The Eternal City: travel in Rome, Italy

Rome Italy is the Eternal City because it has been the center of the world's attention and power at so many points through the ages. Today, it is visited by thousands of tourists each year who want a glimpse of that eternal quality.

Travel in Rome, Italy is a beautiful, exciting experience for tourists both young and old; however it is probably best appreciated by adults and older children who can more fully appreciate the history behind the historic landmarks.  Many of these landmarks are free to get in to see, such as the Trevi Fountain, the Roman Forum, the Piazza Navona, the Galleria Nazionale Di San Luca, and many more.  These free yet deeply historic landmarks make travel in Rome, Italy less expensive than in other places where the historic landmarks all have an entry fee.  Hotel costs, airline travel and food are the main costs of travel in Rome, Italy.

When in Rome…

There are tricks to traveling in Rome, Italy that will make the experience more enjoyable to the tourist trying to fit in and experience more than the touristy side of the city.  One custom in Rome is la passeggiata, which happens every evening.  During this time, family and friends take strolls down the streets so that they can have social time with each other.  It is a time for talking and laughing as everyone catches up on the day's events.

There is also the Rome International Trade Fair that occurs during late May and early June that is of interest to many tourists, as well as the Festa di San Giovanni, also in June, which includes dancing and singing in the streets throughout the night.

During the full summer months are great times to travel in Rome, Italy.  There is the Roman Summer, or Estate Romana, which runs from June through September with hundreds of events occur in all different parks and streets throughout the city.  One of the events is the Teatro dell'Opera, which has a summer season during this time.  There are also rock concerts and plays that occur in various places throughout the city as well.

Culturally speaking, when travelling in Rome, tourists should dress up on most occasions if they want to fit in with the citizenry there.  Italians tend to dress up whenever possible, so it is common to see jackets and dresses at movie theaters and other outings.  In addition, although Italians might greet each other exuberantly, it does not mean that tourists ought to greet Italians that familiarly, at least until they get to know someone more personally.  A handshake is the common greeting. 

Also, there is no smoking allowed in public places that do not have a designated area for it that is closed off from the public.  There are very strict fines if this law is broken.  In addition, banks close for at least an hour over the lunch period, so it is important to keep that in mind while travelling through the city.

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