RomeCapital
Italy · Country profile
Rome is an open-air museum layered over three thousand years of history — ancient ruins like the Colosseum and Forum, Baroque fountains, and Renaissance palaces share the streets with buzzing neighbourhoods, trattorias and gelaterias. Every corner seems to hold a masterpiece, from the Sistine Chapel to the Spanish Steps, and the city’s food, coffee and evening passeggiata culture are timeless. It’s a walkable capital where the past feels alive and the present is laid-back and theatrical. Give yourself time to wander beyond the big sights, because Rome’s real magic lives in its everyday lanes and plazas.
About Rome
Rome is the capital of Italy. The city's documented population is around 2,745,062 people. For visitors from abroad, the local currency is the Euro (EUR) and Italian is spoken; the dialling code is +39. It is served by 1 airport in our guide: Rome Fiumicino Airport.
A City You Feel More Than You Plan
Rome is a city you feel more than one you plan around, but the archaeological core demands some forethought. The Colosseum, Forum and the papal sights in the Vatican draw enormous, orderly queues that only work with timed bookings. Beyond the headline ruins, the city is a tangle of walkable neighbourhoods, fountains and family trattorias, best approached with an open itinerary. It is hot and crowded in summer, quieter in spring and autumn. The metro is limited, so much of your movement will be on foot, by bus or by taxi — which shapes how you spend a day.
Ancient Tickets, Walking Shoes and the Midday Heat
Book the Colosseum, Forum and Vatican tickets far ahead — the combination tickets and early slots save hours. Dress modestly for the Vatican and any basilicas. The city is a maze and walking shoes are non-negotiable, especially over ancient stone and cobbles. Summer heat is intense, so plan indoor sites for midday and churches for late afternoon. Tipping is lighter here than in North America — small or nothing at cafés, a bit more for good service. Many shops and some restaurants close over the early afternoon. Learn to say hello and please — it is noticed.
Standing Espresso, Hidden Gelato and Fountains After Dark
The metro is fast but sparse, so buses, trams and walking carry most of the load; a Roma Pass can bundle transport and sights. Many museums close on Mondays. Fountains and piazzas come alive at night and are free to enjoy. Gelato is better the less tourist-facing the shop — look where locals queue. Coffee culture means a standing espresso at the bar is much cheaper than seated. Watch for unofficial ticket sellers at the big sights and queue-jumping charges. The classic itinerary around the Colosseum, Forum and Palatine works best as one connected walk.
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- Country
- Italy
- Population
- 2,745,062
- Coordinates
- 41.8003, 12.2389
- Capital
- Rome
- Region
- Europe
- Currency
- Euro (EUR)
- Languages
- Italian
- Calling code
- +39
- Country code
- IT
Entry requirements for Italy
Visa status for travellers from common origins visiting Italy for tourism.
Getting to Rome
Airports we list for Rome:
Other airports in the area:
Cities in Italy
Other cities we cover in Italy:
Frequently asked questions
Is Rome the capital of Italy?
Yes — Rome is the capital of Italy.
What currency do I need in Rome?
The local currency is the Euro (EUR). Languages spoken in Italy include Italian.
What is the dialling code for Italy?
The international dialling code for Italy is +39.
Which airport should I fly into for Rome?
Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO) is the airport we list for Rome.
How far is Rome from the nearest airport?
Rome is about 199 km from Naples International Airport.
Do I need a visa to visit Italy?
It depends on your passport. Among the origins we track, travellers from Albania, Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda and Argentina currently enter Italy visa-free for tourism. Use the entry requirements tool to check your own nationality and purpose of travel.
Flying out of Rome? Check the entry requirements for your destination in our entry requirements tool before you fly.