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Planning a Trip to Rome (2024): Tips & Tricks for Better Experience (+Info for First Visit)

By Author Jurga

Posted on Last updated: January 16, 2024

Planning a trip to Italy and looking for travel tips for Rome ? Read on! In this article, I share simple but very important tips for visiting Rome for the first time. Not only will these tips help you have a more enjoyable trip, but they will also help you make the most of your trip. Find out!

I wrote this post after one of my first trips to Rome. My head was still spinning from all the impressions, my legs were sore and, despite walking more than 46km (29 miles) in three days, I definitely gained a few pounds…

I wanted to share some advice for a  more enjoyable travel experience  in the Eternal City and give you some useful tips on how to get the most out of your time in Rome .

From where and when to go, to where to eat and where to stay, to what shoes to wear – find out all you need to know when planning a trip to Rome so that you can get the most out of your visit and truly enjoy it.

Good to know: This blog with Rome travel tips has been updated after our most recent trips to Rome. We do our best to keep it up-to-date with experience-based tips and insights. I hope that it will help you plan a fun and truly memorable visit to the Eternal City!

Top 4 Tickets You Should Book in Advance:

• Airport Transfer .
• Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel .
• Colosseum & Roman Forum .
• The Pantheon (yes, since recently, you need a ticket here too!).

Rome is a beautiful place! One of the most beautiful cities in Italy and one of the most impressive cities in the world! I often refer to it as the city-museum because it really feels as if you are walking through a huge museum.

Every street, every church, every building breaths history. There’s so much to see in do in Rome and it’s a city like no other, a place everyone should visit, at least once in their lifetime.

Unfortunately, it feels as if everyone is actually visiting Rome at the same time as you are… Rome is crowded . It’s certainly the case for the main tourist sights. Visiting the Trevi Fountain in the middle of the day is really no fun. It’s so busy that it makes many other popular destinations look like a rather quiet experience…

Despite the crowds, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the city. Below are some top tips that should help you make the most of your trip to Rome and have a more enjoyable visit. Read on!

Here are our top Rome travel tips:

1. Book in advance

When traveling to Rome for the first time, you probably have a pretty good idea of what you want to see. The Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon, the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, the Vatican…

You will quickly realize that you are not the only one, however. There are huge crowds at each of the most famous landmarks. Often, it’s so busy that if you don’t think to book well in advance, you may not be able to visit at all.

The tickets to the most popular places – the Colosseum and the Vatican Museums – often get sold out at least a few weeks in advance . So if you absolutely want to visit the Colosseum or see Sistine Chapel, you HAVE to book upfront. In the high season (April – October), be sure to book at least 2-3 weeks in advance. In winter, you might be able to find tickets in the same week as well, but don’t count on it.

Here you can get tickets for the Colosseum and the Vatican Museums .

Also, keep in mind that some places – especially the Vatican – can be closed for some religious celebrations or other occasions. When booking in advance, you’ll immediately see which days are unavailable and will be able to adjust your itinerary if needed . Otherwise, you risk not being to able to visit some places at all…

PRO TIP: If the tickets you want to are sold out, you can usually still visit the place by joining a guided tour. Many tour companies have access to additional tickets, and often, they prebook them long in advance as well. More info about tours and tickets below.

2. Get ‘skip the line’ tickets or go with a guided tour

If you are like most tourists, you have just two or three days in Rome and want to see it all. Do you really want to spend most of your time queuing at the most famous landmarks, wondering where exactly to go and what to see, and completely miss out on the more authentic travel experience?

If you don’t, then you should really consider booking ‘skip the line’ tickets or guided tours.

Otherwise – if you are really short on time – you can also skip some must-see places and only see them from the outside. Spend your time getting to know the city and don’t waste it queuing!

Guided tours might cost you a few extra euros, but considering how much your trip costs, it’s really worth spending that tiny bit extra and getting more out of your time in Rome. After all, your trip to Rome is not cheap and it would be a complete waste of money to spend all your time waiting in lines or visiting a place and getting completely overwhelmed not knowing where exactly to go and what to see…

So save time at the most popular attractions and make the most of your trip!

PRO TIP: This Rome Tourist Card is an easy way to secure timed entry tickets to the most popular tourist attractions in Rome in one place. It includes priority access to the Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill, Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel, and more. It’s all digital so really simple to use.

Here are some more tips for visiting two of the most popular attractions in Rome . Take a look!

Tips for visiting Colosseum

Skip the lines at the Colosseum by booking your tickets in advance, take a guided tour, or just see the Colosseum from the outside and don’t go inside at all. 

Don’t skip Colosseum completely, just don’t spend the whole day in line!

The ruins of the Colosseum’s basements are well worth a visit, and so is the Arena Floor and the rest of the Colosseum, but do yourself a favor and research what exactly you want to see and how to best do it in advance ! Otherwise, you’ll get overwhelmed, won’t see everything, and/or end up paying way too much to just be able to get in.

TIP: We recently did and recommend this highly-rated all-in Colosseum tour . After hours of research, it looked like the most complete tour and we were so glad we took it. Yes, it was more expensive than just the entrance tickets, but it saved us so much stress and we saw all the very best places in just 3 hours. And yes, the Underground of the Colosseum and the Arena Floor are absolutely worth it!

PRO TIP: If you visit Colosseum on your own, be sure to book your tickets well in advance ! If you want to visit Colosseum Underground, you will always have to go with a guide. Without a guide, you can choose between regular tickets or – slightly more expensive – tickets that also include a visit to Arena Floor (recommended).

If you get this ticket and go on your own, make sure you don’t miss the entry to Arena Floor! Because if you pass it, you won’t be allowed to turn back (to control the crowds, there’s a one-way ‘flow’ inside). We heard from many people that things might get confusing and that they missed several parts of the Colosseum or thought they would visit them later and then were not allowed to go back. This is also why we personally go with a guide and recommend it to our readers as well.

Good to know: The more in advance you book, the more choice of available time slots you’ll have. On the other hand, Colosseum usually only releases its tickets a month upfront . For that, a guided tour is again a better option since you can usually reserve it several months in advance. Alternatively – on the Tiqets website – you can choose the tickets that you want and the date when you want to visit Colosseum, fill in your email address, and they will send you a reminder as soon as the tickets become available.

READ ALSO: How to Visit Colosseum in Rome (all levels and tickets explained)

Tips for visiting Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel

Visit the Vatican Museums with a guided tour or plan your visit at a quieter time. Do you really want to spend 3 hours queuing and wandering around the Vatican Museums in order to spend 2 minutes inside the Sistine Chapel to see the famous ceiling painted by Michelangelo?

I understand that you want to see the Vatican museums – they are absolutely worth it! Just try to at least plan your visit in such a way that you spend more time at the museums and not waiting to get in or trying to figure out where exactly to go.

Nowadays, you HAVE to book your tickets for the Vatican Museums online . We did this and the entrance was easy and smooth. However, we absolutely regretted not booking a guided visit. The place is crowded, it’s not at all clear where exactly to go and what is worth it the most… In the end, all the routes lead to the Sistine Chapel, so we did get there, but we have no idea what else we missed… Either way, we found a visit really stressful and overwhelming. Next time, I’d absolutely go with a tour.

TIP: Going first thing in the morning (=as soon as it opens) or very late in the afternoon is the best way to visit the Vatican Museums. I would also advise booking a tour with a guide – that way you are sure you actually get to see all the best places. This is the most popular tour of the Vatican Museums, this is a great early-bird option without the crowds (recommended!), and here you can find (an overwhelming) choice of all the available tours of the Vatican.

PRO TIP: If you decide to visit the Vatican Museums on your own, book your tickets well in advance . They often sell out days upfront, not even to mention the high season.

Last-minute Vatican tickets. If you can’t find tickets for the Vatican anymore, check here . Sometimes, they have some last-minute tickets available.

UNIQUE TOUR: If you are looking for an even more special experience and don’t mind to splurge, check out this unique VIP Key Master’s Tour . You enter Vatican Museums about 2 hours before they open to the public and walk together with the Key Master as they open the galleries and Sistine Chapel.

3. Outsmart the crowds

One of the concerns I always hear from people visiting Rome is how to actually enjoy the most popular places if it’s always so busy. The good news is that it is absolutely possible to see some of the most popular landmarks in Rome without the huge crowds IF you plan well. And the best way to do this is to go at the less popular times.

TIP: If you want to avoid the biggest crowds, visit Rome in the lower season (November – March) – more about the best months to visit further below, towards the end of this article. But also in the high season, it’s possible to enjoy some of the main sites without too many other people around.

One of my top travel tips for Rome is to try and visit the most popular places in the city early in the morning . But for some places – going in the afternoon might actually be better. Below are some examples and tips for visiting some of the most popular landmarks in Rome . Take a look!

Best time to visit Trevi Fountain

If you want to see Trevi Fountain without hundreds of other people, get up early! Early morning (no later than 7-7.30 AM) is really the best time to visit the Trevi Fountain without the crowds . However, nowadays, it’s often quite busy in the morning too, especially in the summer season…

Alternatively, go to the Trevi Fountain very late in the evening. It will still be busy – it always is – but it’s nothing compared to the crowds during the day.

Best time to visit the Vatican

Depending on where you go exactly – St. Peter’s or Sistine Chapel – it might be better to come either very early or late. Whatever you do, avoid the busiest daytime hours (10 AM to 2-3 PM).

We’ve been to the Vatican in high season and in low season, in the morning, during the day, and also in the afternoon… It’s always very busy during the day, but can be amazing (very) early in the morning or very late in the afternoon.

During the day, all the streets leading to the Vatican are so crowded that it’s really hard to enjoy a visit. But if you come early in the morning or in the late afternoon, it’s a totally different experience.

For the Vatican Museums , we recommend visiting either as soon as they open or going about 2 hours before the closing time. For St. Peter’s Basilica , the best time to visit is late afternoon.

Even in the high season, we once visited St. Peter’s Basilica at 6 PM and we were inside in less than 10 minutes (security check included)! In the low season, it’s already pretty quiet from about 3-4 PM. Just be sure to check the opening times, especially if you also want to climb the Dome.

Good to know: While you absolutely need to book tickets/tour for the Vatican Museums in advance, the entrance to the Basilica doesn’t require a booking and is free of charge. You do need a ticket to go up to the top of St Peter’s Dome, but it can’t be booked in advance. You’ll have to queue and get the tickets for the Dome when you get there.

Recently, we decided to go with a tour because we wanted to learn more and be sure we saw everything. We took this tour that included the Dome and the Underground and it was really good.

TIP: If you visit St. Peter’s on your own, get an audioguide at the entrance. That way, you’ll get some explanation and have a better idea of what you are seeing in this colossal building.

When to visit the Pantheon

First things first – since recently, you need a ticket in order to visit the Pantheon. It used to be free, but that is no longer the case.

You can get tickets on the official website (which is quite confusing according to many recent reports), on GetYourGuide (very easy and you can cancel up to 24 hours before your visit), or simply stand in line and get them on the spot (even more confusing and there are two lines – one for cash payments and one for card payments – and you never know which one will be shorter).

In order to avoid having to stand in a long queue without any shade for an hour or even longer, we highly recommend getting your tickets online. If you get a fast-track timed-entry ticket , you can go to the ‘online’ queue and enter at the specified time slot.

Good to know: At the moment of the last update, all online bookings (official site too) involve picking up the actual ticket at another location. So be sure to read the instructions carefully!

TIP: If you can, visit the Pantheon first thing in the morning or half an hour before the closing time.

The Pantheon is one of the most popular landmarks in Rome and is extremely crowded. The best way to appreciate it without the biggest crowds is to visit in the morning right after it opens or about half an hour before the closing time.

We once managed to see the Pantheon completely empty by visiting it right before it closed. You have to make sure you are not too late as they don’t let people in just before closing time. But once inside, you can stay until it closes and everyone leaves. Great experience!

Good to know: Nowadays, all online tickets include an audio guide. It’s a great way to learn more about the Pantheon, its history, architecture, and the people buried inside. If you listen to the entire narrative, it takes about half an hour.

Spanish Steps, Piazza Navona & other landmarks

Spanish Steps are probably best visited very early in the morning or late at night. This area is always so busy during the day! Often, you can’t even see the steps because of the number of people there.

The same for the Piazza Navona . It’s beautiful in the morning and late in the evening, but crowded during the day.

If you only have a few days in Rome, skip the busiest museums (=save lots of time) . Capitoline Museums are especially busy, with long queues every time we visit Rome.

If you like art, consider some of the less busy places. For example, the art gallery at Villa Borghese is one of the gems of Rome ( tickets have to be booked in advance ). Alternatively, visit some of the churches instead of museums. Often, you can admire the most amazing pieces of art at the churches for free and without the crowds.

4. Stay close to the Pantheon

If your budget allows, try to find a hotel in the old city center. In my opinion, the best place to stay in Rome is the area close to the Pantheon . The best location is pretty much anywhere between Piazza Navona and Trevi Fountain, with the Pantheon being right in the middle. 

Every time we go to Rome, we always stay close to the Pantheon. It’s so central that you can easily walk to all the main landmarks and visit everything without ever needing to use public transport.

Staying here, you can easily discover most of central Rome on foot. It’s also really simple to visit some of the most popular places in the morning without the crowds. Get up early, walk to Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon, or the Spanish Steps, then go back to your hotel for a relaxing breakfast – it’s a great way to start your day in Rome!

You can find some of the best deals for Central Rome accommodation here . Alternatively, here are some hand-picked hotel suggestions in this area for all budgets:

• €€€€€ Eitch Borromini Palazzo Pamphilj – a very popular 4* hotel overlooking Piazza Navona.
• €€€€ 9HotelCesari – a beautiful 4* hotel with the most beautiful rooftop bar/ restaurant. This is the hotel where we stayed on our last visit to Rome.
• €€€ Albergo Abruzzi – an excellent 3* hotel close to the Pantheon.
• €€ Navona Theatre Hotel – 3* hotel with a very good price/ quality/ location ratio. One of the best sellers in Rome!
• €+ Hotel Primavera – a popular 2* hotel offering good value for the location.

READ ALSO: Where to Stay in Rome: Best Area & Hotels

TIP: There are also lots of hotels, apartments, and short-term rental accommodations in the center of Rome. Take a look at the map below where you can compare various accommodation providers in one place and look for the best deals for your trip.

Simply insert your travel dates and group size and you will see what’s available in the area of your choice. Check it out!

5. Research & book airport transfers in advance

If you are arriving in Rome by plane, you’ll most likely land at the Fiumicino Airport , aka Leonardo da Vinci International Airport. This airport is located about 30 kilometers (18.5 miles) outside the city center and the drive usually takes about 35-45 minutes.

Ciampino Airport is about 15 kilometers (9 miles) from the center, but the drive usually takes almost just as long – over half an hour.

There are many ways to get from these airports to the city; the best option depends on where you are staying, at what time of day you arrive, and, of course, your budget. Either way, you will save time and money by doing some research and booking in advance!

Here are the best Rome airport transport options:

• The easiest way to get from any airport directly to your hotel in Rome is by booking a private transfer . Alternatively, you can take a taxi. The rates they charge are now fixed in order to avoid tourist scams. However, depending on the time of the day, traffic can be busy, not even to mention that there is often a long wait for a taxi (for that, a private transfer is better).
• The fastest, most reliable, and most convenient way to get to Rome city center from Fiumicino airport is by train – Leonardo Express . Trains run every 15-20 minutes from early morning to almost midnight. You get a digital ticket that is valid for any train on the selected day, so you don’t have to worry about having to look for a ticket desk or stress in case your flight is delayed. Also, there are no luggage limits. Round-trip tickets are also available.
• The cheapest way to travel between Fiumicino airport and the city center is by this bus that brings you straight to the central railway station without any stops. This shuttle bus is slightly more expensive and has several stops along the way including the Vatican and Rome Termini central station. There is also a similar shuttle bus transfer to/from Ciampino Airport .

LEARN MORE: Rome Airport Transfers (all the best options from Fiumicino or Ciampino)

6. Get off the beaten path in Rome

If I could give one general piece of advice on how to avoid big crowds in Rome, it would be to go in the opposite direction of where most of the people go! Take a side street, look around, enter a narrow passage, try the closed door of a church…

We visited a couple of amazing places just meters away from the main streets where – literally- thousands of people were passing by focused on their main goal and completely ignorant to all the rest.

Here you can find some ideas for Rome underground sites and the best Ancient Rome landmarks (many of these hardly see any visitors), and also for the best views in Rome .

We also have some great suggestions for some of the nicest off-the-beaten-path, different places to see in Rome in a more detailed guide. Take a look via the link below.

LEARN MORE: Hidden Gems of Rome

7. Avoid tourist restaurants

A big part of any Italian trip experience is related to the food. Food in Italy can be absolutely delicious, but don’t just assume it will be everywhere you go.

If I can give one piece of advice when it comes to food in Rome, it would be to avoid tourist places. Eat where locals eat and avoid restaurants with pictures on the menu!

Usually, restaurants at the busiest tourist landmarks (directly on Piazza Navona, at the Pantheon, or Campo dei Fiori) don’t have the best food. Not to mention that they are often seriously overpriced too.

If you are not sure where to eat, ask your hotel for suggestions, but keep in mind that some hotels might recommend places for other reasons than their quality. The best way to find good places is to check reviews on Google Maps – this is really the easiest way to avoid tourist traps.

TIP: A nice way to get to taste some really good local food is by joining a food tour or a cooking class . If you do this at the beginning of your stay in Rome, you will immediately have a few good addresses of places to eat in the city. Be sure to also ask your tour guide for some local recommendations as well!

Our experience: On our most recent visit to Rome, we booked this amazing street food tour on one of the first days we were in the city. Not only it was a great way to learn the more local side of Rome, but we also tried some absolutely delicious food and got plenty of restaurant ideas for the rest of our stay. Here you can find our review of this street food tour in Rome . Highly recommended!

LEARN MORE: How to Find the Best Food in Rome Best Traditional Food in Italy

8. Take some cash

When visiting Rome (or anywhere in Italy, for that matter), you should always have some cash on you . Italy uses Euro, so you do need Euros, of course.

While in the past credit cards were really unpopular in Rome, the situation has changed a lot recently (probably because of the pandemic). On our most recent visit to Rome, we could use our credit cards pretty much everywhere in the city – all the shops and restaurants accept credit cards and we never really needed cash. Except on a few occasions – see below.

First, taxis – they seem to really hate credit cards. So if you are planning on taking a taxi in Rome, you should always have enough cash. It’s still very difficult to find a taxi driver who will want to take a credit card. ‘Cash, no card’, they’ll tell you. We took a taxi from the airport to the city and couldn’t pay by card. Also our private transfer arranged by the hotel back to the airport only accepted cash, even though the hotel told us that we could pay by card…

If you don’t want to use cash for airport transfers , you can easily pre-book them online in advance . Often, it’s also the cheaper way, depending on where you are going.

Second, street vendors, souvenir shops, and local markets . If you buy something from one of the street vendors, small souvenir shops, or at a local market, you will need cash as well.

And third, tipping . If you are taking tours and want to tip a tour guide, or if you want to leave a small tip at a restaurant, you’ll want to have some cash. Remember that tipping isn’t a must in Europe, but we have a feeling that most Italians appreciate/expect a tip. So we usually tipped about 10% at the restaurant and also some (private) tours.

But apart from this, you can now pay for pretty much everything by card. Even small purchases like gelato at the best gelaterias in Rome can be paid by card. Also museums and other attractions accept credit cards.

All that being said, don’t carry lots of cash with you. 50-100 EUR (ideally in smaller notes) should be plenty. Leave the rest at your hotel and top up when you spend some.

9. Take a bike to get more out of your time in Rome

The old city center of Rome is pretty compact. You can easily walk to the main sights such as Piazza Navona, Pantheon, The Trevi Fountain, and the Spanish Steps. Even the Vatican and the Colosseum are within walking distance from the city center.

However, if you want to explore more of Rome and discover some of the less known hidden gems of the city you may want to consider renting a bike or joining one of the many guided bike tours . By bike, you can cover big distances in less time and get more out of your time in the city.

We recommend the latter – bicycling in Rome is hectic and it’s only fun if you know the city well and know where exactly to go. Guided tours follow routes that they have tried and tested many times before allowing you to truly enjoy the experience.

TIP: If you opt to explore Rome by bike, opt for e-bikes. It’s a hilly city and an electric bike will make it so much easier! This is one of the best-rated bike tours of the highlights in the city center . And this is the AMAZING off-the-beaten-path bike tour that we recently did in Rome (highly recommend).

10. Visit Rome in the lower season

Most travel guides will probably tell you that spring and early autumn is the best period to visit Rome and they are absolutely right. April-May and late September-October are the best months to visit Rome weather-wise. But it’s also extremely busy in that period.

On the other hand, you really want to avoid visiting Rome (or any other cities in Italy for that matter) in summer when temperatures soar to well over 35°C (95°F), often even higher. Furthermore, locals leave the city in the summer, and – especially in August – Rome feels a bit like a theme park with hardly any locals at all.

Once we visited Rome the first weekend of May and with temperatures of just 18-22°C (64-72°F). It was pleasant most of the time and sometimes it even felt too warm.

Another time, we were in Rome at the end of September and it was still HOT during the day. I cannot even try to imagine how hot it feels there in July or August.

Our most recent visit to Rome was at the beginning of November. We did get a few showers one day and one day it was really warm, but for the rest – the weather was perfect for sightseeing. We had temperatures of about 20°C (68°F) most of the time. As for the crowds, it was still very busy at the main landmarks.

Visiting Rome during the cooler months is best if you want to avoid the heat, the crowds, and save some money on accommodation. If you don’t mind a higher possibility of some rain, I recommend the ‘shoulder season’ – end of March – the beginning of April (but avoid Easter!) and the beginning of November. In fact, November can be a great month to visit the bigger cities in Italy. Here you can read about what it’s like to visit Italy in November and here – what to expect when visiting Rome in November .

READ ALSO: Best Time to Visit Europe

11. Wear comfortable shoes & dress respectably

I could have as well put this at the very beginning of this article as one of the most important tips for Rome – wear comfortable shoes!

Don’t underestimate the importance of good footwear when visiting a big city and especially Rome! Rome is a very walkable city, but the distances can add up and you’ll be walking a lot.

If your feet are hurting, you will not be able to enjoy the sights much. So forget about all the ‘Italy is about looking stylish’ advice and pack comfortable shoes. Normally, I don’t really like wearing sports shoes in the city, but sneakers have become very common in Europe in recent years as well. And given the choice, I would always go for the good old comfy sneakers instead of summer sandals with a thin sole…

You can often tell what kind of shoes people are wearing just by looking at the expression on their faces. People who still look happy and are smiling at the end of the day, are usually the ones with the most comfortable footwear.

These days, there are so many comfortable and stylish shoes available that you don’t even need to sacrifice comfort for style.

Another important tip for Rome is to be sure that your shoulders are covered and that you wear respectable clothing . Most churches in Rome don’t allow shorts, mini skirts, or sleeveless shirts. This is also the case when visiting the Vatican.

READ ALSO: Most Beautiful Churches in Italy (+ Tips for Visiting)

12. Pack a water bottle

No matter when you visit Rome – in summer or in winter – you’ll want to carry a bottle of drinking water with you. And while you can buy bottled water in the city, there is absolutely no need to waste money and use more plastic than necessary!

There are more than 2,500 drinking fountains in Rome. The water is fresh, cold, always available, and it’s completely free of charge.

So pack a reusable water bottle and be sure to fill it up every time you pass one of these drinking fountains!

13. Prepare a good itinerary, but don’t overplan

One last piece of advice for visiting Rome – don’t plan every minute of your day in advance, especially if you have more than a day or two in the city.

Yes, it’s important to have an approximate itinerary and pre-book tickets for the main attractions (or you’ll waste too much time and might not even be able to visit at all). But be sure to also allow yourself some time to get off the beaten path and explore some interesting places you’ll come across along the way.

Look around you and you will be amazed to see how many hidden treasures you will find in Rome: the most beautiful churches, wonderful architecture, secret alleys, and little town squares…

All you have to do is keep your eyes open and your mind flexible.

Enjoy your trip!

Suggested itineraries:

• Rome in a Day (how to see all the musts in just 1 day)
• Rome in 2 Days (all the best places + a few hidden gems)
• 4 Days in Rome (amazing itinerary that covers all the main landmarks & and lots of hidden gems)
• You may also like: 2-week Italy Itinerary (covers all the musts in the most efficient way)

READ ALSO: Best Things to Do in Rome

If you found this post helpful, don’t forget to bookmark it and share it with your friends. Are you on Pinterest? Pin this image!

More tips for your trip to Italy:

• Best Places to See in Italy
• Best Things to Do in Venice
• Best Things to Do in Naples
• Best Things to Do in Florence
• Best Things to Do in Milan
• Best Things to Do in Bologna
• Best Things to Do in Siena
• Best Things to Do in Verona
• Best Things to Do in Como
• One Day in Venice
• Milan in One Day
• Amalfi Coast Itinerary
• Most Beautiful Towns in Tuscany
• Cinque Terre vs. Amalfi Coast
• Tips for Cinque Terre
• Emilia Romagna Itinerary
• Hiking in the Dolomites
• Best Places in the Dolomites
• Bellagio, Lake Como
• Varenna, Lake Como
• … For more destinations, please see Italy travel guide .

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Thursday 13th of June 2024

Thank you for all of this info! We're headed in July. Question for a nervous nelly traveling all day - what about public restrooms? We will be on a train morning and night from Florence, so I'll at least have access to that :) Thanks in advance!

Saturday 15th of June 2024

There are bathrooms at all the main tourist attractions and also at most restaurants. It never really struck me as something that wasn't readily available, but as I always say to my kids 'use it when you get the chance'.

Sunday 21st of April 2024

Thank you for the indepth insights. It is wonderful. Any know abouts to consider if traveling with toddler and infants? Is it convenient to take a stroller every where ?

Monday 22nd of April 2024

@Jurga, Thank you very much. The tip to carry lock is great !!

Regards, Noshir

Hi Noshir, the historic center of Rome is rather flat but there are cobbled stones everywhere. And the moment you leave the center, there are also some hills - like the Spanish Steps, for example. So it's not a straightforward answer. You will be able to visit many places with a stroller (with big wheels that can handle cobbled streets), but there are also many places where it won't be easy. Like the Colosseum, for example - you can walk around it with a stroller, but visiting inside won't be easy. That said, we have been to other hillier places in Italy when our kids were in strollers and we managed (with three kids and two strollers - one of them double). But you have to do a bit more research for every place you want to visit. There's also a huge difference when you travel with just one kid/stroller or a couple of young kids and a few strollers. One tip - pack a bicycle lock with you. So that if you have to leave the strollers somewhere, you can lock them up.

Liviu Trimbitas

Friday 23rd of February 2024

Sorry Jurga, me again, We are planing on staying 4 days in Rome, visit the main landmarks, I just can't make up my mind if we should get the Rome Tourist Card or just book individually for each one of those. Thank you, Liviu

Tuesday 27th of February 2024

Hi Liviu, if you mean this Rome Tourist Card, then it has pretty much the same advantages as booking everything individually, but normally, it's a bit cheaper AND you get to choose all tickets/time slots in one place. So it's very convenient, if you want to visit all those places anyway. If, however, you would like to book a guided tour at e.g. Colosseum, then it's better to book individual tickets for the other attractions. But if you are just looking for tickets and want to visit everything on your own, then you can just as well book everything in one go. Hope this helps. Have a great trip!

Hi Jurga, Most comprehensive guide, congratulation and thank you. Liviu

Diki Khiangte

Thursday 8th of February 2024

Hello Jurga Thank you so much for providing a lot of useful information , Italy is my dream destination ever since , my husband and i are planning to visit Rome next month Is it a good time to travel in March?

Saturday 10th of February 2024

Hi Diki, Rome is always a good idea and March is a very nice month for sightseeing, with temperatures around 14-18°C (57-64°F) during the day. It may rain on some days too, so be sure to pack a rain jacket and a sweater. If you are flexible, I would try not to travel too close to Easter because it will be very busy during Holy Week. But if you book everything ahead, you'll be fine. Have a great trip!

Rome   Travel Guide

Courtesy of joe daniel price | Getty Images

24 Best Things to Do in Rome

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

• All Things To Do
• 1-Day Itinerary
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• 3-Day Itinerary

Colosseum (Colosseo) Colosseum (Colosseo)

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

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

Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel

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

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

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

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

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

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Roman Forum Roman Forum

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

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

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

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

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

Pantheon Pantheon

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

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

Piazza Navona Piazza Navona free

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

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

Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi free

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

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

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

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

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

Piazza del Popolo Piazza del Popolo free

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

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

Galleria Borghese Galleria Borghese

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

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

Campo de' Fiori Campo de' Fiori free

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Trastevere Trastevere free

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

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

Santa Maria della Vittoria Santa Maria della Vittoria free

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

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

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

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

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

Basilica di San Clemente Basilica di San Clemente free

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

Travelers are fascinated by the story of the church and recommend visiting for the history lesson that it provides. Past travelers also said you should ignore the panhandlers who linger around the church, as some pretend to be affiliated with the church and tell visitors they can't enter unless they give a donation.

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Ancient Appian Way Ancient Appian Way free

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

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

Colle del Gianicolo Colle del Gianicolo free

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

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

Palazzo Doria Pamphilj Palazzo Doria Pamphilj

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

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

Jewish Ghetto Jewish Ghetto free

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

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

Mercato di Testaccio Mercato di Testaccio free

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

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

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MAXXI MAXXI

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

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

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Top 10 Rome Tips Essential Trip Planning Advice for Your Roman Holiday

By Elyssa Bernard

August 26, 2022

It seems obvious to have a  top 10 Rome tips  list, doesn't it?

Things to do, not to do.

Romewise is full of tips (you can browse the navigation menus or use the search box to find what you're looking for!)

But I realized you might just want a quick view of the most essential tips for planning your Roman holiday.

So here goes.

Top 10 Rome Tips Plan Your Perfect Rome Trip

This assumes that visiting Rome is stressful.

But it doesn't have to be. And here's how.

This list of tips and tricks to make your Rome visit a bit smoother and less stressful is a mix of advice.

It includes my tips about packing, where to stay, how to plan your itinerary, money and where to eat. 

See each tip for links to pages with more in-depth advice on that topic.

My list is fairly general and yet, if you follow it, I believe you will save yourself a lot of unnecessary grief.

1. Plan ahead

This one may seem obvious but as someone who ran a B&B in Rome for nearly 20 years, I can tell you that many more people than not tend to arrive in Rome figuring they will just work it out when they get here .

I understand this.

We are all a bit harried in our busy lives, and sometimes taking the time to plan a trip can be exhausting.

Usually it's all we can do to book the airline tickets and maybe a hotel .

But many people come to Rome precisely because they want to see some of the must-see attractions like the Colosseum , Sistine Chapel and Trevi Fountain .

A visit to Rome can be a once in a lifetime thing, or at least, something you may not get to do again very soon.

You will want to make the most of it. 

So my first Rome tip for you is to  plan ahead for some of the major sites and anything that is important to you .

Find out what you need to book in advance, and how long in advance you need to book it.

Now, more than ever, you will need to book most things ahead.

The Colosseum is one of many Rome attractions that sells out.

So you will want to book your Colosseum tickets , as well as tickets to the Vatican, in advance.

Things you can and should book 1-2 weeks before you come, include the Vatican Museums , the Galleria Borghese (hard to get into in high season, especially last minute), the Domus Aurea (only open Sat/Sun), the Papal Audience , and the Mausoleum of Augustus .

There are a couple things you should book long in advance if they are important to you: Palazzo Farnese (the French Embassy and a real jewel), Palazzo Colonna (open only one day a week), Colosseum Underground or Colosseum night visits , and Saint Peter’s Tomb underneath Saint Peter’s Basilica (an archeological visit.)

These all have very limited spots available.

Plan for at least 1-2 months lead time for each.

Want to now what to book in advance, and how? And what to do if you're too late? Visit my page about this here .

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2. Don’t over-plan your visit

So despite what I just said above, try not to over-plan. 

Many visitors to Rome, especially if on a short break, tend to want to pack it all in and get to the must-see sights .

I understand this too.

Number 2 Rome tip is to  try to avoid this temptation and plan for just one or two major things  that are really important to you, like visiting the inside of the Colosseum , and/or seeing the Sistine Chapel .

Then, try to get to the other things on your list, but allow some time for resting, relaxing, strolling, shopping , eating , and just enjoying.

You also need to consider the time it takes to get to and from places , whether on foot or by taxi /bus/ metro .

Visit my pages about how to visit Rome in 1 day ,  how to visit Rome in 3 days , and how to spend a week in Rome .

You'll find I left some downtime in there!

3. Bring cloths for layering

We are blessed with fairly mild weather in Rome .

But no matter the season, layering is a good idea.

• In  spring   and  fall , it can be really warm during the day but cool down considerably at night.
• Even in the dead of winter , you'd be surprised how warm you can get walking around and sight-seeing during the day, when the sun is overhead.
• And in summer , you will want to have something to cover your shoulders and knees for visiting churches. This includes (especially) the  Vatican ,  Sistine Chapel , and catacombs . 

Which brings me to the scarf.  Always have a scarf handy , even in summer . 

Click here to find out what to pack for Rome (and, check the top of every page for my specific month-pages for Rome, to find out what to pack for every month).

No matter what season you visit Rome, here are 4 things never to leave at home:

Disclosure: If you make a purchase through a link on this page, I may receive a small commission - at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting my site!

4. Wear only comfortable shoes and plan on walking

You will do more walking in Rome than you think .

It's also much harder on the feet and legs here than it is in other Italian cities.

We have cobblestones in a lot of Rome, and they are made of basalt, a very unforgiving stone that will wreak havoc on your body.

Inside of sites like the Colosseum , Palatine Hill , Roman Forum , and Vatican , you will walk a LOT.

And you won't realize it because you will be excited, taking pictures , and enjoying what you are seeing. 

But when you are done, your feet will thank you if you listen to me.

My number 4 Rome tip is to come in the most comfortable shoes you have .

Don't bring shoes you have to break in.

Avoid flimsy flip flops. Trust me on this.

Click here to visit my page about accessible Rome, for those visiting Rome in a wheelchair or limited mobility .

Disclosure : If you make a purchase through a link on this page, I may receive a small commission - at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting my site!

5. Cash is your friend

My number 5 Rome tip is all about cash - how to get it while in Rome, and why you need it.

Don't bring a lot of cash with you .

The most cost-effective and convenient way to have Euros while travelling in Rome (and other parts of Europe) is to use your ATM card .

Find out with your bank before you leave home what the terms are and what your daily limit is, and make sure you know your pin.

On the other hand, don't walk around Rome with tons of cash .

Just enough for each day, and take out more cash if you need it. ( And consider thwarting pickpockets with this great theft-proof cross-body bag , and using an RFID blocking travel wallet or pouch to prevent identity and credit card theft .)

Prepare yourself to pay for cash a lot more than you are used to .

Large hotels, major brand shops, and most restaurants take credit cards.

But smaller shops and family-run restaurants either might not accept credit cards, or, will often have a credit card machine that is "out of order". Ahem.

Visit my page about Money in Rome for lots more advice on this subject.

6. To eat well in Rome: avoid dining in a major tourist piazza

There are plenty of places to eat while sitting on a beautiful square or piazza in Rome, and take in the views.

Unfortunately, at most of these places, you are likely not to eat that well.

And, you'll probably over-pay for what you get.

Also avoid any restaurant where someone is gesturing for you to come in.  If the food is good, they shouldn’t need to lure you in.

Avoid using TripAdvisor as a way to judge restaurants .

How do you know that you have the same taste or standards as the person whose review you are reading? 

My number 6 Rome tip is to look for restaurants on smaller side streets, ask taxi drivers and other locals where they like to eat, and check food blogs by good local writers.

Such as yours truly .

7. Don't pay for water

Especially in hot months, you will be tempted to buy water the minute you feel over-heated and dehydrated .

And usually this involves buying from a street vendor or vending truck at a jacked up cost (3-4€ per little bottle). 

Number 7 of my Top 10 Rome Tips is to drink Rome's free water , which comes out of little fountains and spouts all over Rome, called nasoni .

This water comes from the mountains outside Rome, and it comes over those Roman aqueducts into Rome. It's cold, it's clean, and it's free.

Here's how to drink from Rome's nasoni :

Bonus tip! Bring along this collapsible, ecologically friendly re-usable water bottle.

8. Don't over-tip

Italy does not have a tipping culture . For most services, you don't need to tip at all.

However, nobody will mind if you tip. On the contrary.

Some waiters are even coming to expect a handsome tip, especially from Anglo-Saxon tourists whose cultures include tipping as a way to compensate workers.

If you want to tip, here are some basic rules:

• At the bar (café) , pay first at the cash register, bring the receipt to the barman, and lay it down on the counter with 10-20 cents, then ask for your order.
• When taking a taxi ,  0 tip is expected. I always round up to the nearest Euro, and the driver always thanks me.
• On the other hand, if you hire a private car service , you can tip if the driver helps you with your bags. 5€ for every 2 people is sufficient.
• Likewise if you hire a private tour guide, and are happy with them, you can leave a tip on top of their fee. Or not. The amount depends on the length of the tour and number of people in your group. It's really up to you.
• At a sit-down restaurant , you don't have to tip. But if you want to, you can tip 1€ per person, or maximum 2€ per person if you want to be generous. A 20% tip is overly generous.

If you are wondering why there is no tipping, it's because in Italy, waiters, bartenders, and others in any service industry make a full salary, with health benefits, sick pay, yearly bonus, and a month paid vacation.

Ready to plan your trip?

9. Avoid the crowds by going early or late

Many of Rome's most popular sites like the Trevi Fountain, Colosseum and Vatican, have crowds nearly all year.

If you are here in a busy season (which lately seems to include every month except for mid-January through mid-February, especially around holidays like Easter and Christmas ), you can avoid some crowds by coming first thing before or at opening, or, at the end of the day close to closing.

Saint Peter's Basilica opens at 7am, and it's just beautiful.

Same with the Spanish Steps .

But between about 10am - midnight, they will be mobbed. Year-round.

It's only logical that the crowds at Rome's sites will follow a bell curve - there will be hardly anyone there early in the morning. 

Then, the crowds will grow through the morning and peak around the middle of the day.

After around 2-3pm, the crowds slowly get smaller, and there will be very few people by the end of the day.

Many people think it's a great idea to visit the Vatican Museums early, to "beat the crowds".

But it's pretty crowded in the morning.

So if you want to go to the Vatican Museums early, just plan, and book ahead (see tip number 1 above!)

If you visit Rome from April - October, you can visit the Vatican Museums on Friday or Saturday night , when it's considerably less crowded than during the day.

Bottom line - it's always a good idea to visit sites before or close to their opening times, or close to or after closing.

10. Stay in or near the historic center

My number ten Rome tip is to  stay in or at least near the historic center .

There are plenty of choices, from apartment rental, to B&B, to 5-star hotel, in just about every Rome neighborhood.

Click here to visit my neighborhood guide to Rome , complete with map.

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Here are the benefits of staying in the center of Rome:

• You will minimize the time you spend taking public transportation in and out of the city to your accommodation. 
• If you shop , you can drop things off and head back out. 
• If you get tired, you can easily go take a nap or shower before going back out again
• Finally, it allows you to easily double back and see something you might want to see twice, like the Pantheon or Trevi Fountain .

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Top attractions and tours

• Colosseum - Don't miss visiting Rome's most iconic monument
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14 things to know before visiting Rome in 2024

Feb 27, 2024 • 9 min read

Rome can seem imposing to first-time visitors, but with these tips, you'll be all set in no time © TFILM / Getty Images

I first visited Rome in 1992, and my love for the city has only grown since. I wrote my first book about the city in college and rarely a year goes by since then when I don’t visit my favorite piazza ( Navona ), enjoy my favorite gelato ( cioccolato e limone con panna ) or gaze upon my favorite art (Raphael’s Stanze …among many others).

Even though my love for  Rome  runs deep, I can see why it seems imposing to first-time visitors and that's why I'm here to help you. Enjoying the Eternal City and all its myriad nuances is much easier than many people think. Here are my essential things to know for anyone lucky enough to be headed for magnificent, wonderful Roma.

1. Pick your moment for key attractions

Rome gets crowded, and some sights like the Vatican museums are both overwhelming in scale and overwhelmed with other visitors. Many a tourist has lapsed into a stupor as they wander the nearly 7km (4.5 miles) of corridors. By the time they finally reach the Sistine Chapel , they gaze up at Michelangelo’s fantastic ceiling in a daze and are out the other side before having time to enjoy it.

But with a bit of planning , you can avoid the most crowded times at the Vatican Museum. Visit Tuesdays and Thursdays; Wednesday mornings are good, too, though the afternoon is better than the morning. Monday is an especially bad day to visit as other museums in Rome are closed (instead, use the day for exploring the city’s streets, squares, back alleys and parks).

Across Rome, weekends are always busier at attractions as tourists are joined by Romans enjoying the sights on their days off.

2. Aim to spend at least three days in Rome

Start your trip at the Colosseum , Rome’s ancient amphitheater. Early risers need not get gladiatorial as long queues only start to form around mid-morning, at which point you’ll be poking around the Palatino , breathing in the majesty of the once-powerful palace and its perfumed pine trees before roving around the ruins of the Roman Forum .

A well-earned espresso should be enjoyed among the cobbled streets of Centro Storico (try Caffè Sant'Eustachio ) and then sweeten the coffee by pre-booking tickets to the Vatican – home not only to the Pope but a myriad of masterpieces including the Sistine Chapel. Visitors who are first in line at the Vatican will also be at the head of the line at Bonci Pizzarium when it opens for lunch. Nothing recharges your sightseeing energy like a slice of the city’s best pizza, still warm from the oven.

Of course, Rome has plenty more museums to offer, but it’s also a living city offering la dolce vita. Indulge by strolling through the designer boutiques of Via del Corso stopping only to stoop into the devilishly cool Salotto 42 for one of the city’s very best cocktails.

3. Buy tickets in advance

You’ve mastered the Metro and finally reached your sight of choice, only to discover a guide ahead of you in the line for tickets, methodically – and slowly – buying tickets for 40 people. Or you discover that a few hundred others are already in the queue. While you wait in the hot sun for your turn, you feel a prime chunk of your day ticking away.

However, you can easily avoid all this by buying in advance online. The Vatican museums are a perfect example of where you’ll feel the joy as you walk past the waiting masses and breeze in. For any major sight in Rome, it’s always worth checking the website for advance ticket sales. Note that some unmissable attractions, like the Museo e Galleria Borghese , or special tours, like the secret castle tours at Castel Sant’Angelo , require an advance ticket as admissions are limited to avoid overcrowding.

4. Prioritize your favorites and don't forget to wander

Decide which of the unmissable top sights you’ll most enjoy and face the fact that you won't get to see everything on your first trip to Rome. Any attempt to "do" places like the Vatican or the Forom in a rush will leave you unsatisfied and stressed – these are incredible experiences that are worth your time.

And always leave extra time for wandering, café sitting and people-watching. It’s one of the true highlights of Roman life.

5. Know what to miss 

Have the self-awareness to know your limit on churches. Yes, some would cry sacrilege, but if you’re standing in some world-famous house of god and you can’t remember which one you’re in because it’s looking a lot like the previous ten, then it’s better just to pick a couple  and focus on those. Plus, you’ll have something new to see on your next trip.

6. Skip the Spanish Steps (or at least don’t sit down)

The Spanish Steps – a nice stone staircase with good views, yes, but a reason to go out of your way, no. Tourist traps, touts and fast-food jostle for space in this neighborhood. Give it a miss. And if you do go, don’t sit down! Fines are issued by police for those who dare use the steps as a seat.

7. Swerve Bocca della Verità too

Bocca della Verità , an old stone carving of a lion head with a mouth that’s been pawed by millions of sweaty fingers. Every country seems to have one of these (hello Blarney Stone !), right down to a magical legend; in this case, the lion will bite your hand if you tell a lie. Uh-huh.

8. Book your table in advance

Some of Rome’s most vaunted restaurants fill out their reservations list weeks in advance, so it pays to book tables before you arrive. No matter if your travel style is loose and easygoing, it’s always a good idea to reserve your table in advance, even if it's just a couple of hours before your meal (assuming there are still tables available).

Having a reservation is one of those intangibles that’s essential in practice. Roman restaurants give more respect to people arriving with a booking as opposed to mere walk-ins – even when there are plenty of available tables.

9. Break bread like a Roman

Most restaurants open from noon to 3pm and 7:30pm to 11pm, usually closing one day per week (often Sunday or Monday). In August, most eateries close for at least a week, although some close for the entire month.

Other essential tips:

• Bite through hanging spaghetti – no slurping it up, please.
• Pasta is eaten with a fork (no spoon).
• It’s OK to eat pizza with your hands when you’re getting it to go – in restaurants, people usually use a knife and fork.
• Like any Italian grandma, fare la scarpetta (make a little shoe) with your bread to wipe plates clean. 
• Yes, there are vegan restaurants in Rome these days too.

10. Try to keep up: know when and how to dress to impress

Roman style is world-renowned, and there’s no better way to escape the tourist cliche than to dress with panache, especially when going out to celebrated restaurants and clubs. Let sharp and smart be your bywords in this, and don’t underestimate what you can achieve with travel-friendly black and eye-catching accessories.

Also, know that by day, and when you’re out in the neighborhoods, dapper casual is the rule. Still, there’s never a time when you’ll want to wear a sweatshirt, goofy shorts, hiked-up socks and the like – unless it’s your signature look and you can pull it off!

11. Be aware of laws that are specifically for tourists

Picking up the trash is an ongoing and seemingly eternal challenge for Rome, but efforts are being made on other fronts to try to bring some order. In 2019, a series of laws were introduced to reign in the excesses of the visiting masses. People caught breaking these rules risk fines of up to €500 or a temporary ban on entering the area in which they caused the offense. Among the restrictions:

• Sitting on the Spanish Steps is forbidden.
• No wading in the city’s fountains.
• No “messy” outdoor eating near historic monuments.
• No walking around bare-chested.
• No dragging strollers or wheelie suitcases up or down historic staircases.
• When drinking from the public drinking fountains known as nasoni , don’t place your lips on the spout – drink from your cupped hands.

12. Be polite and observe the local formalities

Italy is quite a formal society, and the niceties of social interaction are observed. Greet people in bars, shops, trattorias, etc, with a buongiorno (good morning), buon pomeriggio (good afternoon) or buonasera (good evening). 

Say mi scusi (excuse me) to attract attention or ask for help. Use permesso (permission) to pass someone in a crowded space and always cover up at churches (that means shoulders and legs).

14. Health and safety in Rome

Rome has no inherent health hazards beyond the bloating that comes from wildly excessive food (and gelato) intake. But we have a few tips that will keep you feeling tip-top.

Stay hydrated. It gets hot in summer, especially out in the open air of places like the Forum. Carry a water bottle, drink copious amounts and keep it filled at the many public drinking water fountains.

Ancient cobblestones, long staircases and hours spent wandering are just some of the features that will tire you out. Wear shoes with excellent support and cushioning.

13. Keep your wits about you

Rome is generally a safe city, but petty theft is a real risk. Use common sense and watch your valuables. Pickpockets and thieves are active in touristy areas such as the Colosseum, Piazza di Spagna , Piazza Venezia and St Peter’s Square .

Stay alert around the chaotic Termini train station and on crowded public transport – the 64 Vatican bus is notorious. Keep your wallets, phones and valuables out of reach of pickpockets – a wallet bulging in your back pocket won't remain there for long.

In case of theft or loss, always report the incident to the police within 24 hours and ask for a statement. The emergency number for the police (Carabinieri) is 112. Make sure you never drape your bag over an empty chair at a streetside cafe or put it where you can’t see it.

Beware of gangs of kids or others demanding attention. If you’ve been targeted, take evasive action and/or shout " Va via!"  ("Go away!").

This article was first published Jan 16, 2022 and updated Feb 27, 2024.

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20 travel tips every first-time Rome visitor should follow

Whether you are a Roman novice or expert, these travel trips for Rome should be followed at all times

Photograph: Shutterstock

Don’t get us wrong, Rome is a very friendly place. But it’s not always the easiest to navigate. And unless you want to find yourself waiting for a coffee for three hours or queueing for the Vatican for three hours, there are some things you should know before you go.

And don’t panic. Our local writer Livia Hengel has the inside scoop on every rule, custom and hack for the big city. If you want to absolutely smash a weekend in Rome, read this list (and read it before you go. Trust us). Here is every travel tip you’ll need to do Rome as the Romans do. 

RECOMMENDED: 📍 The best things to do in Rome  🍝 The best restaurants in Rome 🏛️ Unmissable attractions in Rome 🛍️ Where to go shopping in Rome 🏨 The best hotels in Rome

Livia Hengel is a writer based in Rome. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines . 

Been there, done that? Think again, my friend.

Travel tips for visiting Rome

1.  don’t order a cappuccino after noon.

You may or may not have seen this one crop up on TikTok from time to time. But basically, don’t you dare order a cappuccino after noon. Cappuccinos are thought of as heavy drinks more suitable for breakfast, and paired with a cornetto. If you’re craving one in the afternoon, order a caffè macchiato instead. 

2.  …But gelato is acceptable any time, any season

Great news for gelato lovers. You can order one of these bad boys anywhere, anytime. Before lunch, after lunch, whatever you desire. The gelato world is your oyster in Rome, and their flavours change seasonally, so you’ll never get bored. Think ciccolato fondente (dark chocolate), pistacchio and mandorla (almonds). Delicious. 

3.  Buy Vatican tickets online to skip the line

Housing one of the world’s greatest collections, the Vatican Museums are one of Italy’s most popular attractions, visited by over 5 million people annually. Though you’ll inevitably face a crowd, you can skip the long lines by purchasing your museum tickets on the Vatican website. The extra Euros for booking online are well worth the time you’ll save by not waiting in line.

4.  Free museums on first Sundays

Rome’s state-owned museums, galleries, archaeological sites, parks and gardens are free on the first Sunday of each month, so be sure to drop by and soak in some art if you’re in town these days. Lines quickly form outside the main attractions, so plan to show up early or visit a lesser-known destination (warning: you’ll still need to pay a fee to browse through special exhibitions).

5.  Note museum closures

Many of Rome’s city and state-owned museums, like Galleria Borghese and Palazzo Barberini, are closed on Mondays, so plan your schedule accordingly. The Vatican Museums are closed on Sundays instead, so they’re very crowded on Saturdays and Mondays; if you can, try to visit Tuesday through Friday.

6.  Order coffee at the bar

Have you guessed the Italians are quite particular about their coffee yet? Coffee etiquette actually makes up a fair few of the biggest culinary crimes you can commit in the capital.  You might notice people in Rome tend to order an espresso and drink it standing up, before even leaving the bar. That’s the way things are done. Italians don’t order coffee from the table and have it brought to them, and in fact, that’ll likely slap you with service charge and almost double your bill. Do as the Romans do, and neck that espresso before you go anywhere. 

7.  Buy bus tickets ahead of time

Rome’s public transportation leaves much to be desired, but if you need to take a bus in the city centre, stock up on bus tickets ahead of time because you can’t buy them on the bus. You can buy tickets at any  tabaccheria  in the city, little convenient shops that are designated with a large T. Tickets are €1.50 each, or opt for a 24-hour, 48-hour or weekly ticket for a discounted price. Tickets are valid for all forms of public transportation in Rome (bus, metro, tram and local train).

8.  Take your bus ticket straight to the beach

Speaking of public transportation, your €1.50 ticket is also valid on the local commuter trains in Rome, including a line that goes straight to the beach. You can catch a train at the Piramide Metro Station that will take you directly to Ostia Lido, Rome’s local beach. Although it’s not the most glamorous beach near Rome, Ostia is perfect for an inexpensive day trip, with some sunshine and fresh seafood.

9.  Dress modestly in church

Rome has over 900 churches that house some of the city’s most beautiful works of art, so don’t miss stepping inside to marvel at their treasures, whether you’re devout or not. Just be sure to dress appropriately to enter these holy spaces: women’s shoulders should be covered, and skirts should hit at or below the knee, while men should wear pants or shorts that extend to the knees. Linen pants are a great option for the summer, and a scarf is a perfect last-minute cover-up if you’re wearing a tank top.

10.  Watch your bags

Always be mindful of your bags on public transportation and around key tourist attractions. The city is safe, but petty crime is rampant, especially on crowded buses and metros. Thieves in Rome are stealthy, so always keep your bags zipped and held in front of you; wallets should ideally be tucked in your inner jacket pockets. Some thieves also snatch bags, so keep them in close reach at all times.

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Italy Travel Experts Tours and Vacations

Are tours in Rome worth it?

Sean Finelli Last Updated: April 25, 2024

Rome has been one of the world’s most desirable destinations for over 2,000 years and counting. Much of its allure is due to its many layers, which can be peeled back like a beautiful rose. With so much to explore, you might ask: Is it worth it to take tours in Rome or should I try to explore it on my own? Read on to find out.

Pro Tip:  Bookmarks are the key to organizing a great trip. Bookmark this post in a “Rome” folder in your browser. This way you can circle back to it when you’re traveling. Also, check out our dedicated guide to planning your visit to Rome , which has everything you’ll need, and our top-rated Rome tours .

Are Rome Tours Worth It?

Short answer: Yes! Going on tours in Rome is definitely worth it. It’s also totally possible to explore on your own. Let’s explore why…

We looked at our customer travel trends and were blown away by the results. We found that 27.3% of trans-Atlantic travelers going to Rome for the first time come back to Rome within 5 years! And 43.9% of our European customers going to Rome for the first time also return within 5 years. Why?

Rome has food, culture, history, charm, and lots to do! People want to go back and experience all that the Eternal City has to offer. Then again, maybe it’s just that they fell in love with Rome’s iconic sites.

How do we know this? Our return travelers often re-book the same tours on their second trip since they loved the guided experience the first time and want to re-live it or share it with others.

So, should you book tours or explore on your own?

Definitely do both. The advantage of small group tours is that you get access to these sites earlier in the morning when it’s cooler. Then, you have free time to eat a delicious Roman pizza or trapizzino and explore the streets of this ancient city as the evening rolls into night.

Exploring on your own and getting lost is great but should be done by design as not all areas of Rome are equal. Consider reading through our online guidebook for Rome to ensure you find great restaurants, free things to do, and attractions to visit.

Not ready to book a tour? Check out our  best Rome tours to take and why .

What Are the Most Popular Tours in Rome?

So what do people want to do in Rome the most? We ran a poll on our Instagram @thetourguy and asked that question to over 200 people and here’s what they picked.

The results are in and—no surprise—people go to Rome to eat pasta above all else! That said, seeing history is a close second and it makes a lot of sense since the city has been inhabited for 3,000 years. Think: cobblestones, catacombs, and Colosseum.

Today’s city is filled with many of the very same monuments that you would have seen in Rome when Jesus Christ was alive. This incredible step back in time is very much the reason why people come to Rome over and over—and food is an amazing bonus.

The Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Basilica

The Vatican is the most visited monument in Rome and the fourth-most visited museum on Earth according to Statista.com. It usually has more than 6 million visitors each year. That means lots of crowds to plan around, and the best way is to skip the line with a tour guide. Plus they’ll help you navigate the best areas of the 9 miles of exhibits to save your feet!

The museum is full of electrifying masterpieces by the likes of da Vinci, Michelangelo, Raphael, Bernini, and even ancient works that are 2,000 years old! Vatican tours are our most popular tour in Europe and widely recommended by travelers as you’ll see from the reviews.

On my first visit to the Vatican, I did not take a tour and I remember speeding through rooms on a mad dash to see the Sistine Chapel . A few years later, on my second visit, I took a tour and realized I was walking by works from Italian masters like Raphael!

Not ready to book a tour? Check out our  best Vatican tours to take and why.

The Colosseum

The Colosseum comes in at a close second after the Vatican. This ancient amphitheater normally receives over six million visitors per year. It is an incredible monument and the symbol of Rome. Visitors also gain access to the Palatine Hill and Roman Forum when visiting the Colosseum but you can read more about that in our how to visit articles .

There is a lot of misinformation surrounding this incredible monument so taking a tour is mission critical. Guides make it a lot better and we run small groups which average between 14 and 15 people. Definitely check out our Colosseum tours for more.

Not ready to book a tour? Check out our  best Colosseum tours to take and why.

Food tours hit the scene in Rome as far back as 2010 and we’ve been running them since 2013. In fact, if a Rome food tour is on your list, then we have the perfect option: A walking food tour with a sit-down dinner in trendy Trastevere . Need we say more?

Ok, we will. Why not also look at a pasta-making class so you can channel your inner Italian chef and wow your friends and family when you go home? Food in Italy is second-to-none and you can learn why on that and any of our other food tours.

Day Trips To Pompeii

Ok, we know that Pompeii is not in Rome, but this famous city is a huge draw for anyone visiting the Eternal City. We have a Pompeii from Rome day trip with a stop in Sorrento that gives you the perfect chance to explore Pompeii (with a guide) and Sorrento (on your own).

It is definitely a long day, but you likely won’t have a car in Rome, and there isn’t much in the way of trains in southern Italy. So make it easy on yourself and let us take care of the details while you sit back and enjoy your day trip.

If you want a more private experience, we also created small group and private tours to Pompeii from Rome. For more inspiration, read more on Pompeii to plan your trip.

Not ready to book a tour? Find out if a Pompeii day trip from Rome is worth it .

Rome Catacombs

A trip to Rome really ought to include a visit to the early burial sites of the Eternal City. They’re intentionally placed outside the city along the famous Appian Way that still has original carriage wheel ruts in the street.

There are lots of catacombs and crypts that hold the bones of tens of thousands of Christians, popes, and others. Our tour visits the St. Callixtus catacombs and the Capuchin Crypts. The crypts are where you’ll see ornamental displays of bones and skeletons.

So is it worth booking a tour? Well, the catacombs aren’t in the center of Rome, which means they’re tricky to get to. Leaving the logistics to a tour guide makes for an easy and informative experience in these eerie sites of ancient Rome. You can book a day or night tour of the catacombs, whichever is best for your schedule.

Not ready to book a tour? Find out how to visit the Rome Catacombs .

Borghese Gallery

If you’ve been to Rome before, or you have an extra afternoon here, why not head to a super amazing museum that almost never has crowds? The Borghese Gallery or Galleria Borghese is one of Rome’s premier museums and a personal favorite. The gallery is small but also only lets in a few hundred visitors for 2-hour time slots which makes it a fan favorite.

Beyond that, the gallery is—pound for pound—one of the greatest collections on Earth. It is highlighted by some of Bernini’s most incredible sculptures including Apollo and Daphne . Sound familiar? Bernini also made the one-of-a-kind Baldacchino at St. Peter’s Basilica! Oh, and he designed St. Peter’s Square.

While the gallery may or may not be a must-visit for your first trip to Rome, it is definitely a museum you’ll want to visit with a guide. We have a great private Borghese Gallery tour that is time tested and beloved by customers.

Not ready to book a tour? Find out how to visit the Borghese Gallery .

Tuk Tuk Sightseeing Tour

Rome is a walkable city, but you’re going to need lots of water and stamina, plus some great walking shoes. Why not make it easier by letting our friendly, local tuk tuk driver zoom you through the city? It’s the fastest (and most comfortable) way to see Rome’s megamonuments—and everything in between—in a couple hours.

The tuk tuk is an electric vehicle so you can also have peace of mind if you’re conscientious about green tourism. But we think you’ll just love riding with your private group and your friendly driver who loves to talk about Rome and all her hidden treasures.

Not ready to book a tour? Check out our  Rome Guide for more info.

Barberini Gallery

If the Borghese Gallery is crowned by sculptures, the Barberini is its sister museum for paintings. Inside you’ll find one of Raphael’s most famous works of art which is La Fornarina . La Fornarina depicts a baker’s daughter who posed for Raphael on a few occasions.

Raphael was well known for never sleeping alone and rarely with the same woman. Nevertheless, Margarita Luti is often recognized as the woman who stole his heart. Be sure to check out our private Barberini Gallery tour if you are visiting Rome on your second trip.

Palazzo Altemps and Navona

Palazzo Altemps is one of my favorite and most personal galleries in Rome. It is a quiet escape from Rome and a beautiful collection of antiquities. Like most Roman galleries, this museum is the former home of a noble Roman family.

The Ludovico family were the final owners of this palace, which they eventually gifted it to the city of Rome. It was later converted into the museum you see today. The main event of the gallery is the cloister (featured right), the Ludovico Battle Sarcophagus, and the Suicidal Gaul.

This is a great gallery to explore on your own if you read up on it. You can also visit with a guide and see a few other nearby monuments. Our tour of Palazzo Altemps includes a deep exploration underneath Piazza Navona to the former Stadium of Domitian.

Yes, there is an ancient stadium under Piazza Navona. Don’t miss it!

Where To Stay in Rome

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

Comment (1).

July 20, 2023

Hello! I just finished reading your blog post about whether it’s worth taking tours in Rome, and I must say, it’s a thoughtful and insightful exploration of the benefits of guided tours in this magnificent city. Rome is a treasure trove of history and art, and your insights and recommendations shed light on the advantages of taking tours to fully appreciate its wonders.

Your points about saving time and avoiding long queues are very valid. It’s evident that you want your readers to have a smooth and efficient experience while exploring the iconic attractions of Rome.

I appreciated how you highlighted the value of local guides in providing in-depth knowledge and context to the historical sites. Having a knowledgeable guide can truly enhance the overall experience and help visitors better understand the significance of the landmarks.

Your emphasis on the convenience and stress-free nature of guided tours is commendable. For travelers who want a seamless and well-organized visit to Rome, taking a guided tour seems like an excellent option.

The personal anecdotes and experiences you shared added a relatable touch to the article. It’s clear that you have a passion for travel and want your readers to have the best possible experience in Rome.

Thank you for sharing such a valuable and informative blog post. Your insights have certainly made me consider the benefits of taking guided tours in Rome, and I’ll be sure to keep this in mind when planning my own trip. Keep up the fantastic work, and I’ll be eagerly waiting for more of your travel insights and recommendations!

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How to enjoy Rome on a budget: 22 tips from a local

A local’s guide to help you visit Rome on a budget. Find out our best tips to save money on Rome accommodation, food and tickets to Rome attractions, from ancient Rome to the Vatican and more.

Many people are surprised when I tell them that it is possible and easy to visit Rome on a budget.

If you’ve only just started researching a trip to Rome, you may have the impression that Rome is a very expensive city, where you’ll have to blow the budget even just to get a tour guide.

Indeed, with millions of visitors filling its world-famous cobbled streets every year, prices for hotels, tours and restaurants are often at a premium: if you have money to spend, you will find plenty of easy ways to part with your cash.

However, traveling to Rome does not have to be hard on the budget.

With some planning and the right tips, enjoying Rome on a shoestring is possible.

In this article, I share my favorite budget-friendly ways to explore Rome and my local tips and many ways you can save money in Rome and still have an excellent stay.

Table of Contents

Easy ways to visit Rome on a budget: top tips

I have many tips for a budget stay in Rome, but my top three are:

• Book attractions from the official websites, so you avoid third party fees and add ons
• Don’t book tours for everything: there are plenty of excellent and budget friendly resources out there that allow you to visit Rome without breaking the bank without compromising the quality of your time (keep reading, I have them in this post for you!)
• Go in low season – and know when it is! Low season in Rome is very short and usually very different from what people expect!

Let’s look at all these and more!

Tip 1 – Book with the attractions directly

One of the best ways to save money in Rome is to cut agency and tour operators commissions and book tickets from the attractions directly. 

The Colosseum, for instance, has tickets that cost as little as 16 Euro per person (at the time of writing) and has discounted options for many travelers, including children, which get free entrance up to age 17 included! 

This is incredible saving if you think that a third party easily charges you twice as much as this or multiples of this, in case of add ons such as a live guide.

This is the case for both the Colosseum and the Vatican, which are among the most expensive attractions for third party tours.

Depending on the type of tickets you choose, by booking direct, you don’t have to renounce a tour guide either.

The Colosseum has video, audio and live guide tour options and so does the Vatican.

All tickets come with a timed entrance so you don’t need to queue and just show up at the agreed time! 

This is a significant money saving opportunity and the tours are of good quality.

I am a local and a Roman history graduate and found the guides seriously competent, so these are definitely not cheap but awful tour; they are budget friendly excellent tours!

To buy directly from the attractions, the official website are:

• Parco Colosseo – the official site for Colosseum / Roman Forum / Palatine Hill
• Vatican Museums – official museums website
• Borghese Gallery – official museum website

See also>>> how to book Colosseum tickets from the official Colosseum website.

See also >>> how to book Borghese Gallery Tickets from the official site

Visit without a tour (Use these free and budget friendly resources instead)

Guides are a wonderful resource to get to know the city. However, they come at a high cost and especially private tours can add up to hundreds of euro.

I believe guides are worth it for those attractions you know you want to get to know in-depth.

However, you don’t need a guide for everything! I’ll go as far as saying that, unless you really want one, you can see Rome with no tours at all!

In that case, what you need is the right resources, for instance:

• You can visit the Colosseum using their audioguide (small cost) or their free apps: Parco Colosseo and Y&CO.
• You can use my Colosseum scavenger hunt for toddlers to help you navigate the Colosseum with a little one without having to invest is a child friendly tour >> find it here, along with tips for visiting the Colosseum with a toddler
• You can uses these essential facts about the Colosseum for kids to help them learn about the place without having to spend for a guide
• You can get my ebook with all info and scavenger hunts for kids in the city center to help understand what you are all seeing
• You can even use this very site you’re on now to plan your itinerary and learn about all major piazzas and attractions! Use the search bar: you’ll find a guide to piazzas, statues, top churches, free attractions, Michelangelo, Bernini, Caravaggio. All for free!

Go in low season (and know when it is)

Traveling in low season is a great way to save money anywhere and Rome is no exception, especially when it comes to hotel prices.

The difference in price between low season and high season can be in the hundreds of Euro per night: if you have flexible dates, it is well worth looking at price differences when picking when to go and where to stay!

However, low season in Rome is short and it doesn’t necessarily happen at the time of the year you may think.

The real low season in Rome comprises a handful of weeks: usually a few weeks in November (after All Saints 1st November and before the start of the Christmas festivities, 8th December) and then again in January , specifically after the end of the Christmas holidays (6th of January, the epiphany) and the end of the month.

February and early March used to be low season; however, this is not the case anymore!

February and March are now popular times to visit Rome and while they are not the busiest of times, they are a mid-season rather than low one.

If you are traveling to Rome with kids , do take into account that mid-term breaks in Europe and the US are popular times for family trips to Italy and push prices up.

The worst seasons for the budget-conscious traveler are the spring (especially Easter in Rome ), Christmas , October and the summer ( June and July in particular). 

Plan to be in Rome on the first Sunday of the month

On the first Sunday of every month, many Rome museums and attractions are free and this includes some important sites such as the Colosseum, the Roman forum, Castel Sant’Angelo and even Galleria Borghese!

This is a wonderful opportunity to visit some of the most famous Rome sites while saving money and you will find both Romans and tourists making the most of the opportunity.

This is a fantastic way to go sightseeing in Rome on a budget. 

Be aware that some attractions do require advance booking even on these free days: go directly to the website of your attraction of choice to grab your ticket.

Do not fall for expensive ‘skip the line’ ticket options

One of the biggest concerns people have when visiting Rome is long lines of visitors forcing you to queue for hours to enter attractions.

In the past, before online ticketing became mainstream, the way to beat the crowds was to pay for a third party provider offering ‘skip the line’ tickets, aka pre-booked tickets that allowed you to avoid the ticket office altogether.

With online ticketing, this is no need to pay more for skip the line tickets!

All major ticketed attractions in Rome now offer timed entrance tickets that you book online in advance and show on your phone at the entrance gate.

These tickets allow you to go directly to the entrance door and ‘skip’ the line at the ticket office.

The only line you will have to stand in is the security one, when applicable. This line cannot be skipped but usually goes fast.

You do not need to pay for expensive skip the line tickets – these are a thing of the past and have been replaced by online ticketing, widely available, safe and budget friendly!

Get to know free attractions

Rome has very many free attractions, some expected and some unexpected. To give you a quick overview, some of Rome free attraction include:

• Vatican city (St Peter basilica and piazza, not the Vatican museums and the Sistine chapel)
• Villa Borghese (park)
• Piazza Navona
• Trevi Fountain
• Spanish Steps
• Vittoriano first terrace, Aventino hill and Campidoglio square, all offering incredible and free views of Rome

Swap museums with churches

Rome has stunning museums but the cost of tickets can add up fast.

However, Rome also has hundreds of churches and while not all have works of art, many do.

To give you a couples of examples: San Luigi dei Francesi houses Caravaggio’s Cycle of St Matthew; Santa Maria della Vittoria houses the Ecstasis of St Therese by Bernini and San Pietro in Vicoli has a Moses by Michelangelo.

All masterpieces you can see for free!

Find more ideas at the following links:

Our guide to the best places to see Caravaggio in Rome (free and ticketed)

Our guide to Michelangelo in Rome (free and ticketed attractions)

Our guide to Bernini’s art in Rome

Stay in a monastery

This may come as a surprising tips but don’t dismiss it quite yet.

In Rome, there are several religious institutes that offer good quality accommodation at seriously low prices, often located in lovely and central parts of Rome,

You do not need to have religious affiliation to be their guest and while you do get some rules to follow (a curfew, mostly) these are usually very reasonable and a great compromise for the budget friendly, clean and pleasant accommodation you get. 

Or stay out of the centre on the metro line

Another way to quickly lower the cost of accommodation is to stay outside of the city centre and commute in by metro.

The metro in Rome is not great in appearance and amenities but does the job and brings you places fast!

Areas such as Garbatella, Trieste Salary (Annibaliano stop) or San Giovanni area are excellent, very ‘Roman’, and significantly cheaper than the center without forcing you to endure long trips in. Just try avoid rush hour as crowds of commuters make the metro very busy then.

Don’t sit at cafe terraces

This one is a tip you have probably heard before but it  is worth mentioning again as it is a good one. 

While many photos of Roman holidays include people leisurely sitting in a piazza sipping coffee or aperitivo, that experience comes at a price. 

In Rome the tax for occupying piazzas and pavements are really high and the shop owners pass these onto their patrons: this means that the same cup of coffee that costs 80 cents at the bar will cost you easily 7 euro if sipped at a table, even if you carry it there yourself!

This is true in most establishments, especially in the center, and it is not a scam although it does feel like one if you are not expecting it. 

If you pay attention, you will see that no Roman actually sits at a cafe so you are not scammed because you are a tourist: it  is just a charge locals are aware of and therefore avoid. 

Good to know: since the pandemic, the charges to sit outdoors have come down significantly. However, before sitting at a table, ask if there is an extra charge as, in the city center, this is often the case even now.

Drink water from the fountains and save on bottled water

Rome has gorgeous, clean, fresh, delicious water so a great way to save money is to bring a refillable water bottle and drink up from Rome’s small fountains. 

They were built as part of a project to bring drinkable water to the city and they still operate.

Please note: not all fountains have drinkable water! The big monumental fountains are usually not for drinking! Go to the small nasoni instead: you can read all about drinking water in Rome here .

Order house wine (Vino della Casa)

Another way to save money is to stay away from expensive bottles of wine and opt for house wine instead (vino della casa).

House wine comes in a caraffe and is usually a fraction of the cost of a bottle, while still giving you a choice between red and white. 

Always ask for a menu with prices

The fastest way to run out of money in Rome is to order without checking the price first. 

While it is not the norm to make the most of the unsuspecting tourist, some places in Rome have made headlines for charging outrageous fees for cheap eats just because they are in a sought after location (the Spanish steps and the Vatican come to mind but not all establishments are like that, many in those areas are perfectly normal places )

The only way not to fall into their traps is to demand to see a menu with prices: check the cost of each dish, make sure it is per dish (and not per person, per 100gr and so on).

Also, check if the place applies a service charge: if they do (which they can), they must say it on the menu and specify how much.

In a cafe order at the till first: get to the till, place your order and check the cost – after that, go to the bar and place your order showing the receipt itself. 

While this may seem an odd way to do things, this is the standard order of events if you are in a cafe and will guarantee you will never pay more than you expect. 

Don’t tip 10% or more / don’t tip at all

If you come form a high tipping culture, you may consider kind and necessary to tip very generously. This it not the case in Rome (and Italy in general).

in Italy, a tip is a small gratuity of a few euro that you leave on the table at the end of the meal if you liked it. It is not a must, it is not rude not to do it, it is not a percentage of the bill.

Also, we do not tip tour guide and or drivers.

I know this sounds rude if used to a different system but it isn’t: as well as helping keeping working wages at liveable amounts, avoiding large tips actually helps tackling one of Italy’s biggest problems: tax evasion.

A few euro as a thank you are a nice gesture: percentages of a bill that add up to hundreds of euro once multiplied by the number of tourists we receive, are a problem.

Beware of the cost of fish

Rome has some nice fish restaurants however, ordering fish can be tricky on a budget due to it pricing.

Often the menu give you a price per 100 grams but it is not always easy to know how much your portion will actually cost.

If going for a fish option, make sure you ask for the cost of the actual plate before committing. 

Ask for the price of daily specials

Rome restaurants usually have a printed menu and additional daily specials, with fresh ingredients that may have on a certain day.

These specials are often the best choice for quality; however, make sure you ask how much they cost as they are often listed verbally, so they come with no visible price.

Always ask the price of dishes before ordering, it not listed on the menu.

Swap dinner with aperitivo

Aperitivo in Italian means ‘pre dinner drinks with nibbles’ but nibbles come in several shapes and sizes: some places (often cafes) only give you a drink with crisps and peanuts but other offer a full buffet often delicious (and often for less than 10 – 15 euro per person).

In 2020, buffets have now be replaced by table service but the aperitivo idea and selection has stayed the same in most restaurants.

Embrace pizza al taglio and suppli

Italians do not eat on the go and I have a personal dislike for articles talking about Rome ‘street food’ as Rome does not really do ‘street food’!

You do not see Romans walking around town tucking into a bowl of pasta or even a sandwich (maybe pizza if you are a student): we usually sit for lunch or stay inside the food establishment until we have finished our meal.

However, what you do get in Rome and what many call ‘street food’ are places with cheap eats that are the equivalent of a take out joint.

These usually are called ‘rosticcerie’ or ‘pizzeria al taglio’ and they sell pizza, suppli and other Roman specialties that cost a few euro only and fill you up until dinner. 

Swap ‘gourmet sandwich shops’ for the deli counter

Social media has made gourmet sandwich shops a thing, but seriously, you do not to queue for hours or spend outrageous prices for bread and fillings!

If you want an amazing, fresh, truly Italian, social-media-nonsense-free sandwich, the place to do is the deli counter at the supermarket!

The humble supermarket is where we local buy our food and it is perfect: the deli counter has fresh bread, focaccia, pizza, cheese, cured meats, often delicious things such vegetables in oil (delicious!): it costs a fraction of a ‘grommet’ shop sandwich and you can make it just as you like it!

Walk everywhere

Taxis are very expensive in Rome but the good news is you don’t often need them. Most of Rome main sights are pretty close to each other as you can see in our guide to planning your Rome sightseeing .

Unless you need to cover long distances late at night, when buses have stopped running, you can usually walk in Rome or get anywhere by bus. 

A ticket for the bus only costs 1.50 euro and allows you to travel and all buses and trams for 75 minute. 

It is always a good idea to have comfortable shoes in Rome: find my recommended shoes for the Eternal City here

Consider carefully the Roma pass and other discount cards

Discount passes and cards can be a good way to save money in many tourist attractions in the city of Rome.

However, take some time to make a plan and check how much you would actually use them before buying.

To help you decide if they are a good investment for your trip and which one to choose, you can check our guide here .

Get the bus from the airport

If planning a visit to Rome on a budget, start on the right foot and get from the airport to your hotel using the bus.

A single ride costs as little as 6.50 euro and it will bring you to Termini train station, from where you can walk or get the bus to your hotels

I hope you found this guide to Rome on a budget handy. Safe Rome travels!

This article was originally written in 2019 and has now been fully updated (November 2023).

My name is Marta, I am a travel-loving mama born and bred in that messy, wonderful, infuriating, awe-inspiring unbelievably beautiful city that is Rome. A classics graduate and professional travel blogger, on this site I share my insider tips to help you plan your dream trip to Rome, Italy.

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Top Travel Books and Guides for Rome

Alexander Spatari/Getty Images 

Here are 10 recommended guidebooks for Rome , which is one of the most popular travel destinations in Italy. In Rome you will find ancient Roman sites , medieval and Renaissance buildings and fountains, great museums , and a modern Italian city. You'll find it all in these books.

Eating Rome: Living the Good Life in the Eternal City

Written by Elizabeth Minchilli, who has been eating in Rome since she was 12, this book includes not only restaurants but food markets, coffee bars, gelato shops , and anything related to food in Rome. Find the best places to eat, recommended by Elizabeth. It's also available for Kindle.

DK Eyewitness Travel Guide: Rome

Eyewitness Travel Guides have lots of photos, floor plans, and maps, as well as suggestions about what to see, where to go, and what to do in Rome .

National Geographic Traveler: Rome

The National Geographic Traveler's book includes photos and detailed maps, mapped walking tours, and visitor information.

The Rome Guide: Step by Step Through History's Greatest City

This well-written, in-depth book presents 10 different walks through the city with lots of detail about monuments and history. This is a great book for those who want something more than the usual guidebook.

Quiet Corners of Rome

"Quiet Corners of Rome" by David Downie explores 60 peaceful places of beauty in Rome, away from the noise and crowds of the city, each with beautiful photos. The book is small and easy to carry along on your visit to Rome. It's also a great gift book or book for the armchair traveler.

Rome the Second Time

"Rome the Second Time," part of the Curious Traveler Series, has 15 itineraries that don't go to the Colosseum. If you've been to Rome before and want to see something more than the usual tourist sites, this book has detailed suggestions. It's full of interesting tidbits so it's a good read even if you're not doing the walks. It's also available for Kindle.

Modern Rome: 4 Great Walks for the Curious Traveler

A follow up to "Rome the Second Time," Modern Rome outlines walks in three different 20th-century Roman neighborhoods and on the staircases of Trastevere. It's also interesting to read even if you're not going to do the walks. The book is available on Kindle, but it can be difficult to read the maps in the basic Kindle format, so if you really want to do the walks you may prefer the paperback version.

Lonely Planet Rome

Lonely Planet has more than 800 places to go in Rome and 30 maps. There are local tips from residents of Rome and information about history, art, and architecture, as well as where to eat and drink. It's also available on Kindle.

I Am John, I Am Paul: A Story of Two Soldiers in Ancient Rome

While this book is fiction, it's a good introduction to the rise of early Christianity and the lives of Saints John and Paul. Read the book before you visit the Case Romane archeological site, ancient Roman houses and early Christian site below the Church of Saints John and Paul in Rome. It's also available on Kindle.

Flavors of Rome: How, What and Where to Eat in the Eternal City

Flavors of Rome takes a look at the food of Rome and how it will be different from Italian food in the United States. There are good restaurant recommendations and a handy food glossary at the end. The book is small and lightweight so easy to carry on a trip to Rome.

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Are you wondering what is Rome like?

Let me start by saying that there is a reason that everyone has taking trips to Rome on their Italy bucket list. If you haven’t been there, you should know that the hype is well earned!  It does perfectly blend the old world with a sophisticated romantic charm wrapped up in good food. 

To help maximize the enjoyment though, you must prepare so that you don’t end up missing out on some of the hot spots, spending more money than necessary, or getting stuck in unsafe situations. Keep reading this post as a Rome tour guide to best plan your trip.  

Read next: 10 Places you Can’t Miss in Rome

Rome Travel Tips – Advice On Traveling to Rome

When is the best time to Visit Rome?

Realistically, any time of year can be the best time to go to Rome, if you don’t mind the crowds and the high prices during the summer months. If you want to go during a less crowded and cheaper season we went in November and it was perfect. 

When is the Worst Time to Visit Rome?

The worst time to visit Rome is in the summer. It can get super-hot in the summer, and a little cold for all the outdoor walking in the winter, but as long as you are packed appropriately there isn’t a time where I wouldn’t recommend it. The final decision should likely come down to other factors.

Summer will be is more crowded so keep that in mind when planning your trip. Hotels will also be more expen sive in the summer.

9 Bad Things about Rome

One of the best things about Rome is that most of what you want to see on your first trip there is concentrated in the city center; one of the worst things about Rome is that most everything you want to see on your first trip is concentrated in this city center. 

Though this really can help you see more of the top attractions in a short amount of time, it really does contribute to massive crowds at the big attractions. Rome welcomes about 9 million tourists a year, and if you show up at Trevi Fountain on a summer day it feels like you can meet all of them.

The crowds are one of the worst things about Italy.

What can you do about this?

First, just accept the fact that you aren’t going to get a picture of the Spanish Steps with them being empty, or if you do want to try plan on showing up at 3:00 am. Getting up super early helps, but the Colosseum hours and Vatican museum hours aren’t as early opening as you may like (they don’t open until 9:00 am). Although you will see other tourists year round, the fall and winter have much fewer than spring and summer.

Check out all the must do things in Rome.

Smokers Everywhere

Unfortunately like some other European cities the locals in Rome seem to not have gotten the memo (or don’t care) that smoking has devastating effects on your health. People choosing to smoke is fine, but a number of people (i.e. me) get sick when ingesting cigarette smoke.

Don’t be surprised when you routinely have second hand smoke blown on you. What can you do about this? First just be ready for it and keep some distance, but make sure that if you are a non-smoker you book a non-smoking hotel room.

No Uber in Rome Italy

Is Uber in Rome Italy? No, unfortunately there is no Uber Rome, Lyft Rome, Taxify Rome or other ridesharing aps allowed. Ridesharing aps are especially useful in a foreign country because you can type in your destination in your own language and then follow the navigation making sure you aren’t driven out of the way.  Also, depending on currency exchange it often ends up being extremely cheap. 

Not having Uber in Rome really is a big pain, but if you do need a taxi in Rome and hate having to wait to hail a taxi the old fashion way, make sure to download the My Taxi ap so you can request one and lock in your fare when you are ready to go.

Expect Lots of Traffic

Even if they did have Uber in Rome you might not want to use it that often since traffic can be brutal.  Like many mega cities you are probably better off using the numerous public transportation options. In the city center the traffic gets especially bad during rush hour, which to me feels like it is 24 hours a day.

Thankfully the public transportation options in Rome are amazing, just make sure that you do your research ahead of time on which options will work best for your hotel location. If you fly into the main Rome Airport there is a cheap train for Rome airport transfers leaving every 30 minutes to the city center (Leandro Express) and then once there unlimited subway passes can be purchased pretty cheap (about $7 per day). 

Crosswalks  

Do you plan on covering the hot spots on foot?  For many it is not a problem to walk from Vatican City to the Colosseum and then up to Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps and 700 other amazing spots between.  The longest walk between all of these is only about 45 minutes, but the most frustrating part of the walks is that for some reason Italian crosswalks are not always on the corners of the intersections. 

Crosswalks are often positioned in the middle of the roads rather than at the corners, with fences blocking jaywalkers from crossing at the corners.  I still don’t understand why this was done, but it is an easy enough fix to simply look for the crosswalks ahead of time rather than waiting for the corner.

  Grafitti

Unfortunately much of this beautiful city has been spoiled with graffiti. Even though most large cities end up with their fair share, I always imagined Rome to be the exception before I went.  You can see where city officials have cleaned up previous iterations of graffiti, but these enterprising artists seem to be ahead of the city officials.

No Photographs  

A number of places you would most want your own pictures of do not allow you to actually take pictures in them. For example, the Sistine Chapel and various other rooms in the Vatican Museums tour don’t let you take pictures inside.

I get why many of the places don’t allow pictures since they are houses of worship, or they need to keep crowds moving, but it can be incredibly disappointing to not be able to take pictures if you planned on setting up a tripod.  You will see rule breakers taking pictures in many of the banned areas, but as a compulsive rule follower, I can’t bring myself to sneak the pictures in.

International Driver’s License Italy Required  

I love renting a car and being to explore more of a city and the surrounding countryside on my own.  Lots of time I don’t need to rent a car for the entire trip, but having my own wheels allows me to explore places where others generally don’t go.  Most countries allow you to rent a car by showing your home license, but renting a car in Italy requires getting over an additional hurdle and getting an international driving permit. 

An Italian international driver’s license is basically just an official translation of your driver’s license from home, but the process involves an application, waiting period, and of course a fee.  As an American the cheapest and easiest way to get one is typically through AAA; it costs about $30.  

The good news is that if you do get an international driving permit the rental cars are generally pretty cheap.  I would only do this if you are exploring things that are not in the city center as parking there is an absolute nightmare.  If you don’t have an international driving permit there are supposedly companies that will still rent to you and you just risk a large ticket if you get pulled over, but once again as a compulsive rule follower this wasn’t an option for me.

As soon as you get off the plane in Rome and any time you are in the city center you will be greeted by smooth talking hustlers trying to sell you everything from Sistine Chapel tickets, shuttle bus rides, Colosseum tickets and Colosseum tours to random trinkets. 

I’m sure some of them are selling legitimate products, but most are selling the normal products at inflated prices.  For example, at the airport there are many shuttle bus drivers that offer to drive you to the city center telling you that it will save you time and money. 

The prepared tourist knows to be dubious of these claims as the traffic to the city center can be unreal, and the trains to the city center are incredibly fast and cheap. Even if you say no to a shuttle, they will offer to sell you train tickets at an increased cost.  The kiosks are going to have the cheapest prices.  

At attractions like the Colosseum and Vatican Museums the hustlers will offer skip the line tours, but not all of them will actually save you any time or money.  I highly recommend finding a reputable dealer online, or going with the attraction’s actual site to purchase.

Expensive Hotels

Another downfall of all the main attractions being clustered in the city center is that the surrounding hotels tend to be quite expensive. With the area being so popular, there is intense competition for some really subpar accommodations.

The city requires a mandatory per guest tax be paid in cash on top of your reservation price.  It can be a nightmare trying to track down cash after a long day of flying, or when you are rushing to check out. 

Even though Uber in Rome isn’t available, Airbnb is and you can find a lot of cool much more affordable places to stay.

Where to Stay in Rome for cheap

Hotel Foro Romano  (Overall favorite) – The reason you book  this hotel  is because of its location.  It is right next to the Roman Forum and Coliseum, easy walking distance. This is the area you want to stay in. 

Why I recommend this hotel:  It’s super affordable and the Colosseum isn’t the only thing it is close to. It is also close to the end of the leonardo express, the train that goes to the tourist hot spots from the airport. You can expect a short walk from the end of the train to the hotel, but not bad, we did it with all our luggage at night, but then we were in the best place to stay.

Hotel Foro Romano is right in the middle of all the action, all the amazing Italian restaurants, and subway access to everything else. Actual hotel was old (it’s Rome) but not dirty and was suitable for what we needed. Want to be in the area on the cheap, then book this hotel, was so nice to be able to jump out the door and be at the colosseum.  Check current prices here.

Have you previously been to Rome? Anything else you would add to help prepare future visitors?

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The Roma Pass is a multi-day card for tourists issued by the city of Rome that grants free access to public transport and free skip-the-line access to two Rome attractions , as well as substantial discounts off subsequent ones.

It also gives you free entry to Rome’s P.Stop public bathrooms .

• Buy a 48-hour RomaPass for €35

Since Vatican City is a separate county to Italy, cards created by the city of Rome do not apply there. You can’t use your Roma Pass to make savings at the Vatican Museums or St Peter’s Basilica. However there are other cards that do cover the Vatican.

Buy a Vatican City Pass >

Yes indeed: the Omnia Card has all the benefits of the Roma Pass, but also gives free entrance to the Vatican , skip-the-lines at St Peter’s Basilica, and a free hop-on-hop-off bus tour. Naturally at  it’s a little more expensive than the Roma Pass.

Unfortunately the Omnia Card is currently unavailable due to the pandemic. However an alternative is available:

No, the Roma Pass does not allow travel to or from the airports. For airport travel you must buy separate tickets.

The Roma Pass is a card is a time-limited pass that gives you free public transport and free entrance to two of Rome’s attractions (and discounts off other attractions) for the card’s duration. However entrance to the Vatican Museums is not included in the RomaPass because the Vatican is a separate country . The Omnia Card is almost exactly the same thing, but it also includes free entrance to the Vatican Museums and a hop-on-hop-off bus ticket too.

• Buy an Omnia Card

Unfortunately the Omnia Card is currently unavailable due to the pandemic. 

You can order your Roma Pass online before you start your vacation.

Alternatively you can buy a Roma Pass in person from the ticket offices of major train/Metro stations, some tourist attractions, and the many PIT (Punti Informativi Turistici – Tourist Information Points) throughout the city. Sales points are listed below:

Stations (open 7am – 8pm every day, and from 8am on Sundays):

• Conca d’Oro
• Ponte Mammolo
• PIT Auditorium, c/o Auditorium della Conciliazione – Via della Conciliazione 4. 9.30am – 7.15pm.
• PIT Ciampino, Aeroporto G.B.Pastine – International Arrivals, luggage claim area. 9.00am – 6.30pm.
• PIT Cinque Lune, Piazza delle Cinque Lune (Piazza Navona). 9.30am – 7.15pm.
• PIT Fiumicino, Aeroporto Leonardo Da Vinci- International Arrivals area (Terminal 3). 8.00am – 7.30 pm.
• PIT Minghetti, Via Marco Minghetti (corner to Via del Corso). 9.30am – 7.15pm.
• PIT Nazionale, Via Nazionale (Palazzo delle Esposizioni). 9.30am – 7.15pm.
• PIT Termini, Stazione Termini – Via Giovanni Giolitti, 34. 8.00am – 7.45 pm.
• PIT Fori, Visitor Center – Via dei Fori Imperiali. 9.30am – 7.15pm.

Attractions:

• Complesso del Vittoriano (Altare della Patria) – Via di San Pietro in Carcere.
• Scuderie del Quirinale, Via XXIV Maggio, 16.
• Palazzo delle Esposizioni, Via Nazionale 194.

The two-day RomaPass costs €35

The three-day RomaPass custs €52

In the city of Rome the Roma Pass gives you unlimited use of the Metro, buses and trams. You can also use some commuter train lines out of the city: Roma-Lido (which goes to the seaside), Roma-Viterbo and Roma-Giardinetti. See the map here for ticket eligibility .

The Roma Pass does not allow you to travel to either of Rome’s airports . You need to buy separate tickets for them.

If you visit two historical sites and use public transport daily, the Roma Pass will save you a few euro – but the convenience of skipping the lines, not having to buy individual museum tickets, and not having to worry about transport tickets is an intangible benefit worth more than money. You also get a free handy map when you pick the card up.

The card also gives discounts at some stores and events. Check the official Roma Pass events page to find out more.

There are two types of Roma Pass: 72 and 48 hours.

Both cards are valid from the first time of use (either at an attraction or in the public transportation system) until either 48 or 72 hours after that time.

E.g. if you activate a 48-hour card at 5pm on Monday, it will expire at 5pm on Wednesday.

In theory you could, but in our experience you can’t: most guided tour operators buy entrance tickets for their guests in advance, and it is too complex to calculate who does or doesn’t have a Roma Pass when they are planning the visit. 

The Roma Pass gives you free entrance (and skip the lines where available) to the first two participating museums/historical sites you visit, and a discount off tickets for subsequent visits.

For a new visitor to Rome, the most important of these sites is the Colosseum and Forum (which are accessed with a single ticket). Other famous places are Castel Sant’Angelo , the Capitoline Museums , the National Museum , the Baths of Caracalla , and the Catacombs of Santa Cecilia . To see the incredibly comprehensive list see the official Roma Pass site . (Rome Vacation Tips recommends the Ara Pacis , which is the almost perfectly preserved marble mausoleum of Augustus in a stunning modern building on the banks of the Tiber.)

Important note: even with a Roma Pass there are some museums, particularly the Villa Borghese Gallery and the Domus Romane , that are so popular that you need an appointment to visit. You will need to call and book ahead – sometimes several weeks in advance, so use the link above to find the contact details for each site, and call before your trip.

Now make sure you don’t miss out: plan your visit in advance:

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Tickets in advance!

Because of ticket supply problems following the end of Covid restrictions, it is strongly advised that you  buy tickets and tours in advance to visit attractions in Rome.

Buy your tickets now to avoid disappointment.