Rome in general is quite nonchalant about maintaining strict visiting hours. Not only do hours vary seasonally, they can change from day to day as custodians see fit. It's best to consider the hours listed here as approximate.

The frenzied traffic of main streets, like the Corso or Via Emanuele or Via Trastevere, can be avoided by scenic detours through historic areas where traffic is restricted, so get a good map. Use official crosswalks if you expect Roman drivers to notice you. Beware of cars traveling in reverse. Know that Romans do not curb their dogs.

Binoculars can be essential for viewing ceiling mosaics and frescoes as well as reliefs carved high on triumphal arches and columns.

When To Go
Rome's climate permits tourism year-round; however, July averages 31<124>C (88Ç F) for a high, and 24° C (75° F) for a low, and August can be debilitatingly hot, if conveniently without much rain; and freezing temperatures are not impossible in January, with an average high of 12° C (54° F) and an average low of 8° C (46° F) and February. On the whole, Rome is not especially wet, but the rains in November and December sometimes are persistent enough to interrupt the pleasure of your sightseeing. As usual in Italy, the spring and fall offer the best weather; especially May, with average high temperatures of 23° C (73° F), and average lows of 13° C (55° F), and October with an average high of 23° C (73° F) and an average low of 18° C (64° F). The surrounding hills of Latium, particularly the Apennine foothills to the east, are known for their cooling summer breezes. The Tyrrhenian Sea, only 32 kilometers (20 miles) east of Rome, has a moderating influence on the weather of the region.

Though not as dangerous as many American cities, Rome does have its share of thieves and most especially pickpockets. Be watchful around the Piazza della Republica and Stazione Termini, and on congested buses. Beware of the Roma (Gypsy) children and begging women - one distracts you with a newspaper or doll, the other picks your pocket. Really the best protection is prevention - use a money belt, or put your money in unexpected places, such as inside jackets or grocery bags, not in pants pockets. Watch out, too, for bag snatchers who operate on mopeds. Never leave valuables in a vehicle, even if locked.

Women need to be attentive, especially if not traveling with a male. In a city as large and anonymous as Rome, Latin lovers and Lotharios seem to be even more common than elsewhere in Italy, and are sometimes more persistent than in smaller centers.

As usual, there's a bank and exchange at the train station, but go elsewhere to find better exchange rates. Still, it has the longest hours of any in Rome.

Banks are scattered everywhere in Rome, and most have automated teller machines. Look for concentrations of banks near Piazza Venezia, Piazza Barberini, the Vatican, and along the Via Veneto. Bank hours are usually 8:30 AM-1:30 PM, and 2:45-3:45 PM.

Visitor Information
EPT (Tourist Information Office) In addition to this central office, there's an office at the train station. Expect long lines.
Be sure to pick up a copy of Romamour or Here's Rome, or whatever English language freebie guide is currently being produced. Also ask for a map and information on public transport.
The EPT office can also help you find a room if you arrive in Rome without a reservation.
Address:
Via Parigi 11, Rome, Italy,
Telephone: +39 (6) 488-1851

ENIT (Regional Tourism Authority) This office dispenses information on Lazio and outlying areas, as well as information on Rome. You can also pick up information on the rest of Italy here.
Address: Via Marghera 2, Rome, Italy,
Telephone: +39 (6) 49711

Money Matters
American Express
Address: Piazza di Spagna 38, Rome, Italy,
Telephone: +39 (6) 67641

Health Care
Ambulance Telephone: +39 (06) 5100

Rome-American Hospital - Private medical services, with English-speaking doctors on hand or on call 24 hours a day.
Address: Via Emilio Longoni 69, Rome, Italy,
Telephone: +39 (6) 22-55-71

Polioclinico Umberto I - Large public hospital northeast of the train station.
Address: Via di Policlinico, Rome, Italy,
Telephone: +39 (6) 49971

Farmacia Internazionale Antonucci This pharmacy is open 24 hours a day. Address: Piazza Barberini 49 Rome Italy
Telephone: +39 (6) 482-5456

Tourist First Aid
Telephone: +39 (6) 42-23-71

Emergency Services
Questura (Police Headquarters)
Address: Via San Vitale 15 Rome Italy
Telephone: +39 (6) 46861

Police Emergency
Telephone: +39 113

Fire Emergency
Telephone: +39 113

Leonardo da Vinci Airport Rome's international airport is linked to central Rome by once-hourly trains. In local parlance, the airport is often called Fiumicino.
Telephone: +39 (6) 65951

Ciampino Airport To get between Rome and this small commuter airport, you'll need to take the metro to Anagnina (line A) and transfer to a COTRAL bus to the airport.
Telephone: +39 (6) 79-49-41

Communications
Post Office/ASST International Pay Phones
Address: Piazza San Silvestro 19 Rome Italy
Telephone: +39 (6) 6771