A millennial-style five-minute guide to Rome

It’s time to do as the Romans do in the Eternal City, with our guide to eating, drinking, shopping and everything in between.

Ciao, welcome to Roma

Getting from the airport to the city is easy:

From Leonardo da Vinci Airport

The Leonardo Express train (treno), which sadly does not lead to Mr DiCaprio, will get you to Rome Termini Station in comfort.
Departing from Platform 24 every 30 minutes, this non-stop, first class service takes around 30 minutes and costs only $16.

From Ciampino Airport

Terravision runs buses (autobuses) every 20 minutes. Travel time is 40 minutes and it’s only $6.

Taxis

Taxis can be expensive with a set fee of $58 from Leonardo da Vinci and $43 from Ciampino with a luggage fee of $1.50.

Make sure they have a ‘SPQR’ city coat of arms as Roman taxi drivers are known to take tourists for a bit of a ride.

“Where is the bus?" = “Dov’è l’autobus?"

“Where is the subway?" = “Dov’è la metropolitana?"

“Where are the taxis?" = “Dov’è sono i tassì?"

Trasporto (transport)

By bus

ATAC buses are the only public transport option in the ancient centre with services running from around 5:30am til midnight.
Be sure to validate your ticket on board to avoid on-the-spot fines.

A ‘Metrebus Ticket’ is from $9 for a day to $35 for a week; they can be used on metro, buses and local trains and are available to purchase at metro stations, newsstands and kiosks.

By foot

Don your Roman sandals – or some comfy walking shoes – and hit the pavement. Book a hotel in a central area like Piazza Navona for reasonable walking distances to the major sites: Pantheon (7 mins), Trevi Fountain (14 mins), Spanish Steps (18 mins), Colosseum (25 mins), Vatican (28 mins).

By tour

Rome wasn’t built in a day, but it can be seen in a day (well, kind of) with the hop-on/hop-off bus for sightseeing from $36; city-sightseeing.com

“A map, please." = “Una mappa per favore."

Mangia, Mangia! (Eat, Eat!)

Trevi Fountain Rome — Enjoy a gelato in front of the iconic Trevi Fountain.

Pizza

Pinsere Roma, Via Flavia 98 – Mon to Fri

Pizzarium, Via della Meloria 43

You’ll pay around $1.50–6 per slice.

Gelato

Come il Latte, Via Silvio Spaventa 24-26

Gelato D’Autore Salaria, Via Salaria 260

You’ll pay around $3–6 for a scoop.

Wine (vino)

Al Vino Al Vino, Via dei Serpenti 19

Cavour 313, Via Cavour 313 – closed Sundays in summer

You’ll pay around $4.50 for a glass.

Coffee (caffè)

Caffe della Pace, Via della Pace 3/7

Rosati, Piazza del Popolo 4/5a

You’ll usually pay around $1.50 for a coffee. Drink standing at the bar as it costs less than sitting at an outside table.

You’ll also pay around $1.50 for a bottle of water (acqua), $4 for a beer (birra), $4 for a sandwich, $20 for a meal.

“The bill, please." = “Il conto, per favore."

Giro turistico (sightseeing)

Family cruising holiday in Italy. — The Colosseum

We’ve all heard of the Colosseum, but have you heard of …

Ostia Antica

Around 30 kilometres from the heart of the city, Rome’s forgotten harbour city, Ostia Antica, was once a thriving port at the mouth of the Tiber River.

Some of the ancient ruins date back to the 4th century BC. $12 entry; guided tours also available.

Basilica of San Clemente

A short stroll from the Colosseum, this relatively unknown Renaissance-era basilica is well worth the visit for what is hidden beneath its surface.

In 1857 excavations uncovered a fourth-century cathedral below the street level site; and below that again, a first-century building.

Incredibly, there are also remnants of a fourth stratum that was destroyed by fire in 64AD.

The main church is free to enter, but the lower levels cost $7.

“Where is the bathroom?" = “Dov’è la toilette?"

To il mercato (market)

Campo de Fiori Markets

A delightful open air market with flowers, fruit and veges and the scent of fresh pizza lingering in the air.

Monday–Saturday, 8am–1:30pm

Porta Portese Flea Market

The streets of Trastevere, just south of Vatican City, come alive every Sunday with peddlers selling all sorts of knick knacks.

Vintage reigns supreme here: scour around for retro sunglasses, second-hand designer clothing, hard-to-find records and used books.

Sundays, 7am–2pm. Get here bright and early to beat the crowds!

Weekly travel news, experiences
insider tips, offers, and more.

Via Condotti

Starting at the base of the Spanish Steps, this hub is arguably known as Rome’s swankiest shopping street.

Max out your credit card or fog up the windows at designer stores like Louis Vuitton, Versace, Armani and Dolce & Gabbana, to name drop a few.

“How much?" = “Quanto costa/costano?"

The best albergo (hotel)

Piazza Navona is a great central spot to base yourself.

This maze of narrow alleys, dating from the Middle Ages, is buzzing with sidewalk cafés and bars, street artists, musicians and some magnificent architecture.

Our picks in this area:

Hotel Adriano

Located just steps from the Trevi Fountain, this cosy and neat hotel has smaller classic rooms to larger apartments.

Our fave is the deluxe room with its private terrace boasting views over Rome’s roof tops.

From $319 per night for a deluxe room. hoteladriano.com

Hotel Abruzzi

This family-run hotel is worth booking for its view of the Pantheon alone, which is literally a stone’s throw away.

All 26 rooms have been recently renovated.

From $370 for a double/twin room with a view. hotelabruzzi.com

Hotel de Russie

Described by Jean Cocteau as “Paradise on Earth" , this hotel is the definition of luxury with 122 individually designed rooms and suites, a divine spa and a beautiful garden restaurant headed by a two-Michelin starred chef – all located beside the Spanish Steps. From $896 for a classic room. roccofortehotels.com

J.K. Place Roma

The sister property of the gorgeous J.K. Place Capri is an elegant newcomer to Rome’s luxe landscape.

It is located a stroll from Via Condotti and the Spanish Steps beyond, and boasts a mix of contemporary and antique designs.

From $1016 per night for a J.K Classic Room. jkroma.com

Portrait Roma

This hotel is part of the Lungarno Collection, founded by Salvatore Ferragamo, and is located above his store on the prestigious Via Condotti.

There are 14 unique guest rooms, some with views over the Spanish Steps, and a gorgeous rooftop terrace with an open fire.

From $1281 for a portrait studio. lungarnocollection.com

“Good night!" = “Buona notte!"

By Megan Arkinstall and Patrick Higgins

If you like the look of a Rome getaway, make sure you check out our Rome travel guide, so you can ensure you read up on the very best the region has to offer!

Temperatures are soaring this summer, breaking records across Europe and the UK.

Euro summer is a feeling like no other. But when a heatwave hits? The dream trip quickly turns into a sweaty mess. Extreme heat is sweeping Europe and the UK this week, with record-high temperatures impacting travel plans across the continent.

And while Australian summers are typically hotter in absolute temperature, many European cities aren’t equipped for high temperatures, resulting in unbearable weather.

Why is it so hot in Europe?

Signs of a hot summer loomed in May, when the mercury hit unprecedented spring highs. Now, extreme high temperature warning alerts have been issued in countries such as Spain, Italy, France, England, the Netherlands and Germany.

France saw its hottest day on record on Wednesday, with an average temperature of 30°C across the day and night. This surpasses the average temperature for June, which is 15°C to 25°C. Dozens of people have died, including 40 from drowning.

In Spain, 212 deaths have been linked to the heatwave.

The UK recorded its hottest June day ever on Wednesday with temperatures soaring to 36.1°C. In an article published by the Met Office – the UK’s national meteorological service – Professor Stephen Belcher CBE, Met Office Chief Scientist, shared his concerns about June’s heat. “To see temperatures like this in the UK in June is sobering. Events like this bring home the implications of climate change, with very high temperatures and humidity bringing significant health implications from heat stress, as well as impacts to a range of sectors such as transport, energy and water supply,” he said.

Heatwaves are becoming increasingly common in Europe and the UK, neither of which is prepared for such extremes. The World Meteorological Organization reported that in 2025, at least 95% of Europe experienced above-average annual temperatures and that the continent was heating up twice as fast as the global average.

How travel is impacted

A pharmacy sign displaying 40 degrees Celcius — A pharmacy broadcasting local weather data. (Credit: Getty/Dragoncello)

During a heatwave, power grids, water systems and transport networks can be affected, resulting in disrupted itineraries for travellers. In France, power outages have left thousands without electricity and early closures have been implemented for two of Paris’s biggest attractions, the Eiffel Tower (early afternoon rather than late at night) and the Louvre (two hours early). Eurostar cancelled its London to Paris and Paris to London services from the 22nd to the 25th, and major UK rail companies have been advising travellers to avoid using trains where possible, or to travel during early hours.

If a heatwave is predicted, being flexible with your itinerary and having fully refundable/changeable tickets is key, as extreme heat can force the cancellation of outdoor activities, impact rail and flight services and change the opening hours of sites and eateries.

Why does summer in Europe often feel hotter than summer in Australia?

people swimming in the Canal Saint-Martin in Paris — People swimming in the Canal Saint-Martin in Paris to cool off. (Credit: Rachael Thompson)

With some of the highest UV levels in the world, Australians are no strangers to the heat, adapting well to intense weather. But our infrastructure is largely equipped to withstand soaring temperatures with climate-responsive passive design, refrigerated air conditioning or evaporative coolers, as well as swimming spots aplenty.

Buildings in Northern and Western Europe and the UK, however, are constructed to retain heat and handle frosty winters. The lack of universal air conditioning means it generally feels hotter even though the temperature on your app might not look it. During a heatwave, it can feel like you’re in a sauna as cities act like heat traps.

How to stay cool and prepare for another heatwave

Relief is expected across Europe and the UK later this week, but more heatwaves are still possible in the coming months. Summer heat typically peaks in July and August.

Public transport often doesn’t have air conditioning, and buses in particular can be swelteringly hot. If you’re heading outside or your accommodation has no air conditioning, it’s worth buying a spray bottle and a handheld fan from a pharmacy or tourist stand. Check ahead of time if restaurants and cafes have air conditioning and make a booking in advance. The highest temperatures typically hit between 3pm and 6pm, so aim to head outdoors outside of these hours.

Rising temperatures invite travellers to enter a more intentional era of seeing the world. Now more than ever is the time to embrace lower-impact “coolcations” and off-season getaways.