Planning to visit Rome? Instead of packing yourself into a metro train, paying for a taxi or waiting for a bus to get around the heart of the city and beyond, why not take to the saddle?
You may have heard stories about the traffic, but cars and motorcycles aren’t everywhere in the city – leaving you some space to get a bike out and absorb the sights and sounds of the capital. There’s plenty to see and do and, on two wheels, you can take it at your own pace!
Sights from the saddle!
A good place to start, and where there are some great sights, is the historic city centre. Some areas are closed off to traffic, including the Pantheon and Castel Sant’Angelo. True, it’s mainly a pedestrian area – but on two feet, or two wheels, everyone can enjoy the architecture and culture.
If you’re in town on a Sunday, there’s a section closed off to cars running alongside the Campidoglio. The route stretches up to the Colosseum – one of the city’s most iconic sights, which is a must see on any visit to Rome. If your legs are tired and you don’t want to wait with the crowds to go in, you could skip the line colosseum tour to avoid the masses.
Park life
If the big sights and main streets are not your thing when it comes to pedalling through Rome, then why not head to one of the capital’s parks? If you make a stop off at Villa Borghese, you can also check out a couple of museums: the Carlo Bilotti Museum and the Borghese Gallery.
It may be that you stumble across a park or two on foot and decide to look for a bike. Well, they’re pretty easy to find – you can rent two wheels in some of the parks, even a tandem if that floats your boat!
On your own in a group?
You can of course meander through the streets at your own pace, taking in places you want to see. By bike, you can stumble across all sorts of things, especially in a city like Rome – away from the bustling tourist crowds. You never know what you might find around the street corners.
But if you want something a bit more structured, with a route and a plan, then look out for the guided tours in Rome. You’ll get an expert leading you around the main sites of interest.
Bike lanes
Rome has around 50 miles of cyclable routes, some in better condition than others. There are cycle lanes in the streets and green trails for budding riders. There’s lots of different options to choose from, making cycling as relaxing or as challenging as you want it to be.
One idea is to follow the Lungotevere, along the Tiber river. You can join it at different spots and, once you’re on the route, you’ll forget all the bustle of the busy city – while still being in Rome!