Italy
Rome: itinerary & travel tips
Rome packs almost three millennia of history into a compact area. The Roman Forum, the Pantheon, Baroque fountains and the Vatican are so close together that you can reach a lot on foot even in a few days. On top of that, the food is impressive even away from the tourist streets.
From Munich, Vienna or Zurich you can be there in a good one to two hours, so a long weekend is well worth it. Plan fixed time slots for the big sights and leave room for breaks in a café or on a piazza, because the heat and the long walks tire you out faster than you might expect.
Ready-made itineraries
3 days · 28 stops
Rome in 3 days
Three relaxed days in Rome with a single base in the centre: arrival and an Old Town stroll, ancient Rome and Monti, then Trastevere, Testaccio and the Vatican before departure.
- Day 1Arriving and strolling the Old Town
- Day 2Ancient Rome and Monti
- Day 3Trastevere, the Vatican and departure
Weekend like a local · 15 stops
Rome: weekend like a local
Two relaxed days in Rome away from the tourist crowds: Saturday in Testaccio and Ostiense with a market, coffee and street art, Sunday in Trastevere and Monteverde with small galleries and good food.
- Day 1Testaccio: market, coffee, street art
- Day 2Monteverde and Trastevere at a leisurely pace
What to see
Colosseum
The largest amphitheatre of antiquity is the landmark of Rome and combines well with the Forum and the Palatine.
Roman Forum and Palatine Hill
Here you stand in the middle of the political centre of ancient Rome, looking at the ruins of temples and triumphal arches.
Pantheon
The almost 2,000-year-old domed building with the opening at its apex is remarkably well preserved.
Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel
One of the largest art collections in the world, crowned by Michelangelo's ceiling frescoes.
St. Peter's Basilica
The largest church in Christendom impresses with Michelangelo's dome, which you can climb.
Trevi Fountain
The monumental Baroque fountain is at its most beautiful early in the morning or late in the evening.
Where to stay
Centro Storico
Ideal for short trips, because the Pantheon, Piazza Navona and Campo de' Fiori are all within walking distance.
Trastevere
For anyone who wants to spend their evenings wandering lanes lined with trattorias and bars.
Monti
A quieter, more authentic district near the Colosseum with small shops and wine bars.
Prati
Handy for visits to the Vatican, with good restaurants and less hustle and bustle than the centre.
Best time to visit
The most pleasant times are April to June and September and October, with mild to warm temperatures. In July and August it often gets above 33 degrees, many Romans are on holiday and some restaurants close. Around Easter and in a Holy Year, crowds and hotel prices are significantly higher. Winter is quieter and cheaper, but rainy and cool.
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr ✓
- May ✓
- Jun ✓
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep ✓
- Oct ✓
- Nov
- Dec
Getting there
Most direct flights land at Fiumicino (FCO), while some low-cost airlines use Ciampino (CIA). From FCO the Leonardo Express takes around 30 minutes to Termini station and costs about 14 euros. From CIA, shuttle buses take about 40 minutes to Termini for a few euros. Long-distance trains from northern Italy also end at Termini, the central station.
Getting around
The centre is best explored on foot; for longer distances there are the metro, buses and trams, all on one shared ticket. A single ticket is valid for 100 minutes, and for three days a 48- or 72-hour ticket often pays off. The metro is limited and buses are often late, so allow some buffer time.
Daily budget
budget
€55
mid-range
€110
per person, without accommodation. Eating in trattorias and pizzerias away from the hotspots is cheap, whereas admission fees and drinks at tourist spots quickly add up.
Local tips
- Book the Colosseum and the Vatican Museums online in advance, otherwise you often end up queuing for hours.
- Fill your bottle at the many drinking fountains, the nasoni; the water is drinkable and free.
- Avoid restaurants with picture menus right by the sights and eat a street or two further away instead.
- For churches such as St. Peter's Basilica you need covered shoulders and knees, otherwise you will be turned away.
FAQ
How many days should you plan for Rome?
Three days are enough for the main sights such as ancient Rome, the centre and the Vatican. With four days there is time for neighbourhoods like Trastevere or a more relaxed pace.
Where is the best place to stay in Rome?
For short stays, the Centro Storico, Monti and Trastevere are good because you can reach a lot on foot. If you want affordable accommodation with good transport links, choose the area around Termini, but stay alert in the evening.
Is Rome expensive?
Rome is roughly on a par with other European capitals in terms of prices. Accommodation is the biggest expense, while food and public transport remain comparatively cheap.
How do I get from the airport to the centre?
From Fiumicino airport the Leonardo Express takes around 30 minutes to Termini. Alternatively, there are regional trains, buses and taxis with a fixed flat fare to the city centre.
Is Rome safe for tourists?
Rome is considered safe, but pickpocketing is common, especially on the metro, on buses and at hotspots. Keep valuables close to your body. Tipping is not compulsory; rounding up or leaving one to two euros in a restaurant is customary.
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