Rome
Visited in 2015 and 2026
At a glance
- Country
- Italy
- Region
- Metropolitan City of Rome
- Population
- 2.7 million
- Best time to go
- April to May, September to October
- Main airport
- Rome Fiumicino (FCO)
- Coordinates
- 41.90°N, 12.47°E
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Overview
Rome is an open-air museum with nearly 3,000 years of history layered on top of itself. Ancient ruins sit beside Renaissance churches and baroque fountains, and around every corner is a piazza full of people eating gelato.
The historic centre is compact and best explored on foot. Book the big sights in advance, then leave time to wander the cobbled lanes of Trastevere and Monti.
Things to see
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Photo: FeaturedPics, CC BY-SA 4.0 The Colosseum
The great amphitheatre of ancient Rome. A combined ticket also covers the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill next door.
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Photo: Snowdog, CC BY-SA 3.0 Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel
One of the world's greatest art collections, ending at Michelangelo's ceiling. Book an early entry to beat the crowds.
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Photo: Alvesgaspar, CC BY-SA 4.0 St Peter's Basilica
The vast church at the heart of Vatican City. Climb the dome for a view over the city.
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Photo: NikonZ7II, CC BY-SA 4.0 The Pantheon
A 2,000-year-old temple with the largest unreinforced concrete dome in the world.
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Photo: NikonZ7II, CC BY-SA 4.0 Trevi Fountain
Throw a coin over your shoulder to guarantee a return trip. Visit early morning or late at night.
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Photo: NikonZ7II, CC BY-SA 4.0 Piazza Navona
A baroque square built on an ancient stadium, with Bernini's Fountain of the Four Rivers.
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Photo: Alessio Damato, CC BY-SA 3.0 Borghese Gallery
Bernini sculptures and Caravaggio paintings in a villa set in parkland. Entry is by timed booking only.
Tickets and tours
Things to do
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Photo: Jensens, Public domain Eat your way around Trastevere
Cobbled streets across the river with some of the city's best trattorias. Try cacio e pepe and supplì.
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Photo: Myrabella, CC BY-SA 3.0 Food tour
A guided tasting walk is a great introduction to Roman pizza, pasta and gelato.
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Photo: LuisaV72, CC BY-SA 4.0 Walk the Appian Way
Hire a bike and ride the ancient road past tombs and catacombs.
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Photo: Sonse, CC BY 2.0 Sunset from the Pincio terrace
The terrace above Piazza del Popolo has one of the best views over the domes of the city.
Where to stay
Centro Storico
Stay among the sights near the Pantheon and Piazza Navona. Pricier, but everything is walkable.
Hotels in Centro StoricoTrastevere
Atmospheric and lively at night, with great food. A short walk over the river to the centre.
Hotels in TrastevereMonti
Trendy neighbourhood near the Colosseum with boutiques and wine bars.
Hotels in MontiPrati
Calm and elegant, close to the Vatican, with good Metro links.
Hotels in Prati
Getting around
Most of the centre is best walked. The Metro has only three lines and skips much of the historic core, so buses and trams fill the gaps; tap in with a contactless card. Taxis must be hailed at ranks or booked through an app.
The Leonardo Express train runs from Fiumicino airport to Termini station in about 30 minutes. Ciampino airport, used by budget airlines, is linked by coach.
When to go
April, May, September and October are ideal: warm, sunny and less crowded. July and August are very hot and busy, and many Romans leave the city in mid-August. Winter is mild and the quietest time for the museums.
Plan your trip to Rome
- HotelsBooking.com
- Tours and ticketsGetYourGuide
- FlightsKiwi.com
- Attraction ticketsTiqets
- Airport parking, lounges and transfersHoliday Extras
- Car hireAuto Europe
- Mobile data (eSIM)AiraloCode DAN9406 for money off
- GuidebooksAmazon
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Guide last checked October 2026. Opening times and prices change, so check before you go.