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Venice food tours, st. mark’s basilica, murano & burano, gondola tours, doge’s palace, st. peter’s basilica, st. peter's dome, sistine chapel, private tours, the grand canyon, pompeii from rome, cooking classes, raphael rooms, paris food tours, eiffel tower, statue of liberty, nyc food tours, metropolitan museum (met), central park, last supper, lake como from milan, windsor castle, westminster abbey, tower of london, harry potter, changing of the guard, vegas shows, uffizi gallery, tuscan wine tours, statue of david, florence food tours, florence duomo, accademia gallery, colosseum underground, sagrada familia, montserrat from barcelona, casa batllo, barcelona food tours, barcelona boat tours, athens food tours, rijksmuseum tours, amsterdam food tours, amalfi coast, water & boat tours, sorrento boat tours, capri boat tours, the best rome tours, book colosseum, vatican, food tours, cooking classes, day trips, and unforgettable experiences in rome.

Italy’s Eternal City, Rome was once the center of an empire that stretched over three continents and shaped much of the civilization we live in today. Founded by Romulus in 753 BC, parts of the old city remain remarkably intact, from the impressive Pantheon to the Roman Forum—the heart of ancient Rome. Within Rome is the world’s smallest country and a symbol of Christianity’s role in the city’s history. The Vatican City is home to the Pope and the center of the Catholic Church, where mammoth St. Peter’s Basilica stands alongside the most famous Renaissance-era artwork in the world, including Michelangelo’s incredible Sistine Chapel. As one of Rome’s top-rated tour companies, we make planning your city break a breeze. Explore eerie underground catacombs, make authentic Roman pasta, walk in the footsteps of gladiators on the Colosseum floor, or save time by seeing all the iconic sites of Rome in a day. Just find your perfect Rome tour or day trip to Pompeii, and let our world-class local guides do the rest!

Looking for the best tours and local guides in Rome? You’ve found them! We’ve spent years exploring Rome and making friends in all the right places, meaning we can offer skip-the-line entry, special access experiences, and only the most charismatic, knowledgeable, and passionate guides in the city. Head underground in the mighty Colosseum, explore the magical Vatican at night, or taste authentic Roman cuisine in the trendy Trastevere neighborhood. Rome is yours for the taking! Italy’s Eternal City, Rome was once the center of an empire that stretched over three continents and shaped much of the civilization we live in today. Founded by Romulus in 753 BC, parts of the old city remain remarkably intact, from the impressive Pantheon to the Roman Forum—the heart of ancient Rome. Within Rome is the world’s smallest country and a symbol of Christianity’s role in the city’s history. The Vatican City is home to the Pope and the center of the Catholic Church, where mammoth St. Peter’s Basilica stands alongside the most famous Renaissance-era artwork in the world, including Michelangelo’s incredible Sistine Chapel. As one of Rome’s top-rated tour companies, we make planning your city break a breeze. Explore eerie underground catacombs, make authentic Roman pasta, walk in the footsteps of gladiators on the Colosseum floor, or save time by seeing all the iconic sites of Rome in a day. Just find your perfect Rome tour or day trip to Pompeii, and let our world-class local guides do the rest!

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Skip the Line

Privileged Entrance Vatican Tour with Sistine Chapel

Skip the line and gain direct access to the Raphael Rooms, Creation of Man, and St. Peter's Basilica

( 1342 ) From: $95.43

Exclusive Access

Special Access Colosseum Arena Floor Tour through the Gladiator's Gate

Walk in the footsteps of gladiators on the Colosseum floor and see the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill

( 1815 ) From: $83.57

Rome in a Day Tour with Colosseum and Vatican Museums

Explore the Sistine Chapel, St. Peter's Basilica, Roman Forum, Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, and more!

( 1548 ) as low as $157.95

Semi-Private Vatican Tour with Sistine Chapel

Enjoy a premium and exclusive tour of the Raphael Rooms, St.Peter's Basilica, and more!

( 1124 ) From: $134.98

Vatican at Closing Time with Sistine Chapel

Book a unique experience that visits the Vatican in the early evening with fewer crowds

( 174 ) From: $110.74

Privileged Entrance Colosseum Tour with Roman Forum & Palatine Hill

Skip the line at the Colosseum, plus Arch of Titus, Temple of Julius Caesar, and more!

( 533 ) From: $64.41

Rome Catacombs Tour and Capuchin Crypts with Transportation

Skip the line and explore a creepy underground world of Roman tombs and crypts with an expert guide

( 343 ) From: $79.05

St. Peter's Dome Climb and Sistine Chapel Combo Tour

Save money while seeing Rome from above, the Papal Crypts below, and the Vatican museums nearby

( 455 ) From: $134.98

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THE 10 BEST Rome Tours & Excursions

• Historical & Heritage Tours
• Walking Tours
• Cultural Tours
• Skip-the-Line Tours
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Likely to Sell Out
• Special Offers
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Colosseum with Arena Area and Ancient Rome Tour

2. Skip-the-Line Group Tour of the Vatican, Sistine Chapel & St. Peter's Basilica

3. Skip-the-Line Vatican, Sistine Chapel & St. Peter's | Small Group

4. Colosseum Arena Floor, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill Guided Tour

5. Colosseum Arena Floor & Ancient Rome | Semi Private Max 6 People

6. Rome Twilight Trastevere Food Tour

7. Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel & St Peter’s Basilica Guided Tour

8. Colosseum & Ancient Rome Tour with Roman Forum & Palatine Hill

9. Skip the Line: Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel with St. Peter's Basilica Access

10. Castel Sant'Angelo Full Experience

11. Rome: Skip the Line Vatican, Sistine Chapel, St Peter 6 PAX Group

12. Pompeii, Amalfi Coast and Positano Day Trip from Rome

13. Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel Skip the Line & Basilica Tour

14. Rome: Guided Group Tour of Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill

15. 3 in 1 Cooking Class near Navona: Fettuccine, Ravioli & Tiramisu

16. Rome: Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill Guided Tour

17. See 30+ Rome Sights – Castel Sant’Angelo Skip-the-Line Entry

18. The Roman Food Tour in Trastevere with Free-Flowing Fine Wine

19. Rome: Early Morning Vatican Small Group Tour of 6 PAX or Private

20. Colosseum by night with Underground Access, Arena Floor (Skip the Line)

21. Expert Guided Tour of Colosseum Underground OR Arena and Forum

22. Tuscany Guided Day Trip from Rome with Lunch & Wine Tasting

23. Rome: Borghese Gallery Small Group Tour & Skip-the-Line Admission

24. VIP, Small-Group Colosseum and Ancient City Tour

25. Skip the Line Vatican, Sistine Chapel, Basilica & Papal Tomb Tour

26. Skip the Line: Vatican Museum, Sistine Chapel & Raphael Rooms + Basilica Access

27. Rome in a Day Small Group Tour with Vatican and Colosseum

28. The Original Roman Crypts and Catacombs Tour with Transfers

29. Rome to Pompeii Guided Tour with Wine & Lunch by High Speed Train

30. Colosseum, Palatine Hill and Roman Forum Guided Tour

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Our Tours in Rome

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Farmers’ Market Shopping with Roman Full Course Class | Shared

Early Morning Vatican Tour | Small Group

Colosseum & Ancient Rome Tour with Gladiator’s Gate | Small Group

Trastevere Food Tour | Small Group

Evening Golf Cart tour of Rome with Pizza & Gelato Dinner | Semi-Private

VIP Colosseum Underground Tour and Ancient Rome | Private

Day Trip to the Pope’s Summer Residence at Castel Gandolfo with Cooking Experience | Private

Vatican Tour by Night | Private

Treasure Hunt at the Vatican for Kids Tour | Private

Vatican Tour for Kids and Castel Sant’Angelo | Private

Triple the Rome Shore Excursion: Sistine Chapel, Colosseum & Italian Cooking Class | Private

Colosseum & Ancient Rome Tour | Private

VIP Colosseum Underground Tour with Ancient Rome | Small Group

Express Arena Floor Colosseum Tour | Private

True Roman Experience: Colosseum & Private Cooking Class | Private

Hands-on Pasta Making & Tiramisù Class | Private

Pizza Making and Gelato Class | Private

Gelato & Italian Biscotti Masterclass | Private

Triple the roman experience: sistine chapel, colosseum & italian cooking class | private.

Rome Tour for Kids on 4 Wheels | Private

Raiders of Rome: A Treasure Hunt in the Eternal City | Private

Gladiator School | Private

Mosaic and Art Class for Kids | Private

Florence with Accademia or Uffizi Gallery from Rome | Private

Siena and San Gimignano Tour | Private

Tuscany Wine And Cheese Tour In Pienza & Montepulciano

Tuscany Wine & Country Tour in Chianti | Private

Pisa and Lucca Tour from Florence | Private

Orientation Tour of Florence with Uffizi Gallery | Private

Venice Highlights | Private

Learn to Row Like a Gondolier | Kids and Families

Venice Grand Canal Boat Tour | Private

Hidden Venice and Authentic Cicheti Tasting | Private

Authentic Gondola Ride | Private

One Day Tour in Venice | Private

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Skip the line with our officially licensed Vatican tour guides and gain priority entry to the Holy See.

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Experience authentic Italian flavors on our food-and-wine tours and indulge yourself in real Italian style.

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Cycling Chianti: Bike Tour Through Tuscany | Private

Florence Artisan Tour | Private

Florence Food Tour | Private

A Voyage of Venice’s Lagoon | Private

Hidden Venice | Private

Amalfi Coast Gastronomic Tour from Sorrento | Private

Amalfi Coast Tour | Private

Authentic Naples Walking Tour | Private

Architecture of the Colosseum

Regardless of the devastation caused by two earthquakes,  the Colosseum remains to stand as a timeless icon of Roman architecture. It is a must-see attraction for anyone who visits the Eternal City, as it brings the most commonly used visual

The best 6 Vatican City tours

As you pass the tall, looming walls in Rome that hold the Vatican City on the other side, you can practically feel the effects of stepping into another city. The buildings and monuments shine with a pearly sheen, glittering under

How to book Colosseum tickets

What stands out as the visual symbol of Rome for you? More often than not, the answer is the Colosseum. With its stunning arches curving around to create its stupendous elliptical shape, the Colosseum is a major tourist attraction.  It

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Saint Peter’s Basilica

Villa d’Este

Uffizi Galleries

Family owned, personalized tours.

Walks Inside Rome proudly provides a variety of exciting, engaging, and educational tours.

For more than 20 years , we have been offering both first-time visitors and seasoned explorers unforgettable experiences. Providing everything from full-day city tours to small-group and family-friendly itineraries and helping you unlock Italy’s rich history and culture with our expert , licensed , and native  guides .

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We specialize in private and small group tours of no more than 8 participants , giving you a much more personalized experience at just the right pace. And with priority entrance to Rome’s most famous destinations—including the majestic Colosseum and resplendent Vatican City —⁠you’ll have more time to nourish yourself with knowledge and lose yourself in wonder.

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Walks Inside Rome is proud to provide a variety of exciting, engaging, and educaional tours.

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

Best Time to Visit

Best things to do, attractions, must-see attractions.

Vatican Museums

Vatican City, Borgo & Prati

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

St Peter's Basilica

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

Roman Forum

Ancient Rome

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

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

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

Capitoline Museums

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

Centro Storico

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

Piazza Navona

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

Top picks from our travel experts

10 top things to do in rome in 2024.

Museo e Galleria Borghese

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

Circo Massimo

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

Villa Borghese

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

Domus Aurea

Monti, Esquilino & San Lorenzo

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

Trevi Fountain

Tridente, Trevi & the Quirinale

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

Via Appia Antica

Southern Rome

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

Palazzo Colonna

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

24 free things to do in Rome

Jewish Ghetto

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

Piazza del Campidoglio

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

Tempietto di Bramante & Chiesa di San Pietro in Montorio

Trastevere & Gianicolo

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

Chiesa di San Luigi dei Francesi

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

Pincio Hill Gardens

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

Chiesa di Santa Maria della Vittoria

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

Arco degli Acetari

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

Giardino del Lago

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

Cimitero Acattolico per gli Stranieri

San Giovanni & Testaccio

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

Campo de' Fiori

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

Via Margutta

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

Quartiere Coppedè

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

Basilica di San Pietro in Vincoli

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

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

Piazza di Spagna & the Spanish Steps

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

Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi

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

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

Villa del Priorato di Malta

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

Chiesa della Trinità dei Monti

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

Imperial Forums

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

Planning Tools

Expert guidance to help you plan your trip.

Things to Know

Rome is a sensory overload in the best way but that can also make it overwhelming for first-time visitors. Here's what you need to know before you go.

Best Neighborhoods

A trip to Rome is as much about lapping up the dolce vita lifestyle as gorging on art and culture. Here's a look at the city's top neighborhoods.

From Rome's surrounding Lazio region to Florence, Naples and Pompeii, amazing sights are all within day-trip range of Italy’s capital.

Money and Costs

There’s no need for the Eternal City to leave you eternally broke. The city offers myriad ways to visit in style while saving money.

Transportation

Find your way around in Rome with this guide to transportation and tickets.

Free Things to Do

Visiting Rome on a budget? These are the best free experiences in Italy's capital city.

Traveling with Kids

From the Colosseum to the catacombs, and sprawling parks to virtual time travel, Rome promises a memorable trip for the whole family.

Discover architectural jewelry, local design, vintage finds, and tiny treasures in Rome's independent shops and markets.

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Latest stories from Rome

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Rome and beyond

Top Tours in Rome, Italy

• Historical & Heritage Tours
• Walking Tours
• Cultural Tours
• Skip-the-Line Tours
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Likely to Sell Out
• Special Offers
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Colosseum with Arena Area and Ancient Rome Tour

2. Skip-the-Line Group Tour of the Vatican, Sistine Chapel & St. Peter's Basilica

3. Skip-the-Line Vatican, Sistine Chapel & St. Peter's | Small Group

4. Colosseum Arena Floor, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill Guided Tour

5. Colosseum Arena Floor & Ancient Rome | Semi Private Max 6 People

6. Rome Twilight Trastevere Food Tour

7. Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel & St Peter’s Basilica Guided Tour

8. Colosseum & Ancient Rome Tour with Roman Forum & Palatine Hill

9. Skip the Line: Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel with St. Peter's Basilica Access

10. Rome: Skip the Line Vatican, Sistine Chapel, St Peter 6 PAX Group

11. Piazza del Popolo and Historical Sights Walking Tour in Rome

12. Pompeii, Amalfi Coast and Positano Day Trip from Rome

13. Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel Skip the Line & Basilica Tour

14. Rome: Guided Group Tour of Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill

15. 3 in 1 Cooking Class near Navona: Fettuccine, Ravioli & Tiramisu

16. Rome: Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill Guided Tour

17. The Roman Food Tour in Trastevere with Free-Flowing Fine Wine

18. Rome: Early Morning Vatican Small Group Tour of 6 PAX or Private

19. Colosseum by night with Underground Access, Arena Floor (Skip the Line)

20. Expert Guided Tour of Colosseum Underground OR Arena and Forum

21. Tuscany Guided Day Trip from Rome with Lunch & Wine Tasting

22. Rome: Borghese Gallery Small Group Tour & Skip-the-Line Admission

23. VIP, Small-Group Colosseum and Ancient City Tour

24. Day Trip to Abruzzo from Rome

25. Skip the Line Vatican, Sistine Chapel, Basilica & Papal Tomb Tour

26. Skip the Line: Vatican Museum, Sistine Chapel & Raphael Rooms + Basilica Access

27. Rome in a Day Small Group Tour with Vatican and Colosseum

28. The Original Roman Crypts and Catacombs Tour with Transfers

29. Rome to Pompeii Guided Tour with Wine & Lunch by High Speed Train

30. Colosseum, Palatine Hill and Roman Forum Guided Tour

What travellers are saying.

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19 best rome tours of 2024: food, the vatican & more.

These top-rated Rome tours are led by experts who bring the city's history to life.

The Best Rome Tours

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Considered one of the world's best places to visit , Rome offers countless things to do and an endless selection of delicious cuisine. But given the overwhelming crowds and restricted access to ancient sites, it can be difficult to fully enjoy all that Italy's capital has to offer on your own. That's where a guided tour can help.

Based on recent traveler reviews and expert opinion, we've selected the best tours in Rome. Whether you're gliding past the Colosseum on a Segway or savoring Italian wine in the countryside, you'll benefit from fun and informative guides leading the way.

Editor’s Pick: What a Life Tours – Skip-the-line Vatican Small Group Tour

Price: Adults from 99 euros (about $108); kids from 94 euros (around $102) Duration: 3 hours

U.S. News independently paid to send Laura Itzkowitz , a freelance journalist based in Rome, on this tour to provide readers with an unbiased, first-hand perspective of what to expect. What a Life Tours – Skip-the-line Vatican Small Group Tour was selected by our team as an Editor’s Pick thanks to its popularity and favorable user reviews.

One of the largest – and most crowded – landmarks in the world, the Vatican Museums actually comprises 26 museums, plus various chapels and galleries, so while it’s a must-see attraction, it can be an overwhelming place to visit. The engaging guide leading this skip-the-line tour brought us straight to the highlights, starting with the Pinecone Courtyard and ending in St. Peter’s Basilica , where she showed us Michelangelo’s Pietà and explained why it’s the only work the artist actually signed.

Along the tour, you’ll see masterpieces from the Vatican Museums’ collection, including the ancient statue of Laocoön and his sons; the Belvedere Torso, which inspired Michelangelo; Greek Cross Hall; and the Round Hall, which contains a monumental bronze statue of Hercules. Other highlights include the Gallery of Candelabra; the Gallery of Tapestries; the Gallery of Maps, where the guide pointed out some fun facts about Italy in the 1600s; and the Sistine Chapel. Talking isn’t allowed in the Sistine Chapel, so the guide explained Michelangelo’s frescoes at the beginning of the tour. Our guide shared a deep knowledge of the artworks, and delivered her commentary with a sense of humor. However, the guide didn’t bring us to the Raphael Rooms; if this is a priority for you, you may want to book a different tour.

Tours generally operate Monday through Saturday; the first tour begins at 9:30 a.m. In addition to its variety of Vatican tours, the company also offers tours of the Colosseum and daylong tours of Rome.

Laura Itzkowitz

Why we love it:

• Groups are capped at 12 or fewer participants. 
• After the tour, stroll down Via della Conciliazione to capture perfectly framed photos of St. Peter’s Basilica.
• For a nice lunch nearby, book a table at Ristorante Arlù, a family-run eatery that’s been open since 1959. If the weather is nice, ask for a table outside on the charming cobblestone street.
• Prati, the neighborhood surrounding the Vatican, is popular for shopping, especially along Via Cola di Rienzo. Stop by il Sellaio di Serafini for a handmade leather bag, or Castroni for espresso and other gourmet foods to bring home.

Check prices & availability on:

Fat Tire Tours Rome – Rome Day Segway Tour

Price: From 73 euros (around $79) Duration: 3 hours

Hop on a Segway to see the Eternal City's many sights. After receiving your helmet and tuning in to a quick training session, you'll receive a headset to follow the lively commentary from the experienced Fat Tire Tours guide. Along the three-hour ride, you'll glide past sights like Trajan's Forum, Capitoline Hill and more. Plus, you'll don a virtual reality headset during your stop outside the Colosseum that reconstructs the famous arena's past grandeur. Travelers appreciate that Segways make getting around and seeing Rome's sights easier and more fun, especially for families with older teens. Reviewers also appreciate the engaging local guides.

Tours run daily at 9:30 a.m. Participants must be at least 16 years old and weigh between 100 and 260 pounds. Pregnant women are not permitted on this tour. The company also leads a night tour, which visits the city's illuminated monuments after sundown, among other outings.

LivItaly Tours – Colosseum Underground Tour with Arena, Palatine Hill & Roman Forum

Price: Adults from 159 euros (around $173); kids from 144 euros (around $156) Duration: 3 hours

Enjoy swift entry to the Colosseum underground and see the arena floor, Palatine Hill and the Roman Forum on this small-group tour. LivItaly leads up to six travelers to the restricted lower level of the Colosseum, where dungeons once confined gladiators and their opponents. In three hours, learn about ancient Rome's social order on Palatine Hill and everyday life at the forum. Travelers, especially those with children, agree that having a passionate guide with a deep knowledge of Roman history enriched the experience. Reviewers also appreciate the small size of the tour group.

Tours depart daily at multiple times beginning at 12:15 p.m. Book the company's 90-minute Express Colosseum Underground & Arena Tour if you're short on time.

The Best Rome Colosseum Tours

Laura Itzkowitz April 17, 2024

TopBike Rental and Tours – Ancient Appian Way, Catacombs and Aqueducts Park

Price: From 65 euros (about $71) to 89 euros (about $97) Duration: 4 or 6 hours

Travelers have been using the Ancient Appian Way for 2,300 years and you'll traverse it with a friendly, knowledgeable local on this electric bike excursion. Along the ride, you'll pass archeological sites, Christian catacombs and picturesque Roman aqueducts framing the unspoiled countryside. The tour covers roughly 17 miles, 60% of which requires off-road cycling, so TopBike recommends this tour for intermediate riders. Some tourgoers say you might not even break a sweat though, thanks to the ease of the electric bikes.

Tourgoers can opt for the Short Tour (four hours) or the Plus Tour (six hours), the latter of which follows the same path as the shorter excursion and also includes a guided tour of the Catacombs of St. Callixtus (or Saint Sebastian) and a stop at the Baths of Caracalla. Exact tour departure times vary by season, but you can expect to start around 9 a.m. TopBike also leads cycling tours within the city center.

Gourmetaly – Campo de' Fiori, Jewish Ghetto and Trastevere Rome Food Tour

Price: Adults from 93 euros (around $101); kids from 65 euros (around $71) Duration: 3.5 hours

Tantalize your taste buds on this Rome food tour, which covers three distinct neighborhoods known for their cuisine. As your local guide leads you through the Jewish ghetto, Campo de' Fiori and Trastevere, you'll stop by top-rated food markets, grocery stores, coffee shops, gelaterias and restaurants. Among the food samples included in the tour are fried artichokes, pizza, mozzarella, fresh pasta and gelato. Tours are capped at 12 participants. Reviewers call this a delightful experience thanks to the informative guides who offer an interesting lesson on Roman history, food and culture. They also recommend taking this tour on your first day in Rome to make the most of the guides' recommendations.

Tours are offered several times each day in the morning and afternoon. Note that the afternoon tour does not visit the Campo de' Fiori market (a highlight for many recent tourgoers). In addition to food tours, Gourmetaly also hosts cooking classes.

Eyes of Rome – Colosseum and Roman Forum Tour

Price: Adults from 453 euros (around $491); kids from 35 euros (around $38) Duration: 3 hours

With your private guide leading the way, you'll visit the Colosseum, explore the ancient city along paths that served the Roman Senate and learn the legends of the House of the Vestal Virgins. Tourgoers value the attentive guides who share history and lore in an entertaining way. They also say the tour is well-paced.

Tickets cover pick up at centrally located hotels and skip-the-line admission. Note that prices can vary significantly depending on the number of people in your party. A couple can expect to pay roughly $500 for tickets. Eyes of Rome also conducts private walking tours of the Vatican.

Private Tours of Rome – Vatican & Sistine Chapel Private Tour

Price: From $364 Duration: 3 hours

One of the best tours of the Vatican , this intimate excursion includes skip-the-line access to the complex and a guide who shares the Vatican Museums' top attractions in just three hours. See the artistic highlights in the   Gallery of Ancient Roman Sculptures, the Gallery of Tapestries and famous Raphael paintings. You'll then experience Michelangelo's masterpieces in the Sistine Chapel. Your guide will ensure you see the Pietà   in St. Peter's Basilica, the Apostolic Palace and the famous balcony where the pope delivers his blessings. Travelers praise the excellent guides who tailor the tour to groups' interests and keep children engaged.

Tours operate Monday through Saturday in the morning and afternoon. Ticket prices vary depending on your itinerary and group size. The company suggests you book at least one month in advance to ensure a specialist authorized by the Vatican is available. Private Tours of Rome also offers tours of the Colosseum and the Borghese Gallery, among others.

Courtesy of Roman Food Tours

The Roman Food Tour – Prati By Sunset

Price: Adults from 99 euro (about $107); kids from 90 euros (about $98) Duration: 4 hours

Devoted foodies skip lunch for the more than 20 food and wine pairings on this four-hour evening tour of some of Rome's top eateries. Throughout the tour, you'll feast on gourmet delights, such as homemade pasta, pizza, fresh cheeses and gelato. More importantly, you'll learn tips to enhance your knowledge and pleasure in Italian cuisine. Travelers praise the expertise of the fun guides who explain each dish's origin and quality with gusto.

Tours, which are offered daily multiple times starting at 3:30 p.m. The Roman Food Tour also offers day tours and cooking classes.

Rex-Tours – Rome City Segway Tour

Price: From 79 euros (about $86) Duration: 3 hours

Roll in comfort past many of ancient Rome's major sights on this three-hour Segway tour. Rex-Tours' expert guides lead up to eight travelers for an effortless overview of must-see landmarks, such as Capitoline Hill and the Colosseum. Reviewers applaud the knowledgeable guides who offer a wealth of information without overwhelming travelers. What's more, guides provide restaurant recommendations and tips for making the most of your visit to Rome, according to tourgoers.

The Rome City Segway Tour departs twice daily at 9:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. Travelers also recommend enjoying the company's evening Segway tour if you're visiting during the summer and need a break from the peak daytime heat.

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Eating Europe – Twilight Trastevere Rome Food Tour

Price: Adults from 114 euros (about $123); kids from 81 euros (about $88) Duration: 4 hours

Travelers suggest you skip lunch before this evening walking tour of Trastevere, so that you can savor the street food and sweet treats served at each stop. As you meander through the neighborhood (often compared to New York City's Greenwich Village), you'll enjoy mouthwatering bites of everything from classic supplì , or fried risotto balls stuffed with mozzarella, to porchetta, homemade pasta and gelato. Foodie guides share each chef's story and culinary traditions, along with tips on how to find and make the best Roman cuisine on your own. Reviewers praise the guides for their insider knowledge and gush about the quality of the food and wine featured on the tour.

Tours run daily at multiple times and there is a maximum of 12 people per tour. Eating Europe also operates a tour that explores Testaccio, considered Rome's "original foodie neighborhood."

Rolling Rome – Rome Squares & Fountains Golf Cart Tour

Price: From 100 euros (about $108) Duration: 3 hours

Avoid Rome's congested traffic and keep the family entertained on this three-hour, private golf cart tour of the city. Whizz past major sights in the historical center and piazzas Venezia, Navona and del Popolo, plus the Spanish Steps, the Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon and more. Since the tour is customizable, you can also ask the guide to take you to lesser-known spots in the city – a highlight for reviewers. Along with the knowledgeable and enthusiastic guides, reviewers appreciate the golf cart's ability to avoid traffic using Rome's narrow back lanes.

Tours, which can accommodate up to seven participants, depart daily at 9:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. One week's advance reservation is recommended. Rolling Rome also offers daylong golf cart tours, as well as a variety of Segway and electric bike tours.

Food Tours of Rome – Jewish Ghetto and Campo de' Fiori by Night Food Tour

Price: Adults from 89 euros (about $96); kids from 75 euros (about $81) Duration: 4 hours

Combine sightseeing with snacking and drinking on this evening tour of the Jewish ghetto and the Campo Marzio area. Fun, knowledgeable guides make seven stops for food and wine between explaining major historic attractions like Piazza Navona and Campo de' Fiori. Stop in delis, family-run shops and restaurants to sample gourmet cheeses and hams, pasta, espresso, and gelato. First-time visitors especially appreciate this informative introduction to the city and the family-run vendors featured on the tour.

Tours depart nightly at 6 p.m. Food Tours of Rome can accommodate some special diets with advance notice. The company also offers a dessert and sightseeing tour of Rome, among various other options.

Rome's Ultimate Free Walking Tour

Price: Free Duration: 2.5 to 3 hours

According to reviewers, this free walking tour is a great way to start your visit in Rome. During the nearly three-hour stroll, you'll visit several photo-worthy piazzas, the Pantheon, Ponte Sant'Angelo and Castel Sant'Angelo, among other sights. Guides, who have backgrounds in subjects like history and architecture, earn praise from reviewers for their entertaining storytelling and thoughtful restaurant and activity recommendations.

Tours, which are limited to 15 participants, operate twice daily at 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. In total, you'll walk less than 2 miles. According to the company, the tour is suitable for travel strollers and wheelchairs. Though the tour is free, it's recommended that you reserve your spot in advance via the company's website (guides do not wait at the departure point unless reservations are booked). At the end of the tour, you can tip your guide based on your experience.

Check availability on:

Courtesy of Secret Food Tours Rome

Secret Food Tours – Rome Food Tour

Price: Adults from 79 euros (about $86); kids from 69 euros (about $75) Duration: 3 to 3.5 hours

Dine your way through the historical center of Rome, visiting cafes, markets and shops for a total of up to seven stops. During the tour, you'll walk through neighborhoods like the Campo de' Fiori and the Jewish quarter with an enthusiastic guide who ties together history and insights about traditional dishes. The focus is on Italian-style dining: savoring the perfect cappuccino, sampling fresh pizzas and homemade pastas, pairing wines with a variety of cheeses, gelato and more. Travelers praise the guides' knowledge of Roman cuisine and the amount and quality of the food.

Tours depart daily at 11 and 11:30 a.m. An additional 5 p.m. tour may be available depending on the day. Private tours are also an option.

The Roman Guy – Privileged Entrance Vatican Tour with Sistine Chapel

Price: Adults from $119; kids from $56 Duration: 3 hours

Hoping to see the Vatican sans enormous crowds? This three-hour tour from The Roman Guy convenes at 7:45 a.m., allowing you to enter the Vatican Museums an hour before they open to the general public. First, relish the tranquil Sistine Chapel, which welcomes upward of 25,000 visitors daily during the summer. Afterward, follow your guide to museum highlights, including Raphael's paintings, the Borgia Apartments and the Gallery of the Maps. Travelers rave about the knowledgeable guides and say the opportunity to see the Sistine Chapel without the crowds is worth the tour price (though reviewers warn that you will still encounter quite a few other tour groups enjoying early access to the site).

Tours are available Monday through Saturday. Groups are capped at 14 people. If you're short on time, consider The Roman Guy's abridged Vatican Highlights tour, which last 2.5 hours.

City Wonders – Tuscan Countryside Day Trip from Rome with 3-Course Lunch & Wine Tasting

Price: Adults from $112; kids from $102 Duration: 12 hours

If you want to visit Tuscany while in Rome, but don't want to drive the approximately 175-mile journey yourself, consider this 12-hour excursion from City Wonders. You'll depart from Rome at 7:30 a.m. via an air-conditioned coach bus to see famous hilltop towns, such as Montepulciano and Pienza. You'll also visit the Renaissance church of St. Biagio before enjoying a three-course lunch and wine pairing in the famed Montalcino. Travelers say guides are informative and thoughtful, giving tourists ample time to explore the towns and take pictures. All agree that leaving the driving to a professional made the trip worthwhile.

Tours are offered daily. City Wonders also offers a variety of tours in Rome, including tours of the Colosseum, the Vatican and the Borghese Gallery.

Through Eternity Tours – Rome in a Day Tour with Colosseum & Sistine Chapel: Essential Experience

Price: From 1,345 euros (about $1,458) Duration: 6 hours

Conquer Rome in six hours with Through Eternity Tours. With your skip-the-line tickets , you'll visit the Colosseum, the Roman Forum and the Vatican Museums, including the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Basilica. Professional, engaging guides – all fluent English speakers – allow you to set the pace, absorbing as much history and archeology as you want at each stop. Travelers say you'll see much more on this half-day tour than you would if you were to visit each site on your own, as guides point out unexpected gems along the way.

Rates can vary considerably depending on the number in your party, and the company offers discounts for students and children. Bring stamina, a water bottle and wear comfortable walking shoes . When you're ready for more, try one of Through Eternity's other tours, such as its evening tour of Rome's piazzas and fountains.

Walks of Italy – Gladiator's Gate: Special Access Colosseum Tour with Arena Floor

Price: Adults from $105; kids from $99 Duration: 3 hours

On this three-hour tour, you'll enter the Colosseum through the "Gladiator's Gate" – the entrance that was once used exclusively for gladiators 2,000 years ago. Once inside, you'll enjoy 360-degree views of the Colosseum on the reconstructed arena floor as your guide shares the gory history of this famous landmark . Then, you'll bypass the lines to tour the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. Highlights include the cremation point of Julius Caesar, senate buildings and the Temple of the Vestal Virgins. Guides win kudos from travelers for their ability to discuss dense history topics in an engaging manner. Reviewers say the tour flies by thanks to the guides' entertaining storytelling. They also appreciate the skip-the-line access to these must-see sights.

Tours, which are capped at 25 participants, are offered three times daily at 9:15 a.m., 10:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Rates may vary based on the time of year, and they include all entrance tickets and the use of audio headsets during the tour. Walks of Italy also hosts cooking classes in Rome and organizes day trips to Pompeii and the Amalfi Coast.

Maya Tours – Skip-the-Line Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel Group Tour

Price: Adults from 45 euros (about $49); kids from 35 euros (about $38) Duration: 2 hours

If you're interested in visiting the Vatican Museums, but don't want to devote more than a couple hours of your Rome vacation to the experience, consider this kid-friendly tour. In addition to skip-the-line access, your guide will show you the must-see artworks, several courtyards and galleries, and the Sistine Chapel. Reviewers praise guides for their interesting and informed commentary (which tourgoers can hear via audio headsets). Parents are particularly impressed with guides' ability to engage children.

Tours are offered Monday through Saturday multiple times in the morning and afternoon. Maya Tours also operates longer, semiprivate tours of the Vatican.

You may also be interested in:

• The Best Hotels in Rome
• The Best Places to Visit in Italy
• The Best Italy Tours + Small-Group Trips
• The Best International Travel Insurance

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Discover Rome Your Way with Our Expertly Guided Tours

Rome is a city that boasts romantic fountains, wide piazzas, shopping, culture, and culinary masterpieces. If these are the things you're looking for in a trip, then Rome is a must-visit destination for you. And what better way to experience Rome than with one of our Rome tours?

Our Rome guided tours offer an immersive experience that takes you back in time as you walk in the footsteps of emperors and gladiators . Our expert guides will bring Ancient Rome's past to life for you as they share stories and commentary of this fascinating city. With our tours, you'll discover the hidden gems and iconic landmarks that make Rome a city like no other.

Experience Rome in a different light with our Rome night tours , where you'll see the city come to life as the sun sets. If you're feeling adventurous, explore Rome's dark side with a descent into the city's crypts and catacombs. We offer a wide range of tours so you can choose the one that suits you best.

Rome is not only an incredible city to visit, but it's also an excellent base for exploring other parts of Italy. Italy is a country that delights at every turn, from its food and drink to its coastline and history. Join us on one of our Rome day tours to Pompeii , the Tuscan countryside , or the Amalfi Coast for a limoncello tasting and a cruise .

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Rome was called the “ Eternal City ” by the ancient Romans because they believed that no matter what happened in the rest of the world, the city of Rome would always remain standing . Exploring the city center by foot surrounded by glorious monuments and colossal remains takes you back in time to the “glory that was Rome”.

Rome Travel Guide

• General Information
• Top Attractions
• Getting to Rome
• Public Transport
• Money-saving tips
• Where to Eat
• Where to Stay
• 3-Day Itinerary

Why visit Rome?  

With its unparalleled history, Rome is the third most visited city in Europe and the fourteenth worldwide. It attracts visitors from all over the world who are impatient to discover the city’s impressive monuments and archaeological sites ; not to mention its renowned cuisine and its lively atmosphere.

When exploring the Colosseum , visitors will easily imagine how the gladiators fought for their lives in the arena, cheered by the crowd. In the Circus Maximus , travelers will picture the chariots crashing into each other in order to be first in the race, and in the Roman Forum visualize what the Roman public life was like.

Looking for accommodation?

If you haven’t booked your accommodation yet, we suggest visiting our search engine , where you’ll find all types of hotels, hostels, and apartments with the best rates guaranteed . You can get up to a 75% discount and pay once you get to your destination.

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top activities

Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel Guided Tour Skip the endless queues for the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel—explore the most iconic landmarks in the Vatican City accompanied by an expert guide .

Colosseum Tour + Gladiator's Entrance When in Rome, don’t miss the eternal Colosseum! Access the arena through the Gladiator’s Gate, the entrance used by the ancient Roman fighters.

Sistine Chapel, Vatican Museums + St Peter's Basilica On this tour, you'll get access to the Sistine Chapel first thing in the morning, avoiding all the crowds . We'll also visit  St Peter's Basilica .

Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill Tour Travel back in time to Ancient Rome and discover the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill on this guided tour with priority access !

Borghese Gallery Guided Tour Discover the extraordinary collection of paintings and sculptures housed in the Borghese Gallery , one of Rome's must-see art museums .

Pompeii & Naples Day Trip Set off on a full day trip and discover the ruins of Pompeii , followed by a panoramic tour of Naples , one of the world's oldest constantly populated cities.

Rome Night Tour On this night tour of Rome ,   we'll visit the most iconic piazzas , streets and monuments of the Italian capital when the city comes to life at dusk.

Rome Ciampino Airport Shuttle Bus With this shuttle service between Ciampino Airport and Rome, you'll be in the centre of the Italian capital in less than an hour. The eternal city awaits you!

Trastevere Food Tour Feast your eyes and stomach during a 3-hour food tour in Trastevere, one of Rome’s most bohemian neighborhoods and sample the delicious Italian gastronomy.

Private Walking Tour of Rome Explore the Eternal City's most iconic sights accompanied by an expert guide just for you and your partner, family or friends.  Discover the best of Rome !

Audience With Pope Francis An audience with Pope Francis is a unique spiritual experience . Your guide will take care of everything, so you can go relaxed.

Basilicas Tour and Secret Underground Catacombs Discover some of the most symbolic sites in Christian history: the Catacombs and two of the world's most important Basilicas on this tour of the Eternal City.

Rome Sightseeing Cruise on the Tiber River Take a sightseeing cruise along the Tiber River and enjoy spectacular 360º views of Rome from the water. You can hop on and off as many times as you want!

Day Trip to Venice by High Speed Train Experience a day trip from Rome to Venice on a high-speed train and explore its beautiful canals and historic centre at your own pace.

Roam the underbelly of Rome on this tour of its underground system . Walk  the Appian Way and Caffarella and   dive into the lesser-known side of the Eternal City !

Palazzo Santa Chiara Opera Concert Treat yourself to a unique experience during your stay in Rome when you attend a fantastic opera concert at the Palazzo Santa Chiara .

Ostia Antica Half-Day Tour from Rome Discover the legacy of the Imperial City on a guided tour of Ostia Antica, an ancient harbor town only 30 km from Rome. Travel back in time with this tour!

Papal Audience & Vatican Museums Tour Enjoy this unique experience of the Holy See with this combination tour which includes an  audience with Pope Francis and a visit to the Vatican Museums .

Castel Sant'Angelo Tour + Terrace Access A refuge for popes and an ancient Roman mausoleum , Castel Sant'Angelo harbours great secrets. On this guided tour we'll unveil its most hidden mysteries.

Rome Fiumicino Airport Shuttle Bus Are you travelling to Rome? Book this shuttle bus between Fiumicino Airport and Rome so you can get into the city centre comfortably and quickly.

St Peter's Basilica Guided Tour + Dome Climb Enjoy the best views of Rome by climbing the 320 steps leading up to the dome of St. Peter's . We'll also visit the interior of the Basilica!

The Four Seasons by Antonio Vivaldi With this classical music concert, you'll experience all Four Seasons of the famous Antonio Vivaldi . An unforgettable concert in an incomparable setting!

This tourist bus is the perfect way to discover Rome . You can choose different routes with numerous stops and hop on and off as many times as you want!

OMNIA Rome & Vatican Card The OMNIA Card is a sightseeing pass that includes priority access to Rome’s main attractions like the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Vatican City .

Italian Pasta & Tiramisu Workshop If you love Italian cuisine, then don't miss out on this  Italian Pasta and Tiramisu Workshop . You'll learn how to make some staple Italian dishes!

Florence & Pisa Day Trip Discover two incredible jewels in Tuscany on our Florence & Pisa Day Trip from Rome. You'll see the Duomo , the Ponte Vecchio and the Leaning Tower .

Rome Mysteries & Legends Free Tour Wandering ghosts and enigmas in Caravaggio's works ... Discover the hidden side of the city with this free tour of Rome's mysteries and legends.

Italian Pizza Workshop Visit Rome and enjoy a delicious pizza made with your own hands . Try this Italian Pizza Workshop and learn how to make one of the country's most famous dishes.

Rome Pub Crawl Are you ready to discover the vibrant nightlife of the Italian capital ? Join us on this pub crawl through Rome and experience it for yourself!

Private Photoshoot outside of the Colosseum Remember your trip to Rome forever with this private photoshoot outside the Colosseum - we'll make sure you look your best beside the iconic monument!

The impressive dome of the Pantheon of Agrippa has fascinated the whole world for centuries. Discover it with this guided tour of Ancient Rome .

St. Peter's Basilica Tickets: Dome Access + Audioguide Secure your ticket to St. Peter's Basilica for an experience that includes access to its magnificent dome and a self-guided tour with an English audio guide .

Mostra di Leonardo Ticket Discover some of the most amazing inventions by the Italian genius Leonardo da Vinci with this ticket to the Mostra di Leonardo museum.

The Three Tenors Concert The church of  St. Paul's Within the Walls in Rome opens its doors to you to offer you the show The Three Tenors. Enjoy an unforgettable opera concerto.

Rome Catacombs Tour & Appian Way Visit the catacombs of Rome with an expert English-speaking guide during a 3-hour half day-trip, also discovering the fascinating Villa di Massenzio.

La Traviata with Ballet Entrance Ticket Enjoy one of the most famous operas of all time in the magical setting of the St Paul's Within the Walls Church with this La Traviata Ballet Entrance Ticket.

Set off on a day trip from Rome across the Italian countryside to discover the birthplace of St Francis  in the charming town of Assisi .

Capitoline Museum Guided Tour Marvel at one of Rome’s most important museums , the Capitoline Museums, followed by a visit to Piazza del Campidoglio on top of the Capitoline Hill.

Baths of Caracalla & Circus Maximus Guided Tour Go back in time on this walking tour of the Bath of Caracalla, the most luxurious thermae of the Roman Empire . Then marvel at the remains of the Circus Maximus.

Visit the largest Roman amphitheater in the world on this guided tour of the Colosseum. An absolute must if you're in the Italian capital!

Rome Bike Tour Tour the Italian capital on two wheels whilst you enjoy an electric bike tour of the Colosseum, the Pantheon, the Roman Forum and much more .

Capri Day Trip Like the writers and artists before you, you'll fall in love with Capri on this unmissable tour. Discover the island's myths, legends and Blue Grotto .

Day Trip to Siena, San Gimignano and Chianti On this tour to Siena, San Gimignano and Chianti , we'll discover the beautiful region of Tuscany - including medieval towns, and a visit to a wine cellar!

Rome Photo Tour Discover the most Instagrammable locations in the Italian capital and show off your trip with this Rome Photo Tour.  Benvenuti a Roma !

Tuk Tuk Tour around Rome Tour Rome in the most comfortable way on this tuk tuk tour. We'll explore its seven hills and learn tons of historical fun facts about the eternal city.

Tiber River Cruise with Appetizer Discover Rome from a privileged perspective as you relax with this Tiber River Cruise with Appetizer. You'll see symbolic places such as the Umberto I Bridge.

Rome Private Tour with Driver Fall in love with Rome with this private tour with driver. Choose your route, and enjoy a comfortable tour solely for you and your travel companions.

Trastevere and Jewish Ghetto Tour Enjoy a walking guided tour of Trastevere and the Jewish Ghetto and soak up the neighborhood’s bohemian atmosphere with numerous landmarks to visit.

Hadrian's Villa and Villa d'Este Day Trip Visit the two treasures of Tivoli on this day trip: Hadrian's Villa, Roman Emperor's retreat, and Villa d'Este, a Renaissance mansion with magnificent gardens.

Rome Squares and Fountains Guided Tour Set off on a walking guided tour of Rome and discover some of its iconic landmarks, such as the Fontana di Trevi, Piazza di Spagna, and Piazza Navona .

Rome Hard Rock Cafe Come to the Rome Hard Rock Cafe and enjoy an exquisite menu of American food in an emblematic place where the rhythm of rock is felt in every corner. 

Wine Tasting in Rome Italy is world-renowned for its tradition of wine-making. Indulge your senses on this wine tasting tour of Rome with an expert sommelier!

Rome Fascist History Tour discover the architecture designed in Rome at the time of Benito Mussolini's fascist dictatorship with this Rome Fascist History Tour.

Welcome to Rome Tickets Immerse yourself in Rome's thrilling history when you buy a ticket for the fascinating Welcome to Rome multimedia experience .

Rome: Angels and Demons, the Illuminati Adventure Quest Impersonate Robert Langdon himself for a day in this puzzle hunt in Rome: Angels and Demons , the Illuminati Hunt. The best way to explore the city!

Janiculum, Trastevere and Jewish Quarter Guided Tour On this fascinating tour of the Gianicolo , Trastevere and   the Jewish Quarter  in Rome, we'll gain a truly unique perspective of the Italian capital.

Castel Sant'Angelo Ticket + Audio Guide Explore the intriguing history of Castel Sant'Angelo with this admission ticket + audio guide. Uncover the mysteries of one of Rome's most cryptic monuments !

Bioparco di Roma Ticket With your ticket to the Bioparco of Rome you will discover this zoo located in the heart of the city, inside Villa Borghese, an ideal plan for families!

Go City: Rome Explorer Pass The Go City: Roma Explorer Pass  tourist card gives you access to the  main attractions in the Italian capital, such as the Sistine Chapel and the Colosseum.

Rome Street Art Tour Discover secrets and the most interesting glimpses throughout the most colourful district with this Rome Street Art Tour. Explore the captivating capital city!

Lake Albano Kayak Tour If you're in Rome and want to escape from the hustle and bustle of the big city , join us on this kayak tour on Lake Albano .

Roma World Entrance Ticket Don't miss out on your ticket to Roma World , a theme park in which you'll travel back in time to the ancient and powerful Roman Empire .

Entrance to IKONO Rome Looking for a unique plan in the Italian capital? With a ticket to IKONO Rome , you'll get to explore this creative space and become a part of the art!

Rome Layover Tour Take advantage of your time at Rome airport to explore the Italian capital with this Rome Layover Tour. You'll discover the charm of the beautiful Eternal City.

Rome Private Day Trips Explore the beautiful Italian cities of Naples, Pompeii, Ostia or Assisi with these Rome Private Day Trips. You'll have an exclusive guide just for your group.

Cinecittà World Ticket With this entrance ticket to Cinecittà World you can visit real film sets and travel to the imaginary worlds of movies and TV series .

Rome Electric Tuk Tuk Tour Explore the Eternal City through an eco-conscious lens with our electric tuk tuk tour of Rome  and roam the Italian capital's streets in a zero-emission vehicle!

Trevi Fountain and its Underground World On this  tour of the Trevi Fountain and its underground world , we'll reveal the hidden treasures and history of the most  fountain in Rome . 

Ischia 5-Day Tour Are you in Rome? Join us to visit the most beautiful islands in the Napolitan archipelago  on this  5-day tour of Ischia . You'll love it!

Private Tuk-Tuk Tour of Rome Would you like to see the Eternal City in the most comfortable way ? On this private tuk-tuk tour of Rome , we'll tour the capital of Italy in an exclusive group.

Capri + Pompeii Day Trip Pompeii and Capri  are two must-see stops in Campania. Discover their history and beauty on this day trip from Rome . Don't miss out!

Naples to Capri Tour: 2/3 Days Relax in southern Italy with this Naples to Capri Tour lasting 2/3 days. Discover Pompeii's incredible history, Sorrento's cuisine and Capri's beauty .

Florence Excursion by High Speed Train Known as the "City of Art", Florence is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. On this day trip, we'll tour its historic centre and the Uffizi Gallery.

5 Day Tour: The Best of Italy The best of Italy in just 5 days! Asisi, Siena, Florence, Bologna, Padua, Venice and Montepulciano  are the cities we take in on the tour.

Colosseum Guided Night Visit Visit one of Rome's most iconic monuments all lit up at the most magical time of day on our  Colosseum Guided Night Visit at dusk .

Pontifical Villas of Castel Gandolfo Day Trip From Pope Alexander VII to Benedict XVI , numerous popes have spent the holidays at the Pontifical Villas of Castel Gandolfo . Explore its links with the Vatican!

Vatican Museums Private Tour Step into the legacy of the Italian city-state on this Vatican Private Tour. Visit the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel with just your family or friends!

Colosseum Private Tour Discover the World Heritage Site and one of the Seven Wonders of the World with this  Colosseum Private Tour . Explore the Roman site with an exclusive guide.

Pompeii & Minori Tour: 3 Days Discover the impressive ruins of Pompeii , explore the Almafi Coast  & enjoy 2 nights in Minori on this incredible 3-day tour.

Capri Tour: 2/3 Days Be captivated by the glamour of the Italian island with this Capri Tour lasting 2 or 3 days. Explore the fascinating Mediterranean cave, the Blue Grotto.

Ponza Island Day Trip Enjoy a  day trip from Rome to Ponza Island . Cruise along the waters, feel the breeze in your hair and cool off with a dip in the Tyrrhenian Sea!

Vatican Gardens + Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel Ticket Discover the green lung of Vatican City on this tour of its gardens. You'll also visit the Sistine Chapel and take a self-guided tour of the Vatican Museums.

Free Walking Tour of Rome The city of the Caesars, of Baroque and, of course, The Eternal City. Discover Rome with this free walking tour of the Italian capital .

The most complete guide of Rome

This guide has been written by travelers like yourself and it's designed to help you plan your stay in Rome, so that you get the most out of the city as possible, whether you're staying for 2 days or a month. Find out what the top attractions  and the best places to eat are, which museums are worthwhile, and where to stay in Rome. If you’re traveling on a budget, we have also an article on how to save money while visiting this fascinating city, and the daily costs , so that you're prepared before getting to Italy.

The information provided in this guide was updated in  January 2023 . If you find a mistake or would like to make a suggestion, please do not hesitate to  contact us .

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From iconic ancient sights to tiny trattorias, Rome has no shortage of wonders. We’re honored to hav...

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Pristine Sistine at Closing Time: Late Entry Vatican Tour

Pompeii Tour from Rome with Amalfi Coast Drive

Premium Colosseum Tour with Roman Forum & Palatine Hill

Crypts, Bones & Catacombs: An Underground Tour of Rome

Pristine Sistine™ Early Entrance Small Group Vatican Tour

Rome Pasta-Making Class: Cook, Dine & Drink Wine with a Local Chef

The Complete Vatican Tour with Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel & St. Peter’s Basilica

Rome in a Day Tour: Including Vatican, Colosseum & Historic Center

Gladiator’s Gate: Special Access Colosseum Tour with Arena Floor

Welcome to Rome: City Stroll with Gelato Tasting

Colosseum & Roman Forum with VIP Caesar's Palace Tour

Borghese Gallery Tour & Tickets: With Bernini, Caravaggio & Raphael

Taste Rome Like a Local: Jewish Quarter & Trastevere Food Tour with Rooftop Aperitivo

Alone in Rome's Catacombs: Exclusive After-Hours Tour with Bone Crypt

Boat-Hopping on the Amalfi Coast: Day Trip from Rome

Tuscany Day Trip from Rome with Winery Lunch & Medieval Towns

St. Peter’s Basilica from Top to Bottom with Dome Climb & Crypt

Trastevere at Sunset: Rome Food & Wine Tour

Tastes & Traditions of Rome: Testaccio Food and Market Tour

VIP Vatican Key Master’s Tour: Unlock the Sistine Chapel

Best of Rome Walking Tour with Quick Access Roman Forum & Palatine Hill

Alone In The Vatican: Exclusive VIP Access Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel Tour

Pompeii with Panoramic Winery Lunch on Vesuvius: Day Trip from Rome

Roman Icons: Castel Sant'Angelo to Pantheon Tour with Panoramic View

Rome Pizza Making Class in Trastevere

VIP Colosseum Underground Tour with Roman Forum & Palatine Hill

VIP Colosseum at Night Tour with Underground & Arena Floor

What to know about rome from our local guides.

“If you're visiting Rome for the first time and staying for a few days, you definitely should see the historic center , the important squares (like Piazza Navona and the Spanish Steps ) the Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon , the Vatican Museums (even better, do the Key Master’s Tour where you get to unlock the various rooms of the Vatican Museums together with the clavigero of the Vatican) and St. Peter's Basilica , Trastevere and of course the Colosseum . If you’re a returning visitor or are staying for more time, you should definitely include other museums such as the Capitoline Museums, Palazzo Altemps, Castel Sant'Angelo or even a day trip to Tivoli or the Castelli Romani area.”

“ Testaccio , where I actually live. It's basically 10 minutes away from all the most important tourist areas but without being touristy itself. There you can find the ‘locals’ and learn about their habits.” Federica, Rome guide since 2007

“My favourites are the church of San Carlo alle Quattro Fontane, the Villa Borghese and the Theatre of Marcellus.” Andy, Rome guide since 2012

“I love Aventine Hill with its churches and gardens, the lesser-known part of Trastevere around Piazza dei Mercanti, Capitoline Hill, and the Roman Aqueducts.” Chiara, Rome guide since 1998

Rome is a fantastic city to explore with little ones in tow. For families looking to get an overview of Rome’s most iconic sights on a low-impact walking tour, our Welcome to Rome City Stroll is an excellent option that includes a gelato break.

Want to experience Rome's most iconic location in a family-friendly way? Kids of all ages will love the chance to step out onto the arena floor of the Colosseum just like the gladiators did!

Last but not least, don’t miss the chance to make your own homemade pasta or take a food tour in the family-friendly Testaccio neighborhood complete with freshly baked pastries, pizza, pasta, Roman-style panino sandwiches, and gelato for dessert! There’s no better way to introduce kids to Rome’s delicious cuisine.

Rome offers something for everyone no matter what time of year you visit. We polled our expert guides and found that there’s really no bad time of year to visit—it all depends on the experience you’re hoping to have!

“The best moments to visit Rome are spring and autumn because of the good weather, but I also suggest winter because of the peaceful moments that are easily found due to the low season.” Cristina T, Rome guide since 2011

“The Lungotevere is wonderful during July and August when the kiosks and restaurants by the river are open in the evening.” Andy, Rome guide since 2012

“I would prefer January and February because the city is very quiet and not busy as in summer and spring.” Flavia, Rome guide since 2016

Italy is famous for its food—but even in Rome, not all restaurants are created equal. So how can you tell the authentic spots from the tourist traps?

First, head away from the big attractions—at least a few blocks. That’s not to say there are absolutely no good restaurants near the Colosseum or the Trevi Fountain—but most eateries near major monuments don’t exactly cater to locals.

Next, pay no attention to places with staff outside inviting you to eat there, or with large photos of the food visible. Romans don’t need to be told where or what to eat!

Finally, if a place is crowded and full of the sounds of chatter in Italian, it’s likely a safe bet that you’re in a local spot. This might mean shifting your mealtimes a bit later than what you’re used to (most Romans won’t eat lunch or dinner until at least 1 and 8 pm respectively), but it’s well worth the wait.

Looking for a few specific recommendations to get you started! Here are a few of our guide team’s favorite restaurants in Rome.

“Go to Checco er Carrettiere for vintage Roman vibes in the heart of Trastevere, some of the best supplì, and an extensive wine list.” Mirko, Rome guide since 2015

“PopiPopi in Trastevere (where I live) is still a typical Roman restaurant where a lot of local families go. The food is great and the waiters are professional but also caring and warm with every client. Cul de Sac has an unusual menu with top quality products and wines. And Court Delicati is an excellent, authentic Asian restaurant in a city where good ethnic food may be harder to find than in other European capitals.” Chiara, Rome guide since 1998

There’s a lot to love about Rome, but one major plus is its central location in Italy, making it easy to travel all around the boot. A day trip to Tuscany makes a wonderful addition to your Italian holiday, with the opportunity to explore charming hillside villages and the famed Chianti wine region. Heading south, the Amalfi Coast and Pompeii are well worth the trip, and for the wine lovers, a winery visit on the slopes of Mount Vesuvius is a once-in-a-lifetime experience you won’t soon forget.

Check out our popular Rome articles

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How to Plan an Unforgettable Trip to Rome, According to Local Experts

Whether your tastes swing towards art and architecture, high-end shopping and dining, or browsing markets and munching on street food, it’s an exciting time to visit Rome.

Elizabeth Heath is a writer and editor living on a hill in Umbria, from where she writes about travel in Italy, the rest of Europe, and farther afield.

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Best things to do, best shopping, best nightlife, best restaurants, best time to visit, how to get there, how to get around.

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For me, the Eternal City is eternally fabulous. No matter how crowded it gets, how dysfunctional its current government is, or how many bad pizzas there are in ratio to good ones, Rome remains. It’s persisted and resisted for more than 2,775 years, and even at this ripe old age, Rome is still evolving. 

It’s an exciting time to visit Rome, and even for people who live there, the flurry of post-pandemic activity in the travel sector has been dizzying. “Archaeological sites that have been fenced-off for years are now accessible to visitors, there’s a host of innovative new tour options, and I can barely keep up with the number of absolutely stunning luxury hotels that have opened ,” says Travel + Leisure contributor and Rome resident Laura Itzkowitz, who also writes about Rome in her newsletter, The New Roman Times . “It’s a delight to see so much investment in the city and so many new ways to experience it.” 

No matter how you decide to see the city or whether your tastes swing towards art and architecture, high-end shopping and dining, or browsing markets and munching on street food, Rome gives you options. We asked Itzkowitz and some other Rome travel experts to weigh in on their favorite places and experiences to recommend in eternal Rome.

Top 5 Can’t Miss

• Swoon over the cityscape. Few things are as romantic as Rome at night from a vantage point like the Fontana dell'Acqua Paola or the Capitoline Hill.
• See marble turn to flesh. At the Galleria Borghese, Bernini’s lifelike sculptures are a gazillion times more impressive than what you remember from art history class. 
• Do the Full Monty of Italian dining. Bring your appetite and go big, with antipasto, pasta, main course, and dessert at a homey trat like Da Enzo da 29.  
• Get up early. At least once during your stay, request an early wake-up call to discover a deserted city. ArcheoRoma can lead the way. 
• Shop at a market. If you don’t buy produce, trinkets, or street food at a real Roman market like Testaccio or Campo de’ Fiore, have you been to Rome? 

Courtesy of Bettoja Hotels

Palazzo Vilòn

If there’s one thing our experts agree on, it’s that Palazzo Vilòn luxury apartment is the most sumptuous new address in Rome. Nicole Bono, luxury travel and events planner with Bono Events International says, “When they open the doors for you, your jaw will drop.” Gary Portuesi, a T+L Top Travel Advisor with Authentic Explorations , says that at Vilòn, “you get to live like a Roman aristocrat in an intimate palazzo in the best neighborhood.”

Singer Palace

“I'm in love with the Singer Palace these days,” says Bono of this 19th-century beauty in the former Singer sewing machine headquarters. “It's family-owned, and that is felt with every single detail in this property. You're truly cuddled from the moment you walk in the door till your last Spritz before you leave.”

Hotel de Russie, a Rocco Forte Hotel

T+L readers’ favorite hotel in Rome is also a hit with Portuesi, who raves about its “with its unique and secluded Mediterranean tiered secret garden walking distance from the Spanish Steps, Fontana di Trevi and Piazza del Popolo.” The hotel’s Stravinskij Bar remains one of Rome’s most elegant locales for a cocktail.  

Hotel Mediterraneo

Every time I exit Termini Station, I sigh with comfort at the sight of this trusty four-star in a fascist-era Art Deco building. Stepping through the doors feels like stepping back in time, in a good way, with old-school service, a delightful lobby bar, and humongous suites, some with skyline views of Rome.

Christopher Larson/Travel + Leisure

Basilica di San Clemente

For a real sense of how Rome’s history is layered like a lasagna, head to this church near the Colosseum — or rather, underneath it. An atmospheric archaeological area beneath the not-too-shabby 12th-century church holds an even earlier Christian church, which lies on top of a pagan altar and an ancient Roman apartment building.  

ArcheoRunning

If you’re a runner, join archaeologist, guide, and running enthusiast Isabella Calidonna on an early morning jogging tour through Rome's truly magical empty streets. (Trust me, it’s okay if you run slowly.) If you’re not a runner, don’t sweat it — she’ll be happy to do the same informative tour at a walking pace. 

Via del Governo Vecchio

Spend a late afternoon vintage shopping on my favorite street in Rome , then stick around for an aperitivo, followed by pizza and gelato. If that trifecta of Roman drinking and eating isn’t enough, this splendid street near Piazza Navona has a buzzy but manageable bar-hopping scene. 

Largo Argentina

Want to stand at the very site (or very near it, anyway) where Julius Caesar lost his life? Long visible only from street level and best known as a cat sanctuary among picturesque ruins, the archaeological area at Largo Argentina site is now open to the public, thanks to funding from Bulgari . The Curia of Pompeo, where Caesar got shivved, stands near the ruins of four ancient temples.

Galleria Borghese

Reserve your tickets in advance and prepare to be overwhelmed by the beauty here, both of the ornate salons of this noble palace turned art museum, and the amazing works inside, including Bernini’s spellbinding "Rape of Proserpine" and several Caravaggio paintings.

Testaccio Market

This sprawling covered market in the working-class Testaccio neighborhood offers an authentic slice of Roman daily life. Even if you’re not shopping for clothing, produce or fresh fish, stop for some of Rome’s best street food, especially a suppli at Food Box or a drippy panino at Modri e Vai. 

Itzkowitz is a fan of this artisan jeweler in Monti and even had owner Antonio design a pair of custom earrings for her wedding. If you don’t have time for a made-to-order bauble, the shop has many original designs, many of which feature colorful gemstones.

Essenzialmente Laura

For a real only-in-Rome gift or souvenir, Portuesi refers friends and clients to the perfumery of Laura Bosetti Tonatto, who’s made custom scents for celebrities, royals, and aristocrats, including Queen Elizabeth II. “You can create your own perfect perfume or find the scent you love,” he says. 

La Bottega del Marmoraro

It’s hard to imagine a store like this anywhere else — a tiny workshop on pretty Via Margutta where stone carver Sandro Fiorentino tinks away at marble plaques by hand. “I love to bring out-of-town visitors here,” says Itzkowitz. “Prices start at around 15 euros, which means you can find an affordable, handmade souvenir.”

Courtesy of Hassler Hotel

Fontana dell'Acqua Paola

Some of the best things in Rome are free, including the views from this monumental fountain high on the Janiculum hill. It’s one of T+L’s top underrated things to do in Rome . Fans of the Oscar-winning film “Rome, the Great Beauty” will recognize this majestic spot.

This classy bar offers great cocktails and light bites with a sublime view. “A table there in the stunning Piazza di Pietra,” says Bono, “with the incredible Roman columns all lit up is truly magical, and it feels like it's just there for you."

Hassler Hotel 7th Floor Terrace

The recipe for an unforgettable Roman evening: Start with panoramic city views from atop the Spanish Steps, stir in a specialty cocktail, garnish with some elevated aperitivo fare, and drink it all in at one of our favorite family-run hotels in Italy and one of the absolute best in Rome.

Da Enzo da 29

Despite its near-legendary status and the long lines for a table (Enzo doesn’t take reservations), Itzkowitz says a meal here is “worth the wait and lives up to the hype — every time.” She’s a fan of the handmade tonarelli cacio e pepe but says that the food here is consistently good across the menu. 

Trattoria Da Cesare Al Pellegrino

This new-in-2023 sister property of a neighborhood favorite in residential Monteverde brings hearty, traditional Roman pasta and meat dishes to the centro storico. “Run, don't walk,” says Bono, “because this city location is super charming, and tourists haven't found it yet.”

Pro Loco Pinciano

Portuesi says you’ll feel like a local at this super-casual pizza and pasta joint just outside the city walls, where the emphasis is on ingredients and wines sourced from the surrounding region on Lazio. Charcuterie platters are delicious and abundant here. 

L'Antica Pesa

Regularly named one of the best restaurants in Rome, this Trastevere culinary landmark is, per Portuesi, “a standard and consistent classic” and worth crossing the river for. Head here for a special dinner or when you’re ready to go big (before going home, maybe?) and order an appetizer, pasta (primo), meat, and dessert for the full Italian dining experience.

You’ve heard all the warnings about visiting in high summer, but if that’s the only time you have to visit, Itzkowitz says to do as the Romans do: rest in your cool hotel room in the afternoon and venture out again in the early evening. Bono agrees that summer can be...sticky but adds, “Those summer sunsets on a rooftop with an Aperol spritz certainly make for that 'Dolce Vita moment' we all crave.”

Portuesi recommends November, as it’s still relatively warm and the crowds have thinned out; January, when sale season starts; or April and October. “Tourists might still be there, but the colors of spring and autumn are amazing, and temperatures are on the warm side.” I love visiting in January or February when the crowds are much more manageable, and if you’re lucky, you can catch some lovely, crisp, sunny days.

Most visitors fly into Rome’s Leonardo da Vinci/Fiumicino Airport (FCO). From there, you can take a 30-minute non-stop train to Termini, the central station, and take a taxi, Metro, bus, or tram to your accommodation. A cab from FCO to anywhere inside the Aurelian Walls costs 50 euros. Ride-sharing services other than Uber Black are not available in Rome. 

Rome’s historic center is primarily flat and highly walkable. Many visitors take the Metro to reach the Vatican Museums, then walk back into the city from there (or take a cab from St. Peter’s Square). 

Buses and Metro, both run by ATAC , are also reliable ways to get around, though depending on the distance, walking may be faster. Note that taxis in Rome cannot be hailed on the street. Instead, they wait at taxi stands or ranks generally located near tourist areas. 

I strongly recommend against renting a car in Rome, as traffic and parking are a mess and the centro is a maze of one-way streets, many of which are pedestrian-only. If you pick up a car in Rome for a more extended tour in Italy, make sure you have your route mapped out in advance — and nerves of steel. 

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Why This Unique Tour In Rome Was My Favorite Way To Explore The City

R ome has a rich history and vibrant culture that can transport you to a different era. Long before I ever visited Rome, what I knew of the ancient city came from the movies. I’m a classic movie buff, and Roman Holiday , the 1953 romantic comedy, is my favorite film.

The story unfolds as Princess Ann, who, during a visit to Rome, escapes her guardians to explore the city. Enter a handsome newspaper reporter who whisks her away on the back of his Vespa. I’ll never forget the images of iconic landmarks in the eternal city whizzing by as the movie unfolds.

On a recent visit, I found that exploring Rome by Vespa Sidecar Tour can make you feel like you’re living a similar fantasy. 

My private Vespa Sidecar Tour was provided by Anantara Palazzo Naiadi as part of a hosted stay at the beautiful hotel. As always, all opinions are my own.

The Vespa Sidecar Tour 

The Vespa Sidecar tour offers a unique way to discover the city’s famous landmarks, hidden gems, and picturesque squares. As you motor through the bustling city, you can imagine yourself as Audrey Hepburn’s character, Princess Ann, embarking on her own Roman adventure. 

The company’s owner, Luca Di Trapano, explained that the Vespa Sidecar Tour was born in a flash of inspiration after 2 decades of giving tours in Rome. He thought the concept was genius but later learned his idea was 45 years too late.

The makers of the Vespa stopped producing the model equipped with a sidecar in 1968. Not easily deterred, he persevered and brought his dream to reality. Since 2018, Luca has welcomed over 20,000 passengers on board without a single accident. He told me, “It is like having sailed through the streets of Rome with four or five gigantic cruise ships!”

The tours are 3 hours, depending on traffic. The price is 110 euros per person (about $117) on the small group tour (12 guests max). You can take the tour solo as I did or with a companion or group. Trade places halfway through for a new perspective. A private tour’s price depends on the number of guests.

Here are several reasons why you should explore Rome on this unique Vespa tour.

Easy Meeting Point

Piazza della Repubblica is the tour meeting point. The square is well-connected and easy for drop-offs by taxis and vehicles. Take the subway Line A to the Repubblica-Teatro dell’Opera stop. It’s just a 2-minute walk from the Central Termini Railway Station.

Pro Tip: If you want somewhere to stay close by, I recommend Anantara Palazzo Naiadi Rome Hotel . A restored 19th-century, crescent-shaped palazzo, it fronts Piazza della Repubblica, where the Vespa tour starts. At the assigned time, I met my guide, Alessio, at the concierge desk. My chariot, i.e. baby blue Vespa, was waiting just outside.

The Iconic Landmarks Of Rome

Exploring the highlights of the Eternal City, we visited 12 sights, including the Spanish Steps, Piazza del Popolo, and the Borghese Gardens. There were several opportunities to stop, stretch our legs, and linger, including the Trevi Fountain and the Pantheon.

It’s A Blast!

When exploring the beautiful city of Rome, I loved all the astonished looks on people’s faces as we made our way down tight alleys and broad avenues. I felt like a movie star — everyone was smiling, waving, and snapping our photo. We must have been quite a sight; something special to share with family members when you get home.

Avoid The Crowds

What’s the best way to avoid crowds and see a different side of Rome? See it on a Vespa! If you’re fearless, you could rent one yourself. But my advice? Enlist a pro. You will feel much safer riding next to or behind someone who understands the ins and outs of Rome’s streets, where locals think traffic lanes are merely suggestions.

It’s A Beautiful Ride

The Vespa is a classic: These stunning coupes from Italy are iconic on the streets of Rome. Piaggio & Co. started making the Vespa after WWII as cheap, affordable transportation. Eventually, in 1953, the hit movie Roman Holiday showed the world how great a Vespa could be, resulting in record sales. Like the Colosseum, the Italian scooter has remained a part of Italy’s landscape. You will feel like an authentic Italian in the sidecar of a Vespa.

Unique And Unforgettable Way To See The Eternal City 

Unlike larger vehicles, a Vespa can easily maneuver through tight spaces, allowing you to see more of the city’s hidden gems and local hotspots. As you zip through the streets, you’ll experience the city in an exciting and unique way. Your guide will share his knowledge of the city’s history and culture, providing insights into the backstories of the pivotal figures in the Roman Empire.

A Driver And Official Guide Rolled Into One

My driver, Alessio, wasn’t just a history buff: He’s also an official guide, which means he’s been trained to lead tours and provide in-depth information on all the sites you’ll see. He knows how to keep you engaged, entertained, and informed, making your Vespa tour an unforgettable experience. Throughout the tour, he shared fascinating facts, historical anecdotes, and his favorite neighborhoods and restaurants. With his expertise and passion for sharing the city’s rich history, you’ll have a one-of-a-kind adventure that you’ll remember for years to come. 

Radio-Connected Modern Whispers

As we cruised along the streets of Rome, Alessio provided commentary directly into my ear through a modern whisper system. He pointed out the window overlooking St. Peter’s Square where the Pope makes his Sunday address. It was chilling to see the balcony above the Piazza Venezia, where Mussolini delivered his most famous speech, the declaration of war on France and Britain in 1940.

A Sense Of Freedom And Excitement

Take in Rome’s sights, sounds, and smells from the open-air Vespa sidecar. You can enjoy the warm breeze on your face, witness the daily life of Romans, and immerse yourself in the city’s timeless beauty. 

Pro Tip: Three hours is about the right amount of time to get a taste of Rome. I saw much more than I would in a walking tour, and it was a better experience than a hop-on, hop-off bus tour — we could go where large coaches could not.

I Felt Safe 

The guides are expert drivers and the top-class helmets have face shields and disposable head covers. The passenger wears a seatbelt with a shoulder harness. We traveled at the most 24 miles per hour; just the right pace. Once you are on board, your unease fades away as you sit back, hold on, and enjoy the thrill of exploring Rome on a Vespa.

The Hidden Gems Of Rome

Rome is one of the most beautiful places in Italy and a real bucket-list destination. But allow some time to visit the hidden gems many tourists miss. Janiculum Hill, called the “Eighth Hill of Rome,” is a beautiful, often overlooked area with the best views of Rome. It’s a bit of a climb on foot, but on a Vespa, sit back and enjoy the ride. Piazzale Garibaldi in the center has the Giuseppe Garibaldi Monument with a cannon that fires daily at noon. Don’t miss the 17th-century Aqua Paola Fountain.

Cappuccino And Cornetto 

After visiting the Pantheon, we stopped for a cappuccino and cornetto, the traditional Roman breakfast choice. Our baby blue Vespa was parked nearby and I enjoyed watching how much attention it got from passersby. On the afternoon tours, customers are offered gelato instead.

Unforgettable Experience 

This is the perfect gift for someone who has done everything and an unforgettable experience for curious travelers of all ages. You will carry home remarkable moments and fun memories. 

Would I recommend Vespa Sidecar Tour? Absolutely. If this had been my first time in Rome, it would have given me a good overview of the places I would like to return to for a deeper dive. I have been to Rome several times, but until now, I’ve never seen the eternal beauty of Rome from the seat of a Vespa sidecar. And the coin I tossed into the Trevi Fountain guarantees I’ll be back.

Related Reading: 

• 9 Ways To Avoid Looking Like A Tourist In Rome
• 7 Unexpected And Unforgettable Attractions You Need To See In Rome
• 7 Best Places To Indulge In Dolce Far Niente While Visiting Rome

This article originally appeared on TravelAwaits

Rome Travel Guide

Rome: An ancient city with a modern twist.

Whether you are in Rome for 3 days, 3 weeks, or 3 months, be prepared to step into the world’s biggest open-air museum.

You can decide to follow the typical tourist paths or be brave enough to go off the beaten tracks. One way or the other, Rome will romance you, surprise you and leave you wanting more!

Rome is one of the world’s most photogenic cities – not surprising when you consider what’s here: the Colosseum, St. Peter’s Basilica, the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel, and many more world-famous attractions .

Whether you spend your time sightseeing or watching the world go by in a pretty outdoor cafe, it will be your turn to feature in your very own Roman Holiday.

Rome is a romantic place for a honeymoon, a favorite holiday destination, and a city of fashion.

Be Street Wise: It’s important to consider the downsides when visiting any city. We have put together a list of some things you should avoid when visiting Rome .

Suggested itineraries for Rome

Rome Travel With an Open Heart

:: Sustainable tourism in Rome ::

Exploring, discovering, and experiencing cultures and lifestyles around the Globe is a great gift that has been given to humankind. It has never been so easy to travel as we experience it now. All is there at our disposal, and we can touch it with almost making an effortless effort. The question that arises is the way we touch it. We, people engaged in Rome.info travel pages, believe that one should treasure this opportunity and blessing of travel which is given and treat it with respect and kindness. A visitor should be lovingly committed to making a low impact on the local culture and environment, protecting privacy and space in the life of locals, and rewarding an invitation to their lives with gratitude and frolic. Sharing inspiration. While people like us, on the other side, are trying to help to ensure that development is a positive experience for local people, companies, and tourists themselves. Sustainable tourism is regarded as responsible behavior, and visitors to our pages are invited to embrace this attitude when travelling in Rome. It is more than a form of tourism as it represents a human approach to engaging with cultures, local magic, be there as a human being – tourist, a business, locals at a destination, or any other tourism stakeholder.

“Hearts are like parachutes, they only function when open.” Thomas Dewar & Liona Belierova

Michelangelo in Rome Explore the work of a genius with Rome.info. Paintings, sculptures, frescoes, and other of Michelangelo’s masterpieces related to Rome. Catching stories on Michelangelo’s Pieta , Moses , the Sistine Chapel , and more…