Plan Your Roman Holiday: Your Need-to-Know Guide to Rome

The legend of the founding of Rome is as follows: Rome was established in 753 BC by the powerful demigod brothers Romulus and Remus. After fighting over who would rule the new land, Romulus killed Remus and named Rome after himself. The dates of the historical founding are not that far off from myth. Established roughly in the 8th century BC, Rome was a community brought together in response to Etruscan invasion. The popular image of the Roman Empire, the era of Julius Caesar and the famous emperors, didn't begin until the 6th century BC and lasted until the famous fall of the empire in 476 AD.

Fiumicino Leonardo Da Vinci (FCO) and Ciampino Airport (CIA) are the two major airports near Rome. Fiumicino is the region's main airport and the larger of the two. Most overseas international flights will arrive at Fiumicino. Travelers can connect to Rome from Fiumicino by taking the Leonardo Express train, booking a taxi into the city for a flat rate of €48 ($53), calling a rideshare service, or booking a bus transfer. Ciampino focuses on smaller carriers, mostly catering to domestic travel and international flights from other European destinations. Travelers can connect to Rome from Ciampino via the city’s public transportation, rideshare, or taxi.

Although it is smaller, Ciampino is closer to the city and home to budget European carriers offering cheap flights to the rest of Europe. If Italy is just a stop on a larger European vacation, Ciampino may have the best budget deals for you.

If traveling from other areas of Italy or even neighboring countries like Switzerland, travelers can skip the flight and take advantage of the amazing railway system. Regional and long-haul trains, both high-speed and standard, can be booked through Trenitalia. They'll often offer discounts or specials, like the Trenitalia Pass, which includes multiple train journeys for a bundled price.

Getting your bearings is essential in any city, but even more so in a place where the modern and ancient maps are so intertwined. Luckily, transportation in Rome doesn't have to be complicated. There are various ways to get to where you need to go, including the subway, regional trains, buses, taxi, rideshare, and tram.

What You Need to Know About the RomaPass

The RomaPass is Rome's public transportation pass system. It gives you access to every public transit system within the city, including buses, the subway, and trams. The RomaPass does not work on regional trains. There are two levels to the RomaPass, with varying benefits, but both give you free access to the city's transportation network for the period designated on the card.

The €32 ($35) RomaPass is valid for 48 hours and gets you one free archaeological or museum experience, subsequent reduced pricing on museums and archaeological experiences, and other discounts around the city. The €52 ($57) Euro RomaPass is valid for 72 hours and gets you all of the above, plus an additional free museum or archaeological experience.

Travelers planning an extended stay can purchase a monthly eRoma pass, which can be purchased online, through the app, or at convenience stores called Tabacchi.

Bus System in Rome

The bus system in Rome is extensive, with 338 lines and 8,000 stops, but not always the most reliable if you're on a schedule. It's subject to the whims of traffic in a notoriously chaotic city, so remember to build in a generous buffer in your schedule if you plan to take the bus. A collection of Rome’s public transport maps can be found on the Atac website.

Subway in Rome

There are only three lines on the Roman subway system—A, B, and C—all converging at the central train station Termini. Line A connects major tourist spots like the Spanish Steps, Vatican City, and the Arco di Travertino, while Line B runs through the Colosseum, Ciroc Massimo, and Piramide. Line C begins at Termini Station and connects to Fiumicino Da Vinci at the other end. You can keep up to date with line closures and detours on the city’s website.

Trams in Rome

There are six tram lines in Rome. They run along the center of streets throughout the city. According to the city’s website, the main lines are:

Line 2: Piazza Mancini – Piazzale Flaminio.
Line 3: Piazza Thorwaldsen – Trastevere.
Line 5: Giovanni Amendola – Piazza dei Gerani.
Line 8: Torre Argentina – Trastevere.
Line 14: Giovanni Amendola – Palmiro Togliatti.
Line 19: Piazza Risorgimento – Piazza dei Gerani.

The most popular tourist attractions are located along lines three and eight. You can purchase single-ride or short-term tickets at approved Tabacchi stores or use your RomaPass to ride the tram. Make sure to keep your tickets handy in case of spot checks by the transportation authority.

Taxis and Rideshares

Uber and Lyft both work in Rome despite pushback from the local taxi industry. If you prefer to call a taxi, you can hail one at many taxi stations throughout the city or use the app FreeNow. The flat taxi fee to Fiumicino from Rome is €48 ($53), while the flat fee to Ciampino from Rome is €35 ($38). Opting for a taxi for these long-haul rides can help you avoid rideshare surge pricing that may impact airport routes during peak times.

To stay safe and avoid potential scams, make sure you are only taking rides from a legitimate taxi service. City taxis are white, will display “taxi” on the roof sign, and will have the Roman City Council emblem on the doors. While the meter may not read zero when you enter the car (the driver will start the meter when you call the taxi, not when you enter the car), be wary of taxis that have broken meters or are trying to upcharge you on a flat-rate ride (for example, to and from the airport).

Regional Trains in Rome

Rome has two major train stations—Roma Termini and Roma Tiburtina—along with several smaller hubs like Trastevere Station, Ostiense Station, and San Pietro. Roma Termini is not only one of the largest train stations in the city but in all of Europe. It is often hectic, with crowds crisscrossing to reach their platforms on time. Frequently, train platforms are not announced until very soon before departure, so don't stray too far from the announcement board and be ready to make the potentially long trek to your train car.

Termini and Tiburtina are where you'll most likely catch long-haul trains to different areas of the country. I've taken the high-speed train to Naples—just 45 minutes as opposed to a three-hour car ride—and an overnight train from Rome to Venice and back again. Both trips were stress-free and allowed me to take in stunning scenery I would have otherwise missed.

Smaller stations are suitable for quick trips outside the city. For example, you can catch the train from Trastevere Station to the nearby beach towns in Ostia, just 45 minutes outside of Rome—make sure you book a seat with your ticket so you don't end up standing the entire way!

Renting a Car in Rome

You can rent a car, but driving in Rome is a challenge. The rules of the road are more like suggestions, and Vespas weave in and out of traffic. Similar to the United States, the minimum age to rent a car in Italy is typically 18 to 21, depending on location and rental company. Italy does not have an upper age limit for renting cars.

You’ll never be at a loss for what to do in Rome. Here are a few options:

Visit the Archaeological Sites

We've all heard the phrase 'Rome wasn't built in a day,' but only visiting this timeless city can genuinely make you realize the vastness of its history. Beyond the classic Pantheon and Colosseum, take time to explore the endless archaeological sites open to the public.

See what a real-life Roman bath looked like at the Baths of Caracalla or the Baths of Diocletian. Drive out to the perimeter of the city and see the old defensive walls that used to fortify it, easily seen on the commute from Rome to nearby Ciampino airport. Take a walking tour of the Roman Forum, where Julius Caesar was famously stabbed, a vast complex of ruins and columns that is now a public cat sanctuary.

Beyond the designated sites, the city is dotted with echoes of architecture gone by, with modern stores tucked into the shadows of aqueducts and ruins cropping up along your daily commute.

Visit the Colosseum

The Colosseum has become a headliner attraction for tourists visiting Rome, and for good reason. This massive 6-acre arena was the largest amphitheater in the Roman Empire and remains the largest amphitheater in the modern world. The Colosseum is derived from its Italian name, Colosseo—a name likely given to the structure due to the over 100-foot statue of Emperor Nero that once stood outside its walls, known as the Colossus Neronis.

The lines to enter the Colosseum are typically extremely long. To make the most of your schedule, book ahead with a skip-the-line tour. The Colosseum offers free entrance on the first Sunday of every month for savvy budget travelers willing to face the crowds.

Go Inside the Pantheon

Built in the 3rd century C.E. in honor of the twelve Greek gods of Olympus, the Pantheon stands in modern day Piazza della Rotonda, just under a 10 minute walk from the Trevi Fountain. The freestanding dome on top is considered a marvel of ancient engineering, taking the title of the largest dome in the world for nearly 1,300 years. The oculus, or the large hotel in the dome’s center, illuminates the detailed floors and frescos of the Pantheon with an ethereal light. Entry is free for those under 18 years old, €3 ($3.14) for adults between 18 and 25 years old, and €5 ($5.23) for adults over 25 years old.

Snap a Picture at the Trevi Fountain

Legend has it that those who make a wish and throw a coin into the Trevi Fountain in Rome’s Piazza di Trevi will be guaranteed to one day return to Rome. This massive 85-foot tall and 160-foot wide fountain features intricately carved statues of mythical figures from Greek and Roman mythology. It adorns the front of the Palazzo Poli, a palace commissioned in the 16th century that now houses a modern museum open to the public. Travelers can book tickets online through tour operators for the various rotating shows and exhibitions,

Despite its large size, the fountain is often extremely crowded, with people packing the perimeter and surrounding staircases shoulder-to-shoulder. To catch this sight at the optimal time, head over early in the morning before the crowds move in.

Take a Panoramic Tour of the City

If you're short on time or simply looking for those iconic photo ops, then a panoramic tour of the central city sites is perfect. Several tour companies will provide a knowledgeable local guide who will whisk you from site to site, covering everything from the Spanish Steps to the Vatican in a single morning. I took a scenic loop around Rome and learned not only the history behind the major sites, but anecdotal stories about the seemingly unimportant buildings and streets in between that truly brought the city to life.

These tours don't usually leave time to enter any of these sites, so if you'd like to experience any of them in more detail, set aside additional time later in your itinerary.

Visit the Parks and Piazzales

Public life is a core tenant of the Roman lifestyle. Socializing is typically done outside the home in community spaces, piazzas, patios, and cafes. Rome is home to several beautiful parks and piazzas that are free to explore, often adorned with their own art installations, fountains, archaeological artifacts, and curated gardens.

Piazalle Garibaldi on Janiculum Hill stands out as a top spot to while away an evening. Known as an especially romantic destination, here you’ll find locals laying out picnics on the green grass, dozens of couples wandering the overlooks, and carts selling colorful pinwheels to children as they dash around the square.

Tour the Museums

Rome is rich in both art and history museums. A few iconic spots include:

Musei Capitolini: This museum houses a vast collection of Roman statues, including the Hall of Emperors, which has 67 busts of past Roman rulers.

• Entry Fee: €13.50 ($15)
  
  Galleria Borghese: One of the most famous art galleries in the world, this gallery is home to world-renowned art like Bernini’s David (not to be confused with Michelangelo's David, which is located in Florence) and is surrounded by a beautiful 80-hectare park that is free to the public.
• Tickets for entry or guided tours can be reserved starting at €21 ($24).
  
  Gallerie Nazionali Barberini Corsini: This museum is known for its massive collection of Italian Baroque art.
• Entry Fee: €15 ($17)
  
  Museo Nazionale Romano: Rather than a singular building, this museum is a collection of museums and archaeological collections around the city, including the Baths of Diocletian and Palazzo Massimo.
• Entry Fee Per Site: €8 ($9)
• Access to All Sites: €12 ($13)

Entry to all public museums in Rome is free the first Sunday of every month. Tourists with RomaPass may use their included free museum visit for any of the museums listed. For art lovers looking for deeper insight into each musuem’s offering, sites like Viator and Tiqets offer guided tours for a more in-depth experience

Explore Trastevere

Trastevere is part of Old Town Rome, made up of narrow cobblestone streets that meander through a tightly packed neighborhood of cafes, shops, and restaurants. While an exciting visit at any time of day, the area comes to life at night with street performers, tourists, and locals spilling out of open-air bars and restaurant patios. Have a relaxing evening at one of the dozens of wine bars throughout the area, or kick off a fun-filled night with gourmet shots in edible chocolate glasses and some live piano at Rivendita Libri Cioccolata e Vino.

Go Shopping

The fashion game in Rome is next level, with dozens of designer shops and more affordable options crowded into the city’s main shopping centers. Via del Corso, a street beginning in Piazza Venezia and running for nearly a mile, is a prime spot for grabbing some souvenirs or a fresh outfit for your vacation. This street is also a primary thoroughfare in the city and lights up in the evenings with street performers, shoppers, and tourists taking in the liveliness of the area.

If you’re looking to come home from Rome with a whole new wardrobe, make sure to claim a VAT refund on your purchases. VAT—or value-added tax—is tax charged on goods purchased in the European Union that is not charged in the United States. Visitors from the US are therefore eligible for a tax refund if they meet a minimum purchase threshold. To claim your refund, you’ll need your receipts for your purchases, a VAT refund form signed by you and the retailer, and the physical purchases to present for inspection by the agents at the customs desk.

Wine and Food Tour

Rome is packed with incredible restaurants, bars, and cafes; it's nearly impossible for the uninitiated to know where to begin. Luckily, several tours around the Eternal City are dedicated to food and drink.

Tour the Vatican

While technically a different country altogether, the Vatican is located entirely within the boundaries of Rome, so many people include it as a stop on their itinerary. Join a group or private tour to explore the museums; more information is in our mini-guide to Vatican City below.

Naples

Just 45 minutes from Rome via the high-speed train, set aside a day in your itinerary to explore an entirely different side of Italy. Experience the charm of southern Italy, taste-test the famous Napoli-style pizza, and get a top-notch view of Mount Vesuvius dominating the skyline. Check out our ultimate guide to Naples to plan your day.

City Highlights:

• Go shopping at the Galleria Umberto
• Catch a show at the Real Teatro di San Carlo
• Tour the Royal Palace of Naples

Florence

Check another iconic city off the list with a quick day trip from Rome. Just an hour and twenty minutes from Rome via the high-speed railway, travelers can easily travel there and back in a day with plenty of time to see the sites. Catch the Leaning Tower of Pisa, visit famous artworks like the Birth of Venus and Michelangelo's famous David statue, or tour the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore.

City Highlights:

• Visit the Galleria dell'Accademia and see Michelangelo’s David
• See the gothic architecture at Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore
• Explore the sprawling Boboli Garden

The Beach

The nearest beaches to Rome are in Ostia, just a 45-minute train ride from the Trastevere Station. A dreamy place to spend a sunny day, Ostia has plenty of space for sunbathing and several small shops and restaurants to grab a quick bite before heading back to the city.

Tuscany Wine Tour

Tuscany offers a different side of Italian living. Its sprawling landscape is made of a patchwork of vineyards and with rustic buildings dotted serenely among the grapevines. Seemingly an entire world away from the bustle of Rome, an idyllic day in Tuscany is only a bus tour away. Several wine-tasting tours depart from Rome, complete with transportation and tour guides.

When in Rome, eat as the Romans do. The city is undeniably a capital of culture and cuisine, with some iconic dishes every traveler must try before heading home.

Cacio e Pepe: Cacio e Pepe is Rome's iconic pasta dish. It consists mainly of pasta, cheese, and a generous sprinkling of pepper. While the dish itself is simple, each ingredient has a chance to shine. With nearly every restaurant flaunting its take on the recipe, you may want to taste-test every option.

Gelato: Forever etched into the minds of tourists as a must-eat Roman treat by Audrey Hepburn's classic film Roman Holiday, a foodie experience in Rome is only complete with a (daily) serving of gelato. Although Florence is the rumored birthplace of gelato, Rome is home to some top-tier gelaterias including Giolitti, the one featured in the film. Gelato flavors are more varied than traditional ice cream, with options like stracciatella, pistachio, and nutella on nearly every menu.

Pizza: Although pizza is more associated with its city of origin Naples, Rome has its own twist on the classic Italian dish. Roman pizza is crunchier than its Neapolitan counterpart, with a thicker crust and a dizzying array of unique toppings, from buffalo mozzarella to thin-sliced potato. For a solid sampling of options, try out Dar Poeta, just off the tram stop by Piazza Venezia.

Coffee: Coffee culture is a vibrant part of Roman life, but there are a few more rules you’ll need to know. Firstly, you'll rarely find large to-go cups of drip coffee available in Rome. Coffee is meant to be savored at the cafe, either by the counter or at a table. Secondly, time of day plays a major role in your coffee order. Cappuccinos are to be enjoyed strictly before 11 am. In the afternoons, opt for a quick espresso and sparkling water. While some establishments will still serve you a cappuccino later in the day, the side-eye you’ll receive is hardly worth the caffeine.

Temperatures in Rome rarely dip below 40°F (4.4°C), and snow is a rarity, with the last meaningful snowfall occurring in 2018. Fans of temperate weather and fewer crowds will want to travel during the shoulder seasons in spring and autumn. This also presents the unique opportunity to experience Easter in Rome near the Vatican. The winter months are less crowded overall but tend to pick up around Christmas.

The average temperature and precipitation for Rome is as follows:

| January | Average Temperature: 45°F/7°C | Average Precipitation: 1.9 in/4.83cm
| February | Average Temperature: 46°F/8°C | Average Precipitation: 2.28in/5.8cm
| March | Average Temperature: 51°F/10°C | Average Precipitation: 1.65in/4.19cm
| April | Average Temperature: 57°F/14°C | Average Precipitation: 1.89in/4.8cm
| May | Average Temperature: 64°F/18°C | Average Precipitation: 1.06in/2.7cm
| June | Average Temperature: 72°F/22°C | Average Precipitation: 2.83in/7.2cm
| July | Average Temperature: 77°F/25°C | Average Precipitation: 0.35in/0.89cm
| August | Average Temperature: 78°F/26°C | Average Precipitation: 0.63in/1.6cm
| September | Average Temperature: 70°F/21°C | Average Precipitation: 2.20in/5.56cm
| October | Average Temperature: 63°F/17°C | Average Precipitation: 3.50in/8.89cm
| November | Average Temperature: 55°F/13°C | Average Precipitation: 3.66in/9.3cm
| December | Average Temperature: 47°F/8°C | Average Precipitation: 3.27in/8.3cm

*Average temperature and precipitation data from climate-data.org

The city offers accommodations for any budget, from the high-end to the truly unique.

This luxury hotel, just a five-minute walk away from Termini Station, offers guests elegance and convenience. It offers eighty-two rooms and suites, gourmet onsite dining, and a hydrotherapy spa.

The Republic Hotel is located in the city center, within easy commuting distance of major sites like the Colosseum, the Pantheon, and the Spanish Steps, and just a six-minute walk from the Termini train station.

TB Place Roma is an eclectic boutique hotel near the Spanish Steps. Housed in a renovated 17th-century building, each of the guest rooms is uniquely decorated, reflecting the vintage bohemian personality of the rest of the hotel. The glass-walled sitting area on the roof next to the patio is a stunning place to enjoy a drink or meal overlooking the Roman city skyline.

If you’re searching for a truly unique experience, you can book a stay in an active monastery or convent in Rome. The stays are managed by the monks or nuns that live onsite. The Monastery Stays website has an entire FAQ page that answers questions about etiquette, price, and other considerations for this unique accommodation.

The true hero of the budget travelers is the humble hostel. Hostels can offer a clean, unique, and affordable experience despite their reputation. Check out sites like HostelWorld, dedicated to guest reviews of quality hostels, with feedback on everything from cleanliness to aesthetics.

While located within Rome's borders, the Vatican is an independent country. At just 0.17 square miles, it is the smallest country in the world. Although it technically maintains sovereign borders, visitors do not need a passport to enter Vatican City.

Tours of the Vatican

You can enter the Vatican without a tour guide, but the lines are notoriously long. You must also purchase separate tickets for famous sites like the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel. For convenience and to ensure you see everything you want, it's best to book a skip-the-line tour ahead of time. If you want more individualized attention or are booking for a medium to large group, you can also book a private tour.

The Best Time to Visit the Vatican

The Vatican tends to be extremely crowded, especially the Sistine Chapel, which can be packed shoulder-to-shoulder during peak visitation hours. According to the Vatican Museums website, the times with the fewest crowds are Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday mornings. And, as always, visiting during the off-season winter months—except Christmas time—will typically leave you with fewer crowds.

Dress Code for the Vatican

The Vatican's dress code is similar to that of other major religious sites around the world. Clothing should be modest and covered—no tank tops, exposed shoulders, or shorts. Low-cut shirts and pants or skirts cut above the knee are also prohibited. If you have any reservations about your chosen outfit, it's best to err on the side of caution or bring along a sweater or shawl in case you're asked to cover up.

Special Rules to Follow When Visiting the Vatican

While tourists can take photographs in the central square and within the Vatican Museums, professional photography equipment and selfie sticks are not allowed. Photography and videography are prohibited within the Sistine Chapel.

Whether you only visit for a day or plan to spend a whole week exploring, there's a perfect Roman itinerary for any vacation. Look at our sample day trip, weekend, long weekend, and full-week itineraries for inspiration when planning your trip to Rome.

Day Trip Itinerary for Rome

Morning: Get your bearings by taking a panoramic tour of the major sites (Colosseum, The Roman Forum, Vatican City, Spanish Steps, Pantheon) in Rome.
Afternoon: Book a skip-the-line tour of the Colosseum.
Evening: Do some window shopping and enjoy busking performances on Via del Corso and stop by the Pantheon, easy walking distance from Piazza Venezia.

Weekend Itinerary for Rome

DAY 1

Morning: Get oriented with a panoramoic tour of the city's iconic sites, from the Spanish Steps to Piazza Venezia.
Afternoon: Follow up your tour with a more in-depth visit to the iconic Colosseum with a skip-the-line tour.
Evening: Enjoy an evening of exploration on Via del Corso, taking in the busking performances, doing some window shopping, and marveling at the sight of the Pantheon lit up at dusk.

DAY 2

Morning: Book a skip-the-line tour of Vatican City
Afternoon & Evening: Book a food and wine excursion to experience the city’s incredible cuisine.

Long Weekend Itinerary for Rome

DAY 1

Morning: Start your trip off with a whirlwind panoramic tour of the architecture and historical site in Rome, from the Pantheon to the Trevi Fountain.
Afternoon: Check the Colosseum off your bucket list with a skip-the-line tour.
Evening: Take in the lively nightlife and shopping on Via del Corso.

DAY 2

Morning: Marvel at the works of art on display at the Vatican Museums with a Vatican City skip-the-line tour
Afternoon: Visit Piazzale Garibaldi for a 360° photo-op of the city, including the famous dome of St. Peter’s Basilica.
Evening: Enjoy a cheeky shot at Rivendita Libri Cioccolata e Vino and explore the lively old town area of Trastevere.

DAY 3

Morning: Visit an archaeological site like the Baths of Caracalla or Diocletian.
Afternoon: Continue your day of archaeological exploration with a visit to Palazzo Massimo.
Evening: Head over to Dar Poeta for a slice of Roman-style pizza.

Weeklong Trip Itinerary for Rome

DAY 1

Morning: Set the scene for your Roman holiday by booking a panoramic tour of the iconic sites of Rome.
Afternoon: Set aside the afternoon to immerse yourself in history at the Coliseum (book a skip–the-line tour to avoid a long wait)
Evening: Stroll down Via del Corso in the evening, taking in the busking performances and ending the day with a little gelato.

DAY 2

Morning: Visit the Galleria Borghese to enjoy the extensive parks and art collections.
Afternoon & Evening: Spend the remainder of the day exploring the city’s vibrant food scene with a food and wine tasting excursion.

DAY 3

All-Day: Hop on the high speed train and spend the day exploring Naples. Check out our need-to-know guide to Naples for everything you need to plan the perfect day trip.

DAY 4

Morning: Head inside the Pantheon and get a closer look at the incredible architectural engineering.
Afternoon: Continue your day of archaeological exploration with a visit to Palazzo Massimo.
Evening: Experience pizza Roman-style at one of the several pizza stops along the city’s streets like Dar Poeta in Trastevere.

DAY 5

All-Day: Let a tour guide take the reigns and enjoy a guided journey through Tuscan wine country

DAY 6

Morning & Afternoon: Unwind on the beach in Ostia and grab a bite before heading back to the city.
Evening: Wander the streets of old town Trastevere, where evenings are filled with live music, lively conversation, and plenty of patios to savor a glass of vino.

DAY 7

Morning: End your trip with a skip-the-line tour of Vatican City to see the stunning architecture and art collections of the microstate.
Afternoon & Evening: Explore the parks and piazzas around the city, ending with a sunset view at Piazzale Garibaldi

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