Rome Essentials

Rome Essentials

Currency Euro Flight Time UK 2 Hour 30 mins Time Zone GMT = +1 hour Language Italian Voltage 220 V (European two-pin plugs)

Rome Tourist Attractions

The city boasts a myriad of dazzling historic sights and monuments, and choosing what to see and do is no simple task. The Roma pass is a good investment if time is limited, offering free and reduced rates to a wealth of museums and historic sights. Public transport is included and it is valid for 3 days. Rome's most iconic symbol is the Colloseum, and a visit is essential whilst here. Many of Rome's most enduring sights are, in fact, free with the Roman Forum and the Pantheon being among the most popular.

Opening Hours

Opening times of shops and services can be a little erratic at times, and in general stores are open throughout the day from 9am until around 7.30pm, with reduced hours on Sundays. Smaller stores and boutiques often close for lunch, between 1pm and 4pm, and markets are open for business between 7am and 2pm. Banks and post offices open Monday to Friday 9am until 4pm, with a minimal number of branch offices open on Saturdays.

Food & Drink

For many visitors, Italy is all about the fabulous food, which is a highlight of their stay. 'Cucina Romana' has influenced cooking from all over the world, with delights such as Filletta di Baccala - smoked cod fillets in batter and Saltimbocca alla Romana, made with veal and sage, found on menus throughout the city. Wash it down with a glass or two of local Frascati white wine.

Tipping & Etiquette

There is no hard and fast rule to tipping etiquette in Rome, but 10% is considered the norm in the city's restaurants. Likewise, a small gratuity will be appreciated at hotels, and taxi fares are often marked up to the nearest euro.

Italian Phrases For Tourists

Good morning Buon giorno I'm sorry Scusi Good evening Buona sera Does anyone here speak English? C'è qualcuno che parla inglese? Good-bye Arrivederci Where is...? Dov'è ...? Yes Sì Train Station la stazione No No Airport l'aeroporto Please Per favore Currency exchange l'ufficio del cambio Thank you very much Molte grazie The bill, please Il conto per favore 


Rome Useful Numbers

• Calling the UK from Rome – 0044 + area code minus zero + number • Police – 112 • Ambulance – 112 • Fire – 112 


Disabled Access

With an abundance of ancient streets and monuments, sightseeing in Rome for wheelchair-users does present some obstacles and an able-bodied companion is advisable. Transport-wise, the airports and rail stations all offer wheelchair access, and some attractions, such as the Colosseum and the Vatican museums, have a full series of lifts and ramps.

Italian Embassies

• GB Embassy - Via XX Settembre 80 I-00187 Roma RM, Italy Telephone (+39) 06 4220 0001 • Italy Embassy - 14 Three Kings Yard, London W1K 4EH, Telephone: 020 7312 2200

Weather

Rome sees very hot summers and mild winters, with spring and autumn considered the best months to visit. You'll find highs of 18C - 25C, and moderate humidity, as well as the chance for showers, as the weather can be unpredictable at any time of the year. Summers can be extremely hot and dry, with temperatures reaching 30C, and the city experiencing a high level of humidity. Winters are mild generally, and can be warm, sometimes hovering around 13C, but the weather can be very changeable, with a high chance of rain between October and April.