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The Tiber river in Rome with St Peter’s dome in the distance

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Rome travel guide

2,000 years of clues, free fountains and the best pasta of your life.

Best things to do

Photo: Emiliano Carchia / Wikimedia Commons · CC0

Rome is a whole open-air museum. The Colosseum, the Vatican Museums and Galleria Borghese all need booked time slots, so get those sorted first. Then walk: piazzas, churches and trattorias are packed close together in the historic centre.

Plan your Rome trip

Best things to do in Rome →

11 honest picks with costs, timing and skip-it-ifs.

Rome City Quest →

A printable self-guided treasure hunt.

Rome quick facts

Best time to visit
April–June and September–October. July–August is very hot; winter is quieter and mild.
Money
Euro (EUR). Cards are widely accepted; some small places prefer cash.
Airports
Fiumicino (FCO) and Ciampino (CIA).
Airport to city
From Fiumicino: the non-stop Leonardo Express train to Roma Termini takes about 30 minutes, or take a regional train. Official white taxis charge a fixed fare to the centre (check the current rate).
Getting around
Walk the historic centre. Metro lines are limited; buses and trams fill the gaps. Fill your bottle at the free nasoni drinking fountains.
Budget
Rome charges a city tax per night on top of hotel prices. Compare live prices for your dates.
Language
Italian. English is common in tourist areas.
Plugs
Type C/F/L, 230 V.

Only have one day? Do these three

  1. Colosseum

    Stop 1

    Colosseum

    1.5–2 hours

  2. Pantheon

    Stop 2

    Pantheon

    30 min

  3. Trevi Fountain

    Stop 3

    Trevi Fountain

    20 min

Top things to do in Rome

1 2 3 4 5 6 Loading map… · tap a pin for Google Maps
Top sights in Rome: tap a number to open it in Google Maps.
  1. 1. Colosseum · Paid timed ticket, usually combined with the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill
  2. 2. Roman Forum & Palatine Hill · Usually included in the Colosseum combined ticket
  3. 3. Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel · Paid timed ticket
  4. 4. St Peter’s Basilica & dome · Basilica free
  5. 5. Pantheon · Small entry fee since 2023
  6. 6. Trevi Fountain · Seeing it from the square is free
See all 11 things to do

Watch: Rome in one video

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Our walk-through of Rome is in production. See all videos.

Turn sightseeing into a game

Rome City Quest

Follow 12 quest stops from the Spanish Steps past the Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon and Piazza Navona to Castel Sant’Angelo, with riddles, photo missions, a kids’ mode and a printable map.

Get the quest

Rome FAQ

How many days do you need in Rome?

Three days: one for ancient Rome, one for the Vatican and one for the piazzas, Trastevere and Galleria Borghese. Four or five is more relaxed.

Do I need to book the Colosseum in advance?

Yes. Timed tickets sell out, especially in high season. Book on the official site as soon as slots are released, or join a guided tour.

What should I wear to the Vatican?

Shoulders and knees covered for St Peter’s Basilica and the Sistine Chapel. Carry a scarf in summer.

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