A new online city guide from Monasteries.com reveals how visitors can enjoy the delights of Rome throughout the year

(TRAVPR.COM) UNITED KINGDOM - October 21st, 2024 - Every summer, crowds of people flock to Rome’s ancient attractions and restaurants and accommodation can reach sky-high prices. Now, a new online city guide to staying in Rome reveals the secrets of visiting the Eternal City both in summer and out of season.

Rome’s historic and cultural attractions remain open during the autumn and winter, and the new year-round guide reveals how visitors can even stay at historic and attractive monasteries, some in the very centre of the city, from under £62 a night.

Lily Smith, a leading tourism expert from Monasteries.com, says: ‘Our latest city guide shares our insider secrets for tourists looking to stay in Rome. Here’s just a few of its top tips:

Come out of season: Temperatures in Rome can reach 40°C (104°F) and many Romans vacate the city for the entire month of August. If you don’t fare well in the heat, time your visit between late September and early May. 

Rome’s airports: Rome is served by two main airports. Fiumicino accommodates long-haul and short-haul international flights while Ciampino mainly serves budget airlines like Ryanair and Wizz Air. The train is the cheapest and most convenient way to get to the centre. The Leonardo Express runs every 15 minutes and travels directly to/from Rome’s central station, Roma Termini, in just over 30 minutes. Alternatively, a flat rate applies to all taxi transfers to/from Rome’s airports and the centre: €50 from Fiumicino and €30 from Ciampino for four passengers and their suitcases.

Getting around: The metro is the most reliable way to travel and consists of two main lines intersecting at Roma Termini. Rome’s buses are not known for their reliability. Its trams are better, although be wary of sudden closures of at least one of the six lines. When running smoothly, trams are an ideal way to visit the districts of Trastevere, Monteverde and San Lorenzo.

Buy tickets in advance: Even in the quieter months, some of Rome’s top attractions can be very busy. Timed entry tickets for sites like the Vatican Museums and Colosseum often sell out months in advance, so make sure to book well before your visit.

Book accommodation early: More than 35 million tourists visited Rome in 2023. While short-stay rentals can be hit and miss, monastery guesthouses in Rome offer security, comfort and affordability. The presence of the Vatican means that there is plenty of monastery accommodation in Rome, situated throughout the city.

Staying in a monastery: While monastery stays in Rome can include the opportunity to attend Mass or experience moments of reflection, there is no expectation for guests to take part in religious activities. Monasteries and religious guesthouses are more affordable since they are not run entirely for profit. On the other hand, some Rome monasteries don’t offer certain hotel amenities, such as Sky TV, air conditioning and en-suite bathrooms. 

‘There is plenty more advice in the new online city guide, including where to find free water on hot days, top places to visit, Rome’s best food and more.

‘If our guide extracts have whetted your appetite, then you will also find details of some amazing monasteries, abbeys and convents to book and save money. For example, Villa Letizia - Casa per Ferie, is located in a quiet district of Rome (Aurelio). It welcomes children and features ensuite rooms, some with a balcony, that sleep between 1 and 4 guests. There’s even free Wi-Fi and parking, all just 4 miles from the centre and starting at less than £63 a night.

‘Even more central, rooms are available at Casa San Juan De Ribera, Via Aurelia, which is close to St. Peter's Basilica, Vatican Museums and the metro. It has rooms from £52 a night this November.

‘For a change of pace, just eight miles from the centre, Casa Margherita Teresa is a welcoming haven for pilgrims and tourists alike. This charming accommodation offers single, double, triple or quadruple rooms, all of which come equipped with private bathrooms. The attractive gardens are just the place to relax after a hard day’s sightseeing in Rome and it’s all from just £61.85 a night.

‘To find out more about staying in Rome on a budget and making the most of the city’s year-round attractions, see the full online guide at  https://www.monasteries.com/en-GB/city/rome/home/

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