The most visited city in Italy is Rome. Rome is the capital of Italy and is known as the eternal city. This delightful spot is an ancient city, and you should absolutely visit Rome on your trip.
There is so much to see here that you may need to dedicate several days or just prioritize your top highlights to experience. The choice is yours to make.
Rome is the largest city in the country and home to nearly 3 million people. It’s a huge city that expands across a big space. You will find Rome near the coast of central Italy.
In this guide, we will share Rome travel tips and some helpful insight to know about the region.
Check out everything you need to know to visit Rome below in our Rome travel guide.
The Ancient Romans Created a Masterpiece
From the city center to the seven hills, Rome is the most popular tourist destination in Italy. The city’s population is massive, with the highest population. There is far more to discover than we could possibly talk about in this travel guide, but our goal is to give you a basic overview to visit Rome and start your planning.
The sprawling city is one of the most historical locations of the Catholic faith. You can see rich hints of the Roman aristocracy, take part in Roman public life, and be a part of many different adventures. The landscapes of Rome, Italy, are not the focal point, but you will find them to be beautiful in their own way.
The city center houses many of the most historical locations of the country, leading the way to modern areas and experiences as well. Even if history isn’t interesting to you, you’re going to find things throughout the country that you can enjoy.
In Rome, you can find some of the best hotels, get around with a variety of transportation options, and see phenomenal sights. Throughout the year, they offer several other public events that can also be a great experience.
Whether you choose to take a guided tour or just visit a few attractions, Rome, Italy, is one of the best adventures in the world.
If it’s your first time in Rome, prepare yourself for the crowds, but know that the city of Rome is well worth a visit despite all the people.
Ancient Rome and the Roman Forum
Ancient parts of Rome are primarily known for the massive amphitheater known as Colosseum and other areas that date back well beyond the Middle Ages and Fourth Century. It’s also home to museums, hot spots, and much more. The heart of Rome houses some of the biggest historical pieces of Europe and the world as a whole.
These are some of the major locations specific to ancient Rome:
- The Colosseum
- Peter’s Basilica
- Roman Forum
- Spanish steps
- Centro Storico
- The Pantheon
- Vatican City
- Trevi Fountain
- Piazza Navona
- Circus Maximus
- Vatican Museums
- Palatine Hill
This is just the beginning of attractions.
The Vatican City and Vatican Museums could likely take some expressive time.
However, what most of these have in common is that they are a part of older Rome and the history of this capital city of Italy. These are the ruins and historical markers of the Roman empire, among other things.
When it comes to things to do in Rome and places to visit in Rome, these are probably going to top the list.
The Best Times to Travel to Rome
You can travel to Rome in the summer, spring, fall, or winter. There are certainly some more popular times, which typically occur in summer. The summer months are known to get pretty warm with lots of sunshine. You can still enjoy your experience in these months but be prepared for the sun and some humidity.
Overall, Rome has a Mediterranean climate, so they don’t necessarily see harsh winters or really cold days throughout the year. This area tends to be drier than some parts of Italy as well, particularly in the summertime.
You may have a preference based on the weather that you like or prefer. Even the winter months here are pretty mild, so that might be a good time to visit if you want reasonable weather but fewer people than in the peak seasons of Rome.
The busiest months in Rome are July & August. Some particular weeks are also busy, like Easter week.
Things to Experience in Rome
We talked just a little bit about the historical pieces above, and while we don’t want to spend all of your time just talking about attractions or places to stay, it’s essential to know all that Rome has to offer.
Here, we will provide a quick overview of some of the top stops to pencil in as you plan your visit to Rome. This can help you pick out some things to see in Rome and where in Rome you want to focus your attention.
These are our top 5 picks for places to visit in Rome:
- Colosseum
- Vatican City and Vatican Museums
- Palatine Hill
- Trevi Fountain
- Trastevere
These attractions are known around the world and your best bet is to experience all that Rome Italy has to offer in just a few picks. Of course, you can go wherever you please.
Here is a quick overview of these choices.
The Colosseum
No trip to Rome is complete without visiting the Colosseum. This spectacular structure was built more than 2,000 years ago and was the largest amphitheater of the Roman empire as well. It was once used for gladiators, executions, plays, and more.
Now, it’s a relic that can be accessed daily by tourists like you. You can also experience it as part of guided tours if you prefer.
Vatican City and Vatican Museums
Anytime we get a new pope, you get small glimpses of the Vatican in Italy. That’s what this spot is most known for. However, it’s also home to catholic church life, the Sistine Chapel, and more.
Vatican City includes several church-based stops in Rome:
- Sistine Chapel
- St Peter’s Basilica
- St Peter’s Square
- Various museums
- Historic Center
St. Peter’s Square is open, but if you plan to enter the Basilica, they do enforce a strict dress code so go prepared to adhere to that.
Palatine Hill
Palatine Hill of Rome Italy was the home of Roman life in historic times. There are many ruins to be found here, many of which are remnants of Roman rich ancestry. This is another area you might want to see with a guide, but you can adventure on your own too.
Trevi Fountain
The historic Fountain is a remnant of baroque Rome in many ways. It’s more than just a fountain though. This historic structure was the end of the ancient aqueducts from the ancient days of Rome. You can find this fountain in movies and it’s a top recommendation for a romantic adventure too.
Trastevere
If you’re looking for something a little off the beaten path, this is a fun way to enjoy some of the local life and inspiration. You can walk along the cobblestone streets, stroll the local shops and restaurants, and just have a nice relaxed time.
Why is this a top pick? Well, because it takes you away from the busy tourist life and still gives you a unique experience of Rome.
Activities to Enjoy in Rome
It’s not always about sightseeing in Rome. Yes, you need to take in some of the galleries, see the works of Michelangelo, visit the historic architecture, and take in a museum or two.
But this Italian location isn’t only dedicated to Michelangelo, architecture, or Caesar and the other past emperors.
You can go shopping, have a romantic walk through a different district, and even enjoy the active nightlife too. Travelers can choose just about any accommodation that appeals to them, whether it’s from centuries ago or the modern world.
Will sightseeing be a part of your journey? Sure. But explore more than just tourist activities in the district.
Here are a few enjoyable things to do while you are in Rome:
- Free walking tours
- Shopping
- Italian restaurants
- Famous art inspiration
- Old buildings
- Bike tours
- Walk through churches
- Explore the not-so-famous locations
- Take in a show
- Tour the Catacombs
- Aventine Hill
- Explore the River Tiber
These are just a few more ideas for tourists like you! The Italian experience can be whatever you make it. If that means just visiting the famous stops and buildings, that’s your call. But there’s no harm in doing something a little different while you’re there.
Transportation in Rome
There are several different ways to get around when in Rome. The Italian locations offer a variety of solutions. Whether you like to walk, bike, or use public transportation, you have plenty of choices while you’re visiting.
There is public transport available, starting with the metro system. It’s quick and easy to get around. The travel tips for the metro include getting to know the maps and color system, so you don’t end up lost or in the wrong spot.
Our Rome travel guide also recommends checking out buses, trolleys, or trams. These are all great ways to get around. You can see much of the city just by traveling to sources like these. There are also some tours that use trolleys and buses as well.
In addition to these, you will find paid drivers like taxis, as well as options such as bicycles to get around.
Walking is always free and some of the public options are free for limited use as well.
Rome Safety Travel Tips
It doesn’t matter whether you head to Rome in the winter or if you go in August when it’s warm and busy. You need to know how to stay safe. While this city does not have high crime rates, there are a lot of people so you always need to be aware and follow basic safety tips too.
Probably the biggest concern is pickpockets in certain parts of the city. This is most true around the biggest tourist attractions where they can easily hide among all the people. Even the major churches are not free of theft.
Our travel tips for safety are primarily to avoid brightly colored bags that bring excessive attention. Always keep track of your valuables and keep them close to your person.
Plan Your Adventure to Rome
This Rome travel guide is just a small outlook on the many things Rome offers. Whether you want to walk the grand staircase of a historic building or see the most ancient sites that you can find, there are so many choices. The experience here is like no other part of the country, and this Rome travel guide is just one piece of the puzzle.
What do you look forward to seeing most in Rome?
Learn more about cities in Italy.
Rome Map
Rome is located in the Lazio region. Here you can find all the regions of Italy.
FAQ
Is Rome Rich or Poor?
While there are both rich and poor spots within the city now, Rome has always been a rich location based on GDP. Even historical times had aristocratic presence heavily through the city.
Why is Rome So Special?
So much history happened here, and many of the remnants of the past are still available today. But there is just something about the vast city and all that it has to offer.
Is 3 Days in Rome Enough?
If you plan well, you can likely fit in most of what you want to see in three days. However, you could easily spend a week there too, which is recommended.
Why is Rome the Eternal City?
It was deemed such by the Roman poet Tibullus during the first century BC. Ancient Romans thought that no matter what happened, the city of Rome would always be there forever.
When is the Best Time to Visit Rome?
The top recommendation is in the spring or fall seasons. These are the peak times.