Cheap flights to Rome are available from Brisbane, typically transferring in South East Asia. Cheap flights with carrier Emirates connecting in Dubai are available from Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth. Flights exiting Sydney may include a stopover in Beijing when travelling with Air China or Abu Dhabi with carrier Etihad. Thai Airways operates services with a connecting flight in Bangkok from Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne and also flights exiting Perth. Departures from Perth and Melbourne may also include cheap flights transferring in Doha with Qatar Airlines. Flights exiting Adelaide may include a stopover in Singapore. The Leonardo Express train departs Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport every half hour, connecting passengers to Rome’s central station, Termini. The Terravision Shuttle Bus is the most economical way to find downtown Rome. Single tickets cost 9 euro – book online for a significant discount.

Much of your Rome to-do list is exclusively accessible on foot or by bicycle. To minimise hassle, it’s probably best to prepare for a lot of walking and avoid competing with the pandemonium and distraction that is Rome itself. The main tourist hubs are centrally located and in close proximity so journeys aren’t an all out slog. For travel across town, the subway is cheap and convenient or for greater distances to the outer lying areas, plan ahead for smooth passage on the bus and train services. Utilize taxi services of an evening and always be aware of your surroundings, company and personal belongings.

Visit the Vatican City of a Wednesday morning to see the Pope in St Peter’s Square. Make the 320 stair effort to St Peter’s Basilica for a panoramic view of the city. The 12,000 square foot ceiling of the Sistine Chapel is a remarkable introduction to the artwork of Michelangelo. Explore the Criminal Museum of Rome, Museum of Purgatory and the morbidly fascinating collections of the Museum of Sanitary Arts. Take a day trip to Mount Vesuvius or to the gorgeous fountains of Tivoli and gardens of Hadrian’s Villa. For cheap outings, see the beautiful architecture of the Pantheon, the romance of the Milvian Bridge and the promise of the Trevi Fountain (don’t forget to bring a coin!). Squint through the keyhole at the Santa Sabina Monastery for views of Malta and the Vatican City. The 4,000 skeletons of Capuchin friars are not for the faint-hearted, but the Capuchin Crypt is a decorative representation of death that shouldn’t be ignored. A visit to Rome wouldn’t be complete without a glimpse of the barbaric host that is The Colosseum. Don’t just be an everyday tourist though, be Gladiator for a Day at Gruppo Storico Romano before snapping this unbelievable historic site.

Party hard at dance club Gilda or relax, cocktail in hand at Freni e Frizoni. Sip cocktails in style at lavish Stravinskij Bar or try a boutique-like approach at Fluid. Cul de Sac is the perfect backdrop to mull over a wine and be reminded where you are. Rome is of course saturated with high end fashion – search for exclusive labels on Via del Babuino near Piazza Spagna. Pick up some amazing jewellery at Viviana at La Pie Voleuse and for a lighter hip-pocket retail experience, visit Castel Roman Designer Outlet. Fresh and seasonal produce dominate kitchens so try a food and wine tasting menu at Ad Hoc which includes hand-made pasta. A 6 or 9 course menu await at La Pergola or try the home-style cooking of La Taveraccia de Bruno. For cheap eats head to Il Tunnel, Perilli or the made to order Pizzaeria Reno.