Rome Tourist Guide – Top Places to Visit in Rome with Videos

Are you searching for the best and most useful Rome tourist guide, Italy, and thinking about which ones are the most time-worthy? You must see Rome’s most well-known sites, including the Colosseum, the Vatican, the Pantheon, and the Trevi Fountain. However, there is a tonne more to do in Rome.

Rome beyond that, and it might not be easy to decide what to see and what to forego. Therefore, this article presents the TOP activities, TOP places to visit, and Even the most Favourite tourist sites in Rome that you definitely shouldn’t skip helping you decide where to go and what to do when in Rome.

Rome, the capital of Italy, is one of Europe’s most stunning and exciting cities. It’s a location where history can be found almost anywhere. Rome does seem like a city museum, as I frequently refer to it. Every structure you come across, including monuments and stones, has a fascinating history.

Any list of “the finest things to do in Rome” will never be comprehensive and will be incredibly biased as there is so much to see and do there. On the other hand, everybody will agree the most famous sites and unique activities in Rome are the essential must-dos when there.

Even though I only spent a short time there, I fell in love with the stunning Roman architecture that I saw wherever I went. Therefore, I include all of the must-see attractions, top activities, and most distinctive experiences in Rome that you need to attempt while visiting the Eternal City in this post. In addition, based on our numerous visits to the city and individual experiences there, we also offer some of our favorite activities to do in Rome.

These locations and activities we found to be the most enjoyable, and we’re sure they’ll make your travel to Rome much more distinctive and unforgettable than simply checking off the typical list of must-sees.

Some quick tips & suggestions

How to get to Rome?

A direct trip to Fiumicino Airport, Rome’s primary international airport, takes less than 2.5 hours from London. With a quick metro line into the city, the airport lies 32 kilometers outside of Rome.

Another choice is to travel to Ciampino airport, a smaller and less well-known airfield 15 kilometers from the city center.

Roma Termini Station is the primary city rail station if you want to arrive by train.

How to go from the airport to central Rome?

Several methods to get from the Fiumicino airport:

• The Leonardo Express Airport train, which frequently runs every 15 minutes and arrives at Termini station on the way to the city center, is specifically designed to take passengers both to and from the airport. While it is the quickest option, a one-way ticket costs €14, making it the least costly.
• The Terravision bus will bring you to Termini station in 55 minutes for €9 roundtrip. This less expensive choice will certainly cost less, but it will also be more picturesque.
• Take a slower but less expensive regional rail from the airport to the city center for €8.
• Take the COTRAL public bus for €4 (about an hour).
• For €50–€60, hire a cab, a personal shuttle, or an Uber.
• Hire a vehicle at the airport.

Additional alternatives from the Ciampino airport include:

• The SIT Bus travels in 45 minutes for €8 roundtrip to Via Marsala, which is close to Termini station.
• The Terravision bus travels 40 minutes to Termini station for a one-way fare of €6. (Remember: Online bookings are less expensive than in-person purchases of tickets.)
• Atral, a €1.20 shuttle bus, is one of the more affordable choices that travel in 45 minutes to Via Marsala (near Termini station). There aren’t many buses, though.
• Take a cheap local bus ($1.20) to the village of Ciampino, then a train ($1.50) to Roma Termini.
• For €30–€50, use a cab, exclusive shuttle, or Uber.
• The airport offers automobile rentals.

The best time to visit ROME

The old core of the Eternal City is continuously crowded with tour buses, so there is never really a quiet season. Naturally, though, some months are quieter than others.

❄️ Low Season: The best time to visit Rome for the fewest tourists are mid-November to mid-December and mid-January to earliest March. Roughly 3-13°C/37-55°F is the temperature zone—particularly, holidays like Christmas and New Year’s witness a significant rise in travelers.

🍁Shoulder Season: A modest quantity of people will be present, and temperatures will be warm (9-22°C / 48-71°F), during the shoulder seasons of mid-March to early May and mid-September to early November. Since many people enjoy the shoulder season, be sure to reserve your tickets in advance!

🌸High Season: Rome is busiest from mid-May to early September. Expect long waits in queues at sites and expensive accommodation rates. If you dislike crowds, stay away from this season. This time of year has the hottest weather (17-31°C/62-87°F).

How to get around Rome?

Rome offers a wide range of transportation options.  You won’t be caught trying to find out the most efficient methods to move about Rome—from enormous red buses to Vespas.

Choices:

Bus -: There are over 350 distinct bus lines in Rome, and because the Metro has its restrictions, the bus service is the most comprehensive and your best bet for traveling around the city.

Metro-: Like the underground, which is open from 5:30 am to 11:30 pm, the Metro is one of the quickest and most dependable methods to move about Rome. There are three separate underground lines of the Metro Line (A, B, and C line). Despite not having a large network, it stops at the city’s main attractions.

Get a moped! I spent only €39 (with a €300 deposit) for a day’s rental from Bici Baci for an electric one.
Hop on alighting buses-: The vast red bus is a fantastic way to tour the city because it has onboard audio guides.
The costs for a single, 24- or 72-hour ticket pass may be seen here.

It is assumed that you will purchase a bus or train ticket. If there is no direct service, you can switch bus or metro lines with a single, €1.50, 100-minute ticket. It is your obligation to stamp your ticket prior to travel or you risk receiving a large fine!

Note

Where to eat in Rome?

Rome offers a wide variety of cuisines. There was some café or gelato establishment on every corner. Wear your coziest pair of pants that yet give space for meals, just in case.

Below are some of my favorite places as well as ones I had heard about but hadn’t had a chance to visit.

Doucento Gradi-: A renowned sandwich store that takes pride in utilizing the finest ingredients at reasonable prices.
Romolo nel Giardino-: It is in the center of Trastevere is the beautiful tiny eatery. Experience authentic Italian pizza! There are several genuine neighborhood pubs in this area where you may have a drink after supper.

Taverna del Seminario-: After a long day of touring, this restaurant, which is only 5 minutes from the Pantheon, is the ideal place to unwind. When I saw 4 meals at €15, I was astonished.
Royal House rooftop-: It is a fantastic rooftop bar with views of the Colosseum. This was also our hotel.

Where to stay in Rome?

Staying in the center of Rome will help you make the most of your trip there. Near the Pantheon, in Piazza Navona, is where we like to stay when visiting Rome.

PRO HINT

You can easily walk to most of Rome’s major attractions because of its excellent location. There are also other excellent eateries in this area.

Here are several hotels in Rome’s medieval city center that are recommended for various price ranges:

• €€€€€ Eitch Borromini Palazzo Pamphilj -: An extremely well-liked five-star hotel with a view of Piazza Navona.

• €€€€ 9HotelCesari -: It is a lovely, freshly restored four-star hotel with the most stunning rooftop bar/restaurant. We stayed here on one of our most recent travels. We had so many incredible brunches and cocktails on their balcony that we would return simply for that.
• €€€ Albergo Abruzzi -: It is a well-known 3* – “hotel near the Pantheon.
• €€ Navona Theatre Hotel -: The 3* Hotel offers a great price/quality/location ratio. among the best-selling books.
• €+ Hotel Primavera -: It is a popular 2* hotel that provides good value for the area.

Tourist map of Rome

Here’s a tourist map of Rome that shows all the major sites of interest and top sights discussed in this post to assist you in better understanding where all the major Rome attractions are situated.

Top Places to Visit in Rome

Take a look below at the top places to visit in Rome. 

1. COLOSSEUM

Visit time: 1-2 hours
Suggested start time: 8:30 AM

Start your visit to Rome by touring the stunning Colosseum, the city’s most iconic landmark. This monument, which has a nearly 2,000-year history, offers a fascinating look into life in the early Roman Empire. Between 72 and 80 AD the construction of the Colosseum, which swiftly rose to the top of the Roman amphitheater hierarchy. It served as the Roman Empire’s primary center for entertainment.

More than 50,000 spectators might be seated here to see the violent combat between gladiators and exotic beasts. Sadly, approximately 500,000 humans and 1 million wild creatures have perished here over the games’ more than 500-year run.

Since the sixth century, earthquakes, robberies, and WWII bombings have all done serious damage to the Colosseum. Because of this, just a portion of it is still visible today. It is among the most visited tourist destinations in Rome because of its long history and inclusion on the list of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World.

Why does this matter? You’ll spend hours in line if you don’t make ahead plans for your trip. Although you may reserve an admission ticket online, I strongly advise going on a guided tour instead for the reasons I’ll describe below. The quickest entrance and most efficient use of your time is on a guided tour of the Colosseum. Even if you buy your tickets online, there will still be a huge queue at the gate due to the overwhelming number of visitors to the Colosseum.

With a guided tour, you may quickly enter the Colosseum after joining a very small wait. Then, so that you don’t have to waste time looking for them, your guide will direct you to all the important locations within. There isn’t much time to waste if you have three days to explore Rome.

The quickest entrance and most efficient use of your time is on a guided tour of the Colosseum. Even if you buy your tickets online, there will still be a huge queue at the gate due to the overwhelming number of visitors to the Colosseum.

⏰ Opening hours: October 30th – February 28th: 9 am – 4:30 pm daily | March 1st – 25th: 9 am – 5:30 pm daily | March 26th – October 28th: 9 am – 7:15 pm daily

🎫 Entrance fees: (Combined Colosseum + Roman Forum + Palatine Hill ticket) Regular – €18 ($20.50 USD) | EU citizens aged 18-25 – €2 ($2.30 USD) | Free for anyone under 18 years old

Useful Information

Read More: Visit the Colosseum – Guided Tour

2. Piazza Navona

Visit time: 30 mins – 1 hour
Suggested start time: 9 AM

One of Centro Storico’s most enchanting squares, Piazza Navona, is a great place to begin your journey in Rome (the historic center of the city). You will be taken aback by the magnificent structures, fountains, and artistic atmosphere when you enter this plaza.

You may also enjoy it alone, with only a few residents strolling their dogs, if you go there very early in the morning (before 8 a.m.). It’s well worth getting up early to see the piazza almost empty; it’s like entering a stunning artwork.

The magnificent Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi, created by Bernini in 1651, is in the center of the square. This fountain features some wonderful sculptures, which is best appreciated while holding a gelato – yes, there are several gelaterias in this plaza!

The magnificent Sant’Agnese church, which honors St. Agnes who was crucified in Piazza Navona, is located just behind it. It is stunning and worth seeing inside to see the stunning gold dome, Borromini sacristy, and crypt, which were built by competitors of Bernini’s, Borromini, and Rainaldi.

While Piazza Navona used to be a venue for festivities and athletic events, it now serves as a gathering place for musicians, artists, and street musicians. As a result, this square’s ambiance is particularly active throughout the day, and you may even purchase some exquisite Italian paintings from the artists’ booths.

Be wary of waiters who may try to persuade you into one of the many eateries on Piazza Navona. The overwhelming majority of the eateries in this plaza are tourist traps that are neither authentic nor moderately priced. I don’t suggest eating here because there are many of excellent, genuine eateries elsewhere in the old area.

Pro Tip

3. ROMAN FORUM & PALATINE HILL

Visit time: 1-2 hours
5 min walk from Colosseum

The Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, the Colosseum’s beautiful neighbors, are also accessible on the same day with a Colosseum ticket. During the Roman Empire, the Roman Forum served as the hub of political, ecclesiastical, and social activity.

While exploring the region today, you will come across the remains of some of the oldest and most significant temples and shrines from the time of Ancient Rome. After the fall of the empire, the Forum was neglected, covered under dirt, and eventually unearthed in 1898.

Beautiful Palatine Hill sometimes referred to as the birthplace of Rome, is positioned next to the Roman Forum. Even though several antique temples and arches surround it, the Colosseum can be seen in all its glory from there.

If you prefer to purchase your Colosseum ticket on-site rather than in advance, go to the Roman Forum or Palatine Hill ticket offices first and pay these locations a visit. In comparison to the Colosseum ticket office, the lineups are shorter there.

Insider Tip

Having said that, they won’t let you enter these three locations if all of the available time slots for the day are taken, which happens frequently during the busy season. Additionally, they only offer same-day tickets, so your best chance is to buy your ticket online or go on a guided tour.

⏰ Opening hours: October 30th – February 28th: 9 am – 4:30 pm daily | March 1st – 25th: 9 am – 5:30 pm daily | March 26th – October 28th: 9 am – 7:15 pm daily

🎫 Entrance fees: (Combined Colosseum + Roman Forum + Palatine Hill ticket) Regular – €18 ($20.50 USD) | EU citizens aged 18-25 – €2 ($2.30 USD) | Free for anyone under 18 years old

Useful Information

4. PANTHEON

Visit time: 30-45 mins
5 min walk from Piazza Navona

Any tour of Rome must include a walk to the Pantheon, one of the oldest and quite well-known landmarks in the Eternal City. This Roman temple was erected between 126 and 128 AD and was first devoted to the gods of the Roman pantheon before becoming a Christian church.

The Pantheon’s structure is so astounding that when Michelangelo viewed it, he is credited as saying, “It was the design of angels, not of men.” Simply enter this monument and stroll about admiring the vista from beneath its oculus, the center of the dome that opens to the sky, to grasp what he meant.

The enormous dome within and the statues and frescoes covering the walls will surprise you. If you would like to learn more about this stunning structure, pick up the audio guide. We advise going inside during the day and returning at night to view the exterior in its full splendor.

Famous Italian rulers like Vittorio Emanuele II, the country’s first monarch, and Renaissance painters like Raphael are buried in the Pantheon today. Additionally, this landmark is still used as a church, where Catholic Mass is frequently said.

You must make reservations in advance if you want to come on a Saturday, Sunday, or an Italian public holiday.

Insider Tip

⏰ Opening hours: 9 am – 7 pm daily (last entry at 6:30 pm)

🎫 Entrance fees: Free

Useful Information

5. BASILICA DI SANTA MARIA MAGGIORE

Visit time: 20 mins
18 min walk from Altare della Patria

One of Rome’s four main basilicas, the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore is also the city’s biggest cathedral honoring the Virgin Mary. This basilica is a hidden treasure and typically isn’t particularly busy, unlike most other sights in downtown Rome.

This church, which was originally constructed in the fourth century and later refurbished, exhibits a spectacular fusion of several architectural forms, including Christian, Renaissance, and Baroque. Just wait till you go inside if you think the basilica’s outside façade is spectacular. This church’s stunning roof, ionic columns, and mosaic artwork are truly amazing.

Additionally, many components of the basilica date from various eras of Roman history. In actuality, this church’s construction is a representation of how Christian art evolved in Rome.

⏰ Opening hours: 7 am – 6:45 pm daily

🎫 Entrance fees: Free

Useful Information

6. PIAZZA DEL CAMPIDOGLIO (CAPITOLINE HILL)

Visit time: 15 mins
13 min walk from Pantheon

The Capitoline Hill, the most notable of Rome’s seven hills, is host to Piazza del Campidoglio, the Eternal City’s earliest modern plaza and the brainchild of no other than renowned sculptor Michelangelo.

The impressive statues of Marcus Aurelius and the she-wolf make this lovely area, which is much calmer than most other Rome sights, an even more fascinating sight.

For a breathtaking perspective of the Roman Forum, move to the back of the plaza.  You may also check out some exhibitions within the Capitoline Museums, which encircle this plaza if you enjoy sculptures, paintings, as well as other works of art.

Please be aware that although visiting the Capitoline Museums will take around 1-2 hours. This plaza is a fast stop. If you do not wish to visit Galleria Borghese, I only advise seeing such museums.  I find the Galleria Borghese to be much more stunning.

Special Note

⏰ Capitoline Museums opening hours: Tuesday – Sunday: 9:30 am – 7:30 pm daily | Closed on Mondays

🎫 Capitoline Museums entrance fees: €15 ($17 USD) | Free with the Roma Pass.

Useful Information

7. FONTANA DI TREVI (TREVI FOUNTAIN)

Visit time: 30 mins
19 min walk from Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore

Without touring the Trevi Fountain, a vacation to Rome might be wholly lacking. It is certainly one of the most amazing views in all of Italy and is the tallest Baroque fountain in the Eternal City. It was finished in 1762.

This fountain is 49 meters wide and 26 meters tall, having been constructed over an old water source. It’s a monument that, no matter how many times you go to it, each time still leaves you feeling as though it’s your first time. Despite having visited the area dozens of times as a Roman, I still feel that way.

Tossing a coin into the water with your right hand over your left shoulder is a well-known practice connected with touring the Trevi Fountain. Before tossing a coin, take the traditional selfie. According to mythology, throwing one coin indicates that you’ll visit Rome again, two coins indicate that you’ll come back and fall in love with an attractive Italian, and three coins indicate that you’ll wed that person in Rome.

Whether you trust in this myth or not, money supports a worthwhile purpose. Every year, over 1 million euros are received from the fountain and distributed to regional organizations.

During the day, the Trevi Fountain is always crowded with travelers. For an entirely different ambiance, return at sunrise early in the morning. You’ll be able to take pictures without any other people in them and appreciate this location in solitude and quiet.

Top Tip

Avoid the tourist traps that are immediately in front of the Trevi Fountain. Instead, take a short 5-minute stroll to the highly recommended Ristorante Sora Lucia to savour their delicious carbonara.

Food Tip

8. PIAZZA DI SPAGNA (SPANISH STEPS)

Visit time: 30 mins
10 min walk from Trevi Fountain

Make your way to the Spanish Steps, one of Rome’s most recognizable sights, from the Trevi Fountain by traveling north on Via del Corso.

The most popular shopping avenue in the old center is Via del Corso. The area is packed with gelaterias and designer shops, and because of how active the atmosphere is, it’s a terrific location to people-watch.

At the base of the magnificent Spanish Steps, the Fontana Della Barcaccia (also known as the “Fountain of the Leaky Boat”) is a baroque-style fountain that is worth taking time to appreciate. The Tiber River flooded severely in 1598, leaving a boat in Piazza di Spagna, and to commemorate that event, this fountain was erected.

The lovely Trinità dei Monti Church, which is certainly worth seeing, can be found at the top of the 174 stairs, where you’ll also find portrait painters working on their latest works.

Even though the view from the top is spectacular, make sure to pause on your ascent at the first terrace for a breathtaking perspective of Rome’s Via dei Condotti, the city’s main retail street.

💸 Note that beginning of 2019, sitting on the Spanish Steps is not permitted (in order to preserve this UNESCO Heritage Site). If you have destroyed or tampered with the steps in any way, you risk receiving a punishment of up to €400 ($475 USD).

Special Note

9. ALTARE DELLA PATRIA (PIAZZA VENEZIA)

Visit time: 45 mins
4 min walk from Piazza del Campidoglio

The Altare Della Patria in Piazza Venezia is one of Rome’s most impressive and striking structures, and it’s very near to Piazza del Campidoglio.

This structure was dedicated to Vittorio Emanuele II, the first monarch of Italy, in 1911, was built. You’ll witness infinite flights of gorgeous white marble staircases and rows of Corinthian columns in its spectacular architecture, which is guaranteed to leave you awestruck.

Take a stroll around Piazza Venezia to see and photograph this impressive structure from many perspectives, but don’t forget to take the elevators up to its panoramic terrace. There is no doubt that the view of Rome’s ancient district is breathtaking.

You may buy a normal ticket for €12 at the location to access the spectacular terrace. The Panoramic Glass Elevator Ticket with Audio App is the sole option if you’d prefer to make a reservation in advance. This ticket grants access to two neighboring museums, the Museum of the Risorgimento and the National Museum of the Palazzo di Venezia, as well as an audio tour.

⏰ Capitoline Museums opening hours: 9:30 am – 7:30 pm daily (last admission at 6:45 pm)

🎫 Capitoline Museums entrance fees: Adults – €12 ($12.50 USD) | Under 18 years old – free

Useful Information

10. St Peter’s Square

It seems odd that one of the top places in Rome is Vatican City, a different nation inside Rome. St. Peter’s Square is located in the center of this independent nation, which is one of the most well-known places of worship in the whole globe.

It is stunning to look at the square, which is truly round. It is difficult not to be overwhelmed by the grandeur of it all, which is framed by two large sets of colonnades and topped with sculptures of revered religious luminaries and former popes. The area is spectacular, and at its center lies an obelisk that was stolen from Nero’s Circus.

St. Peter’s Basilica can be found at the further end of the Piazza, so meander around and take in the architecture.

We took a Vespa Tour throughout the day and returned at night after seeing it during the day. On a vintage Vespa, it was breathtaking to view the famous Roman ruins and the Eternal City at night. While being shown by our expert Rome tourist guide, I had an Audrey Hepburn-like experience. With gelato and espresso, we completed our authentic Rome experience.

Is Rome pricey? What will my expenses be in Rome?

With good reason, Rome is one of the most visited cities in Europe. They attract tourists who assemble to take in its splendor during the summer. This may indicate that restaurants and pubs in the area’s hot spots might be expensive.

Rome has a reputation for being expensive, but with a little planning and investigation, you may easily uncover the less costly choices when seeing Rome. Simply conduct some study and delve a little deeper into the back alleys. If you’re on a budget and visiting a big city, stay away from the crowded tourist traps for dining and drinking.

For example, if you’re dining close to the Colosseum, you can anticipate paying at least €15 for a basic dinner. While hidden treasures like La Pace del Cervello, a lovely candle-lit restaurant with a significantly cheaper menu and €3.50 glasses of wine, are only a 5–10 minutes walk away.

Spending illustration in Rome:

• £139 for one night at the Royal with views of the Colosseum
• Airport transportation for €14 (epic)
• £75 for round-trip tickets from London
• €10 for an aperitif overlooking the Colosseum.

Most museums offer free admission on the first Sunday of every month, but arrive early to beat the crowd!

Our #1 Rome Money-Saving Tip

Purchase a Roma Card for the greatest method to conserve cash and see all the places.

It covers all of these things and more, and you can have it for three days:

• With a 3-day combined city ticket, you may enter Rome’s ancient monuments quickly, including St. Peter’s Basilica, the Vatican Museums, and the Colosseum.
• Additionally, benefit from FREE UNLIMITED PUBLIC TRANSPORT.

This will enable you to go between places fast and avoid lines at several locations if you just have a limited amount of time. Worthwhile.

Tips for Safety in Rome

Rome is typically a safe place to visit, but there is one thing to be aware of: pickpockets are very common in the city’s center, particularly at popular tourist destinations in Rome like the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, and the Vatican, as well as on buses and the Metro.

Keep an eye (and a hand) on your valuables at all times since Rome’s pickpockets are regrettably quite quick and good at what they do.

The popular Bus No. 64, which is frequently crowded with visitors as it travels from Termini to the Vatican, and the terminal at Termini are two places where there is a very high danger of theft. The busy Metro stations in Spagna, Barberini, Cipro and Colosseo should also be avoided. Additionally, never leave your backpack dangling over a restaurant chair.

Top Tip