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Plan Your Trip to Rome: Best of Rome Tourism

About Rome
It’s easy to see why Rome’s one of the most-visited places on the planet: There’s history everywhere (the Pantheon, the Colosseum, the list goes on), sculptural masterpieces in almost every piazza, and—of course—ridiculously good food. Every trip could feel like a whirlwind, but slow down and you’ll discover lots of surprises. Spend a Sunday morning in Trastevere and hunt for vintage finds at Porta Portese flea market. Or hit San Lorenzo—a student neighborhood with an edgy-but-charming vibe—for trendy shops, galleries, and street art. Dinner’s not ‘til late here, so grab an aperitivo in Prati—it’s walkable from the Vatican and packed with quirky sidestreet bars.Yes, the energy’s next-level, so if you need a break, head for the hills (literally) and check out Aventine Hill, a leafy-green suburb with peaceful gardens and some of the best views of the city. There’s always something to do and we’ve got more recs, below.

Travel Advice

Essential Rome

How to spend 3 days in Rome

Masterpiece art, incredible eats, and the Colosseum
Read on

Exploring Rome’s underground

A funny thing happened when I brought my teenage son to Rome for the first time: he convinced me to go below ground. Exploring beneath the city’s surface revealed a world of fascinating crypts, catacombs, and subterranean sights I had missed on previous visits. Plus, they all offered delightful natural cooling on sweltering Rome days—another highlight of the Eternal City’s hidden underground.
  • Colosseum Underground and Ancient Rome Semi-Private Tour MAX 6 PEOPLE GUARANTEED
    3,527
    On this Colosseum tour, we learned all about the lions, and tigers, and bears (oh my!) that were held in the cellar—a space you can only access on a tour. (Tours are also the only way to skip the entry line that typically stretches beyond Palatine Hill.) Our guide also told enthralling stories of gladiators battling wild animals and the “special effects” launched from the basement, like flooding the stadium for boat battles.
  • Museum and Crypt of Capuchins
    2,596
    A word of warning: If you’re at all squeamish about seeing bones (lots and lots of bones), this is one to skip. But kids, I discovered, tend to find these underground rooms—filled with the artfully arranged remains of 4,000 capuchin monks—more fascinating than frightful. There is a method to the macabre here: you’ll see mosaics, altars, and more, created from skeletal pieces dating from the 1500s to the 1800s.
  • Catacombe San Sebastiano
    749
    Take the 118 city bus from the Colosseum to these catacombs (a route formerly known as the Appian Way and the origin of the saying “all roads lead to Rome”) to see the ancient underground grave where Saint Sebastian was buried in 350 A.D., along with many of Rome’s wealthy Christian families. It’s a fascinating combination of art and archaeology, with mosaic walls and marble sculptures preserved in a sunless space.
  • Catacombe di Santa Domitilla
    448
    If you’re hesitant about seeing more crypts, I hear you. I felt the same way at this point in our explorations. But this catacomb close to San Sebastiano is actually an underground basilica dating back to 120 A.D., which still, amazingly, has its original frescoes. There are also tombs—15,000 of them to be exact, sprawled across four layers and 10 criss-crossing miles. If you venture down, bring a jacket; it can get chilly.
  • Vicus Caprarius – the City of Water
    211
    Talk about under the radar. In the 1990s, an entire apartment complex, dating to the first century, and a still-working aqueduct were discovered beneath the neighborhood surrounding the Trevi Fountain. The site, now known as Vicus Caprarius (City of Water), can be enjoyed on a guided tour, but we found it easy enough to visit the small, below-ground museum on our own (then head back to street level to toss a coin in the fountain).

Explore Rome by interest

All about aperitivo

Grab pre-dinner drinks (plus epic views)

Rome on a dime

Eats and activities that won’t break the bank

If you’re feeling fancy-ish

Go-all-out experiences worth every euro

Make a day of it

Easy trips a train ride away

For the history buff

Must-see museums, palaces, and more

Rome, after dark

There’s lots to do when the sun goes down

Take a detour from the crowds

Lesser-known spots to add to your list

Check out some (free) art

Masterpieces that don’t cost a thing to see

Go beyond the classics

Discover the city’s modern side

Do it like a local

Best-kept secrets and hidden gems
Rome Travel Guide

Travelers' pro tips for experiencing Rome

stefnicole
Restaurants near major tourist destinations often have a fixed-price, or tourist menu. It's better to avoid those restaurants and find a restaurant further away from the tourist attraction for higher quality meals.
RMartinSDXB
Dress as you want but always take an extra piece of clothes to gain access to churches and museums.
Thomas R
You won't need to know a word of Italian to enjoy your trip. However, learning a few key words and phrases will be fun, helpful, and sometimes make you a little more appreciated.

In the words of those who've been there before ...

angelavol
Rome is an unforgettable city. From its beautiful buildings that have withstood time itself to the majestic, graceful, Mediterannean Pines. It's a living museum of history and art like nowhere else in the world.
Ady
Rome is one of the most beautiful,photogenic cities in the world. A mixture of modernity and tradition. The more you visit the more you love to go back.
TinaQ
It breathes history and art at every step you take and behind every corner there's a surprise.

What is the best way to get there?

Flying:

Rome is served by the Leonardo da Vinci–(Fiumicino) International Airport.

Train:

Stazione Termini is the main railway station in Rome with regular train services to all major Italian cities, as well as daily international services to Munich, Geneva, and Vienna.

Do I need a visa?

Italy is part of the Schengen Area with many other European countries. This means tourists from certain countries don’t require a visa for trips less than 90 days — as long as your passport is valid for at least six months after your planned departure date.

Find more information about the Schengen Visa and what countries are exempt here.

When is the best time to visit?

Late fall to early spring (October to April): Avoid Rome in July and August unless you can handle heat and humidity with temperatures reaching high 80s°F (26.6°C). Spring and fall offer perfect conditions with temperatures 60 - 70 °F ( 15.5 - 21°C), but the trade-off is peak crowds and prices.

Instead, visit during the off-season months of October through April, when you’ll trade shorter opening hours for fewer crowds. Winter is crisp, but nothing a light coat can’t handle.

Bicycle

Uber Jump offers electric bike hire through its bike-share app.

Train

The Rome Metro, run by ATAC, operates 3 lines which run from about 5:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. daily. On Fridays and Saturdays service ends later, at about 1:30 a.m.

When the Metro is closed, a night bus service operates with lines that follow the same routes and stop at the same stations as the Metro.

For more information about the network and fares, see here.

Bus

Rome’s public bus service, run by ATAC, operates services from about 5.30 a.m. to midnight daily. The city’s night bus service runs from 12:30 a.m. to 5:30 a.m.

For more information about the network and fares, see here.

Taxis

Licensed, metered cabs are white with a “TAXI” sign on their roofs. The symbol of Rome City Council is also clearly visible on the front doors.

You can hail a taxi from the street but it is recommended to go to one of the city’s many taxi stands or call to book.

For more information about fares, who to call and where to find a taxi stand, see here.

Ridesharing

Uber is available in Rome on your smartphone.

On the ground
What is the timezone?
Central European Standard Time
What are the voltage/plug types?
The standard voltage in Italy is 230V and the standard frequency is 50Hz. Wall outlets typically accommodate plugs with two or three round pins.
What is the currency?
The Euro
Are ATMs readily accessible?
Yes.
Are credit cards widely accepted?
Yes.
How much do I tip?
Tipping is not obligatory in Italy, however, a tip for exceptional service is always appreciated.

Are there local customs I should know?

Drinking
The federal legal age for buying and drinking alcohol is 18 years old.
Walking
Walk to the right of the sidewalk and step off to the side of the sidewalk if you want to stop to check your phone, look up directions, or want to take in a view.
Dress
Rome is full of churches and places of worship, so dress neatly and respectfully — cover bare shoulders and refrain from wearing short skirts or shorts when sightseeing.
Eating
Meals should be savoured and enjoyed, not eaten on the go while walking.
Coffee
Italians take their coffee culture seriously. Milk-based coffee beverages are considered breakfast, so don’t order them after 11 a.m. — stick to espressos instead. Coffee is also meant to be enjoyed as a digestive after a meal.
Language
Learning a few basic Italian phrases will go a long way as a sign of respect.
Frequently Asked Questions about Rome

We recommend staying at one of the most popular hotels in Rome, which include:


Rome is known for some of its popular attractions, which include:


If you're a more budget-conscious traveler, then you may want to consider traveling to Rome between June and August, when hotel prices are generally the lowest. Peak hotel prices generally start between December and February.