The result of 3000 years of urban development, Rome’s cityscape is an exhilarating spectacle. Ancient icons such as the Colosseum, Roman Forum and Pantheon recall the city’s golden age as caput mundi, while its many monumental basilicas testify to its historical role as seat of the Catholic Church. Few cities can rival Rome’s astonishing artistic heritage. A trip to Rome is as much about lapping up the dolce vita lifestyle as gorging on art and culture. Idling around picturesque streets, whiling away hours at streetside cafes, people-watching on pretty piazzas. Eating out is one of Rome’s great pleasures and the combination of romantic alfresco settings and superlative food is a guarantee of good times.
For further information visit the official tourist website www.turismoroma.it.
The rules for entering Italy are periodically updated by the Italian Ministry of Health.
Please check the dedicated pages and websites regularly:
Although in December can be cold (7°C to 10°C on average) and damp, there’s something special about Rome in winter. The city is very un-crowded and begins to light up for Christmas holidays.
The weather can shift from cloudy, grey days to crisp, sunny ones. Frost and snow are a sporadic phenomenon for Rome in December, although snowfalls did happen in the past.
When packing for Rome in December, the key thing is to bring plenty of layers. If the sun is out, it can feel pretty mild during the day, but once the sun goes down it will feel much colder. It’s recommended you bring along warm clothes that you can layer on: long sleeved t-shirts, heavy pants/jeans, warm pullovers or cardigans, and a good, waterproof jacket/coat. And don’t forget the scarf!
You can check the forecast here.
Italy has only 1 time zone. Central European Time (CET) is used as standard time, while Central European Summer Time (CEST) is observed when Daylight Saving Time (DST) is in force.
Currently Central Eurpean Time (CET), UTC+1.
Central European Summer Time (CEST), UTC+2 starts March 27th, 2022.
The local currency is euro (€).
ATMs are widespread. Major credit cards are widely accepted but some smaller shops, trattorias and hotels might not take them.
You can change your money in banks, at post offices or at a cambio (exchange office). There are exchange booths at Termini Station and at Fiumicino and Ciampino Airports.
Take your passport or photo ID when exchanging money.
Check the exchange rates on www.travelex.com/rates.
Electricity in Italy conforms to the European standard of 220V to 230V, with a frequency of 50Hz. Wall outlets typically accommodate plugs with two or three round pins (the latter grounded, the former not). For Italy there are three associated plug types, types C, F and L. Plug type C is the plug which has two round pins, plug type F is the plug which has two round pins with two earth clips on the side and plug type L is the plug type which has three round pins. Italy operates on a 230V supply voltage and 50Hz.