Plan Your Rome Holiday: Best of Rome
Explore Rome
Essential Rome
Things to do
Food & drink
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Exploring Rome’s underground
Colosseum Underground and Ancient Rome Small Group - 6 People Max3,676On 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 Friars2,627A 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 Sebastiano754Take 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 Santa Domitilla450If 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 Water220Talk 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
Autumn in RomeSee what makes the place so magical 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.