Rome, the capital of Italy, is a city steeped in history, art, architecture, and delicious cuisine. With so much to see and do, it’s no wonder that Rome is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. As a travel blogger, I’m excited to share with you my 7-day guide to Rome, covering the must-see attractions, hidden gems, and practical tips for making the most of your trip.
Day 1: Ancient Rome
Our first day in Rome is all about exploring ancient ruins. We start at the Colosseum, one of the most iconic landmarks in the city. With a tour with priority entry, we can skip the long queues and make the most of our time. From there, we head to the Roman Forum, where we can admire the ancient structures and learn about the history of Rome.
Next, we visit the Altar of the Fatherland, a monument built to celebrate King Vittorio Emanuele II, who completed the unification of Italy. We then make our way to the Trevi Fountain, one of the most beautiful fountains in the world. Finally, we end our day with a stroll through the Piazza di Spagna, a luxurious square surrounded by high-end shops and cafes.
Day 2: Vatican City
Our second day is dedicated to exploring Vatican City, an independent city-state within Rome. We start at St. Peter’s Basilica, one of the largest churches in the world. With a guided tour, we can learn about the history and significance of the basilica, as well as see stunning artworks and mosaics.
Next, we visit the Sistine Chapel, famous for Michelangelo’s frescoes on the ceiling. We then head to the Vatican Museums, which house some of the world’s most important art collections. Finally, we end our day with a visit to Castel Sant’Angelo, a former fortress and mausoleum that now houses a museum and art gallery.
Day 3: Historic Center
Our third day is all about exploring Rome’s historic center. We start at the Piazza del Popolo, a beautiful square surrounded by twin churches and a stunning obelisk. From there, we head to the Villa Borghese, a large park that houses several museums, gardens, and a lake.
Next, we visit the Galleria Borghese, one of the most famous art galleries in Rome. We then head to the Papal Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, one of the four papal basilicas in Rome. Finally, we end our day with a stroll through the Circus Maximus, an ancient Roman stadium.
Day 4: Imperial Rome
Our fourth day is all about exploring imperial Rome. We start at the Campo de’ Fiori, a bustling market square that’s home to fresh produce and flowers. From there, we head to the Capitoline Museums, which house several museums and galleries that showcase Roman art and history.
Next, we visit the Imperial Forums, an ancient archaeological site that was once the heart of Rome. We then head to the Basilica of San Giovanni in Laterano, one of the four papal basilicas in Rome. Finally, we end our day with a visit to the Baths of Caracalla, a large thermal complex that’s now a museum.
Day 5: Excursions
Our fifth day is all about taking an excursion to explore more of Italy. We take a day tour to Villa d’Este and Villa Adriana, two stunning villas built in the 16th century for Cardinal Ippolito II d’Este. We then head to Ostia Antica, an ancient Roman city that’s now a museum.
Day 6: Alternative Day
Today is an alternative day, where we can choose to visit either the Gardens of Ninfa and Riviera of Ulysses or take an excursion to Tuscia. We opt for the latter and head to Viterbo, a charming town in central Italy that’s known for its medieval architecture and delicious cuisine.
Day 7: Last Day
Our final day is all about exploring Rome’s hidden gems. We start at the Francesco Borghese Palace, a beautiful palace built in the 16th century for Cardinal Scipione Borghese. From there, we head to the National Museum of Castel Gandolfo, which houses several museums and galleries that showcase art and history.
How Much Does a Week in Rome Cost?
The cost of a week in Rome can vary greatly depending on your travel style and accommodation choices. However, here are some estimates:
- Low cost: €300-€400 per person (accommodation, food, transport, attractions)
- Medium cost: €600-€800 per person (accommodation, food, transport, attractions)
- Luxury cost: €1,200-€1,500 per person (accommodation, food, transport, attractions)
- Featuring 120 new destinations, this best-selling inspirational travel guide reveals 500 celebrated...
- Completely revised and updated for its 10th anniversary
- Compiled from the favorite trips of National Geographic's legendary travel writers, this fully...
Practical Tips
Here are some practical tips to help you make the most of your trip:
- Book your accommodation and transportation in advance to save money.
- Consider purchasing a Roma Pass or Omnia Card Roma for priority entry to popular attractions.
- Eat at local trattorias and restaurants to try authentic Roman cuisine.
- Explore Rome’s historic center on foot or by public transport to save time and money.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about visiting Rome:
Q: What is the best way to get around Rome?
A: The best way to get around Rome is by public transport, such as buses and metro lines. You can also walk or bike through the city.
Q: How much does it cost to visit the Colosseum?
A: The cost of visiting the Colosseum varies depending on the time of day and type of ticket. A priority entry ticket costs around €12-€15 per person.
Q: Can I visit the Vatican Museums without a guide?
A: Yes, you can visit the Vatican Museums without a guide, but it’s recommended to purchase a guided tour or audio guide to get the most out of your experience.
Q: What is the best way to eat in Rome?
A: The best way to eat in Rome is at local trattorias and restaurants that serve authentic Roman cuisine. Try dishes like carbonara, gricia, cacio e pepe, and amatriciana.
Q: Can I visit the Trevi Fountain without a guide?
A: Yes, you can visit the Trevi Fountain on your own, but it’s recommended to purchase a guided tour or audio guide to learn more about the history and significance of the fountain.
Q: What is the best way to explore Rome’s historic center?
A: The best way to explore Rome’s historic center is by walking or taking public transport. You can also consider purchasing a Roma Pass or Omnia Card Roma for priority entry to popular attractions.
Q: How much does it cost to visit St. Peter’s Basilica?
A: The cost of visiting St. Peter’s Basilica varies depending on the time of day and type of ticket. A guided tour costs around €20-€30 per person.
Q: Can I visit the Colosseum at night?
A: Yes, you can visit the Colosseum at night, but it’s recommended to book a guided tour or audio guide in advance to get the most out of your experience.
Tips for Visiting Popular Attractions
- Book your tickets and tours in advance to avoid long queues.
- Consider purchasing a Roma Pass or Omnia Card Roma for priority entry to popular attractions.
- Wear comfortable shoes, as you’ll be doing a lot of walking.
- Bring sunscreen and sunglasses, as the Italian sun can be strong.
Tips for Eating Out
- Eat at local trattorias and restaurants that serve authentic Roman cuisine.
- Try traditional dishes like carbonara, gricia, cacio e pepe, and amatriciana.
- Don’t forget to try some delicious gelato or espresso!
Accommodation Options
Rome has a wide range of accommodation options to suit all budgets. Here are some suggestions:
- Budget: Consider staying in a hostel or guesthouse in the city center.
- Mid-range: Look for apartments or B&Bs in neighborhoods like Trastevere or Monti.
- Luxury: Treat yourself to a five-star hotel in the historic center.
Transportation
Rome has a comprehensive public transportation system, including buses, metro lines, and trams. Here are some tips:
- Buy a Roma Pass or Omnia Card Roma for priority entry to popular attractions.
- Consider purchasing a daily ticket or pass for unlimited travel.
- Take advantage of the city’s bike-sharing program or rent a bike for exploring.
Language
While many Romans speak English, it’s still a good idea to learn some basic Italian phrases. Here are some helpful words and phrases:
- Ciao! (CHOW) – Hello!
- Grazie (GRAH-zee-eh) – Thank you
- Per favore (pehr fah-VOH-reh) – Please
- Scusa (SKOO-zah) – Excuse me
Safety
Rome is generally a safe city, but as with any tourist destination, take some basic precautions:
- Be aware of your surroundings and keep an eye on your belongings.
- Avoid walking alone in dimly lit areas at night.
- Keep valuables secure and consider using a money belt.
By following these tips and guidelines, you’ll be well-prepared for an unforgettable trip to Rome!