Rome, one of the most-visited cities in the world, has a rich culture, heritage, and history. This European city is also home to some world-famous sites such as the Colosseum, St. Peter’s Basilica, Roman catacombs, and more. That’s not all, it is also the gateway to visit the humble abode of the Pope – The Vatican City. Whether it is amazing Italian cuisine, art galleries, vibrant nightlife, or historical monuments, this city has it all. If you are planning a trip to Rome soon, then this Rome trip planner is everything you need to know from when to visit and what to do in the city.
Best Time To Visit Rome
Although Rome’s climate is conducive for a year-round visit, most would agree that the summer (June-Aug) is the most ideal. The warm temperature with long days makes it the ideal weather for exploring the city. However, it is also the most expensive and crowded time to visit the city.
A visit during spring (March to May) or autumn (September to November) is also ideal from an economic standpoint. You will not only have pleasant weather for exploration but there will be fewer tourists in the city as well. For those who love winters and want to enjoy good deals on their trip, winter is definitely the best time to visit Rome. Read more about the best time to visit Rome.
Best Time To Visit Rome
Rome Itineraries
Depending on how long you're in Rome for - whether it's just a day or 5 days, we have the perfect itineraries crafted for you. Go through these Rome itineraries and plan your stay well in advance!
If this is your first time traveling to Rome, you could use some help planning your daily itineraries. Apart from the basic planning (flight tickets, visa, accommodation in Rome, etc.), you'll need to consider your day-to-day activities in Rome - where to go, what to see, how to get there, and more. But fret not, for we are here to help.
1-Day Rome Itinerary
Vatican Museums
Sistine Chapel
St. Peter's Basilica
Colosseum
Roman Forum
Palatine Hill
Piazza Navona
Pantheon
Trevi Fountain
Top 20 Instagrammable Places in Rome
3-Day Rome Itinerary
1
Colosseum
Roman Forum & Palantine Hill
Trastevere
Roman Catacombs
2
Piazza Navona
Pantheon
Trevi Fountain
Spanish Steps
Borghese Gallery
3
Vatican Museums
Sistine Chapel
St.Peter's Basilica
Vatican Necropolis
Castel Sant’Angelo
5-Day Rome Itinerary
1
Colosseum
Roman Forum & Palantine Hill
Trastevere
2
Piazza Navona
Pantheon
Trevi Fountain
Spanish Steps
Borghese Gallery
3
Vatican Museums
Sistine Chapel
St.Peter's Basilica
Vatican Necropolis
4
Day Trip From Rome
5
Castel Sant’Angelo
Jewish Ghetto
Basilica di San Clemente al Laterano
Roman Catacombs
Rome Travel Restrictions
Given the current situation across the globe, it is important to read up on the travel restrictions. As of now, France has has partial restrictions in place, and it is important to keep that in mind before traveling to this country. Find out about the new rules and reopening of attractions on the blog post below.
COVID Travel Restrictions
Hacks To Buying Cheap Rome Flight Tickets
Now that you've figured out the perfect time to visit Rome and braved through the restrictions, it is time to look for flight tickets. Go through our 17 golden hacks for cheap flight tickets before scouring through the flight ticket websites. You'll be surprised how easy it is to save a pretty penny while booking flight tickets!
Do I Need Travel Insurance?
Traveling involves a certain amount of uncertainty always. With the pandemic, this amount has only increased. Opting for travel insurance is not something many people have done (pre-pandemic), but post-pandemic, it is highly recommended that you opt for it. Choosing the right travel insurance plan gives you a safety net to prevent losses if things go downhill.
Travel insurance can be complex- how do you know what to choose? For this very reason, we can crafted a ultimate guide to choose travel insurance post-covid.
Packing For Rome
If you are planning a trip to Rome, then you also need to pack efficiently for your trip. Make sure to pack in advance to avoid missing out on some crucial items for your trip. A travel adaptor, reusable bottle, crossbody bag, raincoat, photo ID, etc. are a few important things to pack for your trip to Rome. Apart from that, you need to carry clothes according to the month that you would be visiting. Don’t forget to carry a pair of comfortable walking shoes to allow yourself to explore this ancient city comfortably e. Most importantly, if you plan to visit a lot of churches in the city, make it a point to carry clothes to cover your knees and shoulders.
Travel Packing Checklist
Where To Stay In Rome
Rome is a popular city so rest assured, there won’t be any shortage of accommodation options. Each neighborhood in Rome has its own charm and is well-connected via metro or bus to the rest of the city.
Depending on what type of experience you are looking for, you can book the right place for your stay.
Close to the Colosseum
If you wish to stay close to the attractions such as the Colosseum then Monti is one of the best neighborhoods to stay in Rome. This hip neighborhood is not only close to the main train stations and the metro, but features several restaurant and bar options as well.
For Good Nightlife
For good nightlife, Trastevere is a good place to stay in Rome. The colorful streets of this district are lined with bars and clubs for you to party at.
Around Good Eateries
For those who wish to eat good food while in Rome, Testaccio is a great place. Here, you will find amazing food at affordable prices and fewer tourists around. This place is also home to many art museums and sightseeing spots so, you will get some sightseeing done along the way as well!
Shopaholics
If you want to shop, then check out hotels in the San Lorenzo area for your stay. You can buy vintage clothes, cool bars, delicious pizza, and more to enjoy here.
Luxury Travelers
Prati is one of the best locations for families and luxury travelers. It is a safe neighborhood with lots of good hotels and eateries. Another great thing about this neighborhood is that it is close to Vatican City, so it is relatively quieter than the other neighborhoods of Rome.
As you can see, there are different neighborhoods well-suited for different travelers. So, determine the type of trip you are planning and then choose a hotel accordingly.
Getting Around In Rome
Rome is a huge city with attractions spread throughout and not concentrated in a single area. So make sure to know about the transportation options available in the city and how much it would cost you.
While you can explore the city by car, the traffic in Rome is a nightmare. This is why it is best to travel around the city using the metro or the buses.
The most reliable and convenient mode of traveling in Rome is via metro. Another convenient and cheap way to travel in the city is by using buses. Buses are great for reaching the areas the metro is not connected to . There are also 3 tram lines operating in the city that can be used for short distances.
Visitors will need to buy tickets to use any of the above-mentioned transportations. You can buy the tickets each time for your journey or a travel pass that is valid for 24 hours, 48 hours, or 72 hours. If you will be staying for a week here, then you can buy the weekly ticket for traveling around the city.
Of course, you can rent a taxi from a taxi stand but this is the most expensive way to get around Rome. You will have to pay a charge for your bag as well and it is recommended to open the maps to ensure you are going in the right direction.
Public Transportation in Rome 101
5 Best Day Trips From Rome
Planning a trip to Italy is a monumental effort; the country has amazing destinations that appeal to travelers of all kinds. Art enthusiasts, history buffs, wine connoisseurs, architecture aficionados, and culture vultures; everyone can pick and choose their favourite destinations in Italy. Rome is at the heart of all these experiences, and merely a day away from it are incredible destinations that offer a variety of experiences.
Check out our list of 5 best day trips from Rome:
Rome Travel Tips & Hacks
Rome is just about as touristy as it gets. A city rich with ancient history and many things to be explored, it can be a little tricky to navigate. Go through our guide and jot down some interesting travel tips that even the locals swear by. Learn how to navigate tourist traps in Rome, how to save money on transport, food, and accommodation, and then some. Start making notes and use these tips before your trip to Rome.
20 Rome Travel Tips & Hacks
Ready To Head Out To Rome?
Check out the top things to do in Rome & our comprehensive Rome Travel Guide packed with itineraries, tours, culture trips, best hotels, restaurants and a lot more.
Here are a few more guides that should help you plan your visit.
