Rome travel guide, Best places to visit in Rome, Italy.
Rome is the capital of Italy and one of the most panoramic cities in Southern and Western Europe. The city is well known for the iconic Colosseum, the largest ancient amphitheater, and its vibrant lifestyle. We’ll talk about the best time to visit Rome, where to stay in Rome on a budget, and the traditional food of Rome in this Rome travel guide.
Ancient Romans used to believe that the city will always stand no matter what happened to the world. They used to call it Eternal City and walking around the old streets of Rome you’ll feel the eminence of the city. The rich historical city of Italy is also famous for its cuisine, art, and culture, which makes it a popular tourist destination.
Things to know
Time zone: Rome, Italy (GMT+1)
Currency: Euro, (Current exchange rate)
Languages: Italian
Country calling code: +39
Tourist police helpline: 113
How to reach Rome?
Rome has two international airports, Leonardo da Vinci International Airport also known as Rome Fiumicino International Airport, and its 30 km away from the city center. The second airport is Giovan Battista Pastine International Airport, a small airport close to the city.
This airport serves over 40 million passengers every year. You can get a direct flight from all major cities around the USA and Canada. Lufthansa, Air Canada, and American airlines operate multiple flights to Rome. There are a number of flight options available from Middle-east and other Asian countries.
Online ticket booking
Flights: ITA Airways
Trains: Eurail
What is the best time to visit Rome?
Rome is a destination you can visit all year round. However spring or autumn can be a perfect time to explore the Italian capital. July and August are the hottest months in Rome. Winter is pleasant to visit the town and you may get little rain during this season. January and February are usually the coldest months in the city.
How to get around in Rome?
Rome is well connected with its public transport system. The city has Metro, Buses, Trams, and three Urban railways lines. You can also take a taxi to any corner of the town to reach your destinations. There are a number of transportation passes available, like MetroBus 24 hours, MetroBus 48 hours, and weekly passes. You can also hire a car and self-drive in Rome as the traffic system is very organized.
Rome’s local transportation passes
Local transportation: ATAC
Bicycle rent: Online booking
Which currency can we use in Rome?
The euro is the official currency in Rome, Italy, and it’s easily available in almost all countries. You can carry euros from your home country or exchange them at the airport in Rome, Italy. There are a number of ATMs available in the town and you can withdraw euros anytime you required. Please check the exchange/conversion charges with your bank.
There are many currency exchange stores available in Rome and you’ll get good rates at these stores. Based on your location you can visit any authorized store and get the money exchange done when you are in the city.
Currency exchange store in Rome
Fire Change (Online)
Address: Via Nazionale, 36, Roma, Italy (location)
Opening hours: 9 am–7:30 pm
contact: +390648 84695
Casa Del Turista Srl
Address: Via delle Terme di Diocleziano, 32 A, Roma, Italy (location)
Opening hours: 9 am–7 pm (Saturday, 9:30 am–5:30 pm, Sunday, 9:30 am–1 pm)
contact: +390647 44955
Ria Money Transfer & Currency Exchange (Online)
Address: Via Ottaviano, 111, Roma, Italy (location)
Opening hours: 8 am–8 pm
contact: +390620 393997
10 Best places to visit in Rome, Italy.
- Colosseum
- Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel
- Castel Sant’Angelo
- Borghese Gallery
- Pantheon
- Baths of Caracalla
- Castel Gandolfo
- Mamertine Prison
- Gladiator Museum
- Capitoline Museums Experience
1. Colosseum
When we think of Rome, the first image that appears in our mind is the Colosseum. It is also known as Flavian Amphitheatre and is situated east of the Roman Forum in the city center of Rome, Italy. The iconic structure was built by the Flavian emperors for the people of the Roman Kingdom.
The 1900 years old structure is one of the most visited places in Rome and one of the world’s new seven wonders. The world’s largest amphitheater used to host Gladiatorial shows and you can also see the part of the arena that was once underground.
Address: Piazza del Colosseo, 1, Roma, Italy (location)
Opening hours: 9 am – 4:30 pm
Entry fee: Full ticket-€18 (Online ticket)
Contact: +3906 3996 7700
2. Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel
The Vatican Museums is the place where you can witness the immense collection of art and crafts from the 17th century onwards, created by the popes. Vatican city is in the middle of Rome and has 26 museums inside the campus. Roman, Baroque, and Renaissance architecture are the greatest masterpieces of the Roman era.
Sistine Chapel is inside the Vatican city and has some of the world’s most amazing paintings inked by great artists. it has a vast collection of Renaissance art and you can see a glimpse of that on the wall paintings of the chapel. On the west wall of the Sistine chapel behind the altar, you can see the artworks by Michelangelo. Pope Julius II commissioned the frescoes on the ceiling from 1508 to 1512, it’s also known as Sistine Ceiling.
Address: 00120 Vatican City (location)
Opening hours: 8:30 am – 6:30 pm (Friday, Saturday, 8:30 am–10:30 pm, Sunday, Closed)
Entry fee: Full ticket-€17 (Online ticket)
Contact: +3906 6988 4676
3. Castel Sant’Angelo
The Castel Sant’Angelo in Rome is one of the most visited Castel in the town. It’s famous for being the tomb of Emperor Hadrian and served as a prison for the Papal residence in history. Sant’Angelo was built in 135 AD as a Mausoleum for Hadrian’s Emperor.
This museum stores the cultural and historical values of Rome. If you want to know how Rome changes over the years and witness its history, you must visit Castel Sant’Angelo. The museum is divided into four sections and each part has historical paintings which show the rich history of that era.
Address: Lungotevere Castello, 50, Roma, Italy (location)
Opening hours: 9 am – 7:30 pm (Monday, Closed)
Entry fee: €13 (Online ticket)
Contact: +3906 6819 111
4. Borghese Gallery
Rome has a vast history and the town stores its history in its art galleries. The Galleria Borghese is one such place where you will see some of the greatest Roman sculptures and paintings ever produced. Gian Lorenzo Bernini’s sculptures and Raphael’s Deposition are the main attractions in the gallery.
The museum was once a private residence with a beautiful garden. It was built just outside of the Vatical walls and was home to Cardinal Scipione Borghese. Borghese Gallery shows the wealthy family lifestyle. This property was used to throw lavish parties and show off wealth.
Address: Piazzale Scipione Borghese, 5, Roma, Italy (location)
Opening hours: 9 am – 7 pm (Monday, Closed, Wednesday, 9 am–10 pm, Thursday, 9 am–9 pm)
Entry fee: €13 plus an obligatory €2 reservation fee (Online ticket)
Contact: +3906 8413 979
5. Pantheon
Pantheon is one of the most popular and preserved monuments of primitive Rome. It was built as a temple but later became a burial ground. Many popular personalities of that time like, kings and artists were cremated here. The architecture of this place is just amazing and you must experience it during your Rome visit.
Pantheon is an iconic structure and it’s one of the best showpieces of skilled Roman people. The architecture of the Pantheon is a glimpse of both Roman and Greek styles. You’ll be amazed to see the giant dome and the hole on the top of the Pantheon. The 142 ft. dome on the top is still the largest unsupported dome in the world.
Address: Piazza della Rotonda, Roma, Italy (location)
Opening hours: 9 am – 6:45 pm
Entry fee: Start from €8.50 (Online ticket)
Contact: +3906 6830 0230
6. Baths of Caracalla
There were many public bath places in ancient Rome and the Baths of Caracalla was the second largest public bath in the city. It was named after the emperor Caracalla and was built in the 3rd century. Baths of Caracalla used to serve Roman citizens who were not getting water in their homes.
In Rome, such communal bathing complexes used to be a place for exercise, sun bate and a place to socialize with locals. Away from the crowd, a massive structure will make you feel tiny but amazed. You can also take a virtual reality tour of this place and witness the magnificent art of Roman history.
Address: Viale delle Terme di Caracalla, Roma, Italy (location)
Opening hours: 9 am – 7:15 pm (Time change updates)
Entry fee: €10 (Online ticket)
Contact: +3906 3996 7702
7. Castel Gandolfo
Situated on the Alban Hills and overlooking the beautiful lake of Albano, Castel Gandolfo is popular for its charming beauty. The Castel is also known as the Pope’s City and is the residence of around 9000 people. It is around 30 minutes drive from Rome and can be the perfect destination for a day trip.
Castel Gandolfo used to be the Pope’s summer residence in Italy. You can also see the lovely Garden and the Papal Palace. The ruins of the Villa of Domitian which was built in the late 1st century are also an attraction to visit. Villa of Domitian was built by the Roman Emperor and it’s still well preserved.
Address: Castelli Romani Dialects, Lazio, Italy (location)
Opening hours: 24 hours
Entry fee: Free
Contact: NA
8. Mamertine Prison
Mamertine Prison was located in the Comitium in ancient Rome, the prison with a dungeon was built in the 7th century BC. This ancient prison was built on the northeast side of Capitoline Hill. Mamertine Prison has an important place in Roman history and you must visit here during your stay in Rome.
It is also believed that Peter and Paul were imprisoned in this prison. Peter and Paul started their journey to martyrdom from this prison. They stayed in this prison until Peter’s crucifixion and Paul’s beheading. Currently, this prison is managed by the S. Giuseppe dei Falegnami (upper) and S. Pietro in Carcere (lower) churches.
Address: Clivo Argentario, 1, Roma, Italy (location)
Opening hours: 9 am – 5 pm
Entry fee: €10 (Online ticket)
Contact: +3906 6992 4652
9. Gladiator Museum
Gladiator Museum is an exciting place you must visit in Rome. The museum is close to the Colosseum where you can see the Armor and weapons used in the epic battles of Gladiators. Gladiator Museum entertains people from all age groups with its unique and interesting uniform and suit of Armor.
This small museum stores the vast history of Gladiator warriors. You’ll be amazed to see the awesome artifacts and merchandise available at this museum. The impressive display shows the Roman Armor history and you’ll find descriptions in English. You can also take a self-guided audio tour at Gladiator’s Museum.
Address: Piazza Navona, 90, Roma, Italy (location)
Opening hours: 10 am–1:30 pm, 2–5:30 pm
Entry fee: Free
Contact: +3906 6889 1777
10. Capitoline Museums
Rome is a city of museums and art galleries and Capitoline Museums has a unique place amongst them. The museum is open to the Roman Forum and the view of Ancient Rome is just mesmerizing. There are many preserved sculpture that takes you to the past of the great Roman culture.
Capitoline Museums was created in 1471 with the purpose of preserving Rome’s archaeological heritage. The Museums host several temporary art and craft exhibitions at various times of the year. They are not related to the history of Rome but the conferences and concerts attract many visitors of various interests.
Address: Piazza del Campidoglio, 1, Roma, Italy (location)
Opening hours: NA
Entry fee: €16 (Online ticket)
Contact: +3906 0608
Important apps to download
Raileurope online rail ticket app
OMIO online rail/bus ticket app
Uber app-based taxi
Ubereat is an online food app
Google translate
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