Dreaming of tossing a coin in the Trevi Fountain or savoring authentic pasta in a charming trattoria?
Our comprehensive Rome travel guide unveils the city’s ancient wonders, hidden gems, and local favorites that transform first-time visitors into lifelong admirers.
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Rome Travel Guide: Basic Information
Plan your perfect Roman holiday with these essential travel details.
Best Time to Visit Rome
- April-June: Pleasant temperatures, blooming gardens, longer days
- September-October: Fewer crowds, warm days, cooler evenings
- Avoid: July-August (extreme heat and crowds) and November-February (potential rain)
How Long to Stay in Rome
- Minimum: 3 days to see main attractions
- Ideal: 5-7 days to explore thoroughly without rushing
- Extended: 10+ days if including day trips to surrounding areas
Transportation from Rome Airport
- Leonardo da Vinci/Fiumicino Airport (FCO):
- Leonardo Express train: To Termini Station (32 minutes)
- Regional FL1 train: To various stations
- Airport shuttle buses: 45-60 minutes (Grab Tickets Here)
- Taxi: Fixed fare to city center
- Ciampino Airport (CIA):
- Airport shuttle buses: To Termini (40 minutes)
- Taxi: Fixed fare to city center
How to Get Around in Rome
- Walking: Best for historic center, most attractions within walking distance
- Metro: Limited but efficient with Lines A, B, and C connecting major sites
- Bus: Extensive network covering areas not reached by metro
- Tram: Scenic option especially in Trastevere area
- Taxi: Use official white taxis or apps like FreeNow/itTaxi
- Bike/E-scooter rentals: Good option for Villa Borghese and riverside areas
- Roma Pass: Consider for unlimited public transport and museum discounts – purchase it here
Sightseeing, Experiences & Day Trips
Immerse yourself in Rome’s magnificent history and culture with these unforgettable attractions and activities.
Top 10 Must-See Landmarks in Rome
- Colosseum: Iconic 50,000-seat arena where gladiators battled and emperors hosted spectacular games
- Roman Forum & Palatine Hill: Ancient Rome’s political center and imperial palace ruins
- Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel: World-class art collection crowned by Michelangelo’s ceiling masterpiece (Purchase Skip-The-Line-Tickets here)
- St. Peter’s Basilica: World’s largest church featuring Michelangelo’s Pietà and Bernini’s baldachin
- Pantheon: 2,000-year-old temple with perfect dome and oculus open to the sky
- Trevi Fountain: Theatrical Baroque fountain where coin-tossers are promised a return to Rome
- Spanish Steps: Elegant 18th-century staircase connecting two piazzas, made famous in film
- Castel Sant’Angelo: Emperor Hadrian’s mausoleum turned papal fortress with secret escape tunnel
- Piazza Navona: Beautiful oval plaza with Bernini’s fountains built over an ancient stadium
- Galleria Borghese: Stunning villa housing masterpieces by Bernini, Caravaggio, and Raphael
Rome Calls – Book Now & Save!
🏩 Find the perfect stay
Book hotels and apartments in Rome – discover ideal stays for every traveler on Booking.com!
🗺️ Plan Activities
Reserve priority skip-the-line access tickets, guided experiences, and cooking classes with Viator!
🚗 Rent a Car
Easily rent a car so you can visit day trip destinations at your own pace with Discover Cars!
Top 10 Things to Do in Rome
- Visit the Colosseum: Explore the iconic ancient amphitheater and its underground chambers (Join This Tour Here)
- Wander the Roman Forum: Walk in the footsteps of emperors through Rome’s ancient political center
- Marvel at the Pantheon: Stand beneath the perfect dome and watch sunlight stream through the oculus
- Toss a coin in the Trevi Fountain: Ensure your return to Rome with this beloved tradition
- Climb the Spanish Steps: Take in the view from the top of Rome’s famous staircase
- Explore Vatican Museums: View masterpieces including Raphael’s Rooms and the Sistine Chapel (Purchase Skip-The-Line-Tickets here)
- Tour St. Peter’s Basilica: Ascend the dome for breathtaking views of the city
- Sample authentic cuisine in Trastevere: Enjoy classic Roman dishes away from tourist traps (Or Try This Food Walking Tour)
- People-watch in Piazza Navona: Relax by Bernini’s fountains with gelato in hand
- Visit Castel Sant’Angelo: Explore the fortress-turned-museum and cross its picturesque bridge
Top 5 Best Photo Spots
- Pantheon: Capture the oculus from inside or the impressive façade from Piazza della Rotonda
- Trevi Fountain: Arrive early morning (before 8am) to avoid crowds
- Spanish Steps: Best photographed from the bottom looking up or from Trinità dei Monti at the top
- Castel Sant’Angelo: From Ponte Sant’Angelo bridge at sunset for magical lighting
- Colosseum: Steps in front of Metro station Colosseo for the classic shot
Top 5 Best Viewpoints
- Terrazza del Pincio: Overlooking Piazza del Popolo, perfect for sunset views with a romantic vibe
- Giardino degli Aranci (Orange Garden): A peaceful escape on Aventine Hill offering panoramic views of Rome’s skyline with bonus orange blossom scent 🍊
- Altare della Patria (Vittorio Emanuele II Monument): Climb to the upper terrace for sweeping views of Piazza Venezia, Roman Forum, and beyond
- Gianicolo Hill: Not officially one of Rome’s Seven Hills but offers breathtaking city views and daily cannon fire at noon
- St. Peter’s Basilica Dome: Climb the 551 steps (or take the elevator part way) for an unmatched 360° view of Vatican City and Rome
Top 5 Hidden Gems
- Palazzo Colonna: Opulent baroque palace with stunning art collection (Grab Your Entrance Ticket)
- Coppede District: Whimsical architecture blending Art Nouveau, Baroque and Medieval styles
- Santa Maria Maggiore: Magnificent 5th century basilica with stunning mosaics and ornate interior
- Baths of Caracalla: Massive ancient Roman bath complex with impressive ruins rarely visited by tourists (Join This Popular Tour)
- Keyhole of the Knights of Malta: Perfect, perfectly-framed view of St. Peter’s dome through a keyhole on Aventine Hill
Bucket List Experiences
- Appian Way (Via Appia Antica): Walk the legendary ancient Roman road on Sundays when it’s closed to traffic (Here is a Great E-Bike Tour)
- Catacombs: Explore the fascinating underground burial chambers of San Callisto or San Sebastiano (Book This Fantastic Tour)
- Aperitivo Experience: Join locals for pre-dinner drinks and complimentary buffets at Roman bars
- Underground Rome Tour: Discover layers of history beneath the city at San Clemente Basilica (Book This Great Tour)
- Opera at Terme di Caracalla: Attend a summer performance in the spectacular ancient bath ruins (Grab Tickets Here)
- Cooking Class: Learn authentic pasta-making or pizza techniques from expert Roman chefs (Most Popular Cooking Class)
Must-Explore Neighborhoods
- Centro Storico: Historic heart with major landmarks and winding cobblestone streets
- Trastevere: Bohemian district with authentic charm, excellent food scene, and lively nightlife
- Monti: Hip area with boutiques, trendy bars, and restaurants just steps from ancient sites
Best Piazzas
- Piazza Navona: Baroque masterpiece with Bernini’s Fountain of the Four Rivers
- Campo de’ Fiori: Morning market and evening nightlife
- Piazza del Popolo: Grand entrance to historic Rome with Egyptian obelisk
- Piazza di Spagna: Home to the Spanish Steps and luxury shopping
- Piazza Santa Maria in Trastevere: Heart of the bohemian Trastevere district
- Piazza della Rotonda: Front of the Pantheon with lively atmosphere
Best Day Trips
- Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius: Join a 12-hour guided tour to explore the remarkably preserved ancient city and climb the infamous volcano (Click Here to Join This Tour)
- Pompeii, Amalfi Coast and Positano: Experience this stunning coastline on a 13-hour guided day tour with transportation included (Click Here to Join This Tour)
- Florence: Renaissance art capital with world-class museums, cathedral dome, and legendary architecture – just 1h20m by high-speed train
- Tivoli: Visit Villa d’Este’s spectacular fountains and gardens, plus Emperor Hadrian’s vast villa complex – only 1h from Rome
- Orvieto: Stunning hilltop Umbrian town with magnificent Gothic cathedral and underground cave network – a quick 1h train ride away
- Naples: Vibrant city known as the birthplace of pizza, with rich culture and archaeological museum – accessible in just 1h by high-speed train
Food & Drink
Savor the flavors of authentic Roman cuisine at these carefully selected establishments.
Best Restaurants
- La Pergola: Rome’s only three-Michelin-starred restaurant with panoramic views
- Mama Eat: Gluten-free options in a cozy setting
- Caramella: Traditional Roman cuisine with modern twists
- Roscioli: Legendary bakery, restaurant and wine bar
- Armando al Pantheon: Classic Roman trattoria near the Pantheon
- Da Enzo al 29: Authentic Trastevere eatery with perfect carbonara
Best Pizzas
- Pizzium: Regional Italian pizzas with quality ingredients
- DEROMA: Contemporary pizza with creative toppings
- Trapizzino: Not traditional pizza but trapizzino, a Roman street food hybrid
- Casa Manco: Artisanal pizza by the slice at Testaccio Market
- Pinsa ‘mpò: Specializing in pinsa, an ancient Roman flatbread
Sweets & Cafes
- Antico Forno Roscioli: Historic bakery with exceptional pastries
- Gelateria La Romana: Artisanal gelato with homemade cones
- Biscottificio Artigiano Innocenti: Traditional Italian cookies and biscotti
- L’Antico Forno di Piazza Trevi: Fresh pastries near the Trevi Fountain
- Two sizes: Specialty tiramisu shop with various flavors
- Tiramisu Merisu: Creative tiramisu variations in a cute setting
- Giolitti: Rome’s oldest gelato shop, operating since 1900
- Sant’Eustachio Il Caffè: Famous for its uniquely prepared espresso
Practical Information
Make the most of your Rome adventure with these essential tips and advice.
Practical Tips
- Book in advance: Reserve tickets for major attractions (Vatican, Colosseum, Borghese Gallery) – Easily Purchase Them Here
- Carry a water bottle: Refill at Rome’s many drinking fountains (nasoni)
- Dress appropriately: Cover shoulders and knees when visiting churches
- Beware of scams: Stay alert around major attractions
- Expect coperto: Bread/cover charge at restaurants is normal
- Tipping culture: Not expected but rounding up the bill is appreciated
- Pace yourself: Rome wasn’t built in a day – don’t try to see it all at once!
What to Avoid in Rome
- Tourist Trap Restaurants: Avoid places with “tourist menus,” staff beckoning you inside, or photos of food outside
- Eating Near Major Attractions: Restaurants within 100m of major sites often have inflated prices and mediocre food
- Fake Gladiators at the Colosseum: They’ll insist on pictures then demand payment
- Standing in Long Lines: Always book major attractions online in advance – Easily Purchase Them Here
- Public Transport Without Validation: Always validate your ticket in the yellow machines or risk a €50+ fine
- Driving in the City Center: Traffic is chaotic, parking nearly impossible, and ZTL violations result in heavy fines
- Using Unofficial Taxis: Only use white official taxis or authorized ride services to avoid scams
- Wearing Uncomfortable Shoes: Rome requires extensive walking on cobblestone streets
- Carrying Valuables in Backpacks/Pockets: Use anti-theft bags or money belts, especially on public transport
- Trying to See Everything: Prioritize and enjoy a reasonable pace
Final Thoughts On The Best Rome Travel Tips
Rome’s timeless beauty, incredible history, and mouthwatering cuisine make it a destination like no other.
With this comprehensive Rome travel guide, you’re now ready to experience the very best of the Eternal City.
Want to dive deeper into planning your perfect Roman holiday? Check out our detailed itineraries:
Find more extraordinary Italian destinations on our blog, from the canals of Venice to the Tuscan countryside and beyond.
Italy Travel Planning Guide:
**🚑 Do I need travel insurance for Italy?
100% YES! — Italy has great healthcare, but visitors need travel insurance for emergencies. I recommend SafetyWing.
**🚙💨 How to get around in Italy?
By Car: Renting a car through DiscoverCars gives you the freedom to explore charming hilltop towns and vineyards at your own pace.
By Train: For travel between major cities, trains are efficient and affordable – book tickets through Omio.
**📲 Will my phone work in Italy?
Maybe — But you might come back to massive bill as it might be pricey. For the best experience, I recommend getting an SIM Card online before you travel.
**🏩 What’s the best way to book accommodations in Italy?
My go-to for Italian hotels is Booking.com. However we often prefer a more authentic Italian experience, and book apartments and homes through VRBO.
**✈️ What’s the best site to buy flights to Italy?
For finding cheap flights to Italy, I recommend Skyscanner.
