When to go
April, May, and October are ideal — 65–75°F, low rain, and the Roman sky takes on that warm gold the Renaissance painters made famous. June through August is hot (high 80s, occasionally 100°F) and the crowds at the Vatican and Colosseum are punishing. Late November through February is cheap, often surprisingly mild, and the city is finally calm; many trattorias close for two weeks at Christmas though, so plan around that.
Getting there
Delta, ITA Airways (the post-Alitalia carrier), and United run daily JFK nonstops to Rome Fiumicino (FCO). Flight time is about 8.5 hours eastbound, 10 westbound. From FCO into central Rome, the Leonardo Express train is the move — 32 minutes, €14, leaves every 15. Taxi has a flat €55 rate to anywhere inside the Aurelian walls.
Visa & entry
US, UK, Australian, and Canadian passports get 90 days visa-free in the Schengen zone (Italy is in). ETIAS (the EU’s ESTA equivalent, ~$7) is rolling out in late 2026. Passport needs three months’ validity beyond your departure date.
Money
Euro (EUR) — same as Paris, ~€0.92 per USD. Cash is more useful in Rome than in northern Europe — many small osterie, espresso bars, and outdoor markets are cash-only or cash-preferred. The Metro is €1.50 a ride or €7 for a 24-hour pass; buy tickets in advance from tabacchi stands or risk a €50 fine on the bus.
What to see
Five days minimum: Colosseum + Forum + Palatine combo (book the first 8:30am slot online), Vatican Museums + Sistine Chapel + St. Peter’s (a full day, book in advance — long lines without), Pantheon, Trastevere for dinner one night, the Borghese Gallery (timed tickets, two-hour window, museum is small but stunning). A day trip to Tivoli (Villa d’Este’s gardens) or to Naples for pizza and Pompeii is well worth a day. Eat trapizzino, drink negroni sbagliato, ignore anyone who tries to sell you a "scenic taxi tour."