There are many beautiful fountains to be discovered in Rome, apart from the famous Trevi Fountain. And for the thirsty visitor, there can be found a lot of public drinking fountains providing good clean water to sooth the dry throat. Filling up your water bottle from one of these can save you money, as you don’t need to buy expensive bottled water from the shops. When it is hot, a quick splash on the face, or dampening your sun hat under the water springing forth, can be such a relief.
However, it is not just humans that need a drink now and then, animals need to be able to lap up some refreshment as well. And in Rome there is one trough that has become so well known that it is often pointed out by tourist guides as they walk their clients around the streets of Rome to view the sites.
I am referring to the Fontana del Cane (The Fountain of the Dog) which you should look out for if you are taking a walk along Via Vittorio Veneto, near to the United States Embassy in the Ludovisi district. This heart-warming attraction is not large, so you need to keep a look out for the quirky little drinking trough, which is easily missed. Standing about 60 cm high, it was constructed around 1940 by the proprietor of Charlie’s Bar for the use of any dogs being walked by with their owners along the street famous for the Dolce Vita.
To discover this curiosity, you need to look at the wall adjacent to the Ambasciatori Hotel and opposite the American embassy. People often miss it as it is difficult to see embedded as it is in the hotel façade and low down at the street pavement level where it is of most use for thirsty dogs to drink easily.
Fontana del Cane
This is just one of the many wonders that Rome has to offer. So my advice is do take a walking tour as the knowledge that the guides have to offer can really make your day.
Going to Rome? Book your walking tour like the one that I went on with GetYourGuide (Affiliate link).
When visiting historic sites, I would highly recommend that you consider purchasing skip-the-line tickets in advance, especially for popular attractions like the Vatican Museums and the Colosseum. This can save you precious time and ensure a smoother visit. Many commercial websites online sell skip-the-line tickets along with guided tours.
The Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and the Pantheon are just a few of the many ancient ruins that can be found in Rome. Tours vary in what they cover. Some of those that take you around the Colosseum are for the top levels only, while others will include the arena floor as well.
For my Colosseum tour, the last time that I went, I was on the lookout for one that covered not only the upper stages, but also the arena floor and the underground levels… and I was not disappointed by my choice. I would recommend that you consider that particular tour if it is the sort of thing that appeals to you.
There are various companies that offer these tours, but my choices of attractions and tours were booked on my last visit mostly from those offered by GetYourGuide. While I personally recommend them in this post from my experience, do be aware that the links here are affiliate links, that help to fund this website.
I am a great believer in taking a bus tour with an audio commentary of any city that I visit and that includes those in the UK. The audio will point out attractions and historical monuments and the map you receive on boarding the bus for the first time will allow you to familiarize yourself with the geography of where each site is.
There are several operators, but the format is the same, a double-decker bus with an open top (sometimes shaded with an awning and sometimes not) with audio commentary in various languages which the visitor listens to with a set of disposable earphones.
Disclosure: Please note, this post contains affiliate links. This does not mean that you pay more, just that I make a percentage on the sales from my links. The payments help me pay for the cost of running the site. You may like to read this explanation here: http://paidforadvertising.co.uk/
The following is an extract from my forthcoming book Andiamo! Let’s Visit Rome to be published on the 16th March 2024.
Stress-free arrival – a personal account!
I promised to tell you why I was surprised to find that arriving by train and then making my own way to the hotel was so much more relaxing a way to arrive than the mini-bus transfer direct to my hotel door from the airport. Well, dear reader, what you must factor in here is that the operator of the vehicle must fill every seat possible to maximise his chance of making a profit and so he will have sold seats to a number of airlines whose planes are arriving around the same time as yours. Your party is just one of a number that will be taking the minibus to a variety of hotels in Rome’s city centre, and you may have to wait for the driver to gather all his charges together before he can even set off from the airport.
Then there is the matter of cramming the passengers’ entire luggage into the van, which can take a bit more time before you get to hit the road. Suddenly you become aware that the minutes have ticked away since you got out of the arrivals hall and you are still not on your way. The thought that you had that you would be relaxing in the hotel bar by now is fading as it dawns on you that it’s going to be a long time into the future that you are likely to be doing anything like that!
Next off is the realisation that you may unfortunately be the unlucky passenger whose hotel is the last of your driver’s destinations. You are just going to have to sit and endure the compulsory tour of a bunch of hotels, none of which you have booked, and all the while you find yourself getting increasingly tired of the journey around the manic streets while crammed into your minibus seat.
Kaga tau, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
Then there are the crazy motoring skills that Rome’s drivers are known for. From the very start of our journey, our driver began as he meant to carry on by aggressively pulling out from the parking area. He then proceeded to drive at breakneck speed on the highway from the airport to the city centre. Good, I thought, as I want him to make up some time. The closeness of his van to the rear of other vehicles on the road, however, had me gripping my seat firmly and drawing my seatbelt more tightly across my chest. Had he never heard of the “two-second rule”, I wondered, as he tailgated the vehicle in front of him?
When he reached for his smartphone, which I believe is illegal to do while driving, even in Italy, and checked his texts while bombing down the road only a couple of metres from the car in front, I caught myself saying a prayer to St Christopher, the patron saint of travellers! I suppose it rather apt to find myself in prayer as we entered the city with the largest church in Christendom, the tombs of St Peter and St Paul and the home of the Pope. The sheer terror was not the experience that I had expected when I innocently booked this travel extra to my holiday. I had willingly chosen this way to get from airport to hotel over all the alternatives of taxi, bus or train to the centre and I was now thinking how mad that I had been!
Roman drivers will boast about how, to the outside world, their driving seems a bit crazy, but when you have just turned up in their city after a long day travelling you just want to be able to relax on your way to your accommodation.
Contrast this, if you will, with my more recent arrival. I had booked myself on the Venice to Rome high-speed train using the Trainline website (see more on my blog www.letsvisitguides.co.uk/train).
As I was making my booking several months in advance, I was able to upgrade to a business class seat for just a few euros extra – and the experience of the Frecciarossa was well worth it! I had also chosen a hotel in the Termini area that was not far away from the station entrance and so when my train pulled into the main station at Rome all I had to do was to pull my wheeled luggage out into the street.
Gisorr650, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
Termini station is a spacious modern 1950s building, which, once you have cleared the platforms and gone out into the bustling concourse, is filled with shops. All sorts of retail outlets can be found on two levels. On the ground floor I discovered a medium sized supermarket where I was able to stock up with some fruit and sandwiches in anticipation of my next morning’s sightseeing (as well as pick up a bottle of wine). A further higher-level floor, up some escalators, is where I discovered a number of food and drink outlets and I had a most delicious snack at one of them, having last eaten on the train at lunchtime.
So, already feeling pleased with having dealt with my need for sustenance, with what was on offer as soon as I stepped off the train, I checked my smartphone for directions to my hotel. It turned out to be located no more than five or so minutes’ walk away and so I didn’t need the services of a taxi. If I had required a cab then many examples of the white official taxis were drawn up under the canopy outside the station, plying for trade.
I stepped out through the entrance and quickly the thrill of the energy coming off the streets enveloped me. I was back in Rome! A few minutes later and I was checking in at the hotel and looking forward to a drink and a meal in this exciting destination.
If you want to read more, watch out for the book release on Amazon 16th March.
We have all heard that drivers in Rome are a bit crazy. They appear to be quite proud of this fact and so, when walking on the streets of Rome, it is important to be aware of your surroundings and take necessary precautions to stay safe.
Here are some tips:
Crossing the road: It is always advised to cross the street where it is allowed, meaning you should always cross on the white stripes or at the traffic light. Do not cross randomly, you could get a fine or – worst – cause an accident!
Some crossings have a display. The green pedestrian light at the traffic light means it’s your turn to cross. However, the green light lasts just a few seconds. Should you encounter the yellow light, you can still cross the street. The yellow light in Italy generally lasts longer than the green light (about 10 seconds). You can wait for the next green light if you do not feel comfortable, but if you decide to cross with the yellow light, do not hesitate and proceed at a fast pace.
Mark Ahsmann, CC BY-SA 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
That is the theory, at least. Even when the light turns green, I have encountered some expressive motorists raising their eyes to the sky and gesturing with their hands as if they know I am not a local and so am fair game to be bullied out of their way.
It could be that, having been brought up in the British Isles where once we are on a pelican crossing we assume that cars will always stop for the duration of the lights, we may show signs of hesitation. I have since adopted the belief that nothing annoys the Roman driver more than to see a tourist start to cross, think twice about it, stop still for a moment, then take a tentative step off the pavement and begin to cross with a fearful demeanour. If the light is green for you, then it is best to get going and indeed cross the road with a confident gait!
When there’s no traffic light, always look for the closest zebra crossing. When on a zebra crossing the pedestrians always have priority, just like at home. Drivers have no interest in hitting a person on foot, even if it appears to us visitors that they may want to do just that. We know it may look dangerous, because drivers do not always stop immediately when they see pedestrians are about to cross, and so you should always pay attention.
First, be careful to estimate the speed that approaching drivers are doing and pick the right time to cross. Don’t jump in front of a fast vehicle making them brake fiercely. It’s important you maintain a constant walking speed once you are on the crossing as the drivers will estimate where you are likely to be on the road if you continue as you are. Vehicles will be adjusting their speed to yours. For this reason you should not hesitate and so don’t get scared if drivers keep going in front or behind you (especially motorcycles). It’s just a way that drivers in Rome keep the traffic flowing.
I do remember being a little nonplussed when a taxi, turning to the right as I crossed the road at a junction, appeared to be following just behind me as I crossed. The white cab crept along behind me at an angle while I strode the last few steps to the opposite side. It seems that he was estimating I’d be out of his way soon and so allowing him to make the right turn!
Another difference from the rules at home, is that parking up to a zebra crossing is allowed in Italy. Unlike in Britain, where zigzag lines indicate that you can’t park on the area before or after the zebra crossing, this doesn’t apply in Italy.
I even found a zebra crossing near the train station this summer where people were unloading their luggage from a car parked squarely across the black and white lines. A few blocks further away, as I dragged my roller suitcase behind me, I came across a crossing that was being used as a parking space! The engine was off and there was no sign of a driver. I can’t believe that this is legal?
Zebra crossing in Rome with car parked on it
When you get off the bus at the bus stop, never cross the street going in front of the bus. Wait until the bus has moved away. You may need to watch out for cars and motorcycles that are overtaking the bus as it sits at the bus stop. Not being aware and keeping your wits about you can be dangerous as the drivers and riders may not see you.
Motorist’s customs: In Italy, motorists drive on the right-hand side of the road. This is different from the UK, where motorists drive on the left-hand side of the road. So take a moment to think about where you are as it is important to be aware of this difference when crossing the road or driving in Italy. Italians are passionate individuals and to us may appear to be aggressive and impatient drivers.
Walking on the pavement: In Rome, it is customary to walk on the right-hand side of the pavement which is similar to the UK, where people walk on the left-hand side of the pavement and stand on the right on escalators. Just remember to think that you are in Italy and need to follow this custom to avoid causing any confusion with the locals and to prevent accidents from happening.
I hope these tips help you stay safe while walking in Rome. One extra one that is often given with a smile to those planning a trip to Rome, is to try to find a nun to cross the road with. Supposedly, Roman drivers give these religious sisters a much easier time!
Have a great trip!
Coming soon on Amazon.co.uk – Andiamo! Lets Visit Rome
Ah, Rome. The Colosseum whispers tales of gladiators, the Pantheon echoes with centuries of murmurs, and the Trevi Fountain promises a return to this enchanting city. But what if you’re a solo traveller, a seasoned adventurer in your sixties, ready to conquer the Eternal City without a partner in crime? Fear not, my fellow wanderers, for Rome welcomes solo explorers with open arms and endless possibilities. Travelling on one’s own need not be difficult. It can be very liberating to have no one else but yourself to worry about.
Café in Rome
Embrace the Dolce Vita:
Mornings are for coffee and contemplation: Find a sun-drenched café like Tazza d’Oro, sip your espresso, and watch the city come alive. Strike up a conversation with a local, or simply soak in the atmosphere.
Lunchtime is for trattorias and hidden gems: Ditch the tourist traps and wander down the narrow side streets. A lone table at a family-run trattoria promises authentic flavours and warm smiles. Share a plate of pasta with a fellow solo traveller, or simply enjoy the company of your own delicious thoughts.
Gelato could be your new best friend: Forget the guidebooks, follow the scent of fresh-made gelato. Sample pistachio at Giolitti, indulge in chocolate at Frigidarium, and strike up a conversation with the server. You never know who you might meet over a shared scoop.
Art and History for One:
Skip the queues at the Colosseum and join a guided tour: You’ll get insider insights and avoid the crowds, making new friends with fellow history buffs along the way.
Wander the Vatican Museums at your own pace: Get lost in the Sistine Chapel, marvel at the Raphael Rooms, and take your time pondering the masterpieces. No pressure to share the experience, just pure artistic immersion.
Explore hidden gems like the Borghese Gallery: Ditch the crowds and discover Renaissance treasures in this intimate villa-turned-museum. Immerse yourself in Caravaggio’s drama, Titian’s colours, and Bernini’s sculptures.
Nighttime Adventures:
Catch an opera at Teatro dell’Opera or a concert at the Pantheon: Immerse yourself in the city’s vibrant cultural scene. Dress up, enjoy the performance, and maybe even strike up a conversation with your seatmate.
Take an evening stroll through Trastevere: This charming neighbourhood comes alive after dark. Sip a glass of wine at a local bar, listen to live music, and soak in the Bohemian atmosphere.
Join a cooking class for one: Learn the secrets of Roman cuisine in a private class. Master the art of pasta-making, impress yourself with your culinary skills, and enjoy the fruits of your labour with a solo feast.
Remember, Rome is your oyster:
Don’t be afraid to get lost: Wander through winding streets, stumble upon hidden piazzas, and discover your own secret corners of the city.
Strike up conversations: Italians are known for their warmth and hospitality. Don’t be shy to say “prego” or “grazie,” you might just make a new friend.
Embrace the unexpected: Rome is a city of surprises. Be open to new experiences, culinary adventures, and spontaneous encounters.
So, pack your bags, dust off your walking shoes, and book your solo ticket to Rome. The Eternal City awaits, ready to be conquered by your adventurous spirit and open heart. Remember, you’re not alone in this journey, you’re just one gelato away from a new friend, a breathtaking vista, or a delicious discovery. Now go forth, fellow solo traveller, and let Rome weave its magic on your soul.
Discover the Gentle Charm: Train Travel to Rome for the Over-60s
Are you tired of the hustle and bustle that often accompanies air travel? Yearning for a more leisurely journey that allows you to soak in the scenic beauty and enjoy the journey as much as the destination? If you’re over 60 and planning a trip to Rome, consider the allure of train travel. It’s a timeless and serene way to reach the Eternal City, providing a host of benefits that can turn your journey into an integral part of your Roman adventure. Italy boasts two main operators: Trenitalia and Italo Treno with Trenord running some regional routes in the north. As the Man in Seat 61 (an excellent resource) says, “If you use Trenitalia.com or Italiarail.com you’ll only see Trenitalia’s trains, but if you use Thetrainline.com or Raileurope.com you’ll see both operators’ trains and can compare prices. This is worth remembering!”
The Relaxing hum of Train Travel
Train travel to Rome offers a tranquil alternative to the often hectic experience of flying. Picture yourself comfortably seated in a spacious train cabin, gazing out at the picturesque Italian countryside as it unfolds outside your window. The smooth hum of wheels on modern welded tracks sets a soothing tempo, allowing you to unwind and savour the journey.
One of the key advantages of train travel to Rome is the efficiency of the fast intercity links. High-speed trains, such as the Frecciarossa, whisk you from major cities to Rome in no time. For the over-60s traveller, this means less time spent in transit and more time to explore the wonders of Rome.
InterCity versus High-Speed
InterCity trains were among Trenitalia’s faster trains until the rail operator introduced the Frecce trains on certain routes. They still connect more destinations than the Frecce or Italo Treno high-speed trains, so they can be either an economical option (they’re usually less expensive than the high-speed trains) or the only option.
InterCity (IC) trains travel at speeds of up to 100-125 MPH (160-200 km/h), and there are first and second class cars. While reservations for IC trains are required, if you purchase a ticket online or at the train station the reservation is included automatically. Rail pass holders, however, are not required to have a seat reservation before boarding IC trains, though seat reservations can be purchased in advance.
There are currently 86 daily InterCity connections throughout Italy, reaching more than 200 stations.
Italian train just leaving Venice. Image: copyright N J E Thorne 2023
Local Trains for a Truly Authentic Experience
To delve into the heart of Italy, consider incorporating local trains into your itinerary. These trains offer a more authentic experience, allowing you to witness the charming Italian countryside and the quaint villages that dot the landscape. Local trains provide a slower pace, inviting you to embrace the beauty of the journey and the cultural richness that surrounds you.
Enjoy the Journey, Arrive by Train and not Plane
Unlike air travel, which often involves long security lines and crowded airports, train travel allows you to board and disembark with ease. No need to worry about cramped seating or the pressure changes that can sometimes affect well-being during flights. Instead, enjoy the journey, savour a meal in the dining car, or simply relax in your seat as the Italian landscapes unfold outside your window.
Embrace the Romance of Rail Travel
Train travel has an undeniable romantic allure, evoking a bygone era of elegant journeys and timeless adventures. For the over-60s tourist, this nostalgic charm adds an extra layer of enjoyment to the travel experience. Embrace the romance of rail travel as you traverse the Italian landscape en route to Rome.
Rail Connections to Rome’s Airports
Even if you fly into Rome, I would suggest that taking the train to get you into the centre is a great option to consider.
Train travel seamlessly connects you to and from Rome’s Fiumicino (FCO) airport, offering a stress-free transition between modes of transportation. Arriving or departing from Fiumicino by train ensures a smooth continuation of your journey without the hassles often associated with airport transfers. This convenience is particularly valuable for those who prefer a more straightforward and relaxed travel experience.
The tourist is spoilt for choice. There are several train options that will get them from Termini Station in the centre of Rome to Fiumicino, thus making it easy to travel between the two locations. The various alternatives are to take one of the regional trains, jump on the Leonardo Express, or take an intercity rail route that all connect Rome with FCO airport. Passengers arriving or departing from Fiumicino Airport will find they have numerous trains at their disposal that run at frequent intervals, heading to and fro from the city centre, as well as other Rome train stations and elsewhere in Italy.
Onboard the Leonardo Express to FCO airport Image: copyright N J E Thorne 2023
Ciampino Airport (CIA), the other airport serving Rome, lacks a direct connection to Roma Termini due to the absence of a train station at the airport. Consequently, travellers must make their way to Ciampino’s Train Station, from where they may board a train bound for Termini. Fortunately, it is not that difficult to get from the airport to this station as the introduction of the Ciampino Airlink offers a relatively straightforward, rapid, and cost-effective means of commuting from Ciampino Airport to Rome Termini.
This Airlink service is a combination of bus and train travel, with buses departing every 20 minutes from the designated airport bus stop outside the CIA Arrivals hall and transporting passengers to Ciampino Train Station. After a brief 13-minute journey, passengers disembark and can then board one of the regional trains operating from 05:25 am to 11:19 pm at intervals of 10 to 30 minutes. The train journey to Roma Termini takes just 15 minutes and the total duration of the approximately 34-minute trip is priced at a reasonable €2.70£2.35/£2.35/$3, with no additional charges for children under 4, small pets, or excessive luggage. Tickets can be conveniently purchased online or from the automated ticket vendors.
In conclusion, train travel to Rome is not just a means of transportation; it can be a journey that invites you to unwind, enjoy the scenery, and arrive in the Eternal City with a sense of tranquillity. As you plan your trip, consider the gentle charm of train travel – an experience that transcends mere transit and becomes an integral part of your Roman adventure.
As a seasoned traveller, I’ve had the privilege of exploring countless destinations across the globe, each with its unique charm and allure. Yet, among the many captivating cities I’ve visited, Rome holds a special place in my heart. Its rich history, captivating art, and vibrant culture have left an indelible mark on my soul. I believe it offers an unparalleled experience for travellers of all ages, particularly those in their sixties and beyond.
Imagine embarking on a five-day adventure to the Eternal City, where every corner whispers tales of emperors, gladiators, and artistic geniuses. Let me guide you through a carefully curated itinerary that will unveil Rome’s hidden gems and iconic landmarks, ensuring a truly unforgettable journey.
Our adventure begins at the Colosseum, an awe-inspiring symbol of Rome’s imperial grandeur. Picture yourself standing amidst the colossal arches, imagining the roar of the crowd as gladiators battled for glory. Next, delve into the Roman Forum, where once stood the heart of the ancient republic. Stroll along the Via Sacra, the sacred road once traversed by emperors and senators.
Tempio di Apollo, Roma, Italy – Temple of Apollo, Rome
Day 2: Explore Vatican City’s Treasures
No trip to Rome is complete without venturing into Vatican City, the smallest country in the world. Prepare to be captivated by St. Peter’s Square, where Bernini’s magnificent colonnades embrace the faithful. Then, step inside St. Peter’s Basilica, a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture, and marvel at Michelangelo’s breathtaking dome.
St Peter’s Basilica, Rome
Day 3: Wander through Rome’s Artistic Soul
Rome is a haven for art enthusiasts, and today we’ll immerse ourselves in its artistic treasures. Start at the Borghese Gallery, a stunning villa housing an exquisite collection of paintings, sculptures, and tapestries. Later, stroll through the vibrant Trastevere neighbourhood, where art galleries and artisan workshops mingle with charming cafés and trattorias.
Day 4: Ascend to the Top of Rome
For panoramic views that will leave you breathless, ascend the Spanish Steps, a grand staircase leading to Piazza di Spagna. Continue to the Pincian Hill, where the Belvedere Terrace offers breathtaking vistas of Rome’s cityscape. And then stroll through the enchanting Villa Borghese gardens, a tranquil oasis amidst the city’s hustle and bustle.
The Spanish Steps in Rome
Day 5: Savour Rome’s Culinary Delights
Rome is a feast for the senses, and no visit would be complete without indulging in its culinary delights. Start with a traditional Roman breakfast of caffè latte and cornetto (croissant). For lunch, enjoy a hearty pasta dish at a local trattoria, followed by a delightful gelato for dessert. As the sun sets, enjoy a leisurely dinner at a rooftop restaurant, savouring the flavours of Rome while the city twinkles below.
Café in Rome
Rome is a city that rewards exploration, and I encourage you to venture beyond our itinerary and discover your own hidden gems. Wander through narrow cobblestone streets, soak in the atmosphere of bustling piazzas, and engage in lively conversations with the locals. Embrace the slow, leisurely pace of life that Rome embodies, and revel in every moment of your enchanting adventure.
