Index:
Art-filled explorations: sightseeing in Rome
Fewer ingredients, more flavor: What to eat in Rome
Rome at a glance
- Stretching from the Colosseum to the Pantheon, from Bernini’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 supplì, 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 Rome’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 Airlines’ flights to Rome operate to Fiumicino – 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 – Leonardo da Vinci Airport to Rome city center?
Fiumicino – Leonardo da Vinci Airport, Italy’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 “TAXI” written on the roof. The relevant municipality’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?
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.
An aesthetically rich discovery: Places to visit in Rome
The Colosseum
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 holder’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 “archaeo-station” 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)
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 basin’s edge at a time. Since February 1, 2026, visitors who want to go down to the basin’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 Rome’s most romantic moments awaits you.
The Roman Forum and Palatine Hill
One of the largest archaeological sites in the world, the ancient Roman Forum served as a public square for the city’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 – one of the city’s famous “seven hills”. 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.
Pantheon
The Pantheon, which took its present form during the reign of Emperor Hadrian, means “temple of all the gods.” The Pantheon, the best-preserved structure to have survived from antiquity to the present day, still has the world’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 “oculus,” 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. Peter’s Basilica
Construction of St. Peter’s Basilica, one of the structures defining Rome’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 Pietà sculpture inside also bears his signature. Climbing to the dome and viewing the Vatican and Rome from above is one of the city’s most unforgettable experiences. Entry to the basilica is free, but the security line can be long; choose the early morning hours.
Piazza Venezia
Rome has extraordinary public spaces, of which the Piazza Venezia is one. Ranked among the city’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
Within walking distance of the Trevi Fountain, the Spanish Steps are among Rome’s very popular places to visit. With their 135 steps stretching from Piazza di Spagna to the Trinità dei Monti Church, they are one of the city’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 of Rome
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 world’s most valuable collections. It is impossible to include all the museums in the city here, but let’s start with the ones we definitely want you to see.
Borghese Gallery: Rome’s jewel box
First, let’s say this: The Borghese Gallery is not a museum you can enter on a whim, saying “let’s have a quick look,” 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 gallery’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 Caravaggio’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.
The ground floor of the villa is devoted to the sculpture collection, and Bernini is unquestionably the star here. When you stand before “Apollo and Daphne,” you wonder how marble can look so alive: Daphne’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 “The Rape of Proserpina,” Pluto’s fingers sinking into Proserpina’s flesh turns what seems impossible in marble into reality. Bernini’s “David,” with his sling drawn and his lips bitten, and the “Aeneas, Anchises and Ascanius” 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 Napoleon’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 Caravaggio’s paintings, from “Boy with a Basket of Fruit” to “David with the Head of Goliath,” in which the painter worked his own face into Goliath’s severed head, are brought together here in a single collection. Raphael’s “Deposition,” renowned for its emotional intensity, and Titian’s youthful masterpiece “Sacred and Profane Love” 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 Rome’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. Peter’s at sunset. These few hours, stretching from Bernini’s marbles to Rome’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
Occupying a distinguished place among Rome’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 Raphael’s Rooms to the Egyptian collection, from the Gallery of Maps to ancient sculptures, carries you step by step toward the grand finale: Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel. What is more, you are arriving just in time; conservation work on the “Last Judgment” 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
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 world’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 Constantine’s statue. And then there is the view of Rome from the museum’s terrace café.
Barberini Palace (Palazzo Barberini)
Palazzo Barberini, one of Baroque Rome’s most magnificent palaces, displays the collection of the National Gallery of Ancient Art, including Caravaggio’s “Judith Beheading Holofernes” and Raphael’s “La Fornarina.” The museum’s most enjoyable ritual is to recline on the seating in the middle of the hall and gaze up at Pietro da Cortona’s enormous ceiling fresco. The bee figures you will see in many corners of the palace come from the Barberini family’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. Peter’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 de’ 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
Rome’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 city’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.
- Sightseeing buses allow you to go directly to Rome’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 “Ferrovie Urbane” complement the metro line and have three branches: Roma – Lido, Roma – Viterbo, and Roma – Giardinetti. Among these lines, the most important for tourists is the Roma – 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?
Absolutely! Discovering Rome’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 city’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 capital’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, Rome’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 Rome’s oldest water sources, and the Pantheon, Ancient Rome’s best-preserved monument, and complete your walk.
What to eat in Rome?
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)
- Supplì (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 Trastevere’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?
As one of the world’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 Rome’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 Rome’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. Peter’s Basilica, Prati is ideal for those who want a calmer environment while still having easy access to major tourist attractions.
A few notes on Rome
Keep reading for tips on accommodation and transportation in Rome.
Where to stay in Rome
As one of the world’s most touristed cities, Rome offers a diverse range of accommodations. Pensions and hostels, luxury and boutique hotels, modern chain hotels and more – there are options to suit every budget and preference. For easier access to the city center, we suggest looking for accommodation near the following sites: Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon, Rione Monti, Piazza Spagna and Central Station.
If you want to plan your trip to Rome in an easy and practical way, check out Turkish Holidays holiday packages. These packages let you book the flights, reservations and transfers that are most convenient for you on one platform.
Transportation in Rome
Rome has an extensive urban transportation system that includes a metro, as well as buses. Taxis are also available, as are scooters.
Transportation from Fiumicino – Leonardo da Vinci Airport to the city center
The Rome city center is about 38 km from Fiumicino Airport. From the airport, buses and trains go to the city center, as do airport taxis. Car rentals are also available. The bus ride takes about 50 minutes. The train station is about a fifteen-minute walk from Terminal 3 and there are two options. The first, the Leonardo Express, arrives at Rome’s Termini Station in about thirty minutes. The second option is the FR1, known as the standard train.
We wish you a delicious, exploratory journey!
