rome tourist area

Rome   Travel Guide

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24 Best Things to Do in Rome

Take time to enjoy  la dolce vita  – even a week isn't long enough to experience everything Rome has to offer. From historic tours through ancient Rome to admiring art-filled institutions to climbing the Spanish Steps or  St. Peter's Basilica ,

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Colosseum (Colosseo) Colosseum (Colosseo)

U.S. News Insider Tip: A normal ticket includes the Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill (valid for 24 hours) and you can visit all three in one day. It doesn't include a visit to the Colosseum's underground tunnels. For that, you'll have to book a guided tour. – Laura Itzkowitz

The site of many bloody gladiatorial fights, the Colosseum, which was opened in A.D. 80, could then hold about 50,000 spectators. With a circumference of 573 yards and sitting on marshland, experts say the Colosseum is an engineering wonder… not to mention an animal and human rights atrocity. Not only were gladiators pitted against each other, but gladiators fighting animals and animal-on-animal fights were common as well. Today, it's considered one of the world's most famous landmarks .

Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel

U.S. News Insider Tip: The Vatican Museums contain some of the greatest artworks ever made, but it's also one of Rome's most crowded spots. Consider paying a bit extra to join an early morning tour before the museum opens or check for late opening hours. – Laura Itzkowitz

While Vatican City is home to both the Roman Catholic Church's governing body and its leader, the pope, this small nation within Rome offers a wealth of attractions open to visitors of any faith.

St. Peter's Basilica (Basilica di San Pietro) St. Peter's Basilica (Basilica di San Pietro) free

The epicenter of Roman Catholicism, St. Peter's Basilica is centered in Vatican City and is renowned for its stunning architecture. What's more, it's open daily for free. (Though it's closed on Wednesday mornings for pope appearances.) Many visitors enjoy trekking to the top of the dome. For a fee of 8 euros (about $8.65), you can climb the 551 steps to the summit; for a fee of 10 euros (about $10.80), you can take an elevator to a terrace where you'll climb just 320. Regardless, you'll take in a panorama of Rome's spectacular landscape. If you've come hoping to catch a glimpse of the pope, you should consider attending the Wednesday General Audience, when he addresses the crowd in St. Peter's Square with prayers and songs. It's free to attend, but tickets are required ; you should request them well in advance of your visit. You'll also want to make sure he is in residence; check the Vatican website to view the schedule. No ticket is required to see the pope on Sundays, when he usually address the crowd in St. Peter's Square at noon.

Keep in mind that this is an active church with daily Mass services. Likewise, a stringent dress code is enforced: No short skirts, low-cut tops, hats or bare shoulders, and be sure to cover any tattoos. Because St. Peter's Basilica is one of the area's major attractions, there is almost always a long queue – though it tends to go fast. Recent travelers recommend you spring for a tour guide ; the depth of insight they bring to the basilica really makes the experience. For more information on tours, read our tips for visiting the Vatican and its attractions.

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Roman Forum Roman Forum

Though it's not as popular as the  Colosseum  (but located nearby), the Roman Forum is more interesting, according to some reviewers. The Roman Forum comprises much of the Ancient Rome's most important structures, from shrines to government houses to monuments. Although much of the complex is in ruins, you can see the remains and imagine the former glory of the Arch of Septimius Severus, the Temple of Saturn, the Arch of Titus and the House of the Vestal Virgins, among other structures.

Recent travelers called a visit to the Roman Forum a "must," but they do advise future visitors to rent or stream an audio guide or sign up for one of the best Rome tours (according to reviewers, little is written on the informational plaques). Past visitors also suggest allotting plenty of time to see the ruins and wearing weather-appropriate attire as there is little to no shade at the site.  

Trevi Fountain (Fontana di Trevi) Trevi Fountain (Fontana di Trevi) free

A must-see on many travelers' itineraries, the Trevi Fountain is situated amongst a high concentration of hotels , shopping and nightlife in the Trevi district. Finished in the mid-1700s, the Trevi is a powerful example of a baroque design with a distinctly mythological character. The god of the sea, Oceanus, emerges from the pool, flanked by his trusty Tritons. 

According to Roman lore, throwing one, two or three coins into the Trevi, with your right hand over your left shoulder ensures you'll return to Rome; you'll fall in love with an attractive Roman; and you'll marry that same Roman. An added bonus? The city collets the money tossed into the fountain and donates it to a local charity.

Pantheon Pantheon

U.S. News Insider Tip: After visiting the Pantheon, stop for an espresso at the historic Tazza d'Oro Caffè or walk a few blocks to the old-school gelateria, Giolitti, for a cone of the good stuff. – Laura Itzkowitz

The Pantheon, a former Roman temple and now a present-day church, is known for its perfect proportions, which is amazing, seeing as it was raised in A.D. 120. While you're there, you can also pay your respects to Raphael, as well as Italian kings Victor Emmanuel II and Umberto I, who are all buried there.

Piazza Navona Piazza Navona free

U.S. News Insider Tip: To enjoy a coffee or Aperol spritz on the piazza, grab a table at Camillo, but if you want to eat, it's best to avoid the tourist trap restaurants on the piazza and explore the side streets instead. – Laura Itzkowitz

The centuries-old Piazza Navona is perhaps one of the best-known public squares in Rome. People sipping coffees while watching street performers and artists fill the square. Cafes abound, and there are a number of shops, too, although recent visitors said both tend to be expensive. You'll also find a number of impressive monuments, including one by Gian Lorenzo Bernini ( Fountain of the Four Rivers ) and another by Francesco Borromini (Sant'Agnese in Agone). 

Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi free

Much like Piazza del Popolo , Piazza Navona 's centerpiece features an obelisk. However, in this case, the obelisk is surrounded by one of Bernini's masterpieces: Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi. The four figures at each corner of the statue are a personification of the four rivers best known to Europe in the 1600s. The rivers are the Ganges (Asia), the Danube (Europe), the Nile (Africa) and Río de la Plata (Americas). Animals, plants and other iconography help to further differentiate the four nudes.

Travelers invariably have high praise for the fountain's artistry, saying that it is a must-see.

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Spanish Steps (Piazza di Spagna) Spanish Steps (Piazza di Spagna) free

U.S. News Insider Tip: During the era of the Grand Tour, the area around the Spanish Steps earned the nickname of the English Ghetto. Immerse yourself in the area's English past with a visit to the Keats-Shelley House or afternoon tea at Babington's. – Laura Itzkowitz

Found at the Piazza di Spagna, the Spanish Steps (which get their name from the nearby Embassy of Spain among the Holy See) are another must-do for many travelers. Here, visitors can tread the same stairs that writers and artists have climbed for centuries. The steps are especially alluring come spring when they're flanked by blooming azaleas.

Piazza del Popolo Piazza del Popolo free

U.S. News Insider Tip: If you want to do some people-watching on the piazza, skip the expensive and overrated Rosati and go to Canova across the piazza instead. It was frequented by famed filmmaker Federico Fellini, whose drawings decorate the halls inside. – Laura Itzkowitz

Piazza del Popolo is yet another Roman square where you can take in phenomenal architecture and magnificent sculpture. The square dates back to the mid-1500s and is the historic center of Rome. In fact, three major roads intersect here: Via di Ripetta, Via del Corso and Via del Babuino.

Galleria Borghese Galleria Borghese

U.S. News Insider Tip: Don't forget to purchase your timed ticket in advance. Afterward, spend some time strolling through the Villa Borghese park, which has attractions like a little lake, a replica of Shakespeare's Globe Theatre and a few small museums. – Laura Itzkowitz

A favorite among travelers to Rome, the Galleria Borghese is half-villa/half-museum, and it has some resplendent gardens, too. Originally commissioned by Cardinal Scipione Borghese in the 17th century to shelter his massive art collection, it's now considered one of the premier art galleries in the city. The villa's extravagant rooms, spread across two floors, are filled with famous works, including Canova's Venus Victrix, Bernini's sculptures David and Apollo and Daphne, and Caravaggio's "Boy with a Basket of Fruit" and "David with the Head of Goliath," among other masterpieces.

Campo de' Fiori Campo de' Fiori free

The Campo de' Fiori is worth visiting twice in a trip – once during the day for its bustling market, and again as the sun sets for its convivial nightlife. According to historians, the Campo de' Fiori looks much the same as it did in the early 1800s, except for the numerous pizzerias, cafes and gelaterias that line the periphery.

Recent travelers raved about the people-watching throughout the day; the fresh veggies and fruits at the market and the hopping bar scene at night. Some warned that the market is overrun with tourists and not the most authentic market experience in Rome. Even if you don't plan on eating or buying anything within the area, the architecture alone may be enough of a draw, as it was for some.

Church of St. Louis of the French Church of St. Louis of the French free

If you're a fan of Caravaggio, you'll want to visit the San Luigi dei Francesi, or the Church of St. Louis of the French. Inside this church near  Piazza Navona are three of the baroque artist's works, including the "The Calling of St. Matthew" (one of his most famous paintings), "Saint Matthew and the Angel" and "The Martyrdom of Saint Matthew."

Recent visitors recommend stopping in the church, especially if want to get a glimpse of some of Caravaggio's most famous works. Several reviewers recommended reading up on the works before visiting as there is no information within the church. However, you can access a prerecorded audio tour by downloading it to your smartphone from a QR code available on-site.

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Capitoline Museums (Musei Capitolini) Capitoline Museums (Musei Capitolini)

The  Musei Capitolini  (Capitoline Museums) dates back to the 1400s, and it holds Rome's symbol, the bronze Capitoline She-wolf. According to lore, the wolf nursed the half-wolf, half-god founders of the city, twins Romulus and Remus. Its namesake museum contains busts of Roman emperors, statues – including a famous one of Marcus Aurelius – and paintings by Caravaggio and Battista, among others. It also offers spectacular views of the Roman Forum .

Several travelers mention that though the Capitoline Museums wasn't high on their list of things to do or see, they're very happy they did see it. Reviewers also urge visitors to look up at the magnificent ceilings. Some note that the museum has a bit of an odd layout with little information about the paintings. Others say the staff can be rude.

Trastevere Trastevere free

If you want a look at the real Rome, experts and travelers strongly recommend you visit Trastevere. Located southeast of Vatican City, this neighborhood is home to the Basilica of Santa Maria in Trastevere, as well as numerous restaurants and neighborhood shops (it's often compared to New York City 's Greenwich Village or Paris 's Left Bank thanks to its charming cobblestone streets and narrow roads). 

Although a little farther from the city center, Trastevere is a hit with visitors who appreciated the distance, noting that after so many days weaving through crowds and getting stuck in tourist traps, it's nice to explore a quieter neighborhood (with cheaper, more authentic food). Travelers also said they felt like they experienced a genuine look into life as a Roman after having visited Trastevere.

Santa Maria della Vittoria Santa Maria della Vittoria free

This featured chapel from Dan Brown's "Angels & Demons" is now heavily trafficked by Robert Langdon wannabes. But baroque art fans might want to brave the crowds for a look at Gian Lorenzo Bernini's Cornaro Chapel, which features the Ecstasy of St. Teresa statue.

Recent visitors can't stop gushing about Santa Maria della Vittoria. Many said the church is nothing short of stunning, noting that the detail of Bernini's Ecstasy of Saint Teresa is truly incredible. However, travelers also noted that the church is relatively small compared to some of the city's other masterpieces, so prepare for a tight space during peak tourist season (summer). Others warn of odd opening times.

Museo Nazionale di Castel Sant'Angelo Museo Nazionale di Castel Sant'Angelo

The Castel Sant'Angelo has had many purposes over its lifetime. Originally built as a mausoleum for Roman emperor Hadrian, the castle has also been a place of protection for popes during invasions, papal residences, military barracks and a prison. Today, it's a museum showcasing not only the site's military history but also incredible frescoes (which were added to the building when the castle became a residence).

For many visitors, admiring the frescoes and learning the history of the site made for a pleasant stop. However, the top draw for many are the views. The top floor terrace (Terrace of the Angel) provides outstanding vistas of Rome.

Basilica di San Clemente Basilica di San Clemente free

Archaeology buffs might find the Basilica di San Clemente interesting as it's a veritable nesting doll of churches. It's a second century pagan temple, underneath a fourth-century church, which is underneath a 12th-century church. Enter the 12th-century church from the street level, take stairs down to the fourth-century one and finally end up at a shrine for Mithras, the god whom was known to gain popularity in the second and third centuries. The oldest structure is believed to have been an ancient mint.

Travelers are fascinated by the story of the church and recommend visiting for the history lesson that it provides. Past travelers also said you should ignore the panhandlers who linger around the church, as some pretend to be affiliated with the church and tell visitors they can't enter unless they give a donation. The church is free to enter, but there is a fee to go down to the lower levels, which people say is worth the cost. To visit the lower levels, you'll pay 10 euros (about $11) for adults and 5 euros (about $5) for students up to age 26. Children younger than 16 explore for free.

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Ancient Appian Way Ancient Appian Way free

The Ancient Appian Way (Via Appia Antica) has a history that dates back to 312 B.C. and includes the site of Spartacus' execution (in 71 B.C.), the tomb of Caecilia Metella, and many a Roman military march. These days, it stretches for 38.5 miles, though several monuments and historic sites are centered around an approximately 2-mile stretch along Parco dell'Appia Antica. The park sits roughly 2 miles south of the Colosseum . 

Recent visitors said the Appian Way is worth the long trek. Some even recommend hiring a tour guide to tag along with you, as even the smallest details along the walk provide a lot of insight into days past. Many agreed that visitors should come prepared with good walking shoes and water. Other advised visiting during the day as some areas can be seedy at night. 

Colle del Gianicolo Colle del Gianicolo free

To the west of the Tiber River (near another top attraction,  Trastevere ), Colle del Gianicolo, or the Janiculum Hill, is just waiting to be climbed. Although a hike, the site provides unobstructed, panoramic views of the Eternal City. Once at the top, visitors will be able to spot some of Rome's most famous buildings, including  St. Peter's Basilica  and the Altare della Patria. Interestingly, since it sits outside the ancient city, it's not considered one of the seven hills of Rome. Along with the spectacular views, you'll also spot a few monuments, including the Fontana dell'Acqua Paola, or Il Fontanone, which was originally built in the early 1600s.

Travelers report being impressed by the views of Janiculum Hill, with many recommending a visit at sunrise or sunset for a truly breathtaking experience. Though many don't consider it a "must-see," especially for first-time visitors, reviewers did concede that a trek here offers a nice respite from the city's crowded tourist spots.

Palazzo Doria Pamphilj Palazzo Doria Pamphilj

Rome is full of aristocratic palaces whose splendors are hidden behind closed doors. One such place is the Palazzo Doria Pamphilj right on the bustling Via del Corso. Enter and you'll find yourself in a quiet courtyard that feels a world away from the crowds. Upstairs, spend some time marveling at the hall of mirrors, which looks like a smaller version of the one at Versailles , with gold-framed Venetian mirrors, antique statues and chandeliers. The palazzo dates all the way back to the 16th century and the gallery that encircles the courtyard was renovated in the 18th century, with the paintings that form the family's private art collection still displayed as they were in the 1700s. Among them are paintings by Raphael and Caravaggio. In the Velázquez Cabinet at the end of one of the halls is a marble bust of Pope Innocent X by Gian Lorenzo Bernini and a portrait of the pope by Velázquez.

For a few extra euros, you can also visit the "secret apartment," which is supposedly still used sometimes by the princess. Inside it, you'll see the family's furniture and personal objects, like a desk with writing implements, hairbrushes and beds. It's far more intimate than the typical museum experience and might just make you feel like you've stepped into a scene from the Oscar-winning film "La Grande Bellezza," director Paolo Sorrentino's modern-day take on "La Dolce Vita."

Jewish Ghetto Jewish Ghetto free

Sandwiched between the Tiber River and Campo de' Fiori is a neighborhood that was historically home to Rome's Jewish population, the oldest Jewish community in Europe. A papal edict in 1555 created the ghetto, which was walled off from the rest of the city until 1888. It also established laws about what professions Jews could and couldn't hold. To learn more about the neighborhood, you should visit the Jewish Museum of Rome attached to the Great Synagogue, which displays religious artifacts and explains the area's history in a series of panels. A guided tour of the Great Synagogue is included in the museum's admission price and is the only way to see the ornately decorated synagogue without attending religious services.

Recent visitors praised the beautiful synagogue and said the neighborhood is a "hidden gem" in Rome. Travelers say the neighborhood is worth a few hours of your time.

Mercato di Testaccio Mercato di Testaccio free

For a less touristy alternative to the market at Campo de' Fiori , venture beyond the historic center to the Mercato di Testaccio. The large covered market is filled with stalls selling fresh fruit, vegetables, fish and meat, where Romans do their daily shopping. It's also home to a handful of stalls where you can purchase prepared food, like sandwiches and pizza. Take a number and wait your turn for delicious pizza al taglio at Casa Manco. Ask for a few small slices so you can try more than one topping.

For sandwiches, the place to go is Mordi e Vai, a hole-in-the-wall stall serving sandwiches made with the offcuts that form the backbone of Roman cuisine. Indeed, the quinto quarto tradition of Roman cooking was born in right here in Testaccio. The neighborhood was once home to the city's slaughterhouse and the working-class families who lived here created recipes using the less prized cuts of meat, including the organs, that were cheaper. Many restaurants in the neighborhood are known for this type of cooking, with signature dishes like trippa alla romana (Roman-style tripe with tomato sauce, pecorino and mint) and coda alla vaccinara (oxtail stew). If you're not into that kind of stuff, Mordi e Vai always has a vegetarian option available.

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MAXXI MAXXI

If you've had enough of ancient and Baroque art, consider visiting one of Rome's modern and contemporary art museums. MAXXI – an acronym for the National Museum of 21st Century Art – is located in the residential Flaminio neighborhood north of Piazza del Popolo and was designed by the late Iraqi-British starchitect Zaha Hadid. The building itself is a masterpiece of modern architecture, with dramatic sweeping lines, steel staircases that seem to float in the air, and galleries with glass ceilings. The collection comprises more than 400 works of art by Italian and international artists, including Andy Warhol, Francesco Clemente and Gerhard Richter, as well as a collection of material related to architecture. It ranges from photography and film to art installations and performance art.

Before you go, check to see what's on display. Past exhibitions have featured Bob Dylan's videos, the work of Italian filmmaker Pier Paolo Pasolini, and the architecture of Lina Bo Bardi, a midcentury modern trailblazer and one of the few female architects working at that time. MAXXI has also hosted special off-site exhibitions and events, including guided tours of Casa Balla, the apartment of futurist artist Giacomo Balla.

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The 25 Top Attractions in Rome, Italy

TripSavvy / Christopher Larson

Rome, Italy is one of the great cities of the world. With its history spanning thousands of years, the city features monumental architecture, fabulous piazzas (squares), colorful mercatos (markets), and character-filled streets. It is truly dazzling at every turn. Rome's top tourist attractions include famous ruins as well as majestic churches, high-caliber art museums, charming piazzas, amazing food and shopping, and more.

Those going to the Eternal City will need a strategy to avoid being overwhelmed by the huge number of things to see. Tourists may need several visits to see everything in Rome, but even one trip will bring a lifetime of memories. 

Savor Italian Flavors

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Many people go to Italy to try the remarkable food, which is well-known around the world. So when in Rome, do as the Romans do: dine on the delicious pizza, pasta, gelato (Italian ice cream), and more. Grab something to eat at the mercatos, full of colorful, fresh produce. Sip on an espresso or a cappuccino at a local café. Some of the best-known cafés in Rome are Tazza d’Oro near Pantheon—started in 1946 and known for the granita , a partially frozen coffee with whipped cream—and Sant 'Eustachio Il Caffè, dating back to 1938 and located near Piazza Navona.

Head to MAXXI—National Museum of 21st Century Art

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MAXXI—National Museum of 21st Century Art is located in the Flaminio neighborhood of northern Rome. The museum designed by architect Zaha Hadid opened in 2010. Known Italian and international artists display their photography, paintings, and multimedia installations. Guests can also view conferences, workshops, screenings, shows, and more. Also, check out the Mediterranean Ristorante e Giardino, The Palombini Cafeteria for some coffee and chocolate, and the Museum Bookshop.

Go on a Great Day Trip

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The ancient city of Ostia Antica , around 35 minutes southwest of Rome, makes an exciting day trip. See well-preserved apartment buildings, a bakery, and even public toilets from this community that was abandoned by the fifth century.

Naples , a vibrant city just over an hour from Rome on the high-speed train, is a worthwhile destination. History buffs love the old markets, churches, castles, and more. Plus, it's the birthplace of pizza and a wonderful chance to eat a delicious one made in a wood-burning oven.

Lovely beaches aren't far from Rome, either. If you'd enjoy partying along with many young Romans, check out Fregene, about a 40-minute drive from Rome. Santa Marinella, around one hour by car, offers pleasant beaches, along with seafood restaurants and bars. An attractive town an approximately two-hour drive from Rome, Sperlonga is one of the best day trips. Expect clean water and sand along with a great place to relax and enjoy cafés, eateries, and shops.

Shop for Italian Goods

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Italy is famous for its fashion, and Rome has some of the country's best designer shops to explore. Via del Corso, one of Rome’s main shopping streets, has plenty of reputable clothing stores. Stroll down Via Condotti and the surrounding streets or Via Veneto for designer boutiques. If you are seeking antiques or art, try Via del Babuino, which connects Piazza di Spagna to Piazza del Popolo. 

Dating back to 1922, the Galleria Alberto Sordi, a mall with skylights made of stained-glass and mosaic floors, is among the most beautiful places to shop in Europe. You'll find everything from clothing and accessories to books and cosmetics in the mall.

Enjoy the Roman Nightlife

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If you would like an early evening aperitivo (drink before your meal) or some after-dark explorations of Roman nightlife, the city offers plenty of options. The colorful Trastevere neighborhood, about 15 minutes from the city center, is one of the top areas, offering craft beer in various creative bars, some featuring live entertainment. Pigneto , a trendy neighborhood around 15 minutes east of the Colosseum, has pubs and live music venues, LGBTQ+ clubs, and places to see modern dance and theater. Dance clubs and bars can also be found just outside of the city center, in neighborhoods such as Ostiense.

Gaze at The Colosseum

TripSavvy / Taylor McIntyre 

Dedicated by Emperor Vespasian in A.D. 80, the Colosseum (so-named for a colossal statue of Emperor Nero that once stood on the site) once held up to 50,000 people and was the scene of countless deadly gladiatorial and wild animal fights. The ancient amphitheater—located in the city center a bit east of the Roman Forum—is now the symbol of Rome and a requisite stop on most tourist itineraries.

Buy your tickets in advance to avoid waiting in a long, slow-moving line to see one of the largest arenas in the world.

Learn About The Roman Forum

Adjacent to the Colosseum, the Roman Forum is a huge complex of ruined temples, basilicas, and arches. One of the  top ancient sites in the city, the Roman Forum was the ceremonial, legal, social, and business center of ancient Rome. Wandering its iconic ruins dating back to as early as the seventh century B.C. is an essential part of any Rome visit.

Your ticket to the Colosseum includes entry at the Roman Forum and the Palatine Hill, and tours of all three sites are available.

Climb The Palatine Hill

TripSavvy / Christopher Larson 

Many visitors to the Colosseum and Forum don't make the climb up to the adjacent Palatine Hill, and they're missing out. One of the famous Seven Hills of Rome near the Tiber River, this was the high-rent district of ancient Rome, where emperors, senators, and other wealthy nobles built their homes. Though it's difficult to make sense of the many layers of ruins, it's rarely very crowded, and there is plenty of shade.

Get Inspired at St. Peter's Basilica

One of the most important churches in all Christendom and one of the largest in the world, St. Peter's Basilica is majestic and awe-inspiring, from its grand exterior to the soaring ceiling and ornate decoration of its interiors. You can limit your visit to the inside, or see the underground tombs of the popes. An alternative is to climb the dome (or take the elevator part-way) for an unforgettable view of Rome.

Experience the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel

The vastness of the art and antiquities collection of the popes, coupled with the volume of people who visit every day means you'll need to devote at least half a day just to hit the highlights at the Vatican Museums in the Vatican City. From ancient Roman and Egyptian sculptures and artifacts to works by some of the greatest painters in Western art, the collections are mind-boggling. The Raphael Rooms in the Papal apartments are a must-see as is the Sistine Chapel, with its ceiling and wall frescoes by Michelangelo depicting stories from the Old Testament. 

Stroll Around Piazza Navona

TripSavvy / Stella Levantesi 

Even though it's often overrun with tourists and souvenir vendors, Piazza Navona is one of Rome's most stunning squares (though this one is an oval shape). It's also one of the city's largest. The entire piazza is a pedestrian area, lined with touristy restaurants and shops, plus the 17th-century church of Sant’Agnese in Agone. In the center of the piazza is Gian Lorenzo Bernini's famous Fountain of the Four Rivers. 

Note that while Piazza Navona is beautiful for a daytime or evening stroll, we don't recommend dining here—instead, find someplace more authentic off the piazza.

Delve Into History at The Pantheon

There's nothing quite like exiting the narrow medieval streets of Rome's centro storico (historic district) and stumbling upon the Pantheon , one of the world's best-preserved ancient buildings. The round structure was the "temple to all gods" for the ancient Romans. It's been a church since the 7th century A.D., which is one reason why it has managed to stay standing all these years. The only source of natural light in the cylinder-shaped, domed building is the 7.8-meter oculus (round skylight) at the top. One of the prettiest piazzas in Rome is the Piazza della Rotunda on which the Pantheon sits.

Take a Photo at The Spanish Steps

Built by the French in the 1720s, the Spanish Steps are not particularly important historically, but the elegant site draws visitors to Rome. Many people photograph and climb the 138 shallow steps, take a drink of water from the 18th century Fontana della Barcaccia ,  and enjoy a gelato while window shopping—or dropping some serious cash—in the designer shops lining the streets around the steps. In the springtime, the steps are decked out with colorful azaleas, and make for an even better photo op.

Look at the Beautiful Trevi Fountain

Rome's most famous fountain was completed in 1762 in the historic city center and is a grand example of high baroque public sculpture. The gleaming white marble Trevi Fountain depicts sea god Neptune surrounded by mermen, seahorses, and cascading pools. In an effort to control the dense crowds gathered in front of the fountain,​ guards keep people moving along. You'll still have time to toss a coin over your should (said to guarantee a return trip to Rome) and take a picture, but don't expect to sit and eat a gelato in front of the rushing waters.

Visit The Capitoline Museums

Set on top of the Capitoline Hill, one of the Seven Hills of Rome, the Capitoline Museums in the Palazzo dei Conservatori and the Palazzo Nuovo buildings house archaeological treasures from antiquity, as well as paintings from the Renaissance and Baroque eras.

Established by Pope Clement XII in 1734, the Capitoline Museums were the first in the world opened to the public. Some of the most famous pieces include fragments and a bust from a colossal statue of Constantine, a gigantic equestrian statue of Marcus Aurelius, and an ancient sculpture of twins Romulus and Remus suckling the she-wolf. 

View World-Class Art at Galleria Borghese

Galleria Borghese , one of Rome's top museums for art lovers, requires advance reservations, as attendance is limited via timed entry. So plan ahead to visit this world-class collection of art and antiquities, including masterful sculptures from Bernini, and paintings from Raphael, Titian, Caravaggio, Rubens, and other giants of the Renaissance and Baroque.

The Galleria Borghese is within the grounds of the Villa Borghese, a vast public park that was once the private gardens of the popes. Tourists enjoy the lake with boat rentals, plus playgrounds, and picnic areas. In the summertime, kids love the amusement rides and pony rides.

Imagine the Past at Baths of Caracalla

Completed in 216 A.D., the massive complex of the Baths of Caracalla (Terme di Caracalla) could hold up to 1,600 bathers simultaneously, who soaked in hot, cold, and tepid pools, and exercised in the gymnasium. Nobles, freemen, and slaves mingled at the baths. The Baths of Caracalla were richly decorated with mosaics, sculptures, and frescoes though today only fragments of the mosaics remain. The site impresses visitors with its sheer size and the genius of the engineering and design that kept the giant bathing complex operating for hundreds of years. 

Check Out Coins and Sculptures at National Roman Museum

The Museo Nazionale, or National Museum of Rome , is actually four different museums run by the same entity: The Palazzo Massimo alle Terme, the Palazzo Altemps, Baths of Diocletian, and the Crypta Balbi. A huge collection of Roman sculpture, coins, frescoes, and inscriptions can be found at The Palazzo Massimo, while the Palazzo Altemps is a more intimate collection of Roman works. The Baths of Diocletian were once Rome's largest—the Renaissance church built on top of them was designed by Michelangelo. Finally, the Crypta Balbi museum examines the development of a city block, from ancient Roman to medieval times.

Your admission ticket gains you entrance to all four museums within a three-day period.

Take in the Ornate Basilica di San Clemente

Like the majority of churches in Rome, the Basilica di San Clemente was built on top of a pagan site of worship. It's one of the best places in the city for understanding the complex "layering" of Rome, and of how buildings developed on top of other buildings. While the church itself is ornately beautiful, the real attraction here is the underground, self-guided tour, which includes a second-century Mithraeum, where worshipers would ritually slaughter bulls, an early Roman house. an underground river, and some of the oldest Christian frescoes in Rome.  

See the Ancient Trajan's Markets/Museum

This highly-recommended site often falls off many tourists' radar, and that's too bad. Trajan's Markets were a multi-level, arcaded shopping complex—basically the world's first mall—with individual stores that sold everything from food to clothing to housewares. The Museum of the Imperial Forums presents the history and development of the businesses and adjacent forums, and you can walk through the ancient market arcades, which are usually free of crowds. 

Catch City Views at Piazza del Popolo

One of Italy's largest piazzas, this grand space centers around an Egyptian obelisk and is anchored by three churches. The most important one, Santa Maria del Popolo, is on the north end of the square and contains works by Bernini, Raphael, and Caravaggio. Above the piazza, the Pincio Hill offers sweeping views of the city and behind it, elegant Villa Borghese park spreads out for acres. Piazza del Popolo is a rare Roman piazza in that it is not lined with cafés and restaurants, though there are many in the vicinity.

Tour Castel Sant'Angelo

Built as the mausoleum for Emperor Hadrian, this massive, round building near St. Peter's was subsequently used as a fortress, a prison, and as private apartments for the popes—its history is especially entwined with the infamous Borgia family. The Castel Sant'Angelo tour begins on the sixth-floor terrace, which is famous from Puccini's opera, "Tosca," and offers terrific views of Rome, then winds on a circular route down to the lower levels of the castle.

Sample Roman-Jewish Food in The Jewish Ghetto

Though it is now a charming neighborhood and a great place to sample traditional Roman-Jewish fare, the Roman Ghetto has a grim past. The walled neighborhood was established by a papal bull (a public decree) in 1555, and all Rome's Jewish population were required to live in the swampy, disease-prone district near the Tiber. While the ghetto was abolished in 1882, in the waning years of WWII, Nazis deported most of the area's Jews to concentration camps—and only a handful returned to Rome. 

Appreciate the Catacombs & the Appian Way

Plan at least a half-day of exploring this fascinating area on the outskirts of Rome. The Via Appia Antica is the most famous of Rome's roads. It is lined with the tombs of ancient Romans, from the massive Tomb of Cecilia Metella, a Roman Consul's daughter, to those with humble portrait busts of their occupants. There are miles of Christian catacombs along the Appian Way, but only three areas are open to the public: the catacombs of Saint Domitilla, Saint Callixtus, and Saint Sebastian. Some people only see one set of catacombs, so choose the one that works best for your interests and schedule.

Glance at Ancient Art at Palazzo Barberini

Despite its name, this art museum in the magnificent Barberini palace has mostly works from the Renaissance onwards, including important paintings from Raphael, Titian, and Caravaggio and other names you'd recognize from art history class. The palace itself, as well as the famous fountain out front, were designed by Bernini.

Admission to Palazzo Barberini also includes entrance to its sister museum, Galleria Corsini, housed in a handsome 16th-century palace.

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23 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Rome

Written by Barbara Radcliffe Rogers Updated Dec 25, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

In a city so filled with icons of antiquity and the Christian faith, it's hard to know where to go first. Of course, your own interests will govern your choices, but there are certain sites that are almost obligatory landmarks of Italy and top attractions in the world , such as the Colosseum and the Pantheon.

A word of caution: try to vary your experiences as you explore Rome, so that you don't visit too many ancient sites or churches in a row. And intersperse these more serious attractions with a few that are simply tourist icons: the Spanish Steps and that place all tourists must go to toss in their coin, the Trevi Fountain.

Rome is so big that it can overwhelm you, so even the most devoted sightseer needs to take some time to kick back and enjoy la dolce vita in a park or sidewalk café.

You'll be able to choose the best places to visit with this handy list of the top attractions in Rome.

1. The Colosseum and the Arch of Constantine

2. vatican city, 3. the pantheon, 4. roman forum, 5. trevi fountain, 6. vittorio emanuele ii monument, 7. centro storico & the spanish steps, 8. via del corso, rome's shopping street, 9. santa maria maggiore, 10. piazza navona, 11. piazza del popolo & santa maria del popolo, 12. palatine hill, 13. villa borghese gallery and gardens, 14. castel sant'angelo national museum, 15. trastevere, 16. capitoline museum, 17. baths of caracalla, 18. san giovanni in laterano (basilica of st. john lateran), 19. the catacombs and via appia antica (appian way), 20. palazzo doria pamphilj, 21. basilica of san clemente, 22. domus aurea: nero's golden house, 23. terme di diocleziano (baths of diocletian national museum), where to stay in rome for sightseeing, tips and tours: how to make the most of your visit to rome, rome, italy - climate chart, more things to see and do in rome.

As the Eiffel Tower is to Paris, the silhouette of the Flavian Amphitheatre is to Rome. The largest structure left to us by Roman antiquity , the Colosseum still provides the model for sports arenas - present-day football stadium design is clearly based on this oval Roman plan.

The building was begun by Vespasian in AD 72, and after his son Titus enlarged it by adding the fourth story, it was inaugurated in the year AD 80 with a series of splendid games. The Colosseum was large enough for theatrical performances, festivals, circuses, or games, which the Imperial Court and high officials watched from the lowest level, aristocratic Roman families on the second, the populace on the third and fourth.

Beside the Colosseum stands the Arch of Constantine , a triumphal arch erected by the Senate to honor the emperor as "liberator of the city and bringer of peace" after his victory in the battle of the Milvian Bridge in 312.

Lines are long and move slowly, so you can save time by joining the Skip the Line: Ancient Rome and Colosseum Half-Day Walking Tour and have a knowledgeable guide, as well.

Author's Tip: For an unforgettable experience, especially in the heat of mid-summer, visit the Colosseum on a special night tour. Not only is it cooler then, but the monument is magical with its interior bathed in golden light.

• Read More: Visiting the Colosseum: Highlights, Tips & Tours

The Vatican is the smallest independent state in the world , with an area of less than half a square kilometer, most of it enclosed by the Vatican walls.

Inside are the Vatican palace and gardens, St. Peter's Basilica , and St. Peter's Square , an area ruled by the Pope, supreme head of the Roman Catholic Church. This compact space offers a lot of things to see, between its museums and the great basilica itself.

Inside St. Peter's Basilica is Michelangelo's masterpiece, Pieta , along with statuary and altars by Bernini and others.

The unquestioned highlight of the Vatican museums is the Sistine Chapel , whose magnificent frescoed ceiling is Michelangelo's most famous work.

In the Vatican Palace are the Raphael Rooms ; the Borgia Apartments ; the Vatican Library , and a number of museums that include the Picture Gallery, Museum of Secular Art, Etruscan Museum, and others. The collections you can see in these cover everything from papal coaches to 20th-century art reflecting religious themes.

Ticket lines for the Vatican's attractions are incredibly long, and you can spend several hours waiting in line. To save time, purchase a Skip the Line: Vatican Museums with St. Peter's, Sistine Chapel, and Small-Group Upgrade tour in advance. This three-hour tour allows you to bypass the long lines and walk straight into the museums with a knowledgeable guide. Headsets are provided, and you can choose from several different departure times or upgrade to an evening or small-group tour.

The Pantheon - the best-preserved monument of Roman antiquity - is remarkably intact for its 2000 years. This is despite the fact that Pope Gregory III removed the gilded bronze roof tiles, and Pope Urban VIII ordered its bronze roof stripped and melted down to cast the canopy over the altar in St. Peter's and cannons for Castel Sant'Angelo.

The Pantheon was rebuilt after damage by fire in AD 80, and the resulting brickwork shows the extraordinarily high technical mastery of Roman builders. Its 43-meter dome, the supreme achievement of Roman interior architecture , hangs suspended without visible supports – these are well hidden inside the walls – and its nine-meter central opening is the building's only light source.

The harmonious effect of the interior is a result of its proportions: the height is the same as the diameter.

Although the first Christian emperors forbade using this pagan temple for worship, in 609 Pope Boniface IV dedicated it to the Virgin and all the Christian martyrs, and since then, it has become the burial place of Italian kings (Victor Emmanuel II is in the second niche on the right) and other famous Italians, including the painter, Raphael.

Author's Tip: If you visit the Pantheon on a rainy day, be careful of the floor in the center. There is no umbrella over the hole in the roof, and the floor can get very slippery when wet.

• Read More: Visiting the Pantheon in Rome: Highlights, Tips & Tours

Walking through the forum, now in the middle of a throbbing modern city, is like stepping back two millennia into the heart of ancient Rome. Although what survives of this center of Roman life and government shows only a small fraction of its original splendor, the standing and fallen columns, its triumphal arches, and the remains of its walls still impress, especially when you consider that for centuries, the history of the Forum was the history of the Roman Empire and of the Western world.

Roman political and religious life was centered here, along with the courts, markets, and meeting places. After the seventh century, the buildings fell into ruin, and churches and fortresses were built amid the ancient remains. Its stones were quarried for other buildings and it was not until the 18th and 19th centuries that systematic excavations brought the ancient buildings to light from under a 10-meter layer of earth and rubble.

Highlights of the Roman Forum are the Temple of Antoninus Pius, the Temple of Castor and Pollux, the Temple of Saturn, the Arch of Septimus Severus, the Curia, the Temple of Vesta, and the Arch of Titus.

Tip for Parents: If you're traveling in Rome with children, unless they are fascinated by the Romans, the Forum might be a place best seen from above, instead of by walking through its five acres of largely ruined buildings. It is one of Rome's most popular and important tourist attractions, but it's a lot for kids to take in and it doesn't have the lure of the Colosseum's tales of lions and gladiators.

One of the city's most popular tourist attractions, this 17th-century masterpiece has been immortalized in films until it is almost a required visit. Throwing a coin (not three) into the Trevi Fountain (Fontana di Trevi) is a tradition that is supposed to assure your return to Rome.

Rome's largest fountain, Fontana di Trevi is supplied by an aqueduct originally constructed by Agrippa, the great art patron of the first century BC, to bring water to his baths. The fountain was created for Pope Clement XII between 1732 and 1751 by Nicolò Salvi, and built against the rear wall of the palace of the Dukes of Poli.

It depicts the sea god Oceanus (Neptune), with horses, tritons, and shells. The water swirls around the figures and the artificial rocks and collects in a large basin, always filled with coins.

What happens to all that money? Twice a year it is gathered using long-handled brushes, and donated to Caritas, Rome's Catholic charity.

It's ironic that this grandiose monument, considered one of the national symbols of Italy, is rarely admired by Romans, who liken it to a wedding cake or a giant typewriter. Like it or not, the vast neo-classical structure crowns Capitoline Hill, the symbolic center of ancient Rome, overlooking the later city across Piazza Venezia.

Built between 1885 and 1935, it is a monument to King Vittorio Emanuele II, the first king of the unified Italy, represented here in an equestrian statue. Italy's tomb of the unknown soldier is here, along with a museum of the Italian unification. A lift will take you to the topmost terrace for 360-degree views of Rome.

Address: Piazza Venezia, Rome

Take a look at a Rome tourist map, and you'll see one area so filled with things to do that it's hard to read the street names. This is the Centro Storico, the historic center of Rome , with so many art-filled churches, resplendent palaces, and lively squares that you could spend your whole vacation strolling its ancient streets and lanes.

Spend some time just to absorb the neighborhood's atmosphere instead of going from one of its must-see sights to the next. Along with Piazza Navona , the Trevi Fountain , and the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore , stop in less well-known churches, such as Santa Maria del Popolo, where you'll find works by Bernini and Caravaggio.

Pause at the Spanish Steps, the flight of irregular stairs and landings that lead up to the French church of Trinità dei Monti. The stairs take their name from Piazza di Spagna , the plaza at their base and one of Rome's most typical squares. The stairs have long been a favorite haunt of tourists.

You can no longer channel your inner Audrey Hepburn and eat gelato on the steps as she did in Roman Holiday . Sitting or eating on the steps is banned to protect them after a complete cleaning and restoration, and the ban is enforced.

The boat-shaped fountain at the foot of the Spanish Steps is known as the Barcaccia and was created by Pietro Bernini, father of the great Baroque architect Gian Lorenzo Bernini.

Via Condotti , leading southwest from Piazza di Spagna, is Rome's most fashionable shopping street , where the Caffè Greco is famous for the artists, writers, and musicians who have frequented it.

Address: Piazza di Spagna, Rome

Marking a straight line from Piazza the Piazza Venezia to Piazza del Popolo, Via del Corso is Rome's Main Street . Lined with shops and places to eat, and a few palaces housing art museums, including the magnificent Palazzo Doria Pamphilj. Work is underway to restore and re-design the century-old landmark Alberto Sordi Gallery, which will reopen as Agorà, with fewer shops and more public space for arts and entertainment.

While the shops are mostly name brands, you'll find some designer boutiques here and on the radiating side streets. Not all of Italy's fashion comes from Milan's catwalks, and fashionistas will find more high-end boutiques and prestigious names on streets around Piazza di Spagna, especially Via Venizia and Via dei Condotti .

Between Piazza del Popolo, at the end of Via del Corso, and Piazza di Spagna, look for antique shops and art galleries on Via del Babuino . To mix charm and cinema history with shopping, and find small shops and galleries on the parallel Via Margutta .

Note to Movie Fans: Federico Fellini lived on Via Margutta and Gregory Peck's apartment scenes in Roman Holiday were filmed at No. 51.

One of the most majestic of the churches in Rome , Santa Maria Maggiore has stood here since the fourth-century Pope Liberius had a vision of the Virgin directing him to build a church where snow fell the following day. Although it was August, snow did fall on the Esquiline hill the next morning, so here the great basilica was built.

Mass has been celebrated here every day since the fifth century. The three aisles of its 86-meter-long interior are separated by 40 columns of marble and four of granite, and the apse added in the 13th century is lined with mosaics of Old and New Testament themes, masterpieces of Rome's famous mosaic artists.

Rome's oldest mosaics, as old as the fourth century, decorate the upper walls, and the floor is inlaid with colored stone in the style of the expert 12th-century artisans of the Lake Como region. The first gold to reach Italy from the Americas shines on the coffered ceiling. Two popes are buried here; it's one of Rome's four papal basilicas, an important place of pilgrimage.

Author's Tip: Although admission to Rome's churches is free, you may need to put a euro in the meter to illuminate some artworks or chapels. Keep some coins handy for a better look at the mosaics in Santa Maria Maggiore. It is also a nice gesture to put a few coins in the offering boxes to help the churches maintain their priceless treasures.

Address: Piazza di Santa Maria Maggiore, Rome

One of Rome's most characteristic Baroque squares, Piazza Navona still has the outline of the Roman stadium built here by Emperor Domitian. It was still used for festivals and horse races during the Middle Ages, and was rebuilt in the Baroque style by Borromini, who also designed the magnificent series of palaces and the church of Sant'Agnese, on its west side.

Its facade, campanile, and dome highlight the way Baroque architecture weaves convex and concave surfaces, gables, windows, columns, and piers into a unified design. In the crypt of Sant'Agnese are Alessandro Algardi's 1653 The Miracle of St. Agnes and the remains of a Roman mosaic floor. Sant'Agnese provided a model for Baroque and Rococo churches in Italy and elsewhere.

Although Borromini designed the square and its surrounding facades, it was his archrival, Bernini, who created its centerpiece, the beautiful Baroque fountain, Fontana dei Fiumi . The spirited fountain represents the four rivers then thought to be the largest on each of the known continents, with figures personifying the Nile, Ganges, Danube, and Rio de la Plata around the large basin, each accompanied by plants and animals of their respective regions.

The two other fountains in the square are the 16th-century Fontana del Moro in front of the Palazzo Pamphili, erected by Giacomo della Porta, and the 19th-century Fontana del Nettuno with its figure of Neptune. Today, the square is filled with Romans, tourists, street artists, musicians, souvenir kiosks, cafés, and during December, one of Rome's best Christmas markets.

Nearby, between the Piazza and the Pantheon, the church of San Luigi dei Francesi contains three major paintings by Caravaggio from the late 16th century, including one of his most famous, The Calling of St. Matthew. No information about the paintings is available in the church, but you can download an audio guide in English on the San Luigi dei Francesi website. The church itself is worth seeing for its elaborate ceiling and inlaid marble floors. Like others in Rome, the church is free to enter

Symmetrically situated at the apex of a triangle of streets that include Via Corso, Rome's main shopping street, Piazza del Popolo was designed in the early 19 th century as the northern entrance to the city center. At its center, the Egyptian obelisk, called Flaminio, rises above a fountain, where four white marble lions spout fans of water into four round travertine pools.

Facing one side like mirror images at either side of Via della Corso are the twin churches of Santa Maria dei Miracoli and Santa Maria in Montesanto, and at the opposite side of the grand piazza is the Augustinian Basilica of Santa Maria del Popolo.

Inside, you'll find Pinturicchio frescoes and two tombs by Andrea Sansovino in the choir, and two beautiful chapels. The Chigi Chapel was designed by Raphael in 1515, and the Cesari Chapel holds two important Caravaggio paintings.

Next to the basilica, climb the steps to the Pincio Terrace for views down onto the piazza and across the city of Rome.

Strategically set 50 meters above the Tiber, the Palatine Hill shows evidence of Rome's earliest settlement: rock cuttings found in front of the Temple of Cybele show human activity as long ago as the ninth century BC. Later, this was the site chosen by the emperors and great aristocratic families for their palaces.

The Farnese Gardens were laid out on the hill in the 16th century for Cardinal Alessandro Farnese, a pleasure park of terraces, pavilions, lawns, flowerbeds, trees, and fountains designed as a kind of stage-setting for social gatherings.

Highlights of the Palatine Hill are the House of Livia (Augustus' wife), the semi-subterranean Cryptoporticus , Domus Flavia , Domus Augustana, and most imposing of all, the Baths of Septimius Severus. The Palatine Hill is a lovely place to explore, combining a park with magnificent and impressive ruins of ancient Rome.

One of Rome's largest parks, the Borghese Gardens contain multiple attractions that include two museums, the most prominent of which is the Villa Borghese. Built as a party villa and to house the Borghese art collection, the gallery contains paintings, sculptures, mosaics, and reliefs, most from the 15th to the 18th century, and include works by Raphael, Titian, Caravaggio, Bernini, Dürer, and Rubens .

Elsewhere in the park, Villa Giulia was built as a summer residence for the 16th-century Pope Julius III and houses the Etruscan Museum . More villas are from the world exposition that was held in Rome in 1911.

The park is an English-style landscape garden, with walking paths and ponds where you can rent row boats. You can also rent bikes or a surrey to explore the park. There is a good zoo, Bioparco di Roma , with naturalized enclosures and a miniature trail connecting its various sections. A number of its attractions will appeal to children, including playgrounds, weekend pony rides, and occasional puppet shows.

Many of its attractions will appeal to children , including playgrounds, weekend pony rides, and occasional puppet shows, making it one of the most popular things to do in Rome for families .

One of the secrets of the Borghese Gardens is the replica of Shakespeare's Globe Theatre, where you can watch opera performances or Shakespeare plays. Plays are always in Italian, but an occasional opera is in English. You can rent a cushion and sit on the floor or you can sit in the balconies that ring the interior.

Address: Piazzale del Museo Borghese, 5

Begun in AD 135 as a mausoleum for the Emperor Hadrian and his family, Castel Sant'Angelo is a massive drum-shaped structure overlooking the Tiber near the Vatican. Over the millennia of its existence, Castel Sant'Angelo has been used as a papal residence and a fortress, and more recently as a National Museum.

In AD 271, Emperor Aurelian took advantage of its position guarding the northern approaches to the city and incorporated it into his new system of walls surrounding the city. As a bastion, it protected the city from barbarian attacks, and by the Middle Ages had become a substantial fortress. In times of peril, popes fled here across a secret elevated corridor, the Passetto di Borgo , and stored their most precious riches in the castle's treasury.

Visitors reach the castle across a pedestrian bridge lined with statues of angels (by Bernini), and ascend to its five floors on a spiral ramp. At its various levels are prison cells, a large collection of weapons, and splendidly decorated papal apartments covered in Renaissance frescoes. At the top is a terrace with stunning views of the city.

Address: Lungotevere Castello 50, Rome

Across the Tiber River and off the most popular tourist routes, Trastevere feels like an earlier Rome, with its medieval lanes and narrow alleys . You'll find bits of Roman stonework in its old buildings, and occasional inscriptions that remind you that this was for three centuries the Jewish Ghetto, its gates closed and guarded at night.

Today it is a charming neighborhood with two outstanding churches that are rarely on tourist itineraries. In the third century, before Rome's Jewish population gravitated to this side of the river, Santa Maria in Trastevere was one of the first places where Christians could worship except in secret.

Renovated several times, the last in the Baroque period, the church interior is decorated with patterned marble floors, a gold-washed coffered ceiling, and exceptional medieval mosaics. Also with good mosaics, and a fine 13 th -century fresco, Santa Cecilia in Trastevere hides the foundations of a Roman home.

Author's Tip: It's no secret that Trastevere is a good place to find restaurants serving authentic Roman dishes, but you'll find them less crowded than those in the popular tourist areas.

Two palaces on Piazza del Campidoglio house Europe's oldest public collection of art, founded in 1471. Primarily devoted to sculptures from across the ancient world, the highlights of the Capitoline Museum treasures include the realistic Hellenistic bronze Boy with a Thorn ; Capitoline Venus , from a 4 th -century BC original by Praxiteles; a 4.24-meter-tall Roman equestrian statue of Marcus Aurelius; a Roman sculpture of the Dying Gaul ; and the Capitoline She-Wolf , an Etruscan work from the 6th century BC.

More "modern" sculptures include a head of Medusa, by the 17 th -century Baroque sculptor Gian Lorenzo Bernini. Although the Capitoline Museum is best known for its outstanding collection of classical sculptures, its Capitoline Picture Gallery exhibits paintings by Titian, Veronese, and Rubens, along with Caravaggio's compelling John the Baptist.

Address: Piazza del Campidoglio, Rome

Completed by Caracalla in 216, these were much more than public baths. They were a complete sports center, with hot and cold baths, a swimming pool, dry and steam saunas, gymnastics and sports facilities, social rooms, gardens, libraries, hairdressers, and shops.

The massive and imposing structure covered an area of 300 square meters, a complex of gigantic halls whose domes and vaulting were supported by huge columns and piers. It could accommodate 1,500 people at a time. The floors and walls were covered with marble, mosaics, and frescoes; even in ruin, their splendor is still evident.

Address: Via delle Terme di Caracalla 52, Rome

As you might expect for the episcopal church of the Pope, St. John Lateran is one of Rome's most impressive churches. After centuries of alterations, it still retains its original form from the age of Constantine, when it was built.

Its façade, by contrast, is a purely Baroque embellishment and a fine example of that period. Along with the mosaics in the apse, be sure to notice the beautiful 16th-century wooden ceiling. If the octagonal baptistery, San Giovanni in Fonte , looks a bit familiar, it's because it provided the model for later ones throughout Europe.

Built by Constantine, it is the world's oldest Christian baptistery. Across the piazza, in the church of the Scala Santa, is the Holy Staircase, 28 steps believed to have been brought to Rome in the fourth century by St. Helen, from Pilate's palace in Jerusalem.

The Catacombs of San Callisto (St. Calixtus) and San Sebastiano , both underground burial places in the Via Appia Antica, are extensive — the San Callista Catacomb fills an area of 300 by 400 meters — with intricate multi-layered networks of passages and chambers carved into the soft tufa. In addition to the tombs, St. Calixtus has six sacramental chapels, constructed between 290 and 310, with both pagan and early Christian wall paintings.

In the Papal Crypt are the tombs of most of the martyred Popes of the third century identified by Greek inscriptions. San Sebastiano, one of Rome's seven pilgrimage churches, was built in the fourth century on the site of old cemeteries and catacombs that, along with the foundations of a Constantinian basilica, can be explored.

Tomb chambers are on several levels with fine paintings, stucco decorations, and inscriptions dating to the first century AD. Although venerated remains are thought to have been brought here for safekeeping during persecutions, these were cemeteries, not hiding places for Christians.

A little west of the Via Appia Antica, not far from the catacombs of San Callisto, the Catacombs of Domitilla are the largest and among the most impressive in Rome, with 15 kilometers of underground chambers and passages and a complete subterranean basilica.

Dedicated to the martyred saints entombed there, Nereus and Achilleus, the basilica was a major pilgrimage destination until the Middle Ages. More than 80 painted tombs and a second-century fresco of The Last Supper survive in its galleries.

Outside the Porta San Sebastiano, the Arch of Drusus is near the beginning of the Via Appia Antica, one of the oldest and most important of the Roman highways, built around 300 BC and extended to the port of Brindisi about 190 BC.

Running parallel with the road are the ruins of some of the aqueducts that supplied the city with water, and among the cypresses along its sides are remains of tombs belonging to aristocratic Roman families. The most prominent of these is the first-century tomb of Caecilia Metella and her husband.

Address: Via Appia Antica, Rome

Rome's finest private collection of art is displayed in the magnificent Baroque galleries, state rooms, and chapel of the Palazzo Doria Pamphilj. Representing works by European masters from the 15 th through the 18 th centuries, the collections include paintings by Filippo Lippi, Brueghel the Elder, Correggio, and Raphael, along with major works by Caravaggio ( Rest in the Flight into Egypt) and Titian ( Salome with the Head of John the Baptist).

Velázquez's Portrait of Innocent X is one of the collection's highlights. Another image of the same Pope is a sculpture by Bernini. The palace itself almost outshines its contents, with frescoed ceilings and Baroque decoration; a good audio guide in English enlivens the tour. The gardens are beautiful, with an intricately patterned parterre with labyrinth elements.

Address: Via del Corso 305, Rome

One of Rome's oldest churches and with the city's most beautifully decorated apse, covered in mosaics of Old and New Testament scenes, San Clemente has a further fascination: the multiple layers of its history as each era built upon the last.

You can descend from the 12 th -century church into a previous church, a 4 th -century basilica with Romanesque frescoes of New Testament scenes. Below that are the excavated foundations of a Roman home from the 2 nd century AD, with a shrine to the sun god Mithra, with a carved relief on the altar. From the foundations of the house, you can walk on the ancient streets of this former Roman neighborhood.

But do take time to look around the upper church, to see the mosaics, the inlaid marble floors, and the early Renaissance frescoes by Masolino in the St. Catherine's Chapel.

Address: Via San Giovanni in Laterano 108, Rome

In July of 64 CE, a six-day fire destroyed almost three-fourths of the city. The cruel and unpopular emperor Nero took advantage of the cleared land to build a palace of unheard-of proportions, the Domus Aurea, or Golden House. Rooms were lined in rare marble and elaborately decorated in gold and precious stones.

The palace was never finished, and Nero's successors, attempting to erase all memory of the hated ruler and his reign, buried it, and Rome grew over it. Excavations continue to disclose more of its splendors, and you can tour the active archaeological site to see the halls and rooms that have been uncovered, some with excellent frescoes.

With the help of a video outlining the history and virtual reality technology that recreates the atrium and one hall , you can get a sense of what the palace looked like in Nero's time. Both are included in tours.

Tip: Even on the hottest days, bring something with long sleeves, as the underground excavations site is quite cold year-round.

Historical Note: Did Nero really fiddle while Rome burned? Although he took advantage of the destroyed city to build his extravagant villa, and there was disgruntled mumbling at the time that he had ordered the fire set to clear the land, no historical evidence or contemporary account mentions his playing any musical instrument.

Address: Via della Domus Aurea, Rome

Diocletian's baths were so enormous that today, they contain two churches, large parts of a Carthusian monastery and a major museum. Michelangelo used the vast tepidarium (hot baths) as the shell for his church of Santa Maria degli Angeli , and the Museo Nazionale Romano , Rome's National Museum, fills another section with treasures of antiquity: Greek and Roman sculpture, pre-Christian and later sarcophagi, and beautiful mosaics and frescoes.

The late-16th-century church of San Bernardo alle Terme was built in a rotunda at the corner of the baths; its dome is like that of the Pantheon, but only half its size.

While Rome's main tourist attractions don't exactly cluster, most of the major ones are within a 20- to 30-minute walk of each other, so several areas are convenient for sightseeing. The Monti neighborhood is perhaps the most central to the Forum, Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, and even the Spanish Steps and Borghese Gardens. Here are some highly rated hotels in Rome's best locations for sightseeing:

Luxury Hotels :

• Palazzo Manfredi - Relais & Chateaux is next to the Colosseum, and you can overlook it while enjoying breakfast in the rooftop restaurant.
• Boutique Hotel Campo de Fiori has a rooftop garden overlooking the colorful daily market in one of Rome's most traditional neighborhoods, near the Pantheon and an easy walk from Palatine Hill and the Vatican.
• Two blocks from the Colosseum, Hotel Capo d'Africa is in a neighborhood filled with small restaurants.

Mid-Range Hotels:

• The four-star Mercure Roma Centro Colosseo is an easy walk from the Colosseum, which you can see from the hotel's rooftop swimming pool and from some of the guest rooms.
• In Monti, close to both the Colosseum and Forum, Hotel Fori Imperiali Cavalieri is surrounded by restaurants and shopping.
• Opposite the Opera House in Monti, iQ Hotel Roma has a covered rooftop terrace and modern décor.

Budget Hotels:

• Amid restaurants and shops in Monti, between the Forum and opera house, Hotel Artorius is not adjacent to any major attractions, but lies within a 20- to 30-minute walk from the Forum, Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, Vittoriano, and museums.
• Also in the lively Monte neighborhood, and an easy walk from the Colosseum and other attractions of ancient Rome, Hotel Grifo offers a rooftop terrace and free breakfast.
• On the west bank of the Tiber, south of Vatican City, Trastevere is one of the city's most colorful neighborhoods. Although Trastevere has several small B&Bs, Cassiodoro is one of its few hotels, surrounded by traditional restaurants and shops.
• Sightseeing Tour by Bus : For maximum flexibility while you're seeing all the top attractions, sign up for the Rome Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Tour on an open-air double-decker bus. Accompanied by audio commentary, this convenient ticket covers all the top sights, with eight different stops, and you can hop on and off at your favorite attractions. You can choose a tour that's valid for either 24 or 48 hours and upgrade to packages that include time-saving skip-the-line admission to attractions like Palatine Hill, the Colosseum, and the Roman Forum.
• Segway Tour: Another way to see the top sights without worrying about navigating your way around the city is on the Rome Segway Tour . Included in this three-hour excursion are a brief orientation session, helmets, wet weather jackets (if needed), and audio commentary. Meet your guide near Piazza Venezia and see the sights of Ancient Rome, including the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and Circus Maximus, learning all about them as you zoom around the city.
• Gladiator Experience : If you've always wondered what it's like to brandish a sword like Spartacus, consider signing up for the Roman Gladiator School: Learn How to Become a Gladiator experience on the Appian Way, near the Colosseum. This two-hour private lesson is suitable for anyone aged six years and older and includes entrance to the Gladiator School of Rome Museum as well as clothing and weapon hire.
• Tivoli Day Trip : Organized tours are a great way to explore the attractions in the beautiful countryside around Rome. You can relax and let a professional guide do the work without the hassle of driving, finding your way, and parking. On the Tivoli Day Trips from Rome: Villa d'Este and Hadrian's Villa tour, you can explore two World Heritage-listed historic villas, built as vacation homes for the Roman elite, as well as their gorgeous gardens. The tour includes transportation in a comfortable coach, villa admission, and headsets so you can easily hear the guide.
• Pompeii Day Trip : Another popular excursion is the Pompeii Day Trip from Rome . On this full-day tour, you can hike to the crater of Mt. Vesuvius (in summer) or visit the National Archeological Museum of Pompeii (November 16 through March 31), as well as see the sights of Pompeii. Entrance fees and lunch are included.

Where to Go near Rome: When you have seen Rome's ancient sites, you'll want to explore some of the city's surroundings. The town of Tivoli lies 30 kilometers east of Rome, with Hadrian's Villa and one of the most beautiful gardens in Italy .

Places to Visit from Rome: In just over an hour by train, you can step into the exuberant street life of the vibrant city of Naples . From here, you are only a short ferry ride from the idyllic island of Capri , across the Bay of Naples. Or take a train the short distance to the ancient city of Pompeii , under the still smoldering cone of Mt. Vesuvius.

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A heady mix of haunting ruins, awe-inspiring art and vibrant street life, Italy's hot-blooded capital is one of the world's most romantic and charismatic cities.

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Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Vatican Museums

Vatican City, Borgo & Prati

Founded by Pope Julius II in the early 16th century and enlarged by successive pontiffs, the Vatican Museums boast one of the world's greatest art…

Ancient Rome

Everyone wants to see the Colosseum, and it doesn’t disappoint, especially if accompanied by tales of armored gladiators and hungry lions. More than any…

St Peter's Basilica

In the city of outstanding churches, none can hold a candle to St Peter's, Italy’s largest, richest and most spectacular basilica. Built atop a 4th…

Roman Forum

An impressive – if rather confusing – sprawl of ruins, the Roman Forum was ancient Rome's showpiece center, a grandiose district of temples...

Sandwiched between the Roman Forum and the Circo Massimo, the Palatino (Palatine Hill) is one of Rome's most spectacular sights. It's a beautiful,…

Capitoline Museums

Dating from 1471, the Capitoline Museums are the world's oldest public museums, with a fine collection of classical sculpture.

Centro Storico

With its revolutionary design, this awe-inspiring temple has served as an architectural blueprint for millennia.

Piazza Navona

With its showy fountains, baroque palazzi and colorful cast of street artists, hawkers and tourists, Piazza Navona is central Rome’s elegant showcase…

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Museo e Galleria Borghese

If you only have time for one art gallery in Rome, make it the Museo e Galleria Borghese.

Circo Massimo

Now a huge basin of dusty grass, Circo Massimo was ancient Rome’s largest chariot racetrack, a 250,000-seater capable of holding up to a quarter of the…

Villa Borghese

No one can resist the lure of Rome's most celebrated park, full of wooded glades, gardens and grassy banks.

Domus Aurea

Monti, Esquilino & San Lorenzo

Nero had his Domus Aurea constructed after the fire of AD 64 (which he is rumoured to have started to clear the area). Named after the gold that lined its…

Trevi Fountain

Tridente, Trevi & the Quirinale

Don't miss a visit to Rome's iconic Fontana di Trevi, or Trevi Fountain.

Via Appia Antica

Southern Rome

Via Appia Antica is a beautiful cobbled thoroughfare flanked by grassy fields, ancient Roman structures and towering pine trees.

Palazzo Colonna

The guided tours of this opulent palace are among the city's best, introducing visitors to the residence and art collection of the patrician Colonna…

24 free things to do in Rome

Jewish Ghetto

Visit the atmospheric Jewish Ghetto neighborhood for art studios, kosher food and Rome's main synagogue.

Piazza del Campidoglio

This hilltop piazza, designed by Michelangelo in 1538, is one of Rome's most beautiful squares. There are several approaches but the most dramatic is the…

Tempietto di Bramante & Chiesa di San Pietro in Montorio

Trastevere & Gianicolo

Bramante’s sublime tempietto (Little Temple) is a perfect surprise in the courtyard of the Chiesa di San Pietro in Montorio.

Chiesa di San Luigi dei Francesi

This opulent baroque church is home to a celebrated trio of Caravaggio paintings.

Pincio Hill Gardens

One of Rome's best viewpoints, Pincio Hill is worth the climb.

Chiesa di Santa Maria della Vittoria

This modest church is an unlikely setting for an extraordinary work of art – Bernini’s extravagant sculpture, the Ecstacy of St Teresa.

Arco degli Acetari

For one of Rome’s most picture-perfect scenes, head to this dark archway just off Campo de’ Fiori. The arch in itself isn’t especially memorable...

Giardino del Lago

Designed and laid out in the late 18th century, this leafy area is centred on a small, romantic lake where you can hire a rowing boat. The highlight,…

Cimitero Acattolico per gli Stranieri

San Giovanni & Testaccio

Despite the roads that surround it, Rome’s 'non-Catholic' cemetery is a verdant oasis of peace. An air of Grand Tour romance hangs over the site where up…

Campo de' Fiori

Il Campo is a major focus of Roman life: by day it hosts one of the city's best-known markets; by night, people come for its lively bars and restaurants.

Via Margutta

Visit the antique shops, commercial art galleries and artisanal boutiques of Via Margutta, one of Rome's prettiest pedestrian cobbled lanes.

Quartiere Coppedè

The compact Quartiere Coppedè, centering around the magnificent Piazza Mincio, is one of Rome's most extraordinary neighbourhoods. Conceived and built by…

Basilica di San Pietro in Vincoli

This 5th-century basilica draws pilgrims and art lovers to marvel at its treasures.

Explore monuments, fountains and gardens on the verdant hill of Gianicolo (or Janiculum).

Piazza di Spagna & the Spanish Steps

The Spanish Steps are the perfect place for some people watching and great views over Rome.

Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi

Piazza Navona's flamboyant centrepiece, Gian Lorenzo Bernini’s Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi is an ornate, showy work. Completed in 1651, it features a…

The most dramatic approach to Piazza del Campidoglio is via this graceful staircase from Piazza d'Aracoeli. Designed by Michelangelo, it was built with…

Villa del Priorato di Malta

Fronting an ornate cypress-shaded piazza, the Roman headquarters of the Sovereign Order of Malta, aka the Cavalieri di Malta (Knights of Malta), boasts…

Chiesa della Trinità dei Monti

Sitting in majesty above the Spanish Steps, this landmark church was commissioned by King Louis XII of France and consecrated in 1585. Apart from the…

Imperial Forums

The forums of Trajan, Augustus, Nerva and Caesar are known collectively as the Imperial Forums. They were largely buried when Mussolini bulldozed Via dei…

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Rome and beyond

101 Fantastic Things To Do In Rome

There are so many things to do in Rome that a lifetime would barely be enough to explore it all. We drew the most complete and detailed Rome bucket list you can find online including several sections to help you navigate and choose what type of trip you want to plan.

So we have the things to do for first-time visitors, what to see in Rome if it’s not your first trip, secret spots to discover, the best churches often lesser-known and also what to do in Rome if you are a food lover.

This is meant to be an exhaustive list of Rome’s highlights that we continually update, but if you are spending only three days in Rome , you will need to narrow down your options depending on the area you want to visit, your preferences, whether you like art, history or go on a foodie jaunt.

Of course, if you can stay longer, all the better. We have included so many places to visit that even if you have a week in Rome , you will never get bored and run out of things to do. Our list includes something for everybody, whether it’s your first trip to Rome, or second, or your fifth. Enjoy the ride and start planning!

Table of Contents

Unmissable things to do in Rome for first-time visitors

Impossible not to include it in your Italy itinerary , especially if it’s your first time in the country, Rome has something for everyone. Whether you are into ancient history, Renaissance aesthetics, contemporary art, or even industrial archaeology, rest assured that in Rome, you will have a great time.

See the Colosseum, one of the first places to visit in Rome

An iconic symbol of the city, no first trip to Rome is complete without a stop at the Colosseum . Flavium Amphitheatre was one of the main places where Romans spent their leisure time. Shows where gladiators fought with other gladiators or wild animals were some of the favorites in ancient Rome.

Today you can visit the Colosseum by yourself or, if you want to access also the arena and the dungeons, you can do so only by booking a private tour .

Walk around the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, one of the must-see places in Rome

With the same ticket to the Colosseum valid for two days, you can also access the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. This is the heart of the ancient city of Rome. You will see where public life took place, important temples, markets, emperors’ villas, and the altar where Julius Ceasar was cremated.

The Forum is very big and there are many things to see, so if you want to visit the most important places, book a tour to be sure you don’t skip any.

Discover the Domus Aurea

The urban villa was built by Emperor Nero after the fire that devastated Rome in 64 AD and was destroyed after Nero’s death to give back the land to the Roman people. After years of digging and renovation work, today we can visit the surviving areas, which reveal the opulence and luxury Nero lived with.

With gardens, pavilions for feasts and relaxation, woods, vineyards, and a little lake, the villa occupied a huge part of today’s city center, including the Palatine Hill, part of the Esquilino Hill, and where now is the Colosseum.

Walk along the Imperial Fora

Started by Julius Caesar in 46 BC, it was the center of political life. It was built in about 150 years and shows the fora of several emperors including Augustus and Trajan, as well as several pagan Roman temples.

This is one of those places where you will almost certainly end up walking past even if you are staying for only one day in Rome as it’s the long road that goes from Piazza Venezia to the Colosseum.

Check out the best hotels near the Colosseum to start bright and early in the morning!

The Baths of Caracalla among the best things to see in Rome

The Caracalla Baths are one of the most beautiful tourist attractions in Rome. A large complex of ancient thermal baths, you can see the mosaic floor, the structure where the different areas were organized as well as the original statues and decorations. In summer, the Baths of Caracalla are used for opera shows.

Visit the Circus Maximus

With a size of 600 mt in length and 140 mt wide, the Circus Maximus was the largest building devoted to public shows. Here they used to run competitions with the biga chariots and now it’s an archaeological area possible to visit. It’s also often used for concerts (always for New Year’s Eve) and cultural events like Rome’s birthday on April 21st. Check out the official website for more info.

St. Peter’s Basilica one of the most popular Rome tourist attractions

Built on the site of Caligula’s Circus, the basilica we see today is not the original, which was much bigger. Later expanded by Nero, the ancient Roman circus is where Saint Peter was martyred. Today you can see his tomb by booking your entrance to the necropolis underneath the church.

Packed with amazing artwork, some of the most important things to see inside St. Peter’s Basilica are Michelangelo’s statue La Pietà, the dome (cupola) and the Baroque-style St. Peter’s Baldachin.

Visit the Vatican Museums

Among the unmissable things to see in Rome are the Vatican Museums. A large gallery displaying some seven centuries of artwork donated by world leaders or commissioned by the popes, some of the most important parts are the Sistine Chapel, Raphael’s Rooms, the Gallery of the Tapestries, of the Maps, and of the Candelabra.

TIP: Want to make the most out of your visit and avoid the crowds? Check out some of the best tours to the Vatican Museums: Pristine Sistine Early Entrance and Night Tour with Sistine Chapel .

Explore more of the Vatican City

To make your first trip to Rome complete, do devote at least one day to the Vatican City . Here there are many things to see, and if you want to explore it all, one day is not enough. However, you will still need to start somewhere. If you have more time than just visiting St. Peter’s Square and Basilica and the Vatican Museums, there are so many more places to see in the Vatican . To delve deeper, you can explore the Vatican Gardens and the Roman cemetery below the Basilica .

TIP: To skip the lines in the Vatican’s attractions such as St. Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican Museums, the only way is to book a private Vatican tour .

Climb the Spanish Steps, one of the most famous Rome attractions

Taken as a bench to sit, eat and drink by many, the Spanish Steps is actually an important historical Roman landmark and one of the top Rome attractions.

Built between 1723 and 1726 from a project by Roman architect Francesco De Sanctis, they lead to the Trinità dei Monti church on top of the stairs. While on the bottom, Piazza di Spagna, you can see the beautiful Barcaccia fountain by Pietro Bernini (Gian Lorenzo’s father), and a huge array of exclusive and expensive boutique stores.

Visit the Pantheon, one of the first places to visit in Rome

Temple devoted to all gods, the Pantheon is a true masterpiece of ancient architecture impossible not to include in your Rome bucket list.

Founded by Marco Vipsanio Agrippa in 27 BC, it was rebuilt between 120 and 124 AD during the rule of Emperor Augustus after a fire damaged the original construction. Its famous cupola, with a hole in the middle to allow the light in, is still now one of the biggest in the world.

Piazza Navona, one of the top Rome tourist attractions

One of the most famous squares and Rome highlights, Piazza Navona has the elliptical shape of the Domitian Stadium on top of which it was built. In the middle is one of the most beautiful fountains in Rome, the Four Rivers Fountain by architect Gian Lorenzo Bernini, standing in front of Sant’Agnese in Agone church by Francesco Borromini.

Campo de’ Fiori, one of the main things to do in Rome

Home to a daily morning market, Piazza Campo de’ Fiori is one of the most famous Rome tourist attractions popular day and night. In the middle of the square is the tall statue of Giordano Bruno, the Dominican friar burnt at the stake early 17th century. All around the piazza are bars, restaurants, bakeries, and shops.

Largo Argentina

This is where Julius Ceasar was killed and now there is one of Rome’s largest and most famous cat colonies. Visit this ancient sacred area and explore one of the most underestimated tourist attractions in Rome. This is such as busy and central hub that whether you are staying 2 days in Rome or one week , chances are you are going to visit or even only walk across Largo Argentina more than once.

Discover the Hadrian Mausoleum

Built as the funerary mausoleum of emperor Hadrian, Castel Sant’Angelo has served several purposes throughout the centuries. From residence to papal stronghold to prison, it’s one of those Rome attractions that are impossible to miss.

Explore the Jewish Quarter

A stone’s throw from Largo Argentina is the Jewish Quarter. While you will probably end up here for its many great restaurants, it’s also worth wandering around its alleys, seeing the Turtle Fountain and the archaeological site of the Portico di Ottavia , a porch built under the rule of Augustus and devoted to his sister Ottavia.

Definitely one of the top things to do in Rome, whether it’s summer or winter, is to enjoy an artisan gelato. Romans have become very demanding when it comes to gelato, and my suggestion is to prefer all-natural, authentic artisan gelaterias. How to tell them apart from fake, low-quality products? Read everything in my complete guide to the best gelato in Rome .

Wander around Trastevere, one of the places to see in Rome for food and trendy nightlife

One of the most famous Rome neighborhoods among tourists, gentrified Trastevere was once the place of the working class. Narrow alleys, quaint shops and restaurants (some traditional many touristy), lovely piazzas. Here, don’t miss Santa Maria in Trastevere Basilica, Santa Cecilia Basilica and Villa Farnesina.

Santa Maria in Trastevere Basilica

Possibly the most famous basilica in the Trastevere neighborhood, Santa Maria in Trastevere is thought to be the oldest official Catholic church in Rome, and for sure the first one officially devoted to the Holy Mary. On its outside facade, you can admire beautiful mosaics.

Santa Cecilia in Trastevere Basilica

This is not just a church. Like many other places to see in Rome, the undergrounds of Santa Cecilia in Trastevere Basilica hide another world. Once you visit the modern church, go down to see the gorgeous crypt and down again to visit an ancient Roman domus and insula.

Visit the Tiber Island, what to do in Rome for history and food

An ancient man-made island in the middle of the Tiber river in Rome city center, the ship-shaped Isola Tiberina is one of the top places to visit in Rome for first-timers. You can get to the Tiber island on foot from either Trastevere or the Jewish Ghetto. Today is home to the San Bartolomeo church, the 16th-century hospital Fatebenefratelli and several bars and restaurants. In summer, it becomes the island of the cinema, a popular hangout to watch movies outdoors.

Walk across Rome’s oldest bridge

What to do in Rome if, like me, stepping over ancient history excites you. Ponte Fabricio bridge connects the Jewish Ghetto right from in front of Rome’s synagogue to the Tiber island. Built in 62 BC by street keeper Lucius Fabricius, it’s Rome’s oldest operative bridge that kept its original structure.

Explore Rome’s history at the Capitoline Museums

This is Rome’s main museum, where you will discover the history of the city, how it was founded, both myth and reality. Displaying a rich collection of artwork from ancient Roman times, there is also a fascinating section on Etruscan art and daily life.

Throw a coin in the Trevi Fountain

Hands-off the most impressive among Rome’s many fountains, this Baroque masterpiece stands in all its huge glory and has been the setting of movies, videos, countless pictures and also polemics when people just can’t resist and take a dip in its waters. Do you want to be sure to come back to Rome? Throw a coin backward in the Trevi Fountain and you will.

Take a picture of Piazza Venezia and Vittoriano Complex

The Vittoriano Complex is the national monument in Piazza Venezia named after the first king of unified Italy, Vittorio Emanuele II. It hosts the permanent exhibition devoted to the Italian Risorgimento , a term indicating the series of wars, battles, intrigues, and clashes that ended with the unification of the country under one rule, Piedmont’s Savoia royal dynasty.

Also called “Homeland Altar”, it was built between 1885 and 1911 and since 1923 it hosts the body of the “Unknown Soldier”. Today they often organize several exhibitions on different topics, be it social, cultural, or historic.

Test yourself at the Mouth of Truth

This is a big sculpture with a man’s face located in the courtyard of Santa Maria in Cosmedin church. Probably an ancient manhole, it became one of the top things to do in Rome because of the movie Roman Holiday starring Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck and the legend according to which the mouth would bite the hand of those who don’t speak the truth.

Saint John Lateran Basilica

The most important among the papal basilicas, Saint John in Lateran is one of the top places to see in Rome. The first official Catholic, it’s Rome’s cathedral and where the pope exerts his duties as the city’s bishop. Located in the Caelian Hill on the land of the Lateran Roman family, it was confiscated by Nero because of a conspiracy against him. Of stunning beauty and rich in artwork, it’s one of Rome points of interest whether you are religious or not.

Go underground in San Clemente Basilica

One of the best places to visit in Rome to travel through the historical layers of the city. San Clemente Basilica, near the Colosseum, includes a medieval church on modern street level, an early-Christian basilica underneath, and a Mithraic temple and school as well as the Roman mint in the lowest underground level.

Take a peek through the keyhole of Knights of Malta headquarters

This is one of the most famous pictures of Rome. Watching from the keyhole of the Knights of Malta headquarters on the Aventine Hill is one of the fun things to do in Rome. It used to be a hidden gem, but now it’s very popular and you will likely find a bit of a queue. Nevertheless, the view is worth the wait.

Explore the Aventine Hill

Romantic and incredibly rich in history, Aventine Hill is a treasure trove of places to visit in Rome. The early-Christian Santa Sabina Basilica, the old Santa Prisca Basilica with a Mithra temple in its underground, and the orange-scented Parco Savello, better known as the Garden of the Oranges, are all sights that will keep you busy for a good morning or even the whole day.

Marvel at three Caravaggio paintings at San Luigi dei Francesi

This church is located between Piazza Navona and the Pantheon and it’s worth visiting even only for the being home to three of the Caravaggio paintings in Rome : The Calling of St Matthew (on the left wall), The Inspiration of Saint Matthew (above the altar), and The Martyrdom of Saint Matthew (on the right wall).

Apart from Saint Louis of the French church, you can find some of his most famous masterpieces in Palazzo Barberini, Galleria Borghese, Galleria Doria Pamphilj, Sant’Agostino Basilica, and the beautiful Santa Maria del Popolo Basilica.

Enjoy the view from the Janiculum Hill

The Janiculum Hill is a favorite spot for a scenic walk surrounded by nature and art. A perfect place to take a break from the city traffic, here you can visit the Aqua Paola Fountain, San Pietro in Mntorio church and see the monument devoted to Garibaldi, active military leader during the battles that brought the Italian unification.

Palazzo Quirinale, what to visit in Rome to combine art and institutions

In the Palace of the President of the Italian Republic, it’s possible to visit the Quirinale palace only by booking at least five days in advance through the official website . Former papal residence, it’s located in the Quirinale Hill and enshrines a huge wealth of artwork.

Take a stroll in Villa Borghese Park

One of the largest and possibly the most famous among Rome’s urban parks, the gorgeous Villa Borghese was the residence of the powerful Borghese family. A green oasis in the city center, it’s packed with attractions and landmarks to visit such as the Galleria Borghese museum (not free entrance), the Lake Garden, several temples, and the beautiful Orangery area. You can also book a Villa Borghese bike tour to visit more of this huge park.

TIP: Make the most of your visit to the park with an expert tour to the Borghese Gallery to view the masterpieces of artists like Caravaggio, Bernini, Raffaello and Canova.

Just like gelato, enjoying a great pizza is one of the best things to do in Rome. By the slice, by the pie, as street food or comfortably sitting for dinner. Napoli-style or Roman pinsa, if you are looking for pizza in Rome you can find just about everything.

Take a food tour

The best way to explore Roman cuisine, its traditional dishes and try great restaurants, especially if it’s your first time in the city, it’s with a Rome food tour , such as Taste of Testaccio or Twilight Trastevere with Eating Europe. There are so many food tours of Rome that you will be spoilt for choice.

We recently took a fantastic food tour in Testaccio with Devour Tours and we had plenty of tastings from breakfast all the way to lunch stopping at Mercato Testaccio for scrumptious nibbles.

Try the best historic restaurants

If you are into tradition, some of the top historic restaurants to try in Rome are by all means Armando Al Pantheon , close to the Pantheon, and Felice a Testaccio , both famous for their tonnarelli cacio e pepe pasta and other traditional Roman dishes . Some other names? Checchino dal 1887 and Cesare al Casaletto .

Learn to make pasta and pizza

We all love Rome food, but what if we want to make pasta and pizza for our friends and family back home? Easy, take one of the many pasta-making or pizza-making food tours and you will learn the basics for creating your own delicious dishes.

There are many cooking classes in Rome where you can learn how to make some of the most famous Roman and Italian dishes for your friends and family back home. We recently took a fantastic pasta-making class with Devour Tours and learned to make egg-based fettuccine and a hearty amatriciana sauce from scratch.

Go for a coffee Italian-style

So you are in Italy and want a coffee . Keep in mind that if you simply ask for a coffee ( un caffè, per favore! ), they will deliver a short espresso shot, because this is what Italians expect.

If you ask for a “long coffee” ( un caffè lungo ), you will have the same single espresso with a bit more water in it. If you want the huge cup American style you should just order that, an American coffee ( un caffè americano ), so the barista will understand.

A tip? Have on the counter to pay the basic fee. If you grab a table they can charge whatever is their fee.

Go for an aperitif

Aperitif in Rome is a pre-dinner meal, but since the formula is often 10/15 euro for a drink and unlimited buffet starting from 6.30 pm until around 8 pm, you can totally take it for an early dinner.

Go for a street food tour

Pizza by the slice, supplì, cured meat, gelato, or the famous Trapizzino . Try some of Rome’s street food delicacies in its famous central neighborhoods such as the Jewish Ghetto, Campo de’ Fiori, or Prati area. The best way to do that? With a street food tour led by a local expert , of course.

Enjoy Rome city center by segway…

Explore the city center by segway to see as much as you can without getting tired on board of your segway. I’ve been seeing groups of segway always more often in Rome. If you are short on time and still don’t want to miss the main landmarks, this is a great and eco-friendly way to do it. Click here for more info and the price .

…Or by electric bike

Comfortable, eco-friendly, and time-efficient, you can either rent an electric bike to tour around the top things to see in Rome by yourself or book one of the many tours with a local guide.

Some of the best electric bike tours? An e-bike tour around Rome’s tourist attractions or a tour by night around the best places to see in Rome at twilight. If you are into more hidden gems and less touristy areas, book a fascinating bike tour of the ancient Appian Way with its aqueducts and catacombs.

What to do in Rome if you have already seen the most famous landmarks

Discover ancient roman aqueducts.

The ancient aqueducts are possibly the architectural and engineering feat Rome is most famous for . While many have been destroyed by the vandals and during the several sacks of Rome, we can still see and appreciate great vestiges from these important pipelines.

Some of the best places to see the ruins of ancient aqueducts are Parco degli Acquedotti in the Appian Way south of Rome and Porta Maggiore in the Esquilino neighborhood where many of these pipelines meet.

The ruins of the important Aqua Virgo aqueduct that supplies water to the Trevi Fountain can be seen in a few places around the fountain. These include Vicus Caprarius where is the cistern and the undergrounds of La Rinascente shopping mall in Via del Tritone where multimedia installations explain everything about the ruins and the neighborhood.

Villa Farnesina with Raphael’s frescoes

If you are still wondering what to do in Rome, located in Trastevere is Villa Farnesina, a historical villa today seat of the prestigious Accademia Nazionale dei Lincei. A former noble residence, you can visit Villa Farnesina for the wonderful frescoes by great Italian artists, the most famous of which is Raphael. Check out their website for more info.

Go on a foodie adventure

If you have already tried Romand traditional dishes and want something lighter to your digestive system without giving up on taste, go on a foodie adventure. Rome is a fantastic city for foodies, with new restaurants springing up literally every day. Around the city, you will find anything you are looking for, no matter what are your preferences or dietary needs.

Are you vegan? Rome offers a great choice of wonderful vegan and vegetarian restaurants. Do you want to try traditional dishes prepared with a contemporary twist? Do you like the casual atmosphere of a bistro? Rome has something for every palate.

St. Paul Outside the Walls

Located in the Garbatella neighborhood close to Ostiense, the huge St. Paul Outside the Walls Basilica gets fewer visitors than it would deserve. Imposing both outside and inside, here is kept the tomb of Saint Paul. In the underground, you can visit a great Roman archaeological site from the oldest complex dating back to the 5th century.

Centrale Montemartini

This is one of the best things to do in Rome if you have already visited the main museums and are looking for more offbeat attractions. The former main power plant in the city, Centrale Montemartini in the Ostiense neighborhood has been turned into a fascinating museum where the machinery that was used to produce electricity stands side by side with ancient Roman statues, mosaics, sarcophagi, and tools.

Museo Nazionale Romano

After the Musei Capitolini, this is the most important museum and one of the best places to visit in Rome to dig deep into its imperial times, art, and history. Located near Termini Station in the Diocletian Baths, it displays a huge collection of objects, tools, and artwork from Ancient Rome.

Palazzo-Galleria Doria Pamphilj, one of the best places to see in Rome to soak in centuries of art

The gorgeous residence of the Doria Pamphilj noble family is a true treasure trove of artwork, majestic beauty, and history of the Roman aristocracy. Conveniently located in Via del Corso, it’s easy to reach and one of the best things to do in Rome to soak in art, luxury, and history.

Rome’s Rose Garden (Roseto Comunale)

Open only for a couple of months a year in Spring, the Roseto Comunale is located between the Circus Maximus and the foot of the Aventine Hill. When it’s in its full blossoming, with its thousands of rose species it makes for a truly heady and scented walk near Rome city center.

See an optical illusion of St. Peter’s dome

It only happens in Via Piccolomini, off Via Aurelia Antica. As soon as you enter, you will find a giant St. Peter’s dome right in front of you. Keep walking and you will notice that the closer you get, the smaller the dome will become.

Go to the Opera

At Rome’s Teatro dell’Opera you can enjoy operas and ballets from the most famous musicians, such as Mozart, Giuseppe Verdi, Giacomo Puccini, Tchaikovsky, Georges Bizet, and more. Check out their official website for more info on shows and the current season.

Quartiere Coppedè

One of the hidden gems in Rome is the quirky Quartiere Coppedè in the Trieste neighborhood. This Liberty-style quarter was designed by visionary Gino Coppedè and shows clear influences from Roman and Greek mythology, shapes of animals, monsters, and fairy tales. You won’t even feel you are in Rome.

Visit the wonderful Sant’Agnese Fuori le Mura complex

Not far from Quartiere Coppedè, in the elegant Nomentano neighborhood is a beautiful religious and historical landmark from the 4th century that shows that the art and history in Rome are not limited to inside the Aurelian Walls.

The complex of Sant’Agnese Fuori Le Mura (outside the walls) is worth your time out of the historic center because it includes early-Christian catacombs, the ruins of an ancient Basilica, a more modern church, and the Mausoleum of Santa Costanza, the daughter of emperor Constantine the Great, with the ceiling coated with wonderful mosaics.

John Keats’ House

Located in Piazza di Spagna on the right corner of the Spanish Steps, here is where English poet John Keats spent his last months before dying of tuberculosis at the age of 25. Today his house is a museum that displays sculptures, paintings, objects, and manuscripts of important English intellectuals like Keats, Shelley, and Lord Byron.

Protestant Cemetery

A collection of beautiful statues, Rome’s Non-Catholic Cemetery in the Testaccio area hosts the tombs of many notables like Italian politician and philosopher Antonio Gramsci, Italian writer Andrea Camilleri, and English poet John Keats among others.

Explore Rome underground

One of the most fascinating things to do in Rome is to explore the many layers of the city. Underneath modern churches, you can find early-Christian basilicas, ancient Roman houses, and Mithra temples. Underneath Piazza Navona, you can visit the ruins of Domitian Stadium. Thankfully there are many Rome underground guided tours that show you and explain these hidden sites.

Do a catacombs tour, one of the best things to do in Rome for history lovers

One of the best things to do in Rome if you are after a history and cultural holiday is a catacombs tour. There are so many catacombs in different parts of the city that it’s difficult to visit them all. Some of the most famous are the ones in the ancient Appian Way St. Callixtus and St. Domitilla, the ones in Villa Ada park of Priscilla, and the ones of St. Sebastian. Check out Take Walks underground tour to Rome’s catacombs and crypts .

Discover the Trajan’s Markets

Unlike the name might suggest, Trajan’s Markets were probably not markets as we intend them today. This complex of buildings was adjacent to the Roman Forum and especially linked to the Trajan Forum.

It consisted of different areas, some areas where political “forum” activities took place, others where they managed administrative duties. Located in Via Quattro Novembre, today you can visit the archaeological area, the Museum of the Imperial Fora, and always different temporary exhibitions.

Santa Maria della Scala ancient pharmacy

Located in the trendy and very touristy Trastevere neighborhood is a beautiful hidden gem. The ancient pharmacy of Santa Maria della Scala was founded in the 16th century. Here, the Discalced Carmelite friars create potions, oils, and remedies until 1954. Today it’s open to the public but you need to book.

Visit Rome food markets

There are so many food markets in Rome that during your sightseeing you are most likely to stumble on one or more of them. Some of my favorites? Mercato Testaccio, Mercato Trionfale in Via Andrea Doria, the daily market in Campo de’ Fiori, even though quite touristy, and the smaller farmers’ market in Piazza San Cosimato in Trastevere.

Explore Rome’s street art

There are several neighborhoods spruced up and made colorful by local and international street artists. Some of these are Ostiense , Quadraro and Tor Marancia. Also look for Popstairs, a project by Roman street artist Diavù who painted the face of famous Italian and European actresses on stairwells around Rome. Here is something cool and free to do in Rome .

Visit the Botanic Garden

A magical place between Trastevere and Janiculum Hill, the Botanic Garden is managed by La Sapienza university. Hosting plants from all over the world and areas such as the Japanese garden, the tropical greenhouse and the Mediterranean wood, it’s one of the most fascinating things to see in Rome.

Villa Doria Pamphilj

The beautiful summer residence of the Pamphilj family, here you can walk, do jogging, use the gym equipment to do some exercise, rent a bike, take your kids to the playground, and have a nice casual lunch in the local bistro.

They often organize cultural events such as the Oriental Festival, the Yoga Festival and more. This is among the Rome activities your kids will love also because there is the lovely Vivi Bistrot where you can order a picnic and spend a whole day relaxing, jogging, and having fun.

Enter a movie set in Cinecittà

Many movies have been shot in Cinecittà, south Rome, and not only Italian ones. I even visited the set of Martin Scorsese’s Gangs of New York. Obviously, in Cinecittà cinema studios, you will see documents, pictures, objects and memorabilia related mainly to Italian movie production with big names like Fellini, Zeffirelli, Luchino Visconti and actors like Totò and Claudia Cardinale. But also other international names, especially actors who have worked here like Elizabeth Taylor, Richard Burton. Check the official website to know how to visit.

Take a day trip

There are many day trips you can take from Rome . Starting from the medieval towns of Viterbo and Bracciano to the Castelli Romani, in towns like Castel Gandolfo and Rocca di Papa, you can either go by public transport or book a guided tour.

Not to miss if you have the time is a day in Tivoli , home to two UNESCO sites, the Villa of Hadrian and the Villa d’Este.

A little farther but still possible to do in one day is visit Terni and its beautiful Cascate delle Marmore waterfalls.

If you are going around to explore the surroundings, here are some cool road trip games for couples .

Explore Rome’s most international neighborhood

Walking around the Esquilino area next to Termini station you will feel anywhere but Rome. From the Esquilino market selling anything international, from food to clothes, to international restaurants and fast foods to shops displaying products from literally every corner of the planet, here you can find pretty much anything. Afghan jewelry, Chinese tea sets, and blends, Caribbean foods, Indian/Pakistani restaurants. You name it, you will find it.

See the biggest park of Ancient Rome

Unfortunately today you can only see a small piece because without prior booking a private tour because it’s private property, but Horti Sallustiani (Piazza Sallustio 21) was the largest park of ancient Rome. Once a lush garden populated by fountains, thermal baths and temples devoted to nymphs, Horti Sallustiani was a favorite place for Roman leaders such as Julius Ceasar and Vespasian and it’s where emperor Nerva died.

Go to the beach

This is probably best in summer, but also Spring is a nice season for a walk on the beach. You will get to the coast better if you rent a car but some are possible to reach also with public transport, either train or coach. Some of the favorite beaches near Rome? Fregene, Ostia Lido, Fiumicino, Ladispoli, Torvaianica and, a bit further away, Circeo, Sperlonga, Sabaudia and Anzio.

See the Roman town of Ostia Antica

Very easy to reach with a train ride from Ostiense/Porta San Paolo and with a single Atac ticket of 1.50 euro, Ostia Antica is a great sight to include in your Rome sightseeing. An important Roman city for trades and commerce, several diggings have been done recently that brought about new discoveries, including the fact that the city was much bigger even than the famous Pompeii.

Quirky and more unusual things to see in Rome

One of the truly unusual places to see in Rome, the magic door in Piazza Vittorio bears a mysterious past. Also called Porta Alchemica, “Alchemical Door,” it was built in the 17th century by a nobleman who got close to the world of alchemy and science. According to the legend, the mysterious inscriptions decorating the door are the formula to turn a plant into gold. This is definitely what to see in Rome if you are into esoteric history and culture.

Capuchins’ Crypt

The Capuchin Friars’ Crypt displays the bones of some 4,000 friars who died between 1528 and 1870 and is located in the undergrounds of Santa Maria della Concezione church in Via Veneto.

Along with bones, you can also see some mummified friars as well as the skeletons of three nephews of Pope Urbano VIII and Princess Barberini who died very young.

Casina delle Civette (House of the Owls) in Villa Torlonia

Casina delle Civette , “House of the Owls,” earned its moniker for the presence of two owls on the glass window at the entrance and the obsessive recurring of owl-themed decorations. Worth visiting both inside and outside.

Explore more of Villa Torlonia Park

The Roman residence of Fascist leader Benito Mussolini, Villa Torlonia is a relatively small but lovely park in the Nomentano area. You can have a nice walk and visit the Casino Nobile , where Mussolini lived and where he built his bunker for extra security, that today you can visit with a guided tour. Enter the Casino Nobile mansion also for its antiques and neo-classic and contemporary artwork.

Play and learn at the Museum of Light

The games of lights and shades, colorful reflections, optical illusions, and playful mirrors and shadows of the Museum of Light are only some of the things to do in Rome whether you are traveling with your family or in a group of friends.

Located in the city center next to Piazza Venezia, it’s easy to reach and fantastic to keep the whole family entertained for a couple of hours.

Try Rome’s foreign restaurants

Rome offers also a great choice of foreign restaurants. Chinese, Indian, Ethiopian, Japanese, Lebanese , French, Vietnamese, or Persian if you want to give Roman food a break, you can explore the new flavors found aplenty in the city.

Visit MACRO Museum

Located in Via Nizza in the Salario quarter, MACRO is Rome’s museum of contemporary art. Exhibitions, workshops, seminars and events of all kinds are organized here, so if you are a fan of contemporary artistic expressions, this is one of the Rome activities you will love.

Walk along the beautiful Galleria Sciarra

This is one of the unique places to visit in Rome’s city center. A Liberty-style covered gallery near the Trevi Fountain (entrance through Via Marco Minghetti) built at the end of the 19th century. Decorated with a main woman-focused theme, this is a private courtyard but open to the public during office hours.

See the relics of Rome’s industrial archaeology

Take a stroll around the Ostiense neighborhood and discover the relics of Rome’s industrial archaeology starting from the huge gasometer, carrying on to places like the old warehouse and the former main power plant in Centrale Montemartini museum.

See the Fascist Lots in the traditional Garbatella neighborhood

Garbatella is next to Ostiense and was created during the Fascist rule. Inspired by the English urban planning idea of “garden cities” of Ebenezer Howard as a response to the need for sprawling cities for a better quality of life, take a walk around Garbatella Lots and explore a truly traditional Roman neighborhood.

Visit the square Colosseum

For sure one of the unique things to do in Rome is a visit to the Palace of Italian Civilisation, called by the locals “square Colosseum” ( Colosseo quadrato ) for its resemblance to the more famous landmark and its square shape. Located in the modern EUR neighborhood, it was inaugurated in 1940 under Mussolini’s rule. Managed by the Fendi family, its ground floor is now devoted to a permanent exhibition showing the excellence of Italian craftsmanship and creativity.

Get your sweetness overload at a cat colony

There are several cat sanctuaries in Rome, where our furry friends live and are taken care of. The largest is the one at the monumental cemetery of the Verano, but probably the easiest to reach are the one at Largo Argentina and the one living around the Pyramid in the Testaccio neighborhood . The beautiful cats are used to people and don’t mind posing for a nice photo.

See Rubens’ powered painting

The large painting by Flemish artist Rubens is located on the main altar of Chiesa Nuova Church (Piazza della Chiesa Nuova 1) and features a Madonna that disappears once a week. This is a motor-powered painting and if you want to see the Virgin Mary disappearing, you need to go on Saturday when the priest activates the device at the end of the afternoon function.

Be amazed at the anamorphoses of Trinità dei Monti

One of the unique places to visit in Rome is inside Trinità dei Monti church on top of the Spanish Steps. Along a corridor of the convent, the walls are decorated with anamorphic frescoes that change depending on your position. So the more you walk, the more images you will see. It’s open to the public but visits must be booked. Check their website for more info.

Visit the Museum of the Souls in Purgatory, one of the unusual things to see in Rome

In the sacristy of the Gothic-style Sacro Cuore del Suffragio church near Piazza Cavour (Lungotevere Prati 12) is a one-of-a-kind museum. One of the unusual things to do in Rome, here on display is a collection of documents and evidence that would prove the existence of Purgatory and signs from the souls of the deceased.

Visit the dolls’ hospital, one of the unique things to do in Rome

The owner of this quirky and slightly creepy workshop is quite grumpy and unless you have a doll to treat, you can’t enter. This is a true dolls’ hospital and even though you can only view it from the outside, its very central location in Via Ripetta makes it very easy to visit.

Visit San Pietro in Vincoli

Much less visited than many other famous churches, San Pietro in Vincoli Basilica is located in its namesake piazza in the Monti neighborhood. Alongside the chains that held Saint Peter prisoner in Rome and Jerusalem, here you can also see the beautiful Moses sculpture by Michelangelo.

Explore Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica

This important church is one of the four papal basilicas. Located in the Esquilino neighborhood, it’s the only one that kept its early-Christian structure. It’s decorated with beautiful mosaics and you can also visit the undergrounds (booking required, more info on the Vatican website ).

TIP: To know more about this important worship place in Rome, you can book a full tour of Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica .

Admire the mosaics of Santa Prassede Basilica

The church of Santa Prassede is located in the Esquilino neighborhood. As history goes, St. Pudenziana was martyred together with her sister St. Prassede because they were giving a Christian burial to the martyrs in the land of their father, a Roman senator. The apse of this church is decorated with beautiful mosaics .

Duck into Santa Pudenziana Basilica

A very old Christian church, Pudenziana was Prassede’s sister. Here you can see both stunning mosaics and also go underground from the garden to visit a two-story insula and an ancient thermal bath. This church, too, is in the Esquilino area not far from Santa Prassede and Santa Maria Maggiore.

Visit Santi Cosma and Damiano Basilica for great mosaics

This is also a church famous for its mosaics, and even though located a stone’s throw from the Colosseum, it’s pretty unknown. Built in the 6th century on the site of former pagan temples, it can be easily accessed from Via dei Fori Imperiali.

Duck into Santa Maria Sopra Minerva Basilica

Close to the Pantheon, in this church, the remains of St. Catherine of Siena and the Italian painter Beato Angelico are kept. One of the few Gothic-style churches in Rome, it was built in the 13th century on the site of three pagan temples. While it’s not too big, it has a great deal of artwork by names of the likes of Michelangelo, Bernini and Filippino Lippi.

Admire a 3D fresco in Sant’Ignazio di Loyola Church

For sure there’s no lack of churches in Rome, but Sant’Ignazio di Loyola is not your average Catholic temple. At the moment of construction, in the 17th century, the money ran out, so the originally planned dome couldn’t be properly built anymore.

But thankfully, the talent and creativity of artist-priest Andrea Pozzo made up for the lack of funds. Thanks to a finely conceived perspective, you will have the impression of looking at a real dome supported by pillars while you will be standing underneath a fresco.

Explore the notable mansion of Palazzo Barberini

A fantastic place to learn more about the glamorous life of Rome’s noble families is Palazzo Barberini , the beautiful, majestic mansion that opens in Via delle Quattro Fontane near Via Veneto, Via del Tritone, and Fontana di Trevi.

Visit this palace for a glimpse of the Barberinis’ past and the rich collection of artwork that gathers masterpieces from Caravaggio, Bernini, Borromini, Pietro da Cortona, and Guido Reni. Make sure you don’t miss the spectacular staircases by Bernini at the entrance and by Borromini at the exit.

Go on a Bernini-themed tour

Gian Lorenzo Bernini has been one of the most prolific artists in Rome’s Baroque period, often regarded as the creator of Baroque sculpture and one of the leading architects, sculptors, and painters.

You can find Bernini’s Roman masterpieces scattered all around the city. Churches, fountains, sculptures, paintings, you name it, he did it. From the Four Rivers fountain in the heart of Piazza Navona to Palazzo Barberini to the world-famous colonnade of Saint Peter’s Square, you can find the touch of this incredible artist in many of the artwork that makes Rome so beautiful.

Seek out Borromini’s genius

Contemporary and eternal rival of Bernini, Borromini was an architectural genius. Unlike his peer, he was an introvert and quite bad-tempered, and this is mainly why he gained fewer commissions than Bernini who, on the other hand, was more talented in cultivating and nurturing relationships with the influential people of his time.

Some of Borromini’s masterpieces in Rome you shouldn’t miss include the gorgeous Sant’Agnese in Agone church in Piazza Navona and Sant’Ivo alla Sapienza in Corso del Rinascimento near the Pantheon.

What to do in Rome for a romantic trip

One of the best destinations for your honeymoon in Italy, there are many romantic things to do in Rome .

Evening walk along the Tiber

There is hardly anything more romantic in Rome than a night stroll along the Tiber river. The city lights and the landmarks you visited during the day reflect on the calm waters creating a beautiful view.

Enjoy a couple spa treatment

Many hotels offer spa treatments in Rome, but some are really romantic, especially those set in ancient Roman ruins. Such as the wellness center of Hotel Lunetta near Campo de’ Fiori where you can do a sauna, enter the steam room, and do a couple massage.

Enjoy a beautiful view

Thankfully, there is no shortage of such a thing in Rome. Go to the Garden of the Oranges in the Aventine Hill, enjoy the view from the Pincio Terrace in Villa Borghese, climb the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica or take a stroll on the Monte Mario hill for a scenic view from the Astronomical Observatory. From wherever you look, the landscape will be stunning.

Reserve a romantic dinner

No shortage of romantic restaurants in Rome. Candle-lit tables, alfresco options, beautiful views, and historical locations contribute to making the ambiance romantic and perfect for a date. Some of my favorite restaurants? Settimo in the Sofitel Villa Borghese Hotel for a fantastic view, Aroma in the 5-star Palazzo Manfredi hotel, Perpetual gourmet restaurant near the Colosseum.

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About The Author: Angela Corrias

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Privacy Overview

• 1.1 Central Rome
• 1.2 Outskirts
• 2.1 History
• 2.2 Climate
• 2.3 Background reading
• 2.4 Tourist information
• 3.1.1 About Ciampino airport
• 3.2 By train
• 3.5.1 Ferry services
• 4.2 By taxi
• 4.3 On foot
• 4.4.1 Journey planner
• 4.4.4 Metro
• 4.5 By commuter rail
• 4.6 By moped
• 4.7 By bicycle
• 4.8 By Segway Pt
• 5.1 Roma Pass
• 5.2 Ancient Rome
• 5.3 Catholic Rome
• 5.4 The Seven Hills of Rome
• 5.5 Museums
• 5.6 Just walking around
• 5.7 The Piazzas
• 5.8 Overlooked Places
• 5.9 Viewpoints
• 5.10 Rome for kids
• 10.1 Factory outlets
• 11.2 Ice cream
• 11.3 Vegetarians
• 11.4 Kosher dining
• 11.5 Pricing
• 12.1 Coffee
• 12.2 Wine and water
• 12.3 Before dinner
• 12.4 Clubbing & Night Life
• 12.5 Gay travellers
• 13.1 Camping
• 16.1 Pickpocketing
• 16.2 Tourist scams
• 16.3 Emergencies
• 17.1 Embassies
• 17.2 Consulates
• 18.1 By air

Rome ( Italian and Latin: Roma ), the 'Eternal City', is the capital and largest city of Italy and of the Lazio region. It's the famed city of the Roman Empire , the Seven Hills, La Dolce Vita , the Vatican City and Three Coins in the Fountain . Rome, as a millennia-long centre of power, culture and religion, was the centre of one of the greatest civilisations ever, and has exerted a huge influence over the world in its circa 2500 years of existence.

The historic centre of the city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site . With wonderful palaces, thousand-year-old churches and basilicas, grand romantic ruins, opulent monuments, ornate statues and graceful fountains, Rome has an immensely rich historical heritage and cosmopolitan atmosphere, making it one of Europe's and the world's most visited, famous, influential and beautiful capitals. Today, Rome has a growing nightlife scene and is also seen as a shopping heaven, being regarded as one of the fashion capitals of the world; some of Italy's oldest jewellery and clothing establishments were founded in the city. With so many sights and things to do, Rome can truly be classified a "global city".

Districts [ edit ]

Central rome [ edit ].

Rome can be divided into several districts. The so-called historical centre ( centro storico ) is quite small, being only around 4% of the city's area. This mainly consists of the area inside the Aurelian walls, and is protected by UNESCO. Districts are explained below:

Outskirts [ edit ]

Understand [ edit ].

Situated on the River Tiber, between the Apennine Mountains and the Tyrrhenian Sea, the "Eternal City" was once the administrative centre of the mighty Roman Empire, governing a vast region that stretched all the way from Britain to Mesopotamia. Today it remains the seat of the Italian government and home to numerous ministerial offices. Rome has 2.7 million inhabitants while the metropolitan area is home to around 4.5 million.

Architecturally and culturally, Rome has some contrasts - you have areas with pompously huge majestic palaces, avenues and basilicas, which are then surrounded by tiny alleyways, little churches and old houses. The centre of Rome is mainly ancient, and modern buildings are usually concentrated in the suburbs, unlike Milan (where new and old architecture is combined both in the centre and the outskirts). You may also find yourself walking from a grand palace and tree-lined elegant boulevard, into a small and cramped Medieval-like street.

The abbreviation "S.P.Q.R" is ubiquitous in Rome, short for the old democratic motto "Senatus Populusque Romanus" (Latin), i.e. "The Roman Senate and People".

For two weeks in August, many of Rome's inhabitants shut up shop (literally) and go on their own vacations; many stores, restaurants and other amenities will be closed during this time. The temperature in the city centre at this time of year is not particularly pleasant. If you do travel to Rome at this time, be prepared to see Chiuso per ferie (Closed for holidays) signs on many establishments. Even in these weeks the city is very beautiful and if you are looking for a less overcrowded vacation in Rome, this is not a bad time. You will always be able to find somewhere to eat.

History [ edit ]

Rome's history spans over two and half thousand years, which have seen its transformation from a small Latin village to the centre of a vast empire, through the founding of Catholicism, and into the capital of today's Italy. Rome's history is long and complex. What follows is merely a quick summary.

Rome is traditionally thought to have been founded by the mythical twins Romulus and Remus, who were abandoned as infants in the Tiber River and raised by a mother wolf before being found by a shepherd who raised them as his own sons. Rome was founded as a small village sometime in the 8th century BC surrounding the Palatine Hill, including the area where the Roman Forum is found. Due to the village's position at a ford on the Tiber River, Rome became a crossroads of traffic and trade.

The settlement developed into the capital of the Roman Kingdom, led by a series of Etruscan kings, before becoming the seat of the Roman Republic at around 500 BC, and then the centre of the Roman Empire from 27 BC on. For almost a thousand years, Rome was the largest, wealthiest, most powerful city in the Western World, with dominance over most of Europe and the Mediterranean Sea. Even after the fall of the Roman Empire in the 5th century AD, Rome maintained considerable importance and wealth.

Beginning with the reign of Constantine I, the Bishop of Rome (later known as the Pope) gained political and religious importance, establishing Rome as the centre of the Catholic Church. During the Early Middle Ages, the city declined in population but gained a new importance as the capital of the newly formed Papal States. Throughout the Middle Ages, Rome was a major pilgrimage site and the focus of struggles between the Holy Roman Empire and the Papacy.

With the Italian Renaissance fully under way in the 15th century, Rome changed dramatically. Extravagant churches, bridges, and public spaces, including a new Saint Peter's Basilica and the Sistine Chapel, were constructed by the Papacy so that Rome would equal the grandeur of other Italian cities of the period. As the Grand Tour became customary for young European gentlemen in the 17th century, Rome became an important tourist destination, and remains as such until today.

In the 19th century, Rome again became the focus of a power struggle with the rise of the Kingdom of Italy, which wished to see a reunification of Italy. The Papal States remained in control of Rome under French protection, but with the outbreak of the Franco-Prussian War of 1870, French troops were forced to abandon Rome, leaving it clear for the Kingdom of Italy to capture. Rome became the capital of Italy, and has remained such ever since.

Rome today is a contemporary metropolis that reflects the many periods of its long history - Ancient times, Middle Ages, the Renaissance and the Modern Era. With the rise of Italian Fascism following World War I, Rome's population grew. This trend was stopped by World War II, which dealt relatively minor damage to Rome. With the dismantlement of the monarchy and the creation of the Italian Republic following WWII, Rome again began to grow in population and became a modern city. The city stands today as the capital of Italy and one of the world's major tourist destinations.

Climate [ edit ]

Rome has a Mediterranean climate, with hot summers and mild winters. The winter months usually present pleasant daytime temperatures and the weather is variable. Nights can be chilly, but the temperature rarely drops to actual cold levels. Snow is rare, and only occurs every few decades or so. Summer presents a pronounced aridity in which hot, sunny conditions prevail. The heat obstacles certain sightseeing activities which involve too much walking during the day, but early mornings and late nights can be wonderful. Autumn and spring are characterised by very pleasant weather accompanied by mild to warm temperatures.

Background reading [ edit ]

At last count there were close to 1700 novels set in Rome in days gone by. Most easily available in bookshops are those by Lindsey Davis and Steven Saylor. Both are good storytellers and excellent at portraying life in Ancient Rome. Particularly interesting if you are visiting Rome may be Saylor's Roma: The Novel of Ancient Rome , which traces the first thousand years or so of Rome's history by following the fictional fortunes of two families. Each chapter begins with a map showing the state of Rome's development at the time of the chapter.

The classic work on Ancient Rome remains Edward Gibbon's History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire . This was written in 1782 but is still being reprinted. A marvelous book that covers Rome's fortunes from Romulus and Remus to the 1970s is Rome: The Biography of a City by Christopher Hibbert (Penguin). An excellent guide book, too, although perhaps a bit too heavy to carry around. Rome by Robert Hughes (Orion Books) concentrates on the city's art history and provides fascinating insights into the things you will see while walking around. SPQR , written by Cambridge University professor and British TV personality Mary Beard, and published in 2015, offers a detailed analysis of Rome's first 1000 years and attempts to answer why Rome expanded from a small village on the Tiber to the centre of a major empire.

English-language bookshops in Rome are:

• The Lion Bookshop, Via dei Greci, 36, close to Piazza di Spagna . Lots of books and a small cafe.
• Anglo-American Bookstore, Via delle Vite, 102, also close to Piazza di Spagna. A large store, with specialist sections. Strong on non-fiction.
• The Almost Corner Bookshop, Via del Moro 45, Trastevere . Small but very well-stocked store on the other side of the river.

Some Italian bookstores also have English-language sections. Try the large selection of English books (but also French, Spanish and more) at Feltrinelli International in via Vittorio Emanuele Orlando - or the smaller selection at its store in Largo Argentina .

Tourist information [ edit ]

• Rome Tourism

Get in [ edit ]

By plane [ edit ].

Rome ( ROM  IATA ) has two main international airports:

If the flight connections to Rome don't suit you, you can check flights to other airports around like Naples , Perugia , Pescara , Florence , Bologna , Pisa or Milan . From there you can take a (high speed) train or intercity bus to Rome.

About Ciampino airport [ edit ]

Cash machines are available only in the departures area. This is a relatively small airport and it closes overnight. You will be locked out of the airport until it opens again for the first check-in around 04:30 or 05:00. Flying into Ciampino try to sit on the right of the plane, which will fly just to the east of the centre of the city. Reaching Rome you first see the River Tiber and then the Olympic Stadium, Castel Sant' Angelo, St Peter's and the Vatican and the Colosseum. Before touchdown you fly parallel with the old Appian Way, the tree-lined road on a slight incline about 1 km (0.62 mi) to the right of the flightpath.

There are a few direct coach services from Ciampino, all of which go to the Termini in downtown Rome:

• SITBusShuttle runs a line that costs €4 one-way to the centre (€6 one-way from the centre) or €8 with return (approx. 40 min, with about 25 services a day).
• Terravision . This is a dedicated airport-city transfer only for the major low cost airlines. The price is €6 (from the airport to Rome Termini)/ €6 (from Rome Termini to Ciampino Airport) one-way or €11 return when booked online (approx. 40 min, with a service every 30 min). Passengers on the return trip from Termini are advised to board the bus 3 hours before their flight's departure time. It is not necessary to print out the tickets (mobile tickets are accepted). (updated Oct 2018)
• RomeAirportBus [dead link] (by Schiaffini) offers buses from the airport to Termini (at Via Giovanni Giolitti) in the city centre. Ticket prices depend on the direction of travel. Tickets from the airport to the city cost €5.90 single and €9.90 return. Tickets from the city to the airport cost €6.90 single and €9.90 return. Never expects to get these 10 cents back.
• COTRAL's [dead link] direct line costs €5 one-way (approx. 40 min), but has far fewer departures than Terravision. This bus may be useful if you arrive at a time when the Metro is closed.

There are two indirect public transport services from Ciampino airport involving a local ATRAL bus, plus a metro or train. These local ATRAL buses operate roughly every hour or 30 minutes during the Italian work day (8-12 and 16-20), and you should count on at least 45 minutes travel time for either route. Timetable booklets are available in some information booths and on the ATRAL website. Bus tickets cost €1.20 and can be bought from the driver:

• You can take the local ATRAL bus [dead link] from the stop located outside the terminal building to the metro station 41.84265 12.58608 3 Anagnina    A   . A metro ticket to central Rome costs another €1.50. The metro can get very crowded. The bus takes about 20min and the metro another 30min to the main train station (Termini) in Rome. Going towards the airport, the bus departs from platform 1.
• There is also a local ATRAL bus [dead link] to Ciampino local train station; from there, there are infrequent trains to Rome Termini station (ticket: €2).

The cheapest way from the airport is to take ATAC urban bus line 720 to 41.82707 12.48129 4 Laurentina    B   , or Line 520 to 41.84931 12.57435 5 Cinecittà    A   . Since all these routes are operated by ATAC, you only need one ticket which costs €1.50 and is valid for 100 min. You cannot buy tickets on the bus, but there are ATAC vending machines shortly before you leave the airport.

A shared airport shuttle can be hired for around €15 per person to take you from Ciampino airport. However, since the shuttle is shared, it may take longer to reach your destination if other customers are dropped off before you are.

At Ciampino there is supposed to be an organised taxi queue but the drivers will often negotiate among themselves if you are going somewhere the cab at the front doesn't want to go to. There are reports that late at night licensed cab drivers in the rank at Ciampino are asking €100 to take you into town, so try to avoid late flights or take the bus that connects with the flight. The fixed price to the city centre (within the Aurelian Walls) is €30 and includes luggage and up to four people. If you have to take a cab just pay the legal fare at your destination. If you have no stomach for the resulting argument then you can phone a cab from one of the numbers listed under Get Around .

Rental cars are available from all major companies. Providers can be reached easily in the arrivals halls.

Another option, is to book a licensed limousine or minicab in advance online. For example, a sedan, usually a Mercedes E-class, from Fiumicino Airport to Rome Centre and hotels can be booked for €45 or a minivan for €55. The same prices also apply from Ciampino Airport. From Fiumicino Airport to Civitavecchia Port the fare is €100.

By train [ edit ]

Rome's main railway station is 41.901 12.502 6 Termini Station    A     B   which is locked between 00:30 and 04:30. Most long-distance trains passing through Rome between these times will stop at Tiburtina station instead. See also "By boat" below.

Other main stations include Ostiense, Trastevere, Tuscolana, Tiburtina.

When traveling between major cities or to/from another country, trains will be designed for passengers and luggage. Most others (e.g., between nearby towns and cities) are often designed to serve commuters.

• For enroute stations, they stop for only 1–2 minutes.
• Most cars have a middle platform close to the station's boarding level, but with a significant gap. Seating areas may be at levels different from the middle platform, with narrow/clumsy steps for moving large luggage and little space to store them. Large pieces must often be left on the middle platform, with someone to guard them.

By car [ edit ]

Driving to Rome is quite easy; as they say, all roads lead to Rome. The city is ringed by a motorway, the Grande Raccordo Anulare or GRA. If you are going to the very centre of the city any road leading off the GRA will get you there. If you are going anywhere else, however, a GPS or a good map is essential. Signs on the GRA indicate the name of the road leading to the centre (e.g. Via Appia Nuova, Via Aurelia, Via Tiburtina) but this is useful only for Romans who know where these roads pass.

By bus [ edit ]

FlixBus offers many daily connections to Rome. The bus station is located next to the Tiburtina railway station. The fares are very often cheaper than train tickets, and there are direct overnight connections to and from cities in France, Switzerland and Germany.

By boat [ edit ]

Most cruise ships dock in Civitavecchia , to afford their passengers opportunity to visit the area and/or Rome. Many ships arrange shuttle buses to and from the pedestrian port entrance. From there you can walk 10–15 minutes along the shore to the Civitavecchia train station. Purchase of a B.I.R.G. round trip train ticket for Rome costs €9 (as of Fall 2009), and also entitles you to unlimited use of Rome's Metro/underground and city bus lines. Trains for commuters leave every hour or so, more often during rush hours, and take about 80 minutes. You can get off near St. Peters (Trastevere station), or continue to the Termini station right downtown, where countless buses and the Metro await. If you're carrying luggage, see "About luggage" in "By train" above.

At some ten times the cost, cruise ships often offer bus transport to Rome as well, taking 2 hours or so to reach some location downtown depending on traffic.

It is now possible for modest- to large-sized yachts to dock in the new Porto di Roma, Ostia marina, located 20 km from Rome and linked by train and metro. Their stations are not within practical walking distance of the marina or riverside boat facilities.

Ferry services [ edit ]

In Civitavecchia:

• Grimaldi Lines . * Dangerous link * Provides ferry service to/from Barcelona , Tunis , Toulon (France), Porto-Vecchio ( Corsica ).
• Moby . Provides service to/from Olbia , Sardinia .

Get around [ edit ]

In a nutshell: Don't do it. Well, some people actually enjoy it as a master class in defensive driving. Roman traffic is chaotic (and has been since the first century BC), but it is possible to drive there. However, the roads are not logical, the signs are few and the condition of the roads gets worse daily. It will take a few weeks to understand where to drive, to get where you want to go. When driving in Rome it is important to accept that Italians drive in a very pragmatic way. Taking turns and letting people go in front of you is rare, but pedestrians are usually grudgingly yielded to. Motorbikes and scooters are driven fearlessly, darting in and out of traffic and splitting lanes. There is little patience so if the light is green when you go into the intersection and you are too slow they will let you know. A green light turning to amber is a reason to accelerate, not brake, in part because the lights usually stay amber for several seconds. If you brake immediately when the light changes you are likely to get rear-ended. Parking is so scarce, that in some areas you may have to leave your car kilometers away from your destination. Rome is plagued with people who demand money to direct you to a space, even on the rare occasions when there are many places available, however the locals can make anywhere a parking space by flashing their hazard-lights, even if it looks like they are getting away with it, do not try this. While in Rome, it is far better to travel by bus or metro, or ( in extremis ) take a taxi.

In the centre, many areas are limited to drivers with special electronic passes. If you go into these areas (which are camera controlled and marked with the sign ZTL ) you will end up with a large fine, particularly if your car has Italian plates.

By taxi [ edit ]

Taxis are the most expensive way to get around Rome, but when weighed against convenience and speed, they are often worth it. Roman taxis run on meters, and you should always make sure the driver starts the meter. Taxis will typically pick you up only at a taxi stand, which you will find at all but the smallest piazzas, as well as at the main train station or when called by phone. Flagging down a taxi is possible but quite rare as the taxi drivers prefer to use the stands. When you get in the cab, there will be a fixed starting charge, which will be more for late nights, Sundays and holidays. Supplements will be requested for bags that the driver has to handle, typically €1 per bag. So, if you have a limited amount of luggage that wouldn't need to go in the trunk, you may decline when the driver offers to put your bags in the trunk. Drivers may not use the shortest route, so try to follow the route with a map and discuss if you feel you're being tricked.

When you phone for a taxi, the cab's meter starts running when it is summoned, not when it arrives to pick you up, so by the time a cab arrives at your location, there may already be a substantial amount on the meter. A major problem is that taxi drivers often leave the previous fare running on the meter. So you may find the cab arriving with €15 or even more on the meter. If you are not in a hurry you should tell him (there are very few female cab drivers in Rome) to get lost, but if you are desperate to get to the airport it's a different matter. You can get a taxi pretty easily at any piazza though, so calling ahead is really not required. A trip completely across the city (within the walls) will cost about €11 if starting at a cab rank, a little more if there is heavy traffic at night or on a Sunday. Taxi drivers can often try to trick customers by switching a €50 note for a €10 note during payment, leading you to believe that you handed them only €10 when you have already given them €50. The main taxi companies may be called at 060609 , 063570 , 065551 , 064994 , 066645 and 0688177 .

Taxi-hailing apps like "Free Now" and "itTaxi" are convenient, allow payment by credit card in the app, and reduce your risk of being scammed. Uber Black is available, providing high-end vehicles that cost more per trip than taxis. Uber now has a partnership with local taxi companies so you can get and pay for a standard taxi through the Uber app.

On foot [ edit ]

Once you're in the centre, you are best off on foot. What could be more romantic than strolling through Rome on foot holding hands? That is hard to beat!

Crossing a street in Rome can be a bit challenging. There are crosswalks, but they are rarely located at signalled intersections. Traffic can be intimidating, but if you are at a crosswalk just start walking and cars will let you cross the street. While crossing watch out for the thousands of mopeds. As in many European cities, even if the cars and trucks are stationary due to a jam or for another legal reason, mopeds and bikes will be trying to squeeze through the gaps and may be ignoring the reason why everyone else has stopped. This means that even if the traffic seems stationary you need to pause and look around into the gaps.

Old Rome has some cobble-stoned streets that may not be stroller-friendly. Wear comfortable shoes for walking.

By public transport (ATAC) [ edit ]

ATAC operates the public transport network. There are three ways of buying public transport tickets in Rome: Tap&Go with a contactless credit/debit card or traditional paper tickets. Paper tickets offer the most variety but the other options are more convenient for visitors.

You can board any bus, Metro or tram by tapping a contactless credit/debit card, including through Apple Pay/Google Pay. You are charged €1.50 per journey, capped at a maximum of €7 per day. A journey is valid for 100 minutes and may involve transfers to other bus, Metro or tram lines.

Paper tickets must be bought (from a 'Tabacchi' - look for the big 'T' sign, or from a kiosk selling newspapers) before you board the bus, Metro, or tram. Metro stations have automated ticket kiosks, and major Metro stations have clerked ticket windows. Some of the trams have single ticket machines as well. Tickets for regular ATAC buses, the Metro, and trams are the same fares and are compatible with each other. Ticket options are as follows (Oct 2019):

• Integrated Single Ticket ('Biglietto Integrato a Tempo' or BIT) - €1.50 - (A journey is valid for 100 minutes and may involve transfers to other bus, Metro or tram lines).
• 24 hours Ticket ('Biglietto 24 ore') - €7 (Valid for 24 hours).
• 48 hours Ticket ('Biglietto 48 ore') - €12.50 (Valid for 48 hours).
• 72 hours Ticket ('Biglietto 72 ore') - €18 (Valid for 72 hours).
• Integrated Weekly Ticket ('Carta Integrata Settimanale') - €24 (Valid for 7 days).
• Monthly Pass ('Abbonamento Mensile') - €35.
• Annual Pass ('Abbonamento Annuale') - €250.

When you board the bus, Metro or tram you have to validate the ticket ('convalidare') in the little yellow machine. The last four types of ticket on the list above must be validated the first time you use them only. On the whole, the integrated passes are not economical. Unless you take many rides spread all over the day, the single ticket ride option is preferable. Calculating if a pass is worth it is easy since a single ticket ride costs €1.50. For example, for a daily ticket (€7) to be worth it, you would have to make 5 or more trips at intervals greater than 100 minutes apart on a single day. Many visitors just walk through the city in one direction and take a single ride back.

ATAC polices the buses, Metro, and trams for people riding without tickets. Inspectors can be rare on some buses, although they tend to increase their presence in the summer. Inspectors are present on the Metro as well, and you should keep your validated ticket throughout your journey as proof-of-payment. If you don't have sufficient money on you to pay the fine, they will actually escort you to an ATM to pay the fee. If you don't have an ATM card to withdraw money, you will be asked to pay by mail, and the fee goes up to €140. Inspectors can also fine you for getting in and out of the wrong door, even if the bus is empty! The entrances are the front and rear doors and the exit in the middle. Many Romans ignore this distinction.

The Roma Pass includes full access to the public transport system. There is also an alternative pass called OMNIA Vatican and Rome which includes the services provided by Roma Pass. Read the See section for details.

Journey planner [ edit ]

You can find real-time information about bus waiting times, as well as a journey planner, at Muoversi a Roma or its lighter version [dead link] (perhaps an older one). Transit maps and directions area also available on Apple Maps (requires an internet connection), and Google Maps (can be downloaded for offline use).

Bus [ edit ]

Roman buses are reliable but crowded. They are the best way to get around the city (except walking). Free maps of the bus system are available. Others can be purchased (€3.5 at Termini). Signs at the bus stop list the stops for each route. Ask for assistance. In Rome, there is always somebody nearby who speaks English.

Some bus lines have arrivals every ten minutes or so. Less popular routes may arrive every half hour or less. If heading outside the centre beware that bus schedules can be seriously disrupted by heavy traffic. Quite often trips just get cancelled.

Do not rely on counting the number of stops to the destination. The signs on the stops mention only the major streets where the bus stops, but there may be 3 or 5 stops for each one. Instead, ask the driver or consult with your GPS.

Useful bus lines are:

• 23 San Paolo - Ostiense - Piazza Risorgimento (St. Peter and Vatican Museums).
• 40 Stazione Termini - St. Peter. The 40 arches from the Termini station through the historic centre and then up to the Castel Sant'Angelo, near the Vatican. It is considered an express route, so its stops are spaced about 800 m (1/2 mile) apart; but it is also very frequent, very convenient for most places that the Metro does not go to, and very fast, especially compared to other routes.
• 64 Stazione Termini - Corso Vittorio Emanuele II - St. Peter. The 64 also goes from Termini to the Vatican. It is a favourite with pickpockets.
• 75 Stazione Termini - Forum Romanum - Colosseum - Testaccio - Trastevere.
• 81 San Giovanni in Laterano - Colosseum - Piazza Venezia - Piazza Risorgimento (St. Peter and Vatican Museums).
• 115 Largo Fiorentini (near Vittorio Emanuele bridge) - Gianicolo - Trastevere.
• 116 Via Veneto - Campo de Fiori - Piazza Navona - Terminal Gianicolo (St. Peter).
• 117 San Giovanni in Laterano - Colosseum - Piazza di Spagna - Piazza del Popolo.

The 116 and 117 are little electric buses which wind through the Centro Storico; 117 does not work on holidays.

• Night buses could be useful due to the closing of the Metro stations at 23:30 and the stopping of regular lines of buses and trams at midnight. During the summer (until 23 September) and on Fridays and Saturdays, the frequency of the rides is halved, which can vary among 10, 15, 30 and 35 minutes depending on the line. In any case they are much more punctual than during the day, as traffic is much less jammed. This makes the drivers drive at high speeds, allowing passengers to experience a strange mixture of adrenaline and (the city's) classical views. Hubs of the night buses are Termini and Piazza Venezia. All the bus lines have the prefix "N"; N1 and N2 routes are similar to metro line A and B respectively, N28 for line C.

Tram [ edit ]

The Tram routes mostly skirt the historic centre, but there are stops convenient for the Vatican, the Colosseum, and the Trastevere area. The number 8 does run into the centre to Largo Argentina, not far from the Pantheon, and terminate at Piazza Venezia. If you want to catch a soccer game at one of the stadiums in the north of the city, catch the tram (2) just north of the Piazza del Popolo. Number 19 links the Vatican with Villa Borghese.

Metro [ edit ]

There are two lines that cross at Termini station: line   A   runs northwest past the Vatican and southeast, and line   B   runs southwest past the Colosseum and northeast in one direction, but also splits at the "Bologna" station to go due north until Jonio. Line   C   runs from San Giovanni station to the eastern suburbs.

All lines open at 05:30 and stop running at 23:30, except Fridays and Saturdays, when the last trains leave from the stations at 01:30. The Metro is the most punctual form of public transportation in Rome, but it can get extremely crowded during rush hour. See safety warning in the Stay Safe section .

By commuter rail [ edit ]

There is a network of suburban rail lines that mostly connect to smaller towns and conurbations of Rome. Tourists are unlikely to use these, except when arriving from Fiumicino, but they can be very convenient if you fancy a day-trip out of Rome (see Go next ).

By moped [ edit ]

There is the possibility to hire motor bikes or scooters. Many Romans prefer this way of transportation, even in winter you can see them driving scooters equipped with raincoats, blankets, and rain boots. Motorbikes are not particularly safe in Rome and most accidents seem to involve one (or two!). Nevertheless, Roman traffic is chaotic and a scooter provides excellent mobility within the city. Scooter rental costs between €30 and €70 per day depending on scooter size and rental company. The traffic can be intimidating and the experience exciting but a bit insane.

Some of the main rental shops:

• Scoot A Long noleggio scooter , via Cavour 302 , ☏ +39 06 6780206 .  
• Centro Moto Coloseo , strada statale Quattro, 46 , ☏ +39 06 70451069 .  
• Eco Move Rent , Via Varese 48/50 , ☏ +39 06 44704518 .  
• Rent & Rent , v. Capo d'Africa 33 , ☏ +39 06 7002915 .  
• Biga Bike Rent & Tours , Via Pellegrino Matteucci 136 (Ostiense Station) , ☏ +39 06 5741053 . Open 09:00-19:00 non-stop every day, vehicle delivery/pickup (scooter & bicycle), guided tours, for info and bookings +39 3428711336.  
• Dolce Vespa , Via Adriano Balbi 14 , ☏ +39 3476317932 , [email protected] .  
• Riderly , 1 Via di San Calisto . Only offer scooter hire. They include most of the gear you need: helmet, gloves, phone holder.  

By bicycle [ edit ]

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 specialised 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 centre, 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.

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 millennia 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 , ☏ +39 06 5126314 . M-Sa 09:30-13:30 and 14:00-17:30 (16:30 in wintertime), Su and holidays 09:30-17:30 non stop (16:30 wintertime) . Price: €3/hour and €10/day .  
• Comitato per la Caffarella (Largo Tacchi Venturi) , ☏ +39 06 789279 . Su 10:00-18:00 . Price: €3/hour and €10/day .  
• Catacombe di San Sebastiano , ☏ +39 06 7850350 . Every day except Sundays . Price: €3/hour and €10/day .  
• TopBike Rental & Tours , Via Labicana 49 , ☏ +39 06 4882893 , [email protected] . Daily 09:30-19:00 . ( updated Jan 2017 )
• Bici & Baci , Via del Viminale, 5 ( Termini Station ), ☏ +39 06 4828443 .  
• Roma Starbike , Via Capo d’Africa, 29 D Roma , ☏ +39 06 4543 0118 , [email protected] . Daily 9:00-20:00 (19:00 in wintertime) . ( updated Dec 2019 )
• Roma Rent Bike , Via di San Paolo alla Regola 33 ( Campo de Fiori ), ☏ +39 06 88922365 . ( updated Aug 2017 )
• Collalti , Via del Pellegrino, 82 ( Campo de’ Fiori ), ☏ +39 06 68801084 .  
• Romarent , Vicolo dei Bovari, 7/a ( Campo de’ Fiori ), ☏ +39 06 6896555 .  
• Bikeaway , Via Monte del Gallo, 25 A ( Stazione FS S. Pietro ), ☏ +39 06 45495816 .  

By Segway Pt [ edit ]

It is now possible to rent a Segway in Rome. It is a fast and convenient way to get around in the city centre. In Rome, a person on a Segway is considered a pedestrian, not a motorist, so Segways are only allowed on the sidewalks, not in the streets with vehicles. Segway rental costs between €25 and €50 per hour, or between €70 and €100 for an accompanied tour of 2–4 hours.

• Rome on Segway, via Labicana 94, tel: 06 97602723, 39 3486121355
• Rex-Tours and Rent, Via dei Balestrari 33, tel: 06 87690040
• Ecogo Segway, Piazzale Ammiraglio Bergamini 10, tel: 39 3409345441

Moreover, it is possible to book online several Segway Tour in Rome, focused on certain attractions or itineraries. Some of the main rental websites are:

• Rome by Segway [dead link]
• Italy by Segway

See [ edit ]

Italians are very fond of their landmarks; in order to make them accessible to everyone one week a year there is no charge for admittance to all publicly owned landmarks and historical sites. This week, known as " La settimana dei beni culturali ", typically occurs in mid-May and for those 7 to 10 days every landmark, archaeological site and museum belonging to government agencies (including the Quirinale presidential palace and gardens, the Colosseum and all of the ancient Forum) is accessible and free of charge.

Government-owned museums and historical sites have free admission on the first Sunday of every month.

Roma Pass [ edit ]

If you'll be staying in Rome for at least 3 days, consider purchasing the Roma Pass . It is valid for 3 days and costs €52 (Feb 2023). It entitles holders to free admission to the first two museums and/or archaeological sites visited, full access to the public transport system, and discounts for the other museums, tourist sites, exhibitions, music events, theatrical and dance performances. This pass gets you in to the Colosseum (Colosseo), Palatine Hill (Palatino Hill), the Baths of Caracalla (Terme di Caracalla), and the catacombs as well as the Terme di Diocleziano, Palazza Massimo alle Terme, Crypta Balbi, Palazzo Altemps, Villa dei Quintili, and the Tomb of Cecilia Metella.

A Roma Pass 48-hours is also offered for €32 (Feb 2023) and is valid for 2 days. For this pass only the first museum and/or archaeological sites visited is free.

Check the expiration date at the back of the Roma Pass card. If the card's validity has expired it does not work in the metro's ticket gate. Be sure to buy the passes at official tourist offices. There are also small booths on the streets that sell tickets, but they could charge you a higher price.

Another advantage of the Roma Pass is that you can often skip the waiting queues if it's one of your first two free entrances. This way you can avoid, for example, a 1+ hour waiting time at the Colosseum.

There's an alternative pass called OMNIA Vatican and Rome [dead link] that includes the services provided by Roma Pass, free entry to Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel, fast track entry to St Peter's Basilica and hop-on-hop-off bus tour for 3 days. It costs €113 for 3 days

Ancient Rome [ edit ]

The main area for exploring the ruins of ancient Rome is in Rome/Colosseo either side of Via dei Fori Imperiali, which connects the Colosseum and Piazza Venezia. Constructed between 1931 and 1933, at the time of Mussolini, this road destroyed a large area of Renaissance and medieval buildings constructed on top of ruins of the ancient forums and ended forever plans for an archaeological park stretching all the way to the Appian Way. Heading towards the Colosseum from Piazza Venezia, you see the Roman Forum on your right and Trajan's Forum and Market on the left. To the right of the Colosseum is the Arch of Constantine and the beginning of the Palatine Hill, which will eventually lead you to ruins of the Flavian Palace and a view of the Circus Maximus (see Rome/Aventino-Testaccio ). To the left, after the Colosseum is a wide, tree-lined path that climbs through the Colle Oppio park. Underneath this park is the Golden House of Nero (Domus Aurea), an enormous and spectacular underground complex restored and then closed again due to damage caused by heavy rain. Further to the left on the Esquiline Hill are ruins of Trajan's baths.

In Old Rome you must see the Pantheon, which is amazingly well preserved considering it dates back to 125 AD. There is a hole constructed in the ceiling so it is an interesting experience to be there when it is raining. If you are heading to the Pantheon from Piazza Venezia you first reach Largo di Torre Argentina on your left. Until 1926 this was covered in narrow streets and small houses, which were razed to the ground when ruins of Roman temples were discovered. Moving along Corso Vittorio Emmanuelle and crossing the Tiber river into the Vatican area you see the imposing Castel Sant' Angelo, built as a Mausoleum for the Emperor Hadrian. This is connected by a covered fortified corridor to the Vatican and served as a refuge for Popes in times of trouble.

South of the Colosseum are the Baths of Caracalla ( Aventino-Testaccio ). You can then head South-East on the old Appian Way, passing through a stretch of very well-preserved city wall. For the adventurous, continuing along the Appian Way ( Rome/South ) will bring you to a whole host of Roman ruins, including the Circus of Maxentius, the tomb of Cecilia Metella, the Villa dei Quintili and, nearby, several long stretches of Roman aqueduct.

Returning to the Modern Centre , the Baths of Diocletian are opposite the entrance to the main railway station, Termini. The National Museum of Rome stands in the South-West corner of the Baths complex and has an enormous collection of Roman sculptures and other artefacts. But this is just one of numerous museums devoted to ancient Rome, including those of the Capitoline Hill. It is really amazing how much there is.

Catholic Rome [ edit ]

There are more than 900 churches in Rome; probably one third would be well worth a visit!

In Catholic tradition, St. Peter is said to have founded the church in Rome together with St. Paul. The first churches of Rome originated in places where early Christians met, usually in the homes of private citizens. By the IVth Century, however, there were already four major churches, or basilicas. Rome had 28 cardinals who took it in turns to give mass once a week in one of the basilicas. In one form or another the four basilicas are with us today and constitute the major churches of Rome. They are St Peter's , St Paul's Outside the Walls , Santa Maria Maggiore and San Giovanni . All pilgrims to Rome are expected to visit these four basilicas, together with San Lorenzo fuori le mura , Santa Croce in Gerusalemme , and the Sanctuary of Divino Amore . The latter was inserted as one of the seven at the time of the Great Jubilee in 2000, replacing San Sebastiano outside the walls .

Take a look inside a few churches. You'll find the richness and range of decor astonishing, from fine classical art to tacky electric candles. Starting with several good examples of early Christian churches, including San Clemente and Santa Costanza , there are churches built over a period of 1700 years or so, including modern churches constructed to serve Rome's new suburbs.

Some churches in Rome deny admission to people who are dressed inappropriately. You will find "fashion police" at the most visited churches. ("Knees and shoulders" are the main problem - especially female ones.) Bare shoulders, short skirts, and shorts are officially not allowed, but long shorts and skirts reaching just above the knee should generally be no problem. However, it's always safer to wear longer pants or skirts that go below the knee; St. Peter's in particular is known for rejecting tourists for uncovered knees, shoulders, midriffs, etc. (You also generally won't be told until right before you enter the church, so you will have made the trek to the Vatican and stood in a long security line for nothing.) The stricter churches usually have vendors just outside selling inexpensive scarves and sometimes plastic pants. But relatively few churches enforce dress codes and you can wander into most wearing shorts, sleeveless shirts, or pretty much anything without problems. It is, however, good to keep one's dress tasteful, as these are still churches and houses of prayer for many people. (Older Romans might comment on your attire and perhaps harass you if it is particularly revealing.)

The Seven Hills of Rome [ edit ]

To the modern visitor, the Seven Hills of Rome can be rather difficult to identify. In the first place generations of buildings constructed on top of each other and the construction of tall buildings in the valleys have tended to make the hills less pronounced than they originally were. Secondly, there are clearly more than seven hills. In Roman days many of these were outside the city boundaries.

The seven hills were first occupied by small settlements and not recognised as a city for some time. Rome came into being as these settlements acted together to drain the marshy valleys between them and turn them into markets and fora. The Roman Forum used to be a swamp.

The Palatine Hill looms over Circus Maximus and is accessed near the Colosseum . Legend has it that this was occupied by Romulus when he fell out with his brother, Remus, who occupied the Aventine Hill on the other side of the Circus. Also clearly recognisable as hills are the Caelian , to the southeast of Circus Maximus and the Capitoline , which overlooks the Forum and now hosts the Municipality of Rome. East and northeast of the Roman Forum are the Esquiline , Viminal, and Quirinal hills . These are less easy to distinguish as separate hills these days and from a distance look like one.

The red line on the map indicates the Servian Wall, its construction is credited to the Roman King Servius Tullius in the Sixth Century BC, but archaeological evidence places its construction during the Fourth Century BC. Small bits of this wall can still be seen, particularly close to Termini railway station and on the Aventine hill . As Rome expanded new walls were required to protect the larger area. These were built in the Third Century AD by the Emperor Aurelian. Lengthy sections of this wall remain all around the outskirts of Rome's centre. Much is in very good condition.

Among other hills of Rome, not included in the seven, are that overlooking the Vatican ; the Janiculum overlooking Trastevere , which provides excellent views of Rome; the Pincio on the edge of the Borghese Gardens , which gives good views of the Vatican, and the Monte Mario to the north.

Museums [ edit ]

If you are in Rome for the Arts there are several world-class museums in the city. The natural starting point is a visit to the area of Villa Borghese in Rome/North Center , where there is a cluster of art museums in and around the Borghese Gardens. Galleria Borghese houses a previously private art collection of the Borghese family, Museo Nazionale di Villa Giulia is home of the world's largest Etruscan art collection, and Galleria Nazionale d'Arte Moderna houses many Italian masterpieces as well as a few pieces by artists such as Cézanne, Degas, Monet and Van Gogh.

The Capitoline Museums in the Colosseo district opens their doors to the city's most important collection of antique Roman and Greek art and sculptures. Visit the Galleria d'Arte Antica , housed in the Barberini palace in the Modern centre , for Italian Renaissance and Baroque art.

A visit to Rome is not complete without a trip to the Vatican Museum . You need to go to the museum if you want to see the Sistine Chapel, but there is an enormous collection. You cannot miss part of this, such as tapestries, maps and the rooms painted by Rafael, as they are en route to the Sistine Chapel, but there is much, much more to explore, including a stunning Egyptian collection, and the Pinacoteca, which includes a Portrait of St. Jerome by Leonardo da Vinci and paintings by Giotto, Perugino, Raphael, Veronese, Caravaggio, and others.

Rome's National Museum at the Baths of Diocletian in the Modern Centre has a vast archaeological collection as does the national museum at Palazzo Altemps , close to Piazza Navona . Further afield, the Museo di Civilta Romana (Museum of Rome's Civilization), in EUR is most famous for an enormous model of Imperial Rome, but also has an extensive display of plaster casts, models and reconstructions of statues and Roman stonework.

If you have plenty of time there is absolutely no shortage of other museums covering a wide variety of interests. Examples include the Museum of the Walls (see Rome/South ), the Musical Instrument Museum and a museum devoted to the liberation of Rome from German occupation in the Second World War ( Rome/Esquilino-San Giovanni ).

Check museum opening hours before heading there. Government museums are invariably closed on Mondays, so that is a good day for other activities. The Rome municipality itself operates some 17 museums and attractions. Info at Musei In Comune Roma [dead link] . These are free to European Union citizens under 18 and over 65. Websites for other museums are listed on the relevant District pages.

Just walking around [ edit ]

Much of the attraction of Rome is in just wandering around the old city. You can quickly escape from the major tourist routes and feel as if you are in a small medieval village, not a capital city. If you can do so while watching for uneven cobblestones, keep looking upwards. There are some amazing roof gardens and all sorts of sculptures, paintings and religious icons attached to exterior walls. Look through 2nd and 3rd floor windows to see some oak-beamed ceilings in the old houses. Look through the archway entrances of larger Palazzos to see incredible courtyards, complete with sculptures, fountains and gardens. Take a stroll in the area between Piazza Navona and the Tiber river in Old Rome where artisans continue to ply their trade from small shops. Also in Old Rome , take a 1 km (0.62 mi) stroll down Via Giulia , which is lined with many old palaces. Film enthusiasts will want to visit Via Veneto (Via Vittorio Veneto) in the Modern Centre , scene for much of Fellini's La Dolce Vita .

The Piazzas [ edit ]

The narrow streets frequently broaden out into small or large squares (piazzas), which usually have one or more churches and a fountain or two. Apart from Piazza Navona and Piazza della Rotonda (in front of the Pantheon), take in the nearby Piazza della Minerva , with its unique elephant statue by Bernini and Piazza Colonna with the column of Marcus Aurelius and Palazzo Chigi, meeting place of the Italian Government. On the other side of Corso Vittorio Emanuele are Piazza Farnese with the Palazzo of the same name (now the French Embassy) and two interesting fountains and the flower sellers at Campo dei Fiori , scene of Rome's executions in the old days. All of these squares are a short distance from each other in Old Rome . The enormous Piazza del Popolo in the North Centre , which provided an imposing entrance to the city when it represented the northern boundary of Rome, is well worth a visit. A short walk back towards the centre brings you to Piazza di Spagna at the foot of the Spanish Steps. Yet another fascinating fountain here. The area was much used as backdrop for the 1953 film Roman Holiday with Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck.

On the other side of the river is, of course, the magnificent square of St Peter's at the Vatican . Further south, in Trastevere is Piazza Santa Maria in Trastevere , a great place to watch the world go by, either from one of the restaurants or bars that line two sides of the square or, if that is too expensive, from the steps of the central fountain. The square attracts many street entertainers.

Moving back to the Modern Centre you have to see the Trevi Fountain , surely a part of everyone's Roman holiday. Visitors are always amazed that such a big and famous fountain is tucked away in a small piazza in the middle of side streets. Take extra-special care of your possessions here. Further up the Via del Tritone you will come to Piazza Barberini , now full of traffic but the lovely Bernini fountain is not to be missed.

Overlooked Places [ edit ]

EUR provides a selection of Fascist Architecture, including the Palazzo della Civiltà Italiana , often referred to "the Square Colosseum." It was designed to honour the historic Colosseum. This would be an interesting place to visit after seeing the Colosseum to compare their differences and similarities.

Viewpoints [ edit ]

With no tall buildings in Rome, views of the city come from climbing the many hills, either the original seven hills of Rome or others that surround them. The two most popular views of Rome are from the Janiculum hill overlooking Trastevere and the Pincio at the edge of the Borghese Gardens . The former, best reached by car, has sweeping views of the centre of Rome, as long as the authorities remember to prune the trees on the hillside in front of the viewpoint. Cross over the piazza for an excellent view of the dome of St Peter's . The Vatican is the main sight from the Pincio (metro Line A, Piazza del Popolo, and then a good climb). Less popular, but just as nice, is the orange grove at Parco Savello on the Aventine Hill . Even less popular among tourists, as it is better accessed by car or moped, it the small square in front of the Zodiaco Restaurant in Monte Mario, a very popular spot for young Roman couples.

Rome for kids [ edit ]

If you are planning some serious sightseeing then leave the kids with their grandparents! They don't take kindly to being dragged from ruin to ruin and church to church. A common sight in Rome is miserable looking kids traipsing after their parents. Also, push chairs/buggies are difficult to use because of the cobbled streets. If you are a family, do not try to do too much. It will be a big strain on kids and in the end everyone will be tired.

Apart from the major attractions Rome has relatively little to entertain kids. If you noticed a big Ferris wheel on your way in from Fiumicino Airport, think again. Lunapark at EUR was closed down in 2008. A few of the other ways to bribe your kids, however, are:

• Children's Museum . Via Flaminia 82. Just north of Piazza del Popolo. Controlled entrance at 10.00, 12,00, 15.00 and 17.00 for visits lasting 1 hour 45 minutes. Closed Mondays and for much of August. Best to check the web site for up-to-date info and to book in advance. Hands-on science, mainly for pre-teens, housed in a former tram-car depot.
• Bioparco . The renamed Rome Zoo. On the edge of the Borghese Gardens ( North Centre ).
• The Time Elevator . Via dei Santi Apostoli, 20 on a side street between Piazza Venezia and the Trevi Fountain. Daily 10.30 to 19.30. "Five-dimensional" shows on the Origins of Life and on the History of Rome, plus "The House of Horrors". Not for the faint-hearted: your seats move all over the place. Kids love it.
• Rome's Wax Museum . 67 Piazza di Santi Apostoli, next to Piazza Venezia. Few good reports about this museum. Comments invited.
• Planetarium . This also has an excellent astronomy museum and is conveniently next to the Museum of Rome's Civilization ( EUR ).
• The Vatican is, by and large, not a great idea for kids although they often enjoy the Sistine Chapel and are impressed by the beauty and the fact that it was all done in just four years. However, the Sistine Chapel is very crowded and getting there through the corridors of the Vatican Museum is even worse. It is easy for families to get separated so determine a meeting point. The best part of St. Peter's Basilica is that kids can go to the top of the dome. It is 500 steps but you can take the elevator up to the third floor. From there there are another 323 exhausting steps. So it is fun for older kids who can both climb up all the stairs and walk down as there is a huge line for the elevator ( Vatican ).
• Zoomarine [dead link] . Dolphins, sea lions, exotic birds, splashy rides and swimming pools, some 20 km (12 mi) south of Rome near Pomezia. A good day out, but is this really why you came to Rome? Free transport from EUR and Pomezia railway station. Check web site for details.

Do [ edit ]

• Take in a show. There are lots of theatres, but you will need to know Italian to enjoy them. The main concert venue is the Auditorium in Viale Pietro de Coubertin to the north of Rome . The Auditorium at Parco della Musica is a large complex composed of three separate halls whose shapes are inspired by musical instruments. These are positioned around an open-air amphitheatre, that is used nearly every night in the summer for concerts. The Parco della Musica hosts a constant stream of classical, popular, and jazz music, featuring national as well as international musicians and groups. Really big names perform outdoors in the summer; usually in either the Olympic Stadium or in Stadio Flaminio, which is next door to the Parco della Musica. In winter the Palalotto in EUR is an important pop concert venue.
• Walk and feel the energy of Rome; sights are everywhere waiting to be discovered.
• Walk or cycle along the banks of the Tiber. There are steps down to the river from close to most of the bridges. A few have special runners for cycle wheels. This gets you away from the traffic fumes and gives a different perspective of Rome. Not usually possible in winter when water levels can be very high.
• Explore the Trastevere neighbourhood for some great cafes and trattorie, and a glimpse at a hip Roman neighbourhood.
• Watch football ie soccer. The city has two teams playing in Serie A, the top tier of Italian football, AS Roma and SS Lazio. They share the Stadio Olimpico, capacity 70,000, in the north of the city. Matches between the two teams are known as the Derby della Capitale , and are extremely charged affairs, with crowd violence being a regular occurrence, sometimes even resulting in fatal stabbings.

Events [ edit ]

• White Night (Notte Bianca) . In early to mid-September, various events until dawn, plus shops and restaurants, museums stay open while the Roman Notte Bianca stages music, dance and theater events. Expect enormous crowds; buses and trams will be packed to the brim.  
• Opera at Caracalla , Baths of Caracalla (see Rome/Aventino-Testaccio) . If you are in Rome during summertime don’t miss the chance to experience a lyric opera in the truly unique setting of the Caracalla Baths. The 2009 program included Tosca, Carmen and Midsummer Night’s Dream. Performances start at 21:00.  

Learn [ edit ]

Rome is replete with foreign language and cultural institutions. Of course, learning Italian is a worthwhile activity if you plan to stay for any length of time. If you plan to combine a stay in Rome with academic study, there are several English-language universities.

• The regional government and two historical societies are offering free Latin classes to tourists.
• The Historical Group of Rome runs a gladiator school . 18 Via Appia Antica.

Work [ edit ]

If you want to work ask around at the hostels, hotels and restaurants. There are differing views on how easy it is to get a job in Rome, however. There is high unemployment and most jobs seem to go on a family - friends - other Romans - other Italians - EU - other foreigners pecking order. Knowing Italian helps. And be wary about making any financial commitments before you've actually been paid -- late and non-payment is common here, and you may find as a non-Roman you are more likely to be seen as an easy target for this. You will also need a permesso di soggiorno, whether or not you are an EU resident.

There are numerous schools to teach the English language in Rome and if you are a mother-tongue this may be the best opportunity of picking up part-time work.

Talk [ edit ]

In Rome, obviously, the population speaks Italian . The road signs are mostly in Italian (except for "STOP"). If you are staying in the city there are plenty of English alternatives to be found. Seeing as Rome is a popular place to visit there are maps and information in many languages available. Police officers and transit drivers are more than willing to help you get around and usually provide easier ways to get around.

Some residents still speak the ancient local dialect, Romanesco ; nowadays, however, Italian is the more common mother tongue.

English is widely spoken in Rome by the younger generations and by people working in the tourist industry. Since many people have a limited knowledge of English, it is wise to speak slowly and simply. Among 40+s the chance is a lot less, and with 60+s as good as zero.

Romance languages other than Italian, especially Spanish, Portuguese and French, are also fairly widely understood due to their similarity to Italian, although not necessarily spoken.

Buy [ edit ]

Rome has excellent shopping opportunities of all kinds - from clothing and jewellery to art and antiques. You also get some big department stores, outlets and shopping centres, notably in the suburbs and outskirts.

Main shopping areas include Via del Corso, Via Condotti, and the surrounding streets. The finest designer stores are around Via Condotti, whilst Via del Corso has more affordable clothing, and Via Cola di Rienzo, and the surroundings of Via del Tritone, Campo de'Fiori, and Pantheon are the places to go for cheaper items. Upim is a good shop for cheap clothing of workable quality. Some brands (like Miss Sixty and Furla) are excellent, some are not as good - be sure to feel garments and try them on. There are also great quality shoes and leather bags at prices that compare well with the UK and US. Clothes in sizes bigger than a UK size 16/US 12 aren't always easy to find. Children's clothing can be expensive with basic vests (tank tops) costing as much as €21 in non-designer shops. If you really need to buy clothiers for kids try the Oviesse chain. Summer sales in many stores begin around July 15 and Rome also has New Year sales.

As mentioned above, Via Condotti is Rome's top haute couture fashion street (equivalent of Fifth Avenue in New York City, Via Montenapoleone in Milan, or Bond Street in London). Here, you can find big brand names such as Gucci, Armani, Dior, Valentino and Hermès, and several other high-class shops. However, the streets around the Via Condotti, such as Via Frattina, Via del Babuino, Via Borgognona and the Piazza di Spagna also offer some excellent high fashion boutiques, including Roberto Cavalli, Dolce & Gabbana, Versace, Prada and Givenchy (and several others). So once in the city, the big boutique names aren't absent. In these luxurious streets, however, you needn't only do clothing shopping - there are some really good and funky jewellery (e.g. Bulgari, Cartier, Tiffany's & Co.), pen and accessory (i.e. Mont Blanc) and artsy stores peppered here and there in these streets.

For department stores, Milan-based luxury department store chain La Rinascente has two flagship branches in Rome; one along Via de Tritone, near the Trevi Fountain, in which you can see the Roman aqueduct carrying water to the Trevi Fountain in the basement, and the other one on Piazza Fiume.

If you want to spend a day in a large shopping mall , there's the Euroma2 with about 230 shops (mainly clothes and accessories) and restaurants, to be found near the EUR district. Take Metro B line from Termini to EUR Palasport station, cross the road and take the frequent free bus (ride takes 5–15 minutes) to the mall. In addition to many shops and food, the conditioned air and free toilets may be a welcome relief if you are in Rome during mid-summer.

There are lots of fake plastic 'Louis Vuitton' bags being sold at the side of the road. Be aware, that buying of fake products is illegal in Italy. Fines up to €1000 have been reported. If you are happy to take the risk, make sure you haggle; unsuspecting tourists pay up to €60 for them.

If you want to buy souvenirs or gifts, a museum would be the worst choice since there are many stalls along the streets of tourist areas that offer reasonable prices. It is likely that the same item in the gift shop of any museum will cost much more.

Factory outlets [ edit ]

• Castel Romano . Near Rome, along the Via Pontina highway. A very large Factory Outlet with more than 100 branded shops. A car is needed to reach the place but a 30% discount in a designer shop is surely worth the 20 km (12 mi) trip.  
• [dead link] Valmontone . A little further away from Rome than Castel Romano, you can find Valmontone outlet on the motorway towards Napoli just 50 km (31 mi) far from Rome. Valmontone itself is a delightful little town - 30 mins by train.  

Eat [ edit ]

Rome is full of good restaurants, many in attractive settings, particularly when you sit outside in the evening. No one location can be recommended to search for a good restaurant: some of the best places to eat are in the most unpromising locations while well-situated restaurants can often live on their reputation rather than the quality of their food. Restaurants in guidebooks can be good but prices can be inflated because it is more than likely a "tourist trap". To find an authentic restaurant that won't break the bank, try to find a place in a more residential area or somewhere that isn't in the middle of the tourist locations.

Many of the good restaurants in Rome are hard to find, but a good tip is to go where Italians live and eat. The downside is that waitstaff at these restaurants usually do not speak English, so be prepared to have to speak some Italian. On the top of the green, old mountain (Monte Verde Vecchio) there are some trattorias with authentic Italian cuisine at an affordable price. Rome also has many beautiful spots to eat, so buying some delicacies to make up a picnic can be a great experience. In Via Marmorata you find Volpetti's which is known for its amazing selection of cheese, prosciutto and delicious pastries (and also for its prices!). A more affordable choice is to go to a local supermarket which will also have good fresh foods for lunch.

Pizza [ edit ]

Most pizza restaurants serve it only in the evening. Try some of the fried things like baccala (battered salt cod) for a starter, followed by a pizza for a really Roman meal. Roman pizzas tend to be very thin crusted. Avoid the tourist areas where you'll often pay double the going rate just to get a badly reheated frozen pizza. Your best bet is to cross the river and find a restaurant in Trastevere--the food is authentic and a lot cheaper than in the rest of downtown Rome. Make sure you eat it with a fork and knife; Romans don't eat this kind of pizza with their hands.

Pizza al Taglio is pizza with a thicker crust, cooked in a large pan. This is served by the piece, usually to take away, and is a good cheap way to get something to fill you up. Point to the one you want, indicate if you want more or less than your server is indicating with the knife. It's sold by weight (the listed price is usually per 100 g, known as an etto , short for ettogrammo , i.e. hectogram). This kind of pizza is eaten with the slices stacked on top of each other like a sandwich.

Ice cream [ edit ]

Look for a gelateria . Remember that it usually costs extra to sit inside. You pay for your ice cream first...take your receipt and go fight your way through the throng to choose your flavors (Italians don't believe in lines). You will be asked " Panna? " when it's almost made - this is the offer of whipped cream on top. If you've already paid, this is free.

There are a few signs to keep in mind: " Produzione Propria " (homemade - our own production), " Nostra Produzione " (our production), " Produzione Artigianale " (production by craftsmen). If the colours seem dull and almost ugly it is probably natural, the bright colours being just a mix. Keep in mind, Italians usually won't queue, but if they are in line for gelato, get in line yourself: you may have hit the jackpot. Producers to try include Gelato di San Crispino ; Giolitti ; and Fassi .

Vegetarians [ edit ]

Vegetarians should have an easy time. Buffets in many restaurants usually have a good range of delicious vegetarian stuff - e.g. gratinated roast peppers/aubergines, etc. Vegans should do all right too; pizzas don't always have cheese - a Marinara for example, is just tomato, garlic and oregano.

Kosher dining [ edit ]

While there is not much choice, at least Rome's Kosher cooking is truly excellent. Try La Taverna del Ghetto in the heart of the Jewish Quarter.

More places can be found near the synagogue in via Padova, close to the "La Sapienza" university and the Bologna underground station.

Pricing [ edit ]

You can get cheap food in Rome, the problem is that if you don't know the city well or are forced to eat out in the centre, the prices go up.

• €3.50 - You buy the pizza and eat it walking around, since it's a bread shop with no sitting area. You can choose how much you want to eat, but you'll be spending about €2 per slice + about €1.50 for a can of soda or €1 for water.
• €15-20 - At lunchtime if you go to a restaurant you'll be spending between €15 for a set menu (not always good, try to go where you see Italian office people having their lunch as your best bet) and €20. For this you should get a pasta dish and a second course (meat) ending with coffee. Obviously if you have special wine the price will increase.
• €20 - At night you can spend about €20 at a pizza restaurant or if you have only one main course. Again, if you have special wine it will cost more. The cheapest food you can get at a decent restaurant is a pizza marinara (that is, without cheese) for about €6. The price goes up from there depending on the toppings.
• €20+ - For a sit down lunch or dinner in a restaurant €20 is cheap and if you want you can go up to €200 a head.

Chinese restaurants are still quite cheap but other ethnic restaurants (Thai, Indian) are generally expensive (think €30 upwards per person). Sushi is very expensive (€40 minimum per person).

Waiters have been known to take advantage of patrons by bringing more expensive items than what was ordered or asking for a tip although it's not mandatory and should be included in the price by law.

Drink [ edit ]

Coffee [ edit ].

Starbucks has long avoided Rome, but in April 2023 the first one appeared in the center of Rome. And no wonder: Italian coffee is great so our friends from Seattle would face a lot of competition. A latte in Italian is just a glass of milk. If you're expecting coffee in that glass, you should ask for a caffe latte . A latte macchiato (meaning "marked") is steamed milk stained with a smaller shot of espresso. "Espresso" or "normale" is just that, but more commonly just referred to as caffe . Espresso doppio means a double shot of espresso, while espresso macchiato is espresso 'marked' with a dab of steamed milk. Americano — the one to order if you like filter coffee — is espresso diluted with hot water and not drunk much by Italians. Cappuccino is well known outside of Italy, but be warned: it is considered very un-classy, and somewhat childish, to order one after 11AM (and certainly after a meal). Decaffeinato is self-explanatory, but often referred to by the common brand-name Caffe Hag .

Wine and water [ edit ]

House wines are almost always drinkable and inexpensive (unlike, say, in the UK). You are better off ordering a bottle rather than house wine in most establishments in Rome due to some places watering down their wines. You may often find a bottle of wine on the table for you. Believe it or not: this bottle will be less expensive than a glass would be in the US or UK, possibly only €4 or €5. This does not always apply to those places that look really tourist-trap-like! Slightly better quality wines are usually sold at a relatively small mark-up on shop prices. Most Romans drink water with their meals. In restaurants it normally comes in 1 litre bottles and can be had normale (still water) or gassata (carbonated water).

Water is free at designated water fountains , called "nasone" (big nose). Some of these date back to ancient times, and the water is still very good. It's fresh spring water coming from the famous underground springs of Rome and is safe to drink. If you carry an empty bottle, fill it up for the rest of the day. Look for the drinking fountain with constant running water, plug the bottom hole, and cool water will shoot up from a smaller hole on top of the tap. Don't put your lips round the hole at the bottom, as stray dogs tend to like to get a drink.

Before dinner [ edit ]

Pre-dinner drinks ( aperitivi ) accompanied with small hors d'oeuvres (antipasti) are very popular with Romans: 1) chic yuppies in their 20s-30s crowd the area around Piazza delle Coppelle (behind the Parliament) and Piazza di Pietra (near the Chamber of Commerce); 2) younger generations sprawl around the square and streets of Campo de' Fiori ; 3) everyone sits to drink in the narrow streets behind the Pantheon ( Piazza Pasquino and Via del Governo Vecchio ).

Clubbing & Night Life [ edit ]

Given a heart for exploration, Testaccio is the place to wander for after-dinner partying on the weekends. Head down there around 23:00 (take metro Line B and get off at Piramide station) and listen for music. There are usually loads of people simply walking through the streets or looking for parking. Be brave, walk in, meet some wonderful Romans. This area is best in the winter. In the summer, the dancing moves to Ostia and Fregene, 45 minutes by car from Rome, at the seaside. Many clubs in Rome close in the summer months.

Many visitors like to go on Roman pub crawls. The Colosseum Pub Crawl for example, has been throwing parties since 1999.

To the east of Termini Station , and near the first University of Rome "La Sapienza", is the San Lorenzo district, where you will find many pubs and clubs where university students and young Romans in their twenties spend their nights. On Saturday night the streets are crowded with people moving from one pub to another. On the city side of the railway, near Santa Maria Maggiore Cathedral, are some great Irish pubs, i.e. the Fiddler's Elbow , the oldest in Rome, where many English-speaking residents and Italian customers like to sip their pints. It's a good place to meet Romans who speak English. Also nearby are the Druid's Den and the Druid's Rock .

On Via Nazionale there's a huge and beautiful pub called The Flann o'Brien [dead link] , one of the biggest in Rome. On the same street near Piazza Venezia there is another cluster of pubs including The Nag's Head Scottish Pub . After 22.00 it's very expensive as it becomes more like a disco. Entrance with first drink costs €13 and drinks cost €8. Before midnight they sometimes host live music concerts. In the same area, at the beginning of Via Vittorio Emanuele II you can find The Scholar's Lounge Irish pub with nice music. This is definitely worth a look but there is no room to dance. During winter American colleges students residents in Rome end up their highly alcoholic nights here. Also nearby there's the Trinity College Irish Pub . Drinks are quite expensive there.

Also on Via Vittorio Emanuele, near Piazza Navona , there's the Bulldog's Inn English pub . DJs play very good music there and there's room to dance, although few do. Nearby in Campo dei fiori there are several crowded pubs. Beware, there have been huge and serious fights there. In the narrow streets behind Piazza Navona there are also many places to go. Try Jonathan's Angels in Via del Fico. Also the Abbey Theatre Irish pub is a good place in Via del Governo Vecchio.

On the other side of the River Tiber (Tevere) is Trastevere district where there are many places to eat and drink. This is also a good place where to enjoy a walk in crowded streets at night. In summer time on Isola Tiberina , the island in the Tiber, temporary bar are built and there are all sorts of things to do.

Far from the centre there are some other good places. The Palacavicchi in a small suburban town called Ciampino is a multi-dance room area where they play different kinds of music, mostly Latin American. You definitely need to get a cab to get there and it won't cost less than €20. South of Ciampino Airport there is The Ice Club for ice skating, and the Kirby's [dead link] and the Geronimo pubs. All of them are nice places. At the Geronimo pub before midnight there usually are live music concerts with many bands covering different genres. On Friday and Saturday nights after the concert they play disco music. Entrance is free and you may drink and eat as you feel. Very cool place and for every budget. Unfortunately you need a cab to get there.

Those Romans who speak fluent English usually have a great deal of confidence with tourists, so just offer them a beer and they will be glad to share with you their tip & tricks about night life in Rome.

Discos: There are many beautiful discos. Unfortunately the city is huge and it's not very easy to find them, unless you have a very good guide.

The best way to start is from the most established ones: Piper, Gilda, Alien, all of them run by the Midra Srl [dead link] . Their website is nothing to write home about but can be used to discover telephone numbers and addresses. Gilda is near the Spanish Steps, and the others not too far from Termini station. During summer they close to move to the seaside of Fregene (north of Fiumicino and Ostia) where Gilda on the Beach can be found.

A pint of beer in pubs usually costs around €6, entrance in discos around €20 with first drink included. Drinks in discos cost around €10.

Gay travellers [ edit ]

One of the places to be on Friday nights is Giardino delle Rose in via Casilina Vecchia 1 (rather central but reachable only by taxi): a luxurious garden with open-air bars and tables. Two large discos are Mucca Assassina in via del Gazometro and Classico in via Ostiense. During the week the main meeting place after dinner is Coming Out (a bar right in front of the Colosseum) where crowds of gay Romans and tourists gather in and outside, all year round but overwhelmingly crowded during the summer or late-night clubs such as Hangar in Via in Selci (Metro Line A, get off at Manzoni station). The best sauna (open 24 hours during week ends) is Europa Multiclub in via Aureliana (behind Piazza Esedra, Metro Line A Repubblica station). A meeting spot for gays day and (especially) night is Monte Caprino , the park on the Palatine hill behind the City Hall (Piazza Venezia) with spectacular views over the temples and ruins of ancient Rome.

Sleep [ edit ]

The area to the southwest of Termini railway station has numerous large hotels; these are used in particular by groups and coach parties. On the other side of the station are many smaller, fairly inexpensive, hotels that are popular with individual travellers. Perhaps the best choice for a first-time visitor is to stay right downtown, (such as near the Pantheon ). Most attractions are walking distance from there, and you will save much transportation time and leave more for enjoying the city. Hotels in the downtown area are costly, but a good apartment is a decent alternative, especially for couples and if you don't mind cooking yourself from time to time: it will save even more of your budget.

Offering of short term apartment rentals is enormous. Many apartments can be booked directly through the owner, but most owners make arrangements via rental agencies, both large and small. When looking for a hotel or an apartment in Rome, take note that the price of accommodations varies significantly from month to month, depending on the typical number of tourists. Always check prices at your accommodation for your specific dates.

Being as it is one of the world's most popular tourist destinations, there are many choices as to where to stay, and you will have the choice of whatever type of accommodation you wish.

Rome's city council levies an accommodation tax. This is €2 per night per person for campsites up to three-star hotels and €6 a night for four- and five-star hotels. This fee can only be paid in cash, and is supposed to be for the restoration of Rome's crumbling ruins.

Hotel listings can be found in the appropriate districts , and should be added there. Please do not add listings here.

Camping [ edit ]

There are at least two campsites near Rome, they are:

• Camping Tiber , Via Tiberina Km. 14, Prima Porta ( On Rome's ringroad, take exit No 6 Via Flaminia, if arriving by public transport, take the ground-level Roma-Nord Subway leaving from Piazza Flaminia towards Prima Porta, from there there is a free shuttle service to the Camp Site ), ☏ +39 06 33610733 , fax : +39 06 33612314 . On the bank of the river from which it draws its name. To the north of the city. There's a minimarket, a pool, a restaurant and a bar.  
• Happy Valley ( In the hills north of the city at Via Prato della Corte 1915, Prima Porta-Cassia Bis, Roma. Take exit no 5 from Rome's ring road and head towards Cassia-Veientana. If you take public transport, take the ground-level Roma-Nord Subway leaving from Piazza Flaminia towards Prima Porta and wait for the free shuttle bus service. ), ☏ +39 06-33626401 , fax : +39 06-33613800 . It has a pool, a bar, a restaurant and a minimarket.  

Connect [ edit ]

As of Sept 2021, Rome has 5G from all Italian carriers. Wifi is widely available in public places.

• Via del Corso, Largo Goldoni , ☏ +39 06 68136061 .  
• Castel Sant'Angelo, Piazza Pia , ☏ +39 06 68809707 .  
• Fori Imperiali, Piazza Tempio della Pace , ☏ +39 06 69924307 .  
• Piazza Navona, Piazza delle Cinque Lune , ☏ +39 06 68809240 .  
• Via Nazionale, Piazza delle Esposizioni , ☏ +39 06 47824525 .  
• Trastevere, Piazza San Sonnino , ☏ +39 06 58333457 .  
• San Giovanni in Laterano, Piazza San Giovanni , ☏ +39 06 77203535 .  
• Santa Maria Maggiore, Via dell_OLmata , ☏ +39 06 4740995 .  
• Termini (arrivals), Piazza dei Cinquecenti , ☏ +39 06 47825194 .  
• Termini, Galleria Gommata, Terminal 4 , ☏ +39 06 48906300 .  
• Fontana di Trevi, Via Marco Mingehtti , ☏ +39 06 3782988 .  

Respect [ edit ]

Romans regularly interact with foreigners and tourists; it shouldn't be hard to find friendly help provided you know some Italian. As for most every place in Italy, just be polite and you won't have much trouble.

If you hit someone with your luggage or shoulder while walking on a street, say "sorry" ( Mi scusi ): despite being very busy, Rome is not London or New York and going ahead is considered bad behaviour, while a little apology will be satisfactory.

In buses or trains, let older people have your seat if there's no space available. The gesture will be appreciated. Romans, and Italians as well, are very chaotic while in a queue, and often "clump" without any particular order: It's considered impolite, but they do it anyway. Be careful while driving, as Romans often drive frantically and bend the rules to cope with the heavy traffic.

Stay safe [ edit ]

Rome is generally a safe place, even for women traveling alone. However, there have been rape cases around the Roma Termini train station, so be careful especially at night time. There is very little violent crime, but plenty of scams and pickpocketing that target tourists. As in any other big city, it is better if you don't look like a tourist : don't exhibit your camera to all and sundry, and keep your money in a safe place. Consciousness and vigilance are your best insurances for avoiding becoming a victim of a crime in Rome. Remember, if you are pickpocketed or victim of another scam, don't be afraid to shout, "Aiuto, al ladro!" ( Help, Thief! ) Romans will not be nice to the thief.

Members of the Italian public are likely to be sympathetic if you are a crime victim. Police are also generally friendly if not always helpful. Carabinieri (black uniform, red striped trousers) are military police, and Polizia (blue and grey uniform) are civilians, but they both do essentially the same thing and are equally good, or bad. If you are robbed, try to find a police station and report it. This is essential to establishing a secure insurance claim and to replace documents: the chances of it resulting in the return of your possessions are, however, fairly remote.

Rome is home to two rival Serie A football (soccer) clubs, A.S. Roma and S.S. Lazio, and there is a history of conflict, and even rioting, between the two. Never wear anything that shows that you support either of them, especially during the Rome Derby (when the two clubs play each other, known in Italian as the Derby della Capitale ): avoid even wandering into groups of supporters of the other club, or you may be subject to heckling or even confrontation. Play it safe and refrain from openly supporting either club unless you are very familiar with the rivalry. If you are a fan of a foreign team that is playing in Rome, be very careful as a number of supporters have been stabbed over the past few years.

Rome has its fair share of odd people: talkative panhandlers, crazy taxi drivers, lonely people wanting to just have a chat with strangers, people trying to sell you things, and so on. If you don't want to acknowledge anyone, do what most Italian people do: completely ignore them, shoo them off, or simply say you don't have anything to give to them or you are not interested.

Pickpocketing [ edit ]

Since Rome is incredibly popular as a tourist destination, a great deal of pickpocketing and bag or purse snatching takes place, especially in crowded locations, and pickpocketers in Rome can get pretty crafty. A 2010 study found that Rome was second only to Barcelona for pickpocketing of tourists. As a rule, you should pretty much never carry anything very valuable in any outside pocket , especially the front pocket of your pants is one of the easiest and most common targets. Keeping your wallet in your front pocket or in your bag is far from safe. You should consider using a money belt and carry only the cash for the day in your pocket. Pickpocketing on the Metro is rife in the form of gangs of young girls (8 to 12 years old) who jump on the trains just as they are about to leave. They buffet you and have bags to hide where their hands are. You have been warned!

Also, beware of thieves—one popular technique that they use is to ride by you on a moped, slice the strap of a handbag with a knife, and ride off. They might also try to cut the bottom of your bag open and pick your wallet from the ground. Others will use the old trick of one person trying to distract you (asking for a cigarette or doing a strange dance) while another thief picks your pockets from behind. Bands of beggar kids will sometimes crowd you and reach for your pockets under the cover of newspapers or cardboard sheets. It is generally a good idea to be extremely wary of any strange person who gets too close to you, even in a crowd. If someone is in your personal space, shove the person away. As one frequent traveller put it, "Don't be afraid to be a dick in Rome." It is better to be rude than to be stolen from.

Termini (the main railway station), Esquilino, bus line 64 (Termini to San Pietro), and the Trevi fountain are well known for pickpockets, so take extra care in these areas. On the Metro especially, pickpockets are extremely skilled. Remember that hotel rooms are not safe places for valuables; if your room has no safe, give your valuables to the hotel staff for safekeeping. Even if it does have a safe, hotels normally warn that they have no liability unless items are deposited in the main safe. Be wary while boarding or getting off the metro/train, especially if doors are about to close/closing. Thieves pretend to be helpful by pressing the 'door open' button for you, and while you gratefully squeeze into the train and catch your breath, they'll sidle up to you and pick your pocket or dip into your handbag or purse. Be aware of the danger and take the usual precautions and you should be all right.

Tourist scams [ edit ]

Being one of the most visited cities in the world, tourist scams are rampant in Rome. Many of the more well-aware Italians are quite ashamed of this. As obvious as it may sound, do not acknowledge people you don't know, and more importantly, do not tell them about who you are; you don't know what they're capable of doing.

A particular scam is when some plainclothes police will approach you, asking to look for "drug money," or ask to see your passport. This is a scam to take your money. You can scare them by asking for their ID. Guardia di Finanza (the grey uniformed ones) do customs work.

Another scam involves men working near the Spanish Steps, around Piazza Navona, and outside of the Colosseum. They approach you, asking where you are from, and begin to tie bracelets around your wrists. When they are done they will try to charge you upwards of €20 for each bracelet. If anyone makes any attempt to reach for your hand, retract quickly. If you get trapped, you can refuse to pay, but this may not be wise if there are not many people around. Carry small bills or just change, in your wallet, so if you find yourself in cornered to pay for the bracelet, you can convince them that €1 or €2 is all you have.

When taking a taxi , be sure to remember license number written on the card door. In seconds, people have had a taxi bill risen by €10 or even more. When giving money to taxi driver, be careful.

Be careful of con-men who may approach you at tourist sights such as the Colosseum or Circus Maximus. A car may pull up next to you, and the driver asks you for directions to the Vatican. He will strike up a conversation with you while he sits in his car and tell you he is a sales representative for a large French fashion house. He will then tell that you he likes you and he would like to give you a gift of a coat worth several thousand euros. As you reach inside his car to take the bag the coat is in, he will ask you for €200 for gas, as his car is nearly empty. Around tourist sites like the Trevi Fountain, Colosseum and the Spanish Steps there are groups mostly of men trying to sell cheap souvenirs. They may also carry roses and say they are giving you a gift because they like you, but the minute you take their 'gift' they demand money. They are often very insistent and often the only way to get rid of them is to be plain rude. Do the best you can to not take their "gifts" as they will follow you around asking for money. Simply saying "no" or "go away" will get them off your back until the next vendor comes up to you.

Be wary of ticket touts outside popular tourist attractions such as the Colosseum. A large bulk of ticket touts hail from South Asia and some of them even claim to be working as "staff members". A genuine staff member at an attraction you are visiting will never ask you to pay heaps of money just to skip the crowd, tell you inaccurate information about the place you are visiting, and so on. These touts are simply looking for ways to waste your time and fleece your money. Be warned that some of them can be quite pushy, so don't feel the need to be polite if you are being pestered by a tout. As a general rule, only buy tickets from official venues and always check the website (if they have one) of the place you intend to visit. As a tourist, you can do your part in making Rome an even better place by reporting these touts to the right authorities.

Be careful and wary of people who sell you fake products on the streets. Quite ever so often you may run into people (usually recent immigrants from South Asia and Africa ) selling fake products (purses, toys, and the like) on the streets. Under Italian law, it is illegal to purchase counterfeit goods and you can incur heavy fines for doing so. The people who sell you these fake products know it is illegal to sell fake products, but they do it anyways to make a living. Only buy from reputed stores.

Be wary of places to change currency. Read ALL signs before changing money. Oftentimes places set up just for currency exchange will add as much as a 20% service fee on all money being traded. The shops near the Vatican have especially high service fees, whereas places near the Trevi Fountain will be more reasonable. The best bet is to change enough money before you leave your home country. There are few places around the city that are under the table and are just interested in American money. These places charge no service fee.

Emergencies [ edit ]

In an emergency, call 112 (Carabinieri), 113 (Police), 118 (medical first aid) or 115 (firemen). Carry the address of your embassy or consulate.

On anything else you may need for your Rome holiday, you can contact the official help line of the Minister of Tourism 039.039.039. From Monday to Sunday, from 9.00 to 22.00, in seven languages seven days a week.

Cope [ edit ]

• Police . To report theft you should generally go to the Carabinieri station nearest where the theft occurred. Ask people at the scene of the crime where to go.
• Left Luggage Termini . You can leave luggage at Termini but they have a lot of security and only one X-ray machine so there can be a +100 people queue. It costs about €4 per bag (of any size) for the first 5 hours, €0.80 per bag for each hour thereafter. There's a sign limiting bags to 20 kg each, but no facility for weighing them, so it's probably not enforced.
• Splashnet laundry, internet, left luggage , Via Varesi 33, 100 m west of Termini. €2 per luggage left (and 15 min of internet included).

Embassies [ edit ]

Consulates [ edit ], go next [ edit ].

• The Etruscan site of Cerveteri
• Head to Frascati , one of the historic hill towns to the South East of Rome known as the Castelli Romani . This town has been a popular destination for centuries away from the hustle and bustle of the capital, and this is still true today. Famous worldwide for its white wine, Frascati is a relaxed hill town with a slower pace of life. Just 21 km (13 mi) from Rome, Frascati is accessible by bus or train. Trains run from Roma Termini approximately every hour, take about 30 minutes, and cost around €2. Also in the Castelli is Castel Gandolfo , the summer residence of the Pope. The town overlooks Lake Albano, a popular weekend trip for Romans in the summer. Also accessible by bus and train but there are several interesting towns and villages in the Castelli so hiring a car for the day would be well-rewarded.
• Head to Ostia Antica , the ancient harbor and military colony of Rome. It is accessible by Metro every 30 minutes from Stazione Piramide (near the Pyramid). It is a monumental area a bit like the Colosseum district, but in Ostia Antica you can get an impression how a Roman city really looked.
• Consider a day trip to Tivoli to see the Villa d'Este with its famous and glorious fountains. Check out the Emperor Hadrian's Villa while you are out there. Hourly trains from Tiburtina; fewer on Sundays.
• Understand the Second World War in Italy by visiting the Anzio beachhead area, the landing museum at Anzio and Monte Cassino .
• Canterano , a picturesque village with strange legends just a few km away.
• Civitavecchia , the port of Rome, is the point of arrival and departure of hundreds of ships, cruises, and ferries travelling all around the Mediterranean. From here it is possible to reach Sardinia , Corsica , Sicily , Spain , France , some other small islands, and even north Africa . A good transportation system links the port to the Eternal City, e.g., see "Get in" "By train" above.
• Explore the Etruscan sites of Tarquinia and Vulci .
• Discover the papal city of Viterbo , well-known medieval and thermal destination (about 1 and half hours from Rome)
• Palestrina is a centre 40 km (25 mi) from Rome, rich in archaeological remains from the Roman time. Among the things to see: the Pagan Temple of the Goddess " Fortuna " , the National Archaeological Museum (housed in the Renaissance Palazzo Barberini), the Roman Forum and the Nilotic Mosaic .
• Visit Naples and the famed islands in its gulf, Capri , Ischia and Procida . Naples is 1 hour away by high speed train.
• Especially if you have a rail pass, making Pompeii a day trip, while it is a very full day, is very doable. To reach Pompeii from Rome will take about 3 hours.

By air [ edit ]

Rome has ultra-low-cost flights to destinations in Italy, to several European countries and to Egypt , Georgia , Israel , Armenia , Jordan and Morocco . (updated May 2022)

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Things to do in Rome: attractions & landmarks

Top 25 rome tourist attractions, sightseeing, what to do & highlights.

Top 25 Best things to do in Rome Italy, sightseeing and all must-see sites, tourist attractions, famous museums, Roman monuments, travel guide and historic landmarks. What to do, highlights and best attractions to see in Rome?

Best things to do in Rome Italy - Top 25 Rome attractions

Rome is a city full of museums, historic squares, rich food culture, Roman landmarks and other highlights. The Italian city has more to offer than just the main Rome tourist attractions like the Colosseum , the Pantheon and St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City. To prepare your visit to this city, our travel guides shows you the top 25 of the most famous sightseeing and most beautiful Rome attractions . Click one of the must-see highlights, places to visit or Roman landmarks for more information on this unique monuments, museums , tourist attractions and best things to do in Rome Italy :

Rome sightseeing partnerlinks: Things to do in Seville , Barcelona tourist attractions , Florence tourist attractions and Dubai

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25 Top Tourist Attractions in Rome

By Mike Kaplan · Last updated on April 3, 2024

Ah, Rome. The city where hope springs eternal. It is a city that is proud of its ancient glorious heritage, a city that once expanded its empire throughout Europe, Africa and Asia. Rome is a city drenched in history and Christianity. First-time visitors may be easily overwhelmed by all this magnificent city has to offer. After all, one can find history and art on almost every street corner. That’s why visitors may want to do their homework to narrow down what they want to see and do before they get on a plane or train bound for the Italian capital.

Rome is divided into several districts with its center, the Colosseo district, containing the most ancient attractions like the Colosseum, Capitoline Hill and the Roman Forum. On the outskirts of the center is Old Rome, featuring the Pantheon, stunning cathedrals, plazas and Renaissance architecture.

Unfortunately, it’s not possible to see all the top tourist attractions in Rome in a few days or even a few months. Wise travelers won’t even attempt to see everything in one trip. To ensure they’ll return to Rome, they’ll toss a coin into the Fountain of Trevi. Legend has it that those who do will return to Rome again.

Map of Rome

25. Baths of Caracalla

The Baths of Caracalla, the second largest public baths in Rome, were built by Emperor Caracalla in the third century for political propaganda purposes: The emperor simply wanted people to like him.

The baths were functional for over three hundred years. Negligence, looting and an earthquake turned the complex into ruins but their sheer size and ingenuity continues to impress visitors.

24. Villa Farnesina

Visitors who want a peek at how the wealthy lived during the Renaissance may want to visit Villa Farnesina , a villa located in the Trastevere district. The Villa Farnesina is well known for the frescoes depicting the myths of Cupid and Psyche that were painted by Raphael.

Works by various other artists were commissioned by a banker who was also a papal treasurer, and who had the villa built in 1506.

23. Appian Way

The Appian Way is the most famous ancient road in Rome, connecting the city with Brindisi in southeastern Italy. Named after Appius Claudius Caecus, a Roman censor, it was originally a military road.

Many historical monuments can be found along the first 8 km (5 miles) of the 560 km (350-mile) stone road today. This old highway has heavy vehicle traffic at the beginning, but is safe for pedestrians after a couple of miles.

22. National Roman Museum

If you want to soak in as much of Rome’s history, heritage and culture as possible, then don’t miss the National Roman Museum, or the Museo Nazionale Romano .

This Roman museum does not house its entire collection in one spot. Instead, exhibits are located in multiple destinations throughout the city. Find amber, Roman artifacts and jewelry within the incredible Palazzo Massimo alle Terme, admire breathtaking use of marble and stunning sculptures within the Palazzo Altemps and get an up-close look at Roman baths at the restored historic site of the Baths of Diocletian.

21. Victor Emmanuel II Monument

Built in honour of Victor Emmanuel, the first king of a unified Italy, this bombastic monument may appear to be solid white marble but actually contains many rooms inside. It was designed by Giuseppe Sacconi in 1885 and completed in 1925.

There are two permanent museums, one on Italian Reunification and one on emigration from Italy, as well as other spaces that host rotating exhibitions. The Victor Emmanuel Monument is not exactly known as one of Rome’s most beautiful structures but it is nevertheless well worth the visit, even if only for the great views from the top.

20. Piazza del Popolo

The Piazza del Popolo is a large oval square in northern Rome that has been around since the days of the Roman Empire. At one time, it was the start of the most important road north.

Three churches border the square but the eye-catcher is an obelisk from ancient Egypt. On the north side the square is dominated by the Porta del Popolo, which leads to the Via Flaminia, a road connecting Rome with the Adriatic coast.

19. Santa Maria in Trastevere

Santa Maria in Trastevere is one of the oldest churches in Rome, with most historians believing it was first built in the 4th century. The church has impressive mosaics from the 12th and 13th centuries; it has been enlarged and restored over the years.

Located in the popular Trastevere neighborhood, its atmospheric piazza is enhanced by the mosaics on the façade, especially at night when the church and its tower are illuminated.

18. Ostia Antica

Ostia Antica is an important archeological site that once was the seaport for Rome. It is located less than 20 miles from Rome at the mouth of the River Tiber. The site has well-preserved ancient buildings, some of which date back to the fourth century BC.

Ostia Antica is known for the outstanding frescoes and mosaics on these old buildings, as well as ancient public toilets that turned bathrooms into a social setting.

17. Basilica of San Clemente

Located just a few blocks from the Coliseum, the 12th century Basilica of San Clemente is built on top of a 4th century Church and older Roman temple. The present church is noted for its fabulous frescoes and mosaics.

For an admission fee, it is possible to explore the excavations of the lower two levels, which is a fascinating journey into the history of Rome.

16. Capitoline Museums

It may have taken the Romans 400 years to build the Capitoline Museums , after they were designed in 1536 by Michelangelo, but the wait was worth it. This outstanding collection of art and archeological museums, which started with a papal donation in the 15th century, can be found at Piazza del Campidoglio atop Capitoline Hill. The collections include medieval and Renaissance art, old Roman statues and jewels.

15. Palatine Hill

Palatine Hill, one of the Seven Hills of Rome, has links to Roman mythology, as it was here a wolf allegedly found the twin boys Romulus and Remus, and cared for them until a shepherd rescued them.

Even if this legend is not true, Palatine Hill is still the place where Rome was founded. Today only ruins remain but during the Imperial era, the hill was completely built up with large palaces.

14. San Giovanni in Laterano

San Giovanni in Laterano (St. John Lateran) is one of four major basilicas in Rome. Dedicated to John the Baptist and John the Evangelist, it is the home cathedral for both the archbishop of Rome and the pope.

It is believed to be the first Catholic church built in Rome. Its exterior doesn’t seem as ornate as other churches, but inside it’s beautiful decorated, with wall ornaments, columns, mosaics and paintings.

13. Galleria Borghese

The Galleria Borghese is an art gallery that was built as a party house by Cardinal Sciopione Borghese in the 17th century. A nephew of Pope Paul V, the cardinal also was a patron of the arts.

The galleria today houses many pieces of paintings, sculptures and other antiquities from his collection. Paintings by Titian, sculptures by Bernini, and the National Museum of Musical Instruments can be seen here.

12. Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore

Founded in the 4th century, the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore (St. Mary Major) is considered one of the most important Catholic churches in Rome. Its 18th-century exterior conceals one of the best-preserved Byzantine interiors in the city.

Travelers who are in Rome on August 5 may want to attend the Miracle of the Snows celebration when thousands of white petals are dropped from the ceiling.

11. Saint Peter’s Square

Located in Vatican City, St. Peter’s Square is the most famous square in Rome. Hundreds of thousands of people gather here to hear messages from the pope. Created in the 17th century by Bernini, the square has an elliptic shape, surrounded on two sides by colonnades before St. Peter’s Basilica.

Statues sit atop the colonnades. At the center of the ellipse stands an Egyptian obelisk that was transported from Egypt to Rome during the reign of Emperor Augustus.

10. Campo de’ Fiori

Campo de’ Fiori is a rectangular square south of Piazza Navona used as a marketplace during the day, and party central for college students and tourists at night. The name means “field of flowers” and was first given during the Middle Ages when the area was actually a meadow.

Today the market is a lively place, especially when the daily vegetable market is held here (every morning except Sundays). Visitors can buy fresh produce at the market, as well as fish, meat, flowers and spices. The square is surrounded by cafes and restaurants, making it a good place to eat after shopping or just wile away the afternoon.

9. Piazza Navona

One of the most famous of Rome’s many squares, Piazza Navona was established towards the end of the 15th century, and preserves the shape of the Stadium of Domitian that once stood here.

Built by Emperor Domitian in 86 AD, the stadium, which had a larger arena than the Colosseum was mainly used for festivals and sporting events. The buildings surrounding the square stand where the spectators once sat.

Today, the square features no less than three magnificent fountains and is an immensely popular place to sip a cappuccino, shop, and watch street performers.

8. Castel Sant’Angelo

Castel Sant’Angelo was built to be a mausoleum for the Emperor Hadrian and his family. Built in 123 BC, it later was turned into a fortress and castle by the popes. It was once Rome’s tallest building.

The ashes of other emperors were buried there, but scattered when the Visigoths invaded in 410. It also served as a prison, but today the castel is a museum. Among the most well known sights in Rome, film buffs will recognize it as a setting from “Angels and Demons”.

7. Roman Forum

Located in the small valley between the Palatine and Capitoline Hills, The Roman Forum (or Forum Romanum in Latin) was for centuries the teeming heart of ancient Rome: the site of triumphal processions and elections, venue for public speeches, and nucleus of commercial affairs.

The Forum today is a sprawling ruin of architectural fragments and includes the Arches of Septimius Severus and Titus, the Temple of Antoninus Pius and Faustina and the Temple of Saturn.

6. Spanish Steps

A truly monumental stairway of 135 steps, the Spanish Steps were built with French funds between 1721‑1725 in order to link the Bourbon Spanish embassy to the Holy See with the French church, Trinità dei Monti.

The steps are usually very crowded attracting tourists as well as locals who use it as a gathering place. Each year in May the steps are decorated with pink azaleas. At the foot of the Spanish Steps is the Piazza di Spagna (Spanish square) and the Fontana della Barcaccia, a sober fountain designed by Gian Lorenzo Bernini.

5. Trevi Fountain

Completed in 1762 to a design by Nicola Salvi, this world famous Baroque fountain features a mythological sculptural composition of Neptune, god of the sea, flanked by two Tritons.

The location of the Trevi fountain marks the terminus of the ancient Aqua Virgo aqueduct and is so named on account of its position at the junction of three roads (tre vie).

The fountain was the setting for an iconic scene in Fellini’s film Dolce Vita starring Anita Ekberg and Marcello Mastroianni. Since than, it has become one of the most popular tourist attractions in Rome. The legend says that one who throws a coin in the fountain shall one day return to Rome.

4. Vatican Museums

The Vatican Museums began in the 16th century with a collection of sculptures by Pope Julius II. Today, they encompass several museums inside the Vatican City and include some of the world’s most important relics. Attractions of the museums include the spiral staircase, the Raphael Rooms and the exquisitely decorated Sistine Chapel. Michelangelo painted the chapel ceiling between 1508 and 1512.

Today the ceiling, and especially The Last Judgment, are widely believed to be Michelangelo’s crowning achievements in painting. To keep the massive crowds under control, the museums have 4 itineraries that range from one and a half hours to more than 5 hours. All itineraries end in the Sistine Chapel.

3. Pantheon

One of the best preserved Roman buildings, The Pantheon was built in 126 AD as a temple for all the Roman gods. The temple has served as a Roman Catholic Church since the 7th century. Eight graceful granite Corinthian columns extend across the front of this circular building, with lesser columns in back.

Though it is 2,000 years old, the Pantheon’s famous dome remains the world’s largest unreinforced concrete dome. It is believed Marcus Agrippa built the Pantheon to be his private temple. The current building was reconstructed by Emperor Hadrian in the second century.

2. St. Peter’s Basilica

The center of the Catholic world and a major tourist attraction, the Basilica of St. Peter is a huge church: with an interior height of 120 meter (400 feet), the space shuttle, together with its booster rockets, could fit inside, as could the Statue of Liberty.

The basilica stands on the traditional site where Peter, the apostle who is considered the first pope, was crucified and buried. Construction on the current building began in 1506 and was completed in 1615. Many famous artists worked on the complex and its surroundings: Michelangelo designed the dome while Bernini designed the great St. Peter’s Square.

1. Colosseum

The Colosseum is another of Rome’s major tourist attractions. Its construction was started by emperor Vespasian of the Flavian dynasty in 72 AD and was finished by his son Titus in 80 AD.

The elliptical amphitheater could hold up to 50,000 people who turned out to watch gladiators do battle, people be publicly executed and enjoy other forms of entertainment. This stone and concrete structure, built in the first century, was the largest amphitheater in the Roman Empire. It is considered one of the Romans’ greatest architectural and engineering feats.

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Reader interactions.

October 1, 2017 at 5:15 am

Rome is really majestic! I would love to see these beautiful architectures soon.

May 22, 2014 at 10:50 am

this is so nice

February 1, 2014 at 2:29 am

it is very nice to see Italy, the famous pantheon, koloseum and a lot of other places to see. When i visit it i saw a lot. Bravoo Italy, the most beautiful place in the world.

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Where to Stay in Rome – Best Areas for Tourists

Last Modified: September 19, 2023 //  by  Anda //   61 Comments

Getting ready for your first trip to Rome and not sure where to stay? Finding the best area to stay Rome can be an overwhelming task. We’ve spent a few good weeks in the Eternal City before moving to the United States .  so I know firsthand how difficult it is to decide where to stay when you don’t know the city.

Table of Contents

Best Area to Stay in Rome for Sightseeing

Most romantic neighborhood in rome, best area to stay in rome for local vibe, where to stay in rome as a budget traveler, safest area to stay in rome for families, a final thought, where to stay in rome.

There are many beautiful neighborhoods and safe areas in in this great city but people’s interests, preferences, and budgets are quite different. In this article I’m going to take you through some of the best areas in Rome in order to help you decide which one is a good place for you to stay. 

1. Centro Storico (Historic Center)

Location, location, location! One of the best places to stay in Rome is the historic center ( Il Centro Storico)  – the area around the Colosseum , Campo Fiori and Piazza Navona. Centro Storico    is everything you ever dreamed about Rome: ancient ruins, baroque architecture, old churches, charming squares and winding medieval streets.

This is where you’ll find the most beautiful squares and fountains and you’ll be surrounded by incredible sights. The historic center is one of the best parts of Rome, so it’s hard to beat this location.

Staying here will insure that you are within walking distance from most of Rome’s attractions, therefore Centro Storico is one of the most convenient areas to stay if you are a first time visitor.

Hotels in this area tend to be small (boutique style) and very expensive. But if you want to be within a few minutes walk to most of Rome’s major attractions, you can’t beat this location.

Where to Stay in Centro Storico

Here are some excellent  hotels in Centro Storico, Rome, to can choose from. 

2. Trastevere – a Great Neighborhood for Couples

Trastevere is one of the best places to stay in Rome. A lovely medieval neighborhood with great restaurants, beautiful baroque architecture, narrow cobbled streets, and charming  piazzas . Some of my favorite places to eat in Rome are in Trastevere,  so I visit this neighborhood quite often when I am in Rome.

Trastevere is one of Rome’s most lively districts and the best neighborhood for nightlife. If you are looking for a quieter area not far from the historic center that buzzes with activity and crowds of locals, then Trastevere is the right place for you.

From here you can easily visit the Coliseum, the Pantheon, the Trevi Fountain, Piazza Navona, the Forums, and other attractions in the historic center. Hotels in Trastevere are a little more affordable than in the historic center. 

Where to Stay in Trastevere

Here is a list of  hotels in Trastevere you can choose from.  Or you can book an apartment on  VRBO – Vacation Rentals By Owner website.

3. Monti – Best Neighborhood for Local Vibe

Monti would probably be my second choice for staying in Rome. This tiny area that spreads between Piazza Venezia and the Colosseum was once the red-light district of ancient Rome. Today, Monti is packed with traditional trattorias, chic boutiques and lots of bars and hip cafés where the locals hang out. 

Monti is not as touristy as Trastevere and Centro Storico, although it’s just a stone’s throw from Colosseum and the Roman Forum. The area has good access to public transportation.

In terms of accommodations, there are a number of nice boutique hotels in the area, apartments and bed-and-breakfasts in the area. 

Where to Stay in Monti

Here is a list of great hotels in Monti you can choose from. If you are a budget traveler, you might want to check out this article for the best hostels in Rome for backpackers .

4. Termini – a Good Place to Stay if You Are on a Budget

Termini Station is the main transportation hub and Rome’s main train station. The place where the airport express train arrives and the two metro lines intersect. Also, at Termini is where all hop-on-hop-off sightseeing buses stop.

The immediate surrounding of the Termini Station are a maze of hectic streets with cheap shops and food markets. 

The area around Termini station is often considered to be a more dangerous part of town, so you should be on your guard on streets like Via Giolitti. 

As you move away from the station, you’ll find hotels and restaurants on almost every street and for every budget. This area is probably the best location to stay in Rome if you are on a tight budget. It is also very convenient if you want to be close to all public transportation.

In terms of sites, Termini isn’t blessed with much and is not particularly charming. You won’t find the same atmosphere as in the Historic Center, or in Trastevere. 

The two biggest attractions to see here are the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore and the Diocletian’s Baths. Because of the number of hotels in the immediate vicinity, room rates are very competitive.

Although major crime is very unlikely, petty crime (particularly pickpockets) is more frequent in this area. Termini is a good location to stay in Rome for budget travelers and for people who want mobility.

Where to Stay around Termini Station

Here are some hotels around the Termini Station area to choose from. Around Termini are also some of the best hostels in Rome , in case you are traveling on a budget.

5. Prati – the Best Neighborhood for Families with Children

Despite being Rome’s designer shopping district, Prati is one of the quietest areas in Rome. It is an affluent residential neighborhood, very close to the  Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Basilica.

Prati is a well-connected part of town, without being stuck in the middle of the hustle and bustle of the city. It’s easy to get to by metro and has loads of good hotels and eateries to choose from. Because of its close proximity to the Pope’s residence, Prati is also of the safest neighborhoods in Rome.  

If you are  visiting Rome with children, this would be a great neighborhood for you. (For a complete guide on visiting Rome with a baby read this post .) If you plan to stay in Prati, you will need to use public transportation in order to visit the tourist attractions in Rome .

Where to Stay in Prati

Here is a list of good hotels in Prati you can choose from.

So What’s the Best Area to Stay in Rome as a Visitor?

I’ve covered some of the best areas to stay in Rome for visitors. I tried to give you a fell of each one of these neighborhoods in order to help you make an informed choice. Your decision will ultimately be based on your interests, preferences and budget.

I hope the information I provided will make it easier for you to decide where to stay in Rome. Don’t get intimidated by the popularity of this city. Most areas are quite safe and with some careful planning you can find pretty good deals.

If you are traveling on a budget, I recommend you check out this post about the best budget hotels in Rome . Another good place to check for hotel deals is on HotelsCombined , a World’s Leading Hotel Comparison Website.

Rome is one the world’s most fascinating cities, so no matter where you choose to stay you’ll have an amazing time here. Because there is just so much to see and do in Rome, you should plan on spending at least 4-5 days here. You can always add Rome to a bigger European itinerary .

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Anda is an award winning travel writer, avid globetrotter and passionate photographer. She is the voice behind "Travel Notes & Beyond," a collection of stories and travel impressions from her wanderings around the world. When she is not busy writing, traveling, or editing photographs, you can find her hiking in the foothills behind her house together with her husband and their dog.

Reader Interactions

Hari Sitaula

July 14, 2023 at 4:13 am

For those of us who are unfamiliar with the city, like me, that is an excellent overview of the city. We appreciate you sharing this content.

January 16, 2023 at 3:43 am

What would have been helpful is a map showing where each of these areas are located – possibly also including dots for some of the major sites. I realize I can work this out going back and forth to Google Maps, but it would have been a nice visual here.

January 16, 2023 at 9:25 am

Thanks for the suggestion, Bryan. I’ll try to add maps to my guide.

September 23, 2020 at 12:59 am

Hello, of couse depends on financial capabilities and sympathy, Trasteve is very atmospheric area and absolutely fantastic. Piazza della Repubblica is very beautiful too, but not so popular but whole area location is great, thanks for article, wish all the best!!

September 23, 2020 at 1:18 pm

Thanks, Sam.

Yukti Agrawal

April 3, 2020 at 10:56 am

Your guide to stay in Rome, Italy is wonderful and it is very helpful for first timers. I would love to to stay in Rome at its historic center (Il Centro Storico) – the area around the Colosseum, Campo Fiori and Piazza Navona. It would be good to admire ancient ruins, baroque architecture, old churches, charming squares and winding medieval streets in this area. Monti too looks worth staying due to its history of red light area and also some rustic cafes and eatouts.

Marina Springer

April 5, 2019 at 11:54 am

Loved the article: very informative and just made my planning easier. Thank you!

Anda Galffy

April 5, 2019 at 6:37 pm

Thanks, Marina. Hope you have a wonderful trip in Italy.

Clarice / Camping for Women

March 4, 2019 at 7:52 am

My husband is visiting Rome in the latter part of the year. He had been asking me to help him look for places where he can stay. Thus, I am so happy to see your post. It is very helpful.

March 4, 2019 at 9:49 am

WHope my post was of some help to you then.

Medha Verma

February 11, 2019 at 10:29 pm

That is a fantastic post detailing all the areas to stay and the key USP of each. Although I usually choose to stay in the historical centre when I travel to Europe, given my love for ancient architecture and cobbled stone streets, I also love how Trastevere looks. Out of all these, it would be my choice to stay in Rome.

Shreya Saha

February 10, 2019 at 4:45 am

That’s an important article on which neighborhood to stay in Rome. In a city, often there are more than one or two important places or areas to stay in and I get confused. I would be at rest when it will come to Rome, thanks to your blog. I will settle either with Centro Sortico or Trastevere. Well yes, still I am keeping two options.

February 10, 2019 at 3:22 am

I’ve only ever spent two quick nights in Rome, so I really want to go back and discover it all over again. Trastevere looks like a charming location to spend time in Rome. I love the old-world charm that seems to engulf the area, as seen through your photos. I do like how you have divided the city as per the characteristics particular to the regions. Thanks and this will come in handy when I plan my Roman Holiday.

emman damian

February 9, 2019 at 11:36 pm

Rome is one of my favorite cities in Italy. I went to Trevi fountain and Colloseo! It was so fun! I lived near Colloseo. It was a good neighborhood. Not so expensive too!

February 9, 2019 at 11:05 pm

This article is on point, my three trips to Rome and where I stayed was reflected in my budget situation, on my very first trip I stayed at the area near the Termini station which was way cheaper. Most recently I stayed at Centro Historico which was perfect for visiting the main sites just by walking. I wish I had this article when I was planning my Rome trip.

Soumya Gayatri

February 9, 2019 at 11:04 pm

This is such a comprehensive post. I visited Rome more than 5 years ago and we stayed somewhere in the historic center, dont remember exactly where. It was such a wonderful experience. After reading through your post, I feel like I should try out one of the other neighborhoods this time. Some of them look really interesting, the Trastevere for example.

February 9, 2019 at 2:22 pm

This is one brilliant post and a great summary, Anda. I visited Rome on many different occasions and I stayed in a lot of the areas you mentioned here and I think you truly did cover the best areas to stay in Rome. My personal favorite (until now) is Trastevere

Jane Dempster-Smith

February 9, 2019 at 1:50 pm

We have only visited Rome once and stayed around Termini. This is a very informative article Anda because we are always being asked where is the best place to stay in Rome which is close to the attractions. We will bookmark this article for our future reference.

February 9, 2019 at 1:59 pm

Thanks, Jane. I’m glad you found it useful.

Carrie Ann Karstunen

February 9, 2019 at 10:35 am

This is a great resource for a first-time visitor to Rome! It’s always difficult to choose a location to stay in an unfamiliar city. As I don’t like to break my budget by staying in the most expensive area, but I still like to be somewhat near the action, I think I would choose Trastevere. Thanks for providing so many options with pros and cons!

Kavita Favelle

March 3, 2018 at 8:15 am

I have visited Rome only once, and certainly loved it, mostly for the sense of history around every corner. I’d like to go again though, and your guide on where to stay is super helpful, we hardly thought about it last time, which was at least two decades ago! I’d likely go with your first or second choices of Trastevere or Monti, both are appealing, I think we have similar taste!

February 28, 2018 at 7:24 pm

That is a wonderful breakdown of the city for people like me who are not so familiar with the place. The B&Bs rarely share such insights and whenever I go down to booking them, I get confused about the areas. The center city would be my first choice given its proximity to places that I want to visit. I would definitely be looking for bargains on that one. Cheers and thanks for such a lovely and informative post.

Jennifer Melroy

February 28, 2018 at 8:15 am

I am a big fan of staying as close to historical city centers as possible. I make it easy to get up and get to the historical sites and beat the hordes of tourists. I love getting to spend time by fountains and in squares and almost be alone.

Samantha Sparrow

February 28, 2018 at 2:35 am

I stayed in the Centro Storico when I visited Rome (overlooking the Pantheon and it was great for a first time visit as i was so close to everything. I think if I was to visit again I’d try Trastevere or Testacchio which both have an incredible food scene and would definitely be a little more laid back!

February 27, 2018 at 9:11 pm

Very useful post, Anda. Travellers (even seasoned ones) get incredibly overwhelmed when choosing an area to stay in a new city. For me, it is the most stressful experience in planning a trip and I often feel, even after hours of research, that I am not entirely sure of my choice. In Rome we stayed near Spanish Steps and it was a good choice for us. Like you, though, I was overwhelmed by the crowds (which made the entire experience…an underwhelming for me), but that is another story (I did read your other Rome story:)

February 27, 2018 at 6:53 am

Incredible guide for first timers like me. Rome is truly one of the best places in the world that we should’ miss out. Although couldn’t help but notice that Piazza della Repubblica has a resemblance to the Opera house in Hanoi, the architecture, and the color. Termini could be my suitable location, and yes how true that Rome has numerous pickpocketers? Nevertheless, Rome should be on everyone’s bucket list!

Stevo Joslin

February 27, 2018 at 6:10 am

Thank you so much for this guide. We are planning to visit Europe next year and we’d love to visit Rome. It’s good to know there are affordable rooms so close to all the sights in Trastevere, and to get more of a feel for the way people live in Rome. It’s nice to see how life is lived in big cities all over the world. Thank you for the inspiration.

Punita Malhotra

February 27, 2018 at 6:04 am

We just loved the one week we spent in Rome. I would love to go back again and concentrate purely on photography this time, now that the sights are out of the way. 🙂 Love all your photos.

February 27, 2018 at 4:03 am

I stayed pretty far from the city center on my first visit to Rome, but next time I go to Rome I definitely want to stay in Trastevere, I loved it there 😀

February 27, 2018 at 1:44 am

I’ve heard really good things about Trastevere from people so I think that is where I’d like to stay next trip to Rome. My last visits I stayed in Via Aurelia which is past the Vatican. Whats good I think is that Rome’s public transport is decent so it wasn’t hard getting into the city centre. Great write up! #TheWeeklyPostcard

February 26, 2018 at 8:28 pm

Thank you for this informative post, the one thing I research before I visit any city or town is ‘the best areas to stay in..’ so this is actually very helpful! I don’t plan to visit Rome again, I’ve been there some 6 years back and I don’t even remember where I stayed. But if I return, I know this is one of the first posts I will look for. Cheers!

February 26, 2018 at 5:21 am

I lived in Italy for seven years. Centro Storico actually is the area of Rome that’s bordered by the 3rd-century Aurelian walls and by the mura gianicolensi, which include the Vatican walls – in other words, it’s massive and divided by neighborhoods. All the other neighborhoods you discussed are in Centro Storico.

I really like the Campo dei Fiori and Jewish Ghetto neighborhood. You’re an easy walk to the major monuments like the Colosseum, but also a short walk to the great and less touristy restaurants of Trastevere.

February 25, 2018 at 3:29 pm

I think I’ll choose Trastevere anytime. It’s not far from the historic centre and the attractions that made Rome famous are within easy reach. Also, as you said, hotels are more affordable in this area.

February 25, 2018 at 10:23 am

Thank you for this very inclusive post. I absolutely love Rome and has something to offer for all tastes and interests, so it is good to know in advance which area fits your taste. I personally like Trastever best hehe

February 24, 2018 at 9:50 pm

I find picking where to stay in big cities always overwhelming. I was in Rome 13 years ago, I think I stayed in Monti, but I can’t remember. I always want to be close to the centre

February 24, 2018 at 6:56 pm

My first visit to Italy was with Trafalgar Tours in 2008 – can’t remember exactly where we stayed in Rome – I believe it was outside of the city. But I would really love to return to Rome again and explore the sights on my own at my pace. Have read quite a bit on Trastevere, this might be the location I would consider the next time 🙂

Jessica Norah

February 24, 2018 at 10:23 am

We have been to Rome a few time and have stayed in a few different areas around the center (most of which you noted), and we loved being able to walk to many of Rome’s top attractions. Although we found the public transit easy enough it is nice to be centrally located!

February 24, 2018 at 6:09 am

When I was in Rome, I stayed in a tiny hotel in front of the Trevi Fountain. It’s called Hotel Fontana and it’s the only hotel that overlooks the fountain. Marvelous!

February 24, 2018 at 1:02 am

I stayed in a hotel in Trastevere almost 10 years ago and I was really happy that I did.

February 23, 2018 at 7:04 pm

I’ve been trying to figure out where to stay when we go back to Rome in April. We’ve stayed near Repubblicca on our last two trips… and it’s a good location, but we’re hoping to stay somewhere more central on this trip! This gives me some good ideas to look at!!

February 23, 2018 at 7:27 pm

I hope you’ll have a great time in Rome, Sara.

February 23, 2018 at 6:25 pm

I’ve never been to Rome so this will definitely be helpful to me if I go as I am totally clueless about the city. Trastevere – and your photos of it – looks appealing to me though so I guess that is where I would be inclined to stay.

Mary (The World Is A Book)

February 23, 2018 at 3:41 pm

We just booked our tickets to Rome a few days ago! Such a timely and useful post right now as I’m searching for lodging. It’s been 7 years and the place where we stayed at is all booked. Thank you for this!

February 23, 2018 at 7:25 pm

Have fun, Mary. I’m sure Rome will not disappoint you, no matter where you decide to stay.

February 23, 2018 at 1:51 pm

I agree – nothing like staying in the centre for visiting the attractions. We stayed via Veneto when we visited many years ago.

California Globetrotter

February 23, 2018 at 1:45 pm

Last time I visited Rome in college, we stayed at a resort like an hour by shuttle bus out of the city which made for a hassle to get in and out because we were stuck to the hotel’s times. Next time, I’m definitely staying IN Rome or probably more like Trastevere would be my ideal location!!

An hour away from Rome sounds way too far. You definitely have to go back and stay somewhere close to the historic center. We’ve stayed in many places in Rome and although not all were close to the city center, I liked all of them. Each neighborhood has its own charm and there is so much to see and do everywhere in Rome.

February 23, 2018 at 1:04 pm

Last time I was in Rome, I stayed in the city center. Yes, it was expensive but it was so nice to be able to walk to everything.

February 23, 2018 at 12:14 pm

Great info and beautiful pictures, Anda! Oddly enough, I haven’t been in Italy yet. But now I know where to stay when we finally end up going. I’ll have to bookmark this post until we do. My choice would probably be the Trastevere.

February 23, 2018 at 7:20 pm

I think you’ll love Italy, Emese. Their culture is quite similar to ours, so you’ll feel very “at home” there.

Vibeke Johannessen

February 21, 2018 at 1:01 pm

I went to Rome as a kid so don’t really remember the area we stayed in. I want to go back and would definitely stay in Trastevere. Looks amazing and charming. It seems like a typical and charming Italian area, just like I imagined it to be 😀 I hope I can go back to Rome. Will save this post until then 😀

LaiAriel Samangka

February 21, 2018 at 3:16 am

Wow, I haven’t been to Rome and these places are really beautiful. I love all those intricate design of building, which is only in Rome. Will surely stay with these beautiful places if I get the chance to visit Rome soon. Thank you so much for sharing this with us.

I’d probably like to stay in the historic areas but would like end up like you and stay in Trastevere. I’ve gotta get on planning a trip to Rome. Oh the history and the beauty.

Marta Cunha Grilo

February 21, 2018 at 3:14 am

A good friend of mine just went to Rome 2 days ago and she wasn’t sure about where to stay. I’ll be sending your post 😉

Rhonda Albom

February 21, 2018 at 3:05 am

I only spent the day in Rome when I was in Italy so I didn’t need a hotel. If I were to spend some time there, I think I’d want to stay in the Centro Storico area. I can revisit all the sites I saw before and others that I didn’t have time to see last time I was there.

February 21, 2018 at 11:57 am

Staying in the historic center has only one downside Rhonda: you’d probably be so comfortable there that you won’t go anywhere outside that area. And that would be a pity because Rome has many outstanding areas that deserve to be visited.

Ryan Biddulph

February 21, 2018 at 1:59 am

Trastevere would work for me too Anda. Gotta get off the beaten path to see and experience a different side of these major cities. Like a full 180 in some cases from heavily touristed centers. As for Roma it’d be my first visit as I have barely been to Europe. I am too addicted to the tropics methinks. But I have a score of Italian expat buddies here in Chiang Mai who have painted a pretty picture of both Rome and Italy itself. Gotta go one day.

Signing off from Thailand.

February 21, 2018 at 11:59 am

Oh, you surely go to Europe more, Ryan. You may have a change of heart and abandon the tropics for a few years. The only downside to it is that life in Europe is so much more expensive than on these tropical islands.

Iuliana Marchian

February 21, 2018 at 12:31 am

This is such a wonderful post. I was in Rome 20 years ago. Honestly, I don’t remember where I stayed, I was a student, so it didn’t matter so much where I slept but I remember the beautiful Trastevere and the area of ancient Rome.

February 21, 2018 at 12:47 am

That’s how I actually closed my article, Juliana. I closed saying that regardless where you stay in Rome, you will have a great time.

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Rome Neighborhood Map and Guide

Where to stay and what to see in rome, italy.

Rome, like most every large and sprawling city has districts or neighborhoods, but few display the diversity of character you'll find in central Rome's neighborhoods, sometimes refered to by the Italian administrative divisions called rione .

Rome's Rione have changed over the years as new administrations grappled with the population growth both inside the Aurelian walls and out.

Some of Rome's neighborhoods you know. The current tourist favorite, Trastevere , is an example. Another is our favorite, Testaccio . If you slip out of the historic center to the fringes, you'll find Ostiense , once an industrial area, now an artistic one, with many interesting things to see (and eat).

Map: Rome and Its Rione

The black outlines indicate the boundaries of each of Rome's 22 rione . If the name in the marker is blue, you can find out more about that rione.

Getting Your Bearings

The Historic center of Rome (Centro Storico in Italian) is considered to be the area inside the city walls, an area of just over 5 square miles or just under 14 square kilometers. Most everything you've heard about historic Rome is here: the Spanish Steps, Piazza Navona, Campo de’ Fiori, Trastevere, Vatican and Villa Borghese, Colosseum and Termini.

How big is Rome and its historic center? Here's an outline map of Rome imposed over a map of New York with population information.

Rome's two metro lines cross in front of Termini Station (See a Transportation Map of Rome ). You must buy tickets in advance at newsstands, tabacchis (tobacco shops), or vending machines.

Rome As A Local: Hidden Gems & Ancient Wonders is a walking tour with Walks of Italy, a group we've come to like for walking tours. This tour takes in the Jewish Ghetto and the Appian way, who of our favorite places in Rome, then up the Janiculum for a great overview of the Eternal City.

Rome In A Day Tour with Vatican, Colosseum & Historic Center can help you get your bearings in Rome by taking you to some of the "must-see" sites. Crypts, Bones & Catacombs: An Underground Tour of Rome is ideal of you've had enough of the current habitation level of Roma. Otherwise, if you are not interested in a guided tour and just want to see the sights on your on own, you can book tickets for Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palastine Hill with Priority Entrance or for the Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel to Skip the Line . Another way of booking everything together in an easy way is using this Rome Card .

Central Rome isn't the only area tourists might explore. There are two areas to the north which I find fascinating: Malborghetto and Livia's Villa . These are places along the ancient Via Flaminia you can get to by public transportation if you are housed inside the historic center or by car if you've chosen a spot outside the center. You can also walk from the Ponte Milvio in northern Rome, the bridge where Constantine defeated Maxentious after a vision that suggested divine intervention, an event that began Constantine's conversion to Christianity with a little help from his mother, an event commemorated in Sardinia in July at L'Ardia di San Costantino . The Flaminia, like the Appian Way , offers some Roman funereal architecture along the way. Read more about Malborghetto , the "bad little hamlet" built around a 4th century arch , or about Livia's Villa (Livia Drusilla, wife of the emperor Augustus, owned it with her family).

Staying in Rome

Rome is one of Italy's most expensive cities. Neighborhoods listed below will have some lodging suggestions, but to get an idea of the lodging available and the current cost of rooms or apartments, see the lodging map below:

Aventine Hill and Testaccio (South)

The Aventine is a quiet, wealthy residential area with some amazing churches, view spots, and oddities. The famous Knights of Malta keyhole is here. My favorite "really old" church, Santa Sabina is here.

If you value quiet, you'll want to take a hotel here. You're not too far from the farm more raucous historic center, and if you're a foodie, Rome's cucina povera has its origins in the area around the old stockyard in Testaccio , just to the south, and there are many restaurants serving this celebrated cuisine --the Aventine lacks for restaurants. Read More: Aventine Hill Guide , which also suggests some places to stay.

At the intersection of the Aventine and Testaccio, seen from the Testaccio zoom on the map, is a marker for the interesting (and free!) museum inside Porta San Paolo, the southern gate of the third century Aurelian Walls of Rome. The Ostiense Museum tucked inside the gatehouse offers up some education on the importance of the road to Rome's port, Ostia, and has some good views of the Roman era Pyramid of Cestius from along the crenelated catwalk. From here, if you fancy some exercise, you can take an interesting walk from the Museo della Via Ostiense to the Basilica of St. Paul.

Testaccio has quite a few Vacation Rentals .

An up and coming rione these days, Monti is Rome's largest. It's named after three hills: Quirinale, Viminale and Esquilino. It is bounded on the south by the Colosseum and San Giovanni in Laterano (Basilica of St. John Lateran), the cathedral of the Diocese of Rome and one of the top churches of Rome.

This is the area south of Termini station , named after the Roman baths just in front. If you're coming in by train you probably stop in Termini, although there are other stations: popular are Roma Trastevere and Roma Ostiense . If you're thinking you'll be tired, you'll want to just drop your stuff at a nearby hotel and begin your sightseeing. There is lots of lodging around the station. Ignore the touts and look, or reserve in advance. We like the Starhotels Metropole . Cheaper is the Hotel des Artistes .

Regola and the Piazza Farnese

If you're going to be in the heart of old Rome, here's where I'd make my base. A rione bounded on the southwest by the Tiber river, You've got much of the charm of Rome showing up in the area around the Piazza Farnese and the Campo dei Fiori--and the Piazza Navona isn't far away. The Piazza Farnese is much quieter than the Campo dei Fiori, so I prefer to sleep around the Palazzo Farnese, the French Embassy. I also recommend Hotel Residenza Farnese which was quiet even on the night the Italians won the world cup.

This is a great area for strollers. Our favorite walk is up the quiet and elegant Via Giulia to the Vatican, or across the Ponte Sant' Angelo to the Castel Sant'Angelo.

The Vatican and St. Peter's Square

It's hard to envision the grandeur of St. Peter's Square unless you're standing in it. You should at least stroll up to the Vatican and take a peek. If you want to explore the area further, or have business there, there are many hotels in the area: Hotels in Vatican City .

The Sistine Chapel and Vatican Museums are an extremely popular thing to do in Rome. We suggest you buy tickets in advance so you can avoid standing in long lines to procure them on site. You may also wish to hire a private guide, who can take you right to the things you are interested in. We have a some suggestions for what tickets to purchase: Rome Vatican Museum Tickets .

One of our favorite tours is the Vatican Night Tour with Sistine Chapel by The Roman Guy, where you visit the museums with only the cleaning crew to keep you company. get 5% off the Roman Guy tour by using the link aboveto reserve.

Prati & Aurelio

North of the Vatican lies the northwesternmost rione of Prati. Wrapping around Vatican City to the west is the adjacent quartiere di Roma of Aurelio. These two neighborhoods have great service on the metro line and are considered bargains for lodging--and it's true, we've stayed in an amazing apartment for half what a hotel room would have cost in the center of Rome. If you're going to spend a lot of time around the Vatican, well, these are the places for you.

Prati & Aurelio Map and Guide

Trastevere is on the "other" side of the Tiber, the west bank, and features lots of little restaurants, pizzerie , and bakeries along with some of the smaller museums and many interesting churches like Santa Maria in Trastevere, one of the oldest in Rome. There is also a popular botanical garden.

If you feel like some exercise, and like to see sprawling views of the city you're in, climb Il Gianicolo , Janiculum Hill.

Trastevere is webbed with narrow cobbled streets around the Museo di Roma in Trastevere you see on the map. Wander it. Get lost. You'll find what you're seeking, even if you didn't know you were looking for it.

A value choice in Trastevere lodging is the B&B Hotel Roma Trastevere on Viale di Trastevere 249/D. Upscale and very highly rated is Trastevere Colors on Via Dei Marescotti 7. If atmosphere is what you crave, why not stay in a former monastery? The 4-Star Donna Camilla Savelli on Via Garibaldi 27 features 2 gardens, some amazing views, and was designed by Baroque architect Borromini.

Trastevere Map and Travel Guide

Casino and Secret Garden Pamphili

Monteverde is an interesting Rome neighborhood that tourists seem to miss. It's to the west of the center, and it's not a rione but a quartiere . Like the Aventine Hill area, it's relatively quiet in Monteverde. What's to see? The Villa Pomphili and the "Secret Garden" inside Rome's largest lanscaped park for a start. There are catacombs under the ancient church of San Pancrazio. The food here is typically Roman and a great value if you've already tried those in the tourist center. Monteverde is linked to the center by Rome's newest tram line, so it's a great place to stay while still being just a tram ride away from Rome's central attractions.

Monteverde Map and Guide

Campo Marzio

The northern rione includes the Piazza al Popolo , the Ara Pacis , an altar that was built during the reign of Augustus, and the newly revamped Spanish steps. There are also trendy shopping streets with many clothing boutiques as well as streets with long standing shops for everyday items like wine and olive oil.

Campo Marzio Map and Guide

Flaminio isn't a rione . It's Rome's "first" outskirt or quartiere . You'll find it north of the Piazza al Popolo, where the tiber makes a big bend. It's a more modern side of Rome with some interesting attractions.

Flaminio Map and Guide

East of the Borghese Gardens: The Quartiere Coppedè, Catacombs, & Villa Torlonia

Rome is a large place where there's plenty of opportunity to get off the beaten track. Here's a quiet corner of Rome outside the historic center that's easy to get to and explores an area of different art and architecture.

Explore East of the Borghese Gardens

Recommended Touring & Eating

A popular if slightly creepy endeavor for tourists in Rome is a Crypt and Catacombs tour.

If you get tired of the noise and bustle of the city, you might want to walk or bus out to the Appian way . If you feel like a little excercise (or even if you don't) an E-Bike Tour might be in order.

If you get tired of eating in Restaurants while you are in Rome, you can have a meal in the house of a local.

Try Home Restaurants in Rome, Italy

An interesting ticket combo is Vatican & Rome Experience Pass . It's not cheap, but if you're a first-time visitor who wants to see everything in as short a time as possible, this might be just the ticket for you. It'll will take car of pretty much anything you'd want to see and do in Rome for three days:

This pass gets you access to 3, 5, or 7 attractions of your choice out of more than 30, including the Vatican Museums, Colosseum, St. Peter's Basilica, Catacombs, Hop-on Hop-off Bus, and more.

Getting a Taxi in Rome

On the map you'll find the taxi stands in Rome. This is the preferable way to procure a taxi, as in most of the tourist areas of Rome you'll not be able to flag down a taxi. Be careful at Termini Station; you'll want to find an official taxi if you don't fancy getting ripped off.

Where to Go from Here Easily

The top thing to do from this area is to visit the Roman site of Ostia Antica from the Roma Porto Paolo Station. Don't know where that is? See our Rome Transportation Map .

The Porta San Paolo itself holds an interesting off the beaten track museum, the Museo della Via Ostense you can visit. If you feel like walking towards the sea, an amble down the Via Ostiense to the  Papal Basilica of St Paul Outside the Walls is very resarding.

A little further away is Tivoli where you'll find the Villa d'Este and Hadrian's Villa. See a Tivoli Map and Guide for directions on how to get there.

Possible Bargains

Rome travel information.

Rome Weather How to See the Vatican Recommended Rome Tours Rome Fiumicino Airport Map and Guide Italy Distance Map How to Get from Civitavecchia to Rome

Don't Stop With Rome

Lazio is the region that Rome is found in, and it's often overlooked by vacation planners. Check out our Lazio map and guide . The attractions in the region might wow you.

Plan Your Italy Vacation

Find out what the weather might be with our month to month climate charts  for major tourism cities.

Find out about the Italian Territories

We have a huge collection of Maps for every region and many historic territories and sub regions.

Select your language

Map of Rome: Top attractions

Map of rome: top things to do & top attractions in rome, transportation & tourist maps of rome.

Map of Rome: Historic Areas Source: http://www.atac.roma.it

Map of Rome Source: http://www.atac.roma.it

Map of Rome: Metro (subway) Source: http://www.atac.roma.it

Interactive Map of Rome: Subway Linea A Source: http://www.atac.roma.it

Interactive Map of Rome: Subway Linea B Source: http://www.atac.roma.it

Rome is a beautiful city full of history and culture. Around every corner you'll come across architectural and art treasures. There is so much to see and do it's sometimes hard to know where to start, and how to get the most out of your trip.

To help you out, this guide points you in the direction of the top 20 things to do and see in the city .

Spend a few minutes planning your time in this eternal city to get the most out of its attractions. Don't forget to leave yourself some time for relaxing over a cup of coffee and enjoying al-fresco dining on the flavors of Italy.

1. The Colosseum

The Colosseum must be one of the city's most thrilling sights . As you stare in awe at it, try and imagine it clad in Travertine stone and marble and supporting a huge canvas awning designed to keep the sun off 50,000 spectators.

In its cavernous underground world , gladiators lived and trained and wild animals were caged ready to be raised up to the crowds in pulley-operated lifts.

Its inaugural games were in 80 AD, when 50,000 animals were slaughtered over 100 days. Abandoned in the 5th century, it was later used as a fortress and its precious Travertine stone and marble stripped to decorate many of Rome's palaces.

2. The Roman Forum

Leave yourself at least a couple of hours to explore the sprawl of ruins that cover the site of the Roman Forum . Building started on the site of an Etruscan burial ground in the 7th century BC, becoming the magnificent central showpiece of the ancient city.

The area was home to temples, public spaces, baths and basilicas and with the help of informative maps and information boards you can still make out the outlines of important buildings and streets, such as the Via Sacra, the Forum's main road and the spot where Julius Caesar was cremated, the Tempio del Divo Giulio.

3. St. Peter's Basilica

St. Peter's Basilica is at the heart of the Vatican City , and is the most spectacular and richest of Italy's churches. St. Peter's is full of beautiful works of art, including La Pietà, Michelangelo's evocative sculpture of Mary and Jesus .

The church took 120 years to construct, eventually being consecrated in 1626. Be prepared to queue to get in and follow the strict dress code of this Catholic place of worship. No mini-dresses, shorts or bare shoulders are allowed in.

4. Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel

Also in the Vatican City are a collection of museums containing some of the world's greatest art works . On show are Etruscan bronzes and Egyptian mummies, frescoes by Raphael and works by Caravaggio and Leonardo da Vinci .

Part of the museum complex contains the Sistine Chapel , or Capella Sistina, where one of the world's most iconic ceilings can be viewed. It is well worth being patient to get a glimpse of this fresco which took took Michelangelo four years to complete, working from a scaffold in a cramped and narrow space.

5. The Trevi Fountain

The eternal city is full of imposing and playful statues, but the Trevi Fountain is probably one of the most iconic . This fountain is known around the world for Anita Ekberg's dip in the film, La Dolce Vita .

Recently restored, this water feature is an over-the-top collection of baroque mythical figures and wild horses. Tradition states that throwing a coin into the fountain will ensure your return to the city. As an average of 3,000 € a day is tossed into its waters, it is apparent many people hope this is true.

6. The Pantheon

This is one of the oldest and most influential buildings in the Western world , having stood for over 2,000 years. Its magnificent bronze, gilded and painted interior belies the rather drab and pock-marked exterior it shows to the world.

The Pantheon has the largest un-reinforced concrete dome ever built in the world. The Pantheon's massive dimensions are perfectly symmetrical, while its most fascinating feature is a central hole, of nearly 9 meters, in the dome.

Symbolically this connects the temple to the gods, but in reality spreads the load of the concrete roof. The interior marble floor is sloped to allow rainwater to drain away without causing damage.

7. Piazza Navona

This ornate square was for many centuries the site of the city's main market . It is still a popular place for street artists and hawkers to entertain tourists while they relax at a street cafe.

The Piazza is surrounded by old baroque palaces and dominated by Bernini's Fountain of the Four Rivers - the rivers Nile, Ganges, Danube and Plate.

8. Villa and Galleria Borghese

This outstanding gallery contains one of the best private art collections in the world , with stunning works by Raphael , Titian , Bernini and Caravaggio .

The collection was put together in the late 16th century by one of the most ruthless art collectors of all times, Cardinal Scipione Borghese.

If you only have time to visit one gallery in the city, then it should be this one. Tickets need to be pre-booked and you will be given a two-hour slot.

9. The Spanish Steps

Nearly every visitor has their photo taken on the Spanish Steps . Built in 1727, they wind their way up from the Piazza di Spagna to the French church, Chiesa della Trinita dei Monti .

At the foot of the steps is an intriguing fountain, the Barcaccia , also known as the 'sinking boat' fountain.

Taking a seat on the Spanish Steps for a while is a great way to rest your legs and people-watch.

10. Castel St. Angelo

This grim and imposing circular palace near the Vatican was built as a mausoleum for Emperor Hadrian .

Over the centuries it has also been a prison, a papal residence and a place of refuge for popes in times of trouble , being linked to the Vatican City by an underground passage.

Visit its museum and then have a coffee on the ramparts, a great way to view the city.

11. Capitol (Campidoglio)

The Capital area is home to the world's oldest public museums and contains some of the finest collection of classical sculpture in Italy .

The entrance to the museum complex is through the Palazzo dei Conservatori, where you'll find a courtyard littered with a huge head, hand and foot.

These are the remains of a 12 meter high statue of Constantine that originally stood in the Roman Forum.

12. Trastevere

The narrow alleys of Trastevere contain some of the most photographed washing in the world , because despite its popularity with the tourists, the area is still very much residential.

At its heart is the lovely Piazza Santa Maria de Trastevere , where locals and tourists mingle day and night.

13. Campo de' Fiori

This square is in the Parione district and used to be a site for races and executions. Today it is home to a busy street market during the day and a popular center of nightlife for youngsters once the sun goes down .

Surrounded by the palaces of medieval nobility, it has always been a place to see and be seen.

14. Circus Maximus

Although there isn't much to see above ground today, the Circus Maximus , where chariot races were regularly held, was enormous, and the largest stadium in the ancient world .

At the height of its glory it was able to seat 250,000 people , a quarter of the ancient city's population.

The original track is still visible in the grassed area today.

15. Mouth of Truth

The Mouth of Truth is a large marble face mask, probably a depiction of the sea god Oceanus, with his eyes, nostrils and mouth open.

It can be found against the wall of the Santa Maria in Cosmedin Church , in the Piazza della Bocca della Verita.

No-one knows the original purpose of this piece of stone but legends have grown up around it. If you are brave enough to put your hand in its mouth, be sure that you don't tell lies, or it will snap shut on your wrist.

16. Piazza Knights of Malta and Keyhole

This attraction , located on the Avertine Hill , is a little off the beaten track. Look for the sealed door leading to the gardens of the Knights of Malta.

A quirk of fate, or a clever architectural trick, means that if you put your eye to its keyhole you will see the extraordinary site of St. Peter's dome .

17. Giardino degli Aranci

We're coming to the end of our trip around the eternal city and this tranquil Garden of Oranges is the perfect setting to relax for a while , maybe enjoy a picnic or take in one of the shows at its outdoor theater.

Saint Dominic named the garden, presenting the monastery here with its first orange tree. Legend says that Saint Catherine of Siena picked its oranges, which she candied and presented to Pope Urban VI.

18. Tiber Island

Tiber Island is a place of mystery and shrouded in legend . It is linked to the banks of the river by the first stone bridge built in the city, the Ponto Rotto, or broken bridge.

Shaped like an ancient Roman warship, the island held a small fort in the middle ages and has always had links with healing.

Its spring is said to hold health-giving water, which was thought to have been effective during medieval plagues.

19. Baths of Caracalla

The Baths of Caracalla sit near the Appian Way and were built by prisoners and slaves on the orders of Emperor Caracalla.

The complex was huge, and its imposing ruins are still visible today. These, along with a fascinating museum, provide us with a glimpse into an ancient world . Originally clad with marble, and covered in bright frescoes and mosaics , these baths would have been used by up to 6,000 Roman citizens a day.

It is worth seeing them floodlit at night, or trying to get tickets to one of the operas regularly held in their grounds during the summer months.

20. Piazza del Popolo

The Piazza del Popolo sits to the north of the city, where three famous streets meet - Via del Corso , Via del Babuino and Via di Ripetta . These streets are home to many high-class shops and boutiques.

This enormous square opens out from the gate through the Aurelian Walls, and was the first sight visitors had of the city when arriving from the north. The Piazza has been remodeled many times over the centuries and is now connected to a park on the Pincio Hill above it by a curving flight of stairs.

The design of this flight gives the appearance of trees and plants cascading down into the square below. The Piazza del Popolo contains an Egyptian obelisk and is surrounded by three churches dedicated to the Virgin .

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Map of Rome - Interactive map of Rome

Information about the map.

Check out the main monuments, museums, squares, churches and attractions in our map of Rome. Click on each icon to see what it is.

To help you find your way once you get to your destination, the map you print out will have numbers on the various icons that correspond to a list with the most interesting tourist attractions. This way, you’ll be able to see where each attraction is.

Icons on the Rome interactive map

The map is very easy to use:

• Check out information about the destination: click on the color indicators.
• Move across the map: shift your mouse across the map.
• Zoom in: double click on the left-hand side of the mouse on the map or move the scroll wheel upwards.
• Zoom out: double click on the right-hand side of the mouse on the map or move the scroll wheel downwards.

You may also be interested in

3-day itinerary.

Although the city is ideally seen in 4 or more days, sometimes visitors have only a weekend to see Rome. To make the most of your visit and see the top attractions in Rome and the Vatican City, try our 3-day itinerary:

General Information

Although Rome is relatively easy to get around, when planning a trip, doubts and questions always arise. Below is a list of the most frequently asked questions answered.

Rome Tourist Card

Explore Rome’s Most Iconic Attractions With the Rome Tourist Card

From the Colosseum to the Sistine Chapel : if you want to go on a whirlwind tour of Rome’s most unmissable sights , the Rome Tourist Card is the perfect solution.

• Imagine the roar of thousands of spectators as you circle the upper floors of the Colosseum.
• Marvel at the breathtaking ceiling frescoes of Michelangelo in the Sistine Chapel.
• Explore the ruins of the Roman Senate and ancient temples as you roam around the heart of Rome at the Roman Forum .

What’s Included

The Rome Tourist Card includes entrance to some of the most famous tourist attractions in the world. This is what is included:

The Colosseum

No trip to Rome is complete without a visit to the Colosseum , and the Rome Tourist Pass grants you skip-the-line access tickets to Colosseum.

This ancient arena, built between AD 70-72, was once the stage for bloody gladiator fights and staged hunts. Though the ruins are crumbling, you can still envision the Colosseum filled with crowds of people, and the roar of 50,000 spectators, as you walk around the upper floors. In its heyday, the emperor would attend the games and order elaborate spectacles to celebrate events and victories. You can learn all about the Colosseum from information signs and displays as you walk around the amphitheater.

For an additional price, you can enter the labyrinth beneath the arena where gladiators would await their fates and access the arena floor itself. These aren’t included in the skip-the-line ticket available with the Rome Tourist Card but can be purchased as extras; it’s well worth the additional cost if you’re interested in the history of the Colosseum! 

Roman Forum & Palatine Hill

These attractions are included in the same ticket as the Colosseum – you must visit them within the same 48-hour period. Though they are part of the same ticket, they are not on the same site. The Roman Forum and Palatine Hill are next door to the Colosseum but have separate entrance points. 

You can walk freely between the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill once inside the site, though these are again technically separate attractions. The Roman Forum was the heart of Ancient Rome ; the center of all commerce, politics, and religion. It was here that the Vestal Virgins tended to the eternal flame of Rome, Julius Caesar was cremated, and the ancient kings of Rome lived.

Neighboring Palatine Hill is the birthplace of Rome, where, according to legend, Romulus and Remus were raised by the she-wolf Luna in Lupercal Cave. It is here, on the most central of Rome’s seven hills, that Romulus founded the city . It was the most exclusive neighborhood in Ancient Rome, though the ruins of opulent palaces are all that is left. It is worth the climb for the panoramas over Rome alone.

St. Peter’s Basilica: Guided Tour

Renowned as the greatest church in Christendom, St. Peter’s Basilica holds a unique place in the Catholic religion: it is supposedly the burial site of Saint Peter.

Lavishly decorated and filled with spectacular works of art, St. Peter’s Basilica is one of Rome’s most popular attractions. It is one of the finest examples of Renaissance architecture in the city; it was built using many materials sourced from other ancient ruins around the city – the bronze in Bernini ’s baldachin came from the Pantheon , while much of the marble was originally in the Roman Forum.

One of the highlights is Michelangelo’s sculpture Pietà , one of his earliest works. Entrance to the basilica is free, but the Rome Tourist Card includes a guided tour of the church. With a guide, you can get insight into the history of the church and notice things you may have otherwise missed.

Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel

The world’s smallest official country holds its own in cultural impact: is there anywhere with more beauty and historical significance per square mile? If there is anywhere in Rome you will need pre-booked tickets, it is here. Queues can take hours to enter the Vatican Museums : booking a time slot with your Rome Tourist Card allows you to skip all the stress.

Inside the Vatican Museums, you can expect an opulence unlike anywhere else in Rome. The palace houses one of the greatest art collections in the world – with paintings from Raphael and Leonardo da Vinci – as well as artifacts like Egyptian mummies and Roman sculptures.

Every corner of the Vatican Museums holds an item of great historical significance: when in Rome, it is a sight you just can’t miss.

The most famous of all is the Sistine Chapel . Michelangelo ’s masterpiece is the series of frescoes painted onto the ceiling: the Creation of Adam stands out as recognizable the world over. It gets incredibly busy, but witnessing the beauty of the Sistine Chapel is a moving experience that you should enjoy at least once in your lifetime.

Pantheon Audio Guide

Few buildings surviving from the ancient world are as intact as the Pantheon : this is one of the best-preserved Roman structures in existence and the finest example of ancient architecture in Rome.

Entrance to the Pantheon is free regardless of purchasing the Rome Tourist Card, but the audioguide included with the pass gives you some fascinating insight into the history of the building.

The Pantheon was built as a temple for the Roman gods, with the current iteration constructed during the reign of Hadrian – it was one of the first examples of a temple open to the people for worship (previously, access had been limited to priests and vestals).

What you will immediately notice is the Pantheon’s impressive domed roof. The huge dome is made entirely of brick and concrete and isn’t reinforced in any way; it’s an architectural and engineering feat that still has not been matched. 

How Does It Work

The Rome Tourist Card is really simple to use. Unlike many other tourist passes , you don’t need to pick up a physical pass: it gets delivered digitally straight to your phone.

You purchase the Rome Tourist Card online, and upon purchasing, select first the date of activation and then the individual tickets and timeslots for each activity. There’s no time limit on the Rome Tourist Card once activated – you could be in Rome for weeks and spread the attractions across that time; validity isn’t an issue.

Once you have selected the date and time slot for a specific tourist attraction, it works as an individual ticket. You will receive a digital pass on your phone, which will allow you to skip any purchasing queues – which are particularly long at the Colosseum and the Vatican – and head into the site; for certain attractions, you will meet a guide (meeting points will be mentioned in the pass).

There is little flexibility once you have chosen your time slots and dates, so you must stick to them, and you should bear in mind the individual validity of each attraction.

For instance, the Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill ticket is valid for 48 hours upon activation, while the Vatican Museums ticket entrance is only valid on your chosen date.

Key Factors:

• No time limit – validity isn’t an issue for the card itself.
• You use the Rome Tourist Card to ‘purchase’ individual tickets for attractions on a certain date and timeslot.
• Includes skip-the-line access.
• It is a digital pass.
• You may be asked for a photo ID at attractions.
• Audio guides can be downloaded to your phone.
• The Rome Tourist Card can only be purchased a few weeks in advance of your visit.