Rome is a city where ancient sites and daily life sit side by side. You can walk between major landmarks and see history at every step. Many visitors also arrive by cruise via Civitavecchia, so expect large crowds at peak times and around key sights. Check the cruisemapper website to see how many cruise ships will be visiting on any given day. Consider the shoulder season for a calmer visit and better prices. Our Rome travel guide will help you plan your visit to Rome. You will find the top places to see, useful day trips, where to stay, typical costs, realistic budgets, money-saving tips, the best time to go, and how to get around. It also includes common questions and answers. The aim is to help you choose what matters most for your time and budget. The biggest mistake people make (like us) is not allowing enough time to see Rome. Rome is a big city and there is a lot to see which is impossible to do in 1 day. Plan on a minimum of 3–4 days to see the main attractions. The crowds that you will experience can make the day stressful so plan on taking extra time at each location you visit.
Top Things to See & Do in our Rome Travel Guide
Colosseum
The Colosseum is Rome’s most known site. Built under the Flavian emperors, it hosted shows for tens of thousands of people. Today, you can visit the arena, stands, and outside arches. Book timed-entry tickets online to reduce waiting. A guided tour helps you understand how events worked and gives access to areas like the underground on select tours. Go early morning to avoid crowds and heat. Wear good shoes; surfaces can be uneven. Security lines are standard, and large bags are not allowed. The Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill are covered by one combined ticket, which is good value if you plan your time. Bring a water bottle and refill at nearby public fountains. Photo spots are best from the east side near Via Labicana and at sunset from nearby viewpoints. Expect busy conditions, especially on days when cruise passengers arrive from Civitavecchia.
Roman Forum & Palatine Hill
The Forum was the centre of public life in ancient Rome. You can see temple columns, arches, and basilica remains that show how the city worked. Highlights include the Arch of Septimius Severus and the Temple of Saturn. Palatine Hill overlooks the Forum and has ruins of imperial palaces, plus green spaces and views of the Circus Maximus. A combined ticket also covers these sites along with the Colosseum. Start at Palatine Hill to walk downhill through the Forum, which is easier on the legs. Take time to read signs or use an audio guide to connect the ruins with daily life in Rome. Go in the morning or late afternoon to avoid midday sun. Paths are rough in places, so wear stable shoes. Water and shade can be limited, so carry a bottle and hat. Allow two to three hours for both areas at a relaxed pace.
Pantheon
The Pantheon is a well-preserved temple turned church. Its dome is still the largest unreinforced concrete dome in the world. Light enters through the oculus, making a clear beam that moves during the day. Entry rules can change, and modest dress is required as it is an active church. Visit early to avoid crowds and tour groups. Step inside to see the perfect circle and the marble floor patterns. Check service times to avoid visiting during Mass if you are there for sightseeing. The square outside has many cafés; prices can be higher, so consider standing at the bar if you just want a quick coffee. Take a few minutes to walk around the building to see the older brickwork and supports. Combine a visit with nearby sites like Piazza Navona and Trevi Fountain to make an easy walking loop through the historic centre.
Piazza Navona
Piazza Navona sits on the shape of an ancient stadium. It is known for fountains, street artists, and open space for resting during a walking day. Bernini’s Fountain of the Four Rivers sits at the center, with statues that represent major rivers from different continents. The church of Sant’Agnese in Agone adds a strong backdrop to the square. Visit during late afternoon or evening when the square is lively and temperatures are lower. The area has many places to eat and drink; check menus before you sit to understand cover charges. Street performers are common, so keep an eye on your belongings. The square links well with a route that includes the Pantheon and Campo de’ Fiori. If you prefer quiet, go in the morning when vendors set up and crowds are thin. It is a good stop to rest, take photos, and plan your next move.
Vatican City: St. Peter’s Basilica & Museums
Vatican City holds St. Peter’s Basilica, St. Peter’s Square, and the Vatican Museums with the Sistine Chapel. Book museum tickets in advance to avoid long lines. Morning entries are calmer. The basilica is free but has a security line; dress modestly with shoulders and knees covered. Climb the dome for city views if you are comfortable with stairs and narrow spaces. Inside the museums, follow signs to the Sistine Chapel and also give time to galleries like the Raphael Rooms. Guided tours can help with context and navigation through busy areas. The square is a good place to pause and take photos of the colonnades. On major church days, queues can be longer. Cruise days add pressure on time slots, so book early if visiting from Civitavecchia. Plan at least half a day for the museums and basilica together, and bring water for the walk.
Trevi Fountain
Trevi Fountain is known for the coin toss tradition: one coin to return to Rome. The fountain is busy most of the day. Go at dawn for fewer people, or late evening for a lit view. Be alert for pickpockets in tight spaces. Do not sit on the fountain edge or enter the water; fines are enforced. After your visit, explore nearby gelato shops on quieter side streets rather than the main square. The fountain is part of an easy route with the Spanish Steps and the Pantheon. Watch your step on slick stones if it has rained. If you want a photo without crowds, plan your timing and be patient. Police often manage the flow of people during peak periods. The sound of the water is a nice break from street noise and marks a calm pause in a busy day.
Spanish Steps
The Spanish Steps connect Piazza di Spagna with the church of Trinità dei Monti. People sit on the steps, but eating is restricted and fines are possible, so check local rules. The area is a hub for shopping streets and cafés. Go in the morning for calm and in spring for flower displays. The steps are close to the Keats-Shelley House, which you can visit if you enjoy literary history. Combine the Steps with Trevi Fountain and the nearby Villa Borghese park for an easy half-day. Metro Spagna sits at the base, giving fast links across the city. The steps can be slippery when wet, so wear shoes with grip. Crowds build quickly when cruise buses arrive from Civitavecchia. Take short breaks in nearby side streets if you need quiet time away from the square.
Jewish Ghetto
The Jewish Ghetto area shows a different side of Rome. It began as a restricted quarter and is now known for culture and food. Visit the Great Synagogue and museum of history. Try carciofi alla giudia (fried artichokes) when in season. The streets are narrow and shaded, making a good midday walk. From here, you can reach the Tiber Island and Trastevere on foot. Book restaurants if you plan to dine on weekends. Prices vary, but lunch deals are common. Respect opening hours that may change on religious days. The area is compact, so you can see main sights in one to two hours, then continue to the Forum or Campo de’ Fiori. It is a good place to slow down and add variety to an ancient-ruins-focused trip.
Other Places to Visit Outside of Rome (3)
- Tivoli (Villa d’Este & Hadrian’s Villa): Easy day trip by train or bus. See fountains and gardens at Villa d’Este and the vast ruins of Hadrian’s Villa. Allow a full day.
- Ostia Antica: Ancient port city with streets, mosaics, and warehouses. Less crowded than central ruins. Reachable by metro + train. Plan two to four hours on site.
- Orvieto: Hill town in Umbria reached by train. Visit the cathedral, underground tunnels, and views over the countryside. Slower pace and good food make a balanced day.
Where to Stay (in or outside the “CBD”)
- Centro Storico (Historic Center): Walk to the Pantheon, Trevi, and Navona. Higher prices, great access.
- Monti: Near Colosseum/Forum. Small hotels, cafes, and easy metro links.
- Trastevere: Local feel, nightlife, and tram access. Good for evening dining.
- Prati/Vatican Area: Quieter at night, close to the Vatican, good metro (Line A).
- Termini Area: Best for transport value and early trains; mixed vibe, choose carefully.
- Near Civitavecchia (outside Rome): Useful for early cruise departures or late arrivals. Trains connect to Rome for day trips.
Travel Costs (typical ranges per person)
- Accommodation (per night): Hostels €30–€60; budget hotels €80–€140; mid-range €140–€250+; peak season costs rise.
- Meals: Quick bites €6–€12; trattoria lunch/dinner €15–€30; sit-down dinner €25–€45 (excluding premium wine).
- Coffee/Gelato: Espresso €1–€2 at the bar; gelato €3–€5.
- Transport: Single metro/bus/tram ticket, about €1.50–€2 (time-limited). 24/48/72-hour passes offer value if you ride often.
- Major Sights: Colosseum/Forum/Palatine combo from ~€18–€24; Vatican Museums from ~€20–€30 plus booking fees; dome climbs extra.
Suggested Budgets (per day, excluding flights)
- Shoestring: €70–€100 (hostel bed, street food/cheap eats, walking + day transit pass, 1 paid sight)
- Mid-Range: €150–€250 (3-star hotel or private room, two sit-down meals, multiple paid sights, metro/taxi as needed)
- Comfortable: €300–€450+ (4-star hotel, guided tours, nicer restaurants, taxis, dome climbs, timed entries)
Money-Saving Tips
- Book key sights (Colosseum, Vatican) in advance to secure cheaper base tickets and avoid reseller markups.
- Use 24/48/72-hour transit passes if you ride more than twice daily.
- Drink free water from public fountains (nasoni); carry a reusable bottle.
- Eat away from main squares; look for “menu del giorno” lunch deals.
- Stand at the bar for coffee to avoid table service fees where they apply.
- Choose combined tickets (Colosseum + Forum + Palatine).
- Visit in shoulder seasons for lower hotel rates and lighter crowds, especially with cruise traffic from Civitavecchia.
Best Time to Go
- Shoulder seasons (April–May, late September–October) balance weather and crowds. This is best for easier museum visits and lower prices.
- Summer (June–August) is hot and crowded, with many cruise day-trippers. Book everything early.
- Winter (November–March, excluding holidays) is cheaper, cooler, and quieter; shorter daylight and some reduced hours apply.
How to Get Around
- Walking: Most sights in the centre
- are walkable; wear good shoes.
- Metro/Bus/Tram: Simple for longer hops. Buy time-based tickets or day passes; validate when you start.
- Taxis/Ride-hailing: Use licensed taxis from official stands. Fixed-rate official taxis serve Fiumicino Airport to central Rome; confirm the rate on the door.
- Train: Fast for day trips (Tivoli via bus/train, Ostia Antica via metro+train, Orvieto by regional train).
- From Civitavecchia: Frequent trains to Rome; allow time for port transfers and city connections.
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