24 Best Places To Visit In Rome: The Ultimate Rome Travel Guide

Rome is Italy’s capital and one of the top tourist destinations and most visited cities in Europe. There are so many places to visit in Rome. It’s the birthplace of Caesar, home to the Catholic Church, and some of the most incredible food in the world. Its history spans over 2500 years and it has been a center of politics, culture, and religion since its inception.

A number of Roman Emperors ruled Rome, the place where the Roman Empire grew from. And as time has progressed palaces, buildings, and monuments have been constructed and these now make up some of the most beautiful tourist attractions in Rome. It’s a reminder of the city’s past while still celebrating the present.

Rome is known to be one of the top tourist destinations in Europe. With top Rome attractions like the Colosseum, the Vatican, and St. Peter’s Basilica, it is easy to see why people flock to Rome from all over the world. Visiting Rome is a little like stepping back in time where you can experience history unfold in front of your eyes. This city has so much to offer which is why it’s always so busy. With its cobblestone streets, incredible architecture, and delicious food; there are so many things to do in Rome. You could spend days getting lost in this beautiful city.

Getting around Rome

Rome is a big city with a great transportation system. You have access to buses, trams, trolleys, and metros.

Bus: Rome has over 350 different bus lines and is one of your best options for getting around Rome.

Metro: The Metro system is one of the fastest and most reliable ways of getting around Rome. The Metro Line contains 3 different underground lines (A, B, and C lines). It’s not a huge network but it does stop at the major tourist attractions in the city.

Driving in Rome: I would advise against driving in Rome as it’s such a busy city and can be quite chaotic. Italians have a way of driving and if you aren’t used to the craziness of it all, you may find it a bit challenging.

Taxis: Using taxis can be expensive. Uber is also available in Rome so definitely an option to consider.

If you plan your day well in advance you can cover a lot of the top tourist attractions in Rome on foot. Check out this guide on 3 days in Rome which has all the attractions listed in geographical order to help maximize your time in the city.

Getting to Rome City Centre from the Airport

There are many airlines that fly into and out of Rome. You can also take a train directly into Rome from other parts of Italy or from other cities in Europe.

Getting to Rome City from Fiumicino Airport

If you fly into Fiumicino Airport, here are a few ways to get to Rome city center from the airport:

• Leonardo Express Airport train takes 30 minutes to reach the city center stopping at Termini station. It is the fastest mode of transport but the most expensive paying €17.90 for a one-way ticket
• The Terravision bus takes you to Termini station in just under an hour. It costs around €6 for a round trip
• Catch a slower, but cheaper regional train from the airport to the city center for €8.
• Take a taxi, private shuttle, or an Uber for €50-60.
• Rent a car from the airport.

Getting to Rome City from Ciampino Airport

If you fly into Ciampino airport, here are a few ways to get to Rome city center from the airport:

• The Terravision bus takes you to Termini station in 40 minutes. It costs around €6 for a one-way ticket (Note: it’s cheaper to book online than buy your tickets in person!). 
• The SIT Bus Shuttle takes you to Via Marsala (near Termini station) in 45 minutes. The cost is around €8 for a round trip
• One of the cheapest options is Atral, a €1.20 shuttle bus which takes you to Via Marsala (near Termini station) in 45 minutes. However, the buses aren’t frequent.
• Catch a local bus to the town of Ciampino (€1.20) and then a train to Roma Termini (€1.50).
• Take a taxi, private shuttle or an Uber for €30-50.
• Rent a car from the airport.

Keep in mind if you are in Rome for 48 to 72 hours or more, you can purchase the Roma Pass. It will give you access to public transportation, and a discount on museums, and other tourist services.

Where to Stay in Rome

Finding the best areas to stay in Rome isn’t an easy task. In a city so big, where would you even start! I don’t know if there is ‘the best area’ as such, it all comes down to what you’re most interested in seeing and doing. While staying outside of the historic city center may be cheaper at first glance, it could cost you a bit of time traveling to the top attractions located within the city center. To assist with making this decision, I’ve provided an overview of some of the neighborhoods in Rome. Look at the bigger picture and find a location that works best for you.

Ancient Rome Neighborhood:

If you are a history buff and want to be around some of the greatest attractions in Rome and the world, then you’ll love being in this area. You’ll find some of the top places to visit in Rome like the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and Capitoline Hill. While a busy area, it’s still not as crowded as the historic center of Rome.

The Historical Center of Rome

This area is one of the busiest and most touristy areas in Rome. Most of the top things to see in Rome from monuments, museums, and other attractions are located in this area. Some of the top Rome attractions in this area include the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps, and Piazza Navona.

This area is not far from the Ancient Rome district. You’ll find traditional restaurants and gelateria and basically everything you need to make your stay in Rome truly unforgettable. This is also probably one of the most expensive neighborhoods to stay in Rome. If you don’t like the noise and crowds, look for a neighborhood that provides a quieter ambiance.

Trastevere district

Trastevere district is one of Rome’s hippest neighborhoods. It’s a great place to get a feel for the city like a local. There are plenty of local restaurants, bars, and pubs in this area.  It’s a great place to eat local food for a good price.

Vatican City

If you want to be close to some of the best places to visit in Rome like the Vatican Museums, St. Peter’s Basilica, and the Sistine Chapel, then staying in the Vatican district is a great choice. Just be mindful that this area is extremely touristy so you’ll be paying higher rates for accommodation and food.

Termini Station

If you’re looking for more budget-friendly options and proximity to trains and buses, then you’ll want to look for accommodation around Termini Station. However, keep in mind you’ll be further away from most of the top attractions in Rome.  

Know Before You Go

Language: Most Romans speak Italian. While there are many English-speaking locals, knowing a few basic words and key phrases would help immensely if you are traveling through Italy.

• Ciao = Hello/Goodbye
• Arrivederci = Goodbye
• Buon Giorno = Good morning/Good afternoon
• Buona sera = Good evening
• Grazie = Thank you
• Parla Inglese? = Do you speak English
• Mi scusi = Excuse me

Currency: The currency used all around Italy is the Euro (EUR).

Credit Cards: These are used all over the city. However, you may want to keep some cash on you for smaller cafes or items you may purchase. As a rule of thumb, I prefer to keep a small amount of cash on me wherever I go.

Pre-book your transportation from the airport to the city center: Rome airport is about 30 km away from the city. So make sure you have organized transportation well before your arrival in the city.

Dress Code: Dress Approximately when visiting churches and museums. Men and women are both required to cover their shoulders and knees. It’s understandable you’ll want to dress light for the warmer weather, just make sure you carry a covering of some sort for when you visit churches and museums.

Don’t accept gifts from strangers on the streets: If a stranger offers you a rose or any other gift, know that they will want some money for it, so don’t accept anything from anyone unknown.

Watch your personal belongings: Always be mindful of your bags on public transportation and around key tourist attractions.

Use this Rome travel guide to plan your trip well and book your tickets well in advance. Accept that you will not be able to see everything, but have the self-awareness to know your limit on churches and museums.

Best Time To Visit Rome

Low season: Mid-November to mid-December and mid-January to early March are the best months to visit Rome for the least number of crowds. Temperatures are around 3-13°C / 37-55°F.

Shoulder season: Mid-March to early May and mid-September to early November will see a moderate number of crowds and mild temperatures, 9-22°C / 48-71°F.

High season: Mid-May to early September is when Rome is at its busiest. Expect very long lines at attractions and high hotel prices. Avoid this season if you can’t stand crowds or the heat. The weather is at its warmest during this time of year, 17-31°C / 62-87°F.

24 Best Places to Visit in Rome: The Ultimate Rome Travel Guide

There is so much to do and see in Rome. It can sometimes get overwhelming. You could spend a week here and still not get through it all. But if you plan carefully and book your tickets in advance, Rome will sweep you off your feet. I highly recommend spending at least 3 days in Rome to discover some of the city’s top attractions. Rome is a walkable city provided you have a good pair of shoes and are willing to be on your feet for the day. So, let’s explore some of the best places to visit in Rome. These are listed in order of location to make it easier to plan your trip.

1. Colosseum

The Colosseum is a must-visit attraction and one of the best places to visit in Rome. This structure is one of the most iconic and renowned landmarks not just in Rome but in the world and is located in the historic center of the city. A trip to Rome wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the Colosseum.

They constructed the Colosseum between 70-80 AD and at its peak was estimated to hold 80,000 spectators. This building was used to hold games, gladiator tournaments, and other forms of entertainment that the Roman Emperors would regularly attend.

The amphitheater is still the largest in the world today. Even though it was vastly ruined by earthquakes and stone robbers, the Colosseum is still an iconic symbol of Rome. The Colosseum is easily accessible and has a metro station in close proximity. Book a tour and explore the grandeur of this place. You can wander around the underground tunnels, the arena floor, and the stands. Your guide will be able to provide you with some great information on the history of the Colosseum while also providing great tales of the gladiators.

Tip: The Colosseum is one of the top places to visit in Rome. So, I highly recommend booking this skip the line tour which includes the Colosseum, ROman Forum and Palentine Hill. You’ll save a lot of time skipping the lines, time that you can use to explore other parts of the city.

2. Roman Forum

The Roman Forum is an ancient site that consists of many ruins of temples, the standing and fallen columns, arches, and squares that once stood in its place. It’s one of the top attractions in Rome, located right next to the Colosseum. So, is pretty handy when it comes to exploring the historic center.

Walking into the Roman Forum is like going back in time to the heart of ancient Rome. Roman life was centered here. After the seventh century, the buildings fell into ruin, following which they built churches and fortresses amid the ancient remains. 

You can book this tour which includes the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill. Let the guides help you bring the ruins back to life.

Some of the highlights not to miss here are the Temple of Antoninus Pius, the Temple of Saturn, the Temple of Castor and Pollux,  the Arch of Septimus Severus, the Curia, the Temple of Vesta, and the Arch of Titus.

3. Palatine Hill

Palatine Hill is one of the most ancient parts of Rome. From here you can look out onto the ruins of the Roman Forum, the Palace of Augustus, and the crumbling arches and pillars. They supposedly found here the legendary Romulus and Remus, who then went on to build the city of Rome.

4. Arch of Constantine

The Arch of Constantine sits right next to the Colosseum and is one of the oldest and largest structures in Rome. So, it’s definitely something you can’t miss as it stands at 21m high. Considering its age, the Arch still retains a great amount of its original detail.

The Arch of Constantine is one of the most iconic landmarks in Rome. When visiting the Colosseum, put aside a few minutes to admire this fantastic Arch.

5. Vatican City

No trip to Rome is complete without a trip to Vatican City. With the beauty of the Sistine Chapel and the brilliance of St Peter’s Basilica, this visit is an incredible experience in itself and is one of the best things to do in Rome.

Home to the Pope, Vatican City is like a small city inside another city. This independent city-state is considered one of the most important religious sites in the world. The city mints its own euros, issues passports has its own flag and anthem.

This compact space offers a lot of things to see. Within Vatican City, you’ll find numerous attractions including St Peter’s Square, St Peter’s Basilica, and Vatican Museums where the Sistine Chapel is located. It is for this reason Vatican City is considered one of the best places to visit in Rome.

The Vatican is always crowded no matter when you visit. Plan well in advance and arrive first thing in the morning. Allow at least half a day to see Vatican City and its top attractions. This guided tour is a perfect way to get through all the main attractions, skip the queues and learn a bit about the history. Don’t skip a visit to the Vatican as it’s not only one of the best places to visit in Rome, but also in the world.

6.  Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel

The Vatican Museums are one of the top tourist places in Rome, especially for art lovers. This world-renowned museum, located in Vatican City, has over 2 million pieces in its collection and is truly magnificent. You can visit around 54 beautifully decorated rooms. The highlight is likely to be the Sistine Chapel.

The museums are always crowded, in particular, you’ll find the Sistine Chapel and Raphel Rooms are very cramped. Thankfully the highlight of the Sistine Chapel is the ceiling so you won’t have any heads obstructing your view 😊 The Sistine Chapel is one of the most renowned chapels in the world and a must-visit attraction in Rome.

It can get a bit chaotic in the Vatican but the experience in itself is so worth it. Once you have finished with the inside, you can make your way outside into the square surrounded by marble saints. Take a few moments to sit down and take it all in, who knows you may even catch a glimpse of the Pope if he comes out on the balcony.

These tickets include a cover the museums, Sistine Chapel and St Peter’s Bascillica. It’s well worth the money.

Tip: Since Vatican City is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Rome, be sure to book skip-the-line tickets to avoid standing in long lines to enter the Museums or Sistine Chapel.

7.  St Peter’s Square

This square, which is actually circular, is an impressive square with 284 columns and 88 pilasters that flank the square in a colonnade of four rows. Above the columns, there are statues of saints. At its center stands an obelisk which adds to the square’s grandeur. Take a stroll around the square and admire the architecture, you’ll see why it is one of the best places to visit in Rome. It’s definitely one of the most beautiful squares to visit in Rome. To the far end of the square, you will find St. Peter’s Basilica.

8. St Peter’s Basilica

The mesmerizing St. Peter’s Basilica, located within Vatican City, is one of the most religious buildings in the world and the best places to visit in Rome. The Basilica has a beautifully designed front façade and is crowned with statues of Apostles and Jesus. The interior is as beautiful as the outside and you’ll be amazed by the architecture and art in the Basilica. Make sure to look for Michelangelo’s Pieta on the right as you enter.

The Basilica can accommodate 20,000 people and has some of the most impressive art. One of the most impressive parts of the Basilica is its incredible dome. You’ll be mesmerized by the beauty of this building that Michelangelo and Bernini contributed to. You can buy tickets to climb to the top of the dome where you’ll find an ariel view of St Peter’s Square and the Tiber River. It’s one of the best views in Rome. Visiting St Peter’s Basilica is an unforgettable experience and one of the top attractions in Rome.

9. Basilica de Santa Maria Maggiore

Rome is filled with beautiful churches and the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore is one such structure. This is one of the largest churches and one of the best places to visit in Rome.

Whilst the Basilica’s outside beauty will blow you away, the inside will leave you speechless. Make sure you go inside and check out the interior which features a huge amount of gold decoration, statues, frescos, and detailed paintings on the walls and ceilings. It’s one of the free things to do in Rome, so make sure you pay a visit to this beautiful Basilica.

10. The Pantheon

Once a Roman temple, the Pantheon is now a church where mass is held regularly. It stands as one of the best-preserved ancient Roman buildings and is considered one of the top Rome tourist attractions. The architecture will blow your mind.

You’ll walk through heavy bronze doors onto beautiful marble floors. The interior features a magnificent dome, the largest unreinforced dome ever built. It is simply magnificent. The Pantheon also holds the tombs of important Italian figures like Raphael (the famous artist) and Victor Emmanuel II (1st king of Italy). You can grab an audio guide if you want to learn more about this beautiful building.

Located in the center of Rome on the Piazza della Rotonda, the Pantheon is one of the best places to visit in Rome and should be on everyone’s Rome bucket list. This Pantheon fast track ticket includes an audio guide so you can learn about its captivating history.

11.  Piazza di Spagna

The Piazza di Spagna is one of the most visited squares in Rome. Here, you’ll find the iconic Spanish Steps, the church of Trinità de’ Monti, and Bernini’s fountain.

You’ll find the Piazza in one of the most popular neighborhoods in Rome near the streets Via Dei Condotti, Via Frattina, and Via del Babuino.  If you walk down Via del Babuino, you’ll arrive at Piazza del Popolo. For some of the best views of Rome, climb the steps from Piazza del Popolo to the top of Pincian Hill.

As a tourist, you’ll find yourself in this area at least a few times.

12.  Climb the Spanish Steps

The Spanish Steps are located between Piazza di Spagna and Trinità Dei Monti. The 135 steps were built in the 1720s to bridge the gap between the two popular squares. These stairs have now become a hang-out point for locals and tourists. The Spanish Steps is a great place to grab a gelato and relax while you people watch. It’s now one of the top things to do in Rome.

At the top of the steps, you can find a large crucifix obelisk and the Trinita Dei Monti church. You’ll get great views of Rome from up here. At the bottom of the steps, the Piazza di Spagna has a number of shops and cafes. Italy’s most famous shopping street, via Condotti, is directly opposite of the Spanish Steps in Piazza di Spagna. The Italian name for these steps is La Scalanita di Trinita di Monti which means the Steps of Three Tiers. 

There are a lot of things to see and do in this area, many it one of the best places to visit in Rome. Allow plenty of time to explore the area.

Fact: The name of the steps comes from its proximity to the Spanish embassy.

13. Trevi Fountain

There aren’t many fountains in the world that have people lining up to see them. The Trevi Fountain is Rome’s most famous fountain and is a work of art. It pays tribute to the Roman God Oceanus who can be seen riding his chariot pulled by Tritons. It’s one of the most popular tourist attractions in Rome.

The tradition is to toss a coin over your shoulder into the fountain in the hopes you’ll return to Rome one day.  No visit or Rome sightseeing is complete without tossing a coin in the Trevi Fountain. As one most popular tourist attractions and best places to visit in Rome, it can be very crowded by the fountain. So if you want the fountain to yourself, you may want to get there first thing in the morning or late at night. You’ll still have a few people around though.

The fountain is in close proximity to the Pantheon and should not be missed when walking through the streets of Rome. It’s one of the best free things to do in Rome.

14.  Piazza Navona

The beautiful Piazza Navona is located in close proximity to the Pantheon and Trevi Fountain and is lined with gelaterias, shops, and restaurants. It was built on top of what was originally a stadium in ancient Rome. This oval-shaped Piazza is a pedestrian-only square and is a must-visit attraction in Rome. It’s one of Rome’s most beautiful and famous squares.

There are three beautiful fountains that lie in this square; Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi, Fontana del Moro and Fontana del Nettuno. The square is a lively square and is filled with performers and street vendors. It’s a great place to stop for a gelato or coffee while walking through the city. Just beware that this place is quite touristy and the prices are too!

15. Villa Borghese gardens

The villa Borghese gardens is the third largest park in Rome covering just under 200 acres of land. Situated within the gardens, you’ll find the Borghese Gallery and the Gallery of National Modern Art.

It’s a great place to spend a morning or afternoon and provides a much-needed break from all the tourist attractions and sightseeing in Rome. The Villa Borghese Gardens are located on Pincian Hill, close to Spanish Steps and Piazza del Popolo. It’s one of the free things to do in Rome with kids.

16.  Piazza del Popolo

The Piazza del Popolo, also known as the People’s Square, is located near Villa Borghese. It’s one of the finest squares in Rome with 3 churches, fountains, and an obelisk.

The square is located at the beginning of Via Flaminia and was the main entrance to the city during the Roman Empire. This is a great place to relax and soak up the ambiance.

17.  Piazza Venezia

Not far from the Roman Forum you’ll find one of Rome’s main squares, Piazza Venezia. It’s a hub and central location in Rome and an area that leads to some of Rome’s top attractions.

From the square, you can admire the famous Monument of Vittorio Emanuele II and the Forum of Trajan with the large and very detailed column of Trajan. It’s one of the top things to see in Rome.

18. Vittorio Emanuele II Monument

The impressive marble building was built on top of Palentine Hill between 1885 and 1935 and is considered one of the top landmarks in Rome. The Vittorio Emanuele II Monument honors Italy’s first King, Vittorio Emanuele II. It is also known as the Altara Della Patria (altar of the fatherland).

Due to its size, the building has several nicknames, such as the wedding cake, and the typewriter.

19. Capitoline Museum

This hill is home to Capitoline Museums. Capitoline Museums are set across three buildings in Piazza del Campidoglio. This is one of the top tourist attractions in Rome and a must-visit place.  The museum provides an excellent view of the Roman Forum from the Galleria Lapidaria, an underground tunnel that connects the two main buildings.

20. Trastevere

If you want to see authentic Roman life, then this part of Rome is considered to be one of the few places where you can do this. Located on the west of the River Tiber, Trastevere is packed full of narrow cobbled streets and ancient houses that line the winding streets. There are many local pubs, restaurants, and cafes that can be found here.

As you walk through the streets, you’ll notice washing hanging out along the street. It provides a true feeling of how the locals live. This is Rome in its most original and simplistic form.

Visit the charming neighborhood of Trastevere for a real slice of culture. The life of the neighborhood is concentrated around the Piazza di Santa Maria in Trastevere. Here you’ll see the Basilica of Our Lady of Trastevere.

21.  Visit the Catacombs of Rome

One of the most unique things to do in Rome is a visit to the Catacombs. There are a number of Catacombs in the city so it’s best to read up on each one and find one that you want to visit. Some of the more popular catacombs include Catacombs of Callixtus, San Sebastian, Domitilla, and Catacomb of Priscilla.

22. Borghese Gallery (Galleria Borghese)

One of the main highlights of Villa Borghese is Galleria Borghese, one of Rome’s most impressive museums. Galleria Borghese showcases an impressive collection of art, including masterpieces by Raphael, Botticelli, and Caravaggio. The gallery has stunning frescoes on the walls and ceilings and beautiful sculptures all around the place.  

Each visitor is given about 2 hours to visit the gallery. Book your tickets well in advance and get there early so you don’t miss out on your entry time.

23. Campo de’ Fiori

This vibrant square has a farmers’ market during the day. In the evenings, the square transforms into the center of Rome’s nightlife with plenty of bars around.

Grab a seat at one of the bars and enjoy an aperitivo, a pre-meal drink. You can also embark on a food tour which will give you some insights into the delicious Italian cuisine.

24. Castel Sant’angelo

This fortress is about a 10 min walk from St. Peter’s Basilica. Castel Sant’Angelo has evolved and gone through many stages of being a place for a tomb, a fortress, a castle, and now a museum. It was once used to protect the Pope during various sieges. Today, you can visit this fortress and even climb to the top for some magnificent views of the city.

Final Thoughts

There you have it, a list of some of the best places to visit in Rome. This Rome travel guide provides you with some of the top tourist attractions in the city. Allow time to wander the streets of Rome and discover unexpected treasures. It’s great to walk through the city at night, Rome lights up beautifully. If this is your first time visit you may also want to check out this post on 3 days in Rome to help you plan your perfect trip.

Happy Travels!

Rome Travel Tips: How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Rome

Rome can be as affordable or as expensive depending on what you do. Here are a few tips to save some money.

Beware of cobblestone: Wear your most comfortable shoes as Rome is full of cobblestone streets and uneven pavements.

Get a tourist card: Look into a Roma pass, a Rome Tourist Card, or Omnia Card. Consider an option that includes all the major attractions and the use of public transport.

Carry cash at all times: While most major tourist attractions and restaurants will accept credit cards, it’s always good to carry some cash with you. Doesn’t have to be large amounts, just enough to cover a little transportation, tips or to pay to use public bathrooms. Yes, you read that right, in some parts of Europe, you have to pay to use public bathrooms!

Eating Out: When eating in Rome, you can find numerous pizza or sandwich places. There are also small cafes or finally owned restaurants that tend to have lunch and dinner specials where they include an entrée, main, and dessert for a few euros. You don’t have to eat in expensive restaurants all the time.

Take a free walking tour: A great way to see a city and learn a bit about its history. While the tour itself is free, it is recommended you tip your tour guide at the end of the tour.

Outlets and Power: European outlets are 220v, which means if you are traveling from outside Europe you’ll need an adaptor.  

Watch out for scams: In busy tourist areas like the Colosseum, the Trevi Fountain, and Vatican City, you’ll find people trying to “gift” you things. Don’t accept anything from anyone you don’t know. Equally as frustrating as pickpockets are the touts

Beware of Pickpockets: Like most large cities that are filled with tourists, Rome is also notorious for tourists being targeted by pickpockets. Be cautious around major tourist attractions and on public transport.

Where to stay in Rome

Here is an overview of a few neighborhoods in Rome if this is your first time in the city. If you don’t mind walking or using public transportation, there are a few off-beaten paths you can stay in. This will also give you a glimpse into the local life.

• Historical Centre (Centro Storico): There are a number of neighborhoods in the historical center of Rome. With so many things to do in this area, you’ll be well-positioned to easily walk to many of the major attractions in Rome such as the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, and Spanish Steps. This area does get quite crowded and is filled with tourists. Be prepared to pay $$$ to stay here.
• Ancient Rome: This is another great area to stay when visiting Rome. If you are a history buff and want to be around some of the greatest attractions in Rome and the world, look no further. You’ll find some of the top places to visit in Rome like the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and Capitoline Hill. This area can also be a bit busy and expensive but is filled with restaurants, and cafes and has plenty of public transportation around.
• Near the Train Station (Termini): Staying near Termini is not as charming as the central areas of Rome, however, it’s great if you are looking to be around a transportation hub. It’s also not as crowded or expensive as some of the other neighborhoods in Rome.
• Vatican City: If you want to be close to the Vatican Museums, St. Peter’s Basilica, and the Sistine Chapel, then staying in the Vatican district is a great choice. Just be mindful that this area is extremely touristy so you’ll be paying higher rates for accommodation and food.

Accomodation in Rome

Budget

• The RomeHello (Via Torino, near Repubblica Metro)
• Domus Nova (San Giovanni neighborhood)
• Orsa Maggiore Hostel for Women (Trastevere, Female-only dormitory)

Mid – Range

• B&B Hotel Roma Italia Viminale (Via Venezia)
• Hotel Artemide (Via Nazionale)
• Hotel San Calisto (Trastevere)

Luxury

• The St. Regis Rome (Via Vittorio Emanuele Orlando)
• Hotel Hassler (Spanish Steps)
• Hotel de Russie (Between Piazza del Popolo and Spanish Steps)

Things to do in Rome at night

I love how cities light up at night. And there’s some about European cities that have magic to them when the lights come on at night. Here are some of the things to do in Rome at night.

• Walk around the city and its main tourist attractions: As the city lights up you’ll see it come to life. With illuminated squares and other attractions, Rome has a special charm at the night.
• Visit the Colosseum at night: Viewing the COlosseum at night provides a very different atmosphere. The ambiance hits totally differently at night. You can visit the Colosseum and the underground with a guide after it closes for the general public. Just make sure you purchase your tickets in advance.
• Discover Rome Catacombs at night: An even better way to discover the catacombs is at night, with this VIP tour. 
• Visit Rome by night in Segway. This 3-hour guided tour in Segway is a lot of fun! It needs to be booked there.
• Grab a drink or coffee and dessert in the Trastevere district: It’s one of the best places in Rome to enjoy the nightlife.

Things to do in Rome with kids

Rome is such a family-friendly city and I found that most of the tourist attractions can be visited by kids. Here are some of my top Rome attractions to do with kids.

• Visit the Colosseum: Who wouldn’t be blown away by the grandeur of the Colosseum! Add stories of gladiators and your kids will be captivated by the history that once took place at this magnificent sight.
• Enjoy some delicious Italian Gelato as a gelateria: You’ll find gelateria around every corner in Rome. By the end of your trip, you’ll have your favorite spot. Indulge in gelato when in Rome, especially if you are visiting in summer. It’s a great way to cool down when you are on the go.  
• Throw a coin in the Trevi fountain: Follow tradition and have your kids throw a few coins into the fountain.  
• Piazza Navona: Wander through Piazza Navona and take your kids back in time as they learn a bit about the history of the Piazza’s fountains.
• Pantheon: A great place to visit in Rome with kids. Entry is free although you may have to queue up to get in.
• Have a picnic at Villa Borghese Park: Grab a few items from a supermarket and enjoy a laid-back morning or afternoon as the kids run around the park. There are a few playgrounds and the park also has a zoo. You can also rent a boat and spend an hour on the lake.

Free Things to Do in Rome

Reminding you that sightseeing doesn’t always have to come at a cost. Some of the best places to visit in Rome above are actually free to enter.

• Piazza Venezia: Walk around Piazza Venezia.
• Basilica de Santa Maria Maggiore: Admire the grandeur of this beautiful Basilica.
• Pantheon: You’ll be awe-struck by the architecture of the Pantheon, it’s one of a kind and you’ll see exactly why this is one of the top attractions in Rome. An exhilarating experience to walk through those bronze doors and admire the largest unreinforced concrete dome ever built.
• Spanish Steps: Spend some time people watching the Spanish Steps.
• Trevi Fountain: Don’t forget to stop by and throw a coin over your shoulder to ensure your return to Rome one day.
• Piazza del Popolo: Walk around the square and take in the beautiful sights of the churches and fountain.
• Villa Borghese Gardens: Break up all the hectic sightseeing with a visit to these beautiful gardens. Have a picnic or simply take a walk through the gardens.
• St. Peter’s Basilica: The city’s most amazing Basilica is free to enter. You’ll encounter long lines but it’s totally worth the visit.
• Piazza Navona: This Piazza is full of life and beautiful architecture.
• Piazza del Campidoglio: The hilltop Piazza is one of Rome’s most beautiful squares and boasts aerial views of the Roman Forum.
• Campo de’ Fiori: By day it hosts one of the city’s best-known markets and by night its bars and restaurants come to life.

How many days do you need in Rome

I could spend a week in Rome and still want more time in the city. Rome is one of my favorite European cities. With so much to see and do, this city offers diversity and is great for solo travelers, couples, or even families traveling to Rome. But if you are short on time and only have a few days in Rome, 3 nights is ideal to explore some of the top Rome tourist attractions.

If you have only 1 day in Rome, you can still cover some of the city’s main tourist attractions. Don’t miss the area around the Colosseum that includes some of Ancient Rome’s top attractions.

• Start at the Colosseum and then head to the Roman Forum and Palantine Hill.
• Admire the Arch of Constantine
• Next head to Piazza del Campidoglio and visit Capitoline museums. You can also stop by Piazza Venezia and admire the beautiful Monument of Victor Emmanuel II
• Then head to Piazza Navona, the historical center of Rome. Visit the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, and the Spanish steps. Grab a bite in this area, it’s the perfect way to finish your 1 day in Rome.

Of course, the more time you have in Rome, the more you can add to the itinerary above. From the Vatican, St. Peter’s Basilica, and Sistine Chapel, there’s a plethora of attractions in Rome to explore. For the perfect 3 days in Rome check out this guide.

24 Best Places to Visit in Rome: The Ultimate Rome Travel Guide

1. Colosseum
2. Roman Forum
3. Palatine Hill
4. Arch of Constantine
5. Vatican City
6. Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel
7. St Peter’s Square
8. St Peter’s Basilica
9. Basilica de Santa Maria Maggiore
10. The Pantheon
11. Piazza di Spagna
12. Climb the Spanish Steps
13. Trevi Fountain
14. Piazza Navona
15. Villa Borghese gardens
16. Piazza del Popolo
17. Piazza Venezia
18. Vittorio Emanuele II Monument
19. Capitoline Museum
20. Trastevere
21. Visit the Catacombs of Rome
22. Borghese Gallery
23. Camp de’Fiori
24. Castel Sant’angelo

Note: The information here is updated the best we can at the time of writing this article. Please check attractions, activities, and transport before you can as things tend to change from time to time.

More on your trip to Rome

• 3 days in Rome