Flights and hotels
Rome city break: flights, hotels and where to stay
From Fiumicino to an espresso on Piazza Navona in under an hour. How to get into Rome, when a package makes sense, and three hotels around the Spanish Steps.
Church bells over the rooftops, the smell of espresso from a bar where people drink their coffee standing up, and warm stone underfoot. Rome is a short flight from the UK, and even a brief weekend gives you more than most cities manage in a week.
Here is what you need to book flights and a hotel in Rome: which airport you land at, how to get into town, when a package makes sense, and three hotels in the historic centre.
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Flight and hotel together, or separately?
A package with flights and hotel in one booking keeps the weekend simple and can lower the total price. Booking separately lets you pick airline and timings freely.
Book flight and hotel together: See Rome city break packages
Flights only: Search flights to Rome
Fiumicino or Ciampino?
Rome has two airports. Fiumicino is the big one, on the coast west of the city. Ciampino is smaller and lies south east of the centre.
Fiumicino: the Leonardo Express runs non stop to Roma Termini in about half an hour. Regional trains also stop at Trastevere.
Ciampino: buses run to Termini, or you can combine bus and train via Ciampino station.
Taxi: there are fixed fares between the airports and the centre within the old walls. Check the rate before you travel.
From Termini you can take the metro or a taxi, but much of old Rome is just as quick on foot.
Where to stay in Rome
For a first visit, the area around the Spanish Steps and Piazza del Popolo works well: you can walk to the Pantheon, the Trevi Fountain and Piazza Navona, and Villa Borghese is the park just above. Trastevere suits those who want restaurants and nightlife.
Hassler Roma
The Hassler at the top of the Spanish Steps.
Hassler Roma: at the top of the Spanish Steps
The Hassler stands at the top of the Spanish Steps, by the church of Trinità dei Monti, looking out over the rooftops and domes of Rome. In the morning you walk down the steps and straight into the shopping streets around Via Condotti before the crowds wake up.
Book a table at the restaurant at the top of the hotel, where the view over the city is part of the menu.
Book your stay: See rooms at Hassler Roma
Hotel de Russie
The terraced garden behind the hotel.
Hotel de Russie: the garden between Piazza del Popolo and the Steps
Hotel de Russie is on Via del Babuino, between Piazza del Popolo and the Spanish Steps, but what you remember is the garden. The terraces climb towards Villa Borghese, and in the evening you sit in the garden with a glass of prosecco.
The hotel has a spa and an indoor pool, welcome after a day on the cobbles.
Book your stay: See rooms at Hotel de Russie
Hotel Vilòn: small and hidden by Palazzo Borghese
Vilòn is a small hotel tucked beside Palazzo Borghese, a few minutes from Piazza di Spagna. It feels more like staying in an elegant Roman apartment than a hotel, and guests often gather for a drink in the evening.
A good choice for staying central without big lobbies and long corridors.
Book your stay: See rooms at Hotel Vilòn
When should you book a Rome city break?
Spring and autumn: book two to three months ahead. The weather is best for walking, and hotels fill up.
Easter and major religious holidays: Rome is full of pilgrims. Book extra early.
Winter: fewer visitors and often lower hotel prices, especially in January and February.
Frequently asked questions about Rome city breaks
How do I get from Fiumicino to central Rome?
The Leonardo Express train runs non stop from Fiumicino to Roma Termini in about half an hour. From Termini you can take the metro, a taxi or walk to much of the historic centre.
Which airport is best for Rome?
Fiumicino has the most routes and a direct train into the centre. Ciampino is mainly used by low cost airlines and is linked to Termini by bus.
Is it cheaper to book a Rome flight and hotel together?
It often is for long weekends, because a package can lower the total price and gives you one booking. Compare it anyway if you want a particular hotel.
Where should I stay in Rome for the first time?
For a first visit, stay around the Spanish Steps, the Pantheon or Piazza Navona. You can walk to most of the famous sights, and the Spagna and Flaminio metro stations are close by.
How many days do I need in Rome?
Three to four days is a good starting point. It gives you time for the Vatican, the Colosseum and the Forum, and for wandering the old streets without rushing.