Rome Travel Guide | This Italy Rome travel guide is tailored for first-time visitors, featuring top things to do, including the 11 best attractions, a 3-day itinerary, ticket and tour budget, accommodation area recommendations, transportation information, advice on choosing between the Roma Pass and OMNIA Card, and answers to common Rome travel questions.
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Contents
Top 11 Things To Do In Rome: Highlights, Map, Tickets
This map features the Top 11 must-see attractions for a 3-day trip in Rome, 4 main metro stations, walking routes for three days, and a breakfast spot I personally recommend for its stunning views.
The map is set to English by default. Simply click "Enlarge Map" in the upper-right corner to switch to your preferred language! Click on the attraction names below to view detailed descriptions, opening hours, map links, and ticket information.
- St. Peter's Basilica (Basilica di San Pietro)
- Vatican Museums (Musei Vaticani)
- Pantheon
- Trevi Fountain (Fontana di Trevi)
- Colosseum (Colosseo)
- Roman Forum (Foro Romano)
- Palatine Hill (Palatino)
- Castel Sant’Angelo
- Piazza di Spagna
- Piazza Venezia
- Piazza Navona
Rome Attractions Map
Things To Do In Rome - St. Peter's Basilica (Basilica di San Pietro)
- Rating：🌎🌎🌎🌎🌎
- Time Spent：2 hours (artworks under renovation for the 2025 Jubilee)
Attraction Highlights
St. Peter's Basilica, located at the heart of Vatican City, is the holiest landmark in the Catholic world and the largest church globally. Designed by Michelangelo, it houses his famous work, the Pietà, Bernini’s design for the Papal Altar, the statue of St. Peter, and the stunning dome. You can also climb 551 steps to the top for panoramic views of Vatican City and Rome.
Ka's Tips：The basilica is free to enter, but the queue can take 1-2 hours. To save time, you can arrive early at 6 am for the first batch or join a guided tour with a fast-track entry. On Wednesdays, there is a Papal Audience, and you can opt for a related tour as mentioned below.
Opening Hours
- Daily：07:00 – 18:30
Tickets / Tours
- Free Entry for the Basilica
- Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel (Skip-the-Line Tickets)：Get Your Guide｜KKDAY
- Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel & St. Peter's Basilica (Guided Tour)：KKDAY
- Vatican St. Peter's Basilica & Dome Guided Tour
- St. Peter's Basilica & Papal Tombs Tour (Including Dome Climb)
Google Maps Link
Things To Do In Rome - Vatican Museums (Musei Vaticani)
- Rating：🌎🌎🌎🌎🌎
- Time Spent：4 Hours
Attraction Highlights
The Vatican Museums, one of the largest Museums in the world, consist of multiple sections and house priceless artworks accumulated by the Roman Catholic Church over the centuries. It is recommended to allocate at least 4 hours for a visit.
Ka's Tips：Key highlights of the tour include the Maps Gallery, Tapestry Gallery, the bath used by the Roman Emperor Nero, Raphael’s "The School of Athens," Michelangelo's masterpieces in the Sistine Chapel, including "The Creation of Adam" and "The Last Judgment," as well as popular photo spots like the spiral staircase. I will share more details on the must-see attractions in my "Vatican Museums Essential Guide."
Opening Hours
- Monday to Saturday: 09:00 – 18:00 (Last entry at 16:00)
- Sunday: Closed (Free entry on the last Sunday of each month, 09:00 – 14:00)
Tickets / Tours
- Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel (Skip-the-Line Tickets)：Get Your Guide｜KKDAY
- Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel & St. Peter's Basilica (Guided Tour)：KKDAY
- Vatican St. Peter's Basilica & Dome Guided Tour
- St. Peter's Basilica & Papal Tombs Tour (Including Dome Climb)
Google Maps Link
Things To Do In Rome - Pantheon
- Rating：🌎🌎🌎🌎🌎
- Time Spent：1 Hour
Attraction Highlights
The Pantheon, meaning "Temple of All Gods," is one of the best-preserved buildings from ancient Rome, with a history spanning over 2,000 years. It was originally built in 27 BC by Agrippa, a general of Emperor Augustus, to commemorate his victory over Antony and Cleopatra. However, it was destroyed by fire in AD 80 and rebuilt in its current form in AD 125.
The Pantheon’s architectural features include an unsupported dome, a design technique that has allowed it to stand strong for centuries and influenced many later church buildings. It is also the final resting place of several great Italians, including Italy's first king, Victor Emmanuel II, and the renowned artist Raphael.
Opening Hours
- Daily：09:00 – 18:30
Tickets / Tours
-
- Pantheon Skip-the-Line Ticket (Audio Guide Option Available)：Get Your Guide｜KKDAY
Google Maps Link
Things To Do In Rome - Trevi Fountain (Fontana di Trevi)
Trevi Fountain, Rome
- Rating：🌎🌎🌎🌎🌎
- Time Spent：1 hour (mainly because of eating Gelato…)
Attraction Highlights
The Trevi Fountain (Fontana di Trevi) is the largest Baroque-style fountain in Rome, attracting countless visitors every day. It was also the filming location for Audrey Hepburn's iconic movie Roman Holiday.
Visitors often throw a coin into the fountain, following the legend that throwing one coin ensures a return to Rome, two coins symbolize new love or career success, and three coins represent a wish for a happy marriage (or a smooth divorce).
Ka's Tips：You can use any currency to toss into the fountain! I threw in a coin, and it just so happens that 2025 is the Jubilee year in Rome. When I visited in 2024, many attractions were under renovation, which means I'll definitely be coming back to Rome!
Opening Hours
- Open All Day
Tickets / Tours
- Trevi Fountain and Underground Tour：Get Your Guide
Google Maps Link
Things To Do In Rome - Colosseum (Colosseo)
- Rating：🌎🌎🌎🌎🌎
- Time Spent：2 Hours
Attraction Highlights
The Colosseum is a must-visit landmark for first-time visitors to Rome. This ancient structure could hold over 65,000 spectators and is considered one of the "Seven Wonders of the World." It was once the site for gladiator battles, hunting spectacles, and public executions. The central area once had a wooden stage for performances, but it has since deteriorated, and beneath it were passageways for animals and participants.
Opening Hours
- Daily from 08:30 to 19:00 (last entry at 18:00)
Tickets / Tours
Google Maps Link
Things To Do In Rome - Roman Forum (Foro Romano)
Roman Forum
- Rating：🌎🌎🌎🌎
- Time Spent：1 Hour
Attraction Highlights
The Roman Forum is located between the Colosseum and Palatine Hill and was the centre of urban activities in ancient Rome. It contains many famous ruins, including the Arch of Constantine, the Sacred Way, and the Basilica of Constantine. However, as many of the ruins are in a state of decay, it can be difficult to understand their historical context during your first visit. If your budget allows, it’s recommended to join a guided tour, and KKDAY offers a Chinese-speaking guide (see the link below for details).
Opening Hours
- Daily from 08:30 to 19:00 (last entry at 18:00)
Tickets / Tours
- Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill (Priority Entry)
- Colosseum, Palatine Hill, and Roman Forum (Ticket and English Guided Tour)
- Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill (Ticket and Chinese Guided Tour)
Google Maps Link
Things To Do In Rome - Palatine Hill (Palatino)
- Rating：🌎🌎🌎
- Time Spent：1 Hour
Attraction Highlights
Palatine Hill is considered the oldest area of Rome, with its history dating back to 753 BC. It was the site of palaces and residences for the upper class during the early Roman Empire. Palatine Hill offers an excellent vantage point for viewing the Roman Forum and the Colosseum.
Opening Hours
- Daily from 08:30 to 19:00 (last entry at 18:00)
Tickets / Tours
- Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill (Priority Entry)
- Colosseum, Palatine Hill, and Roman Forum (Ticket and English Guided Tour)
- Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill (Ticket and Chinese Guided Tour)
Google Maps Link
Things To Do In Rome - Castel Sant’Angelo
- Rating：🌎🌎🌎🌎🌎
- Time Spent：2 Hours
Attraction Highlights
Castel Sant'Angelo was built by Emperor Hadrian over 1,900 years ago. The castle's name comes from the angel statue atop, holding a sword. The nearby Ponte Sant'Angelo, often considered the most beautiful bridge on the Tiber River, features 12 angel sculptures, all designed by the master sculptor Bernini.
The Castel Sant'Angelo National Museum houses dozens of exhibition halls, including the Papal Rooms, showcasing various armours, weapons, and renowned Italian artworks (photography is not allowed inside).
Opening Hours
- Daily：09:00 – 19:30
Tickets / Tours
- Castel Sant'Angelo Skip-the-Line Ticket (with optional audio guide)：Get Your Guide｜KKDAY
Google Maps Link
Things To Do In Rome - The Spanish Steps（Piazza di Spagna）
Piazza di Spagna
- Rating：🌎🌎🌎🌎🌎
- Time Spent：30 minutes
Attraction Highlights
The Spanish Steps (Piazza di Spagna) originally was a garden located on a hill. In the 16th century, the famous staircase was built to connect the Piazza Trinità dei Monti with the Piazza della Barcaccia. The steps became a popular tourist spot after being featured in the classic film Roman Holiday, drawing numerous visitors to take photos.
Ka's Tips：Since August 2019, the Roman government has prohibited tourists from sitting on historical monuments, including the Spanish Steps. The use of rolling suitcases, folding chairs, and similar items is also banned. Violators may face fines of up to 400 euros.
Opening Hours
- Open All Day
Tickets / Tours
- Free
Google Maps Link
Things To Do In Rome - Piazza Venezia
Piazza Venezia
- Rating：🌎🌎🌎🌎
- Time Spent：30 minutes (because I have to rush to a nearby bar to watch Euro 2024 England!)
Attraction Highlights
Piazza Venezia is located in the centre of Rome, with the main attraction being the magnificent Vittoriano (Altare della Patria). This grand white marble building is known for its spectacular staircase and Corinthian columns. At the centre stands an equestrian statue of King Emmanuel II (yes, the same name as the shopping arcade in Milan, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II), with statues of the goddess Victoria in a two-wheeled chariot on either side, commemorating Italy's first unified king.
Opening Hours
- Open All Day
Tickets / Tours
- Free
Google Maps Link
Things To Do In Rome - Piazza Navona
Piazza Navona: Unfortunately, the fountains were under renovation on that day.
- Rating：🌎🌎🌎🌎
- Time Spent：30 minutes (because of the ongoing renovation, I couldn’t appreciate it up close).
Attraction Highlights
Piazza Navona, located near the Pantheon, was originally an athletic stadium (less violent than the Colosseum) before becoming the main marketplace of Rome. In 1644, Pope Innocent X commissioned its reconstruction in Baroque style. The Fountain of the Four Rivers in the centre was designed by sculptor Bernini, while the Church of Sant'Agnese in Agone, visible in the picture, was designed by his rival Francesco Borromini. Visitors can admire works by both Baroque masters here.
Opening Hours
- Open All Day
Tickets / Tours
- Free
Google Maps Link
How Many Days in Rome? 3-Day Itinerary
How many days is enough for Rome? For a first-time visit, I recommend setting aside at least 3 days to explore the classic city centre sights. You can refer to my actual itinerary to cover the must-see attractions first:
- Day 1：The Spanish Steps > Trevi Fountain > Pantheon > Piazza Navona > Piazza Venezia
- Day 2：St. Peter's Basilica (queue at 6 am) > Vatican Museums (lunch: light meal at the museum café) > Castel Sant'Angelo (sunset and night views)
- Day 3：Breakfast at La Licata > Colosseum (lunch at a nearby café) > Roman Forum > Palatine Hill > Leaving Rome
How to Choose Between the Roma Pass and OMNIA Card?
Rome offers various passes tailored to tourist needs, with the most common ones being the Roma Pass and the OMNIA Card.
Is the Rome Pass worth buying?
- Price：€36.5 for 48 hours, €58.5 for 72 hours (official adult prices for 2024). *Get Your Guide * may be cheaper at times.
- Included in the range：Out of the 45 attractions, you can choose 1-2 for free entry, and it also includes unlimited public transport within Rome. Other museums offer discounted entry.
- Not Included：The Vatican Museums and St. Peter's Basilica.
Ka's Tips：If you don't plan to visit museums frequently, the Roma Pass is not essential. If your focus is on the Vatican Museums, it's recommended to go for the *OMNIA Card.
OMNIA Card: Ideal for visiting key attractions
- Price：72 hours for €149 (official adult price for 2024). *Get Your Guide* may offer discounts.
- Included in the range：Includes all the benefits of the Roma Pass plus admission to the Vatican Museums.
Ka's Tips：If you plan to visit major attractions like the Vatican, the Colosseum, and Castel Sant'Angelo, it's recommended to choose the OMNIA Card. Many of Rome's historical sites, such as the Roman Forum, are not fully preserved. For visitors with less historical background, it's worth considering skip-the-line tickets or guided tours when the budget allows. This saves time and offers a deeper understanding of the sites.
Is the Rome transport pass worth buying?
- Price：A single journey ticket costs €1.50 (valid for one ride on the metro within 100 minutes, with transfers allowed between other modes of transport); transport passes are available for 24 hours at €7, 48 hours at €12.5, and 72 hours at €18.
Ka's Tips：If you don't plan to purchase the Roma Pass or OMNIA Card but need to use public transport frequently, the transport pass is a good option. However, based on the 3-day itinerary I suggested earlier, it's more cost-effective to buy single journey tickets or combine them with the OMNIA Card.
Direct buses from Rome airports to the city centre and Vatican
Rome Transport: City, Airport, & Train Connections
Public Transport Within Rome City
When getting around central Rome, walking is great, but the metro is the most convenient option. Use Google Maps to get real-time public transport routes, including transfer points and directions to your destination.
The metro stations most commonly used by tourists include:
- Rome Termini：The pick up point for airport-to-city centre shuttle buses | Connections to other cities
- Spagna：Starting point for the Spanish Steps, and walking distance to several attractions in the city centre
- Ottaviano：For Vatican Museums and St. Peter's Basilica
- Colosseo：For the Colosseum and Roman Forum
You can use a credit or debit card with contactless payment functionality when travelling. A single metro ticket costs 1.5 euros (valid for one trip within 100 minutes, but you can transfer between other transport modes). Alternatively, transport passes are available for 24 hours at 7 euros, 48 hours at 12.5 euros, and 72 hours at 18 euros.
Transportation from Rome Airports to the City Centre
Rome has two main international airports:
- Fiumicino Airport (FCO): The primary airport for international flights.
- Ciampino Airport (CIA): Mainly serves European low-cost carriers.
Ciampino (CIA) to/from Rome city centre and Vatican transfer service
Fiumicino (FCO) to/from Rome city centre and Vatican transfer service
This time, I flew from Liverpool, UK, to Amsterdam via EasyJet, then took the train to Brussels, and finally flew from Brussels to Rome's Ciampino Airport with Ryanair. For the return trip, I flew from Fiumicino to Liverpool.
Taking European low-cost airlines often results in cheaper flight prices than train tickets, but strict baggage size requirements must be followed (to avoid fines), and online check-in should be done in advance (to prevent the possibility of being bumped due to overbooking).
| For flights：I will start by searching on Google Flights and then compare it with * Expedia Flight Search *. If prices are similar for my preferred flights, I book through Expedia, as it offers package discounts when combined with hotel bookings and allows points accumulation. However, note that Expedia may not show all budget airlines. |
Trains from Rome to Other Italian and European Cities
When planning a trip across Italy via Rome, or traveling to Rome from nearby European cities, consider taking the train. Italy's two main train companies, Italo (a private train company owned by Ferrari) and Trenitalia (the national railway company), offer services to and from major cities.
Ka's Tips：
- Italo has fewer routes and schedules, but all trains are reserved and more comfortable.
- Full-price tickets are similar to those of Trenitalia, but early bird prices can be as low as half-price!
- For flexible schedules, use Google Maps for real-time timetable checking and buy directly from the official website.
- For international routes, it's recommended to compare prices and purchase passes via platforms like Get Your Guide or KKDAY.
Official websites：Italo（Italian and English only）｜Trenitalia（available in Chinese and English）
| Eurail Global Train Pass for 33 European Countries：Get Your Guide｜KKDAY |
Ka's Personal Experience：I booked my ticket from Rome to Florence on Italo a month in advance and got a 50% discount. Unfortunately, for my later journey from Venice to Rome, I couldn’t plan ahead and missed the early bird fare, so the ticket ended up being really expensive!
Car Rental and Self-Driving in Rome
It is not recommended to drive in central Rome. If you plan to drive around the areas surrounding Rome, you may consider renting a car.
| Expedia Car Rental- provides options from multiple suppliers, allowing you to compare and book according to your needs. Additionally, if any changes arise during your trip, Expedia’s customer service team is always ready to assist with support and advice. *Hotels.com Car-rental Taiwan * provides similar services. |
Recommended Accommodation in Rome
It is recommended to stay in a hotel near the city centre, close to the main train station (Rome Termini), as this can save you a lot of time and money on transportation and make it easier to travel to other cities and nearby attractions. Additionally, you could consider staying near St. Peter's Basilica. In the early morning at sunrise, before the crowds arrive, the basilica feels especially sacred. Being among the first to enter allows you to skip the long queues.
Ka's Actual Hotel Stay：
MDM Hotel, located near the Vatican. Click to view：Hong Kong｜Taiwan｜UK
- Rating：8.2/10 (555 reviews)
- Price：I booked it for around €100 per night
- Pros：Just a few minutes' walk to St. Peter's Basilica
| I only write about accommodations I have personally stayed in and found worthwhile. I won’t provide a generic 'recommended accommodations' list for places I haven’t experienced myself. However, based on years of trial and error, I’ve summarised a set of criteria that work for any destination and budget.
>>> Accommodation Selection Guide <<< Search for other hotels：Expedia Hotels Search ｜Hotels.com Taiwan |
Rome Self-Guided Trips FAQs
Q: Do I need to go through immigration again when traveling from Rome to Vatican City?
A: There is no need to go through immigration when traveling from Rome to Vatican City. There are no border checks between Rome and Vatican City, so you can easily walk or take public transportation without needing to go through customs.
Q: What payment methods are accepted in Rome, and how much cash should I prepare?
A: The main payment methods include credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express), debit cards (Visa Debit, MasterCard Debit), cash, and mobile payments like Apple Pay and Google Pay. Cash is less commonly used, as most payments can be completed via card or mobile payment.
Q: How can I buy a SIM card in Rome? Can I purchase one in advance?
A: SIM cards can be purchased at the airport, telecom stores, or supermarkets in Rome. Some telecom providers also offer online ordering services, allowing travelers to purchase a SIM card in advance to save time.
Q: What is the best season to visit Rome?
A: The best times to visit Rome are in the spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October), when the weather is pleasant, and there are fewer tourists, making it ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
Q: What is the voltage and plug type in Rome?
A: The voltage in Rome is 230 volts, and the plug types are C and F (two round prongs). It’s recommended that travelers bring an adapter to use their electronic devices.
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