USEFUL HINTS
CLIMATE
Rome has a Mediterranean climate with cool winters and generally hot summers, which means that any time of year is good for visiting the city.
Temperatures are more or less pleasant throughout the year with average high temperatures of 12°C (53°F) and average lows of 4°C (39°F) during the coldest months (January and February) and average high of 31°C (88°F) and average lows of 20°C (68°F) during the hottest summer months (July and August).
In November average lows of 8°C (46°F) and average high of 18°C (64°F). Average rainy days 9.
At the beginning of November we used to have a few days we call ‘St. Martin’s summer’ with almost summer temperatures. However, climate changes affect also our Mediterranean climate.
CURRENCY AND CREDIT CARDS
Like in the rest of the European Union, the official currency is Euro (€). The most common credit cards are accepted in most of the businesses and hotels. Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Diners Club cards are widely accepted at hotels, department stores, shops, and restaurants. Better to ask taxis if they get credit card, not all of them accept this form of payment.
STORES and SHOPPING
Most stores in Rome are open Monday through Saturday, from 9 am to 1 pm – 1:30 pm and from 3:30 pm to 7:30 pm. The shops on the main shopping streets do not close at lunchtime and usually close a little later. On the main shopping and business streets, clothing stores and department stores are open on Sundays.
The main shopping area in Rome is located in downtown area of Via del Corso and Piazza di Spagna.
LOCAL PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION AND TOURIST PASS
You can easily get around Rome and visit its fantastic attractions by bus, by subway (“Metropolitana”), by taxi and on foot.
For public transportation, you have different solutions, according to your plans, from one day ticket to multiple days passes.
You may plan your journey and have detailed information about transportation tickets at this link: https://www.atac.roma.it/en/tickets-and-passes.
‘Leonardo Express’, a non-stop train service from the Fiumicino main airport takes you to Rome Central station in 32’ – price is € 14,00, a very useful service in peak hours. https://www.trenitalia.com/en/services/leonardo-express.html
Tourist cards including access to public transportation and Museums and archaeological sites are also available. Please visit: http://www.romapass.it/
Rome has 3 subway lines (A – B – C) and several bus routes covering almost all parts of Rome and its suburbs. A single ticket costs euro 1,50 and it is valid 100 minutes after validation, one single journey on the metro.
The Conference venue is located in the E.U.R. district, which is not in the historical city centre. However, you can reach the Conference Centre by underground line B, connecting E.U.R. district to Rome downtown area (Termini railway Station, Colosseum and Circo Massimo areas) to EUR district. The nearest stations to the Conference venue is Laurentina station (200 meters).
Buses run from 5.30 a.m. to 11.30p.m. with only the night buses after 11.30p.m. The subway (Metro) lines run from 5.30 a.m.to 11.30 p.m. and, on Friday and Saturday nights, to 1.30 a.m. Tickets can be bought at all railway and metro stations, as well as at the authorized sales points (newsagents, coffee bars, tobacconists and P.I.T. – Tourist information points).
TAXI
Taxis licensed by Rome City Council are white and bear the sign “TAXI” on their roofs. The symbol of Rome City Council is also clearly visible on the vehicle’s front doors and the license number is shown inside the car on the back left door.
Attention: Any other vehicle waiting at the airport exit could be driven by unauthorized persons and fare could be higher.
Although the cheapest way to catch a cab is by waiting at the official taxi stops on the streets of Rome, it is also possible to reserve a taxi by telephone. These are some of the taxi companies in the city:
- Radio Taxi: 06-3570.
- Pronto Taxi: 06-6645.
- Other companies: 06-5551, 06-4994, 06-4157.
- Uber – use the app to find a ride option for your needs.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION?
GLIMPSES AND SUGGESTIONS
FILMS AND TV IN ROME
Thanks to its long history, reflected in its present, Rome has been one of the most-filmed cities in the world throughout the years. It’s been the scene of great battles and some of the most iconic moments in the history of the silver screen.
Roman Holiday: As you might guess by the title, you can explore pretty much every scene in the film, just by passing through the city. Directed by William Wyler and with lead acting by Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck – it includes the Mouth of Truth, in one of the most iconic scenes in classic cinema. An you’ll also spot other landmarks in the film, such as the Church of Santa María in Cosmedin or the Castle Sant’Angelo.
Ben-Hur: One of the biggest and most famous films in the Golden Age of cinema, shot in Rome from start to finish in the mythical Cinecittá studios. You can relive the classic in the Circus Maximus – where the famous chariot race took place – famous for being one of the most difficult scenes to film in history.
La dolce Vita: Without doubt an Italian, and Roman, classic. Federico Fellini’s masterwork paints a picture of the social life of the time and invites you to dive into the Trevi fountain, just like its protagonists!
To Rome With Love: This 2012 film from the acclaimed Woody Allen was filmed throughout the eternal city and through its adventures takes in the Altare della Patria and the Baths of Caracalla.
Gladiator: The winner of five Oscars, including best film and best actor for its protagonist, Russell Crowe – this modern great, directed by Ridley Scott, includes stunning recreations of some of Rome’s monuments and attractions – including the Colosseum in its heyday.
The Great Beauty: By Paolo Sorrentino, this portrait of the parties and high society in Rome features some of the most representative museums and monuments in the city, including Piazza Navona and the Capitoline Museums.
Angels and Demons: A film which could serve as a guidebook to Rome. Some of the monuments and piazzas include: Piazza di Spagna, Villa Borghese, St. Peter’s Square and Agrippa’s Pantheon. You can explore the city just like Tom Hanks as Robert Langdon.
SERIES SHOT IN ROME
The Young Pope: This series starring Jude Law has brought to light many of the “hidden” corners of the Vatican, such as the Sistine Chapel, St. Peter’s Basilica.
Spartacus: One of the most popular action series of recent years, the story is based on the gladiator Spartacus, who organised the most famous rebellion against the Roman empire. The other star of the show? Of course it’s the imposing Colosseum.
Suburra: The first Italian drama on Netflix dives deep into the Italian underworld – and in Rome you can explore the same squares and monuments that appear in the series.