Rome Travel Guide - The Eternal City
Rome is one of the first cities people like to explore when visiting Italy. The Eternal City has so much to offer tourists that it can be difficult to know where to start, so the following quick guide will help you navigate the city and find the best places to go to.
When in Rome: Where to Start
Once you have settled into your accommodation it's that exciting time to start exploring and one of the best places to start is the famous Colosseum.
The Colosseum is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and is a must-see for anyone visiting Rome. But be warned in the height of summer it can, like many other attractions become very busy and overcrowded and we do recommend booking tickets to go inside in advance as they can sell out.
How to get to the Colosseum
The Colosseum is very easy to get to and is served well by the extensive public transport network. It can be reached by subway, bus, and by tram. Below is a list of all public transport options to go to the Colosseum from practically anywhere in Rome.
- Metro B line, get off at the Colosseum metro stop.
- Metro A line, get off at Manzoni stop, then switch to the number 3 tram line going south.
- Bus lines 60, 75, 85, 87, 271, 571, 175, 186, 810, 850, C3, and 117.
- Tramway line 3.
If you don’t want to take public transport you can also take a taxi, just make sure that it is an official, licensed cab.
The Roman Forum
Next to The Colosseum is The Roman Forum. It is situated between The Colosseum and Piazza del Campidoglio. This is where ancient temples and government buildings once stood. Walking around The Forum is a great experience and there are a great number of temples that are there to see (Saturn, Venus, Romulus, Vesta, etc.)
Visiting early morning avoids the crowds and on a good day, the light can be spectacular.
Open every day: 8:30 am until 7 pm, 25th of December and 1st of January it is closed.
Transport to The Forum you can use the Metro Colosseo, line B (blue).
BOOK AND GET YOUR GUIDE FOR ROME HERE.....
Palatine Hill -
Palatine Hill is one of the oldest parts of Rome, it is 40 meters (130 feet) above the Roman Forum and is the most central of the famous seven hills. Go there to see amazing views of the city and see the many fascinating ruins.
It's worth dedicating half a day to visit it since the Roman Forum and the Palatine Hill each cover a very large area. It is open every day from 8.30am to 7pm and is located at Via di San Gregorio, 30.
Nearest Metro station: Colosseo, line B.
Bus stop: Colosseo, buses: 60, 75, 84, 85, 87, 117, 175, 186, 271, 571, 810 and 850.
Vatican City
Vatican City is the world's smallest independent state. It is home to some of the most significant works of art across centuries, drawing history buffs and art enthusiasts alike. Places to visit in Vatican City are -
- St. Peter's Basilica: This jaw-dropping church is the epicentre of Catholicism. Don't miss Michelangelo's masterpiece, the Sistine Chapel, tucked inside. One of the most impressive parts of the Basilica is its incredible dome. Its design was started by Michelangelo and continued by Giacomo Della Porta. Carlo Maderno finished the dome in 1614.
- OPENING TIMES - October – March: 7am - 6:30pm
April – September: 7am – 7pm
The dome opens at 8 a.m. and closes one hour before the Basilica.
- Vatican Museums: Prepare for sensory overload with priceless art collections, including Raphael's School of Athens. But make sure you have plenty of time as the collection is vast. The queues for the Vatican museums are extremely long and tickets are often sold out on the day so pre-booking is essential.
- St. Peter's Square: St. Peter's Square is one of the largest and most beautiful squares in the world. It is located at the feet of St. Peter's Basilica. The most spectacular way to arrive at St. Peter's Square is along the Via della Conciliazione, a long street that begins in the Castel Sant'Angelo.
Hidden Gems: Off the Beaten Path
- Aventine Keyhole: The Aventine Keyhole is one of the most unusual attractions in Rome. Peep through a keyhole for an enchanting view of St. Peter's Basilica framed by perfectly manicured hedges. The view is fabulous and free. This is how to get there and what to expect. The Aventine Keyhole is on the top of the Aventine Hill and is at the door of the Institute of the Knights of Malta its official address is Piazza dei Cavalieri di Malta 3, 00153 Rome.
- The Mouth of Truth: The huge legendary sculpture has a diameter of 1.75 meters and is dedicated to the God of the Sea, represented by a male bearded face with holes for the eyes, nose and mouth. It is located at Santa Maria de Cosmedin Church.
- Villa Borghese: Villa Borghese is one of the largest urban parks in Europe. The Galleria Borghese contains one of the largest private art collections in the world. The collection covering twenty rooms consists of antiques, sculptures and some amazing paintings. You have to see the spectacular views of Rome near the Popolo Piazza entrance.
Getting Around Rome: Navigating the Eternal City
When in Rome, getting around is easy with good public transport. Here are your options:
- Metro: The subway system connects major attractions. For example hop on Line A for Vatican City or Line B for the Colosseum.
- Buses and Trams: An extensive network of buses and trams covers the city. You can purchase a Roma Pass for unlimited rides.
- Walking: Rome is a pedestrian-friendly city. Stroll along cobblestone streets, and you'll stumble upon charming piazzas and historic sites. But beware of the crazy traffic at times, Rome is unique in that aspect!
- Taxis: Taxis are readily available, but make sure the meter is running.
Rome is a city you can never explore in just one visit and this page is just the tip of the iceberg. Whether you're sipping espresso at a café, marvelling at art, or wandering ancient streets, Rome's charm is bound to capture you.
So please explore, and make your Roman trip truly unforgettable.
