Flights from Darwin (DRW) to Rome (FCO)

About Rome

Discover Rome

Why visit Rome?
Rome blends ancient monuments, elegant piazzas, and lively streets into a city that feels like an open-air museum. You can wander from grand ruins to leafy neighbourhoods and waterfront districts, discovering hidden corners between its famous landmarks.

What to expect
The city is defined by icons such as the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and the Trevi Fountain, as well as atmospheric areas like Trastevere and Monti. Expect busy cobbled streets, compact historic lanes, and a relaxed rhythm where everyday life plays out in cafés, parks, and local squares.

Plan your trip
Rome works well as both a standalone city break and a starting point for exploring wider Italy. Fast rail links and regional flights connect you to coastal towns, wine regions, and other major cities, so you can easily combine the capital with time in the countryside or by the sea.

Top sights in Rome

Colosseum

Explore this vast amphitheatre and imagine the spectacles that once took place within its towering stone walls.

Roman Forum

Walk through the heart of ancient Rome, surrounded by columns, arches, and remnants of civic buildings.

Trevi Fountain

Admire the dramatic sculptures and tumbling water of Rome's most famous fountain in a lively piazza setting.

Piazza Navona

Stroll around this elegant square lined with fountains, street artists, and historic palaces.

Trastevere

Lose yourself in narrow lanes, ivy-covered buildings, and local eateries in one of Rome's most atmospheric districts.

Spanish Steps

Climb the broad staircase for a classic city view and a sense of Rome's grand urban design.

Villa Borghese Gardens

Escape the streets in this central park, with leafy paths, lakeside views, and several cultural attractions.

Experience Rome's everyday rhythm

Getting around
Rome's metro, buses, and trams link most key areas, with the metro especially useful for longer hops across the city. Walking is often the best way to explore the historic centre, while taxis and app-based rides help with late-night or longer point-to-point trips.

Local life & culture
Daily life in Rome spills onto pavements, with residents gathering in neighbourhood cafés, local bars, and small parks. Each district has its own character, from the creative energy of Pigneto to the traditional feel of Testaccio, giving you a varied sense of the city as you explore.

Where to unwind
Green spaces such as Villa Borghese and Villa Doria Pamphilj offer calm paths and shaded lawns, ideal for a morning jog or a quiet afternoon break. Riverfront walks along the Tiber in the early evening provide a relaxed setting to see the city lights reflected on the water.

A taste of Rome

Street food & local specialties
You can sample Roman favourites such as thin-crust pizza, supplì, and classic pasta dishes in neighbourhood trattorias and small takeaway spots. Areas around Trastevere, Testaccio, and the historic centre are known for showcasing local flavours in a relaxed atmosphere.

Casual & modern dining hubs
Contemporary food courts and revamped markets bring together regional Italian dishes, international flavours, and lighter options in one place. This style of dining makes it easy to try several small plates, share dishes, and adapt to different appetites throughout the day.

Signature & scenic dining
For a special meal, rooftop restaurants and terraces offer views over domes, rooftops, and historic landmarks. Many venues focus on seasonal ingredients and thoughtful presentation, letting you enjoy the scenery and the setting as much as the food.

Retail therapy in Rome

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Rome offers several central shopping streets and malls where international brands sit alongside Italian labels. These areas often combine fashion, homeware, cinemas, and dining, making them convenient places to spend a few relaxed hours.

Markets & local crafts
Smaller markets and neighbourhood streets are ideal for browsing local designers, artisan workshops, and everyday essentials. Districts such as Monti, Trastevere, and the streets around Campo de' Fiori are known for independent boutiques and characterful stores.

Evening retail scene
After dark, illuminated streets and late-opening shops give the city a lively yet unhurried retail atmosphere. Historic centres and key shopping avenues remain active into the evening, and public transport makes it simple to reach them and return to your accommodation.

Best time to visit Rome

Primavera (spring, March to May, shoulder season)
Spring in Rome is mild, with average temperatures around 12–20°C (54–68°F). Trees and parks come into leaf, café terraces re-open fully, and outdoor sightseeing is comfortable, making it a pleasant time to explore both major sights and quieter neighbourhoods.

Estate (summer, June to August, peak season)
Summer brings long, bright days and average temperatures of 22–30°C (72–86°F). The city feels energetic, with busy streets, open-air events, and extended evening dining. Early mornings and later evenings are particularly enjoyable for walking tours and time in the parks.

Autunno e inverno (autumn and winter, September to February, low season)
Autumn begins warm, around 18–26°C (64–79°F), gradually cooling to 5–13°C (41–55°F) in winter. It is a calmer period with softer light, fewer queues at major sights, and a relaxed pace in museums and galleries, offering a different, more reflective view of the city.

Frequently Asked Questions