Rome Via Nazionale

The basics

Located in Rome’s historic core and near the city’s most important ancient sites like Trajan’s Market, Via Nazionale is included on many city sightseeing tours. There are many hotels on the street, and it's also a shopping hot spot with Italian and international brands on offer. Its central location means you can walk to many of Rome’s major attractions, including the Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps, and Roman Forum in less than 20 minutes.

Things to know before you go

• Via Nazionale is a must for travelers shopping for affordable Italian clothing and shoes.
• You’ll find multiple gelato shops, cafés, and restaurants on Via Nazionale.
• The traffic on Via Nazionale can be busy, so take care when crossing the street.

How to get there

Rome’s Termini station is situated at the northwestern end of Via Nazionale. The street is well-connected by public transit, and intercity trains, international trains, the metro (lines A and B), and trams (lines 5 and 14) all stop here. Many bus lines stop at Piazza Dei Cinquecento in front of Termini station.

When to get there

Visit in the day when shops and churches are open. Traffic can be heavy on Via Nazionale so avoid traveling by car, bus, or taxi in rush hour.

Palazzo delle Esposizioni

Originally built in 1882, Palazzo delle Esposizioni is a large exhibition center that has served many functions—including as the headquarters for the Italian Communist Party—before taking on its current role as a cultural exhibition space. As well as a cinema, café, and restaurant, it also encompasses exhibition spaces that showcase high-profile traveling art shows as well as a highly praised bookshop selling covetable art books.

Ways to explore

Located near many of Rome’s most important ancient sites, Via Nazionale is often included in sightseeing tours. Art- and architecture-focused tours generally stop in St. Paul’s Within the Walls to admire its golden mosaics or the Church of Santa Caterina da Siena, known for its lavish 17th-century interior. Stopping by the Italian and international shops that line this street is a popular pastime. Its strategic location is near the Baths of Diocletian (Terme di Diocleziano), the Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels and Martyrs (Basilica di Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri), the Imperial Forums, Trajan’s Market (Mercati di Traiano), and the Colosseum.

Accessibility

Via Nazionale is flat with wide sidewalks that are easy to navigate.

Age limits

Families with small children should take care along this heavily trafficked thoroughfare.

What to pack

Camera, credit cards for shopping

What to wear

Comfortable shoes, clothing covering shoulders and knees, sun hat

Not allowed

Pay attention to the traffic lights and use the marked crosswalks.

Amenities

Shops, restaurants, ATM

Address

With Termini train station on one end of Via Nazionale and the transport hub of Piazza Venezia on the other, the public transportation options for reaching this main street are endless. You can also easily walk from Rome’s premier ancient ruins.

Driving

Heavy traffic makes reaching the sights and shops along Via Nazionale by car a stressful experience, and finding parking can be challenging. Walk or take public transportation to this busy city street.

Public transportation

The street is well-connected by public transit, with bus stops along its length and tram and metro stops at its Piazza della Repubblica end.

Best times to visit

The shops and attractions along Via Nazionale close by early evening, so visit in the morning or afternoon to browse and sightsee.

Best days to visit

Some stores are closed on Sundays, which is also when it’s tricky to visit churches due to Masses and religious services. Visit from Monday through Saturday.

Best months to visit

The shops along Via Nazionale are festively decorated for Christmas, and the city often hangs seasonal lights over the street from early December to early January.

Special events

Palazzo delle Esposizioni, set about halfway along Via Nazionale, is one of Rome’s premier venues for art and cultural exhibitions. Check its website for events.