Wheels of Discovery: Unveiling Rome’s Must-Visit Places for Car Explorers

Why? Because driving in Rome can be a fun and exciting way to experience the city from a different perspective. It can also be a convenient and flexible way to visit places that are not easily accessible by public transportation or too far to walk. It can also be a cheaper and faster way to avoid traffic jams and parking fees.

But how do you drive in Rome? And what are the best places to visit by car? In this blog post, I’ll share with you my personal tips and tricks on how to drive in Rome and discover amazing places by car, based on my experience as a frequent traveller and a car lover.

How to Drive in Rome

Driving in Rome can be challenging, but not impossible. You just need to be prepared and follow some basic rules. Here are some of the most important ones:

• Get a valid driver’s license and an international driving permit (IDP). You need a valid driver’s license from your home country and an IDP, which is a translation of your license that you can obtain from your local automobile association. You also need a credit card with enough funds to cover the rental fee and the security deposit.
• Rent a car from a reputable company and choose the right car for your needs and budget. You can rent a car online or by phone before you arrive in Rome, or you can find a rental office at the airport or near the train station. I recommend renting from reputable companies like Hertz, Avis, Europcar, Sixt, or Budget. You also need to choose the right car for your needs and budget. You don’t need a fancy or luxurious car if you’re just going to drive around the city or visit nearby attractions. You can opt for a smaller or older car that can fit you and your luggage comfortably but is not too big that it’s hard to manoeuvre or park in narrow streets. You can also choose a manual or gasoline car that is cheaper and more fuel-efficient than an automatic or diesel car. You can also skip the extra features that you don’t really need, like air conditioning, GPS navigation, or cruise control.
• Familiarize yourself with the traffic rules and signs in Italy. You need to know the traffic rules and signs in Italy before you drive in Rome. You can find a comprehensive guide online or ask for a brochure from the rental company. Some of the most important rules to remember are: drive on the right side of the road; obey the speed limits (50 km/h in urban areas, 90 km/h on secondary roads, 130 km/h on highways); wear seat belts at all times; don’t drink and drive; don’t use your phone while driving; give way to pedestrians and cyclists; follow the directions of traffic lights and police officers.
• Avoid driving in the city centre and during rush hours. The city centre of Rome is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with many historical and cultural attractions that are best explored on foot or by public transportation. Driving in the city centre can be stressful and expensive, as you have to deal with traffic congestion, limited parking spaces, and restricted zones (ZTL) that require a special permit to enter. If you want to visit the city centre, it’s better to park your car outside the ZTL and take a bus, a metro, or a taxi to get there. You also want to avoid driving during rush hours (7-10 am and 4-7 pm), when the traffic is heavier and slower.
• Be careful of scooters and motorcycles. Rome is famous for its scooters and motorcycles, which are popular and convenient way of transportation for many locals. However, they can also pose a danger for car drivers, as they often weave in and out of traffic, cut corners, and ignore traffic rules. To avoid accidents and collisions, you should always check your mirrors and blind spots before changing lanes or turning, and keep a safe distance from scooters and motorcycles.
• Check the car before driving off and return it on time and in good condition. You need to check the car before driving off and return it on time and in good condition. Checking the car before driving off can help you avoid being charged for damages or defects that were already present when you picked up the car. Returning the car on time and in good condition can help you avoid late fees and penalties that some companies may charge you if you return the car after the agreed time or in a worse condition than when you picked it up.

Places to Visit by Car in Rome

• Driving in Rome can be a fun and exciting way to discover amazing places that are not easily accessible by public transportation or too far to walk. Here are some of the best places to visit by car in Rome:
• The Appian Way. The Appian Way is an ancient road that connects Rome to the south of Italy. It’s one of the oldest and most important roads in history, as it was used by emperors, soldiers, merchants, and pilgrims. It’s also one of the most scenic and romantic roads in Rome, as it passes by ancient ruins, catacombs, aqueducts, and churches. You can drive along the Appian Way and stop at various attractions, such as the Circus of Maxentius, the Tomb of Cecilia Metella, the Villa of the Quintilii, and the Park of the Aqueducts.
• The Castelli Romani. The Castelli Romani are a group of towns and villages that are located on the hills around Rome. They are famous for their natural beauty, historical heritage, and culinary traditions. They are also a popular destination for locals and tourists who want to escape the heat and chaos of the city. You can drive to the Castelli Romani and visit places like Frascati, Castel Gandolfo, Nemi, Ariccia, and Rocca di Papa. You can also enjoy the panoramic views of the countryside, the lakes, and the sea. You can also taste the local specialities, such as wine, cheese, porchetta, and strawberries.
• Ostia Antica. Ostia Antica is an ancient Roman city that was once the port and commercial centre of Rome. It’s now a large archaeological site that preserves the remains of temples, theatres, baths, shops, houses, and streets. It’s also a fascinating place to explore and learn about the daily life and culture of ancient Rome. You can drive to Ostia Antica and wander around the ruins, admiring the mosaics, frescoes, statues, and inscriptions. You can also visit the museum that displays artefacts and models from the site.
• Tivoli. Tivoli is a town that is located about 30 km east of Rome. It’s known for its artistic and cultural heritage, as well as its natural beauty. It’s home to two UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Villa d’Este and Villa Adriana. Villa d’Este is a Renaissance palace that features a magnificent garden with fountains, waterfalls, pools, and statues. Villa Adriana is an imperial complex that was built by Emperor Hadrian as his residence and retreat. It consists of various buildings that reflect his architectural and artistic tastes. You can drive to Tivoli and visit both villas, as well as other attractions like the Temple of Vesta, the Rocca Pia castle, and the Gregorian Bridge.