HomeItaly travel guideRome travel guideRome travel guide: Places to visit, practical information and tailored routes

Rome travel guide: Places to visit, practical information and tailored routes

The Eternal City was, according to legend, founded by one of the twin demigods Romulus and Remus. Abandoned on the banks of the Tiber River, the twins were saved by the river god and nursed by a she-wolf. Eventually, Romulus founded the city and became its first king.

From those beginnings, Rome became the center of a vast empire, and it still exerts a powerful pull. The city โ€“ almost a bridge from antiquity to the present โ€“ offers historical depth, stunning architecture and a charm that never fades.

Turkish Airlines Blog
Turkish Airlines Blog
With this account, managed by our writer team, we welcome all who love travel and exploration to enjoy these blog posts. And we gently remind our readers of the delight to be found in 'hitting the road'. As Tolstoy said: โ€œAll great literature is one of two stories; a man goes on a journey or a stranger comes to town.โ€

Rome at a glance

An aerial view of a city at sunset, featuring a river crossed by historic arched bridges, with a large domed building and the surrounding cityscape in the background
An aerial view of a city at sunset, featuring a river crossed by historic arched bridges, with a large domed building and the surrounding cityscape in the background
  • Stretching from the Colosseum to the Pantheon, from Berniniโ€™s marbles to the waters of Trevi, Rome is an open-air museum with three thousand years of history.
  • Rome is the only capital in the world with this distinction, as it contains a separate state within its borders: the Vatican.
  • Explore the heart of the city on foot: A three-day itinerary that sets aside one day for Ancient Rome, one day for the Vatican, and one day for the Borghese Gallery and the squares is ideal.
  • The secret of Roman cuisine, from carbonara to supplรฌ, lies in a few ingredients; for the real flavors, walk one or two streets back from the tourist squares.
  • The Metro C stations that opened in 2025 have also made access to the Colosseum easier.

Where is Rome?

Rome is located in central Italy. Because it is in the center of the country, it is close to many other tourist regions in Italy. It is also located in the Lazio region, on the banks of the Tiber River. The city center does not have a coastline. However, the district of Ostia is located on the coast and is known as Romeโ€™s seaside. Since Rome is also close to the Apennine Mountains, day trips from the city to the mountains are organized by car. In addition, Rome is 270 km from Florence, 270 km from the Amalfi Coast region, and 280 km from the Tuscany region. The distance between Rome and Venice is approximately 520 km.


How to get to Rome?

The best way to get to Rome is generally by air. Turkish Airlinesโ€™ flights to Rome operate to Fiumicino โ€“ Leonardo da Vinci Airport. Direct flights from Istanbul Airport to Rome take approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes. The duration of connecting flights varies depending on domestic and international departure points.

By buying a flight ticket to Rome, you can find yourself in the middle of this open-air museum within a few hours. If you would like to plan your trip more advantageously, you can also check Turkish Airlines Holidays vacation packages, which offer flight tickets and accommodation together.

How to get from Fiumicino โ€“ Leonardo da Vinci Airport to Rome city center?

Airport terminal building, passenger aircraft parked on the runway in front of it, and a dense cluster of clouds in the sky
Airport terminal building, passenger aircraft parked on the runway in front of it, and a dense cluster of clouds in the sky

Fiumicino โ€“ Leonardo da Vinci Airport, Italyโ€™s largest airport, is located approximately 28 km from Rome city center. The most popular options for transportation from the airport to Rome city center are express train, bus, and taxis.

  •  Leonardo Express trains operate directly and non-stop between the airport and Roma Termini, the main train station in the city center. By taking these trains, you can reach the city center in approximately 30 minutes. Leonardo Express services run from early morning until midnight.
  • To travel from the airport to the city center by bus, you can take buses operated by companies such as SIT Bus Shuttle or Terravision. These buses carry passengers from Terminal 3 to Termini Station in the city center. You can buy your ticket from the Terminal 3 ticket office or directly on board. The journey by bus takes approximately 50 minutes.
  • There are also taxis in the Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 areas. Authorized taxi vehicles are white and have โ€œTAXIโ€ written on the roof. The relevant municipalityโ€™s symbol is fixed to the front doors, and the license plate number appears on the doors, at the rear, and inside the vehicle.

When to visit Rome?

People walking and cycling on a historic stone bridge, angel statues standing on both sides of the bridge, and classical European buildings in the background
People walking and cycling on a historic stone bridge, angel statues standing on both sides of the bridge, and classical European buildings in the background

The best time to visit Rome is between October and April, when tourist crowds have largely decreased and room prices are lower. However, if you want to go in slightly warmer weather, you can visit Rome in May or September. During these months, average temperatures are around 20-30 degrees. If you plan to go in June or August, remember that these are peak season months and temperatures rise considerably. You can also plan your Rome trip around a few festivals and events.


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An aesthetically rich discovery: Places to visit in Rome

The Baroque-style Trevi Fountain, Rome, Italy
The Baroque-style Trevi Fountain, Rome, Italy

The Colosseum

Colosseum
The Colosseum, one of the most famous structures in Rome and in the world

At the top of our list of places to visit in Rome is the Colosseum, the symbol of the city and even of Italy. Construction of this giant amphitheater began in 72 CE and took about 10 years to complete. With a capacity of 50,000, it has hosted many events, from gladiator fights to public spectacles. The structure, which is on the UNESCO World Heritage List, welcomes millions of visitors every year.

Current visiting notes: As of 2026, the standard ticket costs 18 euros, and with the same ticket you can also visit the Roman Forum and the Palatine Hill. For those who want to go down to the arena floor, the Full Experience ticket costs 24 euros. Tickets are issued in the ticket holderโ€™s name, ID checks are conducted at the entrance, and official sales open 30 days before the visit date. Because capacities fill up quickly in the summer months, we recommend buying your ticket on the day it goes on sale. Visitors under 18 enter free of charge, but a reservation is still required.

And one more piece of good news: Thanks to the Colosseo-Fori Imperiali station on Metro Line C, which opened in December 2025, reaching the Colosseum directly by metro is now easier. What is more, this station is not an ordinary stop; it is a true โ€œarchaeo-stationโ€ where hundreds of artifacts uncovered during excavations are displayed. The moment you step off the train, your journey through history begins.

Photo tip: For impressive photos of the Colosseum, the nearby Palatine Belvedere Terrace and Roman Forum offer good angles. You can also capture great photos by going inside the Colosseum.

Trevi Fountain (Fountain of Love)

The magnificent Baroque Trevi Fountain in Rome, Italy
The magnificent Baroque Trevi Fountain in Rome, Italy

Rome is an open-air museum in its own right, but it is also the city of love and romance. The place where you can truly feel this texture of the city is, without a doubt, the Trevi Fountain. Begun in 1732 in the hands of architect Nicola Salvi and taking 30 years to complete, the fountain is one of the most magnificent examples of late Baroque architecture. At the center, the figure of Neptune, god of the sea, is the protagonist of this scene where water and marble dance together. According to tradition, if you stand with your back to the fountain and toss a coin into the water over your left shoulder with your right hand, you will surely return to Rome one day.

After a comprehensive restoration in October-December 2024, the fountain now operates with controlled entry, and no more than 400 people may go down to the basinโ€™s edge at a time. Since February 1, 2026, visitors who want to go down to the basinโ€™s edge have paid 2 euros; under this system, which applies from 11.30 to 22.00 on weekdays and from 09.00 to 22.00 on weekends, nighttime hours are free. You do not pay any fee to view the fountain from the square or the upper level. Children under 6 and visitors with disabilities are exempt from the fee. Seeing the fountain with its nighttime lighting is also recommended. When the crowds disperse, the sound of the water fills the square, and one of Romeโ€™s most romantic moments awaits you.

The Roman Forum and Palatine Hill

Roman Forum
Rome Forum, one of Romeโ€™s top tourist attractions

One of the largest archaeological sites in the world, the ancient Roman Forum served as a public square for the cityโ€™s residents: trade and commerce were conducted here, along with legal proceedings, public speeches, festivals and religious activities. The Forum also contained numerous structures, including the Temple of Saturn and the Arch of Septimus Severus. Today most of these structures are in ruins, but the site is fascinating in terms of the layers of history it contains.

Less than a five-minute walk from the Roman Forum is Palatine Hill โ€“ one of the cityโ€™s famous โ€œseven hillsโ€. In antiquity, Palatine Hill was an upscale neighborhood, home to aristocrats; it is also believed to be the location of the cave where Romulus and Remus were nursed by a wolf. Today, Palatine Hill offers splendid views of the city.

The Pantheon

The monumental classical-columned entrance of the historic Pantheon temple in Rome, Italy
The monumental classical-columned entrance of the historic Pantheon temple in Rome, Italy

The Pantheon, which took its present form during the reign of Emperor Hadrian, means โ€œtemple of all the gods.โ€ The Pantheon, the best-preserved structure to have survived from antiquity to the present day, still has the worldโ€™s largest unsupported concrete dome, measuring 43 meters. The light that filters in through the opening at the center of the dome, known as the โ€œoculus,โ€ creates a different atmosphere at every hour of the day. The tomb of Raphael, the genius of the Renaissance, is also located here.

Visiting note: Entry to the Pantheon has been paid for since 2023. Since tickets are issued by name, do not forget to bring your ID.

St. Peterโ€™s Basilica

St. Peterโ€™s Basilica in Vatican City, Rome, Italy
St. Peterโ€™s Basilica in Vatican City, Rome, Italy

Construction of St. Peterโ€™s Basilica, one of the structures defining Romeโ€™s skyline, began in 1506 and was completed in 1626. The principal architect of the magnificent dome of the basilica, the largest church in the Christian world, was Michelangelo, the towering figure of the Italian Renaissance. The Pietร  sculpture inside also bears his signature. Climbing to the dome and viewing the Vatican and Rome from above is one of the cityโ€™s most unforgettable experiences. Entry to the basilica is free, but the security line can be long; choose the early morning hours.

Piazza Venezia

Piazza Venezia, inspired by the Venice Embassy Building
Piazza Venezia, inspired by the Venice Embassy Building

Rome has extraordinary public spaces, of which the Piazza Venezia is one. Ranked among the cityโ€™s most famous squares, it is also considered the center of the city.

Inspired by the Venice Embassy Building, the square is named after the city of Venice, and is flanked by the monumental Altar of the Fatherland (Altare della Patria), a memorial to Victor Emmanuel II.

Spanish Steps

The broad Spanish Steps in the background at the historic Spanish Square in Rome, Italy
The broad Spanish Steps in the background at the historic Spanish Square in Rome, Italy

Within walking distance of the Trevi Fountain, the Spanish Steps are among Romeโ€™s very popular places to visit. With their 135 steps stretching from Piazza di Spagna to the Trinitร  dei Monti Church, they are one of the cityโ€™s gathering spots. The steps, named after the Spanish Embassy in the area and with a history of more than 300 years, have been closed to sitting since 2019 in order to protect them. The Barcaccia Fountain at the foot of the steps and the elegant shop windows along Via dei Condotti, which begins right beside them, complete your discovery.


Museums in Rome

The elegant architecture of the historic Borghese Gallery and Villa in Rome, Italy, with its two symmetrical towers
The elegant architecture of the historic Borghese Gallery and Villa in Rome, Italy, with its two symmetrical towers

If you are looking for places to visit in Rome, open a separate page for museums. Because museum visits are definitely an activity you should set aside a significant part of your time in the city. When you get tired of walking through the streets, you can find yourself inside one of the worldโ€™s most valuable collections. It is impossible to include all the museums in the city here, but letโ€™s start with the ones we definitely want you to see.

Borghese Gallery: Romeโ€™s jewel box

Galleria Borghese, Rome, Italy
Galleria Borghese, Rome, Italy

First, letโ€™s say this: The Borghese Gallery is not a museum you can enter on a whim, saying โ€œletโ€™s have a quick look,โ€ as you pass by. And that is exactly why it is the most special art experience in Rome. Hidden in the lush green heart of Villa Borghese, this 17th-century villa is considered one of the museums with the highest concentration of masterpieces in the world.

Its story is as impressive as its collection. The galleryโ€™s founder, Cardinal Scipione Borghese, was the nephew of Pope Paul V and perhaps one of the most passionate collectors in art history. With an incredible instinct for discovering young talent, the cardinal collected Caravaggioโ€™s paintings before anyone else and recognized the genius of Gian Lorenzo Bernini while Bernini was still a child, taking him under his protection. The collection you see in the gallery today is largely the product of this vision.

On the left, a stone statue; behind it, a large historic palace building with wide windows and columned arches, and a grassy area
On the left, a stone statue; behind it, a large historic palace building with wide windows and columned arches, and a grassy area

The ground floor of the villa is devoted to the sculpture collection, and Bernini is unquestionably the star here. When you stand before โ€œApollo and Daphne,โ€ you wonder how marble can look so alive: Daphneโ€™s fingertips turn into laurel leaves before your eyes, her hair blows in the wind, and this entire moment of transformation is frozen forever in stone. Nearby, in โ€œThe Rape of Proserpina,โ€ Plutoโ€™s fingers sinking into Proserpinaโ€™s flesh turns what seems impossible in marble into reality. Berniniโ€™s โ€œDavid,โ€ with his sling drawn and his lips bitten, and the โ€œAeneas, Anchises and Ascaniusโ€ group, which he carved when he was only 20, also await you on the same floor. The reclining figure by Neoclassical master Antonio Canova, depicting Napoleonโ€™s sister Paolina Borghese as Venus, the goddess of victory, is another icon of the ground floor.

The upper floor, in other words, the picture gallery, is no less impressive than the floor below. Six of Caravaggioโ€™s paintings, from โ€œBoy with a Basket of Fruitโ€ to โ€œDavid with the Head of Goliath,โ€ in which the painter worked his own face into Goliathโ€™s severed head, are brought together here in a single collection. Raphaelโ€™s โ€œDeposition,โ€ renowned for its emotional intensity, and Titianโ€™s youthful masterpiece โ€œSacred and Profane Loveโ€ are also among the must-see works on the upper floor. What is more, all these masterpieces are displayed in rooms that are themselves works of art, with frescoed ceilings and colored marbles.

Plan your visit like this: The gallery can only be visited with a reservation, and a strict session system is in place. There are five sessions a day (two-hour slots between 09.00 and 19.00), and only a limited number of visitors are admitted to each session. At the end of two hours, the rooms are cleared; so arrive 15 minutes before your appointment and determine your route in advance. Our suggestion is to set aside 60-70 minutes for the ground floor and 40-50 minutes for the upper floor. Because sessions fill up days in advance, especially on weekends, we recommend buying your ticket before you arrive in Rome. If you prefer a guided tour, you can learn the most detailed stories behind the works mentioned above. The gallery is closed on Mondays.

Do not rush after you leave. Villa Borghese Park is one of Romeโ€™s largest green spaces, and the area around the gallery is surrounded by shaded walking paths, small ponds, and pine trees. If you walk toward the Pincio Terrace at the western edge of the park, you can catch the famous orange light falling over Piazza del Popolo and the dome of St. Peterโ€™s at sunset. These few hours, stretching from Berniniโ€™s marbles to Romeโ€™s sunset, are a strong contender for the most romantic part of your trip. You can also take a boat ride on the lake inside the park, and if you decide to pause by the water, you can watch the turtles living in the lake.

The Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel

The long vaulted ceiling of the Gallery of Maps in the Vatican Museums in Rome, Italy
The long vaulted ceiling of the Gallery of Maps in the Vatican Museums in Rome, Italy

Occupying a distinguished place among Romeโ€™s museums, the Vatican Museums are one of the most visited museum complexes in the world. They display the treasures accumulated by Renaissance popes over the centuries across 54 galleries. The route, stretching from Raphaelโ€™s Rooms to the Egyptian collection, from the Gallery of Maps to ancient sculptures, carries you step by step toward the grand finale: Michelangeloโ€™s Sistine Chapel. What is more, you are arriving just in time; conservation work on the โ€œLast Judgmentโ€ fresco in the chapel was completed in March 2026, and the work is once again before visitors, with colors more vivid than they have been in decades.

Visiting notes: Admission is 20 euros, or 25 euros with the online reservation fee. Because the daily number of visitors is very high, be sure to buy a timed ticket in advance; otherwise, you may lose hours in queues stretching along the walls. Entry is free on the last Sunday of every month, but be prepared for crowds that day. The dress code requiring shoulders and knees to be covered applies.

Capitoline Museums

Capitoline Museum, Rome, Italy
Capitoline Museum, Rome, Italy

We can briefly describe the Capitoline Museums like this: Everything there is to know about Rome! Spread across the two sides of Piazza del Campidoglio, designed by Michelangelo, the museums are considered the worldโ€™s first public museum, having opened to the public in 1734. The stars of the collection include the Capitoline She-Wolf, the symbol of the city; the original equestrian statue of Marcus Aurelius; and the colossal fragments of Constantineโ€™s statue. And then there is the view of Rome from the museumโ€™s terrace cafรฉ.

Barberini Palace (Palazzo Barberini)

The ground-floor gallery of the historic Palazzo Barberini building in Rome, Italy, supported by classical columns
The ground-floor gallery of the historic Palazzo Barberini building in Rome, Italy, supported by classical columns

Palazzo Barberini, one of Baroque Romeโ€™s most magnificent palaces, displays the collection of the National Gallery of Ancient Art, including Caravaggioโ€™s โ€œJudith Beheading Holofernesโ€ and Raphaelโ€™s โ€œLa Fornarina.โ€ The museumโ€™s most enjoyable ritual is to recline on the seating in the middle of the hall and gaze up at Pietro da Cortonaโ€™s enormous ceiling fresco. The bee figures you will see in many corners of the palace come from the Barberini familyโ€™s coat of arms. The two separate staircases in the same building, one signed by Bernini and the other by his rival Borromini, also offer an opportunity for architectural comparison.


Three days in Rome: Special itinerary

Three days may not be enough for Rome, but with the right plan, you can still feel the spirit of the city to the fullest. Here are our itinerary suggestions for your Rome trip:

Day 1: Ancient Rome

Start early in the morning at the Colosseum, then visit the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill with the same ticket. In the afternoon, include the Capitoline Museums and Piazza Venezia in your route. Toward evening, head to Trastevere; get lost in its cobblestone streets and crown the day with carbonara at a trattoria.

Day 2: The Vatican and Baroque Rome

Start the day with the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel, then visit St. Peterโ€™s Basilica. In the afternoon, cross the bridge to Piazza Navona, then walk to the Pantheon. In the evening, make your wish at the Trevi Fountain; later in the day, the crowds thin and the lighting becomes enchanting.

Day 3: Art and dolce vita

Meet Bernini and Caravaggio at the Borghese Gallery, where you have reserved your spot for the morning session. Then walk through Villa Borghese Park and view the city from the Pincio Terrace. Continue with shopping around the Spanish Steps and Via dei Condotti; end the day with an aperitivo around Campo deโ€™ Fiori.


How many days does it take to visit Rome?

To visit Rome without rushing, with time to wander a little through its streets, 3-4 days is generally ideal. This period allows you to devote a full day to major places such as the Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps, and Colosseum, and to take day trips to the far side of the Tiber River and farther afield to the Tivoli Gardens or the beaches of Lido di Ostia. For this reason, you return fully satisfied from a well-planned 3- or 4-day trip. If you have less time, you can also visit the most essential must-see places in 2 days.


Getting around Rome

The historic Colosseum in Rome, Italy, captured at sunset with a red bus passing by in a motion blur in the foreground
The historic Colosseum in Rome, Italy, captured at sunset with a red bus passing by in a motion blur in the foreground

Romeโ€™s public transportation system is quite varied, and prices are considered relatively affordable. The main means of transportation in the city are the metro, buses, sightseeing route buses, trams, trains, and taxis:

  • The city metro consists of only three lines and is one of the smallest metro systems in Europe. Nevertheless, it reaches the cityโ€™s most important landmarks. Line A (Orange) is the line most used by both locals and tourists. It runs from the northwest to the southeast of Rome, stopping at 27 stations. The other lines are known as Line B (Blue) and Line C (Verde).
  • Rome has around 350 bus routes. Therefore, finding the right bus can sometimes be difficult. Delays and long waiting times are also quite common. Bus tickets can be purchased from any metro station, newsstand, or market.
A moving red double-decker tourist bus in the foreground, with the historic Colosseum building standing in all its grandeur in the background under a blue sky
A moving red double-decker tourist bus in the foreground, with the historic Colosseum building standing in all its grandeur in the background under a blue sky
  • Sightseeing buses allow you to go directly to Romeโ€™s most interesting points. These buses, which offer English narration, operate every day from 09.00 in the morning until 17.45 in the evening. There are also tourist buses on which you can take a night tour.
  • Rome has 6 tram lines. However, these lines do not appeal much to tourists because they do not reach the center of Rome.
  • Urban trains known as โ€œFerrovie Urbaneโ€ complement the metro line and have three branches: Roma โ€“ Lido, Roma โ€“ Viterbo, and Roma โ€“ Giardinetti. Among these lines, the most important for tourists is the Roma โ€“ Lido line because it stops at Ostia Antica.
  • Taxis in Rome are considered expensive. All taxis in Rome are white, with a taxi sign and a visible taximeter at the front of the vehicle.

Can Rome be explored on foot?

A woman in pink pants with a camera walking down broad stone steps; in the background, a historic church with two towers and an obelisk
A woman in pink pants with a camera walking down broad stone steps; in the background, a historic church with two towers and an obelisk

Absolutely! Discovering Romeโ€™s narrow streets, Renaissance atmosphere, and hidden courtyards from a bus window is not enough. A walking tour in Rome is one of the most enjoyable ways to discover the cityโ€™s timeless charm and magnificent history. From the ancient grandeur of the Colosseum to the cobblestones of Trastevere, walking in Rome helps you feel the rhythm of a city that has been standing for more than two thousand years. It is possible to discover some of the capitalโ€™s most famous tourist attractions with a 2- to 3-hour walking tour.

You can create this walking route with places such as the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, Vatican, and Pantheon. You can start your walk with the Colosseum, Romeโ€™s famous amphitheater. Next to the Colosseum, you can continue with the Arch of Constantine, one of the best-preserved monuments from Ancient Rome to the present day. Then, as you proceed down Via di S. Gregorio, you will see Palatine Hill on your right. This is where the imperial palaces of the Roman emperors were located and where Romulus founded the city. Then continue to the Basilica of Santa Maria and let the road lead you to the Roman Forum. Here you can discover the remains of temples, assembly halls, and monuments in the heart of Ancient Rome. You can continue with the Trevi Fountain, one of Romeโ€™s oldest water sources, and the Pantheon, Ancient Romeโ€™s best-preserved monument, and complete your walk.


What to eat in Rome?

Spaghetti carbonara, one of Rome's most famous dishes
Spaghetti carbonara, one of Rome’s most famous dishes

Italian cuisine is legendary and, in Rome, fine dining culture dates from antiquity. Keep in mind that one of the earliest known cookbooks, On the Subject of Cooking, is attributed to Apicius, a Roman who allegedly lived in the first century AD.

The trademark of modern Roman cuisine is its seeming simplicity: few ingredients, but of the highest quality. Fresh tomatoes, rosemary, garlic and olive oil stand out in Roman cooking. Among our favorites:

  • Pasta alla carbonara (the legendary pasta made with eggs, pecorino, and guanciale)
  • Cacio e pepe (pasta that enchants with the simplicity of cheese and black pepper)
  • Carciofi alla romana and carciofi alla giudia (Roman-style and Jewish-style artichokes)
  • Fiori di zucca (fried stuffed zucchini flowers)
  • Supplรฌ (fried rice balls with melted mozzarella inside)
  • Pizza alla romana (Roman-style pizza with a paper-thin, crispy crust)
  • Maritozzo (a sweet cream-filled bun, the star of breakfasts)
  • Gelato (from a real gelateria, preferably pistachio)

For dining, note Trastevereโ€™s friendly trattorias, and for a more local experience, the Testaccio neighborhood. One small tip: Walking one or two streets back instead of choosing restaurants facing tourist squares is good for both your bill and your palate.


Where to stay in Rome?

The Trastevere district. A scooter parked on a cobblestone street, flowers in pots, and pastel-colored historic buildings
The Trastevere district. A scooter parked on a cobblestone street, flowers in pots, and pastel-colored historic buildings

As one of the worldโ€™s most visited cities, Rome offers accommodation options in every concept, from guesthouses to five-star hotels:

  • If you want to visit iconic places on foot, choose Centro Storico. Most of Romeโ€™s iconic places, including Piazza Navona and the Spanish Steps, are located here.
  • The Termini Station area is practical in terms of transportation. It is also a place where you can find more economical options. This area may be preferred especially for day trips from Rome.
  • If you are looking for enchanting streets, delicious food, and a romantic atmosphere, Trastevere is your best option. It is more ideal for those who prefer atmosphere over proximity to the center.
  • If you want to be close to stylish cafes and boutique shops, choose Monti. Monti is one of Romeโ€™s coolest and most modern spots. It is also located close to the Colosseum.
  • The Prati area is a clean and spacious district. Home to structures such as St. Peterโ€™s Basilica, Prati is ideal for those who want a calmer environment while still having easy access to major tourist attractions.

What to buy from Rome?

Leather shoulder bags in various colors and sizes hanging outdoors; blurred people walking and a stone-paved street in the background
Leather shoulder bags in various colors and sizes hanging outdoors; blurred people walking and a stone-paved street in the background

There are many things you can buy from Rome as souvenirs or travel keepsakes. You can browse handmade leather shops on the cobblestone streets, from high-quality bags to wallets, belts, and gloves. You can also choose handmade ceramics that reflect Italian art. You can find plenty of ceramic products such as an ornate vase or colorful kitchenware in the Trastevere area. If you want to shop more for food and drink, your choice should be olive oil. You can find extra virgin olive oils produced from local olive groves in shops all around the city.


Why visit Rome?

Rome is an ancient and enjoyable city that welcomes millions of tourists every year. Above all, it is a perfect destination for history and architecture enthusiasts. In Rome, which hosted one of the worldโ€™s greatest empires, you feel as if you have entered a history lesson. We are not only talking about iconic historical sites like the Colosseum. In addition, from ruins to ancient streets, there are countless places for cultural tourism in Rome. Many of the tourist attractions to visit are free as well. Beyond these, Rome has an atmosphere that invites visitors to explore. You can wander through the labyrinths of the Trastevere district and learn how classic pasta dishes are made under the supervision of master chefs.


Practical information for your Rome trip

People walking on a crowded street surrounded by buildings with historic architecture, with an obelisk and a monument rising on the horizon in the background
People walking on a crowded street surrounded by buildings with historic architecture, with an obelisk and a monument rising on the horizon in the background
  • Italy uses the euro (EUR) as its official currency. Although Rome is an important tourism center, other currencies such as the US dollar or British pound are not very common.
  • Credit and debit cards are widespread across the country, but keep some cash with you for small purchases, tips, or rural areas.
  • Type C and Type L sockets are used as standard in Italy. You can take a plug adapter with you for this.
  • Sitting on the Spanish Steps is prohibited. This is a rule to protect the historic structure and control overtourism.
  • Rome gets seriously hot in the summer months. If you are taking your trip in summer, do not stay under the sun during the hottest hours of the day.

Places to visit near Rome

Because Rome is located in the middle of Italy, it is considered close to other tourist regions nearby as well. If you have time, you can add new places to your route after your Rome trip. Here are a few suggestions:

  • Tivoli is a town in the Lazio region of central Italy and is located about 29 kilometers east of Rome. You can go here for historic villas, enchanting gardens, and rich Italian culture. What is more, you can easily reach Tivoli from Rome by train.
  • Via Appia is an average of 17 km from Rome city center. You can discover Ancient Rome wonderfully by cycling on Via Appia.
  • Ostia Antica is a historic area only 30 km from Rome. The excavation areas of the Ancient Roman port city await you here. Day trips to the area are also frequently organized by train.
  • Pompeii is located approximately 241 kilometers south of Rome. Here you can see the well-preserved remains of the Ancient Roman city that remained under volcanic ash for centuries after the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. Since it is the only archaeological site that offers a complete picture of an Ancient Roman city, it is also on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Frequently asked questions

What are 11 places to visit in Rome?

Among the top 11 places you absolutely must see in Rome, we can list the Colosseum, the Vatican, Trevi Fountain (Fountain of Love), the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, the Pantheon, St. Peterโ€™s Basilica, the Spanish Steps, the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel, Piazza Venezia, Villa Borghese and the Trastevere district.

When to visit Rome?

Rome, where a Mediterranean climate prevails, is a city that can be visited year-round. Still, the heat in July and August can make long days spent outdoors challenging. The most comfortable periods are April-June and September-October. The winter months, meanwhile, mean a calmer Rome experience and shorter queues.

How is transportation in Rome?

In Rome, the metro, bus, and tram network covers much of the city, and with a single ticket you can transfer for 100 minutes. The cityโ€™s most recent news is Metro Line C: the Colosseo-Fori Imperiali and Porta Metronia stations, which opened in December 2025, both make access to the historic center easier and have been designed like museums where artifacts uncovered during excavations are displayed. Colosseo station also provides a connection to Line B.

How to get from Fiumicino – Leonardo da Vinci Airport to Rome city center?

The fastest option for getting from Fiumicino – Leonardo da Vinci Airport to Rome city center is the Leonardo Express train, which takes you to Termini Station in about half an hour. If you are looking for a more economical alternative, you can choose the FL1 suburban train or airport buses. In the historic center, however, the most enjoyable means of transportation is always your own two feet; the eternal city of Rome saves its surprises for those who walk.

How many days should you stay in Rome?

Three days is an ideal starting point for seeing the cityโ€™s main landmarks. You can create a satisfying itinerary by setting aside one day for the Colosseum and Ancient Rome, one day for the Vatican, and one day for the Borghese Gallery and the squares. For those who can spare the time, four or five days offer the opportunity to explore the city at a much calmer pace.

Is there a sea in Rome?

There is no sea in the center of Rome, but the city is approximately 30-35 kilometers from the Tyrrhenian Sea. In summer, you can swim in the Tyrrhenian Sea. Apart from this, there are many beaches nearby. The closest is Ostia. Located approximately 30 kilometers from the city center, Ostia beach is especially preferred by locals.

Is there an entrance fee to visit the Trevi Fountain?

Since February 1, 2026, visitors have paid 2 euros to go down to the fountainโ€™s basin edge. The fee applies from 11.30 to 22.00 on weekdays and from 09.00 to 22.00 on weekends; entry is free during nighttime hours. You do not pay any fee to view the fountain from the square or the upper level.

Can you enter the Borghese Gallery without a reservation?

No, the gallery can only be visited with a timed reservation. There are five sessions a day, and each visitor tours the museum during a two-hour time slot. Because sessions fill up days in advance, especially on weekends and during high season, you need to buy your ticket before your trip. Do not forget that the gallery is closed on Mondays.

What does the Colosseum ticket include?

The standard Colosseum ticket costs 18 euros and also includes entry to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. For those who want to go down to the arena floor, the Full Experience ticket costs 24 euros. Since tickets are issued in your name, you show your ID at the entrance, and official sales open 30 days before the visit date.

Can you visit both the Vatican and the Colosseum in one day in Rome?

Technically, it is possible, but we do not recommend it. Both areas require more than half a day, and considering the distance between them, squeezing them into the same day rushes the experience. Setting aside a separate day for each offers a much more enjoyable itinerary.

What is Romeโ€™s famous dish?

Among the flavors you absolutely must try in Rome are artichokes, local pizzas, and Pasta alla Gricia, the famous pasta dish. Also, if you like pastries, Maritozzi, a traditional Italian delicacy made with fluffy bread and rich cream, is the right choice.

*The date of this blog post may have been updated due to additional content. Please be aware that information on fees and transportation is subject to change. The content of this post reflects the author's opinion and views.

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