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Rome pairs ancient grandeur with living neighborhoods and open-air piazzas. Use this Rome travel guide to find the best things to do in Rome, book Colosseum tickets, secure Vatican Museums tickets, climb St. Peter’s Basilica Dome, and navigate the city with a Roma Pass or transit cards.
From the Roman Forum to Trastevere and Prati, choose attraction passes, hop-on hop-off routes, and flexible bookings. Pick neighborhoods, plan rooftop experiences, and map easy Lazio outings as you shape smarter days in Rome.
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Rome quick facts: airports, stations and maps
Help Plan your trip with these essential details for Rome Italy.
State/Region/Country: Lazio, Italy
Airports: Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino FCO, Ciampino CIA
Main stations/hubs: Roma Termini, Roma Tiburtina, Roma Ostiense, Roma Trastevere
Public transport: ATAC network with Metro lines A, B-B1 and C, city buses, trams 2, 3, 5, 8, and regional rail connections
Paying fares: Metrebus tickets and passes (BIT 100-minute, Roma 24/48/72H, monthly). Contactless Tap&Go on Metro and many buses with daily capping
Coordinates: 41.9028 N, 12.4964 E
Popular neighbourhoods: Trastevere, Monti, Prati, Centro Storico, Testaccio, Ostiense, Borgo, Esquilino
Additional context: Built on historic hills along the Tiber, Rome clusters ancient sites near the Colosseum, Forum and Palatine Hill with modern galleries, markets and rooftop views across the center
Update and tip: Rome’s ZTL restricted driving zones cover much of the Centro Storico and Trastevere. If you book a hotel inside a ZTL, confirm access rules in advance and lean on Metro lines A B C, buses and walking to avoid fines.
Top things to do in Rome
Start with the icons, then add a neighborhood walk, a rooftop pause and one special tour for balance.
Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill tickets with timed entry for the ancient trio and panoramic views from Palatine
Vatican Museums tickets with Sistine Chapel, followed by St. Peter’s Basilica Dome climb for citywide views
St. Peter’s Basilica priority entry with audio guide and access to the Papal Tombs under the nave
Borghese Gallery tickets and a stroll in the Borghese Gardens for sculpture, paintings and shaded paths
Castel Sant’Angelo tickets, explore the Passetto di Borgo and Renaissance rooms, then sunset on the terrace
Capitoline Museums on Michelangelo’s piazza for ancient sculpture, epigraphy and views over the Forum
National Roman Museum at Palazzo Massimo for mosaics and imperial sculpture near Termini
Ara Pacis and the riverfront promenade for Augustan art in a modern pavilion
Baths of Caracalla ruins for grand ancient engineering, often paired with Circus Maximus nearby
Trajan’s Market and the Imperial Forums for multi-level Roman shopping and administration history
Trastevere evening food stop in cobbled lanes, then Rome rooftop experiences for night views
Leonardo da Vinci Exhibition tickets with an interactive treasure hunt, or a Rome night bus tour for illuminated highlights
Tickets and city passes in Rome
Booking ahead cuts queues, locks in times, and bundles transport with sights for better value.
Roma Pass attraction and transport card with free entry to top sites like the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Palatine Hill, Capitoline Museums, Borghese Gallery, Castel Sant’Angelo, Ara Pacis, Baths of Caracalla and more, plus unlimited public transport
Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel timed-entry tickets are essential, with guided options that continue to St. Peter’s Basilica Dome
St. Peter’s Basilica reserved entry with audio guide, Papal Tombs and optional Dome climb to skip the long security wait
Rome combo tours such as Castel Sant’Angelo plus St. Peter’s Basilica, or a Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel and Dome sequence to streamline back-to-back visits
Hop-on hop-off Rome bus passes for 24, 48 or 72 hours cover the Colosseum, Vatican area, Spanish Steps and more with multilingual audio
Leonardo da Vinci exhibition tickets with a tech-enabled treasure hunt add family fun and skip-the-line entry
On Sundays many state-run museums offer free entry on selected dates, which increases crowds. If you plan two or more paid sights in 48 to 72 hours, a pass or bundle from tickadoo can save time and money.
Getting around Rome by metro, bus and on foot
Rome’s ATAC network is straightforward once you know the basics, and walking links clusters of sights efficiently.
Metro lines: A (orange) for Ottaviano-Vatican, Spagna and Termini. B and B1 (blue) for Colosseo, Circo Massimo and Tiburtina. C (green) serves the southeast and interchanges with A at San Giovanni
Fares and capping: Use Metrebus BIT tickets or Roma 24/48/72H passes. Tap&Go contactless on Metro gates and many buses provides automatic daily capping
From Fiumicino FCO: Leonardo Express to Roma Termini in about 32 minutes, or regional FL1 trains to Roma Tiburtina and Roma Trastevere. Official taxis have a fixed fare to the center
From Ciampino CIA: SIT or Terravision buses to Roma Termini, or bus 520 to Metro A at Cinecittà then continue to Termini
Alternatives: Licensed taxis at ranks, rideshare, rentable e-scooters and bikes. Hop-on hop-off routes give a scenic overview while connecting major stops
Traffic and timing: Buses slow at peak times, so prioritize Metro for cross-town moves and walk between clustered sights like the Forum, Colosseum and Capitoline
ZTL rules: Centro Storico, Trastevere and Testaccio have camera-enforced restricted zones. Do not drive in without authorization, use transit or walk instead
Rome rewards planners. Front-load essentials like colosseum tickets, vatican museums tickets and st peter’s basilica tickets, combine with a Roma Pass or hop-on hop-off options from tickadoo, then leave pockets for espresso stops and golden-hour rooftop views.
When is the best time to visit Rome?
Spring and fall suit most travelers. April to early June brings 15 to 24°C, green parks and moderate crowds. Late September to October offers similar temperatures and harvest events. July and August are hot, often above 30°C, with local holidays. Winter is quieter, 8 to 14°C, with shorter lines except around Christmas and New Year.
How many days do you need in Rome?
In 2 days, cover the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Palatine Hill, the Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Basilica. With 3 to 4 days, add the Borghese Gallery, Capitoline Museums, Castel Sant’Angelo and Trastevere. In 5 or more, include Baths of Caracalla, Ara Pacis, a Rome night bus tour and slow walks through Monti and Prati.
Is the Roma Pass worth it in Rome?
Yes if you plan multiple paid sights and use public transport. Roma Pass bundles free entries to major museums, discounts after the first visits and unlimited Metro, bus and tram travel. It is less useful for slow art-only itineraries or if you mainly visit free landmarks and walk everywhere.
What are the must-see attractions in Rome?
Start with the Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. Add the Vatican Museums with the Sistine Chapel, then St. Peter’s Basilica and its Dome. Include the Borghese Gallery, Capitoline Museums and Castel Sant’Angelo. If time allows, see Ara Pacis or the Baths of Caracalla, both close to other ancient sites.
Do I need to book top Rome attraction tickets in advance?
Yes for high-demand sights. Vatican Museums timed slots and Borghese Gallery reservations sell out days ahead. The Colosseum uses timed entry, with combined Forum and Palatine access. St. Peter’s Basilica is free, but reserved entry with audio guide saves long security waits. Consider combo tours to secure back-to-back times.
How do I get from FCO to central Rome?
Fastest is the Leonardo Express train to Roma Termini, about 32 minutes. Cheaper is the FL1 regional train to Roma Tiburtina or Roma Trastevere, then Metro or bus. Direct airport buses run to Termini in 45 to 60 minutes. Official taxis charge a fixed fare to the center, convenient late at night.
Where should I stay in Rome?
Monti suits walkers near the Colosseum and Via Cavour dining. Prati is quiet, ideal for the Vatican and Metro A. Trastevere offers nightlife and riverfront strolls. Centro Storico puts you by the Pantheon and Piazza Navona. Testaccio and Ostiense appeal for markets, street art and quick Metro or bus links.
Can I get around Rome without a car?
Easily. Use Metro lines A, B-B1 and C with interchanges at Roma Termini and San Giovanni, plus frequent ATAC buses and trams like 3 and 8. From Fiumicino take Leonardo Express or FL1. A Roma Pass or contactless Tap&Go simplifies fares. ZTL restrictions and limited parking make driving impractical in the center.
Rome quick facts: airports, stations and maps
Help Plan your trip with these essential details for Rome Italy.
State/Region/Country: Lazio, Italy
Airports: Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino FCO, Ciampino CIA
Main stations/hubs: Roma Termini, Roma Tiburtina, Roma Ostiense, Roma Trastevere
Public transport: ATAC network with Metro lines A, B-B1 and C, city buses, trams 2, 3, 5, 8, and regional rail connections
Paying fares: Metrebus tickets and passes (BIT 100-minute, Roma 24/48/72H, monthly). Contactless Tap&Go on Metro and many buses with daily capping
Coordinates: 41.9028 N, 12.4964 E
Popular neighbourhoods: Trastevere, Monti, Prati, Centro Storico, Testaccio, Ostiense, Borgo, Esquilino
Additional context: Built on historic hills along the Tiber, Rome clusters ancient sites near the Colosseum, Forum and Palatine Hill with modern galleries, markets and rooftop views across the center
Update and tip: Rome’s ZTL restricted driving zones cover much of the Centro Storico and Trastevere. If you book a hotel inside a ZTL, confirm access rules in advance and lean on Metro lines A B C, buses and walking to avoid fines.
Top things to do in Rome
Start with the icons, then add a neighborhood walk, a rooftop pause and one special tour for balance.
Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill tickets with timed entry for the ancient trio and panoramic views from Palatine
Vatican Museums tickets with Sistine Chapel, followed by St. Peter’s Basilica Dome climb for citywide views
St. Peter’s Basilica priority entry with audio guide and access to the Papal Tombs under the nave
Borghese Gallery tickets and a stroll in the Borghese Gardens for sculpture, paintings and shaded paths
Castel Sant’Angelo tickets, explore the Passetto di Borgo and Renaissance rooms, then sunset on the terrace
Capitoline Museums on Michelangelo’s piazza for ancient sculpture, epigraphy and views over the Forum
National Roman Museum at Palazzo Massimo for mosaics and imperial sculpture near Termini
Ara Pacis and the riverfront promenade for Augustan art in a modern pavilion
Baths of Caracalla ruins for grand ancient engineering, often paired with Circus Maximus nearby
Trajan’s Market and the Imperial Forums for multi-level Roman shopping and administration history
Trastevere evening food stop in cobbled lanes, then Rome rooftop experiences for night views
Leonardo da Vinci Exhibition tickets with an interactive treasure hunt, or a Rome night bus tour for illuminated highlights
Tickets and city passes in Rome
Booking ahead cuts queues, locks in times, and bundles transport with sights for better value.
Roma Pass attraction and transport card with free entry to top sites like the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Palatine Hill, Capitoline Museums, Borghese Gallery, Castel Sant’Angelo, Ara Pacis, Baths of Caracalla and more, plus unlimited public transport
Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel timed-entry tickets are essential, with guided options that continue to St. Peter’s Basilica Dome
St. Peter’s Basilica reserved entry with audio guide, Papal Tombs and optional Dome climb to skip the long security wait
Rome combo tours such as Castel Sant’Angelo plus St. Peter’s Basilica, or a Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel and Dome sequence to streamline back-to-back visits
Hop-on hop-off Rome bus passes for 24, 48 or 72 hours cover the Colosseum, Vatican area, Spanish Steps and more with multilingual audio
Leonardo da Vinci exhibition tickets with a tech-enabled treasure hunt add family fun and skip-the-line entry
On Sundays many state-run museums offer free entry on selected dates, which increases crowds. If you plan two or more paid sights in 48 to 72 hours, a pass or bundle from tickadoo can save time and money.
Getting around Rome by metro, bus and on foot
Rome’s ATAC network is straightforward once you know the basics, and walking links clusters of sights efficiently.
Metro lines: A (orange) for Ottaviano-Vatican, Spagna and Termini. B and B1 (blue) for Colosseo, Circo Massimo and Tiburtina. C (green) serves the southeast and interchanges with A at San Giovanni
Fares and capping: Use Metrebus BIT tickets or Roma 24/48/72H passes. Tap&Go contactless on Metro gates and many buses provides automatic daily capping
From Fiumicino FCO: Leonardo Express to Roma Termini in about 32 minutes, or regional FL1 trains to Roma Tiburtina and Roma Trastevere. Official taxis have a fixed fare to the center
From Ciampino CIA: SIT or Terravision buses to Roma Termini, or bus 520 to Metro A at Cinecittà then continue to Termini
Alternatives: Licensed taxis at ranks, rideshare, rentable e-scooters and bikes. Hop-on hop-off routes give a scenic overview while connecting major stops
Traffic and timing: Buses slow at peak times, so prioritize Metro for cross-town moves and walk between clustered sights like the Forum, Colosseum and Capitoline
ZTL rules: Centro Storico, Trastevere and Testaccio have camera-enforced restricted zones. Do not drive in without authorization, use transit or walk instead
Rome rewards planners. Front-load essentials like colosseum tickets, vatican museums tickets and st peter’s basilica tickets, combine with a Roma Pass or hop-on hop-off options from tickadoo, then leave pockets for espresso stops and golden-hour rooftop views.
When is the best time to visit Rome?
Spring and fall suit most travelers. April to early June brings 15 to 24°C, green parks and moderate crowds. Late September to October offers similar temperatures and harvest events. July and August are hot, often above 30°C, with local holidays. Winter is quieter, 8 to 14°C, with shorter lines except around Christmas and New Year.
How many days do you need in Rome?
In 2 days, cover the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Palatine Hill, the Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Basilica. With 3 to 4 days, add the Borghese Gallery, Capitoline Museums, Castel Sant’Angelo and Trastevere. In 5 or more, include Baths of Caracalla, Ara Pacis, a Rome night bus tour and slow walks through Monti and Prati.
Is the Roma Pass worth it in Rome?
Yes if you plan multiple paid sights and use public transport. Roma Pass bundles free entries to major museums, discounts after the first visits and unlimited Metro, bus and tram travel. It is less useful for slow art-only itineraries or if you mainly visit free landmarks and walk everywhere.
What are the must-see attractions in Rome?
Start with the Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. Add the Vatican Museums with the Sistine Chapel, then St. Peter’s Basilica and its Dome. Include the Borghese Gallery, Capitoline Museums and Castel Sant’Angelo. If time allows, see Ara Pacis or the Baths of Caracalla, both close to other ancient sites.
Do I need to book top Rome attraction tickets in advance?
Yes for high-demand sights. Vatican Museums timed slots and Borghese Gallery reservations sell out days ahead. The Colosseum uses timed entry, with combined Forum and Palatine access. St. Peter’s Basilica is free, but reserved entry with audio guide saves long security waits. Consider combo tours to secure back-to-back times.
How do I get from FCO to central Rome?
Fastest is the Leonardo Express train to Roma Termini, about 32 minutes. Cheaper is the FL1 regional train to Roma Tiburtina or Roma Trastevere, then Metro or bus. Direct airport buses run to Termini in 45 to 60 minutes. Official taxis charge a fixed fare to the center, convenient late at night.
Where should I stay in Rome?
Monti suits walkers near the Colosseum and Via Cavour dining. Prati is quiet, ideal for the Vatican and Metro A. Trastevere offers nightlife and riverfront strolls. Centro Storico puts you by the Pantheon and Piazza Navona. Testaccio and Ostiense appeal for markets, street art and quick Metro or bus links.
Can I get around Rome without a car?
Easily. Use Metro lines A, B-B1 and C with interchanges at Roma Termini and San Giovanni, plus frequent ATAC buses and trams like 3 and 8. From Fiumicino take Leonardo Express or FL1. A Roma Pass or contactless Tap&Go simplifies fares. ZTL restrictions and limited parking make driving impractical in the center.
Rome quick facts: airports, stations and maps
Help Plan your trip with these essential details for Rome Italy.
State/Region/Country: Lazio, Italy
Airports: Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino FCO, Ciampino CIA
Main stations/hubs: Roma Termini, Roma Tiburtina, Roma Ostiense, Roma Trastevere
Public transport: ATAC network with Metro lines A, B-B1 and C, city buses, trams 2, 3, 5, 8, and regional rail connections
Paying fares: Metrebus tickets and passes (BIT 100-minute, Roma 24/48/72H, monthly). Contactless Tap&Go on Metro and many buses with daily capping
Coordinates: 41.9028 N, 12.4964 E
Popular neighbourhoods: Trastevere, Monti, Prati, Centro Storico, Testaccio, Ostiense, Borgo, Esquilino
Additional context: Built on historic hills along the Tiber, Rome clusters ancient sites near the Colosseum, Forum and Palatine Hill with modern galleries, markets and rooftop views across the center
Update and tip: Rome’s ZTL restricted driving zones cover much of the Centro Storico and Trastevere. If you book a hotel inside a ZTL, confirm access rules in advance and lean on Metro lines A B C, buses and walking to avoid fines.
Top things to do in Rome
Start with the icons, then add a neighborhood walk, a rooftop pause and one special tour for balance.
Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill tickets with timed entry for the ancient trio and panoramic views from Palatine
Vatican Museums tickets with Sistine Chapel, followed by St. Peter’s Basilica Dome climb for citywide views
St. Peter’s Basilica priority entry with audio guide and access to the Papal Tombs under the nave
Borghese Gallery tickets and a stroll in the Borghese Gardens for sculpture, paintings and shaded paths
Castel Sant’Angelo tickets, explore the Passetto di Borgo and Renaissance rooms, then sunset on the terrace
Capitoline Museums on Michelangelo’s piazza for ancient sculpture, epigraphy and views over the Forum
National Roman Museum at Palazzo Massimo for mosaics and imperial sculpture near Termini
Ara Pacis and the riverfront promenade for Augustan art in a modern pavilion
Baths of Caracalla ruins for grand ancient engineering, often paired with Circus Maximus nearby
Trajan’s Market and the Imperial Forums for multi-level Roman shopping and administration history
Trastevere evening food stop in cobbled lanes, then Rome rooftop experiences for night views
Leonardo da Vinci Exhibition tickets with an interactive treasure hunt, or a Rome night bus tour for illuminated highlights
Tickets and city passes in Rome
Booking ahead cuts queues, locks in times, and bundles transport with sights for better value.
Roma Pass attraction and transport card with free entry to top sites like the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Palatine Hill, Capitoline Museums, Borghese Gallery, Castel Sant’Angelo, Ara Pacis, Baths of Caracalla and more, plus unlimited public transport
Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel timed-entry tickets are essential, with guided options that continue to St. Peter’s Basilica Dome
St. Peter’s Basilica reserved entry with audio guide, Papal Tombs and optional Dome climb to skip the long security wait
Rome combo tours such as Castel Sant’Angelo plus St. Peter’s Basilica, or a Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel and Dome sequence to streamline back-to-back visits
Hop-on hop-off Rome bus passes for 24, 48 or 72 hours cover the Colosseum, Vatican area, Spanish Steps and more with multilingual audio
Leonardo da Vinci exhibition tickets with a tech-enabled treasure hunt add family fun and skip-the-line entry
On Sundays many state-run museums offer free entry on selected dates, which increases crowds. If you plan two or more paid sights in 48 to 72 hours, a pass or bundle from tickadoo can save time and money.
Getting around Rome by metro, bus and on foot
Rome’s ATAC network is straightforward once you know the basics, and walking links clusters of sights efficiently.
Metro lines: A (orange) for Ottaviano-Vatican, Spagna and Termini. B and B1 (blue) for Colosseo, Circo Massimo and Tiburtina. C (green) serves the southeast and interchanges with A at San Giovanni
Fares and capping: Use Metrebus BIT tickets or Roma 24/48/72H passes. Tap&Go contactless on Metro gates and many buses provides automatic daily capping
From Fiumicino FCO: Leonardo Express to Roma Termini in about 32 minutes, or regional FL1 trains to Roma Tiburtina and Roma Trastevere. Official taxis have a fixed fare to the center
From Ciampino CIA: SIT or Terravision buses to Roma Termini, or bus 520 to Metro A at Cinecittà then continue to Termini
Alternatives: Licensed taxis at ranks, rideshare, rentable e-scooters and bikes. Hop-on hop-off routes give a scenic overview while connecting major stops
Traffic and timing: Buses slow at peak times, so prioritize Metro for cross-town moves and walk between clustered sights like the Forum, Colosseum and Capitoline
ZTL rules: Centro Storico, Trastevere and Testaccio have camera-enforced restricted zones. Do not drive in without authorization, use transit or walk instead
Rome rewards planners. Front-load essentials like colosseum tickets, vatican museums tickets and st peter’s basilica tickets, combine with a Roma Pass or hop-on hop-off options from tickadoo, then leave pockets for espresso stops and golden-hour rooftop views.
When is the best time to visit Rome?
Spring and fall suit most travelers. April to early June brings 15 to 24°C, green parks and moderate crowds. Late September to October offers similar temperatures and harvest events. July and August are hot, often above 30°C, with local holidays. Winter is quieter, 8 to 14°C, with shorter lines except around Christmas and New Year.
How many days do you need in Rome?
In 2 days, cover the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Palatine Hill, the Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Basilica. With 3 to 4 days, add the Borghese Gallery, Capitoline Museums, Castel Sant’Angelo and Trastevere. In 5 or more, include Baths of Caracalla, Ara Pacis, a Rome night bus tour and slow walks through Monti and Prati.
Is the Roma Pass worth it in Rome?
Yes if you plan multiple paid sights and use public transport. Roma Pass bundles free entries to major museums, discounts after the first visits and unlimited Metro, bus and tram travel. It is less useful for slow art-only itineraries or if you mainly visit free landmarks and walk everywhere.
What are the must-see attractions in Rome?
Start with the Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. Add the Vatican Museums with the Sistine Chapel, then St. Peter’s Basilica and its Dome. Include the Borghese Gallery, Capitoline Museums and Castel Sant’Angelo. If time allows, see Ara Pacis or the Baths of Caracalla, both close to other ancient sites.
Do I need to book top Rome attraction tickets in advance?
Yes for high-demand sights. Vatican Museums timed slots and Borghese Gallery reservations sell out days ahead. The Colosseum uses timed entry, with combined Forum and Palatine access. St. Peter’s Basilica is free, but reserved entry with audio guide saves long security waits. Consider combo tours to secure back-to-back times.
How do I get from FCO to central Rome?
Fastest is the Leonardo Express train to Roma Termini, about 32 minutes. Cheaper is the FL1 regional train to Roma Tiburtina or Roma Trastevere, then Metro or bus. Direct airport buses run to Termini in 45 to 60 minutes. Official taxis charge a fixed fare to the center, convenient late at night.
Where should I stay in Rome?
Monti suits walkers near the Colosseum and Via Cavour dining. Prati is quiet, ideal for the Vatican and Metro A. Trastevere offers nightlife and riverfront strolls. Centro Storico puts you by the Pantheon and Piazza Navona. Testaccio and Ostiense appeal for markets, street art and quick Metro or bus links.
Can I get around Rome without a car?
Easily. Use Metro lines A, B-B1 and C with interchanges at Roma Termini and San Giovanni, plus frequent ATAC buses and trams like 3 and 8. From Fiumicino take Leonardo Express or FL1. A Roma Pass or contactless Tap&Go simplifies fares. ZTL restrictions and limited parking make driving impractical in the center.
Rome quick facts: airports, stations and maps
Help Plan your trip with these essential details for Rome Italy.
State/Region/Country: Lazio, Italy
Airports: Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino FCO, Ciampino CIA
Main stations/hubs: Roma Termini, Roma Tiburtina, Roma Ostiense, Roma Trastevere
Public transport: ATAC network with Metro lines A, B-B1 and C, city buses, trams 2, 3, 5, 8, and regional rail connections
Paying fares: Metrebus tickets and passes (BIT 100-minute, Roma 24/48/72H, monthly). Contactless Tap&Go on Metro and many buses with daily capping
Coordinates: 41.9028 N, 12.4964 E
Popular neighbourhoods: Trastevere, Monti, Prati, Centro Storico, Testaccio, Ostiense, Borgo, Esquilino
Additional context: Built on historic hills along the Tiber, Rome clusters ancient sites near the Colosseum, Forum and Palatine Hill with modern galleries, markets and rooftop views across the center
Update and tip: Rome’s ZTL restricted driving zones cover much of the Centro Storico and Trastevere. If you book a hotel inside a ZTL, confirm access rules in advance and lean on Metro lines A B C, buses and walking to avoid fines.
Top things to do in Rome
Start with the icons, then add a neighborhood walk, a rooftop pause and one special tour for balance.
Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill tickets with timed entry for the ancient trio and panoramic views from Palatine
Vatican Museums tickets with Sistine Chapel, followed by St. Peter’s Basilica Dome climb for citywide views
St. Peter’s Basilica priority entry with audio guide and access to the Papal Tombs under the nave
Borghese Gallery tickets and a stroll in the Borghese Gardens for sculpture, paintings and shaded paths
Castel Sant’Angelo tickets, explore the Passetto di Borgo and Renaissance rooms, then sunset on the terrace
Capitoline Museums on Michelangelo’s piazza for ancient sculpture, epigraphy and views over the Forum
National Roman Museum at Palazzo Massimo for mosaics and imperial sculpture near Termini
Ara Pacis and the riverfront promenade for Augustan art in a modern pavilion
Baths of Caracalla ruins for grand ancient engineering, often paired with Circus Maximus nearby
Trajan’s Market and the Imperial Forums for multi-level Roman shopping and administration history
Trastevere evening food stop in cobbled lanes, then Rome rooftop experiences for night views
Leonardo da Vinci Exhibition tickets with an interactive treasure hunt, or a Rome night bus tour for illuminated highlights
Tickets and city passes in Rome
Booking ahead cuts queues, locks in times, and bundles transport with sights for better value.
Roma Pass attraction and transport card with free entry to top sites like the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Palatine Hill, Capitoline Museums, Borghese Gallery, Castel Sant’Angelo, Ara Pacis, Baths of Caracalla and more, plus unlimited public transport
Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel timed-entry tickets are essential, with guided options that continue to St. Peter’s Basilica Dome
St. Peter’s Basilica reserved entry with audio guide, Papal Tombs and optional Dome climb to skip the long security wait
Rome combo tours such as Castel Sant’Angelo plus St. Peter’s Basilica, or a Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel and Dome sequence to streamline back-to-back visits
Hop-on hop-off Rome bus passes for 24, 48 or 72 hours cover the Colosseum, Vatican area, Spanish Steps and more with multilingual audio
Leonardo da Vinci exhibition tickets with a tech-enabled treasure hunt add family fun and skip-the-line entry
On Sundays many state-run museums offer free entry on selected dates, which increases crowds. If you plan two or more paid sights in 48 to 72 hours, a pass or bundle from tickadoo can save time and money.
Getting around Rome by metro, bus and on foot
Rome’s ATAC network is straightforward once you know the basics, and walking links clusters of sights efficiently.
Metro lines: A (orange) for Ottaviano-Vatican, Spagna and Termini. B and B1 (blue) for Colosseo, Circo Massimo and Tiburtina. C (green) serves the southeast and interchanges with A at San Giovanni
Fares and capping: Use Metrebus BIT tickets or Roma 24/48/72H passes. Tap&Go contactless on Metro gates and many buses provides automatic daily capping
From Fiumicino FCO: Leonardo Express to Roma Termini in about 32 minutes, or regional FL1 trains to Roma Tiburtina and Roma Trastevere. Official taxis have a fixed fare to the center
From Ciampino CIA: SIT or Terravision buses to Roma Termini, or bus 520 to Metro A at Cinecittà then continue to Termini
Alternatives: Licensed taxis at ranks, rideshare, rentable e-scooters and bikes. Hop-on hop-off routes give a scenic overview while connecting major stops
Traffic and timing: Buses slow at peak times, so prioritize Metro for cross-town moves and walk between clustered sights like the Forum, Colosseum and Capitoline
ZTL rules: Centro Storico, Trastevere and Testaccio have camera-enforced restricted zones. Do not drive in without authorization, use transit or walk instead
Rome rewards planners. Front-load essentials like colosseum tickets, vatican museums tickets and st peter’s basilica tickets, combine with a Roma Pass or hop-on hop-off options from tickadoo, then leave pockets for espresso stops and golden-hour rooftop views.
When is the best time to visit Rome?
Spring and fall suit most travelers. April to early June brings 15 to 24°C, green parks and moderate crowds. Late September to October offers similar temperatures and harvest events. July and August are hot, often above 30°C, with local holidays. Winter is quieter, 8 to 14°C, with shorter lines except around Christmas and New Year.
How many days do you need in Rome?
In 2 days, cover the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Palatine Hill, the Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Basilica. With 3 to 4 days, add the Borghese Gallery, Capitoline Museums, Castel Sant’Angelo and Trastevere. In 5 or more, include Baths of Caracalla, Ara Pacis, a Rome night bus tour and slow walks through Monti and Prati.
Is the Roma Pass worth it in Rome?
Yes if you plan multiple paid sights and use public transport. Roma Pass bundles free entries to major museums, discounts after the first visits and unlimited Metro, bus and tram travel. It is less useful for slow art-only itineraries or if you mainly visit free landmarks and walk everywhere.
What are the must-see attractions in Rome?
Start with the Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. Add the Vatican Museums with the Sistine Chapel, then St. Peter’s Basilica and its Dome. Include the Borghese Gallery, Capitoline Museums and Castel Sant’Angelo. If time allows, see Ara Pacis or the Baths of Caracalla, both close to other ancient sites.
Do I need to book top Rome attraction tickets in advance?
Yes for high-demand sights. Vatican Museums timed slots and Borghese Gallery reservations sell out days ahead. The Colosseum uses timed entry, with combined Forum and Palatine access. St. Peter’s Basilica is free, but reserved entry with audio guide saves long security waits. Consider combo tours to secure back-to-back times.
How do I get from FCO to central Rome?
Fastest is the Leonardo Express train to Roma Termini, about 32 minutes. Cheaper is the FL1 regional train to Roma Tiburtina or Roma Trastevere, then Metro or bus. Direct airport buses run to Termini in 45 to 60 minutes. Official taxis charge a fixed fare to the center, convenient late at night.
Where should I stay in Rome?
Monti suits walkers near the Colosseum and Via Cavour dining. Prati is quiet, ideal for the Vatican and Metro A. Trastevere offers nightlife and riverfront strolls. Centro Storico puts you by the Pantheon and Piazza Navona. Testaccio and Ostiense appeal for markets, street art and quick Metro or bus links.
Can I get around Rome without a car?
Easily. Use Metro lines A, B-B1 and C with interchanges at Roma Termini and San Giovanni, plus frequent ATAC buses and trams like 3 and 8. From Fiumicino take Leonardo Express or FL1. A Roma Pass or contactless Tap&Go simplifies fares. ZTL restrictions and limited parking make driving impractical in the center.