Rome, known as the Eternal City, is a place where history, culture, and stunning architecture come together beautifully. Right in the heart of Italy, this lively city mixes ancient ruins with modern life, creating a unique blend of old and new. From the breathtaking Colosseum and the impressive Pantheon to the serene beauty of Vatican City, Rome has something amazing around every corner. Wander through its busy piazzas, enjoy the delicious Italian food, and dive into the stories that have shaped Western civilization. Whether you’re into history, food, or just exploring, Rome offers an unforgettable adventure through time and culture.
Visiting tips
Airport transport to and from Rome
The airport is a bit outside of the city, but there is a train station inside the airport where you can catch a train to Rome. The train departs every 15 minutes, so you won’t have to wait for a long time. It is about a 30-minute ride to the Rome central station, Roma Termini, placing you right in the heart of the city.
Public Transport
Rome’s public transport system is extensive and efficient, making it easy to navigate the city. The network includes buses, trams, and a metro system with three lines. The metro is fast and convenient, connecting key points of interest like the Colosseum, Vatican City, and Termini Station. Buses and trams cover a broader area, reaching neighborhoods that the metro doesn’t, and run frequently throughout the day. For those looking to explore Rome’s historical center, public transport provides an affordable and practical alternative to driving, which can be challenging due to heavy traffic and limited parking.
Tickets
A single-ride ticket costs €1.50 and is valid for 100 minutes, allowing unlimited transfers between buses, trams, and the metro within that period. For those planning to explore the city more extensively, there are day passes available: a 24-hour pass costs €7, a 48-hour pass is €12.50, and a 72-hour pass is €18. Additionally, a weekly pass, ideal for longer stays, is priced at €24. These tickets can be purchased at metro stations, newsstands, and tobacco shops, ensuring easy access for travelers.
Attraction tickets
During our visit, we found that many of Rome’s attractions had a complicated ticketing system. If you try to buy the tickets in person you will end up waiting several hours to get in. While it’s possible to buy tickets online directly, tourist agencies often purchase them in bulk, making it difficult for individual visitors to buy tickets. To ensure you don’t miss out buy tickets several months in advance.
The only major site we visited for free was St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City (only the Basilica, not the museums), which remains open to the public without charge.
What To See
Tours
Walking Tours
We recommend booking a free walking tour. You can find them by googling “free walking tours Rome” or on sites like GuruWalk or freetour.com.
Attractions
Colosseum
The Colosseum is one of Rome’s most famous landmarks and a must-see for any visitor. Built nearly 2,000 years ago, it used to host epic gladiator battles and wild animal fights, entertaining massive crowds. Even today, its grand structure impresses with its arches and sheer size.
We bought a combined ticket for Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill online for 11€ per person on Tiqets website. Some tickets include audio guides or real guided tours. Our tickets only included audio guide.
Roman Forum and Palantine Hill
The Roman Forum and Palatine Hill are two must-visit spots in Rome. The Forum used to be the heart of ancient Rome, packed with important buildings, temples, and markets. Strolling through the ruins, you can almost picture ancient Romans bustling around. Just above the Forum is Palatine Hill, where Rome was founded, offering amazing views of the city. It’s full of old palace ruins and beautiful gardens, perfect for exploring and soaking up some history.
We bought a combined ticket for Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill online for 11€ per person on Tiqets website.
Pantheon
The Pantheon is one of Rome’s most impressive and well-preserved ancient buildings. Originally built as a temple to all the gods, it’s now a church and an architectural marvel with its massive dome and oculus that lets in natural light. Inside, the marble floors and grand columns are stunning. It’s also the final resting place of several important figures, including the artist Raphael. Visiting the Pantheon is a must—it’s a fascinating blend of history, architecture, and art all in one place.
Access is free on the first Sunday of each month.
Even if you want to enter for free, reservations are needed for Saturdays and Sundays. Which is why we missed out on seeing the Pantheon from the inside.
Adults Over 25: €5. Adults Between 18 and 25: €3 (proof of age may be requested). Under 18’s and Residents of Rome: Free, but a ticket is still required.
Vila Borghese
Villa Borghese is one of Rome’s largest and most beautiful parks, perfect for a relaxing escape from the bustling city. The park is home to the Borghese Gallery, which houses an incredible collection of art, including works by Caravaggio, Bernini, and Raphael. On the east side of the park is a nice view point perfect for sunsets with a view over the city and St. Peter’s basilica.
Park entrance is free.
Borghese Gallery tickets can be purchased online trough third party sites. Most tickets start from €25, guided tours from €40 and more.
Spanish Steps
The Spanish Steps are a popular and picturesque spot in Rome, connecting the Piazza di Spagna at the bottom with the Trinità dei Monti church at the top. Built in the 18th century, the 135 steps are a favorite hangout for both tourists and locals, offering a great place to sit and people-watch. The area around the Spanish Steps is filled with high-end shops, charming cafes, and beautiful buildings. At the base, you’ll find the famous Barcaccia Fountain, a beautiful fountain designed by Bernini. Whether you’re there to relax, shop, or simply take in the views, the Spanish Steps are a must-see. During spring the steps might be decorated with flowers if you are lucky.
Supposedly there is a fine if you sit or rest on the steps, stain or damage them in any way so take your picture and move on.
Trevi Fountain
The Trevi Fountain is one of Rome’s most iconic and stunning landmarks. Completed in 1762, this grand Baroque fountain features Neptune, the god of the sea, at its center, surrounded by tritons and cascading water. It’s a tradition to toss a coin into the fountain, which is said to ensure your return to Rome. The fountain is especially beautiful at night when it’s illuminated, making it a magical spot for photos. Located in the heart of the city, the Trevi Fountain is a must-visit for anyone exploring Rome.
Your best bet to get pictures without a ton of people in your way is if you go there before 7 AM. But beware most people also heard this tip so you might want to be there even earlier.
The cleaning of the fountain takes place twice a week, on Mondays and Fridays. This cleaning is quicker and it includes the collection of the coins. It starts early in the morning and, takes a couple of hours.
Castel Sant’Angelo
Castel Sant’Angelo, originally built as a mausoleum for Emperor Hadrian in the 2nd century, has a rich and varied history. Over the centuries, it has served as a fortress, a papal residence, and even a prison. Today, it’s a museum where visitors can explore its impressive halls, ancient artifacts, and enjoy stunning views of Rome from the rooftop terrace. The castle is connected to Vatican City by the Passetto di Borgo, a secret passage used by popes during times of danger. Castel Sant’Angelo offers a fascinating glimpse into Rome’s past.
We did not go in but it is still a beautiful sight to see from the outside, especially in the evening.
Vatican
The Vatican is a city-state within Rome, serving as the spiritual and administrative center of the Roman Catholic Church. A visit to the Vatican Museums is a highlight, as they house an immense collection of art and historical artifacts gathered by the Popes over centuries. Among the many treasures, the Sistine Chapel stands out with its breathtaking ceiling painted by Michelangelo, depicting scenes from the Bible, including the iconic “Creation of Adam.” The chapel is also the site of the papal conclave, where new popes are elected. Nearby, St. Peter’s Basilica, one of the largest and most magnificent churches in the world, is a must-see. Its stunning architecture, vast interior, and the awe-inspiring dome, which offers panoramic views of Rome, make it an essential part of any visit to the Vatican. Exploring the Vatican, its museums, the Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica is a profound experience that combines art, history, and spirituality.
St. Peter’s Basilica
The entrance to the St. Peters Basilica is free of charge. To go upstairs to the dome and view from the top of the basilica there is a charge of €8 to take the stairs or €10 to take the lift. The lift is often more overcrowded so we took the stairs.
Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel
You can buy tickets for the Museums and the Sistine Chapel online and I would advise buying “skip the line” tickets because if you plan on going there in person you will not get in. Also be ware of scammers waiting for you outside trying to sell you tickets.
Also plan your visit and purchase tickets few months in advance because they are likely to sell out fast. This is also the reason we did not get in, we tried to buy tickets too late.
Victor Emmanuel II Monument
The Victor Emmanuel II Monument, also known as the Altare della Patria or “Altar of the Fatherland,” is a striking and grandiose structure in the heart of Rome. Built in honor of Victor Emmanuel II, the first king of a unified Italy, this massive white marble monument stands out with its impressive columns, grand stairways, and statues of notable figures. At the base, you’ll find the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, which is guarded by an eternal flame. Visitors can take an elevator to the top for a panoramic view of Rome. The monument is a symbol of Italian unity and pride, making it a significant and must-see landmark in the city.
The entrance is free but taking the elevator to the top (which we recommend) costs 12€. There is a discount for people under age of 25.
There is also a combined ticket that includes Museum of the Risorgimento and Palazzo Venezia which costs a few euros more.
Piazza del Campidoglio
Piazza del Campidoglio is a beautifully designed square located on Capitoline Hill, one of Rome’s seven hills. It was masterfully designed by Michelangelo in the 16th century, featuring a harmonious layout with an elegant staircase leading up to it, known as the Cordonata. The square is flanked by three palaces: the Palazzo Senatorio, the Palazzo dei Conservatori, and the Palazzo Nuovo, which together house the Capitoline Museums, home to a remarkable collection of ancient Roman statues, art, and artifacts. At the center of the piazza stands a replica of the equestrian statue of Marcus Aurelius, adding to the square’s historic charm. Piazza del Campidoglio is a perfect blend of Renaissance art and ancient history, offering stunning views of the Roman Forum below.
Palazzo Colonna
Palazzo Colonna is one of Rome’s grandest and most historic palaces, showcasing centuries of art and history. Owned by the noble Colonna family for over 20 generations, the palace boasts a magnificent art gallery, the Galleria Colonna, which is open to the public on Saturdays. The gallery is renowned for its opulent Baroque interiors and an impressive collection of paintings, sculptures, and antique furnishings. Highlights include works by famous artists such as Carracci, Guercino, and Veronese. The palace’s gardens offer a peaceful retreat with beautiful views over Rome. Visiting Palazzo Colonna provides a glimpse into the grandeur of Roman aristocratic life and an opportunity to appreciate some of Italy’s finest art treasures.
We bought our tickets for 19€ per person on Tiqets website
Churches
Rome has a lot of churches and we recommend you go into any random one you see, you will most likely be in awe that any random church you enter. Most of them are also free to enter.
Some of the churches we entered:
- Basilica di Santa Cecilia in Trastevere
- Basilica of Santa Maria in Trastevere
- Church of San Pietro in Montorio
- Basilica di Santa Maria in Ara Coeli
- Basilica of Sant’Andrea della Valle