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Your Trip to Rome: The Complete Guide

TripSavvy / Christopher Larson

Rome, Italy, commonly referred to as the Eternal City, is a top travel destination that draws millions of visitors each year. An exuberant and modern world capital, Rome offers travelers fascinating reminders of its imperial past at every turn. It's also an international hub for contemporary fashion, design, art, and culture.

Encounter glorious monuments and ancient ruins dating as far back as at least the 3rd century B.C. Marvel at the stunning Romanesque- and Gothic-style architecture, medieval churches, picturesque squares, Baroque fountains, and world-class museums . Besides having an almost unlimited number of sights and attractions to see, Rome is famous for its traditional Roman food and wine and its vibrant nightlife , as well as pretty urban parks and peaceful nature reserves.

Planning Your Trip

Things to know before you go:

• Best Time to Visit : Since Rome has a Mediterranean climate, there's really no bad time to visit . If you want to avoid the crowds and the heat of summer, we recommend coming to Rome in the late spring or early autumn when the weather is mild and lines tend to be shorter. For average daily temperatures and rainfall, month by month, see our article.
• Language: Italian is the official language   , but you'll find that many people speak some English, especially those who work in the tourist industry. That said, it's always a good idea to bring along a pocket-sized phrasebook or download one of the many free language translation apps on your smartphone, just in case.
• Currency: As a member of the European Union   , Italy uses the Euro (€). Prices include tax and credit cards are widely accepted in restaurants, hotels, and shops. But when purchasing small items like a cup of coffee, a slice of pizza, or a glass of wine, plan on paying cash.
• Getting Around: Although Rome is a big metropolis, the historic center, or centro storico , is fairly compact, making it a highly walkable city. Public transport in Rome is run by ATAC , which operates the buses and trams linking riders to most areas in the city. The Metro subway system is affordable and quick.
• Travel Tip: You might find shorter lines if you visit the most popular attractions in the early afternoon when most people are at lunch.

Getting Around

Rome has an extensive public transportation system that consists of the Metro (subway), buses, trams, and three suburban railway lines (FS). Convenient and relatively inexpensive, the network connects to Rome's most popular tourist attractions but can be sometimes unreliable and overcrowded, especially during the summer months.

Things To Do

With so much to do and see in Rome, we recommend you start by hitting the major tourist attractions first—especially if this is your first visit. Regardless, do make sure to leave time in your schedule for people watching on an intimate piazza or strolling down Rome's many charming streets and cobbled alleyways.

Here are just some of Rome's top attractions:

• The Colosseum or Colosseo is the largest monument from Imperial Rome   still in existence today. The enormous amphitheater once housed fierce gladiator contests and wild animal fights. It's best approached from Via dei Fori Imperiali to get the full effect of its grandeur. Entrance lines can be long, so check out our tips for buying Colosseum tickets and avoid waiting .
• The Pantheon , one of the world's best-preserved ancient buildings, this masterpiece of Roman architecture began as a pagan temple before becoming a church in the 7th century AD. Located on Piazza della Rotonda, the Pantheon has a cylinder-shaped, hemispherical dome featuring a round hole in the top, the oculus, that allows natural light to stream in, as well as raindrops. Admission is free.
• Vatican City, the home of Saint Peter's Basilica and the Vatican Museums, is the world's smallest city-state. Geographically located within Rome, but not actually part of it, St. Peter's is the largest church in the world and houses important works by Michelangelo and Bernini. The Vatican Museums ( Musei Vaticani ) is a massive complex that contains an impressive art collection spanning 3,000 years—from Classical to modern eras. It's here that you can see the Sistine Chapel featuring Michelangelo's renowned frescoed ceiling.

For more information and details about Rome's sights and attractions see our 3 Days in Rome: What to See and Do or The 25 Top Things to Do in Rome.

What to Eat and Drink

Traditional Roman cuisine is based on inexpensive cuts of meat like offal and simple pasta recipes such as cacio e pepe (pecorino cheese and black pepper) and spaghetti carbonara (egg, cheese, and pork cheek). Other Roman favorites include deep fried artichokes ( carciofi alla giudia ), supplì (stuffed balls of rice with tomato sauce), and thin, crisp-crusted pizza.

Frascati is a white wine blend made in an area just south of the city. Artisanal and craft beer has become quite popular recently with pubs cropping up all over the city. In speakeasies and chic hipster bars, cocktails are flowing after hours.

Where to Stay

With so many diverse and interesting neighborhoods in Rome, it's hard to choose where to stay. For easy access to the airport and public transportation, staying in a cozy B&B or friendly hostel near Termini Station makes a lot of sense. If you want to be where the action is, there are a myriad of lodging options in Trastevere , Monti, and the centralissimo (very central) area, though these quarters can be rather noisy at night. If romance is what you're after, consider staying at a historic luxury hotel along the famed Via Veneto or near the Spanish Steps, but expect to pay a premium for such stellar locations. If you're on a budget, self-catering Airbnbs and inexpensive hotels are available all over the city, offering a great solution.

Getting There

There are two airports serving the Rome metropolitan area: Fiumicino (also known as Leonardo da Vinci) is the main international airport and Ciampino is a smaller, regional one. The best way to get into the city from the Fiumicino is by train to the main railway station closest to the historic center, Stazione Termini . You can also take airport buses to either Termini or Tiburtina station. We recommend you avoid driving in Rome if at all possible.

The Port of Civitavecchia is where cruise ships dock in Rome. See Civitavecchia to Rome Transportation for information about getting to the city or airport from here.

Culture and Customs

If you want to "do as the Romans do," then follow the bit of advice below.

• You must have your ticket before boarding any public transportation—buy them at station kiosks, newsstands ( edicole ), and tabacchi (tobacco shops). At boarding, be sure to stamp your ticket to validate them or you could get hit with a steep fine.
• You can't hail a cab on the streets of Rome, but can pick up one at the many official taxi stands scattered throughout the city.
• In restaurants, remember that tipping isn't obligatory, but is much appreciated. The rule of thumb is to leave €1 for each diner in your group or round up the check a few euros. If you get exceptional service, feel free to leave up to, but no more than 10% of the total bill.
• When perusing Rome's many boutiques and fashionable shops know that handling items is frowned upon, therefore it's best to ask the shopkeeper for assistance.
• Rome is a relatively safe big city, yet it does have its share of petty crime. Be aware of pickpockets, especially at train stations, on the Metro, and in crowded tourist areas.

For more information regarding the art of tipping in Italy, check out our article,  When & How Much to Tip in Italy: The Complete Guide .

Money Saving Tips

For budget-conscious travelers, here are a few ways to save a little coin without skimping on the fun.

• Rock the Aperitivo (pre-dinner drink): When you order a glass of wine or cocktail, it usually comes with a plate of yummy food (cold cuts, squares of pizza, etc.) at no extra charge.
• Forgo summertime and opt to visit during the winter, early spring or late fall. Temperatures are mild and travel packages and discounts are available.
• If you're going to be in Rome for three or more days, the OMNIA or RomaPass pass is a great value. Along with offering free admission to several sights, you don't have to wait in line thanks to the "fast-track" entrance feature included in the price.

Find out more about the cheapest ways to have fun by exploring our guide on visiting Rome on a budget.

Central Intelligence Agency. "The World Fact Book."

European Union. "The 27 member countries of the EU."

Encyclopedia Britannica. "Colosseum."

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How to Spend 3 Days in Rome – the Best Travel Itinerary 2023

Posted on Last updated: April 1, 2023

Categories Europe , Guides , Italy , Travel Guides

You are about to spend 3 days in Rome in one of the most beautiful and romantic cities in the entire world? Congratulations, there’s no way you won’t enjoy it!

And let me tell you something, I envy you a lot! Rome is my favorite city! It’s a risky statement to call a place favorite when there are so many stunning sites around the world, but…yeah… Rome is my favorite city!

The City of the Seven Hills , The Eternal City, or The City of Love , no matter what you call it you already know the road will take you there someday ( you know where all roads lead to, right? ). If this day is the first out of at least three, you may have enough time to taste the ancient ingredients and the renaissance flavor of Rome.

Enough with the cliches, let’s get down to business. To take full advantage of my 3 days in Rome itinerary guide, I recommend arriving there as early as possible ( or the night before ) and have three full days before you leave. The city is stuffed with things to see and do and it’s impossible to check them all in such a small timeframe, but with good time management and some comfortable shoes, you can see enough to fell in love .

Three Days in Rome Itinerary – Day One –   City Stroll

In the first out of our 3 days in Rome, the aim will be to get comfortable with this pastel-colored city and feel what Rome is all about. After breakfast and cappuccino in any of the local cafes we start our day with:

Piazza Navona

A public place since the 15th century, the plaza is most famous for its three fountains – Fontana del Moro, Fountain of Neptun, and the biggest one – The Fountain of Four Rivers by Bernini . It’s also home to various street performers and vendors.

Don’t get breakfast there though. As tempting as it is, to have your coffee with some pastry in front of the naked roman gods, the price would be at least double the normal .

The Roman Pantheon

A short walk from the piazza you will find the most preserved ancient building in Rome – the Pantheon. Built between A.D 118 and 125 as a temple to the gods, the Pantheon was converted into a catholic church in 609 and still serves as one today. It’s also a mausoleum of famous Italian people such as the first Italian King – Vittorio Emanuele II, and Raphael. There is a catholic mass every Sunday and even weddings from time to time.

The inscription: “M. AGRIPPA.L.F.COSTERTIUM.FECIT” is basically an ancient copyright statement meaning: “Marcus Agrippa son of Lucius, having been consul three times made it”.

Working Hours: Monday – Saturday: 8:30 AM – 7:30 PM Sunday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM Prices: Regular – 5 EUR

Trevi Fountain

Close to the Pantheon, you will find Trevi Fountain – a serious rival of the Colosseum as a main symbol of Rome. Finished in 1762, Trevi is not only the largest baroque fountain in the city but also the most beautiful fountain in the world! Originally it was said you have to drink a glass of its waters in order to come back to Rome.

Thankfully the legend evolved and now says: you should stand with your back to Trevi and toss a coin over your left shoulder ( i threw two just in case ) to ensure your return to the Eternal City. Turned out throwing two coins means you’ll fall in love with a Roman girl. Haven’t happened yet, but who knows…

It’s closed on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM for coin removal. Do you want to know how much they get out of it? It’s close to 3000 euro (!) per day and it’s all donated to the needy.

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Spanish Steps

These 18th century steps are a great place to stop, relax a little bit and eat a slice of pizza or gelato. Why are they called The Spanish Steps, tnough?

The stairway was built in 1725 to connect the Spanish embassy with the Trinità dei Monti church. At the base of the steps is Piazza de Spagna and Fontana della Barcaccia (“Fountain of the Ugly Boat”), built by Pietro Bernini (the father of the famous Gian Lorenzo Bernini)

Villa Borghese gardens and Galleria Borghese

Behind the Spanish Steps is the third largest and most picturesque park in Rome. Villa Borghese is a landscape garden that contains a number of buildings, museums, and even a zoo. The most famous museum there is Galleria Borghese. It’s an art museum featuring masterpieces of many Italian artists, most notable being Raphael and Bernini. Since it’s not a big place, they only allow a fixed amount of people inside, and pre-booking is mandatory. You can buy tickets here , or schedule a guided tour here.

If you plan to use a Roma Pass / Omnia Card, you have to book your entry hour by the phone ( +39 06 32810 ).

Sunset at Pincio

Finish your first out of 3 days in Rome with a stunning sunset on top of Pinicio Hill. It’s on the west side of the Borghese gardens and it’s one of the most romantic places in the world to enjoy a sunset. The whole experience is complemented by local musicians playing catchy Italian jingles and all-time classic ballads.

“Rome is the city of echoes, the city of illusions, and the city of yearning.”

Three Days in Rome Itinerary -Day Two – Ancient Marvels

In the middle of our 3 days in Rome adventure, we will continue touring the biggest highlights of the city. First thing in the morning, we start with the one thing in Italy that’s probably more famous than the Colosseum itself:

Begin the day with a tour of Rome’s best foodie neighborhoods and taste 18 different roman specialties. Led by a local guide you’ll start with a cappuccino and handmade Cannolo .

After breakfast, your guide will take you to the oldest market of Rome where you’ll get to know the ancient food heritage of the city, talk to some Italian chefs and taste various samples of traditional Italian foods ( the baccalà fritto is out of this world ).

The end of the tour would be in the best pizzeria in the world ( as per Anthony Bourdain ). Oh, and there is a wine tasting too! You can book this incredible food tour here. If you prefer a more premium food experience, this tour gives you the chance to explore the tastiest hidden gem area in Rome – Testaccio. And if you just want to taste the local street food, this small-group experience will take you around the famous jewish quarter to let you taste some Supplì (fried mozzarella rice balls), carciofi alla giudìa (deep-fried artichokes) and other typical Roman seasonal dishes

Roman Forum & Palatine Hill

Time to get to the big guys now – the Roman Forum and the Colosseum. They are both situated next to each other and you can visit them both with the same ticket ( as long as you visit on the same day ).

Why do we start with the forum and not the Colosseum? Because of the entry lines. Everybody starts from the Colosseum so the line for the tickets is quite long. The line for the forum, on the other hand, is not even close to that and if you use one of the side entries ( go down the street behind the Arc of Constantine – “Via di San Gregorio and it’s after the bus stop, to your right ) you may get tickets without waiting in a line at all!

The Forum itself is a vast area with ancient ruins of a marketplace, few temples, and political buildings. It is the place ancient Romans used for triumphal processions, public speeches, and even gladiatorial matches. The Forum is a must-see and the fact it shares the same ticket with the Colosseum makes it inexcusable to miss it even if your time is limited.

Working Hours: Last Sunday of October until the 15th of February from 8:30 AM until 4:30 PM 16th of February until the 15th of March from 8:30 AM until 5 PM 16th of March until the last Saturday of March from 8:30 AM until 5:30 PM Last Sunday of March until the 31st of August from 8:30 AM until 7:15 PM 1st until the 30th of September from 8:30 AM until 7 PM 1st of October until the last Saturday of October from 8:30 AM until 6:30 PM

Prices: Regular : 16.00 EUR (+ 2 EUR if you book it online) Priority (fast track entrance): 21.50 EUR Reduced: 2.00 EUR (EU citizens between 18 and 25 years old) Free: EU and non-EU citizens under 18

The Colosseum

Here it is – the eternal landmark, the symbol of ancient and modern Rome. The Colosseum!

The ancient amphitheater was used mainly for gladiator battles but also for animal hunts, executions, re-enactments of famous battles, and even sea-fight mock-ups! The spectacles often gather more than 80,000 people ( the capacity of the biggest stadium in Rome nowadays, Olimpico, is 72,698 ) and they were divided ( of course ) by class.

The first tier, called the Podium, was reserved for the Imperator and senators ( the VIP area ), the second tier was for the noble class – equites and knights. And the worst seats were for the common folk. It’s good to see how much humankind has progressed since those barbaric years and how equal we are now ( yeah, sure ).

Working Hours : Last Sunday in October until 15 February 8:30 AM -4:30 PM 16 February to 15 March 8:30 AM – 5 PM March 16 to the last Saturday of March 8:30 AM -5:30 PM Last Sunday in March to August 8:30 AM -7:15 PM 1st to 30th September 9:30 AM -7 PM October 1 to last Saturday in October 8:30 AM-6:30 PM

Prices: Regular: 16.00 EUR (+ 2 EUR if you book it online) Priority (fast track entrance): 22.00 EUR Reduced: 2.00 EUR (EU citizens between 18 and 25 years old) Free: EU and non-EU citizens under 18

Important! Since 01.01.2019, the Colosseum has a limit of 3,000 people at the same time making the timeslot online ticket mandatory.

Premium experiences: The normal Colosseum visit does not include stepping down on the arena or going to the top of the stands. If you really want to see where gladiators and beasts waited for their doom, see the restricted top seats or walk around the arena, you need this premium tour . If you’re after a serene experience or you’re chasing the perfect photo, the best option would be the early access tour . You skip all lines, there are hardly any other people and as a bonus, you miss the infamous Roman midday heat. Another serene VIP experience is the night tour .

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The Orange Gardens and the most beautiful view in Rome

End the long day in Giardino Degli Aranci. A walking distance from the Colosseum it’s considered to be one of the most romantic places in The City of Love . The gardens are located on the idyllic Aventine Hill but before we enter, there is another place to check.

Once on Via di Santa Sabina go past the gardens to the end of the street. There you’ll notice a queue in front of a green door. People are not waiting for the door to open though, they are waiting for a look through the famous Aventine keyhole – an Italian bucket list experience that is known to offer the most beautiful view in Rome.

After that, go back to the orange gardens and enjoy the sunset while tasting a freshly picked orange.

Working Hours: October to February 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM March and September: 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM From April to August: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM

“Rome was a poem pressed into service as a city.”

Three Days in Rome Itinerary – Day Three – The Holly City

It’s the last of our 3 days in Rome, and it’s time to get out of the country and check the home of the Catholic religion – Vatican City.

St. Peter’s Basilica

Get early and be on St. Peter’s Square at 7:00 AM. There shouldn’t be many people there yet, so you can marvel at the white city at peace. Get in line ( if there is even a line that early ) and go into the largest and most famous church of all churches – St.Peter’s Basilica.

Designed by Bramante, Michelangelo, and Bernini, the most renowned work of Renaissance architecture is one of the holiest Catholic shrines. All popes are buried here including the first one – St. Peter himself!

If you want to go to the top of the dome you better do it before you enter the church. It’s a different entrance to the right and there’s a line with an entrance fee. The whole climb is 551 steps of various forms and sizes but if you pay a little extra, you can take an elevator for the first 320. The view from the top is heart-stopping and I strongly recommend to push yourself and check it out.

Important! When you plan your Vatican visit, make sure it’s not on Wednesday or Sunday. The Pope has open masses on those days and you will have to wait for him to finish (at least 4 hours) before you are allowed to enter the basilica They have a strongly enforced dress code in Vatican city. Avoid tank tops or shorts or bring a scarf/shawl to cover yourself.

Working Hours: October – March: 7:00 AM – 6:30 PM April – September: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM

Prices:   St.Peter Basilica – free. Climbing to the dome: 8 EUR on foot (551 steps) ; 10 EUR with the elevator (stil has a 320 steps climb).

Premium experience: If you want to experience the most significant basilica in the Christian world in the best way possible, this premium guided tour is the thing you need. You’d see everything from top to bottom, including the famous panoramic view from the dome, the the historic grottoes, St. Peter’s tomb and of course, you’ll skip all the lines and learn tons of new things.

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Vatican Museums

Here’s a little info about me – I love museums! Everywhere I go I try to visit at least one. The Vatican Museums are the 5th largest museum in the world with more than a 43.000m2 gallery space and it’s my favorite museum in the world ( again with this favorite thing… ).

Make sure you got your ticket online thus skipping the enormous line and prepare yourself for 7km (4.3mi) travel through time. It starts with all the things Romans stole from Egypt ( there is a real mummy ) goes through various Roman epochs, shows you formal papal residences – designed and painted by Raphael ( the painter, not the ninja turtle ), and ends up in the magical Sistine Chapel.

The Sistine Chapel is one of those places impossible to describe. From the moment you set foot inside, the whole place starts bombarding you with energy. I spent an hour and a half listening to every word my audioguide had to say ( twice ) and when I got out it felt like walking out of a dream. Absolutely out-of-this-world experience!

Working Hours: Monday to Saturday 9.00 AM – 6.00 PM (final entry 4.00 PM)

Every last Sunday of the month – Free entry (provided this does not coincide with Easter Sunday, 29 June Sts. Peter and Paul, 25 December Christmas Day, and 26 December Feast of St. Stephen) Check out all opening hours on the official website

Prices: Adults – 17 EUR – get one here . Adolescents (6-18 years) – 8 EUR Students (under 25) – 8 EUR Children (under 6) – Free A guided tour can be booked here , but what I’d strongly recommend the night tour . Vatican museums are amazing but there are waaay too many people during the day (yes even in the pandemic times). Premium Experience: This is my favorite experience in Rome. Really, I’m in love with the Sistine Chapel, from the very first time I’ve set my foot inside and got blasted with its energy, this is one of my favorite man-made places anywhere in the world. There’s a big problem there though – it’s always full of people. So many people, it’s hard to concentrate on the amazing surroundings. And here comes the premium experience – an early visit before the Sistine Chapel is overcrowded with people ! If getting up early is not your thing, you can do it at night too ! Yes, it’s possible and it’s my favorite thing in Rome ( tied with the pizza )!

Important! Usually you can get tickets at the door of the museum. Currently the only option, however, is online booking.

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Castel Sant’Angelo

Once out of the Vatican, grab a quick lunch and go alongside the Tiber river until you see the bridges and an old castle. Built in 135 AD by emperor Hadrian it was actively used as a defense structure, but it also used to be home to one of the Popes when there was a deadly epidemy in 590 AD.

It’s a lovely museum today where you can see ancient catapults, secret corridors, and the preserved papal residence. The top floor is a balcony displaying a spectacular panoramic view of the city. Perfect for sunset watching or photo hunting ( or both ).

Working Hours : Daily from 9:00 AM to 7:30 PM.

Prices: Regular: 17.50 EUR Skip the line: Check here

Premium experience: If you’re a Dan Brown fan, this Angels & Demons tour is just the one for you. It will mess up the itinerary, but it’ll take you around a lot of curious places, Castel Sant’Angelo included

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Rome by night

Spent the evening walking around the city center, and enjoy the vibe Rome gets after dark. Have dinner in one of the winding alleys restaurants, get yourself some souvenirs, and savor your last hours in the city. You can enjoy night Rome part on an e-bike or turn it into an evening food-and-wine tour .

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More than 3 days in Rome?

You’ve got more than 3 days in Rome? You lucky, you! Ok, here are some extra attractions to check out:

The Capitoline Hill and Museums

One of the seven hills of Rome, The Capitoline Hill (also known as Campidoglio) is situated right between the Forum and the Campus Martius. Been a temple of Jupiter in ancient times, most of the ruins are covered by Renaissance palaces (that house the Capitoline Museums) that surround a piazza made by non-other but Michelangelo himself!

Why is it not included in the 3 days itinerary? Too many museums and piazzas can easily lead to burnout.

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Largo di Torre Argentina

Largo Argentina is a square that houses the ruins of a few temples and Pompey’s Theatre. It’s most famous about been the place where Julius Caesar was assassinated. The ruins are not that impressive, but it’s curious to know that today they also serve as a cat shelter. Torre Argentina Cat Sanctuary is run by a group of volunteers who sterilize stray cats. It even has a small nursing room in one of the temples where the kitties can recover after sterilization!

Why is it not included in the 3 days itinerary? Ruins are not that impressive and not everybody likes cats.

Piazza del Popolo

A neoclassical piazza near the Spanish steps, what Popolo is most famous about is the giant Egyptian obelisk in the middle. Brought to Rome more than 2000 years ago, the obelisk of Ramesses II from Heliopolis is the second biggest in the city ( number one is on Piazza di San Giovanni in Laterano).

Why is it not included in the 3 days itinerary? It kind of is. You enjoy the panoramic view of the piazza from the top of Pinicio Hill on day one.

Campo de’ Fiori

Campo de’ Fiori translated from Italian means field of flowers . While the name comes from Middle Ages when the area was a meadow full of flowers, today the piazza is more of a field of vegetables. Unlike other piazzas in Rome, full of statues and obelisks, this one is home to a daily street market, and it’s the best place to get fresh ingredients for your Italian dish. There is one statue though – of the philosopher Giordano Bruno who was burned alive on the square for his beliefs the earth was round (yeah, the piazza was also used for executions back in the day).

Why is it not included in the 3 days itinerary? If you have only 3 days in Rome, you probably won’t have the time and desire to cook your own meal.

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The Complesso Vittoriano

The Complesso Vittoriano located on Piazza Venezia is a giant white building that houses an art museum, a military museum, serves as an Altare della Patria (Altar of the Fatherland), and has an excellent (but expensive – 10 EUR) panoramic viewpoint of Rome. The colossal monument was inaugurated in 1911 as a tribute to Victor Emmanuel II, the first king of Italy after the country’s unification. Due to its color and design, it’s known as The Wedding Cak e.

Why is it not included in the 3 days itinerary? The viewpoint is expensive, and there was no timeslot open to include an art museum.

Take a trip across the river Tiber and explore the charming medieval neighborhood of Trastevere. Famous for its restaurants, Trastevere is a bit away from the main Roman attractions making it way less touristy and crowded that the historical center.

Why is it not included in the 3 days itinerary? You need to make a detour from the other attractions to include Trastevere to the itinerary.

Pyramid of Cestius

Yes, it’s a real pyramid, and no, it’s not stolen from Egypt (unlike the obelisks). The pyramid was built around 18–12 BC as a tomb for Gaius Cestius, a magistrate and high member of the society. While not as impressive as it’s counterparts in Giza, the Pyramid of Cestius still stands 37 meters high, and it certainly is one of the most curious attractions in Rome.

Why is it not included in the 3 days itinerary? It’s too far away from the other attractions.

Santa Maria della Concezione crypt

This is a creepy one, but if you enjoy such things, it’s easy to add to the first of your 3 days in Rome itinerary. The church of Santa Maria is not like all the others. In 1631, the Capuchin friars made Santa Maria della Concezione their new home and were ordered by the Pope’s brother to bring the remains of the deceased friars along with them, so that all the Capuchin friars might be in one place. Instead of burying the remains of their dead brethren, the Capuchin friars decided to decorate the walls of the crypt with their bones as a reminder that death is always waiting behind the corner.

Why is it not included in the 3 days itinerary? It’s not for everybody.

The Mouth of Truth

Bocca della Verità or the Mouth of Truth is a 1300 kg marble mask that stands on the portico of the Santa Maria in Cosmedin church. People believed that the mouth of the marble face would close if anyone put his hand in it and tell a lie.

Why is it not included in the 3 days itinerary? It’s a popular photo opportunity in Rome but requires a little detour from the main itinerary.

Baths of Caracalla

The Baths of Caracalla used to be one of the greatest and most spectacular thermal complexes in ancient times. Built between 212 and 216 the baths are pretty well preserved nowadays. Another big plus is they are not that popular so you may enjoy the glorified ruins in peace.

Why is it not included in the 3 days itinerary? It’s too far away from the main attractions.

Ostia Antica

Not exactly in Rome but since it’s very close to the biggest Roman airport – Fiumicino, I decided to put it in here. The Ostia Antica s a large archaeological site that is considered to be Rome’s first colony. You can walk over the main street of the ancient town – Decumanus Maximus and enjoy the many well-preserved houses, shops, or even the reconstructed amphitheater.

Why is it not included in the 3 days itinerary? It’s in a galaxy far far away.

Rome Day Tours

The Historical Villa’s One – Enjoy a day exploring two of the finest Renaissance residences in Italy. See the home of the Italian emperor Hadrian that is considered to be the largest and most luxurious residence ever built in Italy. After a (delicious) lunch, continue the tour with a visit to Villa D’Este and its spectacular gardens. The Wine One – Yes, I know. One of the many reasons to select Rome for your vacation is the wine. Same thing here. And while the wine you can find in the Eternal City is more than impressive, why not do the extra step and go to a Tuscany wine cellar where a traditional 3-course gourmet lunch with local wine pairings are waiting for you? The Volcano One – There’s no need to be in Naples to visit the UNESCO recognized site of Pompeii and the infamous Mount Vesuvius . This tour will take you from your hotel, drive you there (in a fully air-conditioned private coach), provide skip-the-line tickets for Pompeii. And to top the experience, you get a lunch in a winery on Mount Vesuvius slopes! How awesome is that?

Some extra information about your 3 days in Rome

When to visit rome.

You can visit Rome at any time of the year but for the best experience, I recommend Spring (March – May) and autumn (September – November). Winters (December -February) are mild but still cold enough to discourage you from exploring the city on foot. Summer (June – August) on the other hand, is extremely hot and also the most active tourist season so it’s better to be avoided.

Where to stay in Rome?

Those are my favorite hotels in Rome. They are not the most glamorous and luxurious but they have the X factor that’s a vital component of the perfect vacation experience:

Colosseum Palace Star

This hotel will give you the once-in-a-lifetime experience to see the Colosseum from your window. Some rooms even offer a Colosseum view from the bathroom. Imagine taking a shower while watching the old beauty. Did I mentioned I love Rome? Check the prices

Maison Degli Artisti

This boutique hotel offers a great location (right next to the Spanish Steps) with a modern art interior. You also have a balcony where you observe the Roman lifestyle buzzing underneath you. If you decide to get this one, I recommend getting the piano room. Check the latest prices

Rhea Silvia Luxury Navona

This small hotel is located on another Roman classic – Piazza Navona. If you want to see some classical fountains from your window and to be minutes away from the Parthenon and Castel Sant’Angelo, this is the place for you. Check the latest prices

Transportation in Rome?

Transportation from the airport can be done by shuttle (from/to Ciampino airport and from/to Fiumicino airport ) or a taxi (48 EUR fixed). You can also talk with your hotel/BnB host and check if he can meet you at the airport. The ride to the city center (near Termini station) is around an hour from both roman airports. For transportation around the city, I suggest to put on your most comfortable shoes and walk around the winding cobblestoned alleys, absorbing the smell of basil and wine. If walking is not your thing, however, you can use public transportation. The ticket (known as B.I.T) costs 1.50 EUR and it’s good for 100 minutes of travel since activating ( putting it in a machine on the bus or using the entry barrier of the metro). Bear in mind you can’t use it twice for the metro but you can use it for a metro + bus combo. You can find the tickets at all metro stations, convenience stores, and newsagents.

If that seems like too much hassle, The easiest way to travel around Madrid would be to rent a car. I recommend checking out  Discover Cars  and their tool that will compare all the best rent-a-car providers in the area. The prices they manage to find are sometimes ridiculously low.

Is Rome safe?

All the major attractions are guarded by heavily armed carabiners so you’ll feel safe all the time. While Rome is one of the safer cities in the world, you are always just a moment of bad luck away from a disaster. From a twisted ankle to slimy pickpockets, various things may go wrong and ruin your vacation. What I do for all my trips is getting travel insurance from HeyMondo . Once you have a few journeys under your belt, you can easily appreciate its tremendous value and the freedom it gives you. While I sincerely wish you never have to use it, life happens ( even more when you are traveling ) and it’s always good to be prepared.

What about the water?

Tap water is supposed to be safe but I advise against drinking it. It’s just not worth the risk. There are various drinking fountains in the city as well but my advice is to use bottled water and save yourself from unexpected stomach problems.

How is the internet?

Good Wi-Fi can be found everywhere. If you are from the EU you should be able to use your own data plan too.

What Is the Rome Omnia card and is it worth it?

The Omnia Card is a sightseeing pass and discount tourist card valid for 72 hrs. It includes: – Free entry to Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel – plus a free Wi-Fi downloadable audio guide for St Peter’s Basilica. | Sistine Chapel is included in the regular ticket anyway. Value – 29 EUR . – Free entry to your choice of 2 out of 6 top Rome attractions including The Coliseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill, Capitolini Museums, Borghese Gallery, and National Museum of Castel Sant’Angelo. |  Let’s be honest here, you’re going to use those for the Colosseum and the Roman Forum which requires just one ticket anyways. Value – 18.00 EUR (Colosseum and forum ticket price). – Fast Track Entry to St Peter’s Basilica, Sistine Chapel & The Colosseum   |  Be there early and you won’t wait in line for the Basilica. The online tickets for the museums include “skip the line” and if you buy the ticket for the forum, you won’t wait for the Colosseum. Value – 0 .

– Free hop-on-hop-off bus tour ticket of Rome for 3 days. | it’s really hard to spot the stops of these things and even if it wasn’t –  Rome is all about walking. If you do enjoy this type of activity though, its value is 27 EUR .

– Free travel card for unlimited access to Rome’s public transport system . | it’s a 1.50 euro ticket and you will use it 4 times at max. Value – 6.00 EUR. – Free detailed Guidebook to help plan the perfect trip | You’ve just read a better one here . Value – 0. – Discounted Entry to another 30 plus sights, attractions, and museums in Rome. You don’t have the time and the discounts are around 10% anyway. Let’s say random value – 5 EUR . And they give you a paper map of the city…yeah… you get a paper map in the 21st century. Sooo the total value of the card is..drum roll.. 85 EUR . And this is if you use the hop-on-hop-off bus. Without it, it’s 58 EUR . The actual price of the card is..drum rolls again… 113 EUR ! Why is it recommended by so many bloggers then? Simple answer – commission fees (bloggers have to eat too, right ?).

To be fair the card is not all that bad. It’s quite convenient to have all your tickets in one place and It also saves you the hassle of buying them separately. If your accommodation is far from the city center you’ll end up using public transport quite often so the Omnia card would be useful. Since I spent all my time walking, and I had no problem to go out early and avoid the lines, for me the card wasn’t worth it. If you, however, prefer the hassle-free way, you can order the Omnia card from their site .

Three Days in Rome Itinerary Map

Click to open in Google Maps

That’s all from me, I hope you enjoy your 3 days in Rome ! To get your even more Rome-excited I reccomend checking my amazing Rome quotes collection . ———————————— If you haven’t planned your trip there yet, find out how I plan my trips! ———————————— I’ve got  41 bucket list ideas for Italy. See my impossible bucket list of 1700+ adventures!

Is Rome on your bucket list?

Some of the links above are affiliate links, meaning, at  NO  additional cost to you , I’ll earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers.

Saturday 9th of October 2021

Thinking of 3 days beginning December. Is it a bit risky weather wise? Don't really mind the cold but the rain may not be so nice to travel around mainly by foot. Hope to continue to Florence and Venice after.

Tuesday 19th of October 2021

Hi Steve, Rome and Florence should be ok. They both have around 8 das of rain in December. Venice,however, experience a lot of floods so you better pack a pair of galoshes :)

Friday 21st of February 2020

I usually never post comments but I just wanted to say that this post was perfect! I'm planning to spend 3 full days in Rome soon, and this post was so helpful and I love that you included the google map.

Wishing you more safe and amazing travels!

Thank you for the kind words, Saniya! Have fun in Rome and eat some pizza for me :)

Sunday 26th of January 2020

Hi there! Came across your post while researching Rome and I wanna say THANK YOU!! The post was very informative and helpful, and I love all the extra touches with the details and tips. I am also very impressed by your other recommendations that is not on the main guide. Your blog is amazing!!

Monday 27th of January 2020

Thank you! Glad I can help. Have a great trip to Rome and have a pizza slice for me too, please :)

Friday 10th of January 2020

Thank you for the incredibly helpful guide! I am planning a trip to Rome for the first time in April and am considering getting an Airbnb in Trastevere. Would you recommend it? On a map, it looks like it wouldn't be that far to walk across the river to the main city, but you do mention in your guide that it is a bit of a detour.

Saturday 11th of January 2020

HI there Olivia, Staying in Trastevere is not a bad idea, especially if you're a foodie and you want to taste the best of Rome. The neighborhood is quite big so in order to be close to the other attractions I suggest to search for Airbnb close to the river, close to the Vatican City or somewhere alongside Viale di Trastevere (the main street there with many bus and tram stops).

It does look close on the map but have in mind you'll (most likely) walk a lot around Rome and when the day ends it would really suck to have another 2-3kms to get back to your room. On the plus side, you can easily catch a sunset on the Janiculum Terrace, wich I strongy recommend:)

I hope this helps :)

Monday 14th of October 2019

Amazing blog. Detailed, easy to read, honest and doable. Not pretentious as well. The map is an added bonus. Anxiety lessened. Thank you for this. Will definitely be using this as a guide to Rome next month.

Thank you, Mike!

Have a great time in Rome :)

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The Ultimate 4 Days in Rome Itinerary (+ Map & Tips!)

Dreaming of staring in awe at the Sistine Chapel, stepping inside the Colosseum, tossing a coin into the Trevi Fountain, and eating some of the best pasta of your life? If so–this 4 day Rome itinerary is for you!

The capital of Italy is an endlessly enchanting place, and one of our favorite cities in the world–and after spending 4 days in Rome, we think you’ll agree.

Home to incredible art, one of the most beloved cuisines on the planet, an endless number of neighborhoods to explore, and impressive history that has been folded into the very fabric of modern Rome–not to mention the fact that there’s literally another country nestled inside the city–it’s impossible to avoid finding something to love about Rome.

… That is, as long as you know where to look.

After many repeated trips to Rome (including 2 trips where we rented an apartment in Rome for an entire month), we have lots of advice to share–and luckily, a 4 day trip to Rome gives you quite a bit of time to work with!

Some links in this post may be affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Please see our disclosure policy for more detail.

You’ll have the opportunity to see Rome’s iconic highlights and also weave in some more offbeat experiences, including some interesting under-the-radar spots that hide in plain sight.

This 4 day Rome itinerary winds its way through several neighborhoods and historical time periods, focusing on 1-2 geographic areas each day.

We’ve designed this itinerary for Rome in 4 days with a traveler taking their first trip to Rome in mind, but we hope even return visitors will find something new to love here!

(Also, thanks in part to the fact that I can’t always resist the temptation to point out nearby hidden gems and unique details, this is a very long Rome blog post! Feel free to use the table of contents below to navigate to the section you’re looking for.)

Table of Contents

How We Structured This Rome Itinerary

The perfect 4 day rome itinerary, where to stay for 4 days in rome, more than 4 days in rome.

• Getting Around During 4 Days in Rome, Italy

Safety Tips for Your Rome Itinerary

The best time to visit rome, what to pack for visiting rome, italy, map of your itinerary for rome, italy.

We’ve spent months playing tourist in Rome over the course of many, many trips–including twice where we stayed in town for a month straight!

We initially crafted this Rome itinerary after our first month-long stay in the city, and since then it has (like most of the other itineraries on Our Escape Clause ) been a living document, updated with each return visit to our favorite city.

From the best things to do in Rome to what attractions to skip, we’ve packed this travel guide with everything that we know about planning the perfect trip to Rome.

This itinerary is designed for first-time visitors to The Eternal City who are hoping to hit all the top attractions but also hope to see some of Rome’s many hidden gems too.

We’ve also included a downloadable map of each day’s route at the bottom of this blog post to help you navigate the city as you explore.

While 4 days in Rome is long enough that you could very reasonably take one day to enjoy one of the best day trips from Rome , there is simply no limit to the number of captivating things you can find within the city itself, and we’ve planned this itinerary with that in mind.

Once you finish this post, you may also want to check out our posts on what to eat in Rome , where to find the best views of Rome , and our top Rome travel tips !

If you’re interested in shorter Rome itineraries, we have 2-day and 1-day versions here on Our Escape Clause as well.

Day 1 in Rome: The Colosseum, Roman Forum, The Jewish Ghetto + Beyond

Start your trip to rome at the colosseum..

What better place to start your 4 days in Rome itinerary than at one of the most iconic sights in the world?

Step inside the Colosseum and marvel at the ancient history beating inside–but before you do, be sure to climb the steps on the north side of the Colosseum (turn left after exiting the Colosseo metro stop) and get those classic photos in front of the Colosseum’s exterior.

Before starting your day at the Colosseum, you’ll want to book tickets ahead of time to skip the (legendary) line.

With 4 days in Rome to work with, you may be willing to wait in what are often very long lines, but if you hate lines as much as we do, you’ll consider the small extra cost well worth it.

Trying to decide whether or not to take a guided tour?

Guided tours are typically sold as a package that includes the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill.

Our personal take is that the tour of the Colosseum isn’t  as  necessary… but it’s absolutely worth it to have a guide for the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, and therefore recommend signing up.

This is the tour we took and greatly enjoyed (though fair warning, our guide’s passion meant that the tour did run past its predicted time).

And, while we didn’t structure this itinerary for Rome this way, I do want to mention that we have also toured the Colosseum at night and loved it–if that’s something that appeals to you, you can easily adjust this itinerary to accommodate it ( this is the tour we loved ).

Book your tour of the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill today! Prefer to explore independently? Grab your skip-the-line ticket now!

Head to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill.

Less than a 5-minute walk from the Colosseum, depending on the entrance and exit used.

While the Colosseum is one impressive monument of Ancient Rome, the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill boast several!

From senate houses to public squares to palaces, these areas are archaeological and historical treasure troves.

They are absolutely best appreciated with a guide–I can’t even describe how much more we got out of our guided visit than our unguided ones, especially on the lower level of the Forum!

If all goes well, you should walk away in awe of both the depth and breadth of history in the Eternal City.

After touring the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill both with a guide and without, we strongly believe that the context given by a guide is well worth the price. We used and loved  this tour –and while the Colosseum guide was less necessary, having the Colosseum skip-the-line portion and tour included definitely helped justify the cost! Book your guided tour of the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill today!

Check out the additional forums.

About a 10-minute walk from the Roman Forum, depending on the entrance and exit used.

Though the Roman Forum is the most popular to visit, it’s far from the only remaining forum of Ancient Rome visible in the city today.

The Imperial Forum, Forum of Augustus, Forum of Caesar, and more are all just a short walk away from the famous Roman Forum.

And, unlike the Roman Forum, all of the other ancient forums are free to enter.

Though visiting all the forums is probably a little much for all but a passionate Ancient Roman historian, be sure to at least slow down look enough to take a peek at one or two during your 4 days in Rome!

Stop by Piazza Venezia and Piazza del Campidoglio.

10-minute walk from the Forum of Augustus.

The Piazza del Campidoglio is one of my personal favorite piazzas in Rome .

Shaped into a perfect oval and surrounded by beautiful buildings, it is a peaceful place to relax for a moment and take in the fact that you’re in Rome.

If you stop by on a Saturday as we did during one of our trips to Rome, you’ll likely also have the chance to admire lots and lots of wedding parties!

The piazza’s beauty isn’t particularly surprising when you know who designed it: Michelangelo himself.

While we haven’t specifically included them on this 4 day Rome itinerary (sadly there’s not time for everything!), it’s worth pointing out that this is also where you’ll find the main section of the Capitoline Museums , which have an incredibly impressive collection of Ancient Roman statues, among other things.

If you tend to prefer quieter museums, you can consider adding a visit here!

(In any other city, they’d be packed–but the Capitoline Museums have some legendary competition when it comes to museums in Rome to visit).

On your way to the Piazza del Campidoglio, you’ll also pass right by the Piazza Venezia, with the impressive Altar of the Fatherland (the enormous white building topped with chariots that is visible from just about every viewpoint in Rome) dwarfing everything around it.

Since you were just on Palatine Hill, climbing it isn’t necessary–but it is home to one of the best views of Rome if you’d like to see it for yourself!

The monument was built in honor of Victor Emmanuel II, the first king of unified Italy.

Pay a visit to the Campo de’Fiori.

14-minute walk from the Piazza del Campidoglio.

This market square may be touristy, but it’s also beautiful, bustling, and worth stopping by during your 4 days in Rome.

Markets are some of our favorite aspects of any city trip, and Rome is among the best of the best.

Of course, if you choose to purchase any Rome souvenirs or a meal at the market, you will pay a slight upcharge.

I f you’re particularly hungry, we did have tasty, if somewhat overpriced, pasta carbonara at (where else?) La Carbonara on the edge of the Campo de’Fiori.

If you’re looking for something more local, Da Sergio is just around the corner and a great option, but get there when they open, because it fills up ( Address: Vicolo delle Grotte, 27, 00186 Roma RM, Italy ).

Visit the Largo di Torre Argentina.

7-minute walk from the Campo de’Fiori.

This set of ruins is home to two points of interest that are wildly different from each other: the place where Julius Caesar was assasinated, and a cat sanctuary.

The ruins are open-air, laid out in the center of the square, and are made up of the remains of several temples as well as part of Pompey’s Curia–the Roman Senate–where Julius Caesar perished just under 2,000 years ago.

As if that wasn’t enough of a reason to stop by during your 4 days in Rome, the archaeological site doubles as a cat sanctuary!

There’s an organization onsite that works to feed and care for them, and I can only imagine that they have a delightful life living in what is essentially the world’s most elaborate set of cat trees!

I’m sure it will come as no surprise to cat lovers that we’ve seen more than one cat perched on top of the remains of surprisingly tall columns.

Explore the Jewish Ghetto.

About a 25-minute walk through the neighborhood, depending on how directly you travel.

Rome’s historic Jewish neighborhood is an incredibly peaceful place to get lost down the back streets.

Nestled against the Tiber, some of the smaller streets of the Jewish Quarter are quiet enough to almost forget that you’re within walking distance of the crowded madness of the Colosseum.

While you’re here, be sure to marvel at the exterior of the Great Synagogue, check out the Teatro Marcello (it looks a bit like a smaller Colosseum!), stop by the lovely Porticus of Octavia, and visit the charming Piazza Mattei with its adorable Turtle Fountain.

If you’re a fan of classic movies, channel your inner Audrey Hepburn with a visit to the Mouth of Truth (but fair warning, whether or not it’s worth visiting is a bit of a debate–all the better reason to find out for yourself, if you ask us!

And, of course, be sure to sample the fried artichokes that are synonymous with food in the Jewish Ghetto of Rome–even if you’re not a big vegetable fan, these are worth trying!

Hop over the Tiber River for a Trastevere food tour.

Trastevere is one of Rome’s most picturesque and beloved neighborhoods–and while this won’t be your last visit during your quest to see Rome in 4 days, it’s a good opportunity for a first (literal) taste.

We’re big fans of opening trips with food tours–off the top of my head, we’ve taken at least 6 in Italy alone–as they are not only a wonderful way to get to know a city, they also help you gain a lot of confidence with ordering local food!

We loved this food tour in Trastevere and can confirm that after taking it, you will walk away with a solid base knowledge for ordering food throughout the rest of your trip to Rome… and be extremely full.

From wine to cheese to Rome’s classic pastas to contorni (sides) to obligatory (incredible) gelato, every bite is a delight.

Book your Trastevere food tour today!

Day 2 in Rome: Centro Storico + Classic Rome Attractions

Start at the piazza del popolo..

The Piazza del Popolo is another one of my personal favorite piazzas in Rome, and is a great way to kick off the second day of your Rome itinerary!

You’ve probably heard the phrase that “all roads lead to Rome”–and specifically, they all led to Piazza del Popolo, which was once a traditional entrance point to the city.

Today, you’ll find the piazza filled with visitors, street performers, and of course, an obelisk.

The “twin churches” of Santa Maria in Montesanto and Santa Maria dei Miracoli that stand at one end of the piazza are beautiful, of course–but it’s the comparatively plain exterior of the Basilica of Santa Maria del Popolo on the other side of the piazza that art lovers should keep an eye out for, because it’s home to 2 Caravaggio paintings.

After exploring the Piazza del Popolo, be sure to climb up to Pincio Terrace for some beautiful views over the piazza and Rome itself !

Tour the Galleria Borghese.

20-minute walk from Pincio Terrace.

A beautiful stroll from Pincio Terrace through the Borghese Gardens will lead you right to the Galleria Borghese and arguably one of the most impressive–though not one of the largest–art collections in Italy!

(The good news about it being a smaller museum, of course, is that it’s easier to squeeze into your vacation in Rome).

Housed in a former palace, the Galleria Borghese is absolutely stunning and worth a visit during your 4 days in Rome, especially for art lovers.

It is required to purchase tickets in advance to visit the collection, though, and tickets do book up.

I f you have your heart set on visiting the Galleria Borghese, be sure to get tickets ahead of time!

Reserve your tickets for the Galleria Borghese  today! Prefer the context of a tour? This one gets rave reviews!

Optional: pay a visit to the Capuchin Crypt.

9-minute walk from the Spanish Steps.

I’ll be honest: this stop on our suggested 4 day Rome itinerary isn’t for everyone, but it is absolutely fascinating and I can’t resist pointing it out.

In the 17th century, the Capuchin Crypt was slowly built with the skeletons of the friars that died at this monastery.

Skeletons are arranged as works of art in several small chapels here, and including everything from full skeletons in the robes of a monk resting on a bed of bones, to chandeliers made of small human bones.

The chapels bear unsettling messages like: “As you are, we once were. As we are, soon you will be.”

Clearly, not a place for small children or those not comfortable around the dead–but the level of detail of the… art (for lack of a better word) is a sight to behold.

This is one of the least toured crypts in Rome (and of course, it’s technically an ossuary), but it is conveniently located to work in a stop during your 4 days in Rome, and if it sounds like something that might interest you, it’s definitely worth the short walk!

(And if you also find this fascinating, it’s worth noting that it’s not the only place of its kind in Italy– Milan , Palermo , Monterosso al Mare in Cinque Terre , and more are home to religious places decorated with bones).

Stroll to the Spanish Steps.

21-minute walk from Galleria Borghese.

After a stop off at the Galleria Borghese and possibly the Capuchin Crypt, most of the second day of this 4 day Rome itinerary focuses on iconic Roman sights and popular tourist highlights, starting with the famed Spanish Steps.

The Spanish Steps, like many popular highlights in Rome, are almost always crowded, but there are options if you want to have them to yourself: we got up at dawn in February for the below photo!

Sadly, the tradition of sitting on the Spanish Steps was banned in 2019 (and as of December 2022, we can confirm it’s definitely still being enforced), but they’re still absolutely worth visiting during your 4 day Rome itinerary!

Depending on time, if you’re a fan of the Romantic poets, you may also want to tour the small Keats-Shelley Memorial House that overlooks the steps and functions as a museum of the Romantic poets (and also features great views of the steps and piazza).

Throw a coin in the Trevi Fountain.

8-minute walk from the Spanish Steps.

What’s a Rome itinerary without a stop at the Trevi Fountain?

I’ll confess: on my first visit to Rome, I was more excited to see the Trevi Fountain than almost anything else, and it did not disappoint!

The fountain is truly magnificent, and after more than a dozen visits, I’m still in awe of how gorgeous it is (and also of just how many people can squeeze themselves around it, but hey, that’s just the reality of traveling to popular places in Rome).

Be sure to throw a coin in the fountain to ensure that you’ll always come back to Rome!

If you want to enjoy the view at bit but avoid (some of) the crowds, you can often grab a seat on the steps of the Church of Santi Vincenzo e Anastasio a Fontana di Trevi to relax for a minute.

Stop by the Galleria Sciarra.

Located less than a 5-minute walk from the Trevi Fountain and yet almost never crowded, the Galleria Sciarra is an excellent way to escape the crowds of Rome’s popular tourist attractions and take a breather before continuing on to the Pantheon.

The Art Nouveau frescoes painted by Giuseppe Cellini in the late 19th century that adorn the walls are an excellent example of how beauty and exceptional artwork is truly around every corner in Rome.

The frescoes have a specific theme: women, or even more specifically, female virtues.

Feel free to take a moment to admire them for yourself–the courtyard will probably feel incredibly quiet and peaceful after the hectic crowds at the Trevi Fountain!

The building itself is used for offices today, so you can find the small courtyard open to visitors during standard business hours.

Step inside the Pantheon.

7-minute walk from the Trevi Fountain.

The Pantheon is nothing if not mysterious: its age, how it survived the Barbarian raids, and even what exactly it is made out of are all questions that remain unanswered.

Built originally as a temple to all gods and later turned into a church, the Pantheon is worthy of its status as one of the best-known sites of Ancient Rome left in the city.

No 4 day Rome itinerary would be complete without a chance to marvel at the Pantheon, so be sure to step inside and stare in awe!

While the Pantheon has traditionally been free to visit, the city of Rome introduced an entrance fee starting in 2023.

Today, base tickets for the Pantheon cost 5 Euro, purchased onsite or through this website .

Alternatively, you can purchase tickets to the Pantheon that include a downloadable audio guide .

Be sure to read the signs carefully when arriving at the Pantheon: there are separate lines for those who already have downloaded tickets and those planning to purchase one in-person.

Get your Pantheon tickets + audio guide now!

Check out the Piazza Navona.

5-minute walk from the Pantheon.

The beautiful, wide-open space known as the Piazza Navona has always been busy throughout Roman history.

It has served as a stadium, as a food market, and even as a spot for public water parties!

Today, it is known as one of the prettiest and most popular piazzas in Rome, boasting three ornate Baroque fountains that are perfect for perching on the edge of and watching the world go by.

It’s one of the most popular piazzas in Rome to visit, so expect crowds, especially near the baroque fountains–but it’s popular for a reason.

( Rome travel tip : want to escape the crowds for a second? Head around the corner to Piazza di Pasquino, see the talking statue, and grab a glass of wine from the expansive list at Enoteca Cul de Sac ).

Head over to Castel Sant’Angelo.

11-minute walk from the Piazza Navona.

A walk from Piazza Navona to Castel Sant’Angelo will lead you through not only more of Centro Storico, but across the Bridge of Angels, one of the prettiest bridges in Rome, which dead-ends into the Castel Sant’Angelo.

Castel Sant’Angelo, despite its name, was never built to be a castle at all, but a mausoleum.

As the tomb of Emperor Hadrian and some of his family, Castel Sant’Angelo (in its original form, anyway), is an impressive nearly 2,000 years old–and it, whether or not you choose to go inside as part of your 4 days in Rome itinerary, is worth stopping by while in Rome.

(It also usually has genuinely impressive buskers out front–we usually stop to sit along the Tiber, enjoy the music, and admire the view at least a couple of times on every trip to Rome).

While you’re there, be sure to head to the nearby Ponte Umberto for a gorgeous view when you look back toward the Bridge of Angels and St. Peter’s Basilica.

If you time it right, this is a fantastic place to watch the sunset in Rome!

Day 3 in Rome: Explore Vatican City + Trastevere

Start your day bright and early at the vatican museums..

The Vatican Museums, with their magnificent art treasures, incredible map room, spectacular Sistine Chapel, and more, are an absolutely unmissable experience when planning to experience Rome in 4 days.

Plus, as a bonus, visiting means that you’ll actually be able to say you visited a whole other country!

Due to the severe crowds and ridiculously long lines, it is nearly essential to pre-book your visit to the Vatican Museums.

If you’d like to brave the odds on a rainy day in February, may the force be with you, but we once walked by the line to the museums nearly daily for a month as October bled into November, and the lines stayed at “Wow, okay, I’ll give that scalper whatever he wants to end this wait” levels.

Definitely book ahead to help your 4 day Rome itinerary go more smoothly!

If you’re particularly interested in seeing the Sistine Chapel without a few hundred of your new closest friends, we’ve had friends of ours absolutely rave about the experience of the early access tour , where you can gain access to the museums and Sistine Chapel before they officially open for the day.

While it is a pricier option, word on the street is that if it’s in your budget, it’s 100% worth both the money and the effort spent getting out of bed early in the morning.

After personally touring the Vatican Museums both independently and with a guide, we’re personally of the opinion that a tour (especially one that takes place outside of peak hours) is enormously beneficial, and can highly recommend this one  for an early-morning experience.

Also, bear in mind when planning your 4 days in Rome itinerary that the Vatican Museums are closed on Sundays, with the exception of the last Sunday of the month, when the museums are open and free to visitors who are able to enter before 12:30 PM (they then close at 2:00 PM).

From April to October each year, the Vatican Museums are also open on Friday nights, and we personally loved our Friday night tour .

Book your early morning or evening tour of the Vatican Museums today! Prefer to explore independently? Book skip-the-line tickets to the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel!

Step inside St. Peter’s Basilica.

11-minute walk from the Vatican Museums (depending on where you exit).

St. Peter’s Basilica is, hands down, the most impressive church we have seen in all of Italy (even if it technically isn’t in Italy at all).

Once you arrive out front, take a few minutes to admire the iconic oval Piazza del Pietro, and then hop in line to enter the basilica–and don’t worry, the line moves a lot faster than it looks.

The basilica itself is free to enter, but if your legs are up for it, we strongly recommend paying a bit extra to climb the dome (as long as you’re not particularly claustrophobic, that is).

The views from the top, especially of the Piazza del Pietro, are fantastic (the first photo in this Rome blog post is of the view).

Once you get back down, head into the basilica itself.

Keep in mind that St. Peter’s Basilica does have a dress code that is enforced: cover your shoulders and knees, and avoid cleavage.

Push comes to shove, if you’re not dressed for the occasion, there are always plenty of salesmen hanging around the line to get into St. Peter’s that are more than willing to sell you a scarf to throw over your outfit.

Stroll to the Villa Farnesina.

17-minute walk from St. Peter’s Basilica.

This fresco-covered Renaissance palace is a quiet, fresco-covered beauty, making it a distinct departure from the congested Vatican Museums from earlier in the morning.

Stop by to admire the artwork (Raphael’s frescoes are particularly celebrated), the loggia, and the ornate rooms of the palace.

If you’re “museumed-out” after a morning at the Vatican, you can easily skip the Villa Farnesina as well–but we love it for its much quieter atmosphere and a chance to escape the crowds.

Explore Trastevere indepedently.

23-minute walk to Piazza di Santa Maria in Trastevere from Villa Farnesina.

You already had a taste during your food tour–with 4 days in Rome, once is not enough when it comes to enjoying Trastevere.

Trastevere is one of Rome’s most beautiful and–for lack of a better word–Roman-feeling neighborhoods.

This is where you’ll find some of the best examples of the iconic shuttered windows, colorful buildings, and narrow cobblestone streets that we all imagine when dreaming of visiting Rome, Italy.

Once considered an offbeat destination in Rome, the secret is out about Trastevere, and it’s a popular spot for visitors to grab a meal and wander.

Though you’ll be far from the only visitors around, Trastevere is definitely still worth the stroll along the Tiber required to reach the neighborhood.

While you’re there, but sure to head to the Piazza di Santa Maria, which is an adorable piazza, and to duck inside the Basilica of Our Lady in Trastevere, which boasts some magnificent mosaics.

Trastevere is also a very popular place for aperitivo, so if you’re looking for that iconic spritz-on-an-outdoor-table-along-a-cobblestoned-street vibe, Trastevere is the place to be.

Ascend to the Janiculum Terrace.

15-minute walk from Piazza di Santa Maria in Trastevere.

It’s entirely possible that at this time in your Rome itinerary, your feet will be aching and the idea of climbing up to a viewpoint will sound completely terrible!

And, if that’s the case, no problem: find yourself a cute restaurant in Trastevere and start your evening aperitivo.

If you’re up for a bit more walking, however, head up to Janiculum Terrace (bear in mind that this does involve climbing a bit of a hill) for some incredible panoramic views of Rome, and perhaps even a beautiful sunset!

Day 4 in Rome: Testaccio , Aventine Hill + Some Hidden Gems

Start your day with a 2,000-year-old pyramid..

Pyramids aren’t exactly the first image that comes to mind when we think of Rome, but the impressive Pyramid of Caius Cestius has been standing proudly in Rome for 2,000 years!

Start the final day of your Rome itinerary by setting off to Testaccio to see both the Pyramid and several other unexpected attractions.

You’ll be able to catch your first glimpses of the pyramid after exiting the Piramide metro stop, but the best views are actually from inside the Non-Catholic Cemetery, so save most of your picture-taking for those spots!

Visit the Non-Catholic Cemetery of Rome.

4-minute walk from the Pyramid of Cestius.

This beautiful cemetery is unique in the historically extremely Catholic city of Rome and houses some notable non-Catholics, including the poets Percy Shelley and John Keats.

It’s a lovely and peaceful place, and the views of the Pyramid of Cestius make an interesting contrast to the more recent headstones.

In addition to being the final resting place of plenty, the Non-Catholic Cemetery is also the home of some very lively cats!

Rome’s Non-Catholic Cemetery doubles as a cat sanctuary, and you’ll likely spot several beautiful felines resting amongst the headstones and prowling through the landscape.

Head to the Testaccio Market.

11-minute walk from the Non-Catholic Cemetery.

As compared to the Campo de’Fiori market noted earlier on this 4 day Rome itinerary, the Testaccio Market (and Testaccio in general) has a distinctly local feel.

True, this neighborhood isn’t unknown to tourists–but it’s also far from overrun by them, and you’ll find plenty of Romans shopping among you at the indoor Testaccio Market.

Check out clothes, shoes, and housewares, or head right to the food–both prepared food and groceries are available in the market.

Stop by Piazza Testaccio.

5-minute walk from Testaccio Market.

You won’t necessarily need long in this quiet and small piazza–but that’s exactly why you should take a moment to stop by.

So many of Rome’s piazzas that you’ll see during your 4 days in Rome tend to be completely packed (did you know that the area around the Trevi Fountain is actually called the Piazza di Trevi? It’s definitely not peaceful these days…).

Strolling through Piazza Testaccio, on the other hand, is a great opportunity to enjoy a more laid-back version of this classic feature of Roman life.

If you want to relax and enjoy the piazza for longer than a quick look, we can recommend grabbing an aperitivo at Oasi della Birra!

Snap a photo at the Keyhole on Aventine Hill.

12-minute walk from Piazza Testaccio.

If you peer through the keyhole on Aventine Hill, you’ll be greeted with a beautiful view: the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica, framed by garden hedges.

It’s a lovely spot… that we totally missed the first time we tried to visit on account of (apparently) skimping on research.

When I had seen the many photos of this spot in the past, I mistakenly assumed that the “keyhole” in the name was merely referring to the small break in the hedges that framed St. Peter’s–but no, you do indeed peer through a literal keyhole to see it.

Don’t make our mistake and end up walking right by without checking it out!

Stroll through the Orange Garden.

4-minute walk from the Keyhole on Aventine Hill.

The Orange Garden is a gorgeous place, and a perfect spot to pause and relax during your 4 days in Rome.

Home to–what else–a grove of orange trees, the garden is meticulously manicured and a very peaceful place to take in the stunning views of Rome that are available from the terrace at the back of the garden.

The Orange Garden is an incredibly relaxing place and a great spot for resting your feet and people-watching for a bit.

If you’re a history buff, stop by Circus Maximus.

8-minute walk from the Orange Garden.

I wouldn’t necessarily consider seeing Circus Maximus to be an essential stop on this itinerary for Rome in 4 days, but as it’s so close by, it’s worth mentioning for any Roman history buffs that are visiting!

Circus Maximus was the first stadium in Rome and was known for its chariot races.

Located between Aventine and Palatine Hills, you can still see remnants of ancient palaces staring down over Circus Maximus.

Today, the site is a public park and is essentially a field with very few ruins remaining, hence why I don’t think it’s an unmissable stop on your Rome itinerary.

But, that being said, it is very cool to see modern Romans exercising in the exact spot where chariots once raced!

See a less-visited side of Ancient Rome.

By this time in your trip to Rome, you’ve had a chance to sample a wide variety of the Eternal City’s history, from the works of a Republic followed by Emperors in Ancient Rome, to the realm of popes and kings and beyond.

As you get close to the end of your trip, consider going back to the beginning and visiting one of Ancient Rome’s less crowded sites!

The Baths of Caracalla and Domus Aurea (Emperor Nero’s Golden House) are both incredible options.

Domus Aurea requires a bit of planning ahead, but you won’t forget the experience anytime soon!

If you’re curious about Ancient Rome but more interested in museum settings than archaeological ones, this is a good chance to loop back to the Capitoline Museums , as well.

Close our your 4 days in Rome itinerary by stepping inside Rome’s catacombs.

Lurking underneath the surface of Rome are 60 catacombs, dug by early Christians in the days before the city as a whole converted–and of those 60, 5 are open to the public.

For a side of Rome that you definitely haven’t seen so far, descend underground for a visit!

Depending on how fast of a sightseer you are, you may want to choose between this and one of the attractions in the above section–or you may want to squeeze it all in!

When it comes to Rome’s catacombs, The Catacombs of St. Callixtus are the largest and most visited, though all are worth seeing.

While the various catacombs tend to be open until 5:00 PM, for maximum flexibility, consider signing up for this after-hours catacombs tour through Take Walks!

(Note that the tour also visits the Capuchin Crypt, so if you plan to take it, don’t visit the crypt as mentioned on day 2 of this itinerary for Rome).

Book your visit to Rome’s catacombs today!

Where to stay for 4 days in Rome depends a lot on your priorities.

Do you want to be surrounded by a beautiful neighborhood? Trastevere is the place for you.

In the center of the action? Head to Centro Storico.

Save money? The furthest reaches of the metro lines.

With 4 days in Rome, though, we consider access to the rest of the city to be the most important deciding factor when deciding where to stay–in other words, choose somewhere within no more than a 10-minute walk to a metro stop.

However, if it’s within your budget, we find Centro Storico or fairly close to it (the closer edges of Trastevere, Monti, or Prati/Vaticano, for example), to be the most convenient place to stay for this Rome itinerary.

When choosing a hotel or apartment, looking at its distance from Piazza Navona and the Pantheon is a good rule of thumb–in a perfect world, you’ll be within walking distance of those.

That being said, we’ve stayed all over Rome and loved each corner for different reasons!

Here are a few well-reviewed properties to keep in mind when deciding where to stay in Rome.

La Cornice Guesthouse  — We loved this little guesthouse back in our budget backpacking days! It was extremely clean and comfortable, and very affordable for Rome.

La Cornice is set slightly outside the main tourist areas, but an easy 5-minute walk to the metro and a 20-minute ride got us to the Colosseum and other major sights.

Our favorite part of La Cornice?

Eating a nearby Joseph Ristorante for lunch, a restaurant we have returned to for years–and it all started with a recommendation from the clerk at La Cornice.

Just a 5 minute walk away, their lunch special offered a choice of about 10 main courses plus bread, wine, and one of several desserts for 8 Euros/person–it’s hard to beat that!

Check rates & book your stay at La Cornice Guesthouse!

The Wesley  — We adore this hotel! You can’t ask for a better location for exploring Rome, as it literally overlooks the Castel Sant’Angelo and is a short walk away from all the major Centro Storico sights.

It is a bit of a hike to a metro stop–you’ll probably need to take a taxi when you arrive/leave with luggage–but the location made it worth it for us.

For a mid-range property, The Wesley is a fairly simple one–expect small and extremely simple rooms, and shared bathrooms for some rooms.

Essentially, The Wesley as a guesthouse floats somewhere between budget and mid-range, with a luxury-status-worthy location.

Because of the fantastic combination of more affordable rates and a fabulous location, The Wesley sells out fast–if you want to stay there and see it’s available on your dates, we recommend booking immediately!

Check rates & book your stay at The Wesley!

Hotel Condotti — Located just a couple of blocks from the Spanish Steps (and consequently the Piazza di Spagna metro station), you couldn’t ask for a better location in Rome!

Well-reviewed and boasting exceptionally clean rooms, Hotel Condotti is the perfect choice for a traveler with a midrange budget (or luxury traveler–this hotel also holds some impressive-looking suites!) who would like to be within walking distance to the best that Centro Storico has to offer.

Enduringly popular and perfectly positioned, you can’t go wrong with checking into Hotel Condotti.

Check rates & book your stay at Hotel Condotti!

Pantheon Inn — If you’re looking for a building with classic Italian charm in the heart of Rome, this is it.

Located right behind the Pantheon and within reach, the Pantheon Inn offers a quiet, peaceful escape in the middle of bustling Rome.

You will need to walk a bit to the metro stop–but since the walk will take you through the heart of the beautiful Centro Storico, we doubt you’ll mind.

Check rates & book your stay at the Pantheon Inn!

If you’re lucky enough to have more than 4 days in Rome, it’s time to start thinking about day trips!

Consider heading to the nearby Tivoli Gardens, to hilltop towns like Orvieto or Siena , or out on a wine-and-food-centered Tuscany day trip .

If you plan ahead and use the fast train, you can even take a day trip to Florence !

Pompeii is a popular–and worthy–side trip from Rome, but to accomplish it as a day trip, you really need a tour, and this one is among the best of the best!

Pompeii is about 6 hours of driving round-trip from Rome, longer (and more confusing) via train, and trying to also squeeze in Vesuvius on an independent day trip from Rome would be nearly impossible.

If you’d like to visit Pompeii and the Amalfi Coast from Rome, this extremely popular tour has been reviewed more than 2,500 times with Take Walks and is a safe bet to get you there!

We highly recommend going, it’s an incredible place–just be sure not to overstretch yourself!

Within Rome itself, there’s also plenty to do with extra time!

Consider checking out the Baths of Diocletian, heading out to the Appian Way, visiting the over-the-top neighborhood of Quartiere Coppede , taking a cooking class, or touring more Ancient Roman sites like Santo Stefano Rotondo.

Lesser-known museums like the Galleria Spada and Palazzo Doria Pamphilj are among our favorites and also well worth a visit!

Getting Around During 4 Days in Rome , Italy

We designed this 4 days in Rome itinerary to be as walkable as possible, grouping destinations by geography where we could.

Even still, Rome is large enough that you will need to use other methods of getting around.

The easiest option is simply to use the metro–though Rome’s metro has a mere 3 lines (only 2 of which will likely be of interest to you as a visitor), it connects directly to many of the city’s highlights, including the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps, and more.

If you can swing it, your 4 days in Rome will be highly enhanced by staying within a short walk of a metro stop.

Rome’s bus system is also an option, though it can be slightly confusing and you cannot purchase tickets onboard.

Pick them up at a nearby tabacchi or metro stop before hopping on, or aim for simplicity and purchase a multi-day pass to the transport network.

Uber and taxis are both also present in Rome, but Rome’s heavy traffic and their high prices make these options best avoided if possible.

For the same reason, we don’t generally recommend Hop On/Hop Off bus tours in Rome, but they do exist if you prefer them.

Despite Rome’s international reputation as a pickpocket hotspot, it is, on the whole, a very safe city.

Yes, you do need to keep an eye on your pockets and bags in crowded areas (pay especially close attention in crowded metro stops like Termini and at tourist hotspots like the Trevi Fountain and Colosseum), but we’ve never had so much as a close call during our visits to Rome.

You will see scammers present in Rome’s crowded areas, including men presenting women with roses to try to elicit payment from her companion, “friendship bracelet” offers for bracelets that are free (until they’re tied on your wrist), etc.

It’s best to ignore these scammers entirely, and brush them off with a polite but firm “no” if necessary.

Also, keep in mind that buying and selling fake designer goods is illegal in Italy as both a consumer and a seller.

Be sure to keep your hands off the bags being touted by salesmen in tourist areas, no matter how convincing the imposter might look from a distance.

Each season brings a reason to spend 4 days in Rome, and we’ve seen them all in the city!

If you have your pick of dates, though, consider a trip in April or October–both offer high chances of beautiful weather while avoiding the worst of the crowds and prices of the summer high season.

Exploring Rome in winter also has its charms–winters are generally mild in Rome, so if you’re willing to bring along a coat, consider using a winter trip to explore Rome at its emptiest.

Our last choices of times to visit Rome would be July and August, when not only are the prices highest and crowds heaviest, but the weather is also boiling hot.

During summer in Rome, we tend to sightsee in the morning, retreat to air-conditioning in the afternoon, and then come out again starting in the early evening–but it’s not as relaxing as visiting during more mild weather!

(If you are planning a June, July, or August trip, here are our best tips for summer in Italy ).

Don’t forget to include these important items when you pack for Rome!

Travel Insurance  — We don’t ever suggest traveling without travel insurance–anything can happen, and this is definitely a case of better safe than sorry.

Bring a small pack of tissues, toss them in your day bag, and you won’t have to worry about it.

You’ll be so glad you brought along a Swiss Army Knife!

Option C: Hope you get lucky with the weather (but fair warning, we’ve never been to Italy and avoided rain entirely!).

Take This Map With You! Click each highlight to pull up the name of the destination. To save this map to “Your Places” on Google Maps, click the star to the right of the title. You’ll then be able to find it under the Maps tab of your Google Maps account! To open the map in a new window, click the button on the top right of the map.

About Kate Storm

In May 2016, I left my suburban life in the USA and became a full-time traveler. Since then, I have visited 50+ countries on 5 continents and lived in Portugal, developing a special love of traveling in Europe (especially Italy) along the way. Today, along with my husband Jeremy and dog Ranger, I’m working toward my eventual goal of splitting my life between Europe and the USA.

31 thoughts on “The Ultimate 4 Days in Rome Itinerary (+ Map & Tips!)”

What an awesome guide! I love how complete it is – no stone unturned! I visited Rome back in 2014 and absolutely loved it. So much to see! Can’t wait to go back one day. Your blog is inspiring me to plan my dream trip: a full month travelling around Italy!

That sounds like an amazing trip! A month in Italy is a fabulous use of time. <3

Hello, Thank you for this! My wife and I spent 4.5 days in Rome in September 2017 and have not stopped taking about it since. The first trip was mostly a “pilgrimage” for us where we did visit many of the churches (though not nearly the 900). We are seriously considering heading back this September and look to do something a bit different. As much as I do love museums, my wife is not much of a fan so I will defer to her 🙂 . However, your itinerary can easily be adjusted to suit our needs (Wed audience in St. Peter Square vs Vatican museums, etc.) and is a super useful guide to areas I never would have considered before (Testaccio) and relatively structured days. Again, thank you!

Thanks so much, Michael! September 2017 was actually when we took our first trip to Rome too, and we can’t stop going back. 🙂 I’m sure you guys have already visited these on your pilgrimage trip, but just in case you haven’t and are looking for more church ideas, some of the coolest churches in Rome IMO that aren’t the completely obvious choices are Basilica di San Clemente and the Santo Stefano Rotondo. Hope you guys have an amazing trip back to Rome!

Thank you for this well-thought out, detailed, and diverse itinerary. Highly appreciated. Looking forward to following many if its stops next month in September.

Thank you so much, Wendy! Have a fabulous trip to Rome! 🙂

This was very insightful

Thanks, Yogita!

I just wanted to thank you because this guide really helped us to have a really awesome trip and saved us tons of time on planing, we did our 5 days trip to Rome on this guide, and the google maps itenerary was a life saver.

Rome was great and this made our trip easier

Best regards, from Lisboa, Portugal!

Thanks so much, Ruben! That is so wonderful to hear. So glad you had an amazing trip!

I travelled to Rome a couple of years ago and this is so close to my itinerary, its not funny. I am so glad to see itineraries like this on the internet that encourage people to go see the historical sights, vs. others that encourage people to ‘skip the important sites’ so as to not waste time.

Thank you for helping people experience the true beauty of Rome

Thank you, Pallavi! That is definitely our goal. 🙂

I just wanted to thank you because this guide will really help us on our 15th anniversary trip later this year. We have never traveled abroad and are so excited. This will save us so much time on planning.

So happy to hear that, Rachel! Hope that you guys have a fantastic trip, and Happy Anniversary!

Hi! My husband and I spent 4 days in Rome in late January 2020 and based our trip around this review. It was perfect for our first time. Thank you so much!

Thank you for sharing, Shareen, that makes my day to hear!

This guide is phenomenal. i was overwhelmed with the incredible options in Rome until I found this guide. We really want to do the food tour in Trastevere you recommend, especially since we are staying in Trastevere. , but there is not very much information about what is included. Is there a better description somewhere or could you give a a quick thumbnail? Thanks!

Thanks so much, John, that’s wonderful to hear!

Unfortunately, the exact Trastevere tour we took isn’t online anymore, but we do link a popular, comparable option in this post: https://www.ourescapeclause.com/trastevere-food-tour/

Trastevere is a popular neighborhood and while each tour will follow its own exact route, you can generally expect to a try a pasta, a cheese shop, gelato, etc–all the classics!

Kate & Jeremy thank you for being so kind and thoughtful to share thitineraries of Rome and additional travel information with the rest of us. I will be in Sorrento the last week of Feb. 2023. Do you know if the port has daily ferry tours to the Amalfi coast? Also travel by vehicle should I be concerned about luggage being stolen during stops as I am traveling. Also, would you have a recommendation on a name of a facility or location I could rent a vehicle. Thank you for your help.

Of course, glad it was helpful!

I’m not sure if the boats run daily during the winter, but I would think so.

For rental cars, we use and recommend Discover Cars–it’s a search engine that will pull up both local and international carriers.

As far as safety, it’s not recommended to leave anything at all visible in your car while parking it. Some people are comfortable with storing luggage out of sight in a vehicle, and others prefer not to take the risk. It’s a matter of personal risk tolerance, essentially.

Loved reading your 4 day guide to Rome, my wife and I are visiting mid August 2023, and aside from visiting the places you mentioned. It would be lovely to know some little restaurants off the typical tourist route that serve really nice Italian food. Hopefully you can send us in the right direction.

We have several, and are always adding new ones to our list!

I try to update them and include options near the attractions where we’re located, but a couple that we like that I don’t think are mentioned here include Osteria La Quercia (near Campo de’ Fiori), Cul de Sac (an enoteca with a huge wine list), Arancio d’Oro, and Antica Osteria Brunetti.

Hope you guys have a great time!

thanks for this information

You’re welcome, have a great time in Rome!

I have thoroughly enjoyed reading through this 4 day itinerary and planning for my stay in Rome. However, after a second look at my reservation I sadly realized I only have 3 days in Rome. Do you have a similar plan for a 3 day stay?

Not yet, though I hope to write one specifically for 3-day visits eventually!

The simplest way to rework this itinerary, though, would be to simply trim off the 4th day, as it covers the most off the beaten path spots of any given day on the route.

However, it depends on your interests! You can also opt to trim off whatever stops don’t sound interesting, and compress your days a bit to squeeze more in to a shorter time frame. For example, if you’re not much for art museums, you could skip the Galleria Borghese and/or the Villa Farnesina, and instead let the Vatican Museums shine as your big museum visit of the trip.

Yes, after looking at day 4, I thought trimming it off might work. Thanks very much for your response and for all the tips you’ve included here.

We were in Rome 10 years ago and are taking my daughter and her Fiance this Oct. This list is exactly what I was looking for! My husband and I would like a day trip to Florence while they do the Vatican (only need to see that once) and I have kept your guide for that as well. Is there a way to learn the bus routes etc? We walked EVERYWHERE on our last trip because we couldnt figure it out. We also used Rick Steves tours for a lot of it too and that was great!

Hi Melissa,

That’s wonderful to hear, thank you!

We don’t use buses a lot in Rome (we generally walk and occasionally take the metro), but you can plan your routes via the bus website! Here it is: https://www.atac.roma.it/

It’s still a bit confusing, but much easier than without any directions. As far as I know, the buses still require that you purchase tickets from a tabaccheria in advance, too–something to keep in mind!

Hi Kate, Love your post and has given me a great advice while we are planning our 21 day trip to Italy. I’m very curious to know what you do as a career/ or money to fund your lifestyle of travel. Would love to be able to see the world. I currently live and work in the US.

Thank you so much!

We’re professional travel bloggers, so our income comes from the ads you see when you scroll through the site and sometimes from a commission if you book something (like a tour or hotel) through one of our links. We don’t accept any sponsored travel and always pay for our own trips.

It did take us years to work up to blogging being a living wage, though! When we started, we were living off of savings from our 9-5 jobs back in Texas. We were one of those couples that quit to travel the world. 🙂

This blog post from years ago (that I’ve since updated) covers a bit of our early days: https://www.ourescapeclause.com/6-month-round-the-world-trip/

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Finding the Universe

Travel tales, photography and a dash of humor

Rome in a Day: A 1 Day Rome Itinerary

Last updated: March 25, 2024 . Written by Laurence Norah - 30 Comments

Heading to Rome, but not in the city for too long? Don’t worry, it’s possible to see a lot of Rome in a day, and that’s just what this post is going to help you do. We’re going to focus on Rome’s highlights in this guide to help you get the most out of your day in Rome.

As well as providing a suggested detailed step-by-step Rome itinerary, we’re also going to be sharing some advice to help you make the most of your trip, including tips for skipping the lines, saving money, getting to and from the airport, and, if you happen to be staying overnight, a guide to where you might consider staying.

This itinerary would work well as part of a longer trip around Italy like this where you want to see a few different locations, or even as part of a longer Europe itinerary like this one .

Let’s get started with our guide to spending 24 hours in Rome!

Rome in a Day: Detailed Itinerary

Our Rome guide assumes you have a full day in Rome and are able to start sightseeing relatively early in the morning. We’re focusing on the absolute highlights of the city – attractions and sights that we think the first time visitor will really want to focus on.

It’s a busy itinerary for a really full day, from 8.30am through to 6 or 7 pm, so definitely feel free to adjust it to meet your interests and the amount of time you have in Rome. If you have less time than a full day, you’ll need to skip a few things.

Our first stop in Rome is the Colosseum .

The Colosseum is a truly incredible building to visit. Dating from ancient Rome, it has survived through the fall of the Roman Empire, the Dark ages, the Middle Ages, the Industrial Revolution and our current modern age.

Sure, it’s suffered a bit of wear and tear over the years, but it’s still incredibly recognisable as a giant sporting arena, and looks pretty good for a 2,000 year old building! Touring here is a must on your first visit to Rome.

The Colosseum is open every day, with times varying depending on the time of year. You can see more information here . You need a schedule a time in advance of your visit and we suggest an early time to maximise your sight-seeing time in Rome.

Getting tickets and planning your visit can seem a bit complicated, so we put together a detailed guide to visiting the Colosseum to help you plan.

Please do read through it, as the Colosseum can book up far in advance, meaning you might be disappointed if you don’t plan properly.

In summary, if you just want a standard entry ticket, we recommend booking tickets on the official website here .

If you do decide to just get a standard entry ticket rather than taking a guided tour, then I highly recommend picking up a guidebook which includes details on the Colosseum like this pocket guide , or downloading a free audio guide which covers the Colosseum like this one from Rick Steves .

This will really help you navigate the site, as there is so much to see and it can be quite overwhelming otherwise.

There are also a range of entry options on GetYourGuide here and on Tiqets here . These include tours and tickets with addons like multimedia guides or bundles which include other attractions and activities in Rome.

These are going to be a little more expensive but can definitely be worth it if you want to take a tour or will take advantage of the other bundled products.

We highly recommend taking a tour of the Colosseum like this one or this one if your budget and timeframe allows for it, as it is a complex site with a lot of history. But it’s up to you of course!

Note that as of October 2023 all Colosseum tickets are issued in the name of the person visiting, and you need to bring ID with you to use your ticket.

• Roman Forum

Adjacent to the Colosseum, and included with your Colosseum ticket, is the Roman Forum. This was the place at the center of all Roman life – in effect, the heart of the Roman Empire.

There were temples, shrines, government buildings, speech podiums, judiciary buildings, and places of commerce. Basically, pretty much everything of import that happened in the Roman Empire, would have happened here in some form or another!

Today the Forum is a large sprawling area consisting of many ruined structures in various states. There’s a great deal to see here, although we’d suggest trying to limit your time to around an hour to 90 minutes so as to allow you to see what else you have planned for your day in Rome.

The Forum is open every day, you can see full opening hours here .

From the Roman Forum, our suggestion is to take a walk through Rome’s historical center. Whilst you won’t have time to explore all these locations in depth, there are plentiful opportunities for a photo.

Some of the highlights we suggest you check out as you head towards the Vatican City from the Roman Forum are laid out below, in the order that you will encounter them.

• Altare della Patria

As you walk away from the Roman Forum, the first major building you will likely notice is the giant Altare della Patria, also known as the Monumento Nazionale a Vittorio Emanuele II.

This was built to honor Victor Emmanuel, the first King of unified Italy since the 6th century, who was crowned as such in 1861. With a total area of 17,000 square metres, this is quite the monument, and one you are sure to spot.

Those Romans sure knew a thing or two about construction. The Pantheon, which is your next stop, is an excellent example of this. Completed around 126AD, this former temple has been in continuous use, and to this day the roof is still the largest unreinforced concrete dome in existence.

As well as the incredible architecture, the Pantheon is the last resting place of a number of notable folk, including the painter Raphael.

For a long time the Pantheon was free to visit but as of July 2023 there’s a small fee. You can pay this on-site, or you can buy it online in advance from the official site here (you’ll need to create an account).

Tickets with an audioguide are also available online here , although they are a bit more expensive.

Side note, you might be hungry by now. There are lots of places to dine in this area, although do be mindful of time. You might also want to have either a gelato or a coffee around here – see our guides to the best gelato in Rome and the best cafes in Rome for ideas .

• Trevi Fountain

Just a few minutes from the Pantheon is the world famous Trevi Fountain, probably one of the most visited and photographed fountains in the world.

Visiting this fountain at the middle of the day is likely to be a crowded affair, but to be honest, I’ve never found a time of day or night when it’s not crowded here!

Still, the fountain is over 80 feet high and over 160 feet wide, so you’re still likely to be able to see it, regardless of how busy it is. It’s been attracting visitors since 1762, many of whom today throw a coin into the fountain for luck.

• Spanish Steps

There’s so much to see in the old historical part of Rome, but we’re on a mission here. Our next stop is the Spanish Steps.

This 135 step stairway leads from Piazza Spagna up to Piazza Trinità dei Monti, where you’ll find the Trinità dei Monti church. Having your photo taken whilst on the Spanish Steps (ideally with a gelato in hand), is pretty much an essential part of your day in Rome.

This may also be a good time to quick stop for a quick shot of espresso if you need a boost, and there are several recommended cafes in Rome near the Spanish Steps.

Note that as of August 2019 , it’s no longer permitted to sit on the Spanish Steps as they have been classified as a monument, and there is the potential of being fined if you do so. So stick to standing on them instead!

• Castel Sant’Angelo

Our last stop as we head towards the Vatican Museums is the Castel Sant’Angelo, which sits on the bank of the river Tiber, and has done for around 2,000 years.

Originally built as the mausoleum for the Emperor Hadrian, this massive cylindrical building has since seen many uses, from fortress to castle to prison. Today, it’s a museum, and the views from the top are impressive.

Again, you don’t have time to visit if you are following this itinerary, but this is well worth a look from the outside nonetheless!

If you really want to visit, you can buy tickets in person or from the official ticket site here . can also buy tickets from GetYourGuide here or from Tiqets here . It’s always worth comparing as prices vary.

• Vatican Museum

You’ve now made it to the Vatican Museums inside the Vatican City, for the second half of your day.

The Vatican Museums are vast – certainly one of the largest museums in the world. There are over seven kilometres of corridors spanning 54 galleries, and with 20,000 works of art on display, there’s no shortage of content to keep you busy.

Suffice to say, an afternoon, or even a day, is unlikely going to be enough to fully appreciate what is on display. Some pre-planning, an audioguide, or a guided tour like this one , are good options to make sure that you see some of the absolute highlights of the Vatican Museums collection.

These include the Map Room, paintings by Da Vinci, Raphael & Caravaggio, marble sculptures, and much, much more, including our next stop.

Note, the Vatican is closed on Sundays and some other days – you can see all opening times and days on the official Vatican website here . You can book your tickets in advance of your visit on the official site here . You can also book on GetYourGuide here , and on Tiqets here with a 5% discount on their normal price.

• Sistine Chapel

Within the Vatican Museum complex is the Sistine Chapel (entry is included with Vatican Museum entry), whose ceiling and Last Judgement painting are generally regarded as one of Michaelangelo’s greatest works, and one of the greatest Renaissance works.

The sheer scale of the work is quite mind-boggling. Over many years, Michelangelo painted over 5,000 square feet of frescoes on the ceiling, which depicts various biblical scenes, such as The Creation of Adam and the Story of Noah.

The wall above the altar is reserved for the massive Last Judgement painting, which depicts the second coming of Christ on the final day, where the souls of humanity are judged and sent to their fate. This is another awe inspiring installation that has to be seen to be believed.

As a sidenote, there’s no photography allowed in here, and there are guards who will enforce this rule. Lots of people break it, but we have seen people escorted out for doing so. It’s also usually very busy, both in here and in the Vatican Museums in general, so do be prepared for that.

St. Peter’s Basilica

Our last stop on our tour of Rome’s highlights is St. Peter’s Basilica, arguably the most important church in the Roman Catholic faith.

Built in the early 17th century, and designed by Renaissance masters including Michelangelo, Bramante, and Bernini, this is the largest church building in the world, and is said to be the home of the tomb of Saint Peter.

As you might imagine, this is a major site of pilgrimage for Catholics from all over the world, and the Pope holds large masses here on a regular basis. There’s a lot to see inside, plus you can head all the way up to the roof for incredible views across the city.

St. Peter’s Basilica closes at 6pm October to March, and 7pm April to September. The last entry is usually 75 minutes before closing.

St. Peter’s Basilica is very popular and the lines can be long for entry. It is free to visit, but if you book a tour like one of these you can skip the line. Some tours of the Vatican, like this one , also include skip the line access to St. Peter’s Basilica which can be a good option.

We’d recommend doing this at busier times of year as the lines can be very long. Just be aware that you might need to adjust your itinerary depending on tour times.

For lots more information on visiting the Vatican City and its attractions, including the Museums and St Peter’s Basilica, see our complete guide to the Vatican . This has everything you need to know to plan your visit, including all the highlights, tips for visitng, how to buy tickets and lots more.

1 Day in Rome Map

To help you visualise and plan your day, we’ve put together this map of the attractions, as well as a suggested walking route through the city. You can also see this map on Google Maps here .

1 Day in Rome Summary Itinerary

Here’s a quick overview of what you’ll see on your one day in Rome:

• St. Peters Basilica

What about a Rome Tour?

Whilst our itinerary is entirely possible to do in a self-guided manner, you can also visit all the sights on a guided tour. You have a few options for this, depending on how much of the day you want to be guided.

Our first suggestion would be this Rome tour from Take Walks . This full day tour includes everywhere in our itinerary, including the Colosseum, a view of the Roman Forum, a tour of the historic center of Rome and the Vatican City attractions, including the Vatican Museum, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica. So an excellent option!

Even better, the tour includes transport from the historic center across to the Vatican, is fully guided, and you get skip the line access to all the major attractions, making it excellent value for money with minimal hassle. Take Walks only run small group tours, and we’ve taken a number of their tours in cities around the world.

For one day in Rome, this is definitely our preferred guided tour option. Book your tour here .

Another option would be to do part of the day as a guided tour, and part on your own.

For example, you could do a guided  Colosseum Tour with the Roman Forum & Palatine Hill in the morning, or a guided tour of the Vatican & St. Peter’s Basilica in the afternoon.

You could even do both, although we’d suggest it would make more sense to do the previously mentioned Rome in a Day tour instead.

Finally, you might also consider taking a food tour in Rome, many of which run in the evening. If so, see our guide to the best food tours in Rome for some ideas.

How to Save Money and Skip the Lines in Rome

On our longer 2 day and 3 day Rome itineraries we recommend either the Roma Pass or the Omnia Rome and Vatican Pass , two cards that offer skip the line privileges and cost savings if you plan on visiting the major attractions in the city.

However, neither of these are available for time periods shorter than 2 days, and so whilst they definitely offer convenience in terms of booking and skip the line access to all the attractions on our itinerary, the cost saving is not quite so obvious if you are only in Rome for one day.

The main card option for 1 day in Rome is the Rome Tourist Card , which includes the Colosseum, Vatican Museums & St. Peter’s Basilica, as well as some audio guides and discounts on other attractions. This card is really more about convenience than cost saving, making it easy to book everything in one place.

If cost saving is the most important factor for your planning, you will be better off booking individual skip the line tickets for each attraction.

It is absolutely essential that you do book your attraction entry in advance for most of these attractions. Ticket lines can get really really long in Rome, especially in the summer months, and you don’t want to waste your day in Rome standing in line.

For the attractions we recommend, you’ll want to purchase advance tickets for the Vatican, the Colosseum and St. Peter’s Basilica. You can do that here:

• Skip the line tickets for the Vatican here on GetYourGuide and here on the official site (both include Sistine Chapel.)
• Skip the line tickets from the official website for the Colosseum here (includes Roman Forum).
• A tour of St. Peter’s Basilica  here (including the Vatican) or here  (including dome access and papal crypt)

Note that for the Colosseum we have linked you to the official site which in our experience has the best prices.

The Vatican ticket price is normally similar on GetYourGuide compared to the official site. Personally we find GetYourGuide a lot easier to navigate than the official ticket site, however you might save a bit on the official site so do check both options.

St. Peter’s Basilica don’t sell fast track tickets, so we have linked you to GetYourGuide and Tiqets, both third party sites that we trust. If you want to visit the Vatican and Basilica, then a tour which includes both like this one can be a good value option.

For the Colosseum, all visitors need to reserve an entry time for when they want to visit. This is true for holders of the Roma Pass as well.

See our guide here on visiting the Colosseum for everything you need to know, so ensure you avoid disappointment.

If you have longer in the city, or just want the convenience of buying one ticket that does everything, we can recommend the Rome Tourist Card , the Roma Pass , or the Omnia Rome and Vatican Pass . Which one works for you will depend on your interests and time in the city.

Where to Stay in Rome

With one day in Rome, you might not be planning on staying overnight. However, just in case you are, we wanted to share some options for accommodation. We’d recommend staying somewhere centrally located so you can get to and from all the sights easily – the area between Piazza Navona, Piazza Venezia and Piazza del Popolo is usually our preferred area to stay in Rome.

For an idea of where I mean, take a look at these hotel options:

• Orsa Maggiore Hostel – just across the river in Rome’s trendy Trastevere district, this female only hostel features a range of room types including dormitories and private rooms.
• Di Rienzo Pantheon Palace – a very well reviewed guesthouse option in the heart of the city, just moments from the Pantheon and other attractions. The building is a 16th century property, and rooms feature en-suite facilities, free wi-fi and breakfast
• The  Mimosa Pantheon Hotel – right next to the Pantheon, and therefore well placed for the city’s attractions, this is a well reviewed good value 1* hotel. Rooms feature private bathrooms, air conditioning and free WiFi. A solid budget choice.
• The  Navona Theatre Hotel – just five minutes walk from Piazza Navona, this is a very well rated 3* hotel within easy walking distance of most of Rome’s main attractions
• The  Hotel Navona – another well reviewed 3* hotel in central Rome near Piazza Navona. This hotel is in a restored 15th century building which features restored original frescoes. Rooms have en-suite facilities, air conditioning and free WiFi

If you are taking an early flight, you might want to stay nearer to the airport. Here are some options:

• The well rated Sleep’n go Hotel near Rome Fiumicino , which has an airport shuttle service
• Air Rooms Rome Airport , which is in the Fiumicino terminal building
• Hotel Villa Giulia , which is close to Rome Ciampino, and offer a shuttle service

If you are arriving or leaving by train, you will likely want to stay near Rome Termini train station, which is the major train station in the city. Some hotels near to Rome Termini to consider are:

• The RomeHello – found just a few moments from Rome’s Termini Station, this hostel features a range of room types, from dormitories to private en-suite rooms. There’s free WiFi, fantastic reviews, and it’s a great value option.
• Hotel Valentino Palace – a fantastic mid-range 3* property, just 150 yards from the train station
• Gioberti Art Hotel – 50 yards from Termini Station, a well rated excellent value 4* hotel
• NH Collection Palazzo Cinquecento – Awesome value 5* hotel just a few steps from the train station

Of course, there are many more options for accommodation in Rome. When we travel we usually use Booking.com for our accommodation. They have a great selection of options, with everything from hostels to apartments to hotels . The review system makes it easy to pick a good option, and they have an excellent cancellation policy.

As an example of what is available in Rome on booking.com, beyond the above mentioned hotels, here’s a well rated hostel , and a fantastically located apartment . As you can see – loads of options!

If you prefer an apartment, then we recommend Plum Guide .

Plum Guide carefully curate their listings so their options tend to be of a very high quality whilst still being available at a range of price points. We’ve used them in locations around the world, and you can see our Plum Guide review here . You can see their listings for Rome here .

If you can’t find what you want on Plum Guide, or you want some new options to try out, we wrote a whole post on the best alternatives to AirBnB  which you should check out!

Getting to and from Rome Airport

Rome has two major international airports that you might fly into – Rome Fiumicino (FCO) and Rome Ciampino (FCO). Flights from the North America usually arrive at Fiumicino, whilst flights from Europe may arrive at either.

It’s easy to get into central Rome from either airport.

From Rome Fiumicino, you can take the train, bus, or taxi. There’s a train station on site which will get you into the city centre in around 30 minutes to an hour. Prices range from €8 – €14, depending on if you take the fast Leonardo Express or the local train services (FL1).

Note that the local train service (FL1) does not go directly to Termini – it goes to Rome Trastevere, and then you would need to change onto the FL5, which you can take to Termini.

There are also a number of bus options which cost from €5, and which take around 50 minutes to an hour, and take you to Termini train station. There’s also a taxi stand. You can also arrange either a shared shuttle or a private transfer service , which needs to be booked in advance.

From Rome Ciampino, there’s no on-site train station, but there is a local train station just five minutes away by bus. This train costs around €1.50. There are also buses from Ciampino, which also cost €5. Ciampino also has taxis, although as this is a smaller airport there are generally fewer available. You can also book a shared shuttle or private transfer service in advance .

Both airports also have private and shuttle transfer options that you can book in advance.

Getting to and from Rome Train Station

If you are arriving by train, you will most likely arrive into Rome Termini. This train station is pretty much in the center of Rome, and there are excellent transport links from here to the rest of the city, including buses, the metro, and of course taxis.

Luggage Storage in Rome

If you are just visiting for the day and not staying overnight, the chances are you don’t want to carry your luggage around with you all day. Many of the attractions in Rome won’t let you take bags in with you anyway, and even those that do will likely require you to do additional screening.

As such, we’d recommend you leave your luggage behind so you can explore without being weighed down. We’d suggest this luggage service , which has locations at Termini station as well as the Pantheon and other parts of the city.

We also suggest checking out Nannybag , a service which has storage points across Rome (and other cities around the world).

Getting Around Rome

Rome is an easy city to get around, with multiple public bus routes as well as a metro and taxi services. The city center is also easily walkable. For our itinerary, the main section you might want to use transport for would be to get from the Roman Forum across to the Vatican.

In our itinerary, our suggestion is to actually walk this route. Whilst this will take around an hour, the route we suggest would take you through the historic center of Rome, and let you see some of Rome’s most famous attractions, including the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, and Spanish Steps.

Of course, depending on time and your personal preference, you might prefer to just head straight to the Vatican, and skip these, so you have time to explore the Vatican. In which case, the fastest option will definitely be to take a taxi, which will take in the region of 15 – 20 minutes, depending on traffic. Public transport, either bus or metro, will take around 40 minutes.

Further Reading for Visiting Rome

We have visited Rome a number of times, and from our trips we’ve put together a range of guides that we think you will find useful. We also have a number of go-to guidebooks and other resources that we think you will find helpful for planning your time in Rome.

• If you have longer in the city, or are just looking for more options for what to do, take a look at our guide to spending 3 Days in Rome , which also has some more practical information for your visit. We also have a guide to spending 2 Days in Rome as well as things to do in Rome .
• If you’d prefer to take more of a guided visit to Rome rather than plan your trip yourself, we have a guide to doing just that here .
• If you are interested in visiting the Borghese Gallery, one of Rome’s most popular art museums, check out our guide to visiting the Borghese Gallery .
• We also put together a detailed guide to visiting the Colosseum as well as visiting the Vatican to help you plan your visits to these incredible attractions
• If you are interested in walking tours, we recommend using either Take Walks or Context Travel . You can get a 10% discount just by using our link on any Context Travel tour. You can read about some of the walks and activities we’ve done here , here , and here .
• Speaking of tours, we have a guide to our favorite Rome food tours here .
• No visit to Rome is complete without eating gelato! To be sure you get the best stuff, take a look at our guide to finding the best Gelato in Rome .
• We also have a guide to where to find the best coffee in Rome , which also includes tips on how and what to order, as well as tips on saving money on your espresso shot!
• If you’re planning on visiting Rome in summer, read our  tips for visiting a European city in summer  to stay sane
• Looking to visit more of Italy ? Check out our content on  Venice ,  Milan  and  Florence  for inspiration!
• We also have a detailed 10 day Italy itinerary to help you plan a trip in this wonderful country
• This day in Rome will likely be easier if you can get online and reference maps or this itinerary as you go. See our guide to getting online when you travel for tips on how to do that.
• If you’re looking for a physical (or Kindle!) guidebook, we recommend the  Rick Steves Rome guide , which has lots of practical information to help you make the most of your stay

And that’s it for our guide to how to spend a day in Rome! We hope you found it useful – as always, if you have any questions or feedback, just let us know in the comments below!

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Amanda Trass says

6th October 2022 at 6:10 am

Hi guys, hoping you can shed some light for me – we are a family of 6 travelling to Rome tomorrow and have left EVERYTHING to the last second as usual!! I have read through your guide and tried to book tickets for the Colleseum. We have 4 children entitled to free tickets and there is only availability at 17:15 for them. The last available paid tickets are at 17:05. Do you know if there is any way around this for us? Hope to hear from you!! Regards, Mandy

Laurence Norah says

6th October 2022 at 3:37 pm

Ok, so those timeslots are pretty close together, they would probably let you all in together, although I’m not sure if you can purchase child tickets separately. If you can then I would try that, it should be ok. The only other option is to book one of the lower priced tours instead, but that would be more expensive for all of you for sure. I hope it works out for you, have a great time in Rome!

7th October 2022 at 6:09 pm

Thanks so much for your advice! I ended up purchasing through the Tiqet website which cost me $20NZD more, but gave me the confidence that we would all get in together! Interestingly the time for the childrens’ tickets all said 1715 also but was never questioned or an issue. Maybe that information will be helpful to you next time! Had a great day in Rome! Thanks 🙏 Mandy

8th October 2022 at 2:19 pm

Thanks for the update Mandy, glad to hear you had a great time in Rome!

Tunde D says

9th August 2022 at 6:37 pm

Do you offer this on Sundays?

10th August 2022 at 12:44 pm

So we don’t offer tours, although our recommended walking tour provider, Take Walks, does offer a tour with an itinerary similar to this, such as this full day tour . However, as the Vatican is normally closed on Sundays, this tour isn’t going to be available then. So you can likely find a tour which will cover the other attractions but not the Vatican.

Enjoy your time in Rome!

Sheree Campbell says

11th February 2020 at 12:49 pm

Love this website!

We are arriving a day early for a Celebrity Mediterranean Cruise in September (4 of us). We arrive about 11am to the airport and trying to decide how to get from airport to Rome and do a 1/2 day of sightseeing on Thursday and some morning sight seeing on Friday before heading to the port. We plan to stay overnight in a centrally located hotel as suggested on your website. What do you suggest we do?

Also, what do you suggest as a mode of transportation to Civitavecchia.

Thank you so much! Sheree

11th February 2020 at 1:27 pm

Hi Sheree – thanks very much! So as with everything in life, it comes down to deciding between cost and convenience. There’s a section in this post about getting into Rome from both airports, you just have to decide if you want to take public transport or book a private ride like this one . The latter will likely be a little more expensive, but shared between four of you the price will likely end up being reasonable. This will be probably the quickest option.

If you are planning on visiting the major sights in Rome, then you might find that a Rome City Pass , which includes a transfer from the airport, is a good option, but you will have to do the maths based on the attractions you want to see to be sure it’s a good value for you.

To get to Civitavecchia the best option is likely going to be the train. These run regularly and take around an hour from Termini train station.

Have a great trip and let me know if you have any more questions!

Andrew Grima says

12th January 2020 at 8:25 pm

Hi Laurence and Norah We love your blog. We are using your site to plan our two day/one night trip to Rome in October this year. We have booked Colessium skip the line and a Take walks tour of Vatican City. We also booked Hotel Mimosa Pantheon through your site.

We are planning to do a full day trip to Pisa and Florence on Day 2 and was hoping to get the driver to take us directly to Fiumicino Airport to connect with our 22:40 flight home to Australia. The only way to do this is to book a private tour which is prohibitively expensive for myself, wife and 11 year old daughter. We are looking at Get Your Guide tours recommended through your blog (Florence and Pisa full day trip from Rome-12 hours).

Is there a way to find out/advertise whether anyone else is in the same situation as us so that we can book a private tour together? This would make it affordable for everyone on that tour if others have late night flights out of Rome that day. The day we need this tour and connection to the airport is Saturday 17 October, 2020. We have plenty of time to plan this adventure.

Appreciate your thoughts and advice.

Kind regards Andrew and Di

13th January 2020 at 12:41 pm

Thanks for your message and kind words.

So I am sure there is some service or message board out there for this kind of thing, but I’m not sure exactly what it would be or how successful you might be with it.

I’m assuming you have considered just taking the tour as usual and then arranging a transfer to the airport? There are a range of options, from private transfers to the express train, so it should be quite easy. You would just need to store your luggage somewhere during the tour as most tours won’t let you bring lots of luggage with you.

Sorry not to be of more help!

Andrew says

13th January 2020 at 8:38 pm

Laurence Thank you for your prompt reply. Yes, what you suggested was our first option.

26th June 2019 at 3:04 am

awesome blog, something i have been looking f for my two day Rome and Vatican plan during December this year. Would you like to advice anything specific as we(husband and my self in early thirties) are doing this during winter so less day light 🙂

26th June 2019 at 5:38 pm

Thanks very much! We have visited in December and haven’t made much change to our plans, most of the attractions are just as pretty at night as by day, so other than making sure you visit everything during opening hours, you wouldn’t need to worry too much I don’t think 🙂

Have a great trip 🙂

Randeep says

8th May 2019 at 3:38 pm

Hi Guys, Great information – Going to be super helpful. Visting rome at the end of April. I have little kids (5 and 7) so will take Taxis where possible. I need to start at noon so seems like I should start with Vaticant and then do the morning stuff the next day. Just got tickets for Vaticant museum and Sistine Chapel for the afternoon – what do you think we can do in the evening. Pantheon from outside, Trevi Fountain and spanish steps I read in your responses. Q1. Is there a order that will make more sense since I will be coming out of Vaticant. Q2. My kids are troopers I plan to be out and about as late as possible – is it safe to be out with kids at say 10pm and can I see anything at that time? Q3. Does Lyft or Uber work in Rome? Q4. Are there casual eating restaurants where we can get simple and healthy food?

Thanks a lot for your help Regards Randeep

8th May 2019 at 5:00 pm

Hi Randeep,

Thanks very much 🙂 So I would definitely suggest the outdoor sights in central Rome would be the best option for the evening, and you have pretty much hit the key sights that I would suggest seeing in that area.

Q1 from the Vatican, I would suggest at least seeing the outside of the Castel Sant Angelo, which is very nearby. You could then take a taxi to Piazza Popolo, and walk from there down to the Spanish Steps, then on to the Trevi Fountain and Pantheon.

Q2 yes, we’ve never had any trouble in Rome, lots of people are out at night. As with any large city, it’s just being aware of possible pickpockets, and having your valuables zippered away, rather than an easy target in a back pocket.

Q3 At the time of writing, Uber and Lyft are not available in the city, other than in the high end Uber Lux / Uber Black, which is about twice the price of a normal taxi. So taxis are the only real option. It’s important to ensure the driver puts the meter on – the only time that you should pay a fixed fare is from the airports. There is an app called mytaxi, but unfortunately this isn’t like Uber – the meter starts running as soon as you pick a taxi, including as it comes to pick you up. Also note that most taxis only take cash. To be honest, we just took public transport in Rome, if you have a smartphone with data, then it’s easy to use Google Maps to find the right bus or metro.

Q4 – There are a lot of restaurants of all types in Rome, so I don’t think you’ll have difficulty finding a place to eat 🙂

8th May 2019 at 5:47 pm

Thank you so much these are very helpful

MICHELLE says

30th April 2019 at 7:26 pm

Good Afternoon, If you were to follow this itinerary starting at 8:30 am like you suggest – what time would you we be arriving at the Vatican? Thanks

2nd May 2019 at 8:34 pm

Hi Michelle!

I would say around 1.30pm. Definitely from 1pm, and no later than 2pm, would be the time to aim for 🙂

liliana says

18th April 2019 at 9:08 pm

I’ve read a lot of articles but this definitely stands out!! the information is very useful and considers every aspect when planning a quick trip to Rome.. I’m visiting on september, do you recommed to add the Plaza Navona in the intinerary?

18th April 2019 at 9:16 pm

Hi Liliana!

Thanks very much 🙂 I absolutely do, Piazza Navona is one of the standout architectural features in Rome, especially the fountain at the centre. It’s easy to add to the itinerary too, you can add it in either just before Castel Sant Angelo, or just after the Pantheon 🙂 Alternatively, it’s also very lively in the evenings. We’ve stayed just round the corner from here, and there are often performers here in the evening 🙂

17th April 2019 at 6:53 pm

Would it make sense to do your “Rome in a Day” walk in reverse? Just checking on tickets now and there is nothing in the morning for the Coliseum but we could get into St Peter’s Basilica in the morning time slot.

17th April 2019 at 7:02 pm

Hi Sara – absolutely. Now that the Coliseum is also ticketed, the order is less important (the Coliseum used to just get busier throughout the day, but the timed entry system has lessened this issue somewhat!). So definitely go when you can 🙂

6th March 2019 at 11:00 pm

Great read – thank you. I’m visiting Italy at the end of April. We’re staying in Florence and will be coming to Rome for the day. My question is, what is parking like in the city? We’ll pretty much follow your itinerary, can you recommend an area to find a space or central car park?

Thank you Luke

11th March 2019 at 1:18 pm

We rarely drive when visiting cities, so our only experience doing something similar was in Paris, where we used a service called Parclick to find and book a car park. I don’t have any direct experience in Florence so can’t recommend anything, but I’m sure a similar service exists. One option is also to look at the airport, as these often have long stay car park options as well as good transport links to the city

I hope this helps – have a great trip!

Carolina Marte says

18th February 2019 at 10:54 pm

Hello! This article is AMAZING! We wasnt sure if we should visit Rome, but after reading this we are DEFINETLY going, thank you! Question: we are going from March 28 (arriving around 21:30h) to March 29 (returning in the 17:15 flight) with our two daughters: 11 years and 4 years old. Do you think is too much for them to do a “self walking tour” (we will love the guides tour, but is just too expensive for us 🙂 Also, can we do something that night since we are not actually having the complete 8hrs on March 29?

19th February 2019 at 4:10 pm

Hey Carolina!

Thanks very much! So I would say that this is a fair bit of walking, but you could cut that down a bit by taking the taxi or similar from the old town area to the Vatican. I also can’t really comment on the stamina of your daughters – some might find it too much, others will be just fine 🙂

That evening, depending on where your hotel is, if you want to see some things my suggestion would be to hit the historical center and see the Trevi Fountain and the Spanish steps. The pantheon won’t be open at that point, but the exterior is still impressive.

19th February 2019 at 5:41 pm

Thanks! My daughters stamina are the highest always! Lol We will be staying at Navona hotel per your recommendations. What are the options to get from the Airport (Fiumicino)? Hotel is charging me €48 for two passengers for a one way transportation. Is the train safe (we arrive at 7:30pm)

19th February 2019 at 6:07 pm

Sounds like your daughters will be fine, and it will be yourself you might have to worry about 😉

So there are a few options for getting into Rome, and yes, the train is safe 🙂

Your options are the airport buses (these take around an hour, but will likely be a little bit faster at the time you arrive), the Leonardo Express train (30 minutes to Termini for €14 / person, children under 4 are free, one child aged 4-14 can travel free per paying adult), and the regional FL1 train (around €8, one child 4-11 is free per paying adult). The last FL1 train is around 9.30pm, whilst the last Leonardo Express train is at 11.23pm.

The FL1 train would be the cheapest, but you would have to change at Trastevere and then take a trolley bus – you can see this route here: https://goo.gl/maps/cWmAXJYiYJp

It really depends on you which option you go for. Just be aware if you go to Termini it’s a bit of a walk to Navona, so you might want to take a taxi or bus (there are plenty of bus options).

I hope this helps!

Isabel says

7th February 2019 at 1:11 pm

I wanted to say thank you! I have been trying to find a helpful article while planning my trip and this was amazing! You have outdone every book, blog, and show I have tried! I am bookmarking your website and telling everyone I know how helpful this was! Thank you!!

8th February 2019 at 7:54 pm

Thank you so much for your kind comment Isabel, it makes a big difference to us to know that we are helping people plan their adventures 😀

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The Ultimate Travel Guide to Rome – Best Things To Do, See & Enjoy!

Amar Hussain

Senior Content Contributor

771 Published Articles

Countries Visited: 63 U.S. States Visited: 9

Keri Stooksbury

Editor-in-Chief

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A Brief History of Rome

Fact file    , getting around rome, san giovanni, centro storico, san lorenzo.

• Roman Forum

St. Peter’ s Square and Basilica

The pantheon, the spanish steps.

• Trevi Fountain

The Vatican and Sistine Chapel

Piazza navona, galleria borghese, castel sant’ angelo, pyramid of cestius, street art in ostiense, house of owls, largo di torre argentina, teatro marcello, capuchin crypt, the appian way, circo maximus, vintage fiat 500 tour, villa borghese, villa doria pamphili, botanical garden, vatican garden, orange trees garden, villa torlonia, parco degli acquedotti, palazzo venezia, villa celimontana, rose garden, basilica of santa maria del popolo, santa maria in trastevere, basilica of santa maria maggiore, santa maria in aracoeli, san giovanni in laterano, santa maria sopra minerva, basilica di san pietro in vincoli, santa maria in cosmedin, san clemente, saint paolo fuori le mura basilica, via condotti, via del corso, via cola di rienzo, porta portese, via del babuino, v ia del governo vecchio, flaminio market, fontanella borghese market, 15 rome travel tips & hacks, romulus and remus, the trevi fountain, you can drink the water, there are lots and lots of fountains, no cappuccino after 11:00 a.m., the aventine keyhole, secret passageway to the vatican, there are a lot of cats that live here, shop ‘til you drop, the pasta museum.

• Ostia Antica

Hadrian’s Villa in Tivoli

Beware of pickpockets, keep your valuables out of sight, avoid some areas at night, keep electronic copies of your documents, know who to call in an emergency, don’t look too much like a tourist, take advantage of the hotel safe, final thoughts.

We may be compensated when you click on product links, such as credit cards, from one or more of our advertising partners. Terms apply to the offers below. See our Advertising Policy for more about our partners, how we make money, and our rating methodology. Opinions and recommendations are ours alone.

The capital city of Italy is one of the most romantic and historic places in the world. Rome has a lot for you to explore and discover with its plethora of cobbled streets, beautiful architecture, Ancient ruins, and relics dating back over 2000 years.

Rome is packed with cultural experiences around every corner and is the home to some of the most awe-inspiring historical artwork in the world, including Michelangelo’s masterpieces in the Sistine Chapel. Affectionately known as the Eternal City, Rome is situated within the 7 hills on the banks of the Tiber River.

Many visitors return to Rome time and time again as there is more to do than you could fit in 1 trip. When it comes to downtime, you’ll be spoiled for choice with quaint restaurants and cafes serving delicious traditional Italian food and high-quality wines. If you want to dance the night away, Rome has a truly Mediterranean party scene that will suit all tastes.

Legend has it that the city was founded by twin brothers Romulus and Remus in 753 B.C. Raised by a she-wolf, the brothers fought over who should be ruler, and Romulus eventually killed Remus and named the city after himself. In the centuries that followed, Roman civilization shifted from a monarchy to a republic and then an empire.

The very first headquarters of the Roman Empire was based in the city of Rome itself, and the Roman Catholic Church was also founded here. Julius Caesar, the famous dictator of the Roman Empire, became Rome’s first emperor (in everything but name) and one of the city’s most historically important residents.

It is not just Italy that has felt the powerful force of Rome either, as the city has at times ruled over other countries such as Greece, and during the reign of Napoleon, it was officially part of France. Rome became the capital of the newly reclaimed Italian Republic in 1870 and is today considered to have been one of the most influential cities in history.

Rome has been the capital city of Italy since 1870 and is located within the center of the Italian Peninsula. Rome is around 15 miles inland from the Tyrrhenian Sea and sits along the Tiber River.

Population : 2.7 million

Population Density : 2.1 per km²

Area : 1285 km²

Official language : Italian

Rome has residents originating from many other countries, so a diverse range of other languages can be heard in the city including French, Greek, German, Sardinian, Albanian, Croatian, and Slovene.

Religion : The main religions in Rome are Roman Catholic and Christianity.

Current President : Sergio Mattarella

Patron Saints : Saint Peter and Saint Paul

Weather : Mediterranean climate with warm, dry summers (peak temperatures in August are around 82°F/27°C) and cold, humid winters (average of 37°F/3°C in January).

Time Zone : CEST + 2hrs UTC (Central European Summer Time)

Currency : Euro

Country Dialing Prefix Code : +39

Emergency Numbers : 113 for Police, 115 for Fire Department, 118 for Medical Emergencies

Green Spaces : Parks and gardens make up 3% of Rome

Churches : There are over 900 churches in Rome!

Getting There and Getting Around

Rome has 2 airports, Leonardo da Vinci Airport (FCO) and Ciampino Airport (CIA).

Leonardo da Vinci Airport, also known as Fiumicino Airport , handles mostly scheduled flights and is connected to the city via a direct train service, The Leonardo Express train. This train is a non-stop service which takes approximately 30 minutes from Fiumicino Airport into the central station in the city, Rome Termini, and costs around $16 (€14).

Alternatively, you can get a shuttle bus service from Fiumicino Airport into Rome’s city center. These buses take on average 1 hour and tickets are available from $8 (€7). If you prefer to travel by private taxi, they are available outside Fiumicino Airport and charge approximately $49 (€44) to take you the half-hour journey into the center of Rome.

Hot Tip: See our in-depth guide on the best ways to fly to Italy, using points and miles.

Ciampino Airport mainly receives chartered flights and those from the budget European airlines. To get from Ciampino airport to Rome’s city center, you can get a bus into Ciampino town center and then a regional train to Rome. In total this would only cost you around $3 (€2.50).

Alternatively, you can get the SITBus Shuttle service, which is a direct route from $6 (€5). Ciampino Airport is only 9 miles from Rome city center, and taxis are waiting outside the airport to take you privately for around $28 (€25).

Once you are in Rome itself, your best travel options are to walk, use the ATAC buses, or the Metro.

Many visitors choose to travel around the city on foot so that they can appreciate everything on offer. Many of the winding streets are cobbled, though, so be sure to pack proper shoes if you are planning to head from 1 attraction to another.

The bus service in the city is very reliable and offers excellent value for money with stops at almost all the major points of interest. There are also night bus services which will run to 5 a.m. The average single bus journey costs around $2 (€1.50) and bus tickets can easily be purchased from any Metro station, newsstand, and many convenience stores.

If you are planning to take several bus journeys during your stay, then you may wish to purchase a travel card which will save you money. There are also 3-day, weekly, or monthly tourist cards on sale for this bus network.

The metro is a useful way for tourists to travel around the city as it is predominately set up for commuters to travel in and out of the city. The metro system crosses the city in a big ‘X’ and has stops near most of the main attractions. From Termini, you can travel to some of the main attractions with train stations, such as the Colosseum, Piazza Barberini, and the Spanish Steps.

The metro runs from 5:30 a.m. to 11.30 p.m. and tickets can be purchased from metro stations, newsstands, or convenience stores. You will be able to save money by purchasing a travel card if you are planning to travel by train for more than a couple of journeys.

Although private taxis are available to take you around the city center, these are not very popular with tourists as they are notorious for over-charging. If you plan to take a taxi, then it is advisable to discuss the cost of the fare with the driver before getting into the cab.

Top 10 Neighborhoods to Visit in Rome

Rome is a city that is spread across 22 different districts (known as “rioni”) and made up of 35 urban quarters (known as “quartieri urbani”), each with a diverse community atmosphere.

Some are set just within the walls of the city and some just outside. The following is an outline of these 10 areas — some are well known on the traditional tourist routes, and others are more up and coming.

Sitting just across from the Tiber River is the area known as Trastevere (which means “across the Tevere”). This area has a trendy, student vibe with an array of restaurants, trendy shops, and lively bars. From Trastevere, you can access river walkways to the historic center that meet and cross at Ponte Sisto and Ponte Garibaldi.

The historic center has a main square which is home to Piazza di Santa, one of the oldest churches in Rome. Trastevere as an area is situated at the bottom of Gianicolo Hill (also known as Janiculum Hill), and from here you can take spectacular walks and hikes until you eventually reach Rome’s largest park, Villa Pamphili.

Hot Tip: Along the way, you can see the 17 th -century marble fountain Fontana dell’Acqua Paola, as well as breath-taking views of the Capitoline and Palatine hills, the imposing Vittorio Emmanuele II monument, and Pantheon’s dome.

San Giovanni is overflowing with beautiful Renaissance buildings and elaborately decorated cathedrals. Unlike other areas of Rome which have the cobbled streets and narrow winding pathways, San Giovanni is made up of modern avenues and is home to many of Rome’s residents.

Although there are local restaurants, the majority of food is sold via community markets, and people sit in the parks for entertainment rather than bars. San Giovanni has brilliant public transport links and is also within walking distance of the Colosseum.

In this quiet, residential area of Rome stands the city’s oldest major Christian basilica, intertwined with modern high street shops and department stores, as well as the popular bimonthly second-hand market.

Despite having a modern vibe, San Giovanni is still a great choice for visitors interested in ancient ruins, cultural city walks, and historic fountains.

Monti gives you a taste of an authentic classic Roman neighborhood. Nestled between the Roman Forum and Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, it has a relaxed, lived-in vibe where you can meet the locals and admire the stunning scenery. The beautiful hillside landscape is scattered with pretty historic buildings set in cobblestoned paths and streets.

There is a wide variety of hip restaurants and trendy cafes, and from the southwest side of the neighborhood, you can see across to the Colosseum. Many tourists love visiting Monti where they can sit back and enjoy chilling out around the fountain in the main square known as Piazza della Madonna dei Monti.

Monti was historically an impoverished slum that has evolved to become a picturesque area bursting at the seams with character, attracting young bohemian-type residents and travelers.

Aventino is located on one of Rome’s 7 ancient hills and is a beautiful, green area within the city. Wealthy Roman families own imposing villas in this area, and a wander along the prestigious tree-lined avenues is an experience in itself.

While you are in Aventino, be sure to visit the Bocca della Verita, the chariot track at Circus Maximus, and the historic ruins at the Baths of Caracalla. There are fantastic views of the Tiber River to be had from the hillside of Aventino, and many tourists choose to sit in the orange garden to soak up the stunning vista.

Hot Tip: If you get the chance to visit the Magistral Villa of the Knights of Malta, you will get the opportunity to view St. Peter’s dome from a totally different perspective through the keyhole on the gate.

The streets that make up Centro Storico are some of the most historic parts of Rome where tourists flock to see the Campo de’ Fiori, the Piazza Navona, and the Pantheon. These areas are brimming with the charming narrow streets and ancient architecture that Rome is so famous for. In Centro Storico you will see some spectacular examples of classical Roman- and Baroque-style buildings.

The main square is busy every night and has a plethora of lively restaurants and bars, all of which serve up good quality Italian dishes and fine wines. The famous food and flower market at Campo de’ Fiori is not to be missed and should be on every tourist’s experience list.

Bottom Line: Centro Storico’s location makes this a popular neighborhood, so be prepared for the crowds.

San Lorenzo is situated outside of the city walls and sits between Termini and Tiburtina stations. This area was traditionally a working-class industrial center whose roots remain today with plenty of warehouse buildings and factory-style architecture on every corner.

San Lorenzo has a young, hipster, and student vibe and is close to Sapienza University. As you wander around San Lorenzo you will be able to admire the creative and artistic murals dotted on the side of buildings.

The progressive alternative music scene attracts free-spirited hipsters to the many live music events which take place in the vibrant bars. There are also plenty of opportunities in San Lorenzo to purchase some of the best street food in the city.

Testaccio was historically a slaughterhouse and butchers’ district up until the 1970s. These traditions are still active today, and many tourists enjoy a visit to the Testaccio Market to purchase gourmet street food and fresh meats.

Testaccio is an area is situated along the Tiber River, just south of Aventine Hill. The main attraction in Testaccio is the Pyramide of Cestia, which is the Protestant Cemetery where non-Catholics were buried.

Even though Testaccio is a trip away from Rome’s center, many visitors report that it is well worth the journey. It is considered to be one of the prettiest areas in the city and is within walking distance of the Pirimide metro station and the Colosseum.

Bottom Line: Testaccio is a quaint and quiet area as it is off the tourist path, but has great restaurants and cafes for a relaxing day away from the main drag.

Tridente is in the northern part of central Rome and gets its name from the fact it is made up of 3 main streets. These 3 streets (Via di Ripetta, Via del Corso, and Via del Babuino) all filter off from the Piazza del Popolo. This area is one of the most sophisticated parts of Rome and is home to designer boutiques, fine dining restaurants, and magnificent 5-star hotels.

In Tridente you can visit wonderful attractions such as the Spanish Steps, the Trevi Fountain, and the flagship Fendi store. This area is an iconic and popular destination for tourists and is usually on people’s must-see tick list.

Tridente is a bustling area and one where you can experience the posh, high-end Italian lifestyle during your visit to Rome.

Pigneto is a diverse and artistic area of Rome where many locals live. The former working-class neighborhood on the outskirts of the city is now considered to be a trendy, up and coming area that attracts creative and free-thinking residents and visitors.

There’s a plethora of trendy cafes, ethnically diverse shops, and vibrant bars, as well as an abundance of street art for you to admire as you wander around this unique neighborhood.

Pigneto has a market each morning in Via del Pigneto which is a pedestrian-only street with its own metro station. In this shopping part of Pigneto you have the chance to buy original artwork, street food, and cruelty-free, vegan-friendly clothing.

Bottom Line: Hipsters congregate in this area to enjoy the live music and art scenes which the colorful Pigneto has to offer.

Prati is the Italian word for “meadows” and is a charming, historic area of Rome on the west side of Tiber River. Here you can wander alongside elegant buildings in a quieter and calmer part of Rome. It is here in Prati that you can visit the elaborate Palace of Justice which has an expansive bronze sculpture on the rooftop of a chariot being drawn by 4 beautiful horses.

Other must-see things in Prati are the charming Piazza Cavour and Via Cola di Rienzo, which is one of Rome’s most famous streets for high-end, designer shopping. Prati borders the north of the Vatican State, providing easy access to the Vatican Museum, St. Peter’s Square, Vatican City itself, and Castel Sant’Angelo.

Top 10 Rome Attractions

Here are 10 of the best attractions to visit in Rome.

The Colosseum is usually the top of all tourists’ must-see tick list. It is the largest amphitheater ever built and is situated in the center of Rome. This oval amphitheater is an imposing 157 feet (48 meters) high and is open from 8:30 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. every day. For a standard admission ticket costing $13 (€12), you can walk freely between the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill.

The nearest metro station is Colosseo on Line B.

The Roman Forum is the central rectangular space surrounded by the ancient ruins of Rome’s government buildings. This popular tourist attraction is open from 8:30 a.m. – 7:15 p.m. daily, and the admission cost is $13 (€12). However, this is the same ticket as the Colosseum, so if used on the same day, you can access both attractions for 1 ticket price. This is easily achievable as the entrance gate is very close to the Colosseum.

St. Peter’s Basilica is one of the most iconic landmarks in all of Rome. The Italian Renaissance church is situated in an expansive square in Vatican City that dates back to 1506. Tourists can visit St. Peter’s Square and Basilica from 7:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. every day except Wednesday. Entrance is free, but if you wish to go to the dome at the top, it’s $11 (€10) by elevator or $9 (€8) on foot.

Take Line A on the metro and San Giovanni station is only a 5-minute walk from St. Peter’s Square.

The Pantheon is now a church but was historically a Roman temple dedicated to all the ancient gods of pagan Rome. Admission to the Pantheon is daily from 8:30 a.m. – 7:30 p.m., except Sundays when the opening times are 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

This is a public site that is free to visit and within walking distance of Barberini on Line A of the metro.

The Spanish Steps were initially built to link the Trinità dei Monti church with the Spanish Square beneath in Piazza di Spagna. It is free to visit the Spanish Steps, and it is well worth the climb to view the spectacular church at the top.

You can use Line A of the metro and get off at Spagna station close to Trinità dei Monti church. From there you can take the steps down to the Spanish Square.

The Trevi Fountain is possibly one of the most famous fountains in the world. It is Rome’s largest Baroque fountain, and legend has it that you throw 1 coin into the fountain to ensure another trip to Rome, 2 coins for love, and 3 coins for wedding bells. It is free to visit Trevi Fountain, and it only a 10-minute walk to the Spanish Steps if you are looking to combine sightseeing experiences.

Alternatively, the nearest metro station is Barberini.

The Sistine Chapel in Vatican City is the official residence of the Pope and is a must-see for all tourists when they are in Rome. The chapel dates back to 1473 and hosts the amazing artwork of Michelangelo on the ceiling. The opening hours are 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. every day except Sundays when the chapel is closed and is only around 5 minutes’ walk from Spagna metro station.

It costs $16 (€14) to enter and visitors should allow 3-4 hours to wander around the rooms.

Piazza Navona is a square that was first built in the 1 st century A.D. and is considered to be one of the largest and most beautiful piazzas in Rome. This is a very popular free tourist attraction with 3 stunning fountains, including la Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi and its imposing central obelisk.

The nearest metro station is Spagna which is just a 5-minute walk away from Piazza Navona.

Galleria Borghese is a famous art gallery which is open between 9:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. every day except Mondays and costs $14 (€13) for a ticket. During your visit to Galleria Borghese, you will be able to see beautifully preserved sculptures, ancient mosaics, and paintings that date back to the 15 th -18 th centuries. The museum is set within the Villa Galleria gardens which are free to enter.

The easiest way to travel to Galleria Borghese is by bus which stops within walking distance.

Castel Sant’Angelo was originally built as a mausoleum for the Roman Emperor Hadrian and his family in 135 A.D. It has since been used as a fortress and castle by different popes over the years, but nowadays it is open as a museum. You can visit this amazing example of Ancient Roman architecture every day between 9:00 a.m. and 7:30 p.m., and admission costs $16 (€14).

The easiest public transport for this attraction is a bus from the main center of Rome or metro Line A to Lepanto.

Hot Tip: Looking for more tour and tour information? Explore our guide to the best tours in Rome . 

10 Unique and Quirky Things to Do in Rome

Outside of the usual tourist attractions, there are some unique things to see and do. Here are 10 to add to your list.

The Pyramid of Cestius was built in 12 B.C. as a tomb for Gaius Cestius. This pyramid was sealed when built but has since had one of the entrances plundered. The Pyramid of Cestius is open to the public on Saturdays between 10 a.m. and 12 p.m. and only costs $6 (€5.50) to go inside.

The nearest station is Piramide, which is only a 2 minutes stroll from the pyramid — the only attraction of its kind in Rome.

The Ostiense district of Rome is located just to the south of the city center. Here you can view some impressively creative street art across a plethora of urban contemporary artwork and spectacular murals. There are lots to see so allow plenty of time when visiting Ostiense if you want to stroll and appreciate the street art in this area.

The easiest way to travel to Ostiense is by metro and walk from Piramide station.

The Little House of Owls is a quirky museum that some visitors describe as the hidden gem of Rome. Nestled within the ground of Villa Torlonia is this little fairy-tale looking house dedicated to owls. The house is away from the usual touristy sightseeing lists but is well worth the entrance fee of $13 (€12).

The Little House of Owls, also known as Casina delle Civette, is open between 9:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. every day except Mondays, and can easily be reached by bus from the city center.

Largo di Torre Argentina is a square which includes 4 Roman Republican temples as well as the famous ruins of Pompey’s Theatre. The excavation work is ongoing and is an inspiring discovery since the 20 th century. It is within Pompey’s Theatre in this square where Julius Caesar was thought to have been assassinated.

This is a public site that is free to visit. Although you can’t directly access the ruins, you can closely view them from the street. There is no metro station nearby, but this attraction is within walking distance of bus stops which run from all main areas.

These ancient underground burial places , or catacombs, can be viewed for only $9 (€8) and there are around 40 catacombs to experience. Some of them were only discovered a few decades ago. Ancient Roman law stated that the dead must be buried outside the walls of the city and these catacombs were built so that Christians could be buried as Christian symbols could be used underground.

The nearest station to the Catacombs is Appia Pignatelli.

Teatro Marcello is a stunning open-air theater which was built in 13 B.C. for Julius Caesar and Marcus Marcellus. In the summer, concerts are held within the ancient theater, and it is a truly magnificent setting which many visitors report to find as breathtaking as the Colosseum.

Ticket prices vary depending on the concerts being held. It is free to walk the perimeter of Teatro Marcello to experience the historic Roman site, which is 85 years older than the Colosseum.

This theater is only a 1-minute walk from Teatro station.

The Capuchin Crypt is a collection of tiny chapels that sit beneath the Santa Maria della Concesione dei Cappuccini church. Here is where the bodies of Capuchin monks were buried, and their skeletal remains are still held. The Capuchin Crypt is open every day between 9:00 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. and the admission fee is about $9 (€8.50).

The nearest station for visiting this attraction is Barberini.

The Appian Way is a historic Roman road built in 312 B.C. Today this is one of the most famous ancient Roman roads where you can walk or cycle (bike hire is available at the site). On average, tourists spend around 6 hours traveling the length of the Appian Way and generally find it to be a peaceful experience just outside the city walls.

It is easy to travel to the Appian Way by bus from Piramide station.

Circo Maximus is an ancient chariot-racing stadium which would have been a major entertainment venue in its day. Situated between Aventine and Palatine Hills, this attraction is becoming ever more popular with tourists visiting Rome.

The remains of this inspiring Ancient Roman architecture form the archaeological site which stands today after fire and flood damage. Circo Maximus is open every day except Mondays and pre-booking is essential as it is for organized tour groups only.

Use Line B of the metro and get off at Piramide station for this attraction.

This is a fantastic way to tour around the historic sites of Rome! These vintage Fiat 500 cars set off in convoy, and you will spend 3 hours driving around Rome. You’ll travel where some larger tour buses cannot access and cruise along the Tiber River. For just $142 (€128) you can be seated inside one of these iconic open-top vintage cars. Tours start from just outside the Colosseum.

Hot Tip: Need a great place to stay? Check out these 15 great hotels in Rome.

10 Green Spaces and Gardens in Rome

It’s not just about the architecture in Rome. The city is also home to some beautiful green spaces and gardens. Here are 10 of the best.

Villa Borghese is the third largest park area in Rome. It is a landscaped area with English-style manicured gardens. Villa Borghese is open 24 hours a day and is free to explore. This park is situated on Pincian Hill, close to the Spanish Steps, and is known by locals as the “green lung” of Rome. It can be accessed from Spagna or Flaminio stations.

Villa Doria Pamphili is Rome’s largest and most impressive park which was built around a 17 th -century villa, now the sole location for the Italian government. This stunning landscaped park is free to visit and nearby to Termini station. Villa Doria Pamphili is thought to be one of the best places for walking in Rome.

The Botanical Garden, Orto Botanico, is situated in the Trastevere neighborhood. Visitors to these gardens can see over 3,500 species of plants. There is also a rock garden, bamboo grove, “Scent & Touch” visually impaired sensory garden, greenhouses, and the Japanese gardens.

A day spent strolling around Orto Botanico is definitely time well spent. This attraction is open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., the admission fee is only $9 (€8), and the nearest metro station is Piramide.

The Gardens of Vatican City are owned by the Pope, and there is public access from 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. every day except Wednesdays and Sundays. These beautifully manicured gardens can be toured by bus for $36 (€32). This may sound expensive until you realize that the admission ticket also allows you access to the Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel.

You can take the train to Ottaviano-S. Pietro to access the gardens.

Savello Park, also known as the Orange Trees Garden, is on Aventine Hill, and from this garden, you have the most wonderful views of the city. You can wait in line to peek through the keyhole on the gate of Magistral Villa of the Knights of Malta and view St. Peter’s dome from above. These gated gardens are free to visit and are open from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. in winter and 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. in summer.

Piramide metro station is the closest to the garden gates.

Villa Torlonia and its surrounding grounds are a hidden gem in Rome. You can see magnificent neoclassical architecture set within English-style manicured gardens. Villa Torlonia is open daily from 9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. and admission tickets cost $11 (€10).

Guidubaldo Del Monte is the nearest station to the park.

Parco degli Acquedotti is a beautiful, expansive park within the Appian Way area on the outskirts of Rome. In this park, you can see the ancient ruins of 2 massive Roman aqueducts. This public park is open 24 hours a day, and entrance is free.

Capannelle is the nearest station.

Formerly the Palace of St. Mark, Palazzo Venezia is a spectacular example of Renaissance architecture. The gardens are pretty and open from 8:30 a.m. – 7:30 p.m. every day except Mondays. Admission is $9 (€8.50) and it’s only a 10-minute walk from Termini station.

The grounds of Villa Celimontana are considered by some visitors to be the prettiest hidden gardens of the city. Stroll through these immaculate gardens, which were once a vineyard, and discover the obelisk dating back to the mid-16 th century. This free public park is located just above the Colosseum and is open from 7:00 a.m. until sunset.

Rome’s Rose Garden was formerly a Jewish cemetery that has been constructed in the shape of a menorah. This public park on Aventine Hill is open to the public from April to June, and there’s no admission fee. Allow plenty of time when visiting these gardens as there’s a huge area to cover.

The gardens are just a short walk from Termini station.

10 Churches You Should Visit in Rome

Rome is home to over 900 churches, so it is a challenge to choose a top 10. Nevertheless, we gave it a go and here are our top picks.

Basilica of Santa Maria del Popolo is a 15 th -century church which sits within Rome’s famous square Piazza del Popolo. Visitors report that this tiny temple is unlike any other church in Rome, with its delightful Renaissance decoration inside. Basilica of Santa Maria del Popolo is open every morning from 7:15 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., then every afternoon from 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

The nearest station to the Basilica of Santa Maria del Popolo is Civitavecchia.

Santa Maria in Trastevere (Our Lady of Trastevere) is one of the oldest churches in Rome. There are beautiful mosaics on the exterior, and it is a dazzling sight to behold at night when the tower is illuminated. The church is open to the public from 7:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. daily and admission is free.

Santa Maria in Trastevere is only a few minutes’ walk from Mameli station.

Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore is the largest Catholic Marian church in Rome dedicated to the Virgin Mary. It is breathtaking with a 15 th -century wooden ceiling, a hidden spiral staircase, gorgeous mosaics, and a display of part of Jesus’ crib brought from Bethlehem. It’s open from 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. daily except Sundays and bank holidays when it is closed in the afternoon.

Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore is only a short walk from Termini station and admission is free.

Santa Maria in Aracoeli was built in the 6 th century and is still today the designated church of Rome’s city council. It’s a popular church, particularly at Christmas, as inside there is a wooden baby Jesus which is thought to have healing powers. The entrance is free, and the church is open from 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. daily.

Ara Coeli station is less than 3 minutes’ walk away.

San Giovanni in Laterano is open to the public from 7:00 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. daily. This impressive monumental church was the most influential building within the Christian faith for over a thousand years. Visitors always report that they are amazed by the rich history, art, and architecture of this church.

Use Lines A and C of Rome’s metro for the nearest station, San Giovanni.

Santa Maria Sopra Minerva is a popular church for tourists to visit to take in the heady blend of Gothic and Medieval architecture. It is still one of the major churches in Rome’s Catholic Order of Preachers and this 13 th -century attraction is open from 7:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. daily with free admission.

Santa Maria Sopra Minerva is a 20-minute walk from Termini and around the corner from the Pantheon.

Basilica di San Pietro in Vincoli is a Renaissance-style church and basilica that is famous for being home to Michelangelo’s statue of Moses. This Roman Catholic church is open in the mornings from 8:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., and then in the afternoons from 3:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Entrance is free, and this is only a short walk from the Colosseum for tourists wishing to combine experiences.

Santa Maria in Cosmedin is a minor basilica built in the Middle Ages which attracts visitors wanting to see the “mouth of truth” inside the porch. There is also plenty of medieval art to admire throughout the church. The church is open from 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. daily.

Bocca Della Verita’ station is only 1 minute away and admission is free.

San Clemente is a minor basilica dedicated to Pope Clemente I. This church is considered significant among religious scholars as it outlines the history of Christianity right from the beginning of the faith through to the Middle Ages. This temple is decorated internally with old mosaics and is open to the public from 9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. and then 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 pm.

The church is a short walk from either Colosseo or Manzoni stations.

Saint Paolo Fuori le Mura Basilica is one of Rome’s 4 major basilicas and is located outside the city walls. This 9 th -century church with Neoclassical architecture is a popular year-round tourist attraction. Saint Paolo Fuori le Mura Basilica is open daily from 7:00 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.

Saint Paolo Fuori le Mura Basilica is easily reached via the bus network service.

10 Shopping Areas & Markets in Rome

Rome is a fashionista’s dream, but it’s not all high-end fashion. The city is home to some great markets, too. Here are 10 of the best places to shop.

Packed full of beautiful designer big name brands including Gucci, Dior, and Dolce & Gabbana, Via Condotti is the place to be for the largest selection of designer outlet shopping in all of Rome. It is an absolute must for lovers of designer Italian leather handbags and upscale fashion and accessories. The pedestrian walkway is also dotted with cafes and restaurants for regular shopping breaks.

This retail heaven can be found close to the Spagna metro station.

As one of the most popular shopping spots in the city of Rome, the Via del Corso is home to designer dresses and big brand fashion. Offering affordable fashion at its finest, you will find some of the most highly regarded names in Europe here including H&M, Zara, and Sephora.

You can easily walk to Via del Corso from the Spagna Metro station, or bus lines 170 and 175 both stop close by.

The Via Cola di Rienzo is the main thoroughfare that cuts through Rome’s Prati neighborhood. It is also one of the very best destinations in the city for laid-back, leisurely shopping with fewer crowds than some of the more upmarket areas. The Via Cola di Rienzo offers an impressive blend of international brands like Coin, Tiffany’s, Kiko, and Diesel, as well as a wide variety of bars, cafes, and restaurants.

Close to the Cola Di Rienzo/Terenzio subway stations, the Via Cola di Rienzo is a great place to explore after visiting the Vatican.

Porta Portese is the biggest flea market in Rome and is the perfect place to enjoy a lazy Roman Sunday strolling through the ancient streets of the Trastevere district. Cheerful vendors offer a wide selection of secondhand clothing, antiques, brand name knockoffs, bric-a-brac, household products, vinyl records, and much more. The market is just as popular with the locals giving it a truly continental feel.

The nearest station is Porta Portese.

Tucked away behind the city gates close to the cathedral of San Giovanni in Laterano lies this enchanting outdoor market that is perfect for those who are happy to rummage for bargains. Vendors show their wares on old tables and tatty looking stalls, but for those who have the patience to sift through the piles of stock, the rewards can be incredible. Secondhand and vintage designer gear by the bucketload is here — you just need to find it first.

Surrounded by super cool cafes and record shops, the nearest subway is San Giovanni.

Via del Babuino is a historic cobbled street that connects Piazza di Spagna and Piazza del Popolo. Chock full of beautiful old buildings, it is also one of the city’s premier upmarket shopping districts. This elegant pedestrianized thoroughfare is dotted with luxury brands including the likes of Armani Jeans, Tiffany, Tory Burch, Gente, Maison Margiela, and Valentino.

This is a great place to have a latte while enjoying a spot of people-watching; the nearest station is Spagna.

Via Giulia has some of the city’s finest examples of authentic Roman architecture and is an utterly enchanting place to spend the day. Via Giulia is also a residential area for rich Romans, meaning that there are plenty of fantastic independent shops that line the cobbled street. These include art galleries, antique shops, and quirky homeware stores, as well as fashion boutiques, bars, and cafes.

You can reach this part of town using the Circo Massimo station.

Just off the Piazza Navona, the Via del Governo Vecchio offers something for everyone. From the super cute secondhand book stores and biggest vintage clothes shops in the city to the modern-day fashion boutiques and grocery stores, this a popular part of town with a great atmosphere. Take a stroll along the cobbled street until something takes your fancy, then sit back and relax in one of the many coffee shops and bars.

The nearest subway station is Chiesa Nuova.

Set at the heart of the Piazza del Popolo, Flaminio Market is packed full of cool market traders selling pre-owned and vintage clothing, accessories, and jewelry. This is one of those flea markets similar to those you find in many European cities, but this being Rome, you are likely to come away with a pair of pre-loved Gucci sunglasses or a Fendi bag.

Set in a bus station, there is an entrance fee of $2 (€1.60), and you can get there using the 88, 204, or 231 buses or trams 2 and 19.

Nestled between the Tiber and the Via del Corso, the Fontanella Borghese Market is a gorgeous piazza market that offers a selection of bijou box shops. These sell a variety of small antiques including antique maps, etchings, posters, books, photographs, and even cameras. The area is always popular with tourists, as the wares on sale are usually just the right size to bring home.

The nearest station to the market is Spagna.

House Wine is the Best Wine

When in Rome, drink like the Romans. In a city that appreciates fine wine, the house bottle or “vino della casa” is often as good as, if not better, than more expensive brands. Buy it by the glass or share a carafe or 2 with friends old and new.

Experience the Culture for Free

On the first Sunday of each month, some of the best museums and archaeological sites can be enjoyed for free. If you are on a tight budget, plan your dates accordingly, and visit world-famous sites like the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and the Galleria Borghese for free. Read our comprehensive guide to discover some of the best museums in Rome .

Be Travel Savvy With Taxi Drivers

The city of Rome operates and enforces set fees for most taxi journeys to, from, and within the city walls. Taxis registered outside of the city are not bound by the same rules but can travel the same routes. This makes it easy for unsuspected tourists to be stung with huge fares. Always check your taxi fares before you begin your journey.

Imparare a Parlare Italiano (Learn to Speak Italian)

Learning a few key phrases and common words will not only help you in everyday situations, but it will also help to ingratiate you with the locals. Learn a little before you leave, and take a phrasebook with you.

Go C ontinental

Much like the French, the Italians are famous for their love of late-night meal times. 8:00 p.m. is a good starting point for eating your evening meal, but be prepared to enjoy long, laid-back affairs that last well into the small hours.

Travel Light

When wandering around the city, leave your super-size backpack back at the hotel. European cities tend to get very crowded, and most tourist attractions will ask you to check bulky bags in the cloakroom. Keep your money, phone, camera, and other essentials close at hand with a fanny pack , sling backpack , or mini backpack instead.

To Tip or Not to Tip?

Most restaurants in Italy will automatically apply a “service charge” to your bill. If you are in a smaller cafe or independent restaurant, you may like to leave a few euros for your waiter as you leave. The same rules apply to taxi drivers and bartenders, too. Tipping is not necessary, but of course, no one will complain if you do.

Cash is King

Rome is a city with plenty of ancients wonders to see, and in some places, this even extends to your payment options. To avoid being caught out, be sure to carry enough cash on you to pay for your entry tickets to attractions, as well as food, drinks, and any travel while you are away from your hotel.

Look Out for Fake Gelato

Even here in Italy, not all gelato is created equal. Being one of the most refreshing and delicious national dishes you will ever taste, it is important that you find an authentic scoop or 2. The brightly colored, fluffy looking ice cream served across town is often packed with artificial colors and sweeteners.

Real gelato, however, takes its color and flavor from the ingredients within it. As a rule of thumb, compare your frozen treat with how it would appear if the ingredients were blended.

Enjoy a Drink at the Bar

Italians have a unique way of enjoying their coffee, and they see it simply as fuel to keep them going. If you would prefer to sit down and relax with a hot coffee and a good book, you are welcome to by all means, but be prepared to pay extra for the privilege.

Take the Day Off

Monday is considered a day of rest in Rome, and many of the city’s main attractions and restaurants will be closed to the public. When planning your next trip, be sure to make the most of the weekend, and save Monday for shopping or visiting local parks and open spaces.

Drink from the Water Fountains

Usually, when you go overseas, you are advised not to drink the water, but here in Rome, the “nasoni” fountains provide thirsty travelers with fresh drinking water that flows from the aqueducts. Stay hydrated for free by topping up your water bottle as you go.

Avoid the Busiest Times

The Vatican Museums are the most popular in all of Italy, and they get very busy from the moment they open. Ignore the advice of those who tell you to get there early, and instead, wait for the rush to die down before visiting. On a Friday the museums are open late, so why not enjoy a late afternoon or evening tour instead?

Keep Covered Up

In most of the ancient churches and buildings in the city, including St. Peter’s Basilica, the Vatican Museums, and the Sistine Chapel, you will need to be covered up to be allowed entry. Although it can get super hot outside, carry a shawl or scarf with you to cover your knees and shoulders when you need to.

Finally, Bring Your Own Toilet Paper

Roman toilets aren’t great. Often they will be without toilet seats, and toilet paper will be in short supply. Sometimes you will even have to pay for the privilege of using these less than perfect facilities. Keep a stash of toilet paper or wipes in your bag at all times — just in case.

10 Fun Facts About Rome

The Eternal City receives millions of tourists every year, many of whom come to see some of the most iconic and religiously important landmarks in the world. But aside from the stunning architecture, the fantastic food, and amazing Italian weather, there are lots of interesting facts about Rome that you may not know about:

Legend has it that the ancient city of Rome was founded by 2 twin brothers, who fought over who should be the rightful ruler. Believed to be the sons of a mortal priestess, Rhea Silvia, and the Roman god of war, Mars, they were always destined for battle. In a moment of fury, Romulus killed his brother and gave the name Rome to his beloved city.

Millions of visitors come and throw their coins into the Trevi Fountain every day. It is believed that if you throw your coin over your left shoulder using your right hand, you will return to Rome in the future. Other legends also claim that you should throw 3 coins into the fountain. Over the course of a day, around 3,000 euros are thrown in.

Thanks to the aqueducts beneath the city, Rome is full of fountains that offer potable water. Called “nasone” fountains, there are between 2,500-2,800 nasoni in Rome, and they supply citizens and tourists alike with free drinking water throughout the city.

If you love fountains, you certainly won’t be disappointed in Rome. There are 50 named monumental fountains and hundreds of smaller fountains dotted across the city. There are believed to be over 2,000 fountains, which is way more than any other city in the world.

Italy is home to some of the most delicious coffee in the world. But did you know that in the city of Rome, local tradition dictates that you should never drink cappuccino either after 11:00 a.m. or after a meal? This is because the Romans believed that milk impairs the digestion and therefore should only be used sparingly.

Tucked away at the Knight of the Malta gate on Aventine Hill, there is a tiny door that you wouldn’t even notice unless you were looking for it. Rumor has it that if you peek through the keyhole, you will see the Vatican perfectly in line with the garden beyond. From this also unassuming viewpoint, you can gaze across 3 entirely different countries all at once — Malta, Italy, and the Vatican City.

Just outside the Vatican lies the Castel Sant’Angelo. This pretty looking castle is chock full of beautiful rooms and elegant frescoes, but buried deep in the castle walls is a secret passageway that runs all the way into the Vatican. Popes used the secret tunnel when they felt they were in danger.

Rome is home to hundreds of wild cats that sit on the walls of the Colosseum and sleep among the ancient ruins of the Forum. There is also a dedicated cat sanctuary housed among the ruins of 4 Republican temples at Largo de Torre de Argentina. The feline population is so dense because there is a law in the city that allows cats to live without disruption in the place where they were born.

Rome is home to one of the earliest shopping malls in the world. Between 107 and 110 A.D., Emperor Trajan built the Mercati di Traiano (Trajan’s Market), where a wide range of grocery items was sold across different levels. Modern-day Rome is still home to some of the very best shopping districts and flea markets in the world.

Rome is home to a dedicated pasta museum that is devoted to the history, production, and nutritional values of Italy’s favorite foodstuff. Visitors can learn everything from optimum cooking times and recipe advice through to pasta-related artwork and exhibits on pasta-making techniques throughout the ages.

Top 5 Day Trips From Rome

What was once the most important harbor city in Ancient Rome is now an important archeological site and popular tourist destination. Located just 19 miles west of Rome, Ostia’s main arterial street is home to a street show of houses, shops, baths, and taverns. The city is also home to a Jewish synagogue, a Christian Basilica, and a wealth of Persian temples.

You can get to the ancient harbor city by taking the 20-minute journey from the metro Line B station of Piramide to Ostia Antica using the Roma Lido commuter train. The Roma Lido line runs from around 5:30 a.m. until 11:30 p.m., and you can reach Ostia using a travel card costing from as little as $2 (€1.50), depending on the time and duration of your visit.

The ancient city of Pompeii was famously buried by the 79 A.D. eruption of Mount Vesuvius. Visitors come from all over the world to see the perfect example of ancient Roman communities anywhere in Italy . Ruins include the Antiquarium, the Forum, the Terme Stabiane, the House of Menander, the Amphitheater, and the Nuovi Scavi (New Excavations), among others.

Pompeii is 133 miles from Rome, and the train journey from the city takes around 1 hour and 50 minutes. You can reach Pompeii Scavi-Villa dei Misteri station using the Circumvesuviana line that departs from the main Roma Termini station. Ticket prices start from as little as $19 (€17) depending on the time of travel.

Hadrian’s Villa is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an impressive archaeological complex located in Tivoli, 18 miles east of Rome. Considered to be the most remarkable and extravagant example of an ancient Roman Villa , it was built for Emperor Hadrian when he decided that he no longer wanted to reside in the city of Rome itself.

The giant structure contains a variety of interesting structures including the Nymph Stadium, the Poecile, the Camopus, the Philosophers’ Room, Piazza d’oro, the Grandi Terme, and the Piccole Terme.

You can reach the Villa by taking the Trenitalia line from Tiburtina Station (also on the metro B line) and enjoy a 40-minute ride on the Avezzano bound line. Get off at Tivoli Station to visit the Villa and surrounding attractions. Tickets cost from around $6 (€5).

The pretty, hilltop town of Orvieto is one of the most ancient cities in Italy, and home to some of the most important vineyards in the country . Visitors make the journey from Rome out into the Umbrian countryside to admire the impressive Piazze del Duomo, explore the grottos and rock formation of underground Orvieto, peek into the well at Pozzo di San Patrizio, relax by the fountains at Fortezza dell’Albornoz, and sample the fantastic wines at Decugnano dei Barbi.

The train journey from the city of Rome to Orvieto takes around 1 hour 30 minutes, and you can pick up the Trentitalia Line from Roma Termini. Tickets start from around $8 (€7) for a single journey.

Naples is a UNESCO World Heritage site that dates back as far as 470 B.C. It is also home to 3 amazing castles:  Ovo Castle with its imposing fortress, Castel Nuovo with its Medieval towers and Renaissance arch, and the Castel Sant’Elmo with its former prison. Visitors also come to see the Royal Palace of Naples, the Palazzo Reale, and a wealth of historic churches and cathedrals.

Naples is around 140 miles from Rome, so expect a 2-3 hour train journey to reach the city from Rome. The Frecciarossa Express runs from Roma Termini to Napoli Centrale every 20 minutes at peak times, and ticket prices start from $26 (€23), one-way.

How to Stay Safe in Rome

Rome is an enchanting city that can reel you in from the moment you take your first steps out on to the cobbled streets. Whether you are enjoying a drink in one of the many piazzas, taking in the incredible architecture, or simply enjoying some retail therapy, it can be easy to get carried away here.

While Rome is not necessarily any more or less dangerous for tourists than any other European city, it can be easy to become distracted. Follow our advice on how to stay safe in The Eternal City, and breathe it all in without worrying about your belongings.

Rome does have a high number of pickpockets operating in the main tourist areas during the high season. Roman pickpockets are very skilled and have numerous tricks to help relieve you of your belongings. Be aware of distraction techniques such as flower sellers, gangs of children, and even ladies in distress, and be sure to keep your bag in front of you at all times.

This is common sense for any large town or city, and it is just as important here as it is anywhere else. Keep your wallet, phone, and cards locked safely away in your purse, fanny pack, or shoulder bag, and do not flaunt them when you need to use them. Better still, use a money belt or body pouch for days out in the city, to help you keep your belongings safely by your side at all times.

Urban spaces, riverbanks, and deserted piazzas may look romantic in the daylight, but they can become menacing and oppressive when the night falls. Some streets around Termini and Piazza Vittorio, in particular, are not safe for strolling tourists after dark. Likewise, some stretches of the river are not as safe at night as they would be during the day.

If your plane ticket, passport, personal ID, or other important document goes astray while you travel, it can make things extremely difficult for you. If you are able to make and store electronic copies of all of your important documents, either by email or your smartphone camera, you will always have a back up should you need them.

Should the worst happen, you will probably want to call the police. Make a note of the following telephone numbers and keep them safely with you while you travel:

• General Emergency: 113
• Police (Carabinieri): 112
• Fire (Vigili del fuoco): 115

We aren’t telling you how to dress with this one, simply suggesting that you keep your maps, travel cameras , and large amounts of cash out of sight while you are on the road. This will make you look more like a local and less like a tourist.

Most hotels will offer a safe facility in their guest rooms. These are important because it means your belongings are safe and sound and you don’t need to take all of your stuff with you.

Rome is perhaps one of the most beautiful and romantic cities in the world. With so much history right on your doorstep, it can be challenging to take it all in the first time you visit.

From the historic architecture and works of art to modern-day fine dining and upscale shopping, Rome really is a city that has it all.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is rome safe.

Rome is as safe as any European city but you should be extra vigilant of pickpockets in tourist areas. Avoid carrying your valuables on your back, consider using a money belt, or better yet, only take the bare minimum out with you and leave the rest in your hotel safe.

Can you do Rome in 3 days?

There is a lot to see and do in Rome but you can certainly see the highlights over a weekend. Luckily most major sights and attractions are quite close together. While it comes down to personal preference the following are not to be missed:

• Spanish Steps
• St. Peter’s Basilica
• Vatican City

What are the best day trips from Rome?

There are quite a few places that are within easy reach of Rome and if you’re willing to travel an hour or 2 each way, these can be visited within a day.

• Hadrian’s Villa

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About Amar Hussain

Amar is an avid traveler and tester of products. He has spent the last 13 years traveling all 7 continents and has put the products to the test on each of them. He has contributed to publications including Forbes, the Huffington Post, and more.

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The Complete Guide To Planning Your Trip To Rome: Tips, Restaurants, and More

Sean Finelli Last Updated: August 29, 2023

Traveling to Rome for the first time? Nobody wants to pick a hotel in the wrong part of town or sit down at a bad restaurant. The good news is you’re reading this article, so you won’t have these problems! This guide will cover some of the Rome basics and links to a ton of great resources to make planning your trip to Rome easy and fun. 

Pro Tip: Bookmark this post and other helpful articles, like where to stay in Rome in a trip folder on your browser so you can quickly find them when you need them. Rome is an expansive city worthy of a tour or two, explore our top-rated Rome tours and experiences . Also, check out our other resources on planning your trip to Rome .

How To Plan Your Trip To Rome: A Complete Guide

In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to know to plan a memorable vacation in the Eternal City, with plenty of additional resources to explore. From the logistics of where to stay and how to get around the city to the finer details of how to get your coffee, basic Italian phrases, and top things to do, we’ll help you prepare for your dream trip in Rome.

• Airports and Public Transport (Metro)
• Where To Stay
• Things To Do
• Food Culture
• Credit Cards, Tipping, and Communicating

When To Travel To Rome and What To Pack

Rome airports and public transport, rome airports.

There are two main airports in Rome, Ciampino and Fiumicino, and they are both roughly the same distance from the city center.

Fiumicino (FCO)

In short, to get from Fiumicino Airport (FCO) to Rome’s city center, the train is the most popular means of transport, taxi is the most convenient, and the bus is the least popular.

By far, the most popular way to get from Fiumicino airport to the city center is by train. For €15, you can get the Fiumicino Express from FCO to Termini station (main station).

A taxi is the most convenient way to get to the center. There are regulated rates from the airport to the city center that fall between €45 – €50, depending on a few difficult-to-explain criteria, such as what type of license the taxi has. If you’re staying outside the historic center of Rome, you may also have to pay more or less. You can normally pay with a credit card in taxis but always ask.

Ciampino (CIA)

The bus is the most popular way to get from Ciampino Airport (CIA) to the city center. Buses tend to cost around €6 – €7, depending on the airport and the coach company. They run based on arrivals. Terravision has been around for a long time and is pretty cheap. 

Taxi, again, is the most convenient. They cost between €35 – €45 depending on the same factors mentioned above, which are difficult to understand.

Rome Transportation Options

Rome has plenty of transportation options. How you decide to get around Rome on any given day on your trip will depend on your preferences, what you have planned to do, and where you’re going. We’ll go over all of them:

Walking in Rome

Rome is an extremely walkable city. If you’re in reasonably good shape and the weather isn’t overly hot, you can walk Rome’s historical center very well. However, the streets can sometimes be confusing. If you aren’t using a mobile map app, it could get tough.

The Colosseum is a 35-minute walk from the Piazza del Popolo and around a 60-minute walk from the Vatican Museums Entrance. However, it’s important to pick your battles. For example, you may not want to walk to the Vatican from the Colosseum, considering that you’ll be on your feet for at least three hours when visiting the Vatican Museums with a guided tour. Some of our top-rated Vatican tours last up to 5 hours to give visitors an enriched experience of the museums. In this case, it might be better to take the subway or even a taxi to conserve energy.

That said, be prepared to walk when you’re in Rome. If you aren’t already doing so, walk at least an hour each day to get your legs ready for your trip!

Rome Bus System

We have a great video on what you need to know to use the buses in Rome . It’s a little dated but fun to watch, and you’ll see exactly where to get bus tickets, how to ask for one, and how to conquer Rome’s bus system. There are three fundamentals that you need to know when using the buses:

• Buy a ticket before you get on and validate it when you’re on the bus.
• The bus signs are pretty confusing unless you know the city really well. So, download an app .
• The buses go literally everywhere. They’re a good option but get hot and crowded in the summer—just something to keep in mind.

Walking around Rome can get really tiring. Hopping on a bus for a kilometer or two can make all the difference. Save your energy for the highlights of your trip.

Rome Metro (Subway) System

The Roma metro system has two lines: the red A-line and the blue B-line. As a visitor, you’ll find yourself on the A-line the most. It goes from Termini past the Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps, Piazza del Popolo, and most importantly, the Vatican.

The B-line will get you from Termini Station to the Colosseum and Circus Maximus. These are the most popular stops for visitors using the metro to get to Rome’s top attractions .

You can’t get to Trastevere by metro, but you can get close to Testaccio by getting off at Piramide. Both Trastevere and Testaccio are known for their lively nightlife and great food. Your hotel and most Airbnbs will have a metro map that you can keep handy.

Getting a Taxi in Rome 

I use public transportation for short, direct rides to get from place to place. For example, going from the Vatican to the Spanish Steps or from Termini Station to the Colosseum. For anything complicated, I normally pony up and take a taxi. They’re relatively cheap if they don’t rip you off—which they will try to do.

A good workaround is to search for your destination in your phone’s map app, get directions from your current location, and hit go. Then, show that map to the taxi driver when they ask where you want to go. This way, they know you’re tracking. Otherwise, there’s really nothing you can do. Just don’t pre-negotiate the rate. There’s a meter in the vehicle that determines the cost.

Renting a Scooter in Rome

If I’m in Rome for more than a couple of days, I’ll rent a scooter. It’s a good option if you have scooter experience. If you don’t, I wouldn’t recommend it. It can be dangerous getting around an unknown city when you don’t even know how to drive the thing, let alone negotiate traffic and figure out where to go.

Where To Stay in Rome

Rome is a large metropolitan city, but the area most visitors are interested in is the historical center or  Centro Storico because it’s pretty condensed. You can walk from the Colosseum to the Vatican, almost on opposite sides of the historical center or “center” for short, in an hour.

The center is the place to be in Rome, and each neighborhood is really great. I prefer the northern sections like Piazza Navona and Spanish Steps.  To me, they are classical Roman/Italian and super nice. Here are the best areas to consider with links to in-depth neighborhood guides:

• Spanish Steps
• Pantheon/Piazza Navona
• Prati (Vatican)

Again, I really like anything near the Spanish Steps, as I like being in the thick of it. It will come with a price tag, but savvy travelers find deals. Check out our in-depth guide on where to stay in Rome, covering the city’s best neighborhoods.

Top Things To Do in Rome

From visiting the Sistine Chapel to an underground apothecary run by priests, there are unlimited things to do in Rome. One of the best ways to see a city with this kind of history is to join local guides on fun tours with exclusive access and endless stories to tell. There are so many things to see and ways to see them. Check out all our Rome tours that include the top monuments and museums, plus incredible day trips.

This is a list of the top things to do while you’re in the Eternal City. Be sure to follow the links for more in-depth information on visiting each one of these monuments and museums.

Top Museums

Rome has over 60 incredible museums containing some of the world’s most important works of art. It may be difficult to decide which of them you’ll see. Check out our guide on the seven best museums to visit in Rome for details. Here’s a quick list:

• The Vatican Museums
• The Borghese Gallery
• The Capitoline Museum
• Palazzo Barberini
• Palazzo Altemps
• Palazzo Massimo alle Terme
• MAXXI Museum

Top Monuments

Rome is filled with historical monuments and attractions. Some of them you have likely heard. Others may be new to you. Here is a list of what you should see on your Rome trip. Check out this guide for the stories behind these top monuments and attractions in Rome .

• The Colosseum
• The Basilica of St. Peter
• The Catacombs of Domitilla
• The Roman Forum
• The Pantheon
• The Palatine Hill
• The Trevi Fountain
• Piazza Navona
• The Spanish Steps
• Belevedere of Gianicolo Hill
• The Tiber Island
• The Mouth of Truth
• Trajan’s Column
• Il Pincio and Piazza del Popolo

Must-See Gardens and Parks

If you love beautiful manicured gardens and green spaces, this is for you. There are a number of must-see gardens and parks in Rome . The Villa Borghese and Vatican Gardens are the more well-known among them, but you may also want to visit some of these:

• Villa Doria Pamphili
• Villa Borghese
• Park of the Acquedotti
• Giardino degli Aranci
• Vatican Gardens
• Villa Ada Savoia
• Villa Sciarra

Absolutely Free Things To Do

You may be surprised by the cool free things you can do in Rome . Some of the city’s most well-known sites are completely free to explore. Check out this list:

Food Culture in Rome

Where to start with Italian food? It’s often one of the top reasons why tourists come to Italy, and for good reason. Every region serves amazing, fresh, handmade delicacies.

A traditional Italian meal will go like this: antipasto (starter), primo (pasta), secondo (meat and vegetables), dolci (dessert), followed by coffee and liquors. Do Italians eat like this every day?

Fortunately for those of us who live here, no! But these are typically the headings that you’ll see on a menu, so it’s best to have an idea of what they mean. There’s a lot to cover in this section, here’s a breakdown: 

• How to Find Local Restaurants

Types of Restaurants

Rome meal times.

• Coffee Culture
• Drinking Fountains

How To Find Local Restaurants in Rome

Rome is a very touristy city, but that doesn’t mean that there aren’t good places to eat in the city center. Check out our Rome restaurant master list that we regularly update . From there, you can navigate and see our restaurant recommendations near every major Roman attraction. 

In general, avoid restaurants within sight of a tourist attraction, particularly if they have pictures of the food on the menu or people standing outside trying to hustle you in. Even in the most authentic restaurants, don’t expect particularly friendly service.

Some of the best food is often flung at you without so much as a “hello,” but it’s guaranteed to be worth it. Areas a little more off the beaten track are where you’re more likely to have an authentic experience. For example, the area of Testaccio is well-known for being a classic Roman foodie area, packed with local restaurants.

A really great way to experience a wide variety of Roman cuisine in good restaurants is to join a food tour. They’re a trendy and fun way to get to know the local food scene. Check out our top-rated  Trastevere food tour in Rome .

In Italy, there are stereotypical classifications for almost anything, including restaurants. When you’re in Rome, you’ll notice restaurants don’t just have a name, like “Tony’s,” but also a classification, such as “Trattoria.”  Each one means something specific, and it lets you know what kind of food and experience to expect. Unfortunately, very few visitors to Italy know the difference between an osteria and a trattoria . We’ll solve that for you right here.

Imagine waking up at 6:30  am, rolling over to your significant other, and saying, “Want to head to the bar?” This is what happens almost every morning to millions of Italians.

No, they are not alcoholics. You can get alcohol at an Italian Bar, but you normally don’t. It’s where you get breakfast. You’ll see the “Bar” sign all over Italy, and when you walk in, you’ll find espresso drinks, cornetto, and panini. You can also get freshly squeezed orange juice or vegetable juice. I highly recommend it!

Unlike the bar, you definitely shouldn’t wake up at 7 a.m. asking you’re significant other to go to the enoteca . This is where you go for an alcoholic drink like a glass of wine or a beer.

A good enoteca will serve tons of wine by the glass in many different price ranges. They’ll often also serve cured meat plates for a snack or even warm meals at times. I definitely recommend stopping by one of these on your travels in Italy and Rome.

Tavola Calda

One of my favorite types of places to eat lunch is a tavola calda . They are normally unassuming and serve many different types of dishes, from cooked vegetables to lasagna and pasta dishes. The dishes normally change from day to day based on what is in season and other factors.

For example, gnocchi in Rome is only served on Thursdays. If you see it on the menu seven days a week, you may be in a tourist trap. Authentic Roman restaurants only serve this dish on  giovedí.  You have been warned.

These are pretty cool little sandwich shops. Dotted all over Rome, they range in quality. Don’t refer to your sandwich as a “panini” unless you get more than one. The “i” makes it plural. Italian’s order a  panino. 

Check out 200 Gradi by the Vatican. It’s an awesome place. Campo dei Fiori also has an awesome drive-up stand open for lunch that serves porchetta.

Osterie are pretty cool if you can find one. They are basically super cheap and simple places to eat. A true osteria would have communal-style tables and serve very cheap meals. Back in the day, when Italy was extremely impoverished, they’d even allow you to bring your own food and just drink there.  Imagine that today?

You can find restaurants with the title “Osteria” in Italy, but you shouldn’t bring your own food or normally expect to eat with strangers. There is a place in Florence, Da Mario , which says it is a trattoria, but it feels more like what a traditional osteria would have been like.

Expect a warm and cheap meal if you happen to go inside an osteria in Rome, and even more so in the Italian countryside. The menu will either be non-existent or small. In the countryside or in small towns, they can be really cool. The waiter may rock up to your table and say, “Today, we are serving pasta with clams. Would you like fettucini or spaghetti with that?” Enjoy!

The trattoria of Rome sits somewhere between osteria and ristorante . Almost all Italian restaurants are family-run, bu t trattories are quintessentially family-run. They are normally inexpensive but have a larger menu than an osteria.

Expect traditional regional cuisine at a trattoria. If you go to two different ones, you may find the exact same things on the menu. This is because they offer their family’s version of that regional dish.

This is basically the Italian equivalent of a more formal restaurant. They’ll have a menu with all the Italian courses, and you’ll be expected to eat each course. You should definitely find a top-rated ristorante in Rome and budget 3 hours for your meal. Really indulge in the food, wine, and desserts.

Pasticceria

This is an Italian bakery serving all types of delightful local treats. They are probably the best places to go for breakfast as they’ll make their cornettos fresh and supply them to all the bars.

You should be able to get a coffee here, too, but that isn’t a given. If you’re staying in an Airbnb or apartment rental, find a pasticceria close by and pick up a bunch of  cornetti  for your group. You’ll be everyone’s favorite person!

Rosticceria

You won’t find this is in Rome, but it’s worth mentioning. A rosticceria is a place you can go to find pre-cooked meals like roasted meats and high-quality products. If you do find one and you’re renting an apartment, consider doing take-out one night from a rosticceria.

Taverna or Rifugio

You’ll find restaurants in Rome with  taverna in their names, but this is more a colorful play on words.  Taverne  are secluded restaurants in the Italian mountains where you could get a hearty meal, something to drink, and possibly a warm bed to sleep in.

Today, you can still find a few dotted in the landscape, but you’re more likely to find an agriturismo, which is more of a B&B. A taverna in Rome is most likely going to decorate its interior in a rustic countryside style and have hearty meals on its menu. It’s kind of like going to a seafood restaurant that’s decorated in a nautical theme but nowhere near an ocean.

One of the biggest cultural differences is that Romans tend to eat much later than basically everyone except the Spanish. In fact, many of the best restaurants won’t open until at least 7:30 p.m.

Lunch: 12:30 pm – 2:30 pm

Dinner: 7:30 pm – 11 pm

To avoid eating in an empty restaurant and to really make the most of your evenings in Rome, try and fit in with them and eat a bit later. Around 8 pm is a good time to sit down.

Coffee Culture in Rome

Italians take their coffee culture very seriously, and there are almost as many rules about coffee as there are for food. Here’s what you need to know to get your coffee fix in Rome:

Espresso “un Café”: A very small shot of coffee. Unless you’ve been to Italy, it’s never been this small.

Café Doppio: Double shot of espresso.

Café Macchiato:   Basically a mini cappuccino. Imagine an espresso and foamed milk all in a tiny espresso cup. Normally, men order these in the morning.

Cappuccino:  This is espresso and foamed milk in a small cup. It’s larger than a macchiato, but nowhere near that tall cappuccino you are used to. You won’t find a larger size.

Café Americano:  Espresso with hot water. The name is from WWII, when American troops would ask Italians to put hot water in the espresso.

Latte: A cup of milk—don’t order this if you want caffeine.

Café Latte: Warm, non-foamy milk with espresso.

The Coffee Rules (Yes, there are rules)

• No cappuccino or milk-based espresso after 11 a.m. You can do it, obviously, but it’s not really the culture.
• No cappuccino or milk-based espresso with meals. Don’t do this.
• It is cheap when you stand up at the bar (€1 – €2), expensive when you sit down. Same for everyone, not just tourists.

Rome Water Fountains

One of the best things to know about Rome is that there’s no need to buy plastic bottles of water when you get thirsty—there are tons of fountains dotted around the city, and Romans are very proud of them.

Bring a refillable water bottle, and fill it up whenever you see one. There’s also an app to help you find them called I Nasoni di Roma. If you’re going in the heat of summer, you’ll find this tip invaluable!

People are always surprised that you can drink from these fountains, which is crazy if you think about it. Their original purpose was to provide running water to each neighborhood since most houses didn’t have running water. Today, we forget that fact and are astonished by this basic concept due to our many creature comforts.

Credit Cards, Tipping, and Communicating in Rome

Cash or Credit?

The currency in Italy is the euro. An important thing to remember about Italy is that cash is still king. It’s necessary to carry a reasonable amount of cash around with you at all times to avoid getting stuck.

In general, most restaurants will allow you to pay on a card, as will large shops and tourist attractions. But for drinks, coffee, transport tickets, and small items, cards often aren’t accepted. There may even be a €10 minimum on card payments.

Rule of Thumb:  If it’s less than €10, pay cash. It’s more than €10, and you can probably pay credit as long as there isn’t a “Solo Cash” sign on the door.

The Good News:  The Italian word for credit card is carta di credito . Any Italian shop owner will understand when you ask, “Credit Card?” They’ll also know to respond, “Cash” if they don’t accept credit cards. So, there’s no need to stress.

Tipping isn’t really expected in Italy. I’ve tried to convince visitors that you just need to leave some extra change, a euro per person, regardless of check size, but it normally falls on deaf ears. To simplify things, I have created different levels of tipping to help people understand:

Don Corleone:  Leave 20%, and when you go back, the restaurant staff will celebrate your return as if you were the Godfather. You may get some sneers from other restaurant goers who can’t get your waiter’s attention.

Super Nice : Leave 10%. It’s less than you are used to but far more than anyone in Italy would expect.

Roman : Leave a euro or two extra per person. The wait staff will be very happy.

Nothing at All : Leave nothing and nobody will say anything. Your food will not be poisoned upon returning.

Communicating in English or Italian

One of my favorite things to watch is travelers trying to string together Italian words into sentences from a guidebook. I have been that traveler in many countries. The worst part, though, is when you actually make sense, and the person responds, much to your bewilderment.

Let’s not romanticize the key phrases part of a guidebook here and keep it simple. The phrases below will make you look like a pro because you’ll get simple responses such as si (yes) or a finger pointing to the bathrooms. Remember that c’s have a hard “ch” sound, unlike Spanish.

How much does this cost? Quanto costa?

Check, please. Il conto per favore.

Do you take credit cards? Posso pagare con la carte? 

Where is the bathroom? Dov’è il bagno? Or simply, “bagno?” 

Water?  Acqua?

Table for two, please. Tavolo per due, per favore.

Can you order for me? Fai te?

The last recommendation is by far my favorite. If your waiter is Roman, they will accept the challenge and bring some tasty food. A key phrase is certo (pronounced cherto), which means “of course”. Romans use this all the time, so you may hear it instead of si .

When To Travel

Part of the reason why people love Rome is the weather. It’s pretty much always nice, and bad weather is when it is too hot. That’s a good problem to have.

Temperature

The average monthly temperature in Rome ranges from a low of 37 degrees Fahrenheit (F) to a high of 89 F.  It snows once every 10 to 50 years, and people don’t know what to do when that happens—it’s the greatest.

To decide when you want to travel to Rome, you can use this equation to get a rough idea.

How much am I willing to spend / Am I ok with cooler weather = Daily budget

Cheapest Months:

• December (1st – 20th)
• Jan (7th – 31st)
• March (1st – 20th)

Mid-Range Months:

• March (21st – 31st)
• April (excluding 5 days on either side of Easter)
• October (although it can be higher in price early in the month)

Full-Price Months:

• Christmas to New Year
• Easter (5 days on either side)

What To Pack

Check out the infographic below on what to pack. While it’s very useful, the ideal amount to pack is one change of clothes and a mostly empty suitcase. Shopping in Italy is great, so the more space you can leave in your suitcase, the better.

You don’t need to pack an umbrella. As soon as it rains, hundreds of people will appear out of nowhere selling umbrellas. It’s magical. Also, you can’t wear heels in Rome. Let me clarify, you can wear flats and pack heels in your purse for when you are inside bars and restaurants. The cobblestones make wearing heels nearly impossible.

Rome has a rich cultural history and many iconic landmarks to explore. Plan where to stay in the magnificent Eternal City in the best neighborhoods.

Reader Interactions

Comments (12).

September 3, 2019

What a lovely description of Italy and Italians you have given to us! I love to read about the transport, food and most importantly the people. Awesome work done! Keep them coming!

September 4, 2019

Ciao Tanisha! What a lovely comment. We are so happy to provide you with helpful tips for your vacation!

October 24, 2019

A very informative article. Thank you so much for sharing these things.

October 28, 2019

Ciao! Thanks so much for reading our blog! It’s our mission to provide you with the most useful information possible for your trip.

November 19, 2019

Nice quality post. Thumbs Up from my side. Special thanks to theromanguy for sharing this valuable information. Once again appreciated!

January 6, 2020

Nice tips. I’d add the 48 euro fixed rate from the airport to the centre as the best option if there are at least 2 people. By the time you take the train then Metro or taxi from Termini it just about equals out.

January 21, 2020

Thanks for the tip, Gary!

May 15, 2020

Rome really such a beautiful city, wish more people will be able to experience it. Thanks for the insightful article.

June 9, 2020

It is nice you included few basic lines of Italian language everyone should know when visiting Italy or and other country. People are so friendlier to you if you can say “Hi” to them in their language.

July 21, 2020

Hey, thanks for sharing this, I enjoyed reading it looking forward to my next trip to Italy.

April 23, 2021

Admiring the time and energy you put into your blog and detailed information you provide.

September 27, 2022

thank you – very helpful and have taken notes for our trip 🙂

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City sightseeing hop on hop off bus map, roma cristiana tour map.

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Rome Tourist Map

You can find on this page the map of Rome monuments and the map of Rome tourist buses. Rome is the capital of Italy, the most visited city in Italy and among the 10 most visited european cities with 12 million tourists per year. Thanks to its numerous monuments, museums, sightseeings, landmarks and attractions, Rome was declared World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

Rome sightseeing map

In Rome you can visit: • museums: Vatican Museum, Capitoline Museums, Villa Borghese • monuments: Colosseum, Forum Romanum, Capitoline Hill, Pantheon • neighborhoods: Trastevere • religious buildings: Vatican City, St. Peter's Basilica • squares: St. Peter's Square, Piazza Navona, Piazza di Spagna • different attractions: Trevi Fountain, Castel Sant'Angelo, Ponte Sant'Angelo

Rome hop on hop off

The City SightSeeing of Rome is an original way of visiting Rome and discover its monuments, museums, attractions while getting on and off at your disposal. This concept of hop on hop off bus or open-top double-decker buses offers a tourist tour and route with 10 stops and commentary in 8 languages.

Hop on hop off bus rome

Roma Cristiana is a second hop on hop off bus company with open roofs to discover the city of Rome via a tour. Roma Cristiana offers a tourist tour with 12 stops and commentary in 8 languages.

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• Rome public transport
• Venice water bus (vaporetto)
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• Sorrento local buses beyond Amalfi

Rome self-guided sightseeing walks linking main sights

Some gentle walks linking the major sightseeing icons of rome.

The first thing to point out is that these self-guided walks in Rome are not meant to be serious hikes for the enthusiast, all are really no more than gentle strolls that connect the main sights of Rome.

These pages focus on independent, self-guided walks around Rome. If you are interested in taking a professional tour we also have pages with information and booking details: Professional walking tours in ancient Rome

In Rome there is something of interest almost around every corner. Many churches hardy thought worth mentioning in a guide book for Rome, would be major attractions in most other cities.

In the City of Rome, walking is by far the best way to explore the city. Much of the city is made up of narrow lanes and alleys impenetrable to tourist coaches (or even public buses come to that) so you miss a lot by not walking.

The walks guide you between the major sightseeing icons most first time visitors will have on their “must see” lists. 95% of the time along pedestrian only paths and lanes.

The walks concentrate on the logistics with basic information on what you will see. Most guide books have detailed street maps and hotels will normally distribute street maps adequate for these walks free of charge. There are of course Rome city maps you can purchase at newstands and tourist offices. A good guide book dedicated to Rome will greatly enhance your enjoyment of these walks.

There is little in the way of consistent official signage for the tourist that you can rely on for pedestrians. These walks connect the main sights by direct routes, but still take routes where there is something of interest around every corner.

We would encourage you not to use these routes as a straitjacket that cannot be detoured from - part of the experience is to make your own personal discoveries.

At the height of the summer it can get very hot in Rome, this is the only time that the weather in the form of heat is a factor on these walks so do take care to take on lots of fluids at this time of year.

Walk 1 - A circuit of Villa Borghese

Walk 2 - Spanish Steps to Trevi Fountain

Walk 3 - Trevi Fountain to the Pantheon

Walk 4 - The Pantheon to Trastevere via Piazza Navona

Walk 5 - the pantheon to vatican city via piazza navona, walk 6 - a walk above and around trastevere, walk 7 - trastevere to capitoline hill & museum, walk 8 - the pantheon to colosseum via roman forum & capitoline hill.

Walk 9 - The Appian Way (outside Rome City Centre)

Walk 1 : Villa Borghese (Visiting the Spanish Steps & Borghese Gallery

Villa Borghese is the largest public park in Rome and a great safety valve to escape the noise and bustle of the city of Rome, just minutes from some major attractions in the centre of Rome.

The walk takes you on a comprehensive circuit of the best that Villa Borghese can offer. The walk is primarily for chilling out, but the Borghese Gallery is part of the walk and the park map lists 90 places worth noting, which means there is something to divert your interest all the way, including a full size replica of Shakespeare's Globe Theatre in the middle of Rome used for staging the bards plays!

Walk 1 - Villa Borghese - full details

A short efficient way of walking between the two main tourist hotspots in the eastern part of the ancient city centre, avoiding traffic.

Walk 2 - Spanish Steps to Trivia Fountain - full details

Walk 3 - Trevi Fountain to The Pantheon

Again a direct short walk avoiding traffic between the Trevi Fountain and the Pantheon in the heart of the ancient city centre. The Pantheon is a major hub of our sightseeing walks with four walks radiating out from it in all directions.

Walk 3 - Trevi Fountain to The Pantheon - full details

A great walk through ancient alleys and narrow lanes through a part of Rome much favoured in the evening for somewhere to eat. The walks pass through Piazza Navona and Campo de' Fiori market and no doubt you will make your own discoveries too.

Walk 4 - The Pantheon to Trastevere via Piazza Navona - full details

A quick efficient walking route avoiding traffic connecting Vatican City with the ancient city centre of Rome.

Walk 5 - The Pantheon to Vatican City via Piazza Navona - full details

Trastevere is renowned as a restaurant district to head for in Rome and this walk is a great walk in the evening from the skyline above Trastevere with views all over Rome down to your restaurant table below.

Walk 6 - A walk above and around Trastevere - full details

A short but sweet connector walk connecting Trastevere to the Roman ruins of the Roman Forum and Capitoline Hill.

Walk 7 - Trastevere to Capitoline Hill & Museum - full details

A short connector walk linking the ancient city centre of the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain and Piazza Navona with Capitoline Hill, Roman Forum and Colosseum..

Walk 8 - The Pantheon to Colosseum via Roman Forum & Capitoline Hill - full details

Walk 9 : The Appian Way

The Via Appia Antica is the old Roman Appian Way, which ran from Rome down to Brindisi. The stretch close to Rome, the Via Appia Antica, is now part of a nature and archaeological park, the Parco Regionale dell'Appia Antica, and makes a lovely half day out, particularly on Sundays when the area is closed to traffic. You too can walk along the Appian way, just like Romans did 2,000 years ago.

Walk 9 - The Appian way - full details

Buses are the most widespread network of public transportation in Rome – if you want to explore the city beyond the center or give your feet a rest, chances are you’ll have to familiarise yourself with them.

They cover the whole city from 05.30 to 24.00. From midnight, there are night buses which run less frequently but cover the main areas of the city .

Here’s a full breakdown of using buses in Rome.

Types of Buses

Most of the buses you see in Rome will be local buses. They ferry people around the city from early in the morning until late at night and are normally filled with a mixture of locals and tourists in the city center.

Hop-On Hop-Off Buses

Every major, tourist-friendly city in Europe has these buses. They’re often open-top double-deckers inspired by the famous red buses of London.

They circle around the major tourist sites of the city, allowing passengers to hop on and hop-off at their convenience. You can do a full circle just to see the sights or get off at the stops you want to see a little closer.

There’s no limit to the number of times you can use the buses within operating hours (usually between 8.30 am and 19.00), which makes them useful for getting around the city.

There are several hop-on hop-off bus operators in Rome, and they usually work on a day or multi-day pass basis. You could choose to use the buses for one day only, but they are often more cost-effective over multiple days. Some may even offer the option of simply doing a single circuit of the city without getting off the bus.

Stops for hop-on, hop-off buses in Rome typically include:

• Termini Station
• The Colosseum
• Circus Maximus
• Trevi Fountain
• Piazza Venezia ( Pantheon , Capitoline Museums )
• Spanish Steps

Night Buses

When the metro and trams grind to a halt, the night buses provide a way to get around the city on a budget. While the service is limited to a handful of lines, it’s a valuable service for late-night revelers in the center – buses depart from Piazza Venezia every 30 minutes. 

Check on a route planner beforehand so you know where you’re going; especially if you’ve been drinking. Unlike the normal day buses, you can purchase tickets onboard these services.

Electric Buses

While not a different bus type altogether, you may notice that some of the buses in Rome run a little quieter than others. Plans are in place to slowly remove polluting buses from the city altogether (replaced with hybrid models). 

There is a long way to go until they reach that goal, but there are a few lines already running with electric minibusses. Lines 100, 117, and 119 use electric minibusses, making them a greener choice for visitors.

Using the Buses

Getting on a bus.

You’ve decided to travel by bus to Rome, and you’ll need a ticket. You can either buy a ticket before you get on a bus, or you can use the machine at the front of the bus to pay by contactless card/wearable. Drivers don’t sell tickets, and the machines don’t take cash.

If you arrive with your ticket, you’ll need to validate it when you get on. Look for the yellow or blue machine at the back of the back and hold your ticket or pass against the circle at the front until it beeps.

The bus will have the number or letter of the route and the destination on the front. The display on the latest generation of buses alternates between the destination and the number of spaces available inside (based on tickets validated). If there is no number or letter or says deposito , then the bus isn’t currently active.

A bus heading back to the depot has deposito on the front

Ticket Inspections

If you don’t validate your ticket or pass, you could be in trouble with the ticket inspectors. The city is clamping down on ticket evasion, so it’s not unusual to meet groups of ticket inspectors on the buses. They wait at a stop and get on the bus together, blocking all 3 doors and preventing anyone from leaving without showing their ticket.

The inspector will scan your ticket to check that it has been validated. If your ticket is not valid, or you don’t have one, you will receive a fine. Fines can be paid immediately by credit card or within 6 days on the website. If they are not paid in that time, the amount doubles.

Getting off the Bus

When you reach your destination, press the stop button to request the next stop. You should get off at the central door (though, in reality, this rule isn’t much respected).

How to Buy Bus Tickets

Single tickets.

All transport in Rome works with the same tickets. You can buy a ticket for each journey (one ticket is valid for 100 minutes), or a multiday ticket to cover all your days in Rome.

There are many places you can buy a single ticket:

• on the bus with a contactless card or wearable tech by holding your card/device up to the symbol until it beeps. You will be charged €2 for a 100-minute ticket. 

If you change onto another bus, tram , or metro within that time, you should repeat the process. You won’t be charged the second time, but your journey will be validated in case an inspector checks your card. These machines are located at the front of the bus.

A Tap&Go machine on a bus for buying a single ticket

• at a tobacconist (shops with a big white T outside)
• at a newsagent
• from the red machines inside metro stations
• many hotels sell bus tickets at the reception desk
• with an app like MooneyGo, TicketAppy or DropTicket

If you are staying for a few days, I suggest getting a multi day ticket . They are available for 1, 2, 3 and 7 days and will allow you to take as many buses, trams and metros as you wish. More importantly, it takes all the stress out of buying tickets for each ride. 

You can buy these passes from:

• the red machines metro stations
• ticket offices at Spagna, Lepanto, Ottaviano (line A), Piramide (line B), Termini

You just need to remember to validate your ticket for each ride.

The machine for validating tickets is yellow and located near the back door of the bus. Hold your card in front of the circle until you hear the machine beep.

A sign explains the difference between the 2 different machines you’ll find on the buses

Children under 10 years of age can travel for free when accompanied by a paying adult.

There are no student or senior discounted rates on tickets valid for less than 1 month.

The combined RomaPass includes unlimited access to the city’s transport system for 48 or 72 hours and you won’t need any other tickets.

How to Read the Bus Signs

A bus stop sign at Termini Station

At the top of the sign, you’ll see a letter:

• U = urbana (daytime routes)
• N = notturna (night buses)
• X = express (don’t stop at every stop)

Sometimes next to the U is the word feriale (weekdays) or festivi (holidays). This means that the bus only runs on certain days. 

Under the stops, you’ll see the days and times the bus runs. 

Here’s how to understand the days on bus stop signs:

• lun: Monday
• mar: Tuesday
• mer: Wednesday
• gio: Thursday
• ven: Friday
• sat: Saturday
• dom: Sunday

Many bus stops in the city center now have electronic signs as well. These tell you how long you’ll have to wait for the bus and the order in which they will arrive at the stop.

Useful Bus Stops

Many buses start in the square outside the central train station , which is also known as Piazza dei Cinquecento. Leaving the station, you’ll see lots of buses lined up with the signs on the right hand side.

Sign for the bus terminal at Termini

Buses which pass through Piazza dei Cinquecento but don’t start here, including the metro replacement buses, stop on the left between the road and the metro entrance.

The view from the stop for buses passing through Termini

Piazza Venezia

Larger than it first appears, this central square has bus stops at various different points.  Here are a few important things to know when trying to find the bus you want:

• Buses that go to the Colosseum , stop in front of Palazzo Venezia . 
• Buses for the Vatican stop on the other side of the Palazzo, on Via del Plebiscito.
• Buses for Termini stop just outside the square on Via Cesare Battisti (opposite the Tiger store)

Bus lines around Piazza Venezia

Largo Argentina

There are 2 major bus stops here. At the one outside Feltrinelli bookstore you’ll find buses going towards the Vatican and Castel Sant’Angelo , while for buses for Termini, Piazza Venezia and the Colosseum, you should wait on the opposite corner of the square, facing the temples.

It’s easy to step off the metro here and straight on to a bus if you want to go to Piazza Venezia, Via del Corso or the Vatican. On the other side of the street, you’ll find buses for San Giovanni and Trastevere . But, not on Sundays. On Sundays, the whole of Via dei Fori Imperiali is closed to traffic and the buses take a different route. 

The Train Stations

Termini (also called Piazza Cinquecento), Trastevere, Ostiense (Piazza Partigiani), Tiburtina and Tuscolana.

The train stations are capolinea – the beginning or the end of the line – for many buses. You can often find buses waiting outside to leave, so you can grab a seat and not worry about when the next one will pass.

Buses outside Trastevere Station

Useful Bus Lines (And Where They Take You)

The no.40 bus stops just outside Piazza Venezia

These 3 lines are small electric buses that are really handy to know about when you want to move around the center. They follow short loops, zipping around the narrow streets of the city center to places regular buses can’t reach.

bus 100 passing in front of the Capitoline Museums on the side of Piazza Venezia

Accessibility

There are audio and visual announcements for the next stop before you arrive. The messages on the buses are only in Italian and begin with ‘la prossima fermata’, meaning the next stop.

Wheelchairs should enter through the double doors at the center of the bus where there is a boarding platform. Opposite this entrance is a space for wheelchairs with a dedicated stop button so the driver understands when you want to get off. 

Tips for Tourists

The unspoken rules for bus etiquette are much the same in Rome as they are elsewhere. 

Wait for everyone to get off the bus (if you’re at the same door) before you get on, give up your seat to elderly, disabled, or heavily pregnant passengers and keep your voice down. Just be respectful of others.

A few other tips:

• Leave earlier than planned as the buses are notoriously unreliable – you don’t want to be catching the bus that gets you there just in time. Give yourself a bit of a time cushion to be safe.
• Know your route and how many stops before you get on, so you don’t have to stress if you lose connection to the internet.
• As we mentioned earlier, make sure valuables are stored safely, and never forget to validate your ticket.

All the big tourist sights are easily reachable by bus, including:

• Vatican City
• The Pantheon

You can also reach Trastevere and Testaccio by bus; two neighborhoods famous for their food .

For a single journey, 100-minute ticket, you will only need to spend €2.

Buses in Rome are not free. You can purchase passes that allow unlimited travel on buse s within a set time period, but you will otherwise need to validate a ticket each time you catch a bus.

Yes, you can pay on the bus with a contactless card or wearable tech by holding your card/device up to the symbol until it beeps. You will be charged €2 for a 100-minute ticket.

Buses are easy to use if you take advantage of the many journey planners available online. Once you know where your bus stop is and when the bus is (roughly) due to arrive, you’ll find the rest a breeze.

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• 🇮🇹 Explore Italy on Foot

Walking maps of Rome

Visiting an unfamiliar city can be confusing and you can quickly feel lost or unsure about where to go and how to get to a place. This section not only provides you with suggestions of places to see but also walking maps of Rome. When you click on any one of the pages, you are provided with a brief guide as well as a map that has been pinned with a well-planned walking tour. By following the numbered pins on the map, you will get to see some of the wonders that Rome has to offer. Each time you arrive at a particular pinned destination, click on its red pin on the map and a quick description will pop up.

The maps are not only a great guide for exploring Rome on foot but, as you can see from the brief guides, there is also information on buses and Metro Lines if you are unable to follow the walking maps on foot – or it is simply too hot to walk! Details of opening and closing times of the attractions are provided as well as the entrance fees (or if it is free) to visit the attractions.

Sightseeing in Rome

Rome in a day.

€5.99 📌 Allotted Time: 1 day 🐾 Walking time: 3-4 hours 🚀 Lifetime access

Major Basilica

€5.99 📌 Allotted Time: 1 day 🐾 Walking time: Flexible 🚀 Lifetime access

Panoramic Views in Rome

Fountains of rome.

€5.99 📌 Allotted Time: 5 hours 🐾 Walking time: 4-5 hours 🚀 Lifetime access

Walk from Piazza della Repubblica to Tiber Island

€5.99 📌 Allotted Time: 4 hours 🐾 Walking time: 3 hours 🚀 Lifetime access

Walk from Piazza di Spagna to Villa Borghese

€5.99 📌 Allotted Time: 5 hours 🐾 Walking time: 1 hour 🚀 Lifetime access

Walk from Quirinale to Via Veneto

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From Piazza della Repubblica to Pyramid of Cestius

€5.99 📌 Allotted Time: 6 hours 🐾 Walking time: 5 hours 🚀 Lifetime access

Discovering Neighborhoods of Rome

Quartiere coppedè.

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San Giovanni

Public Transport

The Metro of Rome only has three lines and is currently the smallest metro system in Europe. Nevertheless, it reaches the city's most important landmarks. 

Opened in 1955, the metro (subway or underground) in Rome has grown very little by little and currently only operates 37,3 miles (60 km) made up of three lines . It is one of the smallest metros in Europe.

At present, there are plans for the creation of a fourth line . The reason why the metro system is so limited is that each time a new tunnel is built, more archaeological remains are found; something which also happens in Athens.

Most important metro stations

Although the metro only comprises three lines, it gets to most of the city’s top attractions . These are the most important stops to keep in mind:

Line A (Orange)

Line A runs from the northwest to southeast , from Battistini to Anagnina. The most important stops are the following:

• Cipro - Musei Vaticani : The closest stop to the Vatican Museums and to the Sistine Chapel .
• Ottaviano - San Pietro : This station is a few minutes’ walk from St. Peter's Square and St. Peter's Basilica .
• Spagna : Very convenient for visiting Piazza di Spagna and Villa Borghese .
• Barberini - Fontana di Trevi : This station is five minutes away from Trevi Fountain It is also the closest station to Piazza Navona and the Pantheon .
• Termini : Stops at Roma Termini railway station. Here, visitors can take the Leonardo Express to get to Fiumicino Airport.

Line B (Blue)

Connects the northeast to the south of Rome , from Rebibbia to Laurentina. The most important stops are the following:

• Termini : Stops at Roma Termini railway station. Here, visitors can take the Leonardo Express to get to Fiumicino Airport .
• Colosseo : Located near the Colosseum and the Roman Forum .
• Piramide : If you come in the FR1 regional train from Fiumicino , you will be able to take the metro from this stop.

Where to get a ticket?

Tickets can be purchased at the metro stations, at news-stands and in most corner shops. If you are planning to use public transport regularly we recommend that you buy a few tickets at a time or buy a travel card.

Opening times

The metro opens every day from 5:30 am to 11:30 pm . On Friday and Saturday, the metro runs until 1:30 am.  

If you’d like more information on the fares, discounts and the various travel cards, check out our article on tickets and travel cards in Rome .

You may also be interested in

The public transport system in Rome is very varied, cheap and user friendly. These are the main means of transportation in the city:

Rome has currently over 350 bus lines and it can sometimes be a bit confusing to find the right bus. Find out the main bus lines in Rome, their schedules and frequencies and tips to help you get around the city on this type of public transport.