In this Rome travel guide we will cover everything you need to know before you head to Rome. We’ll also include some insider tips 😉 So let’s move on and start your next trip to Rome.
No blog posts would probably give enough justice to 3000 years of history fulfilled with art, architecture, and culture. Once the capital of the ancient republic and empire, Rome ‘the Eternal City’ conquered the Western World leaving its imprints on it and it is still today home to the Catholic Church. Rome, as it is presented now, is like an open-sky museum that represents the power of the Roman Empire, preserved in many parts at its best.
Rome is perfect for a city break, or simply explore some of Italy’s top attractions. If you like food art and history, this is the right place for you, whilst isn’t quite exactly the best place in the world for nightlife. The city is also perfect for couples of all ages. Many come to get married here from all over the world. We have been to Rome several times, and it was our home for a few years too.
How to get to Rome: From Rome Airports to the City Centre
Rome can be reached by car from any road. Have you ever heard of ‘all roads bring to Rome’? The port of Civitavecchia is also a busy point of entry to Rome. If you need to fly into Rome, it will be either Ciampino or Fiumicino airports. Despite Fiumicino being the international airport, Ciampino is the closest to the city center.
Find Flights to Rome
From Fiumicino Airport to city centre
Fiumicino international airport, unlike Ciampino, is big. Buses are a cheap option to reach the city.
Here are the bus options to/from Fiumicino Airport:
- SIT Bus shuttle: This company offers a non-stop service Fiumicino Airport – Roma Termini. We have travelled with them multiple times and always got a good service. The service is quick and the buses are comfortable. If you are going to the airport, you can find them at Via Marsala 5. From Termini station exit towards Via Marsala and walk left.
- Terravision: It provides the same service as the above, with the exception that this company is much more popular. If you decide to go with Terravision, you should probably book your seat in advance. Expect to find full buses, as most people don’t know that this company is not the only option to reach the city.
- Schiaffini bus: It’s a company which provides the same type of service and it’s not so popular among tourists. Its schedule is not busy, but the buses are comfortable.
Trains are a good alternative to buses. 47 train journeys depart from Fiumicino and arrive at Termini daily. Leonardo Express is the fastest one, leaving the airport every 30 minutes and reaching Termini in only 32 minutes.
REMEMBER! While in Rome, you always have to validate your ticket before boarding the train! That includes online tickets
From Ciampino Airport to city centre
The airport is small and very easy to navigate. Once out of the airport, you’ll see a car park just in front of you and a small square with bus stops. The bus companies which serve Ciampino are the same ones that serve Fiumicino: SIT Shuttle, Terravision, and Schiaffini.
Other options
In case you do not need to get to Termini Station but want to reach the nearest metro station from Ciampino Airport, here are your options:
- Bus 720 ATAC: The urban bus which stops at Laurentina Metro B
- Bus 520 ATAC: The urban bus which stops at Cinecittà Metro A
- ATRAL Airlink: The bus stops at Anagnina Metro A
The last option available is to get a taxi. Taxis are the most expensive but also the fastest way to get around. Depending where you need to go, it could be the only option available. Unfortunately, multiple taxi scams have been reported in Rome, However, if you wish to book a reliable transfer service you can do so through our partner Get Your Guide.
Finally, you could rent a car from the banner below if you wish to visit other parts of Italy.
Rome Travel Guide: The Best Areas to Stay in Rome
Rome is divided up into 15 Municipi (districts) and each one of them is made of several neighbourhoods. These can then be divided up into Rioni – a sort of ‘neighbourhoods within the neighbourhoods’ – which were created by the ancient Romans. Today, many Rioni still correspond to their original ancient Roman division. How crazy is that?
Let’s have a look at some of the best Roman neighbourhoods.
1. Parioli
The overall area which includes Parioli and its surroundings is one of the greenest in the city. Not too far from the heart of Parioli, you can find Rimembranza Park, Acquacetosa Park, and Villa Ada. Parioli is like a ‘city within the city’ with all the amenities available for you: shops, supermarkets, bars, restaurants, and much more. It is also well served by public transport, and it is located not far from the city center. A great choice if you are looking for tranquillity, away from the crazy Roman traffic. Price ranges vary from luxurious options to more affordable ones.
Check out the best places to stay in Parioli
2. San Lorenzo
While Parioli is a a quiet neighbourhood, San Lorenzo is the opposite. This is a very lively and young neighborhood, located between Termini and Sapienza University. Here you will find plenty of cool bars, handicraft shops, events, and concerts. And also, be ready for this………. here are some of the best restaurants in the city! The area isn’t popular among tourists, but if you are looking for some authentic traditional food, this is the right place.
Check out the best places to stay in San Lorenzo
3. Trastevere
Walking along the Tevere river, sipping a cocktail at the square, and attending one of the many cultural events around, has become a routine for locals and tourists in this picturesque neighbourhood. A mix of trendy bars and fancy buildings makes the place affordable for all budgets. Do stay in Trastevere if you want to live like a local and experience a bit of Roman nightlife. Definitely visit the area even if you are not staying here: you won’t regret it.
Check out the best places to stay in Trastevere
4. Monti
“Rione I” Monti has been the heart of the city since the Roman Empire, and it is still today one of the most populated. You will be close to the Roman Forum, Palazzo delle Esposizioni, the Colosseum, and basilica Santa Maria Maggiore. Due to the very central location, accommodation tends to be expensive, though it is possible to find hostels and apartments at reasonable prices, especially during low seasons. An ideal place if you want to stay central and don’t mind crowds.
Check out the best places to stay in Rione I Monti (City Centre)
5. Testaccio
Testaccio lies in the Ostiense district, in the southern outskirt of the city. As Testaccio is a bit distant from the city center, it would be ideal to stay here if you prefer to avoid crowds of tourists and find good hotel deals. This neighbourhood is renowned for its authentic food experiences. At Testaccio market – the main public market of Rome – you can find high-quality traditional foods for the right price. Do choose this neighbourhood if you want to live an authentic experience.
Check out the best places to stay in the Ostiense District
6. Prati
If you choose to stay in Prati, it will be probably because of its proximity to the Vatican. Prati is very stylish, with its marvelous architecture and long tree-lined avenues. Places of interest around here include San Pietro Basilica, the Sistine Chapel, the Vatican Museums, and Sant’Angelo Castle (located in Rione Borgo). It’s the perfect choice if you are interested in architecture and want to be among the first ones to visit these world-famous landmarks in the morning.
Check out the best places to stay in Prati (Vatican)
7. Villa Borghese
Tourists love Villa Borghese just as much as locals do. The location is central and busy, but the green parks surrounding it are an oasis of peace and relaxation. Among all central neighbourhoods, this is possibly the most affordable one… probably the best place to stay central without having to spend a fortune. Places of interest around here include Villa Borghese, the famous Villa Medici, and Galleria Borghese. But that is not all. Expect to find dozens of museums and art galleries around.
Check out the best places to stay in Villa Borghese
Still looking for the perfect place in Rome? Explore countless options on the map below!
Rome Travel guide
Best areas to stay in Rome: things to consider
There are many neighbourhoods in Rome to choose from. For this Rome travel guide, we made our choices based on location, cultural influence, and cost of living. Some areas that we have cited are way more expensive than others, however we have had to balance out the convenience and the privilege of staying in certain areas over others.
Now that we looked at the best neighbourhoods of Rome, let’s explore what the city has to offer.
Thankfully, Rome has a lot to offer and for all budgets. Hence, we decided to write a bit about how to visit Rome on a Budget
Let’s have a look.
Rome Travel Guide: How to Visit Rome on a Budget
Home to some of the most iconic landmarks in the world, such as the Colosseum, St. Peter’s Basilica, and the Trevi Fountain, Rome welcomes about 10 million tourists every year. Rome is certainly one of the most beautiful, most visited, and unfortunately, one of the most expensive cities in Europe. However, the reality is that except for some eastern European capitals, all center and western European capitals are quite expensive. In addition, Rome is not as expensive as the likes of London, Edinburgh, or northern European cities such as Copenhagen.
And just like any other city, Rome offers plenty of things that can be done for free or with a limited budget. Most people don’t know how to get things for less, ending up paying too much for everything. To avoid this, we’ve created an insider list of things to be done to save money and visit Rome on a budget.
1. Free museums
One of the best things to do in Rome is to visit its beauties which also include museums. It is good to know that on special occasions, museums are open for free. When? Well, some of them are on the first Sunday of the month while some others are on the last Sunday of the month, but also for special celebrations or national days. On www.romeguide.it you can find the most updated list of museums and when they are open for free. But that is not all. Museums in Rome are free to visit for selected categories of people and discounted for some others. Visit www.museiincomuneroma.it to see if you are one of them!
2. Choose the low season
Going to Rome during the low season is probably a good way to save money. Flights and accommodation tend to be cheaper during the low season, and also bars and restaurants tend to decrease their prices. Generally speaking, the low season in Rome goes from October to March, excluding the period 8 December to 8 January. If you are planning your winter getaway to Rome, check out also if any major events are going on. Events, such as big sporting events, can pump prices up quite easily.
3. Experience the magic Trevi Fountain
Every Rome Travel Guide would have The Trevi Fountain as a top attraction. A visit to Rome is truly incomplete without a stop at the Trevi Fountain. Marveling at this impressive fountain, and taking all the pictures you want is free, but be prepared for huge crowds of tourists. Most importantly, do not swim in the fountain or you will get fined! Legend says that if you throw a coin into the fountain with your back facing the fountain, and with your right hand over your left shoulder, you will return to Rome one day.
4. Take long walks
Rome is certainly a walkable city, and avoiding public transport will save you money and stress. The traffic in Rome is crazy, and the metro and the buses are always super busy. Hence, taking long walks is ideal to explore Rome’s best landmarks without having to spend a penny. Rome features thousands of landmarks, therefore you shouldn’t rush up hoping to visit them all. Instead, you should make a list of sightseeing you want to do and follow it.
An easy, walkable route that could be done in half-day is the following: Piazza Navona (one of the most beautiful squares in Rome) – Pantheon – Trevi Fountain – Piazza di Spagna. Once at Piazza di Spagna relax, enjoy the beauty surrounding you, and then climb the Spanish steps: you will get an amazing view of the city.
5. Experience the local lifestyle
Life in Rome is busy, especially at peak times. However, locals like to take their breaks and relax in a bar. Strangely enough, in Italy bars are different than the ones you would find elsewhere. In Italy, bars are more like coffee shops. Whilst in many countries you get your coffee and sit down for hours socializing or using your laptop, in Italy doesn’t work that way. Instead, people drink their coffee standing at the bar, spending about 10-15 minutes chatting, and then leave. You could experience this to avoid table prices!
NOTE ON TABLE PRICES
Most bars and cafes in Rome have 2 types of prices: bar prices and table prices. Table prices are higher, as you will be charged for being served at the table. These premises must have their prices exposed – thus both bar and table prices. Do check their prices out before oredering.
6. Don't sit at cafe terraces
If you want to relax and enjoy your coffee or an aperitif, try and avoid sitting down in piazzas or terraces. Especially in the city center and around the Vatican, the prices for having a coffee sitting in piazzas or terraces are pretty high. A cup of coffee could cost you more than € 5 in a regular bar– and more than € 10 in a fancy bar. This is legal and it is not a scam. Simply put, many tourists enjoy these types of experiences and are willing to pay for it. But some others are not aware of it. So remember this, and always check the prices before ordering anything.
7. Save money on sightseeing
Rome is truly an open-air museum. You can just stroll around the city and admire its stunning art for free: ancient ruins, fountains, sculptures, and churches. Here are just a few examples:
- The most important church in all of Christendom, one of the greatest buildings in the world, St. Peter’s Basilica, is open to all for free. Adjoining the Basilica is the famous St. Peter’s Square. A perfect attraction to visit for free during your budget trip to Rome.
- The Pantheon, which was once a temple dedicated to all Gods is incredibly one of Roman’s best-preserved buildings. The Pantheon is free to enter and is an absolute must-see in Rome.
- Not many know that in Largo Argentina, there is an ancient square that once hosted four Roman temples, as well as the Theatre of Pompey, Rome’s first theatre and the spot, where Julius Caesar was killed. Today, the ruins are home to stray cats, and the square can only be admired from the outside. However, there are works in progress to make the site accessible for all.
8. Take advantage of discounts
As we mentioned earlier, the city offers several types of discounts for selected ranges of people. Before booking online or paying at the cashier for an entry ticket, ALWAYS check your entitlements, and be prepared to show proof of eligibility.
Here are just a couple of examples:
- Entry tickets at the Colosseum start from € 16. However, European citizens aged 18-25 are entitled to discounted fares, and all under 18s have free entry. Moreover, on the first Sunday of each month entry is free for all.
- Vatican Museums entry fee starts from € 17. However, on the last Sunday of each month, entry is free, with visiting hours reduced 9,30 am to 2,30 pm, last entry is at 12,30 pm. As you can imagine, expect long queues. If you are there on the last Sunday of the month, make sure you arrive early enough.
9. Use your money wisely
These tips will help you save a good bit of money while in Rome 😉
WATER and STREET VENDORS
First thing, avoid buying bottles of water. You can drink free and safe water from the many fountains around (the small fountains, not the big monumental ones). Just bring your bottle with you and refill it every time you want. You can download the app WAIDY to find the nearest fountain. Avoid buying water and drinks in general from street vendors and food carts. Prices are high; even fruits and vegetables will cost you a premium.
SHOPPING
While doing some shopping in Rome, you would be entitled to 11-13% tax back if you are a Non-EU visitor and spend € 155 or more. All you need to do is to fill out a form at the shop.
STREET ARTISTS
Near the Colosseum, there are men dressed up as gladiators taking pictures with tourists. They would charge at least 10 € for a photo. Something that can be avoided if you are on a budget, don’t you think?
WALKING TOURS
Free walking tours would allow you to discover many parts of the city and meet new people. At the end of the tour, just leave a small tip of your choice.
CONSIDER GETTING REVOLUT
Revolut is the most popular online bank and easy to use app. Revolut gives travellers several benefits such as:
- Use different currencies simultaneously.
- Withdraw up 200 € / 200 $ a month from any ATM for free.
- Free to open account & no maintenance costs.
- Make international payments at no fees up to 1000 € / 1000 $ a month.
- Split bills and pay friends with ease.
Setting up a Revolut account is simple and free. If you want to, you can download it through our referral link.
10. Get discounted cards
Like in many other cities, discount cards can help you save some time and money, but only if you plan all your visits well.
The Roma Pass 48 hours includes: free access to one of the museums included in the card, discounted rates for all other museums included in the card, unlimited use of the bus, metro, trams, and suburban lines.
The Roma Pass 72 hours includes: Free access to two of the museums included in the card, discounted rates for all other museums included in the card, unlimited use of the bus, metro, trams, and suburban lines.
With both passes, you get to skip the lines at the Colosseum and Castel Sant’ Angelo and you also get a comprehensive foldable city map. However, even with this card, you will have to book your visit to the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill in advance.
This card is an extension of the Roma Pass 72 and covers the Vatican museums, the Sistine Chapel, public transport, and the hop-on-hop-off bus on top of your two free museums. In other words, the Omnia card can be purchased in addition to the Roma Pass 72. Total cost for the two starts from € 129.
11. Don't get scammed at restaurants
We have already mentioned that most bars charge bar prices and table prices. Here are some extra tips for you:
Service
- Restaurants tend to charge what’s called ‘cover service’. It’s a small fee (usually around 3€) for the privilege of sitting there. The good news is that usually a basket of bread is included in the fee. The bad news is that this fee tends to be higher in more touristy restaurants, so avoid them as much as possible.
Wine
- Wine is overall affordable in Italy; it’s part of our culture. You’ll hardly find a bad quality wine in Italy. Thus, especially if you are not a wine expert, you may order a house wine instead of a bottle. House wines in Italy are usually real, good local wines, they typically come in carafes, and are much cheaper than bottled ones.
Fish
- Rome has some great fish restaurants; however, they tend to be pricey. Often, the menu gives you the price of 100 grams, but that is not the price of the dish. You will be paying for a whole fish. So, let’s take for example € 6 for 100 grams of fish. One fish which weighs 1 kilogram will cost you….60 €! Yes, just for one fish. If you are looking to get just a fillet, see if they have it on the menu. If they haven’t, remember the server will always try and sell you the whole fish.
Specials
- In some places, the servers will recommend their ‘special of the day’. Nothing wrong with that, just ensure you ask for the price first. As a rule of thumb, always check prices first. If they are not written, ask for prices. If they recommend you anything (specials, desserts, drinks) always ask for prices.
So here is our mini-guide on how to visit Rome on a budget, we hope you found it interesting and that will be of help during your trip to Rome.
A visit to Rome is not really complete without visiting its main sights. In the next section, we will cover the 10 best things to visit in Rome.
The 10 Best Things to Visit in Rome
“Roma Aeterna” (The Eternal City) and “Caput Mundi” (Capital of the World) are two famous expressions of the ancient Roman culture which used to symbolize the greatness of the empire and the majesty of the city. Rome truly stands as one of the most beautiful and oldest cities in the world, and one of those places to visit at least once in a lifetime.
The history of Rome began nearly 3000 years ago, as Romans were about to create one of the biggest and most powerful empires of all time. With a such long history, there is plenty to see and do that would keep you busy for months. Because of this, we’ll cut it down to those sites we believe are a must-see on a short visit to Rome. We called Rome ‘home’ for a while, and have visited it several times as tourists; now we want you to get ready for your next trip to Rome
1. The Colosseum
The Colosseum was built between the years 70 and 80. In the year 80, Emperor Titus inaugurated the Colosseum with 100 days of games, during which over 2,000 gladiators lost their life. The Colosseum is the largest amphitheatre built in the Roman Empire and it hosted exhibitions of exotic animals, execution of prisoners, and gladiator fights for over 500 years. Thankfully, after years of earthquakes, fires, and bombings, this masterpiece is still kept in good conditions.
The Colosseum is truly something not to be missed on a trip to Rome, as it is also one of the 7 Wonders of the Modern World. To avoid long queues you should join this Colosseum guided tour which includes also the entrance to the Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill.
IMPORTANT!
Queues to get tickets to the Colosseum are usually very long. Sometimes visitors can’t get in after queuing for a whole day. To avoid disappointment, book your Colosseum Undergrounds priority entry tickets or your Colosseum guided tour with priority access in advance!
2. The Roman Forum and the Palatine Hill
The Roman Forum is an archaeological site located in the historical center of Rome, near the Colosseum and Palatine Hill. The Forum was once the center of the political, juridical, religious, and economic hub of ancient Rome, and it still stands today with amazing ruins of buildings and monuments of that time. As mentioned already, Rome is like an open sky museum, and a walk around the Roman Forum will be like traveling back to the ancient Roman Empire.
In the same area as the Roman Forum is Palatine Hill, one of the seven Hills of Rome and one of the most ancient parts of the city. Legend says it all began here when the she-wolf Lupa found Romulus and Remus. From here, you will enjoy some breathtaking views of the city, including the Forum and Circus Maximus.
These sites, located in the heart of the historical center of Rome, are an absolute must-see. To visit both sites, you should take the Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill Tour.
GOOD TO KNOW
Palatine Hill is located next to the Roman Forum and you can walk freely between the two. Just 5 minutes walking south of the Colosseum, in Via San Gregorio, there is the entrance to Palatine Hill. From here, it will be just an easy climb up to the hill, where you can enjoy some great views before descending towards the Roman Forum.
The Roman Forum, Palatine Hill, and the Colosseum are located within the same archaeological area and count as one admission. Although you can purchase tickets from the admission offices, we recommend to book your tickets online, as you get to choose your entrance time slots and avoid long queues.
3. The Pantheon
The Pantheon was once a temple dedicated to all past, present, and future Gods. After its reconstruction in 124 A.C. under the reign of Emperor Hadrian, the building was left very much intact, and incredibly still stands today in all its majesty. On entering the door, you’ll find the space perfectly spherical, symbolizing the vault of heaven, and purposefully made this way to place all Gods at same the level of importance.
The mighty dome of the Pantheon is the biggest brick dome ever built. At the center of the dome, there is a 9-meter diameter oculus, also known as ‘the eye of the Pantheon’. This was a clever idea made to illuminate the temple (there are no windows to illuminate it) and also to let people contemplate the heavens. One of the best sights in Rome which can be visited with this Pantheon Skip the Line Tour.
4. L’Altare della Patria
We now leave ancient Rome and move on to more recent history, approximately 1911-1935. L’Altare della Patria (Altar of the Fatherland) or Monumento Nazionale a Vittorio Emanuele II (Victor Emmanuel II National Monument) is a monument located in Piazza Venezia. The monument celebrates the legacy of the first king of a united Italy and the leader of the liberation from foreign domination. It features stairways, fountains, an equestrian statue of Victor Emmanuel II, and two statues of the Goddess Victoria. On the altar, lies the crypt of the Unknown Soldier, who died during World War I, in memory of all Italian soldiers who died in wars.
The monument has always been the place of national celebrations, such as Liberation Day (April 25), Republic Day (June 2), and Armed Forces Day (November 4). It is possible to get onto the panoramic terrace to get some amazing views of the city. Moreover, at the base of the monument, there is a museum dedicated to the unification of Italy.
5. The Trevi Fountain
Close to the Pantheon stands the world-famous Trevi Fountain. The origin of the fountain dates back to 19 B.C. when Marcus Vipsanius developed the Aqua Virgo aqueduct to provide citizens with access to quality water. Since then, the fountain has undergone several developments and restorations becoming a monumental landmark of which Romans are very proud.
The myth that originated in a movie, says that if you throw a coin into the fountain with your back facing the fountain, and with your right hand over your left shoulder, you will return to Rome one day. Enjoy staring at the fountain and take all the pictures you want for free. However, if you want to avoid the large crowds of tourists that gather here daily, you should plan a visit in the early morning. The Trevi fountain can also be visited as part of this informative Rome Squares and Fountains Guided Tour which covers some of the most important squares and fountains of Rome and goes through their history.
6. St. Peter’s Basilica
Situated in the UNESCO World Heritage site of Vatican City, St. Peter’s Basilica was called after one of Jesus’s twelve disciples and it is the Church of the Pope and a major pilgrimage site. The Basilica was built in the Renaissance period thanks to the most skilled architects and sculptors of that time: Bramante, Raffaello, Michelangelo, and Bernini, to name a few. In the courtyard outside the Basilica, there are 140 statues of saints standing upon the colonnades which beautifully adorn the outside of the church. The square surrounding the church serves as a praying point for pilgrims at the Sunday Mass, and it is also the place to marvel at this impressive building.
Just a short walk away from the Basilica and you’ll find the Vatican Museums. The museums host a vast art collection and include unique, historically significant rooms of the Apostolic Palaces. Admire the frescoes of the Sistine Chapel and the masterpieces of St. Peter’s Basilica. The Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel are among the busiest sights in the world. Book your Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel Skip The Line Tickets in Advance to avoid disappointment. If you prefer guided tours then why not join a fully immersive Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel Guided Tour.
7. Castel Sant’Angelo
Castel Sant’Angelo was first built between 123 and 139 A.D. to serve as the mausoleum of the Roman Emperor Hadrian. Since then, it has been used for several purposes: a castle, then a military fortress of the Vatican, then a prison where executions were carried out, and finally a museum. The monument is located within 10 minute walk from Piazza Navona and the Vatican, linked by the stunning Sant’ Angelo bridge, adorned with Bernini’s white marble angels. The museum within its walls is open Monday to Sunday 9 am to 7,30 pm.
A visit ending up at sunset on the terrace, from which spectacular views of Saint Peter’s Basilica can be admired, is very popular among locals and tourists. The Castel Sant’ Angelo Tour offers the possibility to learn more about the castle’s decorations, rooms, and secret tunnels. Castel Sant’Angelo is one of Rome’s key symbols and has inspired many writers, such as Dan Brown, with his best-seller “Angels and Demons”. Highly recommended.
8. Galleria Borghese
The Borghese Gallery is an art gallery located in the beautiful Villa Borghese Park in Rome. It is renowned for its impressive collection of sculptures and paintings, particularly those from the Italian Renaissance and Baroque periods. Find Caravaggio, Raphael, Titian, and Bernini’s best artworks as well as Roman and Greek scupltures.
To ensure a more intimate viewing experience, access to the Borghese Gallery is limited, and visitors are required to book timed entry tickets in advance. Book your Borghese Gallery Ticket now.
9. Piazza di Spagna
Piazza di Spagna is a magnificent example of the Italian Baroque style. High-end shopping streets, such as Via Condotti and Via del Corso (just a few minutes away) surround the Piazza. Enjoy the Spanish steps (Scalinata di Trinità dei Monti) – 135 steps from the 18th Century which connect the square to the church Trinità dei Monti. The filming of several movies, such as ‘La Dolce Vita’, made this place an instantly recognizable landmark. At its center, Bernini’s fountain ‘La Barcaccia’ makes the view from the top of the stairways even more beautiful.
10. Piazza del Popolo
Due to its history, Piazza del Popolo has to have a place in our must-see list of Rome. The square is located at the northern gate of the city, which was once called Porta Flaminia. This gate was the main entrance to the city during the Roman Empire. Do not miss Santa Maria del Popolo, a basilica that features two canvases from Caravaggio. The square also features two twin churches: Santa Maria dei Miracoli and Santa Maria in Montesanto. From Piazza del Popolo starts what’s known as ‘the main street of Rome’, Via del Corso, home of the major luxury brand shops.
Have you got some extra time?
Have you got a long time to spend in Rome and want to explore more about Italy? Then we would recommend joining the Pompeii Day Trip. An immersive full day will allow you to discover Pompeii, the iconic city which was buried under tons of volcanic ash when Mount Vesuvius erupted in 79 AD, killing 2,000 inhabitants. Pompeii’s archeological site is among the top 3 most visited attractions of Italy: highly recommended.
WANT MORE?
Check out these popular tours from Rome
Time for conclusions
This is our list of places not to be missed on a short visit to Rome. It was hard not to include everything 🙂
So here we are at the end of our blog post about Rome. We hope you enjoyed it and that it will help you plan your trip to Rome.
Rome is a city that will conquer you from day 1, for sure. We enjoyed it as residents just as much as all the times we visited it as tourists. The atmosphere of Trastevere, the majesty of the Vatican City, the culture, the food…will remain an indelible memory.
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