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Complete Rome Travel Guide: A Local’s Way To Discover Rome

With thousands of years of history, Rome has a huge amount of things to do whether it’s your first time or you have already been and would like to discover more and go beyond the touristy. Known as the eternal city for some 2000 years, Rome is famous for its well-preserved archaeological sites, Renaissance art and architecture, beautiful churches, and fantastic food.

Whether you should book a private Rome tour or explore the city on your own, it’s totally up to you. With this Rome travel guide, I’m aiming to give you all the tools you need to travel independently, to decide what is best to see and do within the time you have at your disposal, to get around if you have a baby or entertain your toddler, to know where to eat and how to use the public transport.

Too much information altogether? It is, but it’s all packed in a way that you have all the essential bits and pieces you need to kick off your trip planning. Of course, throughout the website, you will find everything in more detail. Planning a trip to Rome is an exciting thought but it can also be overwhelming for all the things to do and remember. We don’t leave you alone, our Rome travel guide will help you all along the way!

Table of Contents

All you need to know before visiting Rome: The ultimate Rome travel guide

Where is rome.

The capital of Italy since 1870, after the unification, and of the Latium region, Rome lies in the center of the country on the western coast of the “boot” lapped by the Tyrrhenian Sea. It takes an hour and a half to reach Florence by high-speed train, an hour and 15 minutes to reach Naples, three hours and 40 minutes for Milan and four hours to Venice.

If you are traveling around Europe by train and are including Italy in your itinerary, you can consider a handy Eurail pass to reach Rome and many other cities. Check out this complete guide on how to use Eurail Pass .

If you have rented a car, you can make easy day trips in the Lazio region as well as get to the Tuscany countryside or less touristy regions like Umbria or Abruzzo.

What is Rome famous for?

Depending on your passions, the first thing that comes to a traveler’s mind when hearing about Rome might be the Colosseum or its hearty culinary traditions. If you are a foodie, you are already inquiring what are the most popular Roman dishes and where to eat them. If you are a history buff, you have probably already booked your ticket to the city’s archaeological parks or the Vatican Museums.

To pin down what Rome is famous for in only a paragraph is pretty challenging. Think aristocratic Renaissance palaces, narrow winding alleys, all-natural artisan gelato, the Pope, designer shopping streets, the Spanish Steps , gorgeous piazzas , and fountains such as Fontana di Trevi , ancient Basilicas and so much more.

Why is Rome called the Eternal City?

Oftentimes, Rome’s eternal city moniker is assigned to the 2nd-century emperor Hadrian who would have said: “other Romes will come, whose forms I see but dimly, but whom I shall have helped to mold. When I was visiting ancient cities, sacred but wholly dead, and without present value for the human race, I promised myself to save this Rome of mine from the petrification of a Thebes, a Babylon, or a Tyre. She would no longer be bound by her body of stone, but would compose for herself from the words State, citizenry, and republic a surer immortality. […] She would endure to the end of the last city built by man.”

However, this is not what the emperor said in reality but a passage from Marguerite Yourcenar’s famous book “Memoirs of Hadrian”. In fact, the term eternal city applied to Rome had been already in use for centuries.

The first time we know Rome was referred to as the eternal city was by Latin poet Albius Tibullus (born c. 55 bc—died c. 19 bc) in his second book of elegiacs, and after that, so many have used the term that it became famous and somehow Rome’s own title, even though also other cities have been called this way, including Jerusalem and Kyoto.

When is the best time to visit Rome?

In our Rome travel guide, we are also going to suggest when to visit. Italy has four seasons and each of them is good to visit Rome. Usually, the summer months are the hottest and count the biggest crowds of tourists lined up to enter the city’s landmarks.

This is obviously because most people have their holidays in July and August, but if you can, the Springtime between April and June is probably the most pleasant to wander around, with the cold temperatures just gone and the blazing heat not yet here. If you are traveling in spring, check out our detailed guides to visiting Rome in March , April , and May .

When you are out sightseeing in Rome, a good amount of walking is involved, and doing it under a scorching sun can prove pretty challenging.

Fall, from September to around mid-November, is also a nice time to visit Rome, even though you can expect some showers and the first post-summer thunderstorms.

Don’t miss our tips on what to wear in Rome in November !

What Rome airport to fly into and from?

Rome has two airports, Leonardo Da Vinci International Airport in Fiumicino and the military airport in Ciampino. Which Rome airport is closer to the city? Probably Ciampino is slightly closer to Rome, but Fiumicino is very well connected, so the transfer time is really not much of an issue when booking your flight to Rome.

Ciampino is mainly the airport used by low-cost airlines such as Ryanair, but now these land in Fiumicino, too. While Ciampino is a small airport with limited options of shops and places to eat, Fiumicino airport is huge and features all types of stores, from technology to clothes to accessories, as well as a diverse restaurant scene that really accommodates every taste and preference.

How to reach Rome from the airport?

From Fiumicino’s airport, you can train either the train (faster and slightly more expensive) and the coach (cheaper and slower). There are two different trains you can take in Fiumicino to reach Rome.

Leonardo Express is the direct train to Termini, it doesn’t stop anywhere else, it reaches in half an hour and costs 14€. The regional train stops at every station, including Trastevere, Ostiense and Tiburtina, it takes 27 minutes to reach Trastevere, 31 to Ostiense, 47 to reach Tiburtina, and it costs 8€.

Coaches are cheaper and take longer as they drive through the traffic. In the GRA, the ring road around Rome, there isn’t always much traffic, but once inside the city, it can get pretty crazy depending on the hour.

Single tickets are around 5€ but every company has different fares and timetables, so it’s better to check directly on their website. Some of the most popular companies are Cotral , Schiaffini and Terravision . If you are flying with Ryanair, you can purchase your Terravision ticket on board.

Ciampino is a smaller airport and it can be reached only by bus, so it takes a bit longer. The companies are also Terravision and Schiaffini. From Ciampino, you can also take Atac urban bus to reach the metro station Anagnina

What to pack for Rome?

Italy has four seasons, so depending on when you are traveling, you will pack for Rome differently. Traveling to Rome for Christmas ? Definitely pack warm clothes, an umbrella, a winter jacket, and warm shoes or boots. On the other hand, if you need to pack for Rome in summer , don’t forget your swimsuit for a nearby beach or the pool of your hotel, sunscreen, light t-shirts, and shorts or light long trousers that you might need when on a tour in the Vatican .

In Rome, you can find pretty much everything, but if there are things you know you are going to need as soon as you arrive and don’t have time to look for a shop, I say pack a small version of it and then buy it in Italy when you run out.

What to wear in Rome?

There is no particular dress code in Italy, so in Rome, you can wear pretty much what you fancy and what you usually wear at home.

If you are visiting the Vatican or other churches, however, you will be asked to wear modest clothes, which will mean long trousers, light if it’s summer, long skirts, and t-shirts that cover the shoulders, so no sleeveless shirts even if outside it’s stifling hot. In case you are wearing a sleeveless t-shirt, when you enter a church, it will suffice to cover your shoulders with a shawl. Inside, it’s usually pretty fresh so don’t worry about feeling too hot.

Usually, there is no dress code to go to a restaurant or club, although some might prefer you to avoid flip flops, Bermuda shorts or sleeveless t-shirts for men. If there is a specific occasion where a dress code is required, organizers will make it clear, but usually, a smart outfit gives you access in most places.

Where to stay in Rome?

When looking for the best area to stay in Rome , you should keep in mind the purpose of your trip. Are you coming for a sightseeing holiday? Book your hotel in central Rome or Monti area to reach all the main landmarks easily. Do you like to experience traditional Rome and lively nightlife or bars and pubs? An accommodation in Trastevere is probably your solution.

Districts like Ostiense , Garbatella , or Trionfale/Monte Mario will probably have cheaper rates and are well connected to the city center, so if you are in Rome for more than three days and can take the time to use the public transport, it might be worth saving some money.

While most of the best hotels in Rome are probably around the historic center, in other areas you can find cozy places to stay that can meet your budget and needs. Even some accommodation options around the Vatican contemplate some pretty nice apartments and are close to public transport and handy shops and grocery stores/markets.

Public transport or car rental in Rome?

If you decided to book your hotel room or apartment slightly away from the city center, you can either take a daily walk or, if it’s really too far from your destination, rely on Rome’s public transport system . Consisting of buses, trams, trains, and metro, the local system is quite widespread and efficient, especially when connecting to central neighborhoods.

If you prefer to drive in Rome , you need to pay attention to the large ZTL, limited traffic zone, because fines are pretty hefty. If you are only staying in Rome, probably it’s not convenient, but if you are thinking about visiting also other regions and straying far from the big cities to enjoy some countryside, renting a car is your best bet.

In Rome, you can book a hotel that is not in the city center so you won’t be entering the ZTL and you will also have the chance to find better parking if your hotel doesn’t provide one. Staying in an area that is not in the immediate city center might also increase your chance to find much cheaper Rome accommodation .

What to eat in Rome?

Roman traditional dishes are hearty and don’t make for a light meal. Pretty meat-centric, you can also find delicious fish and seafood recipes as well as delicious side dishes such as sautéed chicory with garlic and chilli pepper, ( carciofi alla giudìa or alla romana) Roman-style artichokes and the fresh “puntarelle” (a very crunchy form of chicory) when in season.

If you are not a vegetarian or want to try the local dishes, you can start with some pasta options such as bucatini all’amatriciana , tonnarelli cacio e pepe , or spaghetti alla carbonara. As the main course, you will often find coda alla vaccinara (oxtail stew), saltimbocca alla romana (veal cutlet topped with cured meat and sage), filetti di baccalà (dried and salted codfish pan-fried). Sometimes also quinto quarto , which can be considered more of an ingredient as it’s made with the offal of a butchered beef or sheep.

If you want to stay traditional but give the meat a break, you can order the delicious fettuccine ai funghi porcini (egg pasta with porcini mushrooms) or the above-mentioned tonnarelli pasta with cacio cheese and black pepper.

Where to eat in Rome?

Our Rome travel guide couldn’t miss suggesting great places to eat. Of course, we have our favorite restaurants in Rome that we’ve been to over and over again, but there are many that we are still waiting to try.

Some of the places we have enjoyed many times and don’t hesitate to recommend are Felice A Testaccio near the Cestia Pyramid and the non-Catholic cemetery , Ginger Sapori e Salute in one of their restaurants either near the Pantheon or Via del Corso, Il Margutta vegetarian restaurant in Via Margutta, Trattoria Pennestri, delicious restaurant in the Ostiense area .

When I want to eat strictly plant-based, Romeow Cat Bistrot in Ostiense is my go-to and one of my very favorite vegan restaurants in Rome together with Ma Va?, also a vegan restaurant but in the Prati area, a neighborhood I always like to visit and where I used to live.

If you are a fan of street food, Rome offers this too in the form of supplì, pizza by the slice and the famous Trapizzino , which you can find in a few neighborhoods including Testaccio and Trastevere .

Pizza by the slice can either be a quick morning or afternoon snack or even an easy lunch on the go, and some of the best places for pizza in Rome include Pinsere in the Trieste neighborhood and the fantastic Pizzarium by Bonci in Prati near the Vatican Museums.

Where to find the best gelato in Rome?

Not to be confused with the fatter American cousin “ice-cream”, Italian gelato is a whole different deal. Creamy just enough and flavourful, it’s been quite a while that Romans have been demanding always more quality when it comes to their scoops.

So now, when you buy your gelato in Rome , you can (and should) expect an all-natural, chemical-free, additive-free sweet goodness in many flavors from all types of fruits to nuts in the most original combinations.

I would stay clear from chains showcasing unnatural, fluffy wells of ice cream and would really stick to the most recommended places, otherwise, you are just going to find an average industrial ice cream that does no justice to the real product.

Some of my favorites? Fatamorgana in Trastevere, Via del Corso and Prati, Fiordiluna and Otaleg in Trastevere, Gunther Gelato Italiano in Piazza Sant’Eustachio behind the Pantheon.

Where can I have the best coffee in Rome?

Coffee is something Italians rarely give up on. The smell of coffee is what defines an Italian home when everybody wakes up in the morning, so it’s only normal that you want to find the best coffee in Rome. Let’s start by saying that what Italians have is an espresso “shot” that you can order by simply asking for a “caffè”.

If you are more into larger cups, you need to order an American coffee, “caffè americano”. If you order your coffee “lungo” (long), you will just get the same tiny cup with the same espresso shot a little more diluted with the addition of more water.

Just as an example, I take my “caffè” simple as it is, so a single espresso. I can have a “lungo” sometimes because I know it’s still strong and velvety, but I would never be able to have American coffee.

This being said, in Rome, you can find great coffee in just about every bar, even the small one in the suburbs, where you can enter, order your coffee and have it at the counter like many Italians or at the table.

If you want a longer and more enjoyable experience with different types, styles and additions, some fantastic places are Sant’Eustachio Il Caffè in the namesake Piazza Sant’Eustachio, where they roast their coffee in-house, Castroni, a fantastic deli with several shops in locations like Via Cola di Rienzo, Via Ottaviano, Via Frattina and Piazza della Balduina, and also Pergamino Caffè in Piazza Risorgimento with the view of the Vatican Walls.

What to do in Rome?

This is a million-dollar question. It’s quite impossible to answer in a single paragraph, or article, or book, for that matter. We have even written our master guide with 95+ things to do in Rome but yet, it’s not enough either as constantly new discoveries are made and old landmarks are being restored and opened to the public.

A day or even half a day touring the Vatican is a must whether you are religious or not. Getting lost in the maze of alleys of the historic center eventually stopping to enjoy immortal masterpieces like the Pantheon, Piazza Navona for some masterpieces of Bernini , or Saint Louis of the French if you wish to view some Caravaggio paintings in Rome .

Book a tour to the Colosseum that usually includes also the Roman Forum to explore some of the most important and well-kept archaeological ruins, or stroll around Trastevere for a taste of gentrified former working-class vibe.

It’s not your first time in Rome and you don’t want to spend your day in the city center ? Venture to some of the most fascinating hidden gems or lesser-visited neighborhoods like Ostiense to know more about Rome’s industrial archaeology or street art . Are you a foodie? Embark on a themed itinerary and explore the city through its top local restaurants.

Check out our eBook for five daily itineraries for foodies in Rome

What can I do in Rome with my kids?

Plenty of things! First of all, there is hardly any kid who doesn’t want to feel gladiator for a day, so the Colosseum is a great starting point to introduce Rome to your children. Rome has also beautiful parks where your kids can run free, play in the devoted playgrounds, see the local wildlife and as well as the beautiful fountains, sculptures and lakes that are pretty much in every park in Rome.

For kids of all ages up to around 12 years old, close to Piazzale Flaminio and Piazza del Popolo is Explora , the museum where children can play and engage in plenty of interactive games.

Apart from the activities specifically organized for kids, you can ask your hotel if they know of any kids-friendly and family tours and just take your children to see Rome’s attractions, and buy them plenty of gelato and pastries!

What to do in Rome for free?

One of my favorite things to do in Rome consists of wandering around the historical streets of its neighborhoods, so it’s obviously free and really what I suggest anyone does for a first, insightful introduction to the city.

Among the most famous landmarks you can visit for free in Rome are the Spanish Steps, Piazza Navona, the Pantheon, St. Peter’s Basilica and all the other churches, including the important Saint Paul Outside the Walls , San Giovanni in Laterano, San Pietro in Vincoli , Santa Maria Maggiore and the two Trastevere basilicas Santa Maria and Santa Cecilia .

Visiting Rome’s parks is also free and doesn’t only involve a stroll in the green. Rome’s urban gardens are historical places because they all were former residences of local noble families.

So inside, you can visit palaces, museums, themed gardens, and lakes as well as see local wildlife and a variety of plant species. Villa Borghese , Villa Pamphilj, Villa Ada, and Villa Torlonia were all aristocratic residences, with Villa Ada being the residence of the Savoy royal family and Villa Torlonia where Benito Mussolini used to live.

But this is really only the tip of the iceberg because every neighborhood in Rome has its own personality and the free things to do in Rome are potentially never-ending!

Make sure you read our full guide to the free things to do in Rome .

What if I come to Rome with my baby?

I’d say to pack wisely and pick the right hotel in the right neighborhood ! While these are essential steps, exploring Rome with a baby does require some attention. First of all, if you are traveling with a stroller, you need to be careful because Rome’s streets are often connected with staircases and not all metro and train stations have (functioning) elevators.

So you might have to carry your stroller up and down the stairs. This is why, if your baby is small enough, a baby carrier is probably the best solution.

Also, food-wise, many restaurants in Rome serve dishes that your smaller ones can eat, but not all, so probably you might want to carry some prepared food on a thermos.

Obviously, this is possible only if you have rented an apartment rather than a hotel and can make your own food, otherwise, you should prefer the baby-friendly restaurants that we have tried and tested.

Should I book a guided tour of Rome or explore it independently?

As I mentioned at the very beginning of this guide, this is entirely up to you. Some of the questions you should ask yourself when deciding are: Do I have enough time to explore everything on my own? Will I be able to explore the place deeply and thoroughly by myself? Will I be able to find lesser-known local restaurants without booking a Rome food tour with a local guide?

Booking a tour has many advantages, skipping long lines being one of the main ones. But it also gives you the chance to dig deeper into the local culture and lifestyle, as well as find the best restaurants and dishes to try.

However, while joining a tour might be more insightful, it can also be more expensive than traveling on your own. If you are an independent traveler, you can choose cheaper hotels, and eat street food on the go.

You can also skip some landmarks that require an entrance fee, do more walking around the neighborhoods rather than entering museums and other sites, and enjoy the many free things you can do in the city. Rome is pretty easy to navigate, so if you are traveling on a budget, you can still love your trip.

Where to go shopping in Rome?

Rome is packed with all types of shops and stores, it all depends on what type of shopping you need to do. For food and grocery shopping, I would suggest heading to one of its beautiful local markets, while if you are looking for clothes, shoes, and accessories, there is no better place than famous shopping streets like Via del Corso, Via Cola di Rienzo, and the very exclusive Via dei Condotti and surrounding alleys.

Another cool place for shopping in Rome is the Designer Outlet Castel Romano McArthurGlen, a large pedestrian area built like a proper village of outlet stores of the biggest brands. If you have the time and are serious about shopping, you can spend there the whole day as there are a few restaurants, bars and cafes, as well as clean restrooms and toilets well-equipped also with baby changing units.

Among the 150 brands you can find for a fraction of the original price are Roberto Cavalli, Moschino, Nike, Falconeri, Burberry, Coccinelle, Ermenegildo Zegna, Samsonite, Calvin Klein, as well as homeware names like Bialetti and Caleffi. This outlet village is located south of Rome quite far from the city center, so to reach, you will have to rent a car or take a taxi.

Cool day trips from Rome

While Rome is a bottomless resource of things to see, do and experience, a day out of the city is a great alternative to the hustle. There are many day trips you can take from Rome , each of them exploring a place with their own personality and beauty. Some of the trips that I suggest are to Ostia Antica, the ruins of an ancient Roman city that archaeologists are still digging and making new discoveries, to Tivoli to see the two UNESCO heritage sites Villa of Hadrian and Villa d’Este, to Bracciano medieval town famous for its large lake, to the beautiful Viterbo, ancient papal city, and to the scenic Castel Gandolfo .

About The Author: Angela Corrias

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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.

Best Hotels and Resorts

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

Alexander Spatari/Getty Images

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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The 26 Best Things to Do in Rome

In such an ancient and dense place, prioritizing which corners to see can be an overwhelming task. How do you even start to figure out what to do in Rome? To shed some light on that impenetrable question, we've pulled together a list of world-famous sites and lesser-known destinations—museums, markets, archeological and architectural marvels—that will provide you with the full spectrum of outstanding experiences the Italian capital has to offer. Whether you have only a day in the city or a couple weeks (or return visits) to explore every detail, this list will help you pull together an itinerary you won't forget.

Read our complete Rome travel guide here .

Every review on this list has been written by a Condé Nast Traveler journalist who knows the destination and has visited that activity. When choosing things to do, our editors consider landmarks and experiences that offer an insider’s view of a destination, keeping authenticity, location, service, and sustainability credentials top of mind. This gallery has been updated with new information since its original publish date.

Palazzo Spada Arrow

Near Campo dei Fiori yet blissfully uncrowded, Palazzo Spada is a striking historic palace built in the 16 th century and redesigned by Roman architect Borromini in the 17th century. Inside there’s a rich art collection with Renaissance and Baroque masters, and outside there’s a peaceful courtyard where eight impressive colonnades create a mesmerising optical illusion. The palace itself is exquisitely Baroque, with elegant, perfect symmetry and ornate decorations. Inside, there are walls plastered in frescoes, immaculate stucco work, and grand halls of opulent, gilded marble. Palazzo Spada houses an incredible art collection, with paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts by artists including Titian and Caravaggio. Don’t miss the Borromini Perspective Gallery, a masterclass in optical illusion where a corridor appears to be much longer than it actually is.

Monte Mario Nature Reserve Arrow

A hike through this huge nature reserve—the highest of Rome’s ‘seven hills’—makes for a great alternative to Villa Borghese, with a fraction of the crowds, and fantastic views over the city. The Monte Mario Natural Reserve spans around 100 hectares, with nature trails wending through canopies of oak trees, pines and cypress trees. There’s a rich array of wildlife, including hawks, kestrels, foxes and hedgehogs. It couldn’t feel farther from one of the world’s biggest cities. There’s a number of different walking trails throughout the reserve, some more difficult (and steep) than others. Take a taxi there from the historical centre—it’s a seven minute drive away.

Case Romane del Celio in Rome Arrow

Underground beneath the Basilica Santi Giovanni e Paolo, this heritage museum shows how Roman daily life has changed over the years. There are 20 rooms showing ancient Roman homes, shops and shrines. It’s cheap to get into and relatively quiet, even on weekends. This is one of the best preserved examples of ancient Roman domestic architecture. The houses date back to the second and third centuries AD. They were part of a larger residential complex, possibly belonging to a single aristocratic Roman family. One of the most remarkable features is the underground area known as the hypogeum —a subterranean complex of chambers and passageways. Visitors can explore several interconnected rooms, including reception areas (atria), living quarters (cubicula), kitchens, and courtyards. The houses are decorated with colorful frescoes, intricate mosaics, and marble floors, showcasing the opulence and artistic sophistication of the Roman elite.

Sant'Ivo alla Sapienza Arrow

Most artists and architects working in the characteristically ornate and emotional Baroque style leaned heavily on color and materials to create strong visual impressions. Not Borromini, in this magnificent church originally designed for the Università di Roma. Using simply molded stucco forms and daylight, the maestro created an interior space that's at once intimate and infinite, simple and complex. If you've seen Bernini's interior design at St. Peter's Basilica, this is a great place to see how his rival achieves absolute architectural perfection without using scale and color as a crutch. There's no guide. Walk in, take a seat, and take it in.

Galleria Doria Pamphilj Arrow

This museum houses Rome's largest private collection, a trove assembled by the Doria, Pamphilj, Landi, and Aldobrandini families and brought together through marriage. It’s set in a noble palace still owned by the Doria Pamphilj family and the ornate halls provide a grand setting for such an overwhelming amount of art. The collection is acclaimed among 16th and 17th-century art aficionados but is off the average visitor’s radar even though it's located just off Piazza Venezia and close to the Forum.

Villa Doria Pamphilj Arrow

Rome's largest public park is divided into manicured gardens, stretches of forest, pine groves, and bits of wild vegetation. There are wide open fields, as well as intimate nooks for romantic picnics. It's a perfect destination for runners or cyclists who want to get in a few miles without the nuisances of car traffic and smog. Whether you visit for a stroll, a meal, or a workout, be sure to have a map. The place is huge and some exits spit you out into residential neighborhoods.

Colosseum Arrow

If you know the background of the building, a visit to the Colosseum will be truly amazing and totally live up to the hype. The place was used for wild beast hunts, public executions, and gladiator fights for several hundred years, then became a condo of sorts as medieval Romans made their homes in the hulking ruins. Spend a little time on the second story exhibition area, check out the artists' renderings of the building's ancient and medieval incarnations, and you'll be anxious to learn more.

Ancient Pharmacy of Santa Maria della Scala Arrow

Entering this ancient apothecary, the oldest in Europe, feels a little like stepping back in time. You enter through the ground floor of the building, which is now a functioning, modern pharmacy, before heading upstairs to the ancient iteration. Visitors are welcomed by a friar, who talks you through the various herbs, potions, unguents, balms, and oils that they used to heal the ancient Romans. He knows his stuff. Ask him to show you some of the original wooden furniture from the 18th century, and the instruments they used for weighing ingredients and making the medicines. Look out for the teriaca, a potion created and used by Romans as an antidote—ingredients include viper meat.

MAXXI Rome Arrow

MAXXI is the kind of place you go to spend half a day, with no plans other than to take the entire place in. Designed by Zaha Hadid, this is Rome’s museum for all things contemporary, with exhibitions spanning modern fashion, cinema, art, and architecture. Heck, it’s worth visiting just to check out the building, a piece of art in itself. The labyrinthine space at MAXXI is astounding. It gets busy, but there's so much space that you wouldn't notice. Big, wide halls give way to rooms of different themes and sizes, resulting in five floors of non-stop, incredible artwork. Spaces range from performing arts to galleries with modern artworks to open cinemas. For some, this might feel a little incoherent, but it helps if you take it in as a whole rather than different spaces.

Capitoline Museums Arrow

Home to one of the finest collections of ancient sculpture in Rome (and therefore the world), the Capitoline Museums are—weirdly—rarely crowded. They attract school groups, local history and art buffs, and travelers, all of whom tend to meander through the museums' various buildings, two of which were designed by none other than Michelangelo. Thanks to its collection and its proximity to Rome's main archeological attractions, it's a logical place to stop after visiting the Roman Forum and Colosseum.

Palatine Hill Arrow

The Palatine Hill is a big, sprawling open-air museum. There are emperors' palaces, manicured gardens, medieval churches, and a terrace overlooking the Forum and beyond. The admission fee is about $18 and covers the Roman Forum and Colosseum, too, making it a pretty great deal. Although the Palatine has monuments from every major era in Rome's history, the real draw is a first-century palace built by Domitian, a mad emperor with a very serious architecture addiction.

Jubilee Church Arrow

Chiesa di Dio Padre Misericordioso, also known as the Jubilee Church, was designed by American architect Richard Meier as part of the Vatican's grand church-building and city revival program leading up to the Millennium Jubilee, a Catholic pilgrimage year held in 2000. The church is free, though getting there may cost you. It's about six miles from central Rome, so a taxi could easily cost more than €25 ($28). Alternatively, you can reach the church via public transport for €3 ($4) round trip.

San Zeno Chapel at Santa Prassede Arrow

The San Zeno Chapel is a small chapel and major pilgrimage destination inside the church of Santa Prassede (aka Saint Praxedes). The church, chapel, and mosaics all backdate to the 9th century when Pope Paschal I built the chapel and its Byzantine mosaics for his mother. Because the chapel houses the remains of a pillar believed by many Catholics to be from the Flagellation of Christ, it draws some pilgrims. Other visitors are travelers specifically there to see the Byzantine mosaics.

Domus Aurea Arrow

A sprawling palatial pavilion built by emperor Nero in the 1st century that will blow you away with the design taste and command of concrete and space on display. You can only visit on weekends—the site's under restoration during the week—but admission includes a guided tour. Ours was led by an archeologist who not only worked on the site but was totally obsessed with it; the passion made for a terrific tour. Try your luck.

Mercato di Campagna Amica del Circo Massimo Arrow

Despite being Rome's largest farmers market, the Mercato di Campagna Amica remains down to earth and not at all corporate—as demonstrated by the fact it's only open on weekends. The stalls adhere to the "0 km" philosophy, shorthand for products made or grown within 100 kilometers from the point of sale; and vendors come mostly from Lazio, Rome's home region. It's a crash course in the local leafy greens, amusing in their number and variety, especially to visitors from northern climates. Both the olives and the olive oil you'll find here are worth a splurge, but one of the market's best uses is as a source of super-fresh (and super-cheap) picnic material. Grab some bread, a little fresh pecorino, a few slices of prosciutto, some fruit, and make yourself a lunch.

Villa Farnesina Arrow

The Villa was the private residence of Agostino Chigi, one of the Renaissance's richest men; he liked to showcase his wealth by hiring artists to paint elaborate frescoes on the walls and ceilings in his palace. That makes this a great place for Renaissance fans who want to take their time and see the art in-situ without the crowds. Thanks to Raphael's emphasis on mythological themes, it's also a great place for kids who know about the Roman gods—or want to!

Janiculum Hill Arrow

This is a leisurely stroll beginning in Trastevere and winding up via Garibaldi to the top of Janiculum Hill. The mood changes from urban at the beginning to monumental at the end; it's a bit of work, but rewards those willing to do it with a unique perspective on Roman history and some of the best views of the city. Best to do the walk during the day, or early in the morning if it's summer. If you're on a tight schedule, don't want to brave the hill in the heat, or just want to get a view, skip the hike and take a taxi directly to Piazzale Garibaldi.

Vicus Caprarius Arrow

This museum takes you beneath the Trevi district, through an intricate maze of ancient vestiges to the archaeological ruins of Vicus Caprarius (which roughly translates to “City of Water”), an old Roman apartment complex dating back to the first-century A.D.. You get to see first-hand how the rich Romans lived, using their very own aqueduct–the same one that feeds the Trevi fountain–for their running water. The entrance is unassuming, and if you hadn’t been told it was there it would be easy to walk right past. There’s a fairly comprehensive website but all bookings are made (and confirmed) via a Whatsapp chat. Skip the guided tour—there were 8 of us in the tour group, but we shared the same (small) space with  self-guided individuals, many of whom had just showed up and booked on the day. If you're keen on a post-museum cocktail, head upstairs to Harry's Bar.

Santa Maria del Popolo Arrow

Santa Maria del Popolo is a Renaissance church at the edge of Piazza del Popolo and just within Rome's 3rd-century walls. It was decorated during Rome's most recent artistic peak, the 15th to 17th centuries, and is packed with masterpieces. The church is free, though some coins will come in handy for turning lights on in chapels. The place mostly draws visitors on the Caravaggio trail. Two canvases painted by that controversial and innovative artist hang in the chapel next to the main altar.

Le Domus Romane di Palazzo Valentini Arrow

The Domus Romane are ancient Roman villas and other structures that were abandoned in antiquity, filled in with debris, and inadvertently used as foundations for Palazzo Valentini, a Renaissance palace turned government office building. They are now underground, obscured by buildings and pavement just beside Piazza Venezia. Booking is required and must be done online.

Santa Maria in Trastevere Arrow

There are hundreds of churches in Rome, but Santa Maria in Trastevere is one of the most breathtaking. Not only are the mosaics and gilded ceiling spectacular, the very skeletal structure of the church is mind-boggling. The columns that support the nave and separate the aisles are single, solid pieces of granite that were lugged across the river in the 12th century after being plundered from the 3rd-century Baths of Caracalla. The church will help you develop a taste for medieval Rome, a period often outshined by the Renaissance and Baroque eras.

Palazzo Massimo Arrow

The Palazzo Massimo's building itself was built by Jesuits in the late 19th century and was only turned into a state-owned museum in 1980. It's next to Stazione Termini, Rome's busiest station, yet few travelers make the trip to see the museum's masterpiece-packed halls. The collection is a mix of Classical sculpture, Imperial frescoes, and Hellenistic baroque-style statuary. After the Vatican Museums and Capitoline Museums, the Palazzo Massimo is a must for ancient art lovers.

Testaccio Market Arrow

This market in one of Rome's most bustling central neighborhoods has all the usual suspects: bread bakeries, produce stalls, fishmongers, butchers, and delis. You'll also find seasonal vegetables like artichokes or zucchini, cuts typical of the local cuisine like tripe and liver, and little chewy pizzas common to Roman bakeries. If you're looking for lunch (or to stock a picnic), hunt down takeaway stalls like the stellar Mordi e Vai, which serves Roman sandwiches near the Via B. Franklin exit. The stalls on the eastern side of the market mainly sell clothes, shoes, and housewares. There's even a hair salon, in case you're needing a touchup.

Pigneto Arrow

Pigneto is popular with Italian college students and twenty- and thirty-somethings who frequent the bars on the "Isola," a pedestrianized stretch of Via del Pigneto, the neighborhood's central artery. It's also a destination for Pasolini fans who visit the streets that were the backdrop for his Neorealist films. It's an acquired taste and may feel too rough-around-the-edges for some, but anyone interested in urbanism and street art, or just thirsty to explore neighborhood's outside of Rome's historic center, will enjoy it.

Baths of Caracalla Arrow

The Baths of Caracalla were a massive public bathing complex built in the third century. Throughout the year, the site is open during the day for visitors to stroll through ruins that were so magnificent they inspired the Main Concourse at Grand Central Terminal. Each summer, the city of Rome's Opera company performs at the Baths, using the towering brick ruins as a backdrop. The contrast of the ancient buildings, celebrated operas, and modern acoustics and lighting is stunning.

Quartiere San Lorenzo Arrow

This working-class neighborhood near Termini station first gained international prominence when Soho House opened their Rome outpost a few years back. Since then, it’s evolved from a rough-around-the-edges student hangout into a decidedly bohemian district, with street art, street food, lively bars, and cool fashion boutiques. To get the most out of the neighborhood, visit in the late afternoon, when fashion boutiques like L’Anatra all’Arancia and La Maison de la Mode will still be open. Refuel with a coffee at the diminutive Giufà Libreria Caffè bookstore-bar, then check out the street art around Via dei Sabelli and Scalo San Lorenzo. Stop by Blackmarket San Lorenzo for a pre-dinner cocktail and vegetarian small plates, or pop into Sanlollo for pizzas, bruschetta, and salted cod. Gelato San Lorenzo does some of the best ice cream in town, all of it organic. Still, don't bring your parents or your fussiest friends here; rather, come with someone who’s up for a cheap-ish night out in a gritty but very cool neighborhood.

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

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

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

Central Rome

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Background reading

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

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

English-language bookshops in Rome are:

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

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

Tourist information

• Rome Tourism

Rome ( ROM   IATA ) has two main international airports:

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

About Ciampino airport

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

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

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

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

• You can take the local ATRAL bus [ dead link ] from the stop located outside the terminal building to the metro station 41.84265 12.58608 Anagnina&nbsp;<span title=\\\"Metropolitana di Roma, linea A (Battstini - Anagnina)\\\" style=\\\"color: #333; background-color:#f36c1b; border:2px solid \\n#f36c1b; border-radius:0px; font-size:70%;\\\"> <span style=\\\"color:white; font-weight:bold;white-space:nowrap;\\\">A</span> </span></span>\",\"marker-symbol\":\"-number-go\",\"marker-color\":\"A52A2A\",\"description\":\"\"}}"}}'>3 Anagnina     A   . A metro ticket to central Rome costs another €1.50. The metro can get very crowded. The bus takes about 20min and the metro another 30min to the main train station (Termini) in Rome. Going towards the airport, the bus departs from platform 1.
• There is also a local ATRAL bus [ dead link ] to Ciampino local train station; from there, there are infrequent trains to Rome Termini station (ticket: €2).

The cheapest way from the airport is to take ATAC urban bus line 720 to 41.82707 12.48129 Laurentina&nbsp;<span title=\\\"Metropolitana di Roma, linea B (Laurentina - Rebibbia)\\\" style=\\\"color: #333; background-color:#0072bc; border:2px solid \\n#0072bc; border-radius:0px; font-size:70%;\\\"> <span style=\\\"color:white; font-weight:bold;white-space:nowrap;\\\">B</span> </span></span>\",\"marker-symbol\":\"-number-go\",\"marker-color\":\"A52A2A\",\"description\":\"\"}}"}}'>4 Laurentina     B   , or Line 520 to 41.84931 12.57435 Cinecittà&nbsp;<span title=\\\"Metropolitana di Roma, linea A (Battstini - Anagnina)\\\" style=\\\"color: #333; background-color:#f36c1b; border:2px solid \\n#f36c1b; border-radius:0px; font-size:70%;\\\"> <span style=\\\"color:white; font-weight:bold;white-space:nowrap;\\\">A</span> </span></span>\",\"marker-symbol\":\"-number-go\",\"marker-color\":\"A52A2A\",\"description\":\"\"}}"}}'>5 Cinecittà     A   . Since all these routes are operated by ATAC, you only need one ticket which costs €1.50 and is valid for 100 min. You cannot buy tickets on the bus, but there are ATAC vending machines shortly before you leave the airport.

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

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

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

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

Rome's main railway station is 41.901 12.502 Termini Station&nbsp;<span title=\\\"Metropolitana di Roma, linea A (Battstini - Anagnina)\\\" style=\\\"color: #333; background-color:#f36c1b; border:2px solid \\n#f36c1b; border-radius:0px; font-size:70%;\\\"> <span style=\\\"color:white; font-weight:bold;white-space:nowrap;\\\">A</span> </span><span title=\\\"Metropolitana di Roma, linea B (Laurentina - Rebibbia)\\\" style=\\\"color: #333; background-color:#0072bc; border:2px solid \\n#0072bc; border-radius:0px; font-size:70%;\\\"> <span style=\\\"color:white; font-weight:bold;white-space:nowrap;\\\">B</span> </span></span>\",\"marker-symbol\":\"-number-go\",\"marker-color\":\"A52A2A\",\"description\":\"\"}}"}}'>6 Termini Station     A     B   which is locked between 00:30 and 04:30. Most long-distance trains passing through Rome between these times will stop at Tiburtina station instead. See also "By boat" below.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ferry services

In Civitavecchia:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By public transport (ATAC)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Journey planner

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

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

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

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

Useful bus lines are:

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

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

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

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

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

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

By commuter rail

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

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

Some of the main rental shops:

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

There is the possibility to hire any kind of bike in Rome: from tandem, road bikes, children bikes to trekking bikes. Some shops are even specialised only on high quality ones while street stands will hire you cheaper and heavy ones. Bicycling alone can be stressful because of the traffic. The best way is to discover first how to move around and avoid traffic and stress with a guide thanks to one of the tours offered by almost all rental shops. There are different itineraries offered from the basic city centre, panoramic Rome tour to the Ancient Parks (from €29 for 4h). The experience is well worth it and you would reduce also your impact on the city environment and on the traffic.

Even moderately experienced cyclists, however, may find that cycling through Rome's streets offers an unparalleled way to learn the city intimately and get around very cheaply and efficiently. While the Roman traffic is certainly chaotic to someone from a country with more regimented and enforced rules of the road, Roman drivers are, generally speaking, used to seeing bicycles, as well as scooters and motorcycles, and one may move throughout the city relatively easily. If you are in a car's way, they will generally let you know with a quick beep of the horn and wait for you to move.

A particularly spectacular, and relaxing, cycle trip is to pedal out along la Via Appia Antica , the original Appian Way that linked much of Italy to Rome. Some of the original cobblestones, now worn by over 2 millennia of traffic, are still in place. With exceptionally light traffic in most sections, you can casually meander your bike over kilometres of incredible scenery and pass ancient relics and active archaeological sites throughout the journey. ( Rome/South )

Some of the many rental shops:

• Punto Informativo , Via Appia Antica 58/60 , ☏ +39 06 5126314 . M-Sa 09:30-13:30 and 14:00-17:30 (16:30 in wintertime), Su and holidays 09:30-17:30 non stop (16:30 wintertime) . Price: €3/hour and €10/day .  
• Comitato per la Caffarella (Largo Tacchi Venturi) , ☏ +39 06 789279 . Su 10:00-18:00 . Price: €3/hour and €10/day .  
• Catacombe di San Sebastiano , ☏ +39 06 7850350 . Every day except Sundays . Price: €3/hour and €10/day .  
• TopBike Rental & Tours , Via Labicana 49 , ☏ +39 06 4882893 , [email protected] . Daily 09:30-19:00 . ( updated Jan 2017 )
• Bici & Baci , Via del Viminale, 5 ( Termini Station ), ☏ +39 06 4828443 .  
• Roma Starbike , Via Capo d’Africa, 29 D Roma , ☏ +39 06 4543 0118 , [email protected] . Daily 9:00-20:00 (19:00 in wintertime) . ( updated Dec 2019 )
• Roma Rent Bike , Via di San Paolo alla Regola 33 ( Campo de Fiori ), ☏ +39 06 88922365 . ( updated Aug 2017 )
• Collalti , Via del Pellegrino, 82 ( Campo de’ Fiori ), ☏ +39 06 68801084 .  
• Romarent , Vicolo dei Bovari, 7/a ( Campo de’ Fiori ), ☏ +39 06 6896555 .  
• Bikeaway , Via Monte del Gallo, 25 A ( Stazione FS S. Pietro ), ☏ +39 06 45495816 .  

By Segway Pt

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

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

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

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

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

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

If you'll be staying in Rome for at least 3 days, consider purchasing the Roma Pass . It is valid for 3 days and costs €58.50 (Aug 2024). It entitles holders to free admission to the first two museums and/or archaeological sites visited, full access to the public transport system, and discounts for the other museums, tourist sites, exhibitions, music events, theatrical and dance performances. This pass gets you in to the Colosseum (Colosseo), Palatine Hill (Palatino Hill), the Baths of Caracalla (Terme di Caracalla), and the catacombs as well as the Terme di Diocleziano, Palazza Massimo alle Terme, Crypta Balbi, Palazzo Altemps, Villa dei Quintili, and the Tomb of Cecilia Metella.

A Roma Pass 48-hours is also offered for €36.50 (Aug 2024) and is valid for 2 days. For this pass only the first museum and/or archaeological sites visited is free.

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

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

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

Ancient Rome

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

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

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

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

Catholic Rome

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

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

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

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

The Seven Hills of Rome

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Just walking around

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

The Piazzas

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

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

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

Overlooked Places

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

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

Rome for kids

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

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

• Children's Museum . Via Flaminia 82. Just north of Piazza del Popolo. Controlled entrance at 10.00, 12,00, 15.00 and 17.00 for visits lasting 1 hour 45 minutes. Closed Mondays and for much of August. Best to check the web site for up-to-date info and to book in advance. Hands-on science, mainly for pre-teens, housed in a former tram-car depot.
• Bioparco . The renamed Rome Zoo. On the edge of the Borghese Gardens ( North Centre ).
• The Time Elevator . Via dei Santi Apostoli, 20 on a side street between Piazza Venezia and the Trevi Fountain. Daily 10.30 to 19.30. "Five-dimensional" shows on the Origins of Life and on the History of Rome, plus "The House of Horrors". Not for the faint-hearted: your seats move all over the place. Kids love it.
• Rome's Wax Museum . 67 Piazza di Santi Apostoli, next to Piazza Venezia. Few good reports about this museum. Comments invited.
• Planetarium . This also has an excellent astronomy museum and is conveniently next to the Museum of Rome's Civilization ( EUR ).
• The Vatican is, by and large, not a great idea for kids although they often enjoy the Sistine Chapel and are impressed by the beauty and the fact that it was all done in just four years. However, the Sistine Chapel is very crowded and getting there through the corridors of the Vatican Museum is even worse. It is easy for families to get separated so determine a meeting point. The best part of St. Peter's Basilica is that kids can go to the top of the dome. It is 500 steps but you can take the elevator up to the third floor. From there there are another 323 exhausting steps. So it is fun for older kids who can both climb up all the stairs and walk down as there is a huge line for the elevator ( Vatican ).
• Zoomarine [ dead link ] . Dolphins, sea lions, exotic birds, splashy rides and swimming pools, some 20   km (12   mi) south of Rome near Pomezia. A good day out, but is this really why you came to Rome? Free transport from EUR and Pomezia railway station. Check web site for details.
• Take in a show. There are lots of theatres, but you will need to know Italian to enjoy them. The main concert venue is the Auditorium in Viale Pietro de Coubertin to the north of Rome . The Auditorium at Parco della Musica is a large complex composed of three separate halls whose shapes are inspired by musical instruments. These are positioned around an open-air amphitheatre, that is used nearly every night in the summer for concerts. The Parco della Musica hosts a constant stream of classical, popular, and jazz music, featuring national as well as international musicians and groups. Really big names perform outdoors in the summer; usually in either the Olympic Stadium or in Stadio Flaminio, which is next door to the Parco della Musica. In winter the Palalotto in EUR is an important pop concert venue.
• Walk and feel the energy of Rome; sights are everywhere waiting to be discovered.
• Walk or cycle along the banks of the Tiber. There are steps down to the river from close to most of the bridges. A few have special runners for cycle wheels. This gets you away from the traffic fumes and gives a different perspective of Rome. Not usually possible in winter when water levels can be very high.
• Explore the Trastevere neighbourhood for some great cafes and trattorie, and a glimpse at a hip Roman neighbourhood.
• Watch football ie soccer. The city has two teams playing in Serie A, the top tier of Italian football, AS Roma and SS Lazio. They share the Stadio Olimpico, capacity 70,000, in the north of the city. Matches between the two teams are known as the Derby della Capitale , and are extremely charged affairs, with crowd violence being a regular occurrence, sometimes even resulting in fatal stabbings.
• White Night (Notte Bianca) . In early to mid-September, various events until dawn, plus shops and restaurants, museums stay open while the Roman Notte Bianca stages music, dance and theater events. Expect enormous crowds; buses and trams will be packed to the brim.  
• Opera at Caracalla , Baths of Caracalla (see Rome/Aventino-Testaccio) . If you are in Rome during summertime don’t miss the chance to experience a lyric opera in the truly unique setting of the Caracalla Baths. The 2009 program included Tosca, Carmen and Midsummer Night’s Dream. Performances start at 21:00.  

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Factory outlets

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Vegetarians

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

Kosher dining

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Wine and water

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

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

Before dinner

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

Clubbing & Night Life

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Gay travellers

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pickpocketing

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

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

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

Tourist scams

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Emergencies

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

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

• Police . To report theft you should generally go to the Carabinieri station nearest where the theft occurred. Ask people at the scene of the crime where to go.
• Left Luggage Termini . You can leave luggage at Termini but they have a lot of security and only one X-ray machine so there can be a +100 people queue. It costs about €4 per bag (of any size) for the first 5 hours, €0.80 per bag for each hour thereafter. There's a sign limiting bags to 20   kg each, but no facility for weighing them, so it's probably not enforced.
• Splashnet laundry, internet, left luggage , Via Varesi 33, 100 m west of Termini. €2 per luggage left (and 15 min of internet included).
• The Etruscan site of Cerveteri
• Head to Frascati , one of the historic hill towns to the South East of Rome known as the Castelli Romani . This town has been a popular destination for centuries away from the hustle and bustle of the capital, and this is still true today. Famous worldwide for its white wine, Frascati is a relaxed hill town with a slower pace of life. Just 21   km (13   mi) from Rome, Frascati is accessible by bus or train. Trains run from Roma Termini approximately every hour, take about 30 minutes, and cost around €2. Also in the Castelli is Castel Gandolfo , the summer residence of the Pope. The town overlooks Lake Albano, a popular weekend trip for Romans in the summer. Also accessible by bus and train but there are several interesting towns and villages in the Castelli so hiring a car for the day would be well-rewarded.
• Head to Ostia Antica , the ancient harbor and military colony of Rome. It is accessible by Metro every 30 minutes from Stazione Piramide (near the Pyramid). It is a monumental area a bit like the Colosseum district, but in Ostia Antica you can get an impression how a Roman city really looked.
• Consider a day trip to Tivoli to see the Villa d'Este with its famous and glorious fountains. Check out the Emperor Hadrian's Villa while you are out there. Hourly trains from Tiburtina; fewer on Sundays.
• Understand the Second World War in Italy by visiting the Anzio beachhead area, the landing museum at Anzio and Monte Cassino .
• Canterano , a picturesque village with strange legends just a few km away.
• Civitavecchia , the port of Rome, is the point of arrival and departure of hundreds of ships, cruises, and ferries travelling all around the Mediterranean. From here it is possible to reach Sardinia , Corsica , Sicily , Spain , France , some other small islands, and even north Africa . A good transportation system links the port to the Eternal City, e.g., see "Get in" "By train" above.
• Explore the Etruscan sites of Tarquinia and Vulci .
• Discover the papal city of Viterbo , well-known medieval and thermal destination (about 1 and half hours from Rome)
• Palestrina is a centre 40   km (25   mi) from Rome, rich in archaeological remains from the Roman time. Among the things to see: the Pagan Temple of the Goddess " Fortuna " , the National Archaeological Museum (housed in the Renaissance Palazzo Barberini), the Roman Forum and the Nilotic Mosaic .
• Visit Naples and the famed islands in its gulf, Capri , Ischia and Procida . Naples is 1 hour away by high speed train.
• Especially if you have a rail pass, making Pompeii a day trip, while it is a very full day, is very doable. To reach Pompeii from Rome will take about 3 hours.

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

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Things to Do in Rome

Explore Rome's most impressive squares, fountains, monuments and attractions. Rome is a breath-taking open-air museum and these are its top sights.

Millennia of history, unbeatable cuisine, and much more, Rome is rightfully one of the most popular tourist destinations on the planet . With so many things to do and see in Rome, one of the most difficult parts of visiting the Eternal City can be crafting the perfect itinerary. Read on to discover our must-dos!

Visit the Colosseum

An ever-enduring symbol of the grandeur of Ancient Rome, the Colosseum is perhaps one of the most recognisable landmarks on the planet, as well as one of the 7 Wonders of the World.

This breathtaking amphitheatre is right in the heart of the city, and once would have accommodated as many as 80,000 spectators. These giant crowds would watch on as the venue played host to everything from epic gladiator fights to public executions.

With Civitatis, there are lots of different ways of visiting this bucket list landmark. You don’t need a guide to visit the Colosseum. However, to get the full experience, and to gain a deeper insight into the landmark’s history, we recommend taking a guided tour of the Colosseum . Alternatively, feel like a gladiator yourself with this Guided Tour + Gladiator's Entrance ticket , and walk where so many gladiators once walked in Ancient Rome! If you'd prefer to explore it at your own pace, the entrance is included with the  OMNIA Rome & Vatican Card .

Stroll Through the Roman Forum

Just a stone's throw from the Colosseum, the Forum marked the heart of Ancient Rome's political, religious and social spheres. It would have been in this very place that triumphal processions, public speeches, commercial affairs and much more would have taken place.

Today, this sprawling archaeological site is made up of different streets that were once bustling at the height of the Roman Empire, temples, the courts of justice and halls of government. Here are some activities that you may find useful to explore this complex and delve into its fascinating history.

• Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill Tour
• Colosseum Tour + Gladiator's Entrance

Explore the Vatican Museums & the Sistine Chapel

No trip to Rome would be complete without a visit to Vatican City. Due to its sovereign nature and limited size, it's considered the smallest country in the world . Despite this, it's home to impressive works of art and, of course, the Holy See, the central government of the Catholic Church.  

Of course, we must highlight the Vatican Museums, one of the most extensive art collections in the world. Raphael , Caravaggio and Leonardo da Vinci are some of the painters present in this exhibition. But the Sistine Chapel is undoubtedly the highlight. This room, where the cardinals hold the Conclave to elect the new Pope, is famous for its impressive ceiling fresco and the mural painting of the Last Judgement, both painted by the legendary Michelangelo in the 16th century. Words cannot explain it, it's pure beauty!

There are multiple options when it comes to visiting this museum complex, as well as St. Peter's Basilica itself. To make your task easier, we have compiled the best tours of the Vatican for you:

• Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel Guided Tour
• Sistine Chapel, Vatican Museums + St Peter's Basilica
• St. Peter's Basilica Tickets: Dome Access + Audioguide
• Papal Audience & Vatican Museums Tour

Enter Rome's Pantheon

The Pantheon is one of Rome's best-preserved ancient structures. Originally, the Pantheon was built as a temple dedicated to Roman gods and was later converted to a Christian church. Built almost 2000 years ago, this massive structure is still considered an architectural masterpiece. Perhaps its most astounding element is its crowning dome, which still boasts the title of having the largest unsupported concrete dome on the planet.

You can visit the Pantheon by yourself for an entry fee of  € 5 ( US$ 5.60). However, on this Pantheon Guided Tour , you can explore this iconic structure, including legendary artist Raphael's tomb, accompanied by an expert guide, who will give you valuable insights into its rich history.

Stroll Down the Spanish Steps

The Spanish Steps represent one of the finest urban examples of Baroque architecture in Rome . The famous steps of the Piazza di Spagna, built in the early 18th century, are one of its most emblematic spaces and one of the most photographed places in the city. These steps connect the base of the square with the Church of Trinità dei Monti.

Piazza di Spagna is a regular stop on a free tour of Rome , so we recommend taking this guided tour to learn a little more about this iconic landmark. In addition, the streets surrounding the square are home to a number of luxury shops and restaurants—what more could you ask for?

Throw a Coin into the Trevi Fountain

This stunning Baroque masterpiece is another unmissable stop in the Italian capital city. A ten-minute walk from the Spanish Steps, the Trevi Fountain as it stands today was completed in 1762, though it is said that the water source dates back to 19BC. You can see the fountain as part of this Free Walking Tour of Rome , during which you can take the chance to follow the tradition of throwing a coin into the water. According to legend, this act will ensure one's return to the city!

Piazza Navona

Piazza Navona is a must on this list of places to see in Rome. It's considered one of the most beautiful squares in the capital of Italy —and the world! Full of bars and restaurants, this area is perfect for a break between monuments.

However, the square is also impressive for its important historical heritage, including the Fountain of the Four Rivers or Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi. This work by Gian Lorenzo Bernini is surprising for its sculptural ensemble, which represents the Nile, the River Plate, the Danube and the Ganges.

Take a cruise on the Tiber River

Taking a cruise on the Tiber River is one of the best ways to discover this ancient city. You'll enjoy a different view of the Eternal City and be able to see places of great historical importance such as the Castle of Sant'Angelo, an ancient fortress that served as a refuge for Pope Clement VII during the sieges that took place in 1527.

Below, you can find some interesting activities to do along the Tiber and Sant'Angelo:

• Castel Sant'Angelo Ticket + Audio Guide
• Castel Sant'Angelo Tour + Terrace Access
• Rome Sightseeing Cruise on the Tiber River
• Tiber River Cruise with Appetizer  

Learn to Make an Authentic Italian Pizza

Talking about pizza... if you're a foodie, we'd definitely recommend taking a look at taking a cooking class or two while you're in the home of Italian cuisine. On this Italian Pizza Workshop  in Rome, you'll learn from a highly-skilled pizzaiolo about the high-quality ingredients and essential techniques necessary for constructing this beloved dish, taking you on a culinary and cultural adventure like no other! If pasta is more your speed, you might prefer this Italian Pasta & Tiramisu Workshop , during which you'll learn to make your very own fresh pasta and sauce, as well as the irresistible coffee dessert of tiramisu!

If you're on your holiday to relax, and simply want to indulge in the infinite delights that Italian cuisine has to offer, go on this  Trastevere Food Tour and explore one of Rome's best areas for food and wine!

Go on a Wine Tasting

Italy is a wine-lovers paradise. The biggest wine-producing country, and home to some of the finest wines on the planet, Italy's capital city of Rome is as good a place as any to go on a wine tasting. Rome belongs to the region of Lazio, which is one of the most prominent wine-producing regions in Italy. However, as part of this Wine Tasting in Rome , you can taste glasses of fine red, rosé, white and sparkling from all over Italy, accompanied by an expert, English-speaking sommelier. What's more, the wine is accompanied by delicious Italian snacks, including cured meats and cheeses from across the country.

Delve into Rome's Underbelly

One of the most fascinating attractions in Rome in fact lies underneath the city. Rome's ancient catacombs are underground tunnels which served as a Christian and Jewish place of burial during approximately the 2nd-5th centuries AD. Incredibly, these passageways stretch for kilometres underneath the city's bustling streets. On this Underground Tour of Rome , you can delve into these ancient passages yourself and, accompanied by an expert guide, gain an insight into the lives, beliefs, and burial practices of Romans at the turn of the millennium.

While these are our top 10 things to do in the Eternal City of Rome , there is lots to do! For more travel inspiration, be sure to take a look at the rest of this Rome travel guide!

Colosseum The Colosseum in Rome, called the Flavian Amphitheatre in ancient times, is Rome's most impressive monument. It's visited by 6 million people annually.

Roman Forum Located between Piazza Venezia and the Colosseum, the Roman Forum was the hub of political and social activity of the Roman citizens.

Piazza Navona With its three majestic fountains and surrounding mansions, Piazza Navona is one of the most beautiful Baroque squares in Rome.

Trevi Fountain Trevi Fountain is the most beautiful and most spectacular fountain in Rome. Millions of people visit it every year to make a wish.

St. Peter's Square St. Peter's Square (Piazza San Pietro in Italian) is located in the Vatican at the feet of the Basilica. One of the most famous squares in the world.

St. Peter's Basilica One of the largest churches in the world, St Peter’s Basilica, built in the Renaissance style is, part of the Vatican. Many Popes have been buried here.

Sistine Chapel The Sistine Chapel is one of the greatest treasures of the Vatican City. Designed by the brilliant Michelangelo, it is a must-see tourist attraction.

Piazza di Spagna & the Spanish Steps As the site of many events and fashion shows, the Spanish Steps is one of the most renowned places in Rome. Piazza di Spagna in one of Rome’s best areas.

Pantheon Completed by Hadrian in the year 126AD, the Pantheon claims to be the best preserved building from ancient Rome. A masterpiece of Roman architecture.

Catacombs San Sebastiano, San Callisto, Domitilla, Priscilla, and Sant’Agnese... Discover Rome's various catacombs, what they are and how to visit them.

The Vatican City

Vatican City Located in the heart of Rome, the Vatican is one of Rome's main tourist attractions. Find out what to see and how to visit the Vatican!

Vatican Museums The Vatican Museums are the Vatican city's museums and includes admissions to Sistine Chapel, Chapel of Beato Angelico and Raphael Rooms

Piazzas and fountains

Campo de' Fiori Campo de' Fiori is a bustling market during the mornings and then transforms into a lively square at night full of bars and restaurants.

Piazza del Campidoglio The Piazza del Campidoglio is located at the top of Capitoline Hill and is the first modern square to be designed in Rome.

Piazza Barberini Built in 1625 by Cardinal Francesco Barberini, Piazza Barberini is particularly noteworthy due to its two fountains created by Bernini.

Piazza della Repubblica The Piazza della Repubblica is made up of a large roundabout in which the Fontana delle Naiadi is located. It is flanked by imposing buildings.

Piazza del Popolo Located at the beginning of Via Flaminia, the Piazza del Popolo is where foreigners arrived in the city during the era of the Empire. Discover it.

Piazza Colonna Piazza Colonna gets its name from the impressive Column of Marcus Aurelius, a marble column that has been in the square since the year AD 193. Discover it.

Piazza del Quirinale The Piazza del Quirinale provides splendid views of Rome. The Palazzo del Quirinale is one of the official residencies of the President of the Republic.

Monuments and tourist attractions

Palatine Hill Palatine Hill is the most famous of Rome’s seven hills and where, according to the legend, Romulus founded Rome and where Lupa raised Romulus and Remus.

Trastevere Trastevere is one of the most charming districts of Rome. Its peaceful and bohemian atmosphere will captivate every visitors' heart.

Villa Borghese Villa Borghese is the largest park in Rome. It features a number of buildings, museums, a lake, fountains and beautiful green meadows. A definite-must!

Trajan's Column Commissioned by Emperor Trajan in 114 to pay homage to himself, Trajan's Column is one of the most important monuments in Rome.

Arch of Constantine The Arch of Constantine was erected in the year 315 in commemoration of the victory of Constantine the Great in the Battle of Milvian Bridge.

Trajan's Market Built between the years 100 and 110 A.D, Trajan's Market is believed to be the first covered shopping mall in history. It holds the Imperial Forums Museum.

Baths of Caracalla Built between the years 212 and 216, the Baths of Caracalla were one of the greatest and most spectacular thermal springs in antiquity.

Ara Pacis The Ara Pacis is a commemorative monument created between the years 13 and 9 B.C. for the celebration of peace in the Mediterranean.

Mouth of Truth The Mouth of Truth is an enormous marble image of a man's face. According to legend, the man is said to bite the hand of anyone who lied.

Circus Maximus Located between the Aventino and Palatine Hill, Circus Maximus was the largest stadium in ancient Rome built for chariot races.

Castel Sant'Angelo Also known as the Mausoleum of Hadrian, the Castel Sant'Angelo is a fortress located on the right bank of the river Tiber, not far from the Vatican.

Altare della Patria Inaugurated in 1911 to pay respect to Victor Emmanuel II, the Monumento Nazionale a Vittorio Emanuele II is an imposing building located in Piazza Venezia.

Janiculum Hill Janiculum Hill, called Gianicolo in Italian, is one of Rome's most romantic places to visit. It also provides stunning views of the city.

Area Sacra di Largo Argentina Area Sacra di Largo Argentina is a square in Rome that houses four Roman temples and the remains of a Temple, discovered in 1920.

Forum Boarium The Forum Boarium was an area located on the banks of the river Tiber home to the city’s biggest meat and fish market in ancient Rome.

Museums and art galleries

Galleria Borghese The Galleria Borghese is one of the most famous and prestigious museums in the world. It houses sculptures by Bernini, Canova and other great artists.

Capitoline Museums The Capitoline Museums are located in Piazza del Campidoglio. They constitute Rome’s main municipal museum. Find out opening hours, tickets and much more.

Palazzo Massimo alle Terme Known as Palazzo Massimo alle Terme due to its close proximity to the Baths of Diocletian, this palace has the best preserved Roman frescoes in the world.

Palazzo Altemps The Palazzo Altemps hosts an important collection of Greek and Roman sculptures in a fifteenth century palace built by the Riario family.

Baths of Diocletian The Baths of Diocletian were the largest bath complex in Ancient Rome. It currently houses part of the National Museum of Rome.

Crypta Balbi The Balbi Crypt (Crypt of Balbus) offers a historical trip through the past of Rome thanks to the excavations carried out on its sites.

National Gallery of Modern Art Paul Cezanne, Antonio Canova, Claude Monet, Vincent van Gogh… Rome’s Galleria Nazionale d’Arte Moderna is one of the best art museums in Italy.

Palazzo Barberini Palazzo Barberini is a splendid Baroque construction that houses the Galleria Nazionale d’Arte Antica. The building itself is worth visiting.

Galleria Doria Pamphilj Palazzo Doria Pamphilj houses the Galleria Doria Pamphilj, the best-known private gallery in Rome, featuring works by artists like Raphael and Velazquez.

National Etruscan Museum The National Etruscan Museum of Villa Giulia (Museo Nazionale Etrusco di Villa Giulia) features works from pre-Roman Italian antiquity.

Villa Farnesina Villa Farnesina is a mansion built between 1505 and 1511. It is one of the most magnificent Renaissance buildings still standing in Rome.

Museo di Roma The Museo di Roma narrates the social context and artistic endeavours that were carried out in the city from the Middle Ages until the 20th century.

Palazzo Venezia The Palazzo Venezia features the National Museum of Palazzo Venezia with works of art from the beginning of the Common Era through to the Renaissance.

Galleria Spada The Galleria Spada displays a collection of art from the 16th and 17th century. Don't miss visiting the forced perspective gallery by Francesco Borromini.

Keats-Shelley House The Keats-Shelley House is a house-museum dedicated to the romantic poets John Keats and Percy Bysshe Shelley. Discover the poet's last dwelling.

Churches and basilicas

Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls is one of the four major basilicas of Rome, the second largest after St. Peter’s Basilica.

Basilica of St. John Lateran The Lateran Palace was handed over by Constantine I to the Bishop of Rome, who converted the building into a temple during the fourth century.

Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore Santa Maria Maggiore (Basilica of Saint Mary Major) is one of the four major basilicas of Rome and is dedicated to the Virgin Mary.

Basilica di San Clemente Basilica of Saint Clement is an early Christian church, which has been reconstructed in various periods, dedicated to Pope Clement I.

Our Lady of the Conception of the Capuchins Santa Maria della Concezione dei Cappuccini was built between 1626 and 1631 by Pope Urban VIII. It is for the Crypt of the Capuchins

Santa María in Cosmedin The Basilica of Santa Maria in Cosmedin is a medieval church that houses the Bocca della Verità (Mouth of Truth), which is located at its gate.

Basilica di Santa Maria in Trastevere The Basilica of Santa Maria in Trastevere still retains its medieval character despite the changes made over the years. It was founded in the third century

Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri was designed by Michelangelo and is the only Renaissance-style church built in Rome.

Basilica di San Pietro in Vincoli Basilica di San Pietro in Vincoli (Saint Peter in Chains) was built in the fifth century to house Saint Peter’s chains when he was imprisoned in Jerusalem.

Church of the Gesù Erected between 1568 and 1584, Il Gesù was the first Jesuit church built in Rome. It is one of the best examples of Baroque architecture.

Santa Maria in Aracoeli Basilica of St. Mary of the Altar of Heaven is situated very near the Altare della Patria and is one of the most popular churches among the locals.

Santa Maria della Vittoria Santa Maria della Vittoria is a church built during the seventeenth century after the victory of the Emperor Ferdinand II at the battle of White Mountain

Santa Maria del Popolo According to a legend, the site where the Santa Maria del Popolo stands was haunted by Nero’s ghost. It contains works by Pinturicchio, Raphael, and more.

Nearby visits

Villa Adriana (Tivoli) Villa Adriana was built by the Emperor Hadrian in Tibur (nowadays Tivoli) to get away from Rome. It is currently a archaeological complex.

Villa d'Este Listed as a UNESCO heritage site, Villa d’Este is a splendid Renaissance palace with beautiful, romantic gardens in the outskirts of Rome.

Ostia Antica Ostia Antica is a large archaeological site, and was once one of the most thriving Roman cities thanks to its status as a major port and commercial centre.

Pompeii Pompeii was an ancient Roman city near modern Naples that was buried by the great eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD.

Herculaneum Located in the region of Campania, the town of Herculaneum succumbed to the same fate as Pompeii. In the year 79 AD it was destroyed by Mount Vesuvius.

Located in the Gulf of Naples, Capri is a dream-like island surrounded by a deep blue sea that reflects a very special light. Come and discover it.

Rome in 3 day

10 top things to do in Rome in 2024

Feb 29, 2024 • 13 min read

Here are the best things to see and do on visit to Rome © RossHelen / Getty Images

One thing every Roman and visitor can agree on is that there is no shortage of things to do in Italy's charismatic capital.

The biggest challenge on a trip to Rome will be discerning your must-see sights, while also accepting it's impossible to fit everything into one vacation. There may be historical monuments, museums and ancient sites around every corner but there's more to this city than standing in the long lines often required to view them up close.

The Eternal City is massive, endlessly entertaining and some of your best times will involve wandering down random streets and watching the world go by with an espresso in hand. Get planning now with our ten favorite experiences in Rome.

1. Lose yourself in Ancient Rome (but not all in one day) 

Any Italian will tell you how downright anarchic Rome is and immediately after, every one of them will say, “but Rome is Rome.” There is simply no place like it in the world, and the only thing to do is abandon yourself to all of its chaotic charms. Even though you are extremely likely to meet hordes of people at any moment, how could you possibly skip the very sites that make the city extraordinary?

It would be bananas to visit Rome and not stand in front of the Colosseum , even though you’ll be one in a sea of gladiators-in-training. You must stand underneath the dome of the Pantheon  even though you’ll wait in a considerable line ( one you’ll now pay for , fyi). And though you’ll be surrounded by cameras, souvenir sellers and tour groups, it would be almost unthinkable not to witness the singular beauty of the Trevi Fountain .

So don’t. Take it all in and let the experience find you. Touch the walls of ancient buildings and think about how they’ve been standing for millennia, or fix your eyes on the impossibly intricate carvings of marble and statues. Wander around the major sights, stumble across the minor ones and remember that you only have to move one or two streets over to find yourself in a calm corner of the capital.

Planning tip: When you make your plans in Rome, space out the heavy hitters and give yourself time to soak everything in at a pace that suits you. If you’re only in Rome for three days, think about dedicating a half day to the Colosseum, Palatine Hill and Forum , and then leave yourself the rest of the afternoon or evening to stroll through other parts of town that are a little less trafficked. Plus, that leaves you plenty of time to… 

2. Learn the subtle art of the aperitivo

Don’t call it happy hour, because the aperitivo is so much more than a discount drink after a day at the office. And trust me, there is a science to doing it right: the aperitivo is a pre-dinner drinks ritual meant to whet the appetite, not satiate or drown it in cheap booze. Though one can probably find evidence of such imbibing throughout human history, the modern aperitivo dates back only a couple of centuries to the popularization of vermouth and other herbal drinks in the late 1700s.

Since then, Italians have been unwinding with friends and beverages before settling in for dinner and doing so in ever more creative ways. These days, the aperitivo is increasingly varied and always accompanied by snacks, which have also become more elaborately prepared for pairing. Just don’t fill up on any of it – after all, it is but a prelude of what is to come at dinner. 

Local tip: Rome is one of the best cities in Italy to sample a wide range of aperitivi , as every bar does things slightly differently and there are far worse ways to spend one’s time than sampling them all. If you’re in the market for luxury, try snagging a spot on the coveted rooftop of Terrazzo Borromini overlooking Piazza Navona . If your tastes run trendier, check out the mixology at Freni i Frizioni in Trastevere . For a classic Roman moment, head over to Ai Tre Scalini in Monti, where the vine-covered streets provide a beautiful backdrop for the most poetic of  aperitivi .

3. Spend a day in the Vatican City

Whether you go as a tourist or a pilgrim, the impact of seeing the Vatican for the first time is hard to overstate. From the outside, this half-kilometer-square city-state is dwarfed by the imposing dome of St Peter’s Basilica and framed by the long embrace of Bernini’s square: this alone is enough to make it worth the trip, but once you step inside the Vatican buildings you cannot help but be taken aback.

Start at the Vatican Museums , a complex of 26 structures that spans 7km (4.3 miles) of halls and galleries. While you could spend an eternity craning your neck to see it all, a few hours is enough to get a sense of the unparalleled catalog that the Museums contain. Finish by heading through the claustrophobic staircase (you’ve been warned, but it’s worth it) to the Sistine Chapel , still breathtaking no matter how many people are there sharing the view.

After you’ve hopefully stopped for lunch and a refresh, the Dome awaits. St Peter’s Basilica is a marvel of engineering, architecture, and sheer will: after all, it took more than a century to bring into being and it passed through the hands of many of Italy's most iconic figures along the way. Everything about the Basilica is imposing, so don’t be surprised if the sheer scale of it is overwhelming on the first visit. That’s just another reason to come back. 

Planning tip: A dress code is still enforced pretty strenuously. To be safe, wear pants or skirts that cover your knees and tops that cover your shoulders. When in doubt, bring a light scarf with you (it's always worth having a scarf in Rome !).

4. Work your way through Rome’s museums 

Although the Vatican Museums are amongst the largest in the world, they are far from the only ones to visit in Rome. What’s more, many of the city’s most interesting museums are slightly off-piste for most visitors, so you may find yourself enjoying an unexpectedly peaceful afternoon in even the busiest periods of the year. In a city overflowing with history and culture, there’s a museum for everyone.

If you can’t get enough of Ancient Rome, the Capitoline Museums on the Campidoglio offer that and more, with works dating from the 3rd century BCE to the 17th century. For an even deeper dive into historical artifacts, the National Roman Museum houses a priceless collection in four separate buildings around the city, each a work of art in its own right.

Classical art lovers are spoilt for choice as well: from the Galleria Borghese to Palazzo Colonna , there are majestic collections around just about every corner. But there’s always space for more, and modern art has a well-established place in Rome. The National Gallery and MAXXI have incredible collections from contemporary artists, all of which are worth seeing. 

Local tip: If you like to hunt around, go on the lookout for Rome’s eight “ small museums ”, each of which is located around the city and some in the strangest places. Oh and bonus, they’re all free to enter ! 

5. Head underground to discover hidden history

Hiding in (almost) plain sight next to the Colosseum, the Domus Aurea is one of the most enigmatic and least explored remnants of Ancient Rome. The sprawling complex was built sometime after the fire of 64CE that destroyed much of the city, under the order of Emperor Nero.

Over time it was buried and remained undiscovered until the Renaissance when intrepid artists like Ghirlandaio and Raphael did their version of urban spelunking to witness the painted “underground grottoes”. You don’t have to be nearly as athletic to get there today: the Domus Aurea underground tour offers an incredible chance to tour some of the ancient palace. It maintains a cool and constant underground temperature, making it the perfect place to escape the Roman sun. 

Local tip: The Domus Aurea is also home to a cat sanctuary – if you’re a cat lover, try to spot the friendly felines hanging out among the complex.

6. Take in the views from the city's hills

It’s easy to forget the sheer scope of the city when you’re shuffling through jampacked cobblestone alleys, and it makes all the difference to remind yourself of it now and then. Greater Rome covers nearly 500 sq miles, though the vast majority of its most well-known sites are located within a much smaller area of about five sq miles. Luckily, there are a few key points around the city center where you can get a sense of where you are and admire the beauty of this ever-expanding metropolis.

Climb up the Janiculum Hill for one of the most impressive panoramas you’re likely to see and if you time it right, you may be there for the cannon shot that fires every day at noon (don’t worry, they’re blanks). If you’re wandering during the golden hour (right before sunset), make your way to the Giardini degli Aranci on the Aventine Hill for a perfectly framed picture that no camera could ever capture. Enjoy the walk back down through the frequently overlooked Rose Garden , which offers its own unique perspective on the neighboring Palatine Hill.

Detour: If you’ve got the time and a bus map, head to Parco Mellini in Monte Mario outside of the city center for a dramatic view that stretches far beyond the Aurelian walls. 

7. Shop sustainably in Rome's secondhand stores 

Though you’ll find every designer in the world has a shop somewhere in the city, Rome has a fabulous thrift shop and market culture where you can find clothing, antiques and just about anything else you could imagine. The Mercatino dell’Usato chain has stores all over the city, and many are an adventure in themselves for people who love scouting out finds. If you’re near the Aventino, check out tiny Affare Fatto , a thrift store that often has eclectic furnishings left behind by diplomats leaving for their next mission. 

But the open-air markets are an entity unto themselves, and if you are soothed by the chaos of commerce, this could be the itinerary for you. The market at Via Sannio near San Giovanni has a bustling vibe and is open almost all week with antiques, jewelry, clothing and small independent producers alongside vintage sellers. Time it right to find the ecosolidale market open on Via del Porto Fluviale in Ostiense and you may just get the couture purchase of a lifetime.

If you’re in town on Sunday you cannot miss the mind-boggling Porta Portese market, which takes over the district just south of Trastevere with kilometers of curios. Don’t be surprised if you find a famous designer rummaging along next to you. If you need to keep up on secondhand Rome, black-belt-level thrift shopper Desirée at the Pewter Thimble has you covered. 

8. Experience the best of Rome’s many parks 

Rome has a lot of parks. In fact, Rome has the most hectares of greenery in Europe and each of its parks serves an important historical, cultural and natural purpose for citizens and travelers alike. Though it may not be the first thing that you think of when you start filling out your wishlist of things to do in the city, you don’t want to miss the chance to wander through some of the most beautiful urban oases in the world. 

The most famous park in Rome is undoubtedly Villa Borghese , and with good reason. Covering 80 hectares (197 acres) of the Pinciano district in the city center, the park has boating, tons of trails, theaters, and of course the Galleria Borghese Museum. But other green spaces abound in the city, and each one provides a refuge from the heat of the summer or the occasional winter gray. Check out the intimate Villa Celimontana near the Colosseum or the Parco del Colle Oppio for a different view of the iconic stadium (that also includes a skate park).

Detour: For those looking for less manicured nature, sign up for a bike tour of the Parco della Caffarella , one of the most untouched areas in the city. And while you’re there, take a walk back in time along the Appia Antica , a site so inspiring that it will put to rest any rumors of Rome’s impending demise.

9. Taste local produce at Rome's incredible markets 

It wouldn’t be a Roman holiday without copious amounts of food, the quality of which will leave you pining for its equal once you’ve returned home. And while you could spend a lot of time (and money) sampling restaurants around the city, make better use of both by getting to know the food markets all over Rome.

If you’re coming and going from Termini station, you’ll be spoilt for choice at the Mercato Centrale , which brings together chefs and producers from all over Italy under one postwar roof. Steps away, the  Nuovo Mercato Esquilino is a feast for cooks looking for more niche fruits, vegetables, and proteins; you’ll find halal butchers selling alongside pig farmers from the Roman countryside, and fresh fish from the Adriatic. 

If you start to get peckish as you head towards the Tiber, make a detour to the Mercato Testaccio for local cheeses, cured meats, veggies, and wines that would make any picnic rival a fine dining experience. Should you be further north near the Vatican, the Mercato Trionfale is the largest in Rome and guaranteed to have something for everyone. For weekend warriors braving the crowds at the Circo Massimo , the nearby Campagna Amica market is a fantastic place to test out your Italian, since you won’t go wrong with whatever you wind up buying. 

Local tip: Aperitivo starts at lunchtime on Saturdays and Sundays, meaning you should too. 

10. Eat out at Rome's best restaurants

For every majestic monument or glittering tribute reaching up to the heavens, everyone knows that the real reason we come to Rome is to eat. But Roman food, once religiously tethered to the traditional “quinto quarto” philosophy of using every part of an animal, has undergone something of a renaissance in recent years.

Young chefs are reinterpreting the classics, resulting in the explosive flavors of Santo Palato in San Giovanni and the home-style goodness of Romanè in Prati. Vegetarians and vegans are also well served in the capital: from the picturesque Mater Terrae in Piazza Navona and the stealthily innovative Rifugio Romano near Termini Station to the irrepressibly lovable Romeow Cat Bistrot in Ostiense, there is no shortage of meatless options in the Eternal City. 

Of course, if you’re in search of the classics, they’re right there too. Reserve early and often at Armando al Pantheon , and hope that someone cancels at Felice a Testaccio so that you can get your cacio e pepe  (pasta dish with cheese and pepper) done just the way you dreamt of it. Nothing will ever taste quite like the bread from Antico Forno Roscioli , and no one will ever be able to convince you that the slabs of pizza from Gabriele Bonci’s Pizzarium aren’t crumbs sent to lead you straight to heaven.

Local tip: Ever wondered why Italians gasp when you order a cappuccino after a meal? They normally drink coffee after eating as a tool for digestion, as the acidity and caffeine help to speed up the process. By now they’re pretty used to non-Italians asking for milky beverages after a meal but if you want to do like the Romans, skip the dairy (or try a macchiato).

This article was first published Sep 11, 2015 and updated Feb 29, 2024.

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The 25 Top Attractions in Rome, Italy

TripSavvy / Christopher Larson

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

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

Savor Italian Flavors

Laurie Chamberlain / Getty Images

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

Head to MAXXI—National Museum of 21st Century Art

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

Go on a Great Day Trip

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

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

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

Shop for Italian Goods

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

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

Enjoy the Roman Nightlife

Izzet Keribar / Getty Images

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

Gaze at The Colosseum

TripSavvy / Taylor McIntyre 

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

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

Learn About The Roman Forum

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

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

Climb The Palatine Hill

TripSavvy / Christopher Larson 

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

Get Inspired at St. Peter's Basilica

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

Experience the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel

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

Stroll Around Piazza Navona

TripSavvy / Stella Levantesi 

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

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

Delve Into History at The Pantheon

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

Take a Photo at The Spanish Steps

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

Look at the Beautiful Trevi Fountain

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

Visit The Capitoline Museums

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

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

View World-Class Art at Galleria Borghese

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

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

Imagine the Past at Baths of Caracalla

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

Check Out Coins and Sculptures at National Roman Museum

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

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

Take in the Ornate Basilica di San Clemente

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

See the Ancient Trajan's Markets/Museum

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

Catch City Views at Piazza del Popolo

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

Tour Castel Sant'Angelo

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

Sample Roman-Jewish Food in The Jewish Ghetto

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

Appreciate the Catacombs & the Appian Way

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

Glance at Ancient Art at Palazzo Barberini

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

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

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Roma Visitor Information Centre

Roma's Visitor Information Centre is located within The Big Rig - a living memorial to the pioneers of Australia's oil and gas industry. Whether it's your first visit to Roma, or just one of many, be sure to stop in to th e centre for all of the latest information and visitor services from our friendly volunteers and staff. While here, you can take in the attraction of The Big Rig, pick up a souvenir and catch up with friends at the Big Rig Café.

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Visit Rome Italy - N°1 Rome City Guide

Rome travel guide - capital of italy: tourism & what to visit in roma italia.

All sightseeing, tourist attractions information and tourism tips for your city break in Rome, the capital of Italy ('Roma Italia'). Travel guide for visiting the sights and ancient highlights. What to visit in Rome city?

Places to visit in Rome city

Welcome to RomeSite.com, the online Rome travel guide for your city break to Rome Italy. We will gladly give you the best travel tips for visiting the attractions in Rome city. Because of the many tourists in this Italian city, it is necessary to book tickets for some of the attractions and ancient sights in advance and plan your visit to the capital of Italy ahead. If you follow the tips of our travel guide, your Rome visit is sure to be a success. Benvenuti a Roma Italia!

The Capital of Italy

Rome (or Roma in Italian) is the capital of Italy and has a population of 2.8 million, the Romans. According to legend, Rome city was founded by the twins Romulus and Remus in 753 BCE. The city is located on the banks of the river Tiber and was founded on top of seven hills; Palatine Hill , Aventine Hill, Capitoline Hill, Caelian Hill, Esquiline Hill, Quirinal Hill and Viminal Hill. Particularly the area around Palatine Hill and Capitoline Hill would later become the centre of power of the enormous Roman Empire. You can find many ruins and excavations here of the Forum Romanum and the Colosseum gives you an impression of how gladiators had to do battle in this enormous Roman amphitheatre. The Pantheon , which is now a church, has its characteristic round, open roof and is one of the best kept buildings from Roman times. And the Via Appia takes you back in time along one of the oldest ancient roads of Rome Italy. Basically, the city of Rome is one giant museum. It is therefore no surprise that the complete historic city centre is on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Unique is the ministate of Vatican City, of which the pope is the head of state. This tiny state has an area of just 44 hectares, taken up mostly by St. Peter’s Basilica and St Peter's square, known for the ‘Urbi et Orbi’ speeches by the pope. For many visitors to Vatican City, the Sistine Chapel , part of the Vatican Museums will be the highlight of their travel. The space, where cardinals hold the conclaves to elect a new pope, is adorned with beautiful frescos by Michelangelo.

Rome travel tips, guide and tourism

What to visit in Rome Italy? With over 900 churches, no other city in the world is so representative for the Catholic faith. Rome has four papal basilicas and seven pilgrimage churches. Each church is more beautifully decorated than the last, with works by the great masters such as Bernini, Raphael, Caravaggio and Michelangelo. As an art lover, you will feel right at home in the many museums like the Galleria Borghese . All these Roman sights and excavations, the beautiful churches , the Vatican, the fun neighbourhoods like Trastevere , beautiful fountains – including the famous Trevi Fountain ) – tasty trattorias, a picture on the romantic Spanish Steps and trendy fashion shops make Roma Italia a chaotic and bustling metropolis where you can easily keep yourself entertained for at least a week.

Public transport in Rome city can be a challenge. The city has two completed metro lines. A third metro line has been delayed many times as a result of the many excavations. In order to use public transport as a tourist, there are a number of cost-saving tourist passes to choose from. More travel tips about getting around, visiting Rome Italy and tourist attractions can be found in our ultimate Rome travel guide full with tips for tourism and sightseeing.

What to visit in Rome (Italy)

The Colosseum, the enormous amphitheatre is certainly the most famous tourist attraction in Rome city. It is even one of the seven modern wonders of the world.

• St. Peter’s Basilica

The most famous church for visiting in Rome Italy is of course St Peter's Basilica. The basilica is the residence of the pope in the ministate of Vatican City.

Travel tips: Sistine Chapel

Visit the church treasures in the Vatican Museums, with the famous Sistine Chapel with the frescos by Michelangelo as the absolute highlight. Travel tips: visit Rome with a guide.

• Sistine Chapel

Places to go: Pantheon

The Pantheon is the best-preserved building from Roman times. The building with its special roof opening is now a church. Read more in our Rome travel guide.

• Roman Forum

What to visit in Rome city? During the time of the Roman Empire, the Forum Romanum was its seat of power. Visit these Roman excavations and the Palatine hill.

Tourism: Trevi Fountain

The most famous fountain in the world is probably the Trevi fountain. Throw a coin in the tourist fountain of Rome city to make sure you will one day return to visit Rome Italy.

• Trevi Fountain

Best time to visit Rome Italy

Rome city has a Mediterranean climate with mild winters and warm or hot summers. With 2,500 hours of sun every year, chances are good you will find sunny weather. You can visit the city of Rome in Italy throughout the year, but the best time for tourism is in spring or autumn. The Mediterranean sea keeps the temperatures comfortable during this time of year, and the weather is generally sunny. During the dry and very sunny months of summer – July and August – temperatures can get very high, often over 30 degrees and with a chance of smog. Winters in Roma Italia are mild, with temperatures between 10 and 15 degrees Celsius. The winters tend to be chilly and wet, but there is little chance of snow.

Video: Visiting Rome city

Where is roma located in italy.

Rome city is located at the banks of the Tiber river in the middle of Italy between two major cities: Florence (Firenze) is 280 kilometers north and Naples is 219 kilometers south of the Italian capital. The tourist city of Venice is more than 520 kilometers away from the capital of Italy.

Most visited attractions

Top 25 Things to do in Rome

Colosseum & Tickets

Sistine Chapel & Vatican Museums

St.Peter's Basilica & Tickets

Rome Bucket List: 35 Best Things to Do In Rome, Italy

Looking for the best things to do in Rome, Italy ? You’re in luck because this city never runs out of things to offer, and in this article, I’ll show you 35 of the must-dos.

I have always wanted to visit Rome. Its history which goes back thousands of years has always fascinated me, and so did its spectacular artwork and architecture. And when I finally got there, I wasn’t disappointed and I know you won’t be either.

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There are many things to do in Rome, and it can be a little overwhelming to decide where to go, especially if you only have a few days. Having given it some thought, I have decided to detail 35 of the best places to visit in Rome.

The Rome attractions I have chosen will give you a taste of ancient Italy, the Renaissance, and the Baroque Cultural Movement. I’ve also included some cool experiences that will make your trip even more memorable.

Of course, it will be hard to do everything if you just have a few days but you can choose and prioritize what you want to see first.

Before You Go, Here’s How To Plan Your Visit To Rome Quickly

Rome is a popular city which means that good hotels and tours book out fast, so before you go, make sure that you make your reservations in time to avoid disappointments! Below are my expert recommendations! ⏩ WHERE TO STAY IN ROME Best Colosseum view: Hotel Palazzo Manfredi (8.8/10) Luxury stay: H10 Palazzo Galla (9.2) Mid-range stay: Barberini Dream (9.5/10) Budget stay: Like Family House (9.4) Apartment rental/Airbnb: Apartment Julia Guesthouse (8.4) ⏩ GUIDES TOURS AND TICKETS YOU SHOULD BOOK IN ADVANCE Guided tour of the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill (4.6/5). This is the exact tour I took, and I couldn’t have been happier. We had a knowledgeable and fun tour guide. Skip-the-line ticket to the Sistine Chapel And The Vatican Museums with an audio guide (4.5/5). This ticket saved me a whopping 3 hours. You’ll pass in a dedicated Getyourguide line with it. It’s a true skip-the-line ticket. Borghese Gallery guided tour (4.7/5). This is my favorite museum in Rome, and this tour made me fall in love with it even more. Street food walking tour of Rome (4.8/5). If you want to taste Rome’s delicacies while exploring its popular neighborhood of Trastevere, then this is the food tour I recommend!

Best Things to Do In Rome, Italy

Here is everything that should be on your Rome bucket list!

1. Visit the Colosseum

You can’t visit Rome and not see the Colosseum ! It’s the most famous attraction in Rome, receiving almost 7 million visitors per year.

Built in the 1 st century in 80 AD, it could seat up to 80,000 people during gladiator fights and animal hunts, and to date, it’s still the largest amphitheater in the world.

Although two-thirds of it has been destroyed, it is still one of the best places to see in Rome.

You can take a tour inside the Colosseum to see where these fights were conducted, the seating arrangements, and the impressive architecture it holds. To give you an idea of what to expect, the Colosseum has different areas.

The different levels of seating, the first, second, and third, though the third can’t be visited as of now, the Arena Floor which you can walk on if you purchase a ticket that has it, and the underground where you have the opportunity to see where the gladiators, criminals, and wild animals were held before entering the arena. It has an eerie atmosphere harking back to the horrors of the time.

You can visit the Colosseum on your own but I highly recommend booking a tour! When I visited, I opted for this guided tour that combined a visit to the Colosseum with access to the Arena, the Roman Forum, and the Palatine Hill which was a good introduction to ancient Rome.

The tour guide was very knowledgeable, fun, and engaging and I truly believe I wouldn’t have enjoyed the Roman Forum or even learn about ancient Italy as much as I did if I hadn’t booked this guided tour !

And Fe (our tour guide) always made sure to find a shed during explanations — believe me it’s quite important since I visited when it was very hot. If I had to revisit the Colosseum, I’d definitely book this tour again.

Besides the tour I took, there are quite a number of tours of the Colosseum depending on what you want to see!

It can be quite confusing to know which tour to go for so I am going to make a summary below to help you choose! I made extensive research on them so you won’t need to! Plus, the tours below are the best in their respective categories.

✅ Guided Tour of the Colosseum (+Arena Access), Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill . (This is the tour I booked and it was a fast-track tour so we didn’t spend long in the queue to access the Colosseum)!

✅ Guided Tour of the Colosseum (+Underground), Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill . (If you prefer walking underground than on the Arena floor, then this is the tour you should book.)

✅ Guided Tour of the Colosseum (+Underground and Arena), Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill . (This is perfect if you want to walk on the Arena floor and the underground as well.) The tour is run by the same company I booked my tour with so I know you’ll have the same great experience I had.

✅ Guided Tour of the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill . (This one has no access to either the Arena or the Underground)!

✅ Independent visit of the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill . (I don’t recommend this as you’ll not learn the history behind Rome and the entry queue for this ticket is insanely long. But if you’re on a budget and don’t mind the queue, then you can opt for it).

2. Spend a Few Hours in the Roman Forum

Next to the Colosseum is the Roman Forum which is one of the top Rome tourist attractions

In Ancient Rome, the forum was the heart of the city housing public buildings such as law courts, temples, shops, and open-air markets.

Many of the structures in the Roman Forum still stand today, albeit in ruins such as the temples of Vesta , Saturn , and Romulus , some of the squares, and three of the five arches.

The most impressive arch is the Arch of Titus which shows scenes from his triumphal return to Rome after he captured Jerusalem in 70 AD.

Inside the Temple of Romulus , you will see some spectacular frescoes painted in the 14 th century after it had become a Roman Catholic church. There is also an original green bronze door that is one of the few left in Rome.

I don’t recommend visiting the Roman Forum without a tour guide because you’ll only be seeing ruins without understanding their historical importance.

As I mentioned earlier, you can book this guided tour that combines the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill .

3. Climb the Palatine Hill

To get the best views of the city, climb the Palatine Hill which is one of the best things to do in Rome.

The climb is steep and not recommended if you have health problems, but if you don’t, you will be duly rewarded. In case you are wondering, it is 40 meters (131 feet) high.

The area is one of the oldest in the city, and there are still some buildings, such as the Flavian Palace and the Temple of Cybele .

We know that the Ancient Romans were way ahead of their time, and you can witness the evidence here.

The Claudian Aqueduct was constructed over 2,000 years ago and managed to transport enough water for over 1 million people each day. There is also a hypocaust which provided under-floor heating.

✅ Click here to book your combined guided tour to the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill .

4. Throw a Coin in the Trevi Fountain

One of the fun things to do in Rome is to throw a coin in the Trevi Fountain , and, yes, I did.

If you want to return to Rome, throw in one coin. Two coins will bring you the love of your life in Rome while with three coins, you can wish for marriage or, less romantically, divorce!

Take the coin in your right hand, turn away from the fountain, and throw it over your left shoulder. I won’t tell you how many coins I threw in, but I got what I wished for!

And if you’re wondering how many coins get thrown in the fountain per day, it is about 3000 Euros per day.

On a more serious note, the Trevi Fountain is a remarkable example of Baroque artistry. It was designed by the architect Nicola Salvi between 1732 and 1762 and is a massive 26 meters (86 feet) high and 49 meters (161 feet) wide.

It pays homage to the Roman god of the sea, Neptune, who is in his chariot in the middle of the fountain being pulled by Tritons and horses.

The Trevi Fountain is just 1.6 km (1 mile) from the Colosseum which is about a 20-minute walk.

5. Visit The Pantheon

One of the places that should be high on your list of things to do in Rome is the Pantheon .

This magnificent Ancient Roman building was constructed in the early part of the 2 nd century AD on the order of Emperor Hadrian, making it one of the best-preserved buildings of ancient Rome.

Pantheon means “all gods” in Greek, but nobody is certain whom the temple was dedicated to. It remained a temple until 609 AD when it was converted into a Catholic church.

The Pantheon is a must see in Rome. There is a large rectangular porch at the front of the building with 16 granite columns which were all carved in Egypt. They measure a massive 12 meters (40 feet) in height and 1.5 meters (5 feet) in diameter.

Behind the porch is a magnificent dome that was originally covered in bronze, most of which was unfortunately stolen. It measures 43 meters (142 feet) in diameter.

On the inside of the dome are stone patterns and a central oculus that allows light to slip in, illuminating the building.

You’ll also be able to see the tombs of Vittorio Emanuele II who was the first king of Italy and Raphael (Raffaello Sanzio), a famous Italian painter.

The Pantheon is another building that is in the center of Rome, in the Piazza della Rotonda which is stunningly beautiful on its own with the Pantheon on one side, and a beautiful fountain and an obelisk in the center.

You’ll need an entry ticket to visit (it’s not free anymore) which you can buy directly at the entry of the Pantheon.

You can as well opt for this Pantheon guided tour to learn more history about it, but if you’d rather visit independently but still learn about it, then you can book this Pantheon audio guide .

✅ Click here to book your Pantheon guided tour !

6. Visit Castel Sant’Angelo (Castle of the Holy Angel)

Another one of the best things to do in Rome is to visit Castel Sant’Angelo or Castle of the Holy Angel in English, which was built as a Mausoleum for Emperor Hadrian, who ruled between 117 and 138 AD.

As time went on, it became part of the Vatican state (as a fortress and castle) with a corridor, Passetto di Borgo connecting it to St Peter’s Basilica. The castle is now a museum with 5 floors.

I know I keep telling you to climb to get fantastic views of Rom e, but you really should go up to the ramparts of the castle if your legs will take it.

Not only will you be able to see Rome, but you will also see St. Peter’s Square, which brings us to the next stop!

But before we look at the Vatican, make sure that you purchase this skip-the-line entry to Castel Sant’Angelo to avoid wasting time in line, or better yet book this guided tour to go with a knowledgeable guide to learn more about this monument.

✅ Click here to buy your skip-the-line ticket to Castel Sant’Angelo !

7. Admire St. Peter’s Square

I know that St Peter’s Square and Basilica are in the tiny state of Vatican City, but nearly everybody who goes to Rome wants to go there, and the only way in is through Rome.

This large square where Catholics flock to in the hope of seeing the Pope can accommodate over 300, 000 people.

Designed by Bernini from 1656 to 1667, it is flanked by 284 large columns with 140 statues of saints above them and 88 pilasters.

While the square is beautiful to look at with its fountains and an obelisk at the center, the best spot to take in its entire beauty is from Via della Conciliazione , a street that connects Castel Sant’Angelo to the Vatican City.

8. Visit St. Peter’s Basilica

After admiring St Peter’s Square, you have to make your way to the most famous church in the world, which is also the largest church in the world if you consider only the interior measure.

St. Peter’s Basilica is a beautiful building, the façade ornately decorated with statues of Christ and the 12 apostles, but once you step inside, you’ll appreciate its beauty even more.

There are stunning artworks inside the Basilica, including the Throne of St. Peter and the high altar by Bernini, various beautiful sculptures and paintings , the ornate ceiling and dome , Michelangelo’s Pieta , a famous sculpture, St. Peter’s Chair , the Monument to Pope Alexander VII , and so many others.

And while there, be sure to climb the dome that was designed by Michelangelo to enjoy the stunning views of Rome, but mostly St. Peter’s Square.

To climb the dome, you can take an elevator first and later climb the very steep 300 + steps or take the steps from the beginning.

You should note that entrance to the church is free but you’ll need to purchase a ticket to climb the dome. I booked this St. Peter’s Basilica & Dome Entry Ticket & Audio Tour but to be honest, I wouldn’t do it again if I had to.

I felt like it was a bit overpriced for what it is and you have to download the audio guide on your phone which is not ideal if you want to keep your phone battery intact.

The hosts help with entrance but then again, I could do that on my own since it was not a skip-the-line entry but rather the host queuing with us in the general line. If you need this kind of assistance, then you can go for it but if not, just buy the dome ticket alone.

Alternatively, you can book an actual guided tour of the basilica with dome access. This one has great reviews on GetYourGuide .

Pro tip* Make sure you arrive very early! I arrived at 9 am and there was a queue already (though bearable) but by 11 am when I left the basilica, the line was absolutely insane. However, I passed by at around 4:00 pm and there was barely anyone, so you can try to plan around this.

✅ Click here to book your St. Peter’s Basilica guided tour plus dome access !

9. See the Spanish Steps

Most people have heard of the Spanish Step s, but perhaps you are wondering why they are called this. It is because, in the 17 th century, the Spanish Embassy was at the bottom of the steps.

One of the main attractions in Rome, the 135 steps connect the Piazza di Spagna at the bottom to the Piazza Trinità dei Monti at the top.

Yet another climb, you say, but there are points along the way where you can stop for a rest. The Piazza Spagna houses lovely little shops and cafes, while at the top is the Trinità dei Monti church and another spectacular view.

And just below the steps, there is a fountain, Fontana della Barcaccia that is worth stopping at.  

These steps have become famous because they are the widest and the longest in Europe, and they have hosted fashion shows and concerts.

The Spanish Steps are in the center of Rome, and there is a metro station at the bottom, and bus routes pass by so they’re easy to get to.

10. Visit the Galleria Borghese

Although small, the Galleria Borghese is a must see in Rome, and it quickly became one of my favorite museums in Rome .

It houses a spectacular collection of sculptures and paintings created by famous artists such as Botticelli, Bernini, Titan, Rubens, Caravaggio, and Raphael. In fact, this gallery has the largest collection of Caravaggio’s paintings in the world.

Highlights include the sculpture of Apollo and Daphne by Bernini, The Deposition painting by Raphael, the sculpture of Pauline Bonaparte by Antonio Canova, Saint Jerome Writing by Caravaggio, and many others.

As well as Renaissance and Baroque artwork, there is a collection of mosaics and sculptures from Ancient Rome. 

This amazing collection is due to one man obsessed with art, Cardinal Scipione Borghese (1577 – 1633).

Besides paintings and sculptures, the rooms themselves and the ceilings are stunningly beautiful!

The building is in the Borghese Villa complex and it was opened to the public in 1903.

I recommend booking in advance because tickets sell out fast, and with a pre-booked ticket, you get to skip the lines. There are five time slots and only 360 people are allowed into the gallery in each slot, meaning that the museum is never crowded.  

On my visit, I booked this guided tour because I wanted to learn more about the artwork, and the stories behind them and I was so glad I booked it because the tour guide was very knowledgeable, accommodating, and above all, he loved what he was doing so it made the tour even more interesting.

If you’d rather visit without a guide, you can still purchase this entry ticket with reserved entry .

✅ You can book your guided tour of Borghese Gallery from here !

11. Wander Around the Villa Borghese Gardens

The beautiful backdrop of the Villa Borghese Gardens , the third largest park in the city is the setting for the Galleria Borghese.

It covers about 200 acres (809,371 square feet) and it would be a pity not to explore the gardens after you’ve visited the gallery.

As well as the Galleria Borghese, you will find the Gallery of National Modern Art , the Museum Carlo Bilotti , and the Etruscan Museum which is housed in the Villa Giulia .

If you want to convene with nature, there are walking trails to take you through different areas of the Gardens, some of which are landscaped.

There are beautiful fountains and a lovely pond which houses Tempio di Esculapio where you can enjoy a rowing excursion. You can even rent a Segway, kart, or bicycle to get around the Gardens.

The gardens also have a number of viewpoints but the absolute best is at Terazza del Pincio which offers fantastic views of Piazza del Popolo.

Next to it is a stylish restaurant, the Casino Valadier . It’s expensive but the food lives up to expectations. However, there are more reasonably priced restaurants and cafes throughout the gardens.

If you have children, there are plenty of things to keep them occupied. There is a zoo, playgrounds, and a puppet theatre. There is even a little train to take you around the gardens, an experience both kids and adults will enjoy.

With that in mind, there is no doubt that the Villa Borghese Gardens is one of the best things to do in Rome for both adults and children. 

12. Admire the Artwork In the Sistine Chapel and the Vatican Museums

One of the most interesting things to do in Rome is to visit the Vatican Museums , one of which is the famous Sistine Chapel .

I must admit that the Sistine Chapel was one of the highlights of my trip to Rome. I expected it to be good, but it exceeded all expectations.

There is a total of 54 museums in the Vatican Museums, including the Gregorian Egyptian Museum and the Borgia Apartments .

Don’t expect to get through all of them in one day so make your choices before you visit and book before you go.

The museums house around 70,000 works of art including both Ancient Roman sculptures and Renaissance paintings and sculptures.

Highlights include The Entombment of Christ by Caravaggio, the Gallery of Maps created by Danti, and The Tapestry Room . There are also four rooms solely dedicated to Raphael’s frescoes.

As you wander from room to room, you’ll also find the Sistine Chapel. If you’re visiting independently without a guide, just follow the arrows toward the Sistine Chapel.

The Sistine Chapel was built between 1473 and 1481 during the rule of Pope Sixtus IV, and it is where new popes are elected.

Even if you’re not a Roman Catholic, you will be amazed by the beautiful frescoes that cover the entire ceiling by Michelangelo.

Some of the highlights to look out for include The Creation of Man , a spectacular depiction of God breathing life into Adam who has been made in God’s image, The Temptation of Christ by Botticelli , and The Last Judgment by Michelangelo, but to be honest, every little detail is quite impressive.  

The only downside to the Vatican museums and Sistine Chapel is how crowded it is! At one point, it felt like we were queuing in the museums just to get from one point to another, especially around the Gallery of Maps and at the entrance to the Sistine Chapel. It’s even worse if you visit around Easter and during the summer.

This crowd also means that the queue to access the museums themselves is insane! If you don’t have a skip-the-line ticket, you can easily spend 2-4 hours just waiting in line.

But luckily for me, I had purchased this skip-the-line ticket plus an audio guide . If there is one place in Rome you should spend on a skip-the-line ticket, it’s this one!

And it’s not one of the places where they advertise a skip-the-line and you have to go through the security line for 30 minutes. This one was truly a skip-the-line because I entered the museum in just 5 minutes through a dedicated GetYourGuide Skip-the-Line queue.

I didn’t go with a tour but rather an audio guide which I found enough for me, but if you want to go with one, this one is highly rated on GetYourGuide .

✅ Click here to buy your skip-the-line ticket to Sistine Chapel and the Vatican Museums !

13. Visit the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore

Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore , CC BY 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

80 churches in Rome are dedicated to the Virgin Mary and this is one of the most spectacular.

The Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore is one of the largest churches in Rome and is situated in a piazza of the same name. The metro stops close by as well.

Take time to admire the outside of the basilica which has a spectacular bell tower rising above the rest of the building. It is the tallest bell tower in the city at 75 meters (246 feet) high. The façade also has a central arrangement of stone columns with statues on top worth admiring.

The inside is awe-inspiring with frescoes, gold embellishments, and paintings adorning both the walls and the ceiling. Underneath the altar is a Crypt of the Nativity with pieces of wood from the crib of Jesus, or so it is said. I would like to think that they are.

There is a also small museum in the basilica where you can learn more about the building and its history, as well as view Renaissance paintings. 

The church is free to visit but if you want to learn some historical facts about it and access some closed-off places in the church, you can join this Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica guided tour .

14. Take in The Beauty of Piazza Navona

One of the best Rome attractions is the Piazza Navona ! Located in the historic center of the Eternal City, there is no doubt that it’s one of the most beautiful squares in Rome !

Piazza Navona was built in the 1st century AD in the area where the Stadium of Domitian , used for athletic events during the Roman Empire once stood, though it wasn’t converted into a public space until the 15th century.

The highlight of the piazza is La Fontana dei Quattro Fumi (The Fountain of the Four Rivers), by Bernini in the center of the square. It has an enormous obelisk in the middle and four statues representing the four rivers, the Rio de la Plata, the Ganges, the Nile, and the Donau.

There are also 2 other fountains, Fontana del Moro (Fountain of the Moor) on the southern end and Fontana del Nettuno (Fountain of Neptune) on the northern end.

If you feel adventurous, you can go underground into the square and visit the ancient ruins of the Stadium of Domitian (which was declared a Unesco World Heritage Site) to learn about the history of Rome in the Museo di Roma.

There is also a bar at the top of the museum which offers beautiful views of the piazza. You can access the site on Via di Tor Sanguigna 3.

The square also houses Sant ’Agnese in Agone church which is a beautiful expression of Baroque architecture.

The square also receives a number of artists, dancers, and street musicians who add to the already vibrant ambiance. Prefer to just watch or have your portrait taken?

You will also find street vendors selling a wide variety of souvenirs. They can get pushy so you will have to stand strong if you don’t want to buy their wares.

And if you get hungry, be sure to check out one of the many restaurants, cafes, and bars surrounded by the square.

15. Admire the Victor Emmanuel II National Monument

One of the best things to do in Rome is to admire the Victor Emmanuel II National Monument or Altar of the Fatherland as sometimes known.

Dedicated to King Victor Emmanuel II, the first king of a unified Italy from 1861-1878, this monument is part of an enormous building called the Complesso Vittoriano in Piazza Venezia in central Rome.

The white marble façade is imposing, especially the two horse-drawn carriages on the top of the building and the equestrian statue of King Victor Emmanuel II. The portico has tall columns and two fountains representing the Adriatic and the Tyrrhenian seas.   

You can go inside and climb the 243 steps for great views of the city and then take an elevator right to the top where you will get even better views. It’s worth doing unless you fear heights!

But even if you don’t climb to the top, just standing on the Vittoriano terraces will treat you to stunning views of the city from the ruins, the nearby churches, a view of St Peter’s Basilica, Piazza Venezia, and many others.

Inside the building, you will see frescoes and sculptures of King Victor and the goddess, Diana.

There is also a museum displaying weapons and flags, and a tomb with an eternal flame just outside dedicated to an unknown Italian soldier who represents everyone who lost their lives during wars and battles.

Honestly, just walking around the entire complex is rewarding and it should definitely be on your list of stuff to do in Rome.

16. Stroll Along the Ponte Sant’Angelo

Ponte Sant’Angelo is a bridge spanning the river Tiber leading to the Castel Sant’Angelo. It is worth visiting as it is one of the loveliest bridges in the city and offers great photographic opportunities for the castle.

The bridge is covered in travertine marble and has 10 intricately sculpted statues of angels sitting on top of the ramparts.

It was built in 134 AD on the orders of Emperor Hadrian and still has 3 of the original 5 arches. The current angel statues were created in 1669 by Bernini to replace the decaying ones, though he personally created 2 of them.

At each end of the bridge are statues of Saint Peter and Saint Paul, commissioned by Pope Clement VII in the 16 th century.

A gory fact about this bridge is that executed bodies were hung there for everyone to see!

17. Visit Basilica di San Clement

Gryffindor , CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

If you are looking for things to see in Rome that don’t attract too many crowds, head to the Basilica di San Clement . It is a small church but is just as grandiose as the larger basilicas in Rome.

The basilica is split into three parts. The newest basilica was completed in 1123 and is stunning. The floor is made from marble in geometric patterns and the ceiling is decorated with gold. There are also gold mosaics in the apse.

Descend one level to see the remains of the first basilica, built in the 4 th century AD. Here, you will find some well-preserved early Medieval frescoes.

Go down another level and you’ll find a temple from Ancient Rome. The temple is dedicated to the Persian god, Mithras, who was worshipped by many Roman men.

The Basilica di Sant Clement is close to the Colosseum and is easily reached by public transport. It’s free to visit the church but you’ll need a ticket to access the 2 lower levels.

18. Visit the Domus Aurea

Howard Hudson , CC BY-SA 3.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

Emperor Nero had this enormous palace (known as the Golden House) built after the Great Fire of Rome which occurred in 64 AD.

He had an artificial lake created and even added gardens, woods, and vineyards. The palace was elaborately decorated with gold and precious stones were put in paintings and stuccos. The palace oozed opulence.

However, because Nero was a sadist and murderer, his successors erased the palace on his death, filling it up with earth and removing the sculptures and all the extravagant possessions. It wasn’t rediscovered until the 15 th century.

The Palace was built on both Palatine Hill and Oppian Hill but the only part that can be visited today is on Oppian Hill, the place where festivities were held in Ancient Roman times.

Because the palace is fragile, you can only take a guided tour and numbers are limited, so it’s never crowded but it’s also best to book well in advance to guarantee a spot.

The tour is exciting as you are given virtual reality glasses so that you can see the Domus Aurea as it was before in all its glory.

✅ Click here to book your guided tour of Domus Aurea .

19. Enjoy Street Food at Testaccio Market

If you are a foodie, one of the best places to visit in Rome is Testaccio Market . It is one of the oldest markets in Rome although it moved to its current location in 2012 and it’s now a covered market.

On top of selling fresh produce, there are also stalls selling prepared food making it a great place to go for either breakfast or lunch for cheap. It’s just a pity that they don’t open in the evenings!

If you want pasta, head to Le Mani in Pasta as they will cook your dish to order, or Sano Burger for vegan burgers in different colored buns.

For meat lovers and adventurous foodies, try the Roman meat sandwiches at Mordi & Vai . They use “unconventional” fillings such as intestines simmered in tomato sauce, tripe, or tongue! And for pizza, be sure to check out Casa Manco .

You can also take this guided food tour to try a selection of typical Roman foods as well as explore the neighborhood.

20. Visit Capitoline Hill And The Capitoline Museums

As one of the seven hills of Rome, Capitoline Hill was an important religious site in Roman times and had many temples dedicated to their gods.

Today, it has a beautiful piazza and is home to the Rome city council as well as the Capitoline Museums .

The stairs leading up to the summit of Capitoline Hill were designed by Michelangelo and at the top are 2 statues of Castor and Pollux.

There is also a massive replica bronze statue of Emperor Marcus Aurelius on a horse with the original being in one of the museums.

You can roam around the hill freely to admire the various buildings, the onsite church, Basilica di Santa Maria in Ara Coeli , and squares, and later head to the viewpoint at Terrazza sul Foro to take in the beautiful views of the Roman Forum.

From there, you can visit the Capitoline museums which are located in the Palazzo dei Conservatori and the Palazzo Nuovo.

The museums house some spectacular sculptures by Caravaggio, Tiziano, and others including that of the statue of the famous she-wolf of Rome which the legend says brought up Romulus and Remus, the founders of Rome.

✅ To access the museums, you’ll need to purchase this entry ticket .

21. Watch an Opera at Teatro dell’Opera di Roma

Lalupa at it.Wikipedia , CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

Italy is big on opera and watching one at Teatro dell ‘Opera Di Roma (Rome Opera House) is an experience not to be missed if you are a fan of this genre of music.

I do advise that you book tickets well in advance as seats get booked quickly. The opera season usually lasts from November until June and between July and October, performances are held outside at the ruins of the Baths of Caracalla. If you can’t get tickets to the show, you can take a tour of the theatre during the day.

The stage at Teatro dell ‘Opera D Roma has been honored with artists such as Caruso, Maria Callas, Montserrat Caballé, Placido Domingo, and Pavarotti.

The theater holds 1,600 spectators and the dress code is smart casual although on opening nights, people will dress up. You can check the official website to see what’s on before your visit.

Besides the Rome Opera House, there are other places where you can watch an opera like Waldesian Church , Caravita Church , and more. You can check out these concerts in the widget below.

22. People Watch at the Piazza del Popolo

One of the best Rome tourist attractions is the Piazza del Popolo , a beautiful square in the center of Rome.

There are plenty of cafes and restaurants where you can watch the world go by.

However, there is plenty to see and do in the piazza as it is filled with history. There are 3 churches that you can visit which contain artwork by artists like Bernini and Caravaggio, and some lovely fountains, offering photographic opportunities.

In the center of the piazza, there is an enormous fountain with sculptures of four lions and an enormous obelisk from Egypt with original hieroglyphs adorning it.

The piazza also has a museum that is dedicated to the scientific works of Leonardo da Vinci. It is interactive and is one of the fun things to do in Rome, especially for older children. 

Beyond history, the piazza also has a cool vibe, especially in the evening with various artists and musicians showcasing their talents!

23. Visit the National Roman Museum

Baths of Diocletian – dearbarbie , CC BY-SA 2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

Founded in 1889, the National Roman Museum is split into four sites; Crypta Balbi , Palazzo Altemps , Palazzo Massimo , and Baths of Diocletian which all celebrate ancient Rome.

The Crypta Balbi museum is close to the city center and houses artifacts from Ancient Rome up to the Middle Ages. The site was originally a theater and below the floor, you can visit the crypt where spectators would go for a drink in the interval.

In the Palazzo Altemps , you will find an impressive collection of Ancient Roman sculptures, including one of Ludovisi Dionysus, Ludovisi Gaul, the Statue of Hercules, and more. The first floor has lovely frescoes and gilded ceilings too.

The third museum is the Palazzo Massimo and it houses well-preserved sculptures, reliefs, frescoes, and mosaics made between the 2 nd century and 4 th century AD. All these are from excavations undertaken in Rome over the years.

The final museum is in the Baths of Diocletian which used to be public baths in ancient Rome. Only a small part remains but the highlight here is the cloister garden which houses over 400 artworks including sarcophagi, reliefs, and statues.

You can buy a combined ticket on the official website to visit all 4 museums or buy individual tickets for the museums you’d like to visit.

24. Visit Palazzo Colonna

I, Sailko , CC BY-SA 3.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

When deciding on things to do in Rome, you shouldn’t leave out the Palazzo Colonna ( Colonna Palace ), a grand private palace that still belongs to the Colonna family.

The Palazzo Colonna Gallery must be seen to be believed. It will take you on a baroque adventure with both beautiful artwork and architecture.

The floors are made of marble, the ceilings are covered in frescoes, the doors are adorned with gold, and the pillars are magnificent. Everything in this palace is opulent from the Great Hall and Throne Room to the Hall of Landscapes .

There are also beautiful paintings scattered all around the gallery worth seeing.

Be sure to also visit the lavish Princess Isabelle apartment which is considered to be one of the most impressive apartments in the world.

And when you’re done with the inside, take time to wander around the lovely gardens and the courtyard surrounded by massive trees and Roman columns.

You can either take a guided tour of the palace or explore it yourself. If you opt for the latter, access is only possible on Fridays and Saturdays, but you can also visit it during the rest of the week if you opt for a private tour.

✅ Click here to purchase your ticket to Palazzo Colonna .

25. Visit the Catacombs of Rome

Entrance to Catacomb of Callixtus – Dnalor 01 , CC BY-SA 3.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

Catacombs have always fascinated me. Perhaps I just like a shiver going down my spine! If you feel the same way, then the Roman catacombs are among the must see things in Rome.

Catacombs are early Christian cemeteries that were built underground between the 2 nd and 5 th centuries AD.

There are over 60 different catacombs in the city, though only 5 are open to the general public.

However, if you only have time to visit one, then I suggest going to the Catacombs of St Callixtus since it’s the most famous and one of the largest.

Dating back to the 2 nd century, there are over half a million Christians buried here, including the crypt of Saint Cecilia and some of the early popes.

The popes are buried in a chamber called Little Vatican adorned with beautiful frescoes.

These catacombs are located on Via Appia or the Appian Way where you will also find the Catacombs of San Sebastiano .

Because it is easy to get lost in the tunnels, visits to all catacombs are only possible with a guide, and this is the guided tour of St Callixtus Catacombs I recommend .

Pro tip: It gets cold down there, even in the summer, so bring a pullover and wear flat shoes as the paths aren’t even. 

If you’d rather visit other catacombs, then you can check out my recommended guided tours in the widget below.

26. Admire the Villa Medici

The Medici family was a powerful banking and political dynasty that first took power in the Republic of Florence in the 15 th century and then in Tuscany. However, they also had a palace in Rome known as Villa Medici .

It is opulent and is one of the places to see in Rome if only to admire the magnificent Renaissance artwork the family accumulated.

If you want to visit, you will need to take a guided tour from the official website since you can only access the historical places with a tour.

The villa also has gardens that are perfectly landscaped and divided into 16 squares and 6 lawns. They are beautiful but since gardeners and artists work there, you’ll have to book a tour to explore them too.

And if you are lucky to visit at the right time, you might catch a temporary art exhibition or even a musical performance.

One of the surprising things about this villa is that it’s owned by the French state not Italian, all thanks to Napoleon I moving the French academy in Rome in the villa in 1803.

27. Wander Around Trastevere District

The Trastevere District is the place to go if you want to witness real Roman life.

Street vendors, people shouting at each other from their homes, and a young crowd hanging around the piazzas, this is what you can expect if you go off the beaten path in Trastevere and not just in the main piazza.

Whether you choose to just wander down the cobbled, winding streets, stop for an espresso or aperitivo, try authentic Italian food, or shop at one of the small boutiques or craft shops, there is plenty of things to do in Trastevere.

The entire neighborhood is vibrant, especially around Piazza di Santa Maria . You’ll find a number of restaurants, cafes, and bars to grab a drink or dinner, and several artists doing their thing!

If there is one place in Rome to enjoy the vibrant and fun nightlife, it has to be Trastevere.

28. Visit Villa Farnesina

Jean-Pierre Dalbéra from Paris, France , CC BY 2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

While still in the neighborhood of Trastevere, be sure to visit the Villa Farnesina which belonged to Agostino Chigi in the 15th century.

It is now a museum with frescoes depicting mythological scenes painted by famous Italian artists such as Raphael and Peruzzi.

The highlight of the ground floor is the fresco of the Loggia of Cupid and Psyche . The museum also holds some lesser-known paintings by Raphael such as The Triumph of Galatea which is, unusually for him, a secular piece of artwork.

In the master bedroom, you will see frescoes painted by Giovanni about the life of Alexander the Great.

✅ You can opt for this 2-hour private tour of Villa Farnesina , or take this guided tour that combines both the villa and the Trastevere district . 

29. Visit the Centrale Montemartini

C entrale Montemartini , CC BY-SA 3.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

One of the places to see in Rome if you want to get away from the crowds is Centrale Montemartini .

It is a museum housed in an old power station where you will find artifacts mingling with diesel engines and steam turbines.

If you are interested in Ancient Rome, you will be in your element in this museum as it houses 400 statues, including some made from marble depicting various pagan gods.

In the Hall of Columns, you will find busts of important Romans from the 1 st century BC.

There is a modern room as well with an exhibition of Pope Pius IX’s carriages.

30. Admire the Church of Saint Ignatius of Loyola

If you still have time and are not sure of what to do in Rome, Italy, why not visit the Church of Saint Ignatius of Loyola ?

Built in the 17 th century, it is dedicated to the Spaniard soldier of the same name who became a priest and founded the Jesuit order.

While the exterior of the church doesn’t give much, don’t be fooled by it! The interior is absolutely stunning!

The ceiling is magnificent as is usually found in churches and basilicas in Italy but what makes it even more appealing is the mirror placed at the bottom where you get a clear reflection of the beautiful ceiling of the nave. This spot has become increasingly famous with Tik Tokers and Instagrammers.

Another interesting feature about this church is that instead of an actual dome which was never built due to lack of money, there is a fake one that was painted instead by Andrea Pozzo who also painted the beautiful frescoes on the ceiling.

Pozzo also created paintings for the apse which record scenes from the life of Saint Ignatius, and he even designed the chapels.

At the end of the right aisle, you will see the funerary monument dedicated to Pope Gregory XV who was pope for just 2 years in the early 17 th century.

The church is free to visit but if you want to take a photo or video from the mirror, you’ll spend there some time as there is always a queue.

Needless to say, this is one of my favorite churches in Rome, and the mirror is worth queuing for.

31. Visit the Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano

If you are on the other side of the city from the Vatican, the Basilico de San Giovanni in Laterano is well worth a visit.

It is not that well known but surprisingly, it is the official seat of the Pope. I wonder if you thought it was the Vatican. I know I did until I read about this basilica. However, the Pope rarely visits.

Inside, there are six papal tombs, and the cedar table used on the Altar of the Holy Sacrament is reputed to be the table Christ and the apostles used at the Last Supper.

It is free to enter the basilica but if you want to visit the cloisters, there is a small entrance fee. It is worth going in as it houses some beautiful mosaics and unusual spiral columns.

Outside the basilica, in the baptistery, you will find more mosaics dating back to the 5 th century.

32. Shop ‘til You Drop in Campo de Fiori

Campo de Fiori is a piazza across the road from Piazza Navona but it is less assuming.

In the 15 th century, shops, workshops, and restaurants started to pop up in Campo de Fiori and now the area around it is one of the best shopping spots in Rome.

In the morning, market stalls are set up in the piazza. Originally, they sold just fruits and vegetables but now they sell souvenirs to take home such as prettily packaged bottles of Limoncello or Grappa.

If you are looking for unusual stuff to do in Rome, head to this piazza. It has a bit of a grim, though fascinating past as executions were held here.

You will also see a statue of the philosopher, Giordano Bruno, in the center of the piazza who was burned alive here.

Campo de Fiori is a lovely place to visit in the late afternoon when it comes alive with people heading to the bars for a pre-dinner aperitivo.

33. Marvel at the Size of Circus Maximus

Circus Maximus used to hold chariot-racing competitions giving slaves the opportunity to gain their freedom. Sometimes, reconstructions of battles were held here as well as athletic competitions and gladiator fights.

It was first constructed in the 6 th century BC and was in use until the 6 th century AD. Although there isn’t that much left of it, you still get an idea of its magnitude by walking around it.

Having been 621 meters  (2,037 ft) long with a capacity of holding 150,000 spectators, it was much bigger than the Colosseum.

You will have the opportunity to see a part of one of the stands and some arcades. However, the contours on the grassy areas give you an impression of the enormity of the arena.

✅ To learn more about its history, you can book this combined guided tour of Circus Maximus and the Caracalla Baths !

34. Visit the Teatro Marcello

Need more ideas about what to see in Rome? Then check out Teatro Marcello which was built in the closing days of the Roman Republic.

It is situated in what was the Jewish ghetto and has come to be known as the Jewish Colosseum as it looks very similar to the Colosseum.

People would gather here to watch both drama and musical performances. It held up to 20,000 people and was also used by dignitaries for assemblies and as a market. Unfortunately, you can only see it from the outside.

35. Visit Trajan’s Forum and The Forum of Augustus

My last two suggestions of where to go in Rome are right next door to each other along the Via dei Fori Imperiali, which means The Street of the Imperial Forums, not far from the Roman Forum.

Here, you will find many forums built by different Roman Emperors but the most famous are Trajan’s Forum and The Forum of Augustus.

T he Trajan’s Forum was commissioned by Emperor Trajan who ruled between 98 and 117 AD and was known for his military prowess and benevolence towards his citizens. He commissioned it after his victory in the Dacian Wars.

The forum also had a Basilica, a temple, and 2 libraries. There isn’t much left but Trajan’s column still stands.

The Forum of Augustus was built to celebrate Augustus beating Caesar at the Battle of Philippi.

It was dedicated to the Roman god of war, Mars. You can still see the columns and steps of the Temple of Mars. This forum was also used for political events.

For an even more exciting experience, I recommend visiting at night as images are projected onto the ruins showing how the forums might have looked back in ancient times.  

Final Thoughts on the Best Things to Do in Rome

Hopefully, you are now keen to pack and head to the airport so that you can explore the Eternal City of Rome.

I have given you 35 things to do in Rome, and these should start you off on your journey.

Believe me, there is so much more to see and do in the city, but if you start with these, you will get a well-rounded picture of Rome.

As you wander between each attraction, you will probably come across other gems, and nothing is stopping you from taking a little detour.

Check out these posts to help you plan your trip to Rome

• Rome Instagram captions
• Instagram captions for Italy
• Best things to do in Rome at night

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• City Guides
• Current article

A City Guide To Rome, Italy

Rome is a living museum where every cobblestone whispers tales of the past. Here’s where to head in the Eternal City, from artsy hotels to innovative culinary concepts

September 5, 2024

Eternal adoration: where to sleep, eat and explore in Rome, Italy

Where to stay

Hotel vilòn.

Hotel de la Ville

Where to eat - restaurants.

Ruma Bottega

Pianostrada.

Lo Scopettaro

Pizzarium Bonci

Seu pizza illuminati, where to eat - cafés, forno conti & co.

Dolcemascolo Roma

Where to drink, antica latteria, enoteca l’antidoto.

Try the maritozzi at Pasticceria Regoli

Scoff Antico Forno Roscioli pizza (and more) on the go

Find the perfect souvenir at chez dédé, taste porchetta at antica norcineria iacozzilli.

Take home a unique gown from Le Tre Sarte

Rome Tourist Card

Explore Rome’s Most Iconic Attractions With the Rome Tourist Card

From the Colosseum to the Sistine Chapel : if you want to go on a whirlwind tour of Rome’s most unmissable sights , the Rome Tourist Card is the perfect solution.

• Imagine the roar of thousands of spectators as you circle the upper floors of the Colosseum.
• Marvel at the breathtaking ceiling frescoes of Michelangelo in the Sistine Chapel.
• Explore the ruins of the Roman Senate and ancient temples as you roam around the heart of Rome at the Roman Forum .

What’s Included

The Rome Tourist Card includes entrance to some of the most famous tourist attractions in the world. This is what is included:

The Colosseum

No trip to Rome is complete without a visit to the Colosseum , and the Rome Tourist Pass grants you skip-the-line access tickets to Colosseum.

This ancient arena, built between AD 70-72, was once the stage for bloody gladiator fights and staged hunts. Though the ruins are crumbling, you can still envision the Colosseum filled with crowds of people, and the roar of 50,000 spectators, as you walk around the upper floors. In its heyday, the emperor would attend the games and order elaborate spectacles to celebrate events and victories. You can learn all about the Colosseum from information signs and displays as you walk around the amphitheater.

For an additional price, you can enter the labyrinth beneath the arena where gladiators would await their fates and access the arena floor itself. These aren’t included in the skip-the-line ticket available with the Rome Tourist Card but can be purchased as extras; it’s well worth the additional cost if you’re interested in the history of the Colosseum! 

Roman Forum & Palatine Hill

These attractions are included in the same ticket as the Colosseum – you must visit them within the same 48-hour period. Though they are part of the same ticket, they are not on the same site. The Roman Forum and Palatine Hill are next door to the Colosseum but have separate entrance points. 

You can walk freely between the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill once inside the site, though these are again technically separate attractions. The Roman Forum was the heart of Ancient Rome ; the center of all commerce, politics, and religion. It was here that the Vestal Virgins tended to the eternal flame of Rome, Julius Caesar was cremated, and the ancient kings of Rome lived.

Neighboring Palatine Hill is the birthplace of Rome, where, according to legend, Romulus and Remus were raised by the she-wolf Luna in Lupercal Cave. It is here, on the most central of Rome’s seven hills, that Romulus founded the city . It was the most exclusive neighborhood in Ancient Rome, though the ruins of opulent palaces are all that is left. It is worth the climb for the panoramas over Rome alone.

St. Peter’s Basilica: Guided Tour

Renowned as the greatest church in Christendom, St. Peter’s Basilica holds a unique place in the Catholic religion: it is supposedly the burial site of Saint Peter.

Lavishly decorated and filled with spectacular works of art, St. Peter’s Basilica is one of Rome’s most popular attractions. It is one of the finest examples of Renaissance architecture in the city; it was built using many materials sourced from other ancient ruins around the city – the bronze in Bernini ’s baldachin came from the Pantheon , while much of the marble was originally in the Roman Forum.

One of the highlights is Michelangelo’s sculpture Pietà , one of his earliest works. Entrance to the basilica is free, but the Rome Tourist Card includes a guided tour of the church. With a guide, you can get insight into the history of the church and notice things you may have otherwise missed.

Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel

The world’s smallest official country holds its own in cultural impact: is there anywhere with more beauty and historical significance per square mile? If there is anywhere in Rome you will need pre-booked tickets, it is here. Queues can take hours to enter the Vatican Museums : booking a time slot with your Rome Tourist Card allows you to skip all the stress.

Inside the Vatican Museums, you can expect an opulence unlike anywhere else in Rome. The palace houses one of the greatest art collections in the world – with paintings from Raphael and Leonardo da Vinci – as well as artifacts like Egyptian mummies and Roman sculptures.

Every corner of the Vatican Museums holds an item of great historical significance: when in Rome, it is a sight you just can’t miss.

The most famous of all is the Sistine Chapel . Michelangelo ’s masterpiece is the series of frescoes painted onto the ceiling: the Creation of Adam stands out as recognizable the world over. It gets incredibly busy, but witnessing the beauty of the Sistine Chapel is a moving experience that you should enjoy at least once in your lifetime.

Pantheon Audio Guide

Few buildings surviving from the ancient world are as intact as the Pantheon : this is one of the best-preserved Roman structures in existence and the finest example of ancient architecture in Rome.

Entrance to the Pantheon is free regardless of purchasing the Rome Tourist Card, but the audioguide included with the pass gives you some fascinating insight into the history of the building.

The Pantheon was built as a temple for the Roman gods, with the current iteration constructed during the reign of Hadrian – it was one of the first examples of a temple open to the people for worship (previously, access had been limited to priests and vestals).

What you will immediately notice is the Pantheon’s impressive domed roof. The huge dome is made entirely of brick and concrete and isn’t reinforced in any way; it’s an architectural and engineering feat that still has not been matched. 

How Does It Work

The Rome Tourist Card is really simple to use. Unlike many other tourist passes , you don’t need to pick up a physical pass: it gets delivered digitally straight to your phone.

You purchase the Rome Tourist Card online, and upon purchasing, select first the date of activation and then the individual tickets and timeslots for each activity. There’s no time limit on the Rome Tourist Card once activated – you could be in Rome for weeks and spread the attractions across that time; validity isn’t an issue.

Once you have selected the date and time slot for a specific tourist attraction, it works as an individual ticket. You will receive a digital pass on your phone, which will allow you to skip any purchasing queues – which are particularly long at the Colosseum and the Vatican – and head into the site; for certain attractions, you will meet a guide (meeting points will be mentioned in the pass).

There is little flexibility once you have chosen your time slots and dates, so you must stick to them, and you should bear in mind the individual validity of each attraction.

For instance, the Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill ticket is valid for 48 hours upon activation, while the Vatican Museums ticket entrance is only valid on your chosen date.

Key Factors:

• No time limit – validity isn’t an issue for the card itself.
• You use the Rome Tourist Card to ‘purchase’ individual tickets for attractions on a certain date and timeslot.
• Includes skip-the-line access.
• It is a digital pass.
• You may be asked for a photo ID at attractions.
• Audio guides can be downloaded to your phone.
• The Rome Tourist Card can only be purchased a few weeks in advance of your visit.

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