Flights from Christchurch (CHC) to Rome (FCO)

About Rome

Discover Rome

Why visit Rome?
Rome combines ancient history, lively neighbourhoods, and a relaxed street life that feels both grand and familiar. You can move from monumental ruins to elegant piazzas and leafy parks in a single walk, with surprises at every corner.

What to expect
You will find a compact historic centre filled with cobbled streets, fountains, and palaces, surrounded by more modern districts with galleries and nightlife. Long evenings spill into outdoor terraces, while everyday life plays out in markets, cafés, and small local shops.

Plan your trip
Rome makes a rewarding city break and a natural starting point for exploring Italy. From here you can reach coastal towns, hilltop villages, and other major cities by train or short domestic flights, allowing you to build a wider Italian journey around your stay.

Top sights in Rome

Colosseum

Explore this iconic ancient arena and imagine the spectacles that once drew huge crowds here.

Roman Forum and Palatine Hill

Walk among atmospheric ruins and enjoy elevated views over the heart of the former empire.

Trevi Fountain

Admire the elaborate Baroque sculptures and the constant flow of water in one of Rome's most famous squares.

Piazza Navona

Stroll around this elegant oval piazza, lined with historic buildings, fountains, and open-air cafés.

Trastevere

Lose yourself in narrow lanes, colourful façades, and lively eateries in this characterful neighbourhood by the river.

Spanish Steps

Climb the grand staircase for views over central Rome and the surrounding shopping streets.

Galleria Borghese and Villa Borghese Gardens

Combine renowned artworks with a relaxing walk or bike ride in one of the city's largest green spaces.

Appian Way

Cycle or walk along one of the oldest Roman roads, passing countryside, ruins, and historic tombs.

Experience Rome's everyday rhythm

Getting around
Rome's metro, buses, and trams help you cover longer distances, while walking is often the best way to enjoy the historic centre. Taxis and app-based rides are useful late at night or with luggage, and renting a bicycle or e-scooter offers a different view of the city.

Local life & culture
Daily life in Rome often unfolds in neighbourhood squares, where locals meet for coffee, conversation, and evening strolls. You will notice a relaxed pace, long mealtimes, and a focus on family and community, with independent shops and artisans still very present in many districts.

Where to unwind
For a break from busy streets, head to large parks such as Villa Borghese or the landscaped gardens on the Janiculum Hill. Riverfront paths and quieter residential streets are pleasant in the early morning or late afternoon, when the light is soft and temperatures are more comfortable.

A taste of Rome

Street food & local specialties
Rome is known for crisp, thin-crust pizza, hearty pasta dishes, and simple recipes that showcase seasonal ingredients. Areas around Testaccio, Trastevere, and Campo de' Fiori offer many places to try local flavours in an informal setting.

Casual & modern dining hubs
You will find casual trattorias, wine bars, and contemporary eateries throughout the city, especially near popular squares and along main streets. Food halls and modern markets bring together many small vendors, making it easy to sample different dishes in a single meal.

Signature & scenic dining
For a memorable evening, choose a rooftop terrace or restaurant with views over domes and historic rooftops. Some venues overlook landmark squares or ancient sites, allowing you to combine refined menus with the changing light of sunset and the city lights after dark.

Retail therapy in Rome

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Central Rome offers several department stores and shopping galleries where you can find international labels, Italian brands, and lifestyle goods under one roof. These spaces often combine retail with cafés and services, making them convenient stops between sightseeing.

Markets & local crafts
Smaller markets and local workshops are scattered across neighbourhoods such as Trastevere, Monti, and the streets around Campo de' Fiori. Here you can look for handmade accessories, leather goods, and design items that reflect the city’s creative side.

Evening retail scene
As evening falls, main shopping streets stay lively, with window displays lit up and people out for an after-dinner stroll. Occasional late-opening events and seasonal markets add to the atmosphere, and public transport makes it straightforward to return to your accommodation afterwards.

Best time to visit Rome

Spring (Primavera) – shoulder season
From March to May, Rome enjoys mild days around 15–22°C (59–72°F), blooming parks, and comfortable sightseeing conditions. This shoulder season offers longer daylight hours, outdoor café seating, and a pleasant buzz without the warmest temperatures of the year.

Summer (Estate) – peak season
June to August brings warm, sunny weather, with temperatures often between 25–32°C (77–90°F). It is peak season, with lively streets late into the evening, extended opening hours, and a distinctly holiday feel, especially in central districts and around major sights.

Autumn and winter (Autunno/Inverno) – low season
From September to February, temperatures range from about 8–22°C (46–72°F), with cooler nights and some rainy days. This low season offers calmer museums, relaxed strolls through historic streets, and a more local pace, with many attractions still open and welcoming.

Frequently Asked Questions