Rome is a city where you can walk past a 2,000-year-old temple on the way to get gelato. It's busy, beautiful and gloriously chaotic, and very easy to love. Here's how to make the most of a first visit, from the big-name sights to the little things that make Rome feel like Rome.
Ancient Rome: the Colosseum, Forum and Palatine Hill
Start where the city started. The Colosseum, completed around 80 AD, once held tens of thousands of spectators, and it's still breathtaking up close. Right next door, the Roman Forum was the heart of political and religious life, and the Palatine Hill above it is where Rome's emperors built their palaces. Its viewpoints over the Forum are some of the best in the city.
A single ticket usually covers all three, so plan on half a day.
Tip: Book Colosseum tickets online in advance on the official site, especially from spring to autumn. Tours that include the arena floor or underground areas sell out first.
Vatican City: museums, Sistine Chapel and St Peter's
Vatican City is the world's smallest country, and it sits right in the middle of Rome. You don't need a passport to cross the border. The two big visits:
- The Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel. Miles of galleries lead to Raphael's rooms and Michelangelo's famous ceiling and Last Judgment. Tickets sell out weeks or even months ahead in peak season, so book as early as you can. Go first thing in the morning or later in the afternoon for thinner crowds.
- St Peter's Basilica. Entry to the basilica is free, but expect a security queue. Inside you'll find Michelangelo's Pietà. Climb (or partly ride the lift up) to the top of the dome for a view across the whole city.
Dress code: shoulders and knees must be covered in the Vatican and in Rome's churches. A light scarf in your day bag solves this instantly.
The Pantheon
Nearly 2,000 years old and still in use, the Pantheon has the world's largest unreinforced concrete dome, with an open "eye" (the oculus) at the top. Since 2023 there's a small entry fee. Go early to avoid the longest queues, and look out for the tomb of the painter Raphael inside.
Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps and Piazza Navona
Some of Rome's most famous sights are simply public squares, and wandering between them is half the fun.
- Trevi Fountain. The square is free to visit any time. Since February 2026, stepping down to the basin edge (where people throw their coins) costs €2 between 9am and 10pm, and is free outside those hours. For a calmer visit, go early in the morning or late at night.
- The Spanish Steps climb from Piazza di Spagna to the church of Trinità dei Monti, with Rome's designer shopping streets fanning out below.
- Piazza Navona is a grand Baroque square built on the outline of an ancient stadium, home to Bernini's Fountain of the Four Rivers.
Neighbourhoods worth getting lost in
- Trastevere: cobbled lanes, ivy-covered walls and some of the best trattorias in the city. It's lovely in the evening.
- Monti: a village-like neighbourhood a short walk from the Colosseum, full of independent shops and wine bars.
- Campo de' Fiori: a morning market square that becomes a lively meeting spot at night.
- Villa Borghese: a huge park for a break from the stone and traffic. Its Borghese Gallery (Caravaggio, Bernini, Raphael) needs a timed booking.
Eat like a Roman
Roman food is simple and spectacular. Don't leave without trying the classic pastas:
- Cacio e pepe: pecorino cheese and black pepper
- Carbonara: egg, pecorino and guanciale (cured pork cheek). No cream!
- Amatriciana: tomato, guanciale and pecorino
Add supplì (fried rice balls) as a snack, a maritozzo (cream-filled bun) for breakfast, and gelato whenever you like.
Tip: Rome's little stone drinking fountains (called nasoni) run with fresh, free drinking water all over the city. Bring a refillable bottle.
Day trips from Rome
- Ostia Antica: an ancient Roman port town, under an hour away. It's a quieter alternative to Pompeii.
- Tivoli: the gardens and fountains of Villa d'Este and the ruins of Hadrian's Villa.
- Pompeii and Naples: a long but unforgettable day by high-speed train.
- Florence: about 1.5 hours by high-speed train if you want a taste of Tuscany.
Getting around Rome
- Walk. The historic centre is compact, and walking is often the fastest way between sights. Wear comfortable shoes, because the cobbles are no joke.
- Metro, buses and trams. The metro is limited in the centre (lines A, B and C), but it's handy for the Vatican and the Colosseum. Buses fill the gaps. You can pay by tapping a contactless card at the gates and on most buses, or use the ATAC app.
- From the airport. The Leonardo Express train runs non-stop from Fiumicino airport to Roma Termini in about 30 minutes.
- Museum days. Many state museums close on Mondays, and many offer free entry on the first Sunday of the month (expect big crowds if you go then).
Staying connected in Rome
Your phone does a lot of work in Rome: maps through the winding lanes, timed tickets, restaurant bookings and translation. An Italy eSIM gets you online as soon as you land at Fiumicino. And if Rome is one stop on a bigger trip, a Europe eSIM keeps you connected across borders. Our connectivity checklist covers the rest.
When to go
- Spring (April to May) and autumn (September to October): the sweet spot, with warm days and slightly fewer crowds.
- Summer: very hot and very busy. Sightsee early and late, and rest in the afternoon.
- Winter: mild, quieter and cheaper, though rain is more likely.
Frequently asked questions
How many days do you need in Rome?
Three days covers the highlights: ancient Rome, the Vatican, and the centre's squares and fountains. With four or five you can add neighbourhoods, museums and a day trip at a relaxed pace.
Do I need to book the Colosseum and Vatican in advance?
Yes. Both sell out regularly, especially from spring to autumn. Book online through the official sites as soon as your dates are set.
Is it free to visit the Trevi Fountain?
The square is free. Since February 2026, going down to the basin edge costs €2 between 9am and 10pm, and it's free outside those hours, for residents, and for children under five.
Will my phone work in Rome?
Most unlocked phones from 2019 onwards support eSIM and work on Italian networks. Check yours on our compatible phones page.