Rome travel guide: sights, food and transport

Plan Rome from the Colosseum and Forum to its squares and Trastevere streets, balancing history, food and travel between sights.

Seasons are distinct; check temperature, rain and wind before travelling and pack in layers.

• Group major sights by neighbourhood to reduce unnecessary travel.
• Check timed tickets in advance for busy museums and landmarks.
• Combine walking with public transport in the centre.

• Historic centre: First visits and walking.
• Main-station area: Transport and day trips.
• Creative districts: Cafés and nightlife.
• Outer neighbourhoods: Quieter, roomier options.

• Carbonara
• Cacio e pepe
• Amatriciana
• Supplì
• Carciofi alla romana

• Natale di Roma — April
• Estate Romana — summer
• Roma Film Festival — October
• Festa della Repubblica — June
• Christmas and Epiphany — December/January

Colosseum

Visit the ancient amphitheatre and check arena and underground ticket coverage separately.

Roman Forum

Walk among temple remains and public buildings of the ancient city.

Palatine Hill

Explore imperial palace remains and views over the Forum.

Pantheon

Plan visiting time to see the ancient dome and open oculus.

Trevi Fountain

See the monumental fountain from the square and check access rules for the lower viewing area.

Vatican Museums

Allow time for the extensive art collection and Sistine Chapel with a timed ticket.

St Peter’s Basilica

Explore the basilica and square, checking dome access separately.

Sistine Chapel

See Michelangelo’s frescoes as part of a Vatican Museums visit.

Piazza Navona

Explore fountains and façades in the square preserving an ancient stadium’s shape.

Spanish Steps

Walk briefly between Piazza di Spagna and Trinità dei Monti.

Castel Sant’Angelo

Pair the imperial tomb turned fortress with a walk beside the Tiber.

Trastevere

Explore cobbled neighbourhood streets and the Santa Maria square on foot.

Borghese Gallery

Check reserved entry slots for Bernini sculptures and the painting collection.

Capitoline Museums

Explore ancient sculptures and Roman history on the Capitoline Hill.

Campo de’ Fiori

Explore market stalls and surrounding streets at different times of day.

Appian Way

Plan walking and transport along the ancient road beyond the centre.

Baths of Caracalla

Explore the vast walls and open spaces of the Roman bath complex.

Santa Maria Maggiore

See the historic basilica’s mosaics and architecture while respecting worship.

Aventine Keyhole

Plan a short stop for the framed dome view through the small opening in the gate.

Ostia Antica

Allow time outside the centre for the ancient port town’s streets and building remains.

ATAC Metro, trams and buses use time-based tickets; Tap&Go requires the same card for transfers.