where to eat and what to buy
Italian cuisine is an inseparable part of any trip to Rome. Be sure to try Roman pasta — carbonara (egg, pecorino and guanciale), cacio e pepe (cheese and pepper) and amatriciana (with a spicy tomato sauce). These simple yet refined dishes are served in every trattoria in the city and introduce you to the true Roman flavor.
For a quick bite, try Roman-style pizza — with its thin, crispy crust — and supplì, fried rice balls with a mozzarella center. For dessert, real gelato is a must, and begin or end your day like a local, standing at the counter with an espresso. For authentic flavor and more reasonable prices, choose spots a little away from the tourist center.
For shopping, Rome is varied — the central street Via del Corso and its surroundings are full of shops, while near the Spanish Steps you'll find the boutiques of famous brands. Popular souvenirs include Italian olive oil, wine, cheese, leather goods and handmade pasta. In large stores, non-EU citizens can also claim a Tax Free refund — keep your receipts.
Transport and getting around
A convenient way to get around Rome is the metro, which has two main lines — A (orange) and B (blue) — that cross at the central station, Termini. The metro is complemented by a network of buses and trams. One ticket is valid for a set period of time on the metro and surface transport with transfers; buy your ticket in advance and validate it when you board.
To get from the airport to the center, from Fiumicino the most convenient option is the Leonardo Express train, which runs directly to the central station, Termini, in about half an hour. From Ciampino, buses run into the center. When taking a taxi, use an official white taxi or an app so you know the fare in advance — a fixed rate applies between the airport and the center.
The historic center is compact and many sights are within walking distance of one another — a stroll through the narrow streets becomes an experience in itself. Comfortable, well-cushioned shoes are essential, as you'll do a lot of walking on the cobblestones of the old streets. For short distances, a taxi or an electric scooter can also come in handy.
Practical tips, money and safety
Italy is a member of the Schengen zone and the European Union, and the currency is the euro (EUR). Citizens of Georgia need a Schengen visa to travel to Italy, which must be arranged in advance, before departure. Card payment is accepted almost everywhere, though a small amount of cash comes in handy at small cafés and markets.
For internet, the most convenient option is an eSIM you buy online before arrival, or a local SIM card valid across the EU. The official language is Italian; in tourist zones you'll also encounter English, though a few Italian words — "buongiorno" (hello) and "grazie" (thank you) — noticeably warm up contact with locals. Buy tickets to many of the sights in advance, online.
Rome is generally a safe city, though pickpocketing is common in crowded tourist spots, on the metro and on buses — keep an eye on your belongings, hold your bag in front of you and leave valuables in the hotel safe. In emergencies, Europe's single number is 112. By following these simple rules, Rome will give you an unforgettable and safe experience.
Frequently asked questions
Do Georgian citizens need a visa for Rome?
Yes. Italy is a member of the Schengen zone, so citizens of Georgia need a Schengen visa to travel to Rome. The visa must be arranged in advance, before departure; it's recommended to check the requirements and your passport's validity in good time.
Which airport is better to fly into?
Fiumicino — Leonardo da Vinci (FCO) is the largest international airport and is linked to the center by the Leonardo Express train. Ciampino (CIA) is used mainly by low-cost airlines. Choose the one that better suits your flight and route.
How many days do I need for Rome?
3–4 days are enough to see the main sights and the Vatican at a relaxed pace. With more days you can also plan separate excursions — for example, to Pompeii or Florence.
What currency should I bring?
The currency is the euro (EUR). Cards are accepted almost everywhere, but a small amount of cash comes in handy at small cafés and markets.
How do I get around the city?
In the center walking is the most convenient option, while for longer distances the two metro lines (A and B) and buses come in handy. One ticket is valid with transfers for a set period of time.
Is Rome safe for tourists?
Rome is generally a safe city. The main precaution concerns pickpocketing in crowded places, on the metro and on buses — keep an eye on your belongings. The emergency number is 112.