There is the possibility to hire any kind of bike in Rome: from tandem, road bikes, children bikes to trekking bikes. Some shops are even specialized only on high quality ones while street stands will hire you cheaper and heavy ones. Bicycling alone can be stressful because of the traffic. The best way is to discover first how to move around and avoid traffic and stress with a guide thanks to one of the tours offered by almost all rental shops. There are different itineraries offered from the basic city center, panoramic Rome tour to the Ancient Parks (from €29 for 4h). The experience is well worth it and you would reduce also your impact on the city environment and on the traffic.
The Appian Way as seen from two wheels
Even moderately experienced cyclists, however, may find that cycling through Rome's streets offers an unparalleled way to learn the city intimately and get around very cheaply and efficiently. While the Roman traffic is certainly chaotic to someone from a country with more regimented and enforced rules of the road, Roman drivers are, generally speaking, used to seeing bicycles, as well as scooters and motorcycles, and one may move throughout the city relatively easily. If you are in a car's way, they will generally let you know with a quick beep of the horn and wait for you to move.
A particularly spectacular, and relaxing, cycle trip is to pedal out along la Via Appia Antica, the original Appian Way that linked much of Italy to Rome. Some of the original cobblestones, now worn by over 2 millenia of traffic, are still in place. With exceptionally light traffic in most sections, you can casually meander your bike over kilometres of incredible scenery and pass ancient relics and active archaeological sites throughout the journey. (Rome/South)
Some of the many rental shops:
Punto Informativo, Via Appia Antica 58/60. From Monday to Saturday from 9.3AM to 1.30PM and from 2.00PM to 5.30PM (4.30 in wintertime) and on Sundays and holidays from 9.30AM to 5.30PM non stop (4.30 wintertime). Price: €3/hour and €10/day (info tel. 06 5126314)
Comitato per la Caffarella (Largo Tacchi Venturi). Sundays from 10AM to 6PM. Price: €3/hour and €10/day (Info and reservations, tel. 06 789279)
Catacombe di San Sebastiano. Every day except Sundays; Price: €3/hour and €10/day (Info tel. 06 7850350).
TopBike Rental & Tours. Via Quattro Cantoni 40 (between Termini Station and the Colosseum). Everyday from 9.30 to 19 non-stop (For info or reservations tel. 06 4882893)
Bikesharing point in Rome's center
Bici & Baci. Via del Viminale, 5 (Termini Station). Tel. 064828443
Collalti. Via del Pellegrino, 82 (Campo de’ Fiori). Tel.0668801084
Romarent. Vicolo dei Bovari, 7/a (Campo de’ Fiori). Tel.066896555
Bikeaway. Via Monte del Gallo, 25 A ( Stazione FS S. Pietro). Tel.0645495816
Bikesharing. Rome's public transport company, ATAC, operates a bike sharing scheme. The bicycles, which are green, are available at numerous locations in the downtown area and further afield. Tickets cost Euros 10, which includes a Euro 5 inscription fee. In the downtown area electronic cards can be obtained at the Metro ticket offices of Termini, Lepanto and Spagna. The rental cost is Euro 1 an hour. The application procedure is a bit cumbersome and you have to give credit card details but this is a good system if you want to move around Rome quickly and with minimal exhaustion.
The Most Frequently Asked Travel Questions about Rome
Where To Stay & Best Hotels in Rome - updated Apr 2024
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Rome Travel Guide from Wikitravel. Many thanks to all Wikitravel contributors. Text is available under Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0, images are available under various licenses, see each image for details.
