Walk Through Centuries of History in Rome
Rome has a habit of putting history directly in your path. Ancient ruins appear between busy streets, church doors open onto extraordinary works of art, and fountains, palaces and piazzas turn an ordinary walk across the city into something you could never quite plan.
Of course, you can come to Rome with a serious sightseeing list. But leave enough time for the other reason people fall for the city: eating pasta at a neighbourhood trattoria, stopping for an espresso at the bar, wandering cobbled streets without a destination or finding a piazza and staying longer than intended. Food is taken seriously here, from carbonara and cacio e pepe to pizza al taglio, supplì and gelato, and some of the best moments are surprisingly simple.
Rome also makes a natural starting point for seeing more of Italy. High-speed trains put Florence and Naples within easy reach, while the rest of the country gives you plenty of reasons to turn a few days in Rome into a much bigger Italian trip.
Rome — Quick Facts
Flight time from Sydney
~22–23 hours (1–2 stops)
Flight time from Melbourne
~23–24 hours (1–2 stops)
Best time for cheap fares
February–March
Peak season
June, July, August
Main airport
Fiumicino — Leonardo da Vinci (FCO)
Visa required
No — 90 days (Schengen Area)
Time zone
CET (GMT+1) / CEST (GMT+2)
Top Things to Do in Rome
The Colosseum & Roman Forum
The greatest amphitheatre ever built — still awe-inspiring after 2,000 years. Book tickets in advance to skip the queues and explore the adjacent Roman Forum and Palatine Hill included in the same ticket.
Vatican City
A sovereign state within Rome — home to St. Peter's Basilica, the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel. Michelangelo's ceiling is genuinely one of the most extraordinary things you'll ever see. Book well ahead.
The Trevi Fountain
Rome's most spectacular Baroque fountain and one of the most iconic sights in the world. Toss a coin (legend says you'll return to Rome), but visit early morning or late evening to avoid the crowds.
The Pantheon
A perfectly preserved Roman temple built in 125 AD — its unreinforced concrete dome was the largest in the world for 1,300 years. Free to enter in the evening. Simply extraordinary.
Trastevere
Rome's most charming neighbourhood — medieval lanes, ivy-covered buildings, artisan workshops and some of the best trattorias in the city. Perfect for an evening wander and dinner.
Borghese Gallery
Rome's finest art gallery with masterpieces by Bernini, Caravaggio and Raphael in a beautiful villa. Entry is strictly limited — book tickets weeks in advance for this one.
When to Fly to Rome
Rome is quieter through February and March, when cooler weather and fewer visitors can also mean better-value flights and accommodation. April and May are particularly good months to visit, with comfortable temperatures for exploring, while September and October bring similar advantages after the summer rush. June to August is Rome at its busiest — expect hot days, larger crowds and stronger demand for flights and hotels. If your dates are flexible, travelling either side of summer can give you a much better balance of weather, crowds and price.
Rome's Airports
FCO
Rome Fiumicino (Leonardo da Vinci)
Rome's main international airport, 30km southwest of the city. The Leonardo Express train takes 30 minutes non-stop to Roma Termini station and runs every 15 minutes.
CIA
Rome Ciampino Airport
A smaller airport southeast of Rome, used by budget carriers. Buses connect to Roma Termini in about 40 minutes.
Getting Around Rome
Rome's historic centre is best explored on foot, with many of its best-known sights surprisingly close together. Walking also lets you experience the piazzas, fountains, churches and neighbourhood streets along the way — just make sure you're wearing comfortable shoes for those famous Roman cobblestones. For longer distances, the Metro, buses and trams cover much of the city, with contactless payment available on the network. Taxis are useful when your feet need a break, but stick to official white taxis or designated taxi ranks.
Before You Fly
- Visa: Australian passport holders can visit Italy (Schengen Area) for up to 90 days without a visa.
- ETIAS: Once it launches, Australian travellers will need an ETIAS authorisation for Schengen travel — a quick online process costing €20.
- Currency: Euro (€). Cards widely accepted but carry cash for smaller restaurants and markets.
- Travel Insurance: Driving the Amalfi Coast or navigating high-speed rail networks across Italy can be unpredictable. Locking in travel insurance for Rome helps protect you against high rental car excess fees, sudden transit strikes, and non-refundable tour cancellations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which airlines fly from Australia to Rome?
The main airlines include Qantas (via Singapore or Dubai), Emirates (via Dubai), Singapore Airlines (via Singapore), Etihad (via Abu Dhabi) and ITA Airways. Most routes involve one or two stops with total journey times of 22–24 hours.
When is the cheapest time to fly to Rome?
February and March are typically cheapest. Avoid June–August (peak summer). Spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October) offer excellent value with ideal weather for sightseeing.
Do Australians need a visa for Italy?
No traditional visa is required for stays up to 90 days in the Schengen Area. ETIAS is not yet in force; once it launches, an ETIAS authorisation will be required — a quick online application costing €20.
Which airport should I fly into for Rome?
Fiumicino (FCO) handles most international flights and is well connected by the Leonardo Express train. Ciampino (CIA) is used by budget carriers and connected by bus.
Can iFly help with Italian rail passes and hotels?
Absolutely. Our team can help with flights, accommodation, Eurail passes, transfers and travel insurance. Call 1800 242 373 during business hours.