Rome is unlike any other city on earth. The Italian capital layers 2,000+ years of civilisation into a single extraordinary urban experience where a Roman temple from 25 BC sits next to a coffee bar serving the country's best espresso. Add world-class pasta, one of Europe's most walkable city centres, and the extraordinary Vatican City, and Rome becomes a destination that rewards every traveller who makes the journey.
Top highlights
✓Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill
✓Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel and St Peter's Basilica
✓Trevi Fountain and Spanish Steps
✓Trastevere neighbourhood at sunset
✓Pantheon — Rome's best-preserved ancient building
✓Day trips to Pompeii, Ostia Antica, or Orvieto
Best time to visit
Spring — best season
Apr–Jun
Comfortable temperatures, blooming gardens, before peak crowds
Autumn — excellent
Sep–Oct
Harvest season, fewer tourists, warm evenings for outdoor dining
Off-peak
Nov–Mar
Cheapest rates, fewer tourists, Christmas in Rome is magical
Sample flight routes
Prices last checked: July 2026 — see live prices in the planner below for current rates
Qantas
Melbourne via Dubai · ~23h
from AUD $1,500 return
Emirates
Melbourne via Dubai · ~22h
from AUD $1,400 return
Etihad
Melbourne via Abu Dhabi · ~23h
from AUD $1,300 return
💡 Prices are indicative and vary by season and booking time. Use our planner to find live prices for your specific dates.
Where to stay
Historic Centre
Pantheon, Trevi, Piazza Navona — most atmospheric, premium price
Trastevere
Bohemian, restaurant-packed, authentic Roman neighbourhood life
Testaccio
Foodie neighbourhood, local market, cheaper than centre
Prati (near Vatican)
Quiet, upscale, walking distance to Vatican, good value
Visa requirements
Last checked: July 2026 — always verify current requirements with the official portal before booking
Example shown for Australian passport holders — Wanderior's planner checks the exact requirements for your own passport automatically.
Type
Visa-Free (Schengen Zone)
Cost
Free (until ETIAS launches)
Duration
90 days within 180-day period
ℹ️ Australians enter Italy and the Schengen Area visa-free. ETIAS (€7) will be required once launched — check before travel.
Local tips for travellers
💡Book Colosseum and Vatican tickets weeks ahead — they sell out daily
💡Eat pizza al taglio (by the slice) standing up — AUD $2–4, excellent quality
💡Drink from Rome's free nasoni drinking fountains — safe and refreshing
💡Don't eat near major monuments — walk 2 streets away for half the price
💡Coffee rules: stand at the bar, never add milk after 11am, espresso is the default
💱 Money & currency
Euro (EUR). Cards accepted most places. Rome more cash-friendly than other European cities — carry some euros.
🚆 Getting around
Walk everywhere in the historic centre — most sights within 30 minutes on foot. Metro for longer distances. Avoid taxis near tourist sites.
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