Flights from Johannesburg (JNB) to Rome (FCO)

About Rome

Discover Rome

Why visit Rome?
Rome blends ancient landmarks, elegant piazzas, and lively neighbourhoods into one captivating city. You can stroll among ruins, linger at fountains, and experience a relaxed café culture that makes it easy to slow down and take everything in.

What to expect
You will find iconic sights such as the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and the Trevi Fountain woven into a compact historic centre. Narrow cobbled streets open onto grand squares, while different districts, from bohemian Trastevere to stylish Monti, each offer their own character.

Plan your trip
Rome works well as both a short city break and a starting point for a longer Italian journey. High-speed trains connect you easily to Florence, Naples, and Milan, while nearby countryside and coastal towns make simple day trips from the capital.

Top sights in Rome

Colosseum

Explore the vast amphitheatre and imagine the spectacles that once entertained ancient crowds.

Roman Forum

Walk through the archaeological heart of Rome, surrounded by columns, arches, and historic pathways.

Trevi Fountain

Admire the ornate baroque sculptures and cascading water in one of the city’s most famous squares.

Piazza Navona

Relax at a café table while enjoying street artists, fountains, and the elegant architecture of this lively square.

Trastevere

Wander through atmospheric lanes lined with ivy-clad buildings, small boutiques, and inviting eateries.

Spanish Steps

Climb the broad staircase for views over the surrounding streets and a sense of Rome’s fashionable side.

Villa Borghese Gardens

Escape the busy streets in this large park, ideal for walking, cycling, or visiting the renowned art gallery.

Experience Rome’s everyday rhythm

Getting around
Central Rome is best explored on foot, with many major sights close together. For longer journeys, use the metro and bus network, then switch to trams or taxis for areas beyond the historic centre. Walking the Tiber riverfront offers a scenic way to move between districts.

Local life & culture
You will notice daily life unfolding in piazzas where locals meet to chat, read, or enjoy a drink. Independent galleries, street performances, and small neighbourhood shops show a city that values creativity and tradition. Each district has its own pace, from bustling shopping streets to quieter residential corners.

Where to unwind
Green spaces such as Villa Borghese and the landscaped gardens on the Aventine and Palatine hills offer calm views over the city. Early mornings and late afternoons are ideal for peaceful walks and softer light. You can also pause at terrace cafés to rest between sightseeing and watch the city go by.

A taste of Rome

Street food & local specialties
You can sample local favourites such as thin, crisp Roman-style pizza, supplì rice croquettes, and seasonal pasta dishes in traditional neighbourhood trattorias. Areas like Trastevere, Testaccio, and the streets around Campo de’ Fiori are known for casual spots with strong local character.

Casual & modern dining hubs
Throughout Rome, you will find relaxed bistros, food halls, and contemporary eateries that blend classic recipes with modern influences. Dining districts near Termini, Monti, and Prati offer a mix of Italian and international flavours, with menu portions that encourage sharing and trying several dishes.

Signature & scenic dining
For a memorable meal, choose a rooftop restaurant or terrace bar overlooking domes, rooftops, or historic squares. Many hotels and converted palaces in the centre offer refined dining rooms, where the setting, views, and attentive service turn dinner into a highlight of your stay.

Retail therapy in Rome

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Rome combines elegant shopping streets with modern retail centres. Around Via del Corso you will find international brands, while malls on the city’s fringes gather fashion, lifestyle stores, cinemas, and eateries in one place, making them convenient spots to spend an afternoon.

Markets & local crafts
Neighbourhood markets and side streets offer chances to discover smaller Italian labels, leather goods, and handcrafted accessories. Areas such as Monti, Trastevere, and the lanes near Campo de’ Fiori are good places to look for unique pieces and gifts with a local touch.

Evening retail scene
In the evening, central streets like Via del Corso and the lanes near the Spanish Steps take on a relaxed, illuminated atmosphere. Late-opening shops and window displays invite you to browse after dinner, and public transport makes it easy to return to your hotel when you are ready.

Best time to visit Rome

Primavera (spring, March to May, shoulder season)
Spring in Rome is mild, with temperatures around 12–22°C (54–72°F). Parks and gardens are green, café terraces reopen fully, and sightseeing is pleasant. It is a good time to enjoy outdoor walks and city viewpoints with comfortable crowds.

Estate (summer, June to August, peak season)
Summer brings long, bright days and temperatures often between 20–32°C (68–90°F). The city feels lively well into the night, with busy piazzas and open-air events. It is an energetic time to experience Rome’s outdoor dining and evening strolls.

Autunno and inverno (autumn and winter, September to February, low season)
From early autumn, temperatures range from about 8–24°C (46–75°F), cooling further in winter. You can expect quieter attractions, softer light for photography, and a slower pace. Cooler days are ideal for museum visits and unhurried meals in cosy interiors.

Frequently Asked Questions