Rome Travel Guide: London City to Rome, Italy Flights

The Eternal City offers an intoxicating mix of history, art + cuisine.

The ancient Romans believed the city’s glory would last forever… not hard to appreciate as you explore the millennia-old monuments of modern Rome. In a city so packed with bucket-list must-sees you might forget people actually live and work here. But they do – you’ll find one of Europe’s busiest business districts in Italy’s capital.

Book your flights to Rome

Flying to Rome from London City

Flying direct to Leonardo da Vinci Fiumicino Airport (FCO) from London City Airport (LCY) takes two and a half hours, landing you about 20 miles (32km) from the city. It's the bigger of Rome's two airports (Ciampino is the other), a major airline hub and ideally placed for getting into the city for business or leisure. Catch a direct train or a bus to reach the centre in around half an hour.

Rome is easy to get around, with many of its main attractions within walking distance of each other across the historic centre. The public transport system is reliable and while the metro network isn’t extensive (all those ruins!) you can get most places by bus, taxi and tram. Walking around reveals ancient treasures and showstopping views on every corner – though keep an eye out for the zippy traffic!

There can be several direct flights between London City Airport (LCY) and Leonardo da Vinci Fiumicino Airport (FCO) via ITA Airways each week, so whatever your travel plans, here's what you need to know about getting there. 

Key Stats

Language

Italian

Time Difference

1 hr ahead of GMT

Currency

Euro

Rome Travel Guide

Visiting Rome, you can expect to see beauty everywhere but don’t limit yourself to the main attractions, which we’ve included in our Rome travel guide. Look a little deeper and you find a modern city full of surprises. Beyond Rome’s must-see landmarks – the Vatican Museums, the Colosseum, the Forum – make time to explore places such as bohemian Trastevere and the Villa Borghese’s peaceful sculpture gardens.  Browse our Rome travel guide for the essential sights to see, the city’s vibrant night life, food and drink scene, plus events worth checking out.

Essential Sights

Historic Centre

You’ll find every attraction you associate with Rome is in its historic centre (Centro Storico), from the Colosseum in the south to the Spanish Steps in the north, with the Pantheon and Trevi Fountain in between. Covering around five square miles (14sq km) you can wander it in a weekend, ticking off some of Italy's most famous historic sites as you go. 

Trastevere

Cross the River Tiber to the Trastevere neighbourhood and experience the real Rome away from tourist crowds and souvenir touts. This lively, old-world area offers its own charms with cobbled piazzas, pretty churches and grand palaces. It's also a great place to find brilliant markets, cheap(er) eats and buzzing nightspots where locals and tourists mingle. 

Vatican City

A huge draw for visitors to Rome, Vatican City is classed as its own sovereign state and feels quite separate to the surrounding city. When you enter, you leave behind the main city’s cobbles, nooks and alleyways and swap them for sweeping St Paul's Square, St Paul's Basilica, the grand Palazzo Apostolico (the Pope's official residence) and rolling green parkland. It’s a different atmosphere altogether – elegant and calm, with none of the hustle and bustle of Rome proper. 

Colosseum

The largest amphitheatre in the world and probably Rome's most famous landmark, the Colosseum is a must-see for any visitor. This imposing 2000 year-old structure saw gladiators battle under the gaze of 50,000 spectators and bloodthirsty emperors, while the labyrinths beneath held fighters and animals awaiting their fates…

Roman Forum

Step into the very heart of the Imperial Roman Empire to explore the streets, temples, palaces and marketplaces where citizens and Caesars ran ancient society.

St Peter’s Basilica and Square

Prepare to goggle at one of the world’s largest churches and HQ of the Roman Catholic Church. This breath-taking Renaissance marvel holds countless relics and treasures, including Michelangelo’s famous Pietà statue.

Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel

These extensive museums are stuffed with Renaissance treasures and some of the greatest art ever created, including works by Raphael and Caravaggio. Brave the crowds to see the exquisite Sistine Chapel –modest on the outside but an absolute feast for the eyes within. It’s hard to look away from Michelangelo’s legendary Creation of Man ceiling fresco, but there’s plenty more to see by Renaissance greats including Botticelli.

Villa Borghese

Built as a 16th century ‘pleasure palace’ to house Cardinal Borghese’s art collection, this popular museum is packed with great works and lushly surrounded by extensive landscaped gardens.

Pantheon

One of Rome’s best-preserved buildings, this must-see temple was reconstructed in 126AD by Emperor Hadrian and boasts bronze doors dating from 115 AD, believed to be the oldest doors in use in the city. The round oculus at top of the building’s huge dome sits open to the sky with the aim of connecting the temple with the gods above.

Trevi Fountain

Tossing a coin into the Trevi Fountain may be the most touristy thing to do in Rome (if you can get through the crowds) but there's something magical about the ritual. This immense Baroque fountain depicts Roman sea god Neptune on his chariot and dominates the surprisingly small Piazza di Trevi square it sits on. The surrounding streets are a rabbit warren of white and ochre buildings, pavement caves and gelato parlours. 

Piazza di Spagna and the Spanish Steps

This Italian Baroque square and staircase sit at the end of Via Condotti in a popular neighbourhood filled with prime shopping and impressive 17th and 18th century villas. It’s a top spot for people-watching. The 135 steps lead from the Piazza di Spagna at the bottom to the Piazza Trinita dei Monti (complete with gleaming white church) at the top. Making the climb feels like starring in your own European movie!

Nightlife

No visitor guide to Rome would be complete with a look at its nightlife. This magical city is even more charming after dark when the tourist crowds start to ease.

For cool little cocktail and wine bars, the area around gorgeous Piazza Navona and the Spanish Steps is a safe bet that’s popular with older visitors. The same goes for the more upmarket Prati district near the Vatican. For a more authentic local experience, younger crowds head across the river to Trastevere, which is dotted with restaurants, bars and clubs offering a relaxed welcome. Nights often end in clubs in the hip neighbourhoods of Testaccio and Ostiense.

Food & Drink

Italians are not just hugely passionate about food – mealtimes are also all about the company and comfort you’re sharing as you eat. It’s such a busy foodie city that it’s worth doing your research before you go and making reservations if you plan to head to popular spots.

Traditional

Traditional trattorias line the city streets, often with tables and chairs spilling out onto cobbled squares and pavements. Expect to be wowed by pizza and pasta like never before – even the simplest pizza Margherita or pasta bianca (pasta sprinkled with cheese and pepper) is a taste revelation here. Not all trattorias are created equal, so read up to track down the best old-school Roman osterias and no-frills cafes, and steer clear of tourist traps. If you’re struggling to choose, head to Mercato Centrale in Rome’s Termini station for an amazing collection of authentic food stands and flavours.

Gelato

When in Rome, naturally you won’t want to miss the chance to guzzle genuine home-made tiramisu or panna cotta for dessert. But you can have endless fun working your way through scoops of every conceivable ice-cream flavour from the many gelaterias dotting streets. Strolling the streets with an icy treat is the perfect way to pass a Roman evening.

Fine dining 

If you want to splash out or celebrate a special occasion in Rome, there are plenty of fancier restaurants to choose between – just remember to book in advance. Sticking with Italian cuisine, three-Michelin-starred restaurant La Pergola in the Waldorf Astoria hotel has magical views and a menu of equally magical culinary creations. But of course Roma offers loads of other fine dining options at more down-to-earth prices.

Events

Ides of March 15th March

Romans stage a dramatic annual re-enactment at Largo Argentina to mark the assassination of Julius Caesar on that day in 44BC, complete with a funeral precession to the Roman Forum.

Natale di Roma (Birth of Rome) April

APRIL | Each year on April 21st the Romans put on a host of festivities, parades and events across the city to celebrate the foundation – or birthday – of the capital on the same date in 753 BC.

May Day Rock Festival  May

Rock out at this free concert usually held at the Piazza San Giovanni and organised by the main Italian trade unions to celebrate Worker’s Day. There's also the annual Rock in Roma event which runs in June or July with a big line-up of international names. 

VinoForum June

Founded in 2003, this annual extravaganza celebrates excellence in food and wine with a busy programme of talks, tastings and workshops from culinary experts.

Estate Romana  June to October

Rome celebrates the entire summer with a festival programme of entertainment and cultural events including film, performances, concerts, exhibitions, workshops for children and young people, and much more.

Rome Film Fest October

This respected festival unites filmmakers and cinema lovers for a packed programme of screenings, competitions, premieres and special events held at venues across the capital.

Rome Jazz Festival November

Since 1976 this annual autumn celebration has entertained millions of fans with the very best Italian and international jazz performers at some of the city's most atmospheric venues. 

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