{"id":59026,"date":"2021-05-07T00:46:58","date_gmt":"2021-05-07T00:46:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.headout.com\/blog\/?p=59026"},"modified":"2025-04-13T17:47:04","modified_gmt":"2025-04-13T13:47:04","slug":"rome-travel-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.headout.com\/blog\/rome-travel-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"A first timer’s guide to everything in Rome"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The ancient seat of the progenitors of Western Civilisation, Rome<\/a> is a classic European city that is a mix of historic ruins, stunning works of art & architecture, great food and a vibrant city life making it one of the most beautiful and romantic cities in the world.<\/p>\n

Rome has an immensely rich cultural heritage, which makes it one of Europe\u2019s most stunning cities to visit. Its contemporary fashion offerings and modern nightlife, coupled with its historic legacy make it attractive for travellers of all ages and interest groups. If you\u2019re a nature lover, Rome\u2019s beautiful gardens and the nature are a treat for the eyes. Loved Gladiator? You can act the part by enrolling in Gladiator school. Love the food? Rome\u2019s multitude of Italian cooking classes offer a chance to interact with the locals and make some lasting memories. Are you a movie buff? Recreate Roman Holiday on a vespa at night. And if you\u2019ve got the stomach for it, visit the Roman catacombs and see 4,000 bones of Capuchin monks.<\/p>\n

Indeed, Rome has an experience for every traveller, making it a truly global city.<\/p>\n

Why Rome?<\/h2>\n

A rich history, cobble stoned paths, stunning architecture, centuries-old palaces \u2013 Rome has it all.<\/p>\n

One of Europe\u2019s most historical cities, Rome balances its past with its present, as the historic ruins stand in the heart of this sprawling contemporary city. Its strong cultural offerings make it a must-visit destination! The ancient ruins will take you back in time. Home to the Pope, you can also visit the center of Catholicism at the Vatican and marvel at the grand architecture. No trip to Rome is complete without admiring the treasure trove of art in the museums across the city. Rome\u2019s modern orchestra building and the variety of philharmonic performances are a must watch. And, of course, you can learn all about the mighty Roman Empire which once controlled most of southern Europe and northern Africa.<\/p>\n

The Romans really know how to party and have a good time – the rising number of nightclubs is a testament to that fact. If you\u2019re not into clubbing, many of Rome\u2019s trendy bars serve aperitivo, or the Italian version of Happy Hour, for you to relax and unwind. The rise in upscale restaurants that serve food from all around the world points to the changing tastes of the Romans, and its rise as a global city. <\/p>\n

Speaking of food, Rome\u2019s strong and distinctive style of cooking sets it apart from the rest of Italian cuisine. The Romans liked to push boundaries when it came to their food, and it shows in their bold use of ingredients. Rome\u2019s pizza al taglio, or pizza by the slice, their suppli (fried rice ball with mozzarella), and the spaghetti carbonara are some must-try delicacies. And if you\u2019ve got a sweet tooth, Roman croissants and breads, especially the crostata ricotta and torta ricotta with cherries, are absolutely scrumptious. <\/p>\n

Top 10 things to do in Rome <\/h2>\n

Just the word \u2018Rome\u2019 conjures images of the magnificent Colosseum<\/a>, cobbled streets, opulent monuments, majestic churches, and fascinating historic ruins. Within it is also the one of the holiest cities in the world – Vatican City<\/a>, which is the home of the Pope, and an utter delight to explore. A traveller\u2019s paradise, the city has something for everyone, be it art, history, culture, food, or nightlife.<\/p>\n

In this guide, we will take a look at the 10 best things do in Rome \u2014 whether you’re looking at museums, churches, or even monuments from Ancient Rome<\/a>, you will find them in this list. However, if you want to take a deeper look into the different activities, then click on the markers above to go to that list.<\/p>\n

\"Rome 1 <\/span> Colosseum<\/span> <\/a> \"Rome 2 <\/span> St. Peter’s Basilica<\/span> <\/a> \"Rome 3 <\/span> Vatican Museums<\/span> <\/a> \"Rome 4 <\/span> Borghese Gallery<\/span> <\/a> \"Rome 5 <\/span> Roman Forum and Palatine Hill<\/span> <\/a> \"Rome 6 <\/span> Sistine Chapel<\/span> <\/a> \"Rome 7 <\/span> Roman Catacombs<\/span> <\/a> \"Rome 8 <\/span> Colosseum Underground<\/span> <\/a> \"Rome 9 <\/span> Vatican Necropolis<\/span> <\/a> \"Rome 10 <\/span> Villa Borghese<\/span> <\/a> \u276e \u276f [tcb-script] var shiftcount = 0; var maxcards = 10; var leftshift, rightshift; leftshift = [ document.getElementById(“singaporecard1”), document.getElementById(“singaporecard2”), document.getElementById(“singaporecard3”), document.getElementById(“singaporecard4”), document.getElementById(“singaporecard5”), document.getElementById(“singaporecard6”),document.getElementById(“singaporecard7”),document.getElementById(“singaporecard8”),document.getElementById(“singaporecard9”),document.getElementById(“singaporecard10”) ]; rightshift = [ document.getElementById(“singaporecard1”), document.getElementById(“singaporecard2”), document.getElementById(“singaporecard3”), document.getElementById(“singaporecard4”), document.getElementById(“singaporecard5”), document.getElementById(“singaporecard6”),document.getElementById(“singaporecard7”),document.getElementById(“singaporecard8”),document.getElementById(“singaporecard9”),document.getElementById(“singaporecard10”) ]; prevdubaicard.style.display = “none”; function nextCardSlider() { shiftcount += 1; prevdubaicard.style.display = “initial”; if (shiftcount == maxcards – 3) { nextdubaicard.style.display = “none”; } for (i = 0; i < maxcards; i++) { rightshift[i].style.right = 100 * shiftcount + “%”; } } function prevCardSlider() { shiftcount -= 1; nextdubaicard.style.display = “initial”; if (shiftcount == 0) { prevdubaicard.style.display = “none”; } for (i = 0; i < maxcards; i++) { leftshift[i].style.right = 100 * shiftcount + “%”; } }[\/tcb-script]\"romeRome Bucket List<\/p>\n

52 ultimate list of things to do in Rome <\/h2>\n

Check out these must-do experiences in Rome and plan your itinerary like a pro! <\/a><\/p>\n

Rome essentials<\/h2>\n

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LanguageItalian<\/span><\/p>\n

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Time zoneGMT +1<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\u260e\"<\/p>\n

Country Code+39<\/span><\/p>\n

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Socket Types C, F & L<\/span><\/p>\n

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CurrencyEuro (\u20ac)<\/span><\/p>\n

Rome trip planner<\/h2>\n

All you need before you book your tickets and zip your bag! <\/p>\n

Detailed Rome itineraries<\/h2>\n

Take a look at these meticulously crafted Rome itineraries<\/a> that have been designed to help you make the most of your stay in Rome – taking in all that makes Rome the vibrant city that it is and not missing out on the classical aspects of the city that define its fabric.<\/p>\n

How to save money in Rome?<\/h2>\n

Rome, like all other tourist cities, can get expensive, given that there is a variety of options. Here are our top five hacks to save money, so that you can enjoy Rome even on a tight budget.<\/p>\n

1. Buy a City Pass <\/strong> The Roma Pass is an all-inclusive city pass available for 48 hour or 72 hour durations. The 48 hour pass includes free entry to one attraction per pass (out of 50) and the 72 hour pass includes free entry to two attractions per pass. The pass knocks off \u20ac2 from the entry fee to other attractions, and includes unlimited metro, bus, and tram travel.<\/p>\n

The OMNIA pass has all the benefits of a Roma Pass, and in addition, includes entry to the Vatican Museums, St Peter\u2019s Basilica, and a Hop on Hop off Tour of Rome. This pass can be purchased for \u20ac108.<\/p>\n

The best way to enjoy these passes<\/a> is to visit maximum attractions in a set time frame of your choosing, and visit the most expensive destinations for free.<\/p>\n

2. Use public transport<\/strong> Rome\u2019s ATAC bus and metro service costs \u20ac1.50 flat per trip. The tickets are valid for 100 minutes from when they are stamped. If you have more than five journeys to undertake in a day, you are better off getting the 24 hour pass at \u20ac7 per day. If you\u2019re in the city for longer, the 48 hour pass costs \u20ac12.50, the 3 day pass costs \u20ac18, and a week\u2019s pass costs \u20ac24. These tickets are sold at newspaper stands and metro stations. Look out for the bright blue T signs, which show the counter selling tickets. You can also download the ProBus app for information on nearest bus and metro stations.<\/p>\n

3. Enjoy an Italian Aperitivo for dinner <\/strong> One of the peculiarities of Italian culture is enjoying a drink before dinner. The Italians believe this helps them get warmed up. Most places offer light snacks with drinks, but some bars offer a full-fledged buffet, where it is perfectly acceptable to refill your plate several times. Aperitivo mostly runs between 7 PM to 9 PM. Most places offer pizza, canap\u00e9s, cheese, salad, and desserts. The top spots in Rome for Aperitivo are Freni e Frizione, Momart Caf\u00e9, and Rec23.<\/p>\n

4. Take advantage of free sights and free days <\/strong> There are many sights in Rome, which are completely free for tourists to enjoy:\u2022 Toss a coin at Trevi Fountain. Legend says you will return to Rome if you flip one.\u2022 Head over to the Spanish Steps. Relaxing at the steps is free.\u2022 Discover Rome on foot. Most spots are well connected and are perfect for a relaxed amble.\u2022 Enjoy free concerts between June and September. Check out Estate Romana, a citywide programme of open air concerts, cinema, dance and theatre.<\/p>\n

There are \u201cfree days\u201d in a month, where a host of Roman museums and sights are free to visit. Most state-owned museums like Borghese Gallery and the Colosseum are free on the first Sunday of the month. The Vatican Museums are free on the last Sunday of every month. However, you will have to beware of long queues.<\/p>\n

5. Visit during off-season <\/strong> Rome gets very crowded during the peak season, which is mid-June to September. Expect heavy tourist crowd and long queues during this time. April to mid-June and September through October are shoulder seasons, which see lesser tourists. November through March, the Roman winter, is off-season. Travelling during shoulder and off-season will guarantee cheaper airfare and discounts at hotels.<\/p>\n

Day trips from Rome<\/h2>\n

Italy\u2019s glorious capital, Rome<\/a> is one of the world\u2019s most romantic, spectacular and awe-inspiring cities. Rome and the surrounding regions of Italy are an amalgamation of artistic heritage & culture, ancient ruins<\/a>, breathtaking landscapes, vibrant picturesque streets, cheerful bars and cafes and many more hidden treasures. Not only is there so much to see in Rome<\/a>, but it is also blessed to have so many wonderful locations close by that can be easily visited when you visit Rome. Within a few hours reach, these destinations are best covered through day trips from Rome. These trips are very popular, convenient and practical as save you a lot of hassle of check-in\/ check-out, packing\/unpacking, time and money.<\/p>\n

Here is everything you need to know about day Trips from Rome<\/a>. <\/p>\n

Public transportation in Rome<\/h2>\n

\"Rome<\/p>\n

Rome is a big city. Unlike other great tourist cities in Europe where attractions are usually concentrated in the city center, or in surrounding neighborhoods; the landmarks of Rome are spread out throughout the city. If you wish to see everything that Rome has to offer, or visiting landmarks which you know are spread about, then the Roman public transportation system is definitely the friend you need. Here’s a quick guide on all you need to know about public transportation in Rome.<\/p>\n

Rome Hop On Hop Off Bus Tours<\/h3>\n

\"Rome <\/p>\n

\u2018Rome\u2019, the world\u2019s most beautiful ancient city is a treasure of history, architecture, art and culture. No wonder it captivates the hearts of millions of tourists every year. The haunting ruins<\/a> of the rich heritage<\/a> of Rome come alive in the spectacular architecture of its palaces, churches, temples, and villas. The awe-inspiring art and countless pieces of rare artefacts adorn the museums. Brimming with life and romance the vibrant streets of Rome are a paradise for lovers. Painstakingly manicured gardens, buzzing piazzas, spirited theatres, Renaissance art, shopping – there is so much to experience and enjoy in Rome. You can spend any amount of time to discover and absorb what this majestic city offers<\/a>. One of the best ways to explore the city is through the Rome Hop On Hop Off bus tours.<\/p>\n

Read more about Hop On Hop Off Bus Tours<\/a>. <\/p>\n

Big Bus Rome Tours<\/h3>\n

\"Singapore Rome, the charming capital of Italy, is a sprawling city studded with numerous historical landmarks and attractions. Renowned world over for its ruins, renaissance architecture, museums full of artistic treasures, grand basilicas, romantic street-side cafes and piazzas, Rome has simply too much to offer to a traveller! Exploring a city like Rome can easily get overwhelming for a first-time visitor. The most convenient way to explore this beautiful city is with Big Bus Rome. The comfortable open-top double decker buses will give you the true flavour of Rome with the flexibility of planning your own itinerary. Let’s dive right into our Big Bus Rome guide and help you find the perfect Rome hop-on-hop-off tour.<\/p>\n

Read more about Big Bus Rome Tours<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Rome sightseeing tours<\/h2>\n

\"Rome<\/p>\n

Rome is an overwhelmingly beautiful city, with lots to offer. What was once the greatest civilizations in the Western world, today is the perfect example of a city that is contemporary, but has not forgotten its roots. To truly experience Rome and the Roman way of life, it is advised that one should go on a sightseeing tour<\/a>. These are carefully curated to show you some of the best parts of city, especially if you’re pressed for time.<\/p>\n

There is a tour for everyone – if you love food, you can try out the Food Tours and Cooking Classes; if you’re interested in seeing the city in its entirety, there’s City Tours. If you want to explore the beautiful neighbouring regions in Italy, like Venice, Pomepii, or Florence, Day Trips<\/a> are for you. Here, you can find some of the best tours in Rome:<\/p>\n

Here is the complete guide of Rome sightseeing tours<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Getting around in Rome<\/h2>\n

Rome can be explored by car, however, local traffic is almost unmanageable for tourists. It is better to travel in a bus or by the metro.<\/p>\n

Taxis are the most expensive way to get around Rome. Most taxis can be picked up at taxi stands. A fixed charge of \u20ac1 will be charged per bag that is handled by the driver. It is recommended to use the map while travelling in the taxi to ensure you\u2019re on the right road.<\/p>\n

Most of the popular tourist areas in Rome are easily navigable by road. It is however, advisable to be cautious while crossing. Even though traffic may be intimidating, most cars allow people to cross the road.<\/p>\n

The most popular forms of public transport are buses, metros, and trams. Tickets for these have to be purchased before alighting the form of transport. Tickets are sold either for every journey or there are passes for a particular period of time, like for example, there are 24 hour, 48 hour and 72 hour passes. There is also a weekly ticket. Buses are the best form of travelling in the city. There are 3 tram lines operating in the city. The metro is the most reliable form of transport. It is usually on time, but is crowded during rush hour. <\/p>\n

Hotels in Rome<\/h2>\n

Rome is a very popular city and there is no shortage of accommodation options. There is a range for every traveller. The lowest starts from \u20ac20 and goes up to \u20ac5,500 for an apartment in the Vatican. Waldorf Astoria, one of the top luxury chains has rooms for around \u20ac1,000.<\/p>\n

Rome has a variety of hotels, from budget to luxury. Hotels in the downtown area get expensive but provide convenience, since most tourist attractions are close by. Apartments are a very popular alternative to hotels, especially on popular websites such as Airbnb. For the budget traveller, there are a host of hostels. Most of the hostels are clean and well managed. If you\u2019re looking for privacy, most hostels also have private rooms.<\/p>\n

Hotels on the eastern and southern side of the railway station are usually cheaper. These hotels are further away from the downtown area but offer some great deals.<\/p>\n

Festivals in Rome <\/h2>\n

Rome has a year long calendar of festivals – some cultural, some religious, some patriotic, a few music festivals and so on. Here are the top recurring festivals that you should know of: <\/p>\n