Roma Playbook: Your Unrivalled Football Experience in the Eternal City

Rome. The Eternal City. The capital of Italy. 

Two football teams play in the heart of the old Roman Empire and here is the lowdown if it is Roma you are keen to see.

Where To Stay

To be close to the nightlife, look no further than Trastevere in the west of the city. Known for its pubs and restaurants it is ideal if you want to enjoy a late-night drink. There are several foreign universities there meaning a large student presence. 

Monti is central, close to the Colosseum, the Roman Forum and the Trevi Fountain. Famous for its cobblestone streets and bohemian vibe, it is perfect for first-time visitors given its proximity to everything.

If convenience is the priority, the area around Roma Termini train station is an easy option. It is more residential and away from the hustle and bustle of the packed centre. It lacks the beauty of central Rome and can be a little rough around the edges at night.

Where To Eat

Tonnarello and Nannarella are restaurants in Trastevere that are popular for good reason. Serving up Roman dishes and some of the best pasta you will ever eat, the queues may be long, but they make the first bite taste all the better.

In Tonnarello, be sure to order the Amatriciana – pasta in a sweet tomato sauce, with chilli, salty pecorino, and succulent pork (€13) and in Nannarella go for the Carciofo (crispy Roman artichoke) to start; the petals are the perfect blend of sweet, crunchy and gooey. Order more than one portion to avoid any fights over who gets the last piece.

Osteria da Fortunata is a century-old establishment in the heart of Rome, in Campo de Fiori, a bustling piazza filled with bars and eateries. It also serves amazing pasta, made fresh at the front of the restaurant and costing €14-€18. There is often a queue but it is worth the wait.

Remo Pizzeria in Testaccio is an institution. Roman-style pizzas are thin, crispy and crunchier than their Neapolitan counterpart. Expect to spend €8-€10 on a pizza.

If you want something a little more upmarket and fancy a carbonara – a true Roman staple – then Flavio al Velavevodetto on Via di Monte Testaccio is worth a visit. Be prepared to pay around €30-€40 each while booking in advance is a good idea given how busy it gets, especially at weekends.

Where To Drink

There is no shortage of bars in Rome but when searching for the pre-match buzz it is not immediately obvious where to find it. Some places are more popular with Lazio fans while it also helps to find somewhere handy for the area of the stadium you are in.

Bar della Musica serves up beers and sandwiches, nothing out of the ordinary, but it does generate a real atmosphere before fans start heading into the stadium. This is where the Roma faithful meet to welcome the team bus, 60-90 minutes before kick-off. It is a sight worth seeing.

For something on the calmer side, Olimpico Re Sole in the Flaminio area has indoor and outdoor seating and is a nice place to have a drink before crossing the bridge to the ground.

Post-match, the Australian-themed Down Under to the south of the Olimpico is good, more of a traditional pub and open late.

Don’t Forget

Tickets – Can be bought on the club website. Prices start from €40 for the Distinti Nord. Hospitality tickets can also be bought, usually starting at €200.

Kick-off times will be moved for television, so bear that in mind when arranging a trip far in advance.

Merchandise – You can buy Roma kit and clothing online at their official store.

You can also buy merchandise from the club’s official shops in the city. They are open from early until late every day while the stores at the stadium and the fan zone on Piazza del Foro Italico are only open on matchdays.

Stadium Tour – You can buy tickets for a tour on Vivaticket at €17 for adults and €12 for children.

Did You Know?

Roma have spent just one season outside the top flight, in 1951-52.

Getting There

Getting to the centre of Rome from Fiumicino Airport is easy. The Leonardo Express will have you at Roma Termini within half an hour and costs around €14.

From Ciampino Airport the best option is a shuttle bus which takes 45 minutes and costs €6.

There is no metro to the stadium. If taking the underground from the city centre the nearest stop is Lepanto or Flaminio on Line A. From there take a bus or tram No 2 to reach the area surrounding the Olimpico.

If you feel like stretching your legs the walk from Flaminio is about 40 minutes.

Need Another Football Fix?  

There is no chance of watching the two capital sides at home in one weekend as Lazio and Roma are never at the Olimpico in the same round of fixtures.

Frosinone are in Serie B and a train from Roma Termini will have you there in under an hour. Tickets cost about €5 .