Rome'''Rome''', the "Eternal City", is the capital of Italy and of the Lazio (Latium) region: it is the famed city of the Seven Hills, La Dolce Vita, the Vatican City and ''Three Coins in the Fountain''.... Population 3.3 million (metropolitan area). Image:Coliseum.jpg|frame|The Coliseum in Rome ==Districts== *Rome/Aventino|Aventino *Rome/Campo de' Fiori|Campo de' Fiori *Rome/Colosseo|Colosseo - the heart of ancient Rome, the Colosseum, the Rome/Roman Forum|Roman Forum, the Forum of Augustus, the Forum and Markets of Trajan, the Capitoline and its museums *Rome/Esquilino|Esquilino - South of Termini, with an indoor market and lovely piazza. *Rome/Laterano|Laterano *Rome/Navona|Navona *Rome/Pantheon|Pantheon *Rome/Prati|Prati *Rome/Quirinale|Quirinale *Rome/Repubblica|Repubblica - also known as '''Termini''', after the main railway station *Rome/San Lorenzo|San Lorenzo *Rome/Spagna|Spagna - the Spanish Steps, the Mausoleum of Augustus, Ara Pacis *Rome/Trastevere|Trastevere *Rome/Trevi|Trevi - the Trevi Fountain *Rome/Via Veneto|Via Veneto *Rome/Villa Borghese|Villa Borghese *Rome/Vaticano|Vaticano *Vatican City - the independent Papal State within the city of Rome, location of St Peter's Basilica, the Vatican Museums and Castel Sant'Angelo <br> *Rome/EUR|EUR ==Understand== Situated on the River Tiber, between the Apennine Mountains and the Tyrrhenian Sea, the "Eternal City" was once the administrative center of the mighty Roman Empire, governing a vast region that stretched all the way from Britain to Mesopotamia. Today it remains the seat of the Italian government and home to numerous ministerial offices, but is superseded by Milan, in the industrial north, in terms of finance. ===August=== Rome basically closes down for "ferragosto", the 15th August holiday. Central bars, restaurants and shops will mostly still be open but that's about it. Even big (in Italian terms) department stores like COIN and Rinascente have been known to shut for a week or two. You can't check this out in advance (well you can, but don't expect the information you get to necessarily be accurate) so think about this when you plan. Rome is also very hot in August, so you really don't want to be there anyway. On the other hand, Rome is deserted in August so there is no traffic and there is an extraordinary silence which allows you to enjoy this city at its best. Especially at early morning, the town reveals the beauty of its architectures, planned for past emptier roads. ==Get in== ===By plane=== Rome has two main international airports [http://www.adr.it/default.asp?L=3]: *'''Leonardo da Vinci International Airport''' (Rome Fiumicino, code FCO) - well organized and connected to the center of the city by public transportation *'''Ciampino International Airport''' - located to the south of the capital Leonardo Express trains leave every 30 minutes from the airport and arrive in Termini after a 40 minute journey. They're very cheap (about 9.5 euros). The Leonardo Express train leaves Termini on the track on the right. The Metropolitan train leaves from the track on the left but doesnt stop at Termini. If you are going to get on the Metro ( the underground or subway) when you get to Termini anyway, You can take the Metropolitan train to Tiburtina Station and catch the Metro from there. The cost is only 5 euros. It takes about 10 minutes longer to go to Tiburtina that the Leonardo to Termini. At the Termini station you have to buy the ticket at a counter - the tickets that are sold directly at the departure platform are more expensive. You can also buy tickets for the Leonardo Express at the news stand in the Termini station at the regular price. The lines at the news stand have always been shorter in my experience. A taxi journey to the center of Rome from Fiumicino may cost more than 50 euros. Roman taxi drivers may be not so kind to tourists and may ask for some strange additional fares. [Addition - check at the beginning of the journey what is on the meter. There should be, and usually is, a sheet attached to the seat backs giving the prices. The strange additions may be for your luggage. However one trick is to add it at the beginning and add it again at the end. It would be hard to negotiate this one I think without Italian] Fiumicino Airport has everything a tourist may need, whether arriving or leaving. Easyjet and Ryanair flights (see Discount airlines in Europe) arrive at '''Ciampino Airport''' (CIA). This small airport is closer to the city center than Fiumicino but less well connected by public transport. Catch the bus from outside the terminal building to Anagnina metro station, then take the metro to the city center. *[http://www.terravision.it/ '''Terravision'''] run a low-cost bus service from the central station to both airports. €9 single, 70 minutes to Fiumicino (5 stops, 7 times a day), or €8 single, 40 minutes direct to Ciampino (about 20 times per day). Buses are timed to connect with flights. Payment is cash only, and there are no cash machines in the tiny Arrivals area at Ciampino. You won't necessarily have time to get to the Departure lounge, where there are cash machines, so bring some Euros with you. The Terravision service is pretty convenient on the way in to Rome, but chaotic when catching the bus back. So much so that they ask to arrive three hours before your flight time on the return journey. ===By train=== The main station is Termini Station. Like any other roman station (20 national, regional and local stations), it's not so safe in the night hours, especially if you have to wait at the taxi stop (after 10PM taxi drivers prefer not to stop here). The main taxi companies are 063570 and 065551. Other main stations include Ostiense, Trastevere, Tuscolana, Tiburtina. Pickpocketing is quite common at any time, when queueing or when simply walking. Gipsy children can quickly (2-3 seconds) assault you for your wallet: whenever possible, always keep your right hand free of baggages so to try to resist. ===By car=== Roman drivers are infamous for their aggressive driving. Avoid driving in Rome if you can. ===By bus=== RyanAir provides bus transportation from Ciampino to Termini for about 10 Euro ===By boat=== Cruise ships dock in nearby Civitavecchia. Most cruises should have some form of transport to Rome. ==Get around== For information on public transport in Rome, there is an outstanding page on Geocities: http://it.geocities.com/mp_pollett/roma-tr.htm The official page with lines, tables and maps, fares & tickets is http://www.atac.roma.it/ http://www.atac.roma.it/ is a VERY useful site. You can find individual address locations (map) and download printable PDF files of maps of the city center (11" x 17" is a readable size when printed) or of all of Rome (a very large map!) with all the public transportation routes. You can get specific directions from one address to another (which bus, which metro station and line, etc) '''Transport ticket''' (''biglietti per autobus'') - one metro ride and as many bus/tram rides as you can do in an hour and a quarter (1 Euro). Tickets can only be purchased Tabaccheria (big 'T' sign outside) or newspaper kiosks. You'll have more chances to buy them in "Bars" inside the Metro stations. So called "24 hours" tickets are only valid on the day you buy them, not for 24 hours after buying. Be aware that many tabaccherie close on Sunday, so buy your tickets in advance. You can also get tickets for longer periods. For example, a three day ticket costs €11. They're dead handy, as you can use them on the bus, tram and metro. ATAC (the transportation system) does police the bus system for people riding without tickets. I've seen a team of 3 ATAC officers board at every door of the bus just before the bus leaves and check every passenger on the bus. Stamp the ticket before boarding the MetRo, or on board the bus or tram, or face a €100 fine (though inspectors are rare). In that case, pretend not to have so much money with you. Then you have a chance that they want to see your passport and write your address on a form. If you're lucky you won't get a bill any time (especially if you're foreign). ===By foot=== Once you're in the center you're best off on foot. ===By bus=== For information on public transport in Rome, there is an outstanding page on Geocities: http://it.geocities.com/mp_pollett/roma-tr.htm The official page with lines, tables and maps, fares & tickets is http://www.atac.roma.it/ http://www.atac.roma.it/ is a VERY useful site. You can find individual address locations (map) and download printable PDF files of maps of the city center (11" x 17" is a readable size when printed) or of all of Rome (a very large map!) with all the public transportation routes. You can get specific directions from one address to another (which bus, which metro station and line, etc) Transport ticket (biglietti per autobus) - one metro ride and as many bus/tram rides as you can do in an hour and a quarter (1 Euro). Tickets can only be purchased Tabaccheria (big 'T' sign outside) or newspaper kiosks. You'll have more chances to buy them in "Bars" inside the Metro stations. So called "24 hours" tickets are only valid on the day you buy them, not for 24 hours after buying. Be aware that many tabaccherie close on Sunday, so buy your tickets in advance. You can also get tickets for longer periods. For example, a three day ticket costs €11. They're dead handy, as you can use them on the bus, tram and metro. ATAC (the transportation system) does police the bus system for people riding without tickets. I've seen a team of 3 ATAC officers board at every door of the bus just before the bus leaves and check every passenger on the bus. Stamp the ticket before boarding the MetRo, or on board the bus or tram, or face a €100 fine (though inspectors are rare). In that case, pretend not to have so much money with you. Then you have a chance that they want to see your passport and write your address on a form. If you're lucky you won't get a bill any time (especially if you're foreign). ===By tram=== The Tram routes mostly skirt the historic centre, but there are stops convenient for the Vatican, the Colloseum, and the Trastavere area. The number 8 does run into the centre. ===By MetRo=== Also doesn't go into the centre. There are two lines, crossing at Termini station. Line A runs North-West past the Vatican, and South. Line B runs South West past the Colloseum and North East. ==See== ===Roman Empire structures=== *'''The Colosseum''' - Entry €10 (cheaper for EU nationals). Expect a long queue and an even longer wait. You can skip the queue if you decide to take a tour, but if you don't want a tour, you can STILL skip the queue. If you walk across the street to the Forum, you can buy a day long pass for 10 euros (or, better still, a 7 day pass for 20 euros). This pass gets you in to the Colosseum, Palatine Hill, the Baths of Caracalla and the catacombs. If you don't want to cram it all into one day, get the pass. Plus, it is nice to buy a slice of pizza and eat in the gardens of Palatine Hill. There are lots of people offering tours in English just outside the entrance to the Colosseum. Inside you can take a tour (English, Spanish or German) everey 30 minutes or so for an additional fee of 3,5 Euros per person. *'''The Pantheon''' - see Churches below. *'''Roman Forum''' - contains enough Roman ruins for a lifetime. *'''Palatine Hill''' - right next to the Roman Forum, contains the ruins of several large villas that belonged to wealthy Roman families. You can buy a combined ticket for the Palatine Hill and the Colosseum here, avoiding the long lines at the Colosseum. *'''Fori Imperiali''' - Entry €7 (cheaper for EU nationals, free for EU history students). The inside of the fort is very similar to a museum, with a lot of rooms containing items in glass cases. It is a bit of a maze and takes time to orient yourself, but it is worth climbing to very top for a view of the city and the Vatican. ===Museums=== *The Vatican Collections The Vatican Museums are open daily, except Sundays - but they are open (with free entry) on the last Sunday of every month. Entry is €12 - which also gets you into the Sistine chapel. The museums open at 8am, and close at 1:30 daily, and their reasonable reataurants (with good veggie options) stay open for another hour or so. The museums are extensive, far more than you can see in a day. The Sistine chapel, with Michelangelo's famous ceiling fully deserves its excellent reputation. If you only see one classical art exhibition in Rome, this should be it. After all, it isn't going to go out on loan anywhere! If you're not convinced by the quality, just compare the work with the frescos in other rooms here. On the way to the Sistine Chapel, you'll pass through the fascinating Map room, with huge 15th century maps of Italy painted on both walls. Also well worth a visit is the Etruscan collection, for a view of life in the region before the emergence of Rome as a power. *The Capitoline Museums Also contain a good collection of classical art, as well as ancient sculpture. The Capitoline piazza, between the two museum buildings - designed by Michelangelo, is beautiful. Explore these museums, then head out the back of the square to the Forum, where you'll find the remains of the Temple of the Vestal Virgins, among many other buildings on the way to the Colloseum. *Galleria Borghese A small museum that concentrates on the quality rather than the size of its collection. There are some very notable works by Antonio Canova and Gian Lorenzo Bernini here. ===Churches=== If you aren't familliar with Roman Catholic churches, take a look inside of any one of these. You'll find the richness and range of decor astonishing, from fine classical art to tacky electric candles. *St. Pietro - St Peter's - where the Pope hangs out. Long queues for entry, said to be the finest church on the planet. *San Carlo alla Quattro Fontane - a very small and beautiful church, the first design commission of Francesco Borromini. *Sant Ivo *Sant Maria del Popolo *San Luigi dei Francesci *Lateran *Santa Maria Maggiore *St. Paolo fuori le mure *St. Clemente *St. Maria in trastevere *St. Maria degli angeli *San Pietro in Vincoli, Piazza San Pietro in Vincoli 4A; The chains that held St. Peter are displayed in a case before the altar. Also contains a statue of Moses created by Michelangelo. *The Pantheon - the only intact ancient Roman building. Originally a temple to all (Pan) the Gods (theon), it was consecrated as a Christian church in 606AD, and thus survived the general looting for building materials that ruined the rest of ancient Rome. *Capuchin Monastery - a macabre display of a series of chapels constructed out of the bones of dead monkss. ===Public squares=== *'''Fontana di Trevi''' *'''Piazza di Spagna''' - Also called the "Spanish Steps". The McDonalds there was the first to open in Italy, in 1986. *'''Piazza Navona''' *'''Campo di Fiori''' ===Others=== *Castel S.Angelo *Trastevere *Il Gianicolo ==Do== Walk and feel the energy of the place, sights are everywhere waiting to be discovered. Explore the Trastevere neighbourhood for some great cafes and trattoria, and a glimpse at a hip Roman neighbourhood. Partying in Rome is a pretty easy thing to do. Given a heart for exploration, Testaccio is the place to wander. Head down there around 11pm and listen for music. The outsides of the clubs will give you NO idea what the insides are like. There are usually loads of people simply walking through the street or looking for parking. Be brave, walk in, meet some wonderful Romans, but never buy them drinks unless you are looking for sex (in this case, better to be sure you are inviting the right person). This area is best in the Summer when the dancing moves outside. In the winter, most clubs close. A great place to look for where parties are happening is http://www.nightshots.it. They list at least one party per night somewhere. Only bummer for English speakers is that it's in Italian. But, with a small help from the Lonely Planet phrasebook, you'll figure out the days and times with no problem. ===Romans=== Romans are highly tolerant but avoid getting involved in political or religious debates. Also avoid emphasizing your wealth. It is also a deeply humorous town so don't get excited if anyone very soon starts laughing at you (they do it among themselves too). ==Learn== Plenty of Italian, English, American etc etc institutions. Best do your own online research to pick what suits you. Be a good guest if you do not speak Italian. Being extra polite will keep you out of trouble. * The regional government and two historical societies are offering free '''Latin''' classes to tourists. Contact mailto:ilregnodicamelot@libero.it. *The Historical Group of Rome runs a '''gladiator''' school. 18 Appia Antica Street. ph 00396 51607951. email mailto:scuola@gsr-roma.com. http://www.gsr-roma.com/english/gladiatori/ ==Work== If you want to work during the tourist season, ask around at the hostels, hotels and restaurants with that touristy feel. It is quite easy to get a job, and it is a lot of fun even if it does not usually pay well. There are differing views on how easy it is to get a job out here. There is high unemployment and most jobs seem to go on a family - friends - other romans -other Italians - white EU - other foreigners pecking order. Italian helps. And be wary about making any financial commitments before you've actually been paid - late and non-payment is common here, and you may find as a non-Roman you are more likely to be seen as an easy target for this. You will also need a permesso di soggiorno, whether or not you are an EU resident. Check out http://Romebuddy.com for (biased) details on how to get one and other useful stuff on working/living in Rome. Legally, you are required to have a working visa, although it is very easy to work and live without one. ==Buy== Be aware that clothing bigger than a UK size 12/US 16 isn't always easy to find. Quality of clothing varies, from the high-quality (and expensive) Prada, to the poor quality goods found in some local shops. Via del Corso has affordable clothing, some brands (like Miss Sixty and Furla) are excellent. Some are not as good- be sure to feel garments and try them on. There are great quality shoes and leather bags at prices that compare well to the UK and US, quality for quality. Children's clothing can be expensive - basic vests (tank tops) can cost 21 euro in non-designer shops. Upim is a good shop for cheap clothing of workable quality. Lots of fake plastic 'Louis Vuitton' bags on sale from immigrants. Make sure you haggle; unsuspecting tourists pay up to 60euro for them. If you need stamps get them at the post or tobacco shops. ==Eat== The Trastevere neighbourhood and the old Jewish quarter have some of the best trattorias and ristorantes in Rome. Please, eat Italian food in Italy -- and most of all, Roman food in Rome. It's more than great, it's just spectacular! In Rome you can ask for: *Carciofi alla romana (artichokes, Roman style) *Carciofi alla giudia (artichokes, Jewish style) *Puntarelle *Bucatini alla Amatriciana *Spaghetti (or Rigatoni) alla "Carbonara" *Abbacchio alla "scottadito" *Rigatoni con la "Pajata" (not always available) *Scaloppine alla romana *Coda alla "vaccinara" *'''Pizza'''. Lots of the better places only serve pizza in the evening as it takes most of the day to get the wood oven up to the right temperature. Try some of the fried things like baccala (battered salt cod) for a starter, followed by a pizza for a really roman meal. For one of the most famous places for pizza try 'Da Bafetto' (Via del Governo Vecchio). Roman pizzas tend to be very thin crusted. Avoid the tourist areas where you'll often pay double the going rate just to get a badly reheated frozen pizza. Instead, head for a pizzeria like 'Pizzeria Maratonetta' in via dei Volci / via del Sardi, San Lorenzo area, where you'll find a fine atmosphere of families and groups of students, and you'll get a good meal with a bottle of local plonk at a very reasonable price. You'll get an English menu, too. *'''Pizza al taglio'''. Pizza by the slice. A good cheap way to get something to fill you up and makes a good lunch. Point to the one you want, indicate if you want more or less than your server is indicating with the knife. Its sold by weight (the listed price is usually per 100 gm) and a good quick lunch or snack. *'''Panini'''. If you don't speak Italian the question you won't understand and will always be asked once you've pointed out the sandwich you want is 'do you want it toasted'. If not, you can simply state 'caldo, per favore' (make it hot, please). Please note: singular is panino, and plural is panini. Never say "2 paninis" or "1 panini". It makes you sound like an idiot. *'''Ice cream'''. Look for a gelateria with a big plastic sign with a big 'G' on it outside. This means it has a kind of guild association and will be good quality. Remember it costs extra to sit inside. You pay for your ice cream first...take your receipt and go fight your way through the throng to choose your flavors. You will be asked ''Panna?'' when it's almost made - this is the offer of whipped cream on top. If you've already paid, this is free. *'''Trippa''' - is tripe. Offal is a roman tradition, e.g. ossabuca, bone marrow. *'''Vegetarians''' - should have an easy time. Buffets usually have a good range of delicious vegetarian stuff too - eg gratinated roast peppers/aubergines etc. '''Vegans''' should do OK, too. Pizzas don't always have cheese - a Marinara for example, is just tomato garlic and oregano. Remember, though, that Parmesan cheese is not permitted to be vegetarian. There are a few vegetarian restaurants in Rome. 'Arancia Blu' on Via Dei Latini (Via Tiburtina) is posh, overpriced and not that good, but the wine list looks impressive. *'''Coffee'''. Starbucks has a lot to answer for. A latte is a glass of steamed milk. A latte macchiato (meaning "spotted") the same with a shot of espresso 'marked' through it. Espresso or normale is just that, and usually called "cafe". Espresso doppio means a double shot of espresso, while espresso macchiato is espresso 'marked' with a dab of steamed milk. Americano - the one to order if you like filter coffee. It's espresso topped up with hot water and not very good. Cappuccino - do I need to explain that it is very declasse to order one after 11am and never after a meal? Decaffeinato - self explanatory. Add it after your coffee choice. It is often a Sanka-like product and not nearly as good as the real thing. ==Drink== Regional wines (they're cheaper and very good). House wine is almost always drinkable and inexpensive (unlike, say in the UK). Most trattoria wouldn't be caught dead serving poor wine. If the place looks really tourist-trappy then this doesn't apply! (And why would you want to eat there?) Water is free at most fountains from designated water fountains. Some of these date to ancient times, and the water is still very good. It's fresh spring water and safe to drink. If you carry an empty bottle, fill it up for the rest of the day. Look for the drinking fountain with constant running water, plug the hole and it will shoot up so you can drink it ==Sleep== If you're arriving in Rome during high season, be sure to book your accommodation at least a couple of days in advance. ===Cheap=== For backpackers the area east of Stationi Termini (the side where you find track 1) is full of cheap accommodation. Go to Enjoy Rome or find a place yourself. If you are staying for a week or more, haggle for a better price. *'''Alessandro Hostels''', '''Alessandro Palace''' - Via Vicenza 42, +39.06.446.1958 fax +39.06.493.80.534, '''Alessandro Downtown''' - Via C. Cattaneo 23, +39.06.443.40.147, '''Alessandro Indipendenza''' - Via Curtatone 13, +39.06.44.61.958, has grown from a pensione into a small chain of three of the most popular backpacker hostels in Rome. All locations are 5 minutes on foot from Termini, include free breakfast, no curfew, cheap internet, video security, free pizza parties at the Palace pub, and free linens. Other amenities vary between the locations (ie the Palace has ensuite bathrooms and an in-house pub with cheap beers, while the Downtown location has communal bathrooms and a medium sized self-service kitchen.) Prices from €16 per person per night in low season, from €19 per person per night in high season. http://www.hostelsalessandro.com/ *'''Freedom Traveller Hostel''', Via Gaeta 25, (+39) 06 47823862. A four-minute walk from the central train station, this hostel has adequate dorms from €23 per night, including free breakfast, internet and dinner. Some dorms also have nice balconies, kitchens and communal areas. No curfew, but lockout is from 11.00 - 15.00. http://www.freedom-traveller.it/ *'''Gullivers House''', Via Palermo 36, (+39)-064817680. Small co-ed youth hostel. 10 minutes from Termini. Owned by a nice couple, fluent English, they'll help you plan your stay in Rome better then any travel agent would. Free breakfast is what you would expect, so not much. They do have a fridge you can use, buy some juice from one of the nearby stores for a refreshment when you get back in the evening after a long day of not drinking the €2 cokes. Show English-language movies in the evening. Clean. Cute dogs. http://www.gullivershouse.com *'''M&J Place Hostel Roma''', Via Solferino , 9, (+39) 064462802 (info @ mejplacehostel.com) is within spitting distance of the train station. Friendly staff and reasonable dorms, this popular hostel has a paltry free breakfast but no lockout or curfew. http://www.hostelinrome.com/ *'''Yellow Hostel''', 44 via Palestro, 00185, telephone: +39 06 49 382 682 ( info @ yellowhostel.com ), dorms from €23 per night. http://www.yellowhostel.com/ *'''Colors Hostel''' on the West side of the city, a few blocks north of the Vatican (take the metro from the train station, which is on the East side of the city) http://www.colorshotel.com/ ===Mid-range=== * '''Hotel Aberdeen''', Via Firenze 48 (''metro: Repubblica''), tel +39 06 4823920 (''fax +39 06 4821092, hotel.aberdeen@travel.it''). Clean, central and quiet. Doubles €110-150 including reasonable breakfast. http://www.travel.it/roma/aberdeen/ * '''Hotel Zara''', Via Quattro Fontane 37 (''metro: Repubblica''), tel +39 06 4814847 (''fax +39 06 483620, info@hotelzara.com''). At the centre of Rome city on the National Street (Via Nazionale) there is a place where the ancient culture and modern mingles together, Hotel Zara, family owned, completely renovated antique palace which noted for its nearness to the Termini station, Coloseum,Metro (subway) A&B,Spanish steps, Trevi fountain,Via Veneto, Piazza Venezia,President's Palace (Quirinale), various Opera theatres, Via del Corso, Piazza del Popolo and more beautiful parts of the eternal city. http://www.hotelzara.com/ * '''Villa Eur''', Marcellino Champagnat, 2-00144 Roma (''metro: Laurentina''), tel +39.06.54220627. Very quiet and stylish in midst of a park. You can reach it from the subway by a 5 minutes walk. The hotel has a small bar, excellent breakfast and a restaurant. Double room is 150 Euros including breakfast. In the vicinity of the hotel you can find an excellent restaurant '''La Taverna de Porto''' if you want to go out eating. There is also a tennis court, a gymnasium and even an Aikido Dojo. http://www.villaeur.it * '''Hotel San Giusto''', Piazza Bologna 58, 39 (06) 44-24-45-98, across from the busy Bologna traffic circle/subway stop. Cost:Eur:88/$145 Popular complimentary breakfast buffet, for fee internet (the computer is slow if being used at the time by hotel clerk). ==Contact== ==Cope== ===Embassies and consulates=== *the '''Australian Embassy''' [http://www.italy.embassy.gov.au/], Via Antonio Bosio 5 00161 Rome, tel 06 85 2721 (0830 to 1650, Monday to Friday), fax 06 85 272 300 *the '''Austrian Embassy''' [http://www.austria.it/], Via Pergolesi 3 00198 Roma, tel 068440141 (0900 to 1200, Monday to Friday), fax 068543286 *the '''British Embassy''' [http://www.britishembassy.gov.uk/servlet/Front?pagename=OpenMarket/Xcelerate/ShowPage&c=Page&cid=1025627694549], Via XX Settembre 80 I-00187 ROMA RM, tel 06 4220 0001 (9am-5pm), 06 4220 2603 (out of office hours), fax 06 4220 2347 *the '''Canadian Embassy''' [http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/canadaeuropa/italy/embassy02-en.asp], Via Zara 30, 00198 Rome (Visa and Consular Sections), tel 06 44598.1, fax 06 44598.2905 (for Visa/Immigration Services) *the '''Finnish Embassy''' [http://www.finland.it], Ambasciata di Finlandia, Via Lisbona 3, 00198 Roma, tel +39 06 852 231 fax +39 06 854 0362, sanomat.roo@formin.fi *the '''New Zealand Embassy''' [http://www.nzembassy.com/contact.cfm?CFID=13016284&CFTOKEN=26176920&c=7&l=38], Via Zara 28 Rome 00198, tel 06 441 7171, fax 06 440 2984, Email: nzemb.rom at flashnet.it *the '''South African Embassy''' [http://www.sudafrica.it/ENGLISH%20WEB/where%20we%20are.htm], Via Tanaro, 14 Rome, tel 06 85.25.41 Monday to Friday. 8am-4.30pm. *the '''US Embassy''' [http://www.usembassy.it/mission/files/hours.htm], via Vittorio Veneto 119/A 00187 Roma, tel 06.4674.1 (switchboard) (8:30 AM to 5:30 PM), fax 06.4882.672 or 06.4674.2356 ===Public conveniences=== Clean, well-stocked, public facilities are sometimes hard to find. Those on the way into the Forum from the main road into Rome going to the Colosseum are worth knowing about. Carry tissue paper and soap with you - chances are that there won't be any. At Termini, under platform 24, near the left luggage office, 70c, well provisioned. ==Stay safe== Rome is generally a safe place, even for women travelling alone. As in any big city, it is better if you don't look like a tourist: don't exhibit your camera or camcorder to all and sundry, and keep your money in a safe place. Termini (the main railway station), Esquilino and bus line 64 (Termini to San Pietro) are not so safe, so take extra care in these areas. Read up on the legends concerning tourist scams. Most of them occur regularly in Rome and you will want to see them coming. Watch out especially for bands of kids who will crowd you and reach for your pockets under the cover of newspapers or cardboard sheets. A great deal of pickpocketing and bag- or purse-snatching takes place in crowded locations, but there is very little violent crime. Members of Italian public would likely be sympathetic if you are a crime victim. Police are also generally friendly if not always helpful. Carabinieri (black uniform) are military police, and Polizia (blue and grey uniform) are civilians, but they both do essentially the same thing and are equally good, or bad. Guardia di Finanza (the grey uniformed ones) do customs work. If you are robbed, try to find a police station and make a report. Making a report is essential to establishing a secure travel insurance claim. ===Emergencies=== In an emergency, call 113 (police) or 118 (medical first aid). Carry the address of your embassy or consulate. ==Get out== If you plan to spend some time at Lake Bracciano and visit the towns and villages north of Rome, you might want to rent an apartment in the country. If you have a car, it's even worthwhile to stay outside Rome when sightseeing in the city - cool, quiet, with access to good and inexpensive restaurants in the smaller towns. Parties of up to 10 can rent Casale Treia - the owner speaks good English and French: http://www.mazzano.com/accommodation.htm Especially if you have a rail pass, making Pompeii a day trip, while it is a very full day, is very doable. You can amuse people on the train by your complete lack of luggage. *Head to Frascati, one of the historic hill towns to the South East of Rome known as the '''Castelli Romani'''. For hundreds of years this town has been a popular destination away from the hustle and bustle of the capital, and this is still true today. Famous worldwide for its white wine, Frascati is a relaxed hill town with a slower pace of life. Just 21km from Rome, Frascati is accessible by bus [http://www.cotralspa.it] or train. Trains run from Roma Termini approximately every hour, take about 30 minutes, and cost around € 2 [http://www.trenitalia.com/]. ==External links== *[http://www.romaturismo.com/ '''Romaturismo.com'''] - official site of the Rome Tourist Board. Available in English and Italian. Flash-based presentation. de:Rom fr:Rome ro:Roma sv:Rom WikiPedia:Rome First page | Prev | Next | Last page |

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