Transportation - Getting Around
Rome's bus network is extensive and functions quite well, but the metro (subway) is much simpler for the short-term visitors to master.
Public transportation Tickets must be purchased in advance from tabacchis, newsstands, bars, or vending machines (exact change only!) at metro and major bus stops.
MetroThe Roman metro (called Metropolitana by residents) goes round rather than through the historic city. It has only two lines, A (red) and B (blue), which cross at Termini Central Station.
Trains run approximately every 7-10 minutes, from 5:30am until 11.30pm every day (until 0:30am on Saturdays).
Buses and TramsThere are hundreds of bus lines, running from 5:30am till midnight. All buses and trams travel in both directions.
Electric buses In an effort to minimize pollution in the small backstreets of the historic center, the city has established several electric bus lines to navigate alleyways barely wide enough for a Vespa.
Night busesOver 20 night bus lines run from 00:30am to 5:30am. The main terminal stations are Termini (Piazza dei Cinquecento) and Piazza Venezia. From these two piazzas buses leave for all directions every 30 minutes. Night bus stops are marked with an owl. You can purchase tickets on board.
For lines tables and public transport maps visit official site of public transportation in Rome - ATAC S.p.A
TaxiIf you need a taxi, remember to look for the official metered white or yellow taxis. There are taxi ranks in many locations throughout the center, but is nearly impossible to hail one driving down the streets, particularly at night. Make sure your taxi is metered; insist on the metered fare, rather than an arranged price.
To call for a taxi within Rome, try 06 3570, 06 4994, 06 6645, 06 551, or 06 8822.
Culture
The Ancient Romans acquired many of their cultural habits from the Ancient Greeks.The Greeks inspired the Romans from everyday customs and laws to architectural designs and style.The Ancient Romans were first governed by what is called the Twelve Tables. This provided the basic code and standard of living for all Romans.Later, all decisions were led to the discretion of the courts judges, most of whom were corrupt. The Twelve Tables were followed by The Gracchi, which was developed and implemented by the emperor Caesar Augustus. Historians have noticed that some of the Romans emperors have had mysterious deaths, which have little or no record of how they happened. This was during the time when the Roman emperors ruled, this time followed the demise of the Roman Republic.
Daily Life: The daily life of the Ancient Roman started with breakfast. The lower class Romans (Plebeians) usually fed on bread dipped on wine or water while the upper class Romans (Patricians) fed on meat, fruit, vegetables, bread, and used honey to sweeten their food.When Romans dressed for the day, men wore togas for some time until they advanced on to tunics which wore like T-shirts and were ultimately more practical. The young boys tunics hung down to their knees and were bordered with crimson. When the boys became men, at sixteen or seventeen years of age, then they selected the all-white tunic. Romans many times went to the Forum. The Forum was the business center of town where people could do their banking, trading, shopping, and marketing. Public speaking, festivals, and religious ceremony were also conducted at the Forum. During the day the children actually attended organized schools. The Romans acquired and used part of the ancient Greek system of education. The goal of education in ancient Rome was to be an effective speaker. School started before sunrise and did not end until late afternoon.In early Roman days, a childs education took place in the home where parents taught their children everything they knew. The father instructed his sons in Roman laws, history, customs, and physical training. This prepared them for war.Girls were taught to spin, weave, and sew by their mothers. Romans also went to public baths which were most common in ancient days. Most Roman men and women tried to visit the baths at least once a day.The baths had hot and cold pools, towels, slaves to wait on you, steam rooms, saunas, exercise rooms, and even hair cutting salons. At one time there were as many as nine hundred public baths in ancient Rome. The smaller ones held about three hundred people while the larger ones could hold up to one thousand five hundred. Later in the day the wealthier Romans rested while the poorer worked throughout. At the end of the day the Romans worshipped a large variety and great number of gods. Most Romans had a room or a shiny object in their home just for the purpose of worshipping these gods. The Romans also loved entertainment. There were many theaters and most were free to the public so all could attend regardless of class or wealth.
Tips for budget travellers
When in Rome
This is not really a story about what to see and do in Rome. It is an attempt at getting you around this gorgeous city without destroying your budget. As with most tourist meccas, Rome offers plenty of easy ways to pay top euro for things that won't really enhance your experience.
Summer is a popular time, but dress for very hot weather. Some prefer the winter months, which can be windy and cold but generally free of ice and snow. The best bargains often are found in Winter and early Spring, with Autumn becoming more popular, too. If you go for the Christmas Eve Mass at Vatican Square, book airfare and other arrangements well in advance.
Where to eat
Enjoy at least one meal in a neighborhood trattoria, the kind of place where the owner is also the chef and thinks nothing of coming out of the kitchen in his apron to ask about your meal. These places are usually very reasonably priced. It's your best way to see how the average Italian enjoys a meal.
Getting around
Rome's rather small subway system is good for trips across town from the main (Termini) railroad station, but it is not as complex as London's underground or the Paris metro. Fortunately, many of the top ancient sites can be seen on foot because of their proximity. Likewise, the Vatican is mainly an indoor, foot-powered tour. Parking and driving can be frustrating here, but car rentals can be good for touring outside the urban area. Cabs are a necessary evil, especially late at night.