Rome
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Logistics
Getting There
Rome has two airports: Rome Fiumicino and Rome Ciampino. Rome Fiumicino is the main and larger airport, while Rome Ciampino is much smaller but often has a lot of budget airline flights like RyanAir.
Roma Termini is the main train station in Rome. If you are traveling from within Italy, consider taking the train as it may provide more flexibility and save time. TrenItalia has trains from the larger cities in Italy to Rome and can be an easy and convenient way to travel.
Getting Around
Rome has an easy Metro, it is just limited in what parts of the city it can access. A few of the key destinations that can be accessed from the metro include the main train station, the Trevi Fountain, the Spanish steps, Vatican City, Villa Borghese, the Colosseum, and Piazza del Popolo.
However, if you cannot use the metro and do not want to walk, cabs are affordable. In order to take a taxi, you must find a taxi stand or call and schedule a pick-up. You cannot hail a cab.
Accommodations
For the most convenient location, stay in the historic city center which includes commonly visited sights like the Trevi Fountain, Piazza Navona, the Pantheon and the Spanish Steps. This area will be busier with tourists, but allows you to access many places easily on foot. Alternatively, staying in Trastevere will ensure you are in an area with plenty of restaurant options and is an area with the most going on at night.
Things to do and see
Trevi Fountain
Famous fountain located in the historic city center in Rome. It is a beautiful fountain and draws a crowd, but is worth seeing. Do not forget to throw a coin in and make a wish!
Spanish Steps
Wide steps that lead from Piazza di Spagna up to the Piazza Trinita dei Monti.
Trastevere
Nice area to walk around in with an assortment of restaurants making it a great area for dinner. The restaurants provide good and affordable local Italian options. Unfortunately this area is not located near a metro so you likely will need a taxi to get here or head there on foot.
Vatican City
Known for being the headquarters of the Catholic Church, Vatican City is technically its own city-state. If you are looking to visit any of the buildings within Vatican City, be sure to plan around Sunday as most places are closed on Sunday.
Vatican Museum
Buy tickets in advance online to avoid waiting outside in a long line. Upon arrival, there will be people outside trying to sell you tours and telling you the only way you can get in is with a tour. Ignore these people and find the line for people who already have reservations (much shorter line). I would highly recommend making reservations within the first hour of opening (9-10) because inside the museum gets busy very quickly. The museum is very big and takes a while to get through so if you can avoid larger crowds, the experience will be more enjoyable. If you are a student, be sure to look into the student deal; you can still purchase tickets online as long as you bring your student ID with you when you pick up the tickets.
Sistine Chapel
The Vatican museum largely ends in the Sistine Chapel. As long as St. Peter’s Basilica is not closed for a special service, there will be a door that leads you out of the Sistine Chapel to the church. The Sistine Chapel is a must see and has beautiful murals painted on the walls and ceiling.
St. Peter’s Basilica
Known as one of the most important spots for the Catholic church, St. Peter’s Basilica is a large and beautiful church. Visitors can climb to the top of the church for a view over the square. Consider starting with the climb as the line to access the Cupola will get longer as the day goes on. There are about 500 stairs up, but you can skip the first 200 with an elevator for 2 euros if desired. The view from the top is very nice. Be sure to go inside the church after climbing to the top.
Saint Peter’s Square
Very grand square with the the St. Peter’s Basilica. The pope will hold special services outside in St. Peter’s Square.
Piazza al Popolo
Large piazza in the historic city center
Roman Forum
Area with many Roman ruins from ancient government buildings including Trojan’s column and the Arch of Constantino
Palatine Hill
The most famous of Rome’s seven hills
Colosseum
Large, free-standing amphitheater built during the Roman Empire and a must see when visiting Rome. Arrive close to opening to avoid large crowds and consider purchasing the combo ticket with the Roman Forum and the Palatine Hill.
Piazza Navona
One of the largest piazzas in Rome
Villa Borghese
Nice park in Rome with a nice view of Piazza al Popolo. To see more of the park, rent one of the multi-person bike carts
Campo del Fiori
Main square in Rome with an outdoor food and flower market
Castel Sant’Angelo
Fortress found right along the river
Palazzo Venezia
Gorgeous view of a memorial in Rome. You are not permitted to sit on the steps or take disrespectful pictures; the guards will quickly reprimand or scold you
Pantheon
Former Roman temple that you can enter for free. The area around here was also nice to walk around in.
Food and Drinks
Giolitti
Gelato
Rome
Delicious gelato shop located near the Pantheon. This is the best gelato I had in Italy and can highly recommend both the Nutella and Oreo flavor
Taverna 51
Dinner
Rome
Casual Italian restaurant located in Trastevere
Gelateria del Teatro
Gelato
Rome
Gelato shop with some more unique flavors
Other Notes
Duration
A weekend is perfect for Rome. Plan to spend a day covering the Vatican and area around Vatican City along with a second day to cover the other Rome sights. This will allow you to see a lot of the city in a short period of time. When you go to the Vatican, get an early start on your day to avoid the growing crowds.
Italian Cuisine
Italy is surely known for its excellent food and wine. Be sure to indulge on your trip and enjoy homemade pasta, focaccia, Italian wines, pizza, gelato among many other dishes. You may even find that wine will be cheaper than water!
Weather
As Rome is located in Southern Italy, the city is very hot in the summer. Visiting in the Spring or Fall will bring more comfortable temperatures and smaller crowds.