Plan Your Rome Holiday: Best of Rome
Explore Rome
Essential Rome
Things to do
Food & drink
Exploring Rome’s underground
- Colosseum Underground and Ancient Rome Small Group - 6 People Max3,681On this Colosseum tour, we learned all about the lions, and tigers, and bears (oh my!) that were held in the cellar—a space you can only access on a tour. (Tours are also the only way to skip the entry line that typically stretches beyond Palatine Hill.) Our guide also told enthralling stories of gladiators battling wild animals and the “special effects” launched from the basement, like flooding the stadium for boat battles.
- Museum and Crypt of Capuchins Friars2,634A word of warning: If you’re at all squeamish about seeing bones (lots and lots of bones), this is one to skip. But children, I discovered, tend to find these underground rooms—filled with the artfully arranged remains of 4,000 capuchin monks—more fascinating than frightful. There is a method to the macabre here: you’ll see mosaics, altars, and more, created from skeletal pieces dating from the 1500s to the 1800s.
- Catacombe San Sebastiano756Take the 118 city bus from the Colosseum to these catacombs (a route formerly known as the Appian Way and the origin of the saying “all roads lead to Rome”) to see the ancient underground grave where Saint Sebastian was buried in 350 A.D., along with many of Rome’s wealthy Christian families. It’s a fascinating combination of art and archaeology, with mosaic walls and marble sculptures preserved in a sunless space.
- Catacombe Di Domitilla451If you’re hesitant about seeing more crypts, I hear you. I felt the same way at this point in our explorations. But this catacomb close to San Sebastiano is actually an underground basilica dating back to 120 A.D., which still, amazingly, has its original frescoes. There are also tombs—15,000 of them to be exact, sprawled across four layers and 10 criss-crossing miles. If you venture down, bring a jacket; it can get chilly.
- Vicus Caprarius – the City of Water222Talk about under the radar. In the 1990s, an entire apartment complex, dating to the first century, and a still-working aqueduct were discovered beneath the neighbourhood surrounding the Trevi Fountain. The site, now known as Vicus Caprarius (City of Water), can be enjoyed on a guided tour, but we found it easy enough to visit the small, below-ground museum on our own (then head back to street level to toss a coin in the fountain).
Browse collections
- Family-friendly eatsRestaurants everyone—yes, even the kids—will love
- Winter in RomeSee what makes this place so magical at this time of year
- All about aperitivoGrab pre-dinner drinks (plus epic views)
- Rome on a dimeEats and activities that won’t break the bank
- If you’re feeling fancy-ishGo-all-out experiences worth every euro
- Make a day of itEasy trips a train ride away
- For the history buffMust-see museums, palaces, and more
- Rome, after darkThere’s lots to do when the sun goes down
- Take a detour from the crowdsLesser-known spots to add to your list
- Check out some (free) artMasterpieces that don’t cost a thing to see
- Go beyond the classicsDiscover the city’s modern side
- Do it like a localBest-kept secrets and hidden gems
More great cultural capitals
Rome Travel Guide
Travelers' pro tips for experiencing Rome
stefnicole
Restaurants near major tourist destinations often have a fixed-price, or tourist menu. It's better to avoid those restaurants and find a restaurant further away from the tourist attraction for higher quality meals.
RMartinSDXB
Dress as you want but always take an extra piece of clothes to gain access to churches and museums.
Thomas R
You won't need to know a word of Italian to enjoy your trip. However, learning a few key words and phrases will be fun, helpful, and sometimes make you a little more appreciated.
angelavol
Rome is an unforgettable city. From its beautiful buildings that have withstood time itself to the majestic, graceful, Mediterannean Pines. It's a living museum of history and art like nowhere else in the world.
Ady
Rome is one of the most beautiful,photogenic cities in the world. A mixture of modernity and tradition. The more you visit the more you love to go back.
TinaQ
It breathes history and art at every step you take and behind every corner there's a surprise.
What is the best way to get there?
flying
Rome is served by the Leonardo da Vinci–(Fiumicino) International Airport.
train
Stazione Termini is the main railway station in Rome with regular train services to all major Italian cities, as well as daily international services to Munich, Geneva, and Vienna.
Do I need a visa?
Italy is part of the Schengen Area with many other European countries. This means tourists from certain countries don’t require a visa for trips less than 90 days — as long as your passport is valid for at least six months after your planned departure date.
Find more information about the Schengen Visa and what countries are exempt here.
When is the best time to visit?
Late fall to early spring (October to April): Avoid Rome in July and August unless you can handle heat and humidity with temperatures reaching high 80s°F (26.6°C). Spring and fall offer perfect conditions with temperatures 60 - 70 °F ( 15.5 - 21°C), but the trade-off is peak crowds and prices.
Instead, visit during the off-season months of October through April, when you’ll trade shorter opening hours for fewer crowds. Winter is crisp, but nothing a light coat can’t handle.
Get around
bicycle
Uber Jump offers electric bike hire through its bike-share app.
train
The Rome Metro, run by ATAC, operates 3 lines which run from about 5:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. daily. On Fridays and Saturdays service ends later, at about 1:30 a.m.
When the Metro is closed, a night bus service operates with lines that follow the same routes and stop at the same stations as the Metro.
For more information about the network and fares, see here.
bus
Rome’s public bus service, run by ATAC, operates services from about 5.30 a.m. to midnight daily. The city’s night bus service runs from 12:30 a.m. to 5:30 a.m.
For more information about the network and fares, see here.
taxis
Licensed, metered cabs are white with a “TAXI” sign on their roofs. The symbol of Rome City Council is also clearly visible on the front doors.
You can hail a taxi from the street but it is recommended to go to one of the city’s many taxi stands or call to book.
For more information about fares, who to call and where to find a taxi stand, see here.
ridesharing
Uber is available in Rome on your smartphone.
On the ground
What is the timezone?
Central European Standard Time
What are the voltage/plug types?
The standard voltage in Italy is 230V and the standard frequency is 50Hz. Wall outlets typically accommodate plugs with two or three round pins.
What is the currency?
The Euro
Are ATMs readily accessible?
Yes.
Are credit cards widely accepted?
Yes.
How much do I tip?
Tipping is not obligatory in Italy, however, a tip for exceptional service is always appreciated.
Are there local customs I should know?
Drinking
The federal legal age for buying and drinking alcohol is 18 years old.
Walking
Walk to the right of the sidewalk and step off to the side of the sidewalk if you want to stop to check your phone, look up directions, or want to take in a view.
Dress
Rome is full of churches and places of worship, so dress neatly and respectfully — cover bare shoulders and refrain from wearing short skirts or shorts when sightseeing.
Eating
Meals should be savoured and enjoyed, not eaten on the go while walking.
Coffee
Italians take their coffee culture seriously. Milk-based coffee beverages are considered breakfast, so don’t order them after 11 a.m. — stick to espressos instead. Coffee is also meant to be enjoyed as a digestive after a meal.
Language
Learning a few basic Italian phrases will go a long way as a sign of respect.
Rome travel advice
Central Locations
According to forum posts, many travelers recommend staying in the central areas of Rome for easy access to tourist attractions. Piazza Navona, Campo de' Fiori, and the Pantheon are frequently mentioned as ideal central locations. These areas are within walking distance of most major sites and offer a vibrant atmosphere.
Historic Center
Some travelers have called out the historic center as a suitable area for families and first-time visitors. This area is praised for its proximity to major landmarks and its picturesque streets, filled with local restaurants and shops.
Alternative Neighborhoods
For those looking for a more local vibe or budget-friendly options, areas like Trastevere and Monti are suggested. Trastevere is noted for its lively night scene and is still within walking distance of the city center. Monti, near the Colosseum, offers a youthful energy and is also central to many historical sites.
Vicinity to Public Transit
Travelers have called out the Prati neighborhood, especially for those attending events at the Olympico stadium, as it provides good public transportation links while being close to the city center.
This summary was generated by AI from Tripadvisor forum posts.Was this helpful?Variety of Tours
According to forum posts, Rome offers a diverse range of food tours including evening tours, street food tours, and specific tours like the Twilight Trastevere by Eating Europe. Travelers have called out various platforms such as Secret Food Tours and With Locals for booking different culinary experiences.
DIY Tours
Some travelers suggest designing your own food tour by visiting recommended local spots like Campo de Fiori for cheese and cured meats, or Testaccio market for a variety of local foods, as an alternative to organized tours.
Booking and Pricing
Travelers have mentioned that food tours can be pricey, but many feel they are worth the cost for the experience provided. It's recommended to check for seasonal promotions or discounts when booking through official tour sites.
Meal Sharing and Social Dining
For a more intimate dining experience, posts suggest using platforms like Eatwith.com to book dinners in local homes, offering authentic meals and the opportunity to engage with locals.
This summary was generated by AI from Tripadvisor forum posts.Was this helpful?Public Transport Overview
According to forum posts, Rome has a comprehensive and affordable public transport system that includes buses, the metro, and trams. The city's historic center is highly walkable, making it convenient to explore on foot.
Metro and Bus Details
Some travelers mentioned using the metro, which is efficient but has limited coverage with only two main lines. For wider coverage, numerous bus routes are available, such as route 118 that travels to the Appian Way. Public transport tickets in Rome are integrated, allowing use across the metro, buses, and trams. A standard ticket costs €1.50 and is valid for 100 minutes, though it allows only one metro journey within this period.
Tram and Regional Train Insights
Travelers have called out the availability of Trenitalia Regionale trains for longer distances, such as from the Roma Trastevere station to Roma Termini, costing 1 euro and taking 10 to 16 minutes. Additionally, substitute tram services are mentioned for areas like Isla Tiburtina within Trastevere, complemented by bus services.
This summary was generated by AI from Tripadvisor forum posts.Was this helpful?Public Transport Accessibility
According to forum posts, Ostia Antica is highly recommended for a day trip from Rome due to its accessibility by public transport. The site can be reached with a standard €1.50 transport ticket. Similarly, the coastal town of Ostia is accessible via a metro line from Piramide, costing the same €1.50 ticket.
Variety of Destinations
Some travelers suggested a range of destinations for day trips from Rome. These include historical sites like Tivoli and Orvieto, and coastal areas like Sperlonga and Santa Severa. Lakes such as Lago di Bracciano and seaside towns like Ponza were also mentioned as great day trip destinations.
Nature and Small Towns
For those interested in nature and quaint villages, forum users have recommended exploring places like Bomarzo’s Park of the Monsters, the medieval centers of Orvieto and Spoleto, and the lakeside town of Anguillara Sabazia. These destinations offer a break from the bustling city environment of Rome.
This summary was generated by AI from Tripadvisor forum posts.Was this helpful?Official Website Tours
According to forum posts, the official Colosseum website offers various guided tours, including the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill, which are described as the most beneficial due to the complexity and historical significance of these sites. These tours can be booked directly through the CoopCulture website.
Underground and Special Tours
Some travelers mentioned that specific areas like the Colosseum's underground and third ring are only accessible through guided tours, which need to be booked in advance. Additionally, there are special event tours like nighttime tours that offer unique experiences of the sites.
Private and Group Tours
For those looking for more personalized experiences, options such as Context Rome and Walks of Italy offer small group tours, which typically provide a more intimate and detailed exploration of the Colosseum and surrounding areas. These can be booked through their respective websites.
This summary was generated by AI from Tripadvisor forum posts.Was this helpful?Official Websites
To purchase tickets for the Colosseum, the most reliable method is using the official ticketing websites like coopculture.it or ticketing.colosseo.it. These platforms offer various ticket options, including general admission and special tours like the Underground or Attic tours.
In-Person Purchase
If you're unable to secure tickets online due to high demand or website issues, you can buy them directly at the Colosseum ticket window. This can be a viable alternative, especially if online tickets are sold out.
Website Issues and Solutions
Some users have experienced technical difficulties when trying to purchase tickets online, such as error messages or the website not loading. Clearing browser cookies, updating software, or trying different browsers may resolve these issues. If problems persist, checking the website at different times or using a computer instead of mobile devices has helped some travelers.
This summary was generated by AI from Tripadvisor forum posts.Was this helpful?Location and Amenities
According to forum posts, many travelers recommend staying near the Pantheon or Piazza Navona due to their central locations, which allow easy access to major attractions and a variety of dining options. Hotels like Albergo del Senato and Hotel Damaso are frequently mentioned for their proximity to these areas.
Family-Friendly Options
For families, the Albergo del Senato next to the Pantheon offers family rooms and is praised for its location in the lively Piazza della Rotunda. Another recommended option is the Hotel Indigo Rome - St. George, which is noted for its quiet street location close to the Borghese Gardens and Museum.
Budget Considerations
Travelers looking for budget-friendly options have pointed out that prices can vary significantly, with some hotels offering rooms in the 300-400 euro range per night. The Hotel Ponte Sisto and Hotel Luna are also suggested as cost-effective choices with good locations.
Historic Charm
Some users have expressed a preference for hotels that combine modern amenities with historic charm. The Hotel Dei Borgognoni and D.O.M. Hotel are highlighted for their stylish interiors and central locations, providing a comfortable and aesthetically pleasing stay.
This summary was generated by AI from Tripadvisor forum posts.Was this helpful?Train Companies and Booking Sites
Travelers have two main train operators to choose from for travel between Rome and Venice: Trenitalia and Italo. Both companies provide high-speed train services and can be booked through their official websites, https://www.trenitalia.com/en.html and https://www.italotreno.it/en.
Travel Duration and Train Types
The journey duration on high-speed trains between Rome and Venice typically takes about 3 hours and 45 minutes to 4 hours. Trenitalia offers the Frecciarossa service, while Italo operates its high-speed trains on this route. Both services connect major stations such as Roma Termini and Venezia Santa Lucia.
Stations and Accessibility
For travelers departing from Rome, the primary station is Roma Termini, though some trains also call at Roma Tiburtina. In Venice, the key station is Venezia Santa Lucia, which is closer to the city center and ideal for tourists aiming to stay near iconic sites like St. Mark's Square. Venezia Mestre station serves the mainland and might be suitable for different travel needs.
This summary was generated by AI from Tripadvisor forum posts.Was this helpful?