Rome isn't just a city — it's a living, breathing museum where every cobblestone street has a story to tell. Whether you're a first-time visitor or returning for the tenth time, the Eternal City has an uncanny ability to surprise, seduce, and leave you planning your next trip before you've even left. Here's everything you need to know to make the most of your time in Rome.
Overview: Why Rome Should Be Your Next Destination
Rome is the capital of Italy and home to approximately 2.8 million people, but it welcomes over 30 million tourists every year — and for good reason. Founded over 2,700 years ago, the city packs more history into a single square mile than most countries manage in their entirety. From ancient ruins and Renaissance masterpieces to world-class cuisine and a nightlife scene that doesn't get started until midnight, Rome delivers on every level. The best time to visit is spring (April to June) or autumn (September to October), when temperatures are pleasant and the crowds are more manageable than the peak summer rush.
Top 10 Things To Do in Rome
- Visit the Colosseum and Roman Forum: No trip to Rome is complete without stepping inside the iconic Colosseum. Book skip-the-line tickets in advance (around $22 USD) and combine your visit with a walk through the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, all included in one ticket.
- Explore Vatican City: Dedicate at least half a day to the Vatican Museums and St. Peter's Basilica. Pre-booking is essential — entry to the museums costs around $27 USD, and the Sistine Chapel alone is worth every cent.
- Toss a Coin in the Trevi Fountain: Yes, it's touristy, but visiting the Trevi Fountain at dawn — before the crowds arrive — is genuinely magical. It's free, and the legend says tossing one coin guarantees your return to Rome.
- Wander through Trastevere: Skip the tourist-heavy areas and lose yourself in Trastevere, Rome's most charming neighbourhood. Medieval alleyways, ivy-covered buildings, and some of the city's best trattorias make this the perfect spot for an evening meal.
- See the Pantheon: One of the best-preserved ancient buildings in the world, the Pantheon is now ticketed at around $6 USD. Go early morning to appreciate its incredible domed ceiling without the midday crowds.
- Stroll along the Appian Way: Rent a bike and cycle along the ancient Via Appia Antica on a Sunday, when it's closed to traffic. You'll pass catacombs, crumbling ruins, and sweeping countryside — a side of Rome most visitors never see.
- Visit the Borghese Gallery: This stunning art gallery inside Villa Borghese houses works by Bernini and Caravaggio. Admission is strictly timed at around $15 USD, and slots sell out weeks in advance, so book early.
- Eat Your Way Through Campo de' Fiori: This lively piazza hosts a morning market where locals shop for fresh produce. Grab a supplì (fried rice ball) from a nearby street vendor and soak up the atmosphere before the stalls pack up around noon.
- Climb the Gianicolo Hill: For the best panoramic view of Rome without paying a penny, head to Gianicolo Hill at sunset. The views across the rooftops are breathtaking and it remains a well-kept secret among most tourists.
- Take a Day Trip to Ostia Antica: Just 30 minutes from Rome by train (around $3 USD each way), Ostia Antica is an incredibly well-preserved ancient port city that rivals Pompeii in scale but draws a fraction of the visitors.
Practical Tips for Visiting Rome
- Transport: Rome's metro has only two main lines, so rely on buses and your own two feet for most sightseeing. A 100-minute transit ticket costs around $1.70 USD. Download the Moovit app to navigate bus routes easily.
- Dress code: Shoulders and knees must be covered when entering churches and the Vatican. Carry a light scarf in your bag as a quick fix.
- Dining: Avoid restaurants directly on major piazzas — they're typically overpriced. Wander one or two streets back and you'll find far better food for half the price. Budget around $15–25 USD for a solid sit-down meal with a glass of house wine.
- Tap water: Rome's public drinking fountains (called nasoni) are everywhere and the water is perfectly safe and delicious — bring a reusable bottle.
- Pickpockets: Stay alert on crowded buses (especially the 40 and 64 lines to the Vatican) and keep valuables in a front-facing bag.
Getting There: Flights and Connections
Plan your trip to Rome
Rome is served by Leonardo da Vinci International Airport (FCO), located about 19 miles southwest of the city centre. Direct flights from New York typically run 9–10 hours, with return fares ranging from $450 to $900 USD depending on the season. From London, budget airlines offer flights from as little as $40 USD one way. The fastest and most convenient way to reach the city centre from FCO is the Leonardo Express train, which runs every 30 minutes and costs around $17 USD, taking just 32 minutes to reach Roma Termini station.
Accommodation Options in Rome
- Budget (under $80/night): The Prati neighbourhood, just north of the Vatican, offers excellent value guesthouses and B&Bs within walking distance