Rome is an open-air museum where 2,000-year-old ruins sit next to lively piazzas and family trattorias. Plan at least three full days, and book the big sights in advance.
Top things to do in Rome
- Colosseum & Roman Forum — one combined ticket covers both; book a time slot online, especially in summer.
- Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel — go at opening time or on an early-entry tour; St Peter’s Basilica is free.
- Pantheon — a 2,000-year-old temple with its famous open dome; a small entry fee applies.
- Trevi Fountain — visit early in the morning or late at night to avoid the crowds.
- Trastevere — cobbled streets, ivy-covered houses and some of the best dinners in town.
- Borghese Gallery — masterpieces by Bernini and Caravaggio — reservation is mandatory.
The most popular sights sell out in high season, so check skip-the-line tickets and guided tours in Rome a few days before you go — most can be cancelled for free.
Where to stay in Rome
Choosing the right area makes a big difference. Here are our favourite neighbourhoods — whatever your budget, compare hotel prices in Rome and pick a room with free cancellation.
- Centro Storico — walk everywhere: Pantheon, Piazza Navona and Trevi are on your doorstep.
- Trastevere — charming and lively at night, great for food lovers.
- Monti — trendy and close to the Colosseum, with good mid-range hotels.
- Prati — quiet, elegant and next to the Vatican.
Getting around
The historic centre is best explored on foot. Rome has three metro lines plus buses and trams; buy tickets at stations or tap your bank card on the turnstiles. From Fiumicino airport, the Leonardo Express train reaches Termini station in about 32 minutes.
Before you go
- Flights: prices usually rise as the date gets closer — compare flights to Rome and use the whole-month view to find the cheapest days.
- Insurance: medical care abroad can be very expensive, so get travel insurance before you leave.
- Internet: install an eSIM for Italy before you fly to be online as soon as you land, without roaming fees.
Practical tips
- Cover shoulders and knees to enter churches, including St Peter’s.
- Fill your bottle for free at the “nasoni” street fountains.
- A small city tourist tax is added to hotel bills.
- Avoid restaurants with photo menus and staff calling you in near big sights.
Plan your trip to Rome
The trusted services we use to plan our own trips.
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