Flights from Cape Town (CPT) to Rome (FCO)

About Rome

Discover Rome

Why visit Rome?
Rome is a city where ancient history and everyday life blend seamlessly, from grand ruins to lively piazzas. You can wander past imposing monuments, quiet courtyards, and elegant fountains, all set against a warm, animated street atmosphere.

What to expect
You will find iconic landmarks, leafy neighbourhoods, and compact historic streets that invite slow exploration on foot. The city moves at an unhurried pace, with people gathering at cafés, lingering in parks, and strolling along cobbled lanes well into the evening.

Plan your trip
Rome works well as both a standalone city break and a starting point for wider Italian journeys. With its major rail connections and nearby airports, it offers easy access to coastal towns, hilltop villages, and other cultural centres across the region.

Top sights in Rome

Colosseum

Explore this vast amphitheatre and imagine the scale of events that once took place within its stone walls.

Roman Forum and Palatine Hill

Walk through the heart of ancient public life, surrounded by crumbling columns, arches, and sweeping city views.

Trevi Fountain

Visit one of Rome’s most photographed fountains, where cascades of water frame intricate baroque sculptures.

Spanish Steps

Climb the broad staircase for views over a busy square lined with cafés, galleries, and elegant townhouses.

Piazza Navona

Spend time in this graceful oval square, known for its fountains, street artists, and relaxed outdoor dining terraces.

Trastevere

Wander atmospheric lanes across the river, where ivy-draped buildings, small bars, and local eateries create a cosy feel.

Galleria Borghese and Villa Borghese Gardens

Admire finely curated artworks indoors, then enjoy a gentle walk or cycle through the surrounding landscaped park.

Castel Sant’Angelo

Explore this fortified riverside landmark and head to the terrace for expansive views over Rome’s rooftops and bridges.

Experience Rome’s everyday rhythm

Getting around
Rome’s central sights are compact enough to explore on foot, supported by a metro, buses, and trams for longer journeys. Taxis and app-based rides are useful late at night, while walking through side streets often reveals quieter corners and hidden viewpoints.

Local life & culture
You will notice daily life unfolding in piazzas, neighbourhood cafés, and small galleries scattered through the centre. Residents often enjoy long conversations over coffee, browse local shops, and gather in parks, giving you many chances to observe the city’s relaxed, social rhythm.

Where to unwind
Green spaces such as Villa Borghese, the Orange Garden, and riverside paths offer calm retreats from busy streets. Early mornings bring soft light and quieter paths, while late afternoons are ideal for a slow walk, a bench with a view, or a peaceful reading spot.

A taste of Rome

Street food & local specialties
You can sample classic pasta dishes, thin-crust pizza, and simple snacks like supplì in lively districts around the historic centre and Trastevere. Small bakeries, takeaway counters, and casual trattorias make it easy to try different flavours throughout the day.

Casual & modern dining hubs
Neighbourhoods such as Testaccio, Monti, and areas around Campo de’ Fiori offer a mix of traditional eateries and modern bistros. Menus range from familiar comfort dishes to seasonal sharing plates, so you can order a few items and experience a variety of tastes in one meal.

Signature & scenic dining
For a memorable evening, choose a rooftop terrace or restaurant overlooking a square, garden, or skyline view. Dining near the river, on hotel terraces, or close to illuminated landmarks lets you combine thoughtful cooking with a distinct Roman backdrop.

Retail therapy in Rome

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Around Via del Corso and nearby streets, you will find large stores bringing together international labels, local designers, and lifestyle brands. Many areas combine shopping with cafés and cultural venues, making them popular places to spend an afternoon.

Markets & local crafts
Smaller streets in Trastevere, Monti, and the lanes near Campo de’ Fiori showcase independent boutiques and artisan workshops. Here you can browse leather goods, stationery, jewellery, and homewares that reflect Rome’s design traditions and contemporary creativity.

Evening retail scene
In the evening, main shopping streets remain lively, with illuminated window displays and busy pavements. Some neighbourhood markets also host occasional late openings, and public transport and taxis make it straightforward to reach central retail areas after dark.

Best time to visit Rome

Primavera (spring, March to May, shoulder season)
Spring in Rome brings mild temperatures of around 12–22°C (54–72°F), blossoming parks, and comfortable conditions for walking. It is a popular time for sightseeing, yet many corners still feel relaxed, especially in the early morning and later evening.

Estate (summer, June to August, peak season)
Summer days are warm to hot, typically 20–31°C (68–88°F), with long daylight hours ideal for slow evenings outside. You can enjoy the city’s outdoor dining, extended opening hours, and an energetic atmosphere around piazzas and riverside promenades.

Autunno e inverno (autumn and winter, September to February, low season)
From early autumn to winter, temperatures usually range between 5–24°C (41–75°F), with cooler nights and occasional rain. This is a calmer time to explore galleries, museums, and historic sites at a gentler pace, with softer light over the city’s landmarks.

Frequently Asked Questions