In this travel guide, I go through the five best areas to stay and give recommendations for the best hotels in the mentioned neighborhoods.

Rome was the wealthiest city in the world for over a thousand years and is full of astonishing history, impressive buildings, and what almost feels like endless gastronomic possibilities.

Where to stay in Rome? Below I will tell you about the best areas and places to stay in Rome.

The best areas in Rome

If you want a quick rundown, here it is:

• Centro Storico – best area to stay in the city centre
• Trastevere – the best area in Rome?
• Monti – trendy area close to the Colosseum
• Prati – stay close to the Vatican
• Testaccio – best area for a local vibe

You can click on the area above and go directly to the best hotels in this area of Rome.

The guide on where to stay in Rome continues below.

1. Centro Storico – stay in the historic centre

The historic center of Rome is located in the city center and is where to stay in Rome if it’s your first time visiting the Italian capital.

I’d suggest looking for hotels close to The Pantheon and Piazza Navona as both are places of interest in the historic center.

This indeed is the best area to stay in Rome for most tourists.

It doesn’t matter too much exactly where you stay in the historic centre.

However, Piazza Navona and the Pantheon are suitable landmarks – if you are within walking distance of these, you will be staying in the center of Rome and in walking distance of most of the best things to do in Rome.

See the best hotels in the city centre here.

If you choose to stay in the historic centre of Rome, you are close to everything.

The beautiful Piazzas, churches, Roman ruins, small exciting and unique shops and, of course, a wide selection of cafes and restaurants

You will also find the Spanish Steps and the Trevi Fountain in this area of Rome.

All sights that make Rome’s historic centre part of the UNESCO World Heritage List.

I recommend having a pair of good walking shoes on your packing list when you travel to Rome because the historic centre is very compact even though it is a big city.

You can, therefore, quickly get around on foot and see it all.

In addition to all the well-known things to see and do, there are plenty of free experiences in and around Rome.

When you choose to stay in the centre of Rome, the disadvantage is that the nearest metro may be some distance away depending on where you stay.

There are, however, buses and trams. At the same time, you will be within walking distance of most things here.

However, staying in the centre of Rome can be an expensive affair.

But if you are only in Rome for a few days, staying in the centre or reasonably close is recommended so that you have all the sights on your doorstep.

Places to stay in Centro Storico

There are almost always many tourists in Rome, especially in the centre. If you want to stay right in the historic centre itself, there are only a few hotels to choose from.

This also means that they get booked quickly, so it’s best to book as far in advance as possible.

Hotel Indigo Rome is a cosy hotel that is very centrally located and, among other things, has a fantastic outdoor terrace with a view and an indoor swimming pool.

This is, of course, also reflected in the price, but look at the link below and enter your travel dates – prices change, and if you travel in the “low season”, there are often good deals on hotels in Rome.

One of the advantages of this hotel is that it is only about 15 minutes walk from the Vatican and cosy Trastevere, which is the next area on the list of where to stay in Rome

See more about the hotel and book here.

Hotel Nazionale is a traveller’s haven right in the pulsing heart of Rome.

With its prime location, you’re never far from the city’s top attractions and things to do. But it’s the inside that beckons with a promise of comfort.

The rooms blend modern comfort and timeless elegance, providing a serene retreat. Its range of amenities that ensure a cosy stay sets it apart.

Every detail is crafted for comfort, from air conditioning to keep you cool after a day in the Roman sun to the delightful breakfast.

Plus, the little luxuries like a minibar and room service add a touch of indulgence to your Roman holiday.

See more photos & book here.

Hotel Regno is located in the heart of Rome in the historic centre, with an excellent location that makes exploring the city’s many attractions easy.

With transportation options nearby, guests can quickly get around the city, and there are also many excellent dining options within walking distance of the hotel.

The staff at Hotel Regno are known for being friendly and helpful, always ready to assist guests with advice and guidance.

The rooms are highlighted for being almost new, very clean, and functional, adding to the pleasant experience.

The breakfast at the hotel could be improved a bit, but it still functions as a solid meal to start the day.

See more photos and book here.

Suite Art Navona, located directly on the iconic Piazza Navona in Rome, is a surprising oasis of calm in the city centre.

This hotel is known for its spacious, large rooms by European standards and equipped with big, comfortable beds. Cleanliness is also a highly prioritised focus at this place.

Although the hotel’s entrance and hallway may seem worn down and not give the best first impression, you’ll quickly be pleasantly surprised by the rooms and the staff’s helpfulness.

Some rooms even offer views over the charming street.

Suite Art Navona is a place that many would choose to stay at again when returning to Rome.

See more photos and book here.

Hotel Hiberia is an excellent small hotel in the heart of Rome, perfect for travellers who want to stay close to the city’s main attractions without spending a fortune.

The hotel offers clean, comfortable, simple rooms with everything you need for a comfortable stay.

The location is one of the most significant advantages, as you can walk to places like the Trevi Fountain and the Colosseum in minutes.

Previous guests highlight the friendly service and good value for money, especially considering the hotel’s central location.

See more photos and book here.

I’ve also made a video on the best areas to stay in Rome:

2. Trastevere – best area for nightlife

Trastevere is one of the oldest and most authentic neighborhoods in Rome and it’s definitely where to stay in Rome for nightlife.

Trastevere is located just across the river Tiber. This means you can stay relatively close to the centre and within walking distance of most things, but cheaper.

In this district, there are fewer tourists, and a large part of Italians themselves live here.

See the best hotels in Trastevere here.

So if you’re looking for an authentic area to stay in on your trip to Rome, Trastevere is a great area to stay.

However, it must also be said that Trastevere has been described in guidebooks as a “slightly hidden gem” for many years, so there will also be other tourists.

But the area is still less touristy than the historic center.

If you have studied Italian for beginners, this is probably not where you should start trying it out, as a large part of the local population doesn’t speak “modern Italian” but the local Romanesque dialect.

Many students live in this area, which contributes to colourful nightlife, so staying here is also recommended if you enjoy being part of this.

If you choose to stay a little further north in the area, there are several green areas that you can also enjoy.

Among other things, here is the Botanical Garden, which contains more than 7,000 plant species from all over the world. Pull the plug and enjoy the little green oasis for a few hours if you need a break from the pulsating city life.

Do you want to see one of Rome’s oldest churches?

It is also located in this district. The Santa Maria in Trastevere dates back to the 3rd century and is said to have been founded by Pope Callixtus I.

From the Terrazza del Gianicolo, you have a beautiful panoramic view of the historic centre of Rome.

The area has many restaurants and cafes, but you have to be careful where you eat. Many places are tourist traps, but you get local and delicious food if you move away from the most touristy streets.

Researching and looking at various reviews online before eating out is also recommended.

The only real disadvantage of Trastevere is that the public transport does not cover very well here, so it is an advantage that you don’t mind moving around on foot.

However, it is easy to get here from Fiumicino Airport.

Places to stay in Trastevere

Let’s look at some of Trastevere’s best places to stay, starting with a real luxury hotel.

Donna Camilla Savelli is a luxurious retreat that evokes the grandeur of Italy’s famed southern coasts – at least that’s what I’m thinking when I look at the hotel.

Housed in a 17th-century building with a storied past, this hotel offers a unique blend of historical architecture and modern indulgence.

The rooms exude elegance, with touches of Sicilian and Amalfi charm, while the peaceful courtyards and panoramic terraces provide a serene escape from the city’s energetic pulse.

From the rich textiles to the classic woodwork, every aspect of Donna Camilla Savelli is crafted to immerse guests in an atmosphere of sophisticated comfort.

See more photos & book here.

One of the best hotels in Trastevere is the 4-star Unahotels Trastevere Roma.

This is perhaps the hotel with the best location in the entire Trastevere area, so if you want to be sure to stay within walking distance of the area’s cosy restaurants and cafes, then you can book here.

The hotel is also suitable for families with children, as you can book family rooms that have a double bed as well as two single beds.

See more about Unahotels Trastevere Roma here.

Sonder Trastevere is a popular apartment hotel in the northern part of the area, so you’ll stay close to central Rome and the Vatican.

Here, you’ll enjoy modern facilities, and the place stands out as one of the area’s cleanest and nicest accommodation options.

The apartments at Sonder Trastevere are equipped with complete kitchens, including all the necessary utensils for cooking, cleaning, and coffee making.

So if you’re travelling to Rome as a family wanting a bit of extra space or prefer staying somewhere different from a regular hotel room, consider Sonder Trastevere.

See more photos and book here.

The following hotel in Trastevere is a bit of a hidden gem.

Residenza San Calisto offers a blend of historic charm and modern conveniences.

Set in a renovated 17th-century building, its six rooms provide a cosy and relaxed atmosphere equipped with modern-day essentials.

Guests appreciate its clean, friendly ambience, often comparing it to a 4.5-star establishment.

Its prime location near the picturesque square of Santa Maria in Trastevere allows easy access to iconic Roman landmarks, while the local streets offer a variety of restaurants and markets.

See more photos & book here.

See more about Trastevere and Rome in my massive guide on the Italian capital:

3. Monti – best area to stay for couples (near Colosseum)

Monti hasn’t always had the best reputation – it’s a shame as it’s a fantastic place. Monti has historically been a poor area, but today has been renewed.

This is where many wealthy foreigners and successful business people have settled. So now Monti is one of the best areas in Rome to stay in.

I stayed in the summer of 2022 in a good hotel in Monti, right by the Colosseum.

They even had a rooftop terrace with an incredible view of the Colosseum.

See more about this hotel here.

Monti is like a small village in the city. There are many atmospheric streets, small workshops, local butchers, and unique shops with goods you won’t find anywhere else.

You will also experience completely different prices than in all the big shops on the tourist-filled streets.

This is where you can find something that all the others don’t have.

See the best hotels in Monti here.

Monti is a convenient place to stay as it is close to the main train station (Termini ), so you can quickly get around to the whole city of Rome.

It is also close to the Colosseum.

The evening atmosphere in Monti’s only Piazza, Piazza della Madonna dei Monti, is fantastic.

Here, all the locals meet and chat while enjoying a good glass of wine, and the children run around and play.

Places to stay in Monti

Let’s explore some of my favourite hotels in Monti. Let’s start off with a very luxurious hotel.

The NH Collection Roma Fori Imperiali, in Rome’s city centre on the fringes of the charming Monti area, offers a luxurious retreat amid historical grandeur.

The hotel is literally right next to the Imperial Forums, select rooms provide stunning views of ancient ruins.

Previous guests commend the attentive staff and appreciate the hotel’s modern, comfortable amenities and rich architectural beauty.

With easy access to iconic landmarks and the quaint ambience of Monti’s restaurants and bars, it’s one of the best places to stay in Rome.

The hotel’s high ratings on various platforms attest to its quality, making it a compelling choice for those seeking a blend of Rome’s historical essence and contemporary luxury.

See more photos & book here.

As well as being a great place to stay, Monti is also cheap, at least compared to the centre and other popular areas.

One of Monti’s better but cheaper hotels is the Salotto Monti.

This is a 3-star hotel that scores excellent reviews from previous guests and is a great example of a budget-friendly hotel in Monti.

See more and book the hotel here.

As previously mentioned, I recently stayed at Colosseum Corners, which is literally just around the corner from the Colosseum – a great place to stay in the Monti area of Rome.

The hotel is in an ordinary building that might not look special on the surface but contains many surprising details.

One of the most notable features of Colosseum Corners is the opportunity to go up to the building’s roof.

From here, a breathtaking view opens up directly over to the Colosseum, offering a unique feeling of being in the heart of Rome’s historical centre.

The location in the Monti area provides easy access to other attractions, restaurants, and shops, making it a convenient base for those who wish to explore the city on foot.

They don’t have a restaurant, but we were given breakfast vouchers that could be used at a café around the corner – from where you can sit outside and look directly at the Colosseum in front of the café.

See more and book the hotel here.

4. Prati – nice area close to the Vatican

Prati might not be the obvious choice if you visit Rome for the first time.

As I said, it’s all about what kind of trip you want, but if you’ve either been to Rome before, or if you want to experience Rome, but with the opportunity to retreat from the big city’s many tourists in the evening, then Prati is an excellent area to stay in.

This is also where you should stay if you want luxurious shopping experiences, or mainly come to see the Vatican and all the sights there.

See the best hotels in Prati here.

As described in the post about sights in Rome, it can take a lot of time to visit Peter’s Church, as there are many people and often long queues.

Therefore, if you really want to experience the Vatican and take it all in, then you can easily spend more than one day here.

If you are shopping, you must visit the two km. long street Via Cola di Rienzo.

The street starts at the Ponte Regina Margherita bridge and stretches to Piazza del Risorgimento, right next to the Vatican.

Places to stay in Prati

The NH Collection Roma Giustiniano, boasting a sleek façade, is just a stone’s throw away from the Vatican Museums and Castel Sant’Angelo.

A haven for those eager to immerse in Rome’s storied past while indulging in contemporary luxury. The rooms blend comfort with Italian elegance, perfect for days you want to step from the bustling city into a serene retreat.

The breakfast buffet is a true celebration – imagine freshly baked cornetti and cappuccinos that would earn a nod from the most discerning baristas.

NH Collection Roma Giustiniano is a smart choice for an authentic Roman respite where elegance meets convenience.

See more photos & book here.

Residenza Alexander is, in more ways than one, the perfect place to stay in Prati. The hotel is modern but with a good mix of traditional elements.

Here you stay with direct access to the beautiful streets full of shopping opportunities and halfway between the Vatican and Castel Sant’Angelo.

Considering the location, you can hardly say that the price is high and also be lucky to book at a slightly lower price on dates outside the high season.

See more photos and book online here. 

Best Western Plus Hotel Spring House in the Prati area is a superbly delightful hotel, offering comfort and convenience close to the Vatican.

The hotel’s location, just a stone’s throw from the metro station, makes it easy to get around the city, and many of Rome’s iconic sights can be reached on foot within 35 minutes if you want to walk to Centro Storico.

The Vatican is literally just around the corner, so if you want to experience the Vatican without tourists, get up early and head over to St. Peter’s Square before breakfast.

Best Western Plus Hotel Spring House is an excellent choice for those seeking a comfortable and central base in Rome.

Its combination of comfort, service, and location makes it an oasis in the city’s heart, although it might be a bit more expensive than other options.

See more photos and book here.

5. Testaccio – best area for a local vibe

Testaccio is a unique district in Rome, standing out with its blend of history, culture, and vibrant everyday life.

It’s located just south of the Aventine Hill and is renowned for its lively local atmosphere, combining traditional Roman lifestyle with a touch of modern charm.

Historically, Testaccio became known as “Rome’s food bowl” due to its role in the city’s food trade.

Monte Testaccio, the district’s namesake hill, is created from broken earthenware jars for transporting olive oil and other goods.

Today, this hill is a treasure trove of archaeological evidence, providing insight into ancient Rome, so there’s plenty to do for history enthusiasts – but that’s true everywhere in Rome.

Although Testaccio was once known as a working-class neighbourhood, it has undergone significant gentrification and is now a trendy area boasting some of Rome’s best restaurants, shops, and nightlife.

See the best hotels in Testaccio here.

Testaccio market is a must-visit spot to buy fresh produce and taste authentic Roman street food.

I recommend grabbing a sandwich from the iconic Mordi & Vai there – you won’t regret it.

The area is also known as the cradle of A.S. Roma, one of Rome’s two major football clubs (Lazio is the other), which gives it a special place in the hearts of many local football fans.

With its proximity to the historical centre of Rome and easy access to public transport, including Piramide Metro Station (named after a small pyramid called Piramide di Caio Cestio which you should also experience), Testaccio is an excellent place to stay for tourists.

While it has a more locally flavoured atmosphere than more touristy areas like Trastevere, Testaccio offers a more authentic taste of Rome.

Places to stay in Testaccio

Let me recommend a really good place to stay in Testaccio – right in the heart of the area.

Seven Suites in the Testaccio district of Rome is a charming modern Bed & Breakfast with an excellent location close to fantastic dining spots.

At first glance, the exterior of the building might seem ordinary, but inside awaits a surprising new, beautiful, and genuinely comfortable decor.

The rooms at Seven Suites are clean, nicely decorated, and spacious, with some offering balconies overlooking the peaceful inner courtyard. The bathrooms are especially highlighted as dreamy and generous.

The hotel’s guests often praise the friendly and service-minded reception staff, who do their best to meet the needs of everyone staying here.

See more photos and book here.

The next hotel is just outside the lively Testaccio area but closer to Rome’s city centre, San Anselmo offers a serene escape amidst romantic settings.

The proximity to Testaccio brings a trendy dining scene within reach, blending a quiet retreat with the vibrant Roman lifestyle.

An interesting place to stay in Rome if you’re looking for a hotel in a quiet area near a lot of local favourites.

See more photos & book here.

Where not to stay in Rome

I advise against staying in some areas of the city that may not be ideal for tourists.

One such area is Termini Station, which is the main railway station in Rome. While it may be convenient for transport, the area around Termini is known for being crowded, noisy, and unsafe, especially at night.

Another area to avoid is Esquilino, which is adjacent to Termini Station and has a reputation for being rough around the edges.

While there are a couple of decent hotels in these areas, it is generally better to stay in more tourist-friendly neighborhoods such as the historic center or the areas I’ve previously mentioned in this guide.

That was my guide on where to stay in Rome. I hope you found it helpful and found the right place to stay in the Italian capital.

If you have any questions about the different areas in Rome or are unsure where to stay, comment below, and I’ll do my best to help.

All that remains is to say, “Buon viaggio“.

Read all Rome travel guides here.

The post Where to stay in Rome? 5 Best Areas & Places to Stay (+Avoid!) 🇮🇹 appeared first on Destination Well Known.

In this guide I’ll tell you about the best things to do in Rome as well as some of the more hidden gems and unusual things to do.

If it’s a paid attraction, I’ll link to online ticket booking as Rome is an extremely popular destination and the lines for places like Colosseum and the Sixtine Chapel gets pretty crazy in the high season. My advice is to book skip-the-line tickets when possible.

With that said – let’s dive into the top things to do in Rome.

I’m going to begin with some of the main things to do as there are just some things you must see when coming to Rome.

1. Colosseum

The Colosseum is undoubtedly the top attraction in Rome – perhaps one of the world’s best-known sights in reality. So it goes without saying that most people who travel to Rome have the Colosseum on their ‘to-do’ list.

There are many tourists everywhere in Rome, so if you don’t think about it, you can end up queuing for many of the most popular tourist attractions.

However, an easy way to avoid the worst queues for the Colosseum is to buy tickets online from home. On my first trip to Rome, we bought regular Colosseum tickets online on their official website.

The tickets cost €18 and ensure that you bypass the long queue; we went straight in and only stood in line for about 1 minute for the airport-like scanners you must go through for security reasons.

The disadvantage of these tickets to the Colosseum is that you do not have ‘floor access’, which I indeed wanted on that first trip and bought when I was last in Rome again in the summer of 2022.

On my summer trip to the Amalfi Coast, we ended the trip with a few days in Rome. On this trip, we stayed in a hotel next to the Colosseum (the hotel was excellent, by the way, check it out on Booking.com here); thus, it was finally time to get the whole Colosseum experience.

This time we thus booked a guided tour of the Colosseum, where we got down under the ‘floor’ and ended up right in the middle of the Colosseum. In the actual spot that the gladiators used to fight in

I would highly recommend it to everyone travelling to Rome!

On a Colosseum tour with floor access, you get so much more out of the visit, all the good stories from the guide and you get as far into the Colosseum as possible.

We were on this tour booked via GetYourGuide.

On that tour, you meet your guide next to the Colosseum, and he then takes you inside, bypassing the queue, where you are given a headset so that you can always hear the guide on the tour.

A fantastic experience and one of my highlights in Rome.

Colosseum is jam-packed with people, especially in the ‘cheap rows’, where you have access if you buy regular tickets to the Colosseum, but there are almost no people down on the floor.

By the way, the Colosseum is as incredible an experience as you’d expect – it’s pretty crazy to walk around such a historical place, which is also highly well-preserved. A lift is installed so the disabled can get up to the upper stand.

Imagine getting the lift inside the Colosseum? I bet even Marcus Aurelius never saw that coming

Get ready for your trip to Rome with my massive video guide:

2. Roman Forum

The Roman Forum is right next to the Colosseum, so it makes sense to visit the ancient city of Rome on the same day as you go to the Colosseum.

The ticket to the Colosseum is also valid for the Roman Forum, so it would be a shame to miss the visit to the well-preserved ruins.

If you buy a guided tour of the Colosseum, your guide will take you to the Forum and help you through security.

Check out this brief video guide about the Roman Forum from Rick Steves:

On my first trip to Rome, we made our way to the Roman Forum in the morning and were very impressed by how quiet it was.

It was not as overcrowded as many other places in Rome, and even though you were in the middle of the vibrant city, you could hear birds chirping.

On a later trip, I was in Rome in July, where it was almost 38 degrees celsius and walking around the Forum was a bit of a challenge…

So bring a water bottle and a sun hat if you’re coming to Rome in the summer months.

The Roman Forum is another awe-inspiring thing to see in Rome and something you must not miss on your trip to Italy.

• Have you sorted out your accommodation yet? Check out my guide on the best areas and places to stay in Rome.

3. The Vatican City & The Sistine Chapel

The following top thing to do in Rome is the home state of the Pope. On my first trip to Rome many years ago, I visited the Vatican Museum and was quite shocked when I saw the queue for the museum and the Sistine Chapel.

Remember to buy fast-track tickets to the Vatican Museum if you don’t want to waste several hours of your holiday standing in line.

We bought fast-track tickets and went straight in – I’m not kidding when I say the queue is several kilometres long; it’s insane.

The tickets to the Vatican also include a visit to the Sistine Chapel with the world-famous ceiling painting.

Fast-track tickets to the Vatican can be purchased here.

Check out my video on where to stay in Rome:

4. St Peter’s Basilica

On another trip to Rome, we just wanted to enter St Peter’s Basilica, where there is always a long queue.

I read up a bit on the cases and read in several places that if you just came early in the day (before 11 am), the queue for St. Peter’s Basilica was not particularly long.

But when we entered St. Peter’s Square at 10 o’clock on Friday morning, the queue was surprisingly long (it literally filled the whole square), so we, unfortunately, skipped it.

St. Peter’s Basilica is free to visit, but various companies arrange special “audioguide” tours, which then cost money, but on the other hand, function as fast-track tickets.

I would have bought it myself if I had known there was no point in coming early.

The tickets can be purchased here.

Even if you don’t go into the basilica, St. Peter’s Square is worth a visit.

It is an awe-inspiring sight that meets one, especially if one goes on foot down from Castel St Angelo by the river.

5. Castel Sant’Angelo

Castel Sant’Angelo was initially built way back in the year 135 by Hadrian (yes, the one who also had a wall on the border between England and Scotland named after him because the Romans could not take Scotland), and over the years, has functioned both as a prison and fortress for the Pope.

Castel Sant’Angelo is located very close to the Vatican City and St Peter’s Basilica:

So if you are in central Rome and want to experience a wonderful walk, start from the Castel Sant’Angelo and go up to the Vatican.

Nowadays, there is a museum at Castel Sant’Angelo, where buying tickets online in advance is recommended, so you skip the queue.

Read more and get fast-track tickets here.

6. Villa Borghese

Another impressive thing to do and view of Rome is from Villa Borghese, which is ‘just’ a park on one of Rome’s seven hills.

There are several things to do in the park (including an art museum), but I can only talk about the view from Terezza del Pincio, which is outstanding.

If you are in the area, it would be a shame not to go up and see the beautiful view over Rome and the Vatican.

And from the beautiful roman park, we’re going to venture into the absolute city centre and walk through a couple of the most famous things to do in Rome.

7. The Spanish Steps

One of the most famous things to do in Rome is the Spanish Steps, which is… a staircase

There isn’t much to say about the Spanish Steps other than that they’re beautiful and world-famous and that it has been illegal to sit on them since 2019.

In other words, it is no longer possible if you had dreamed of bringing a beer and looking at the hectic life in Rome from the Spanish Steps.

On the other hand, the stairs are centrally located in Rome, so it’s easy to swing by and check off one of the most iconic sights in Rome.

8. The Trevi Fountain

Yep, a must-do thing in Rome and the fountain is indeed remarkable. If only you could see it for all those people

No, it’s beautiful, and if you go down to the water and go a little to the sides, you can (perhaps) find a quiet place to sit and enjoy the work.

The Trevi Fountain is one of the things you must experience when you travel to Rome, and with its central location, it is also difficult not to pass by the place when you walk around the streets.

But it is an attraction where you spend a relatively short time, as there are an incredible number of tourists unless you arrive early in the morning.

So if you are travelling to Rome as a photographer or are good at waking up in the morning, then it is recommended to make your way past the Trevi Fountain early in the day.

9. Pantheon

The Pantheon is a temple built approximately 120 years after the birth of Christ – another imposing historic monument in the centre of Rome.

The Pantheon is free to visit, but there can only be a certain number of guests, so there may be queues – though nothing as crazy as the Vatican, but maybe 5-10 minutes at its worst.

Note: if you travel to Rome in the summer, remember that women’s shoulders must be covered when entering the churches.

Unfortunately, my girlfriend couldn’t enter with bare shoulders, which applies to many churches in Europe.

On the corner of the square outside of the Pantheon, I recommend you try an espresso from Tazza d’Oro, an institution in Rome – known for some of the best espressos in town.

10. Piazza Navona

We find Piazza Navona near the Pantheon, a large square with (several) impressive statues and buildings.

Naturally, there are also many restaurants here, which may/may not be tourist traps.

Piazza Navona is one of those squares in central Rome that you naturally pass by.

The square may not be what I remember best from my travels in Rome, but the streets around the square are charming.

For instance, I loved getting a beer and sitting outside La Botticella of Poggi Giovanni, a craft beer bar in a charming Roman street close to Piazza Navona.

11. Campo de’ Fiori

On Saturdays, it is a good idea to visit Campo de’ Fiori, where there is a vast market. Here you can buy both the classic tourist items, but also fruit, vegetables and cheese.

For example, you can buy Parmesan cheese that is vacuum-packed so that it is easy to transport home and enjoy the delicious Italian food after your trip.

A very cosy square in central Rome.

12. The Trastevere area

It’s time to explore the area often described as ‘the real Rome’. As it is often described this way, there are now a great many tourists who cross the Tiber (the river that divides Rome) and visit the Trastevere area.

Trastevere is my favourite area in Rome; here are narrow cobbled streets with cosy restaurants and small side streets where you can occasionally be lucky to be the only tourist.

So I recommend going over to the Trastevere area – possibly crossing the Tiber via Isola Tiberina – and having dinner at one of the many restaurants in the area.

It’s incredibly cosy, but it’s not the ‘unspoiled real Rome’ feel that many guidebooks tell about – here, too, it’s teeming with tourists.

13. The Victor Emanuel Monument

Right next to the Roman Forum and on the way from the centre of Rome down to the Colosseum, we find a monument that impresses the tourists but is a thorn in the side of many Romans: the Victor Emanuel Monument.

You have no doubt when you see the monument decorated with white marble and packed with lots of columns and details.

It is a feast for the eyes of many, but the Romans seem to have a point when they say that monument is not fitting in with the rest of the architecture in Rome.

The monument was opened as late as 1911 as a monument to the reunification of the Kingdom of Italy, with Victor Emanuel II as the first king.

Not-that-great or beautiful monument – it’s a beautiful building in my eyes and worth going past (if you’re not already going that way when you’re going to the Colosseum).

After I got home, I saw that you can get to the top of the building and get a panoramic view of The Roman Forum and the rest of central Rome.

It’s definitely on my to-do list next time I’m in Rome.

See more about this here.

14. Street Food Tour with Local Guide

You can’t say Rome (or the rest of Italy, for that matter) without mentioning food. That’s why it makes sense to go on a street food city walk with a local guide when you go to Rome.

GetYourGuide has a tour where you go on a guided city walk through either the Jewish Quarter or Trastevere, both super exciting areas.

On the tour, you eat local delicacies such as supplì, pizza and gelato, but you taste food from 5 different places and get a glass of beer and wine – while the guide is with you.

The tour gets excellent reviews, so consider going on a guided street food tour in Rome.

See more about the tour and book online here.

15. Day trip to Pompeii

If you have been to Rome before or have plenty of time in the city, you can also consider taking a day trip to one of Italy’s most exciting sights – Pompeii.

As you know, Pompeii is the city just outside Naples that was destroyed in the year 79 by a catastrophic volcanic eruption from Vesuvius, which many day trips from Rome also pass by.

It’s a full-day trip, so you won’t get to see as much of Rome on the chosen day, but in return, you’ll experience one of Europe’s most exciting places.

This tour looks exciting and gets excellent reviews.

16. Experience Rome on a Vespa

Nothing goes as well as a Vespa scooter and Rome. Everywhere in the city, you see the iconic scooters, everything from housewives with kids on the back to the businessman in a full suit.

Therefore, it also makes sense that there are so many tourist-friendly rental places with Vespas, so you can rent an Italian scooter and explore the streets of Rome.

If you don’t want to drive, you can even book a Vespa sightseeing tour, where you sit in the back and are moved around to the best sights in Rome. It is also possible to book trips as a group so that you drive together.

Get an overview of the different options here.

17. Italian cooking class in Rome

Do you dream of taking home the delicious dishes you taste at Roman restaurants?

It’s hard to get a takeaway box with you all the way home on the plane, so why not take a 4-hour pizza & pasta cooking class with a Roman who has 100% mastery of how good Italian food should be made?

On this cooking course in Rome, you will learn to make more than ten different pasta dishes and Neapolitan pizza, which in my view, is also better than Roman pizza

18. Eat in the best Roman restaurants (here are 3 fantastic places to try)

When travelling to Rome, the fantastic Italian food is often an essential part of the trip. To that extent, it was also for us, so much research was done for good places to eat.

Below I will mention a few places where we had delicious food in Rome.

Osteria di Fortunata (Campo de’ Fiori):

Undoubtedly, the restaurant where we had the best food in Rome. I discovered it in a Youtube video and was immediately sold; here, the pasta is made in the restaurant and tastes fantastic.

The restaurant is located just behind Campo de’ Fiori, where there are many tourists, so at first glance, you wouldn’t think that the place is such a gem – but it is.

We arrived a little after 1 pm on a Saturday and got the last table – after 10 minutes, 15-20 people were queuing outside the place, Italians, all of them, mind you. So this is an excellent restaurant where the locals also eat lunch.

La Botticella (Trastevere):

Number 1 on Yelp when searching for restaurants in Trastevere. We called them at lunchtime on Saturday and got a table that evening at 8 pm. If we didn’t call to book, there was no chance of getting a table at the tiny, family-run restaurant.

It was definitely packed with both locals and tourists.

Da Lucia (Trastevere):

Apparently, this is a well-known restaurant for quite a few Danes as it was in a famous Danish guidebook to Rome, but nonetheless, it’s a brilliant restaurant.

And they don’t serve Danish food, don’t you worry

I hope you enjoyed my guide to the best things to do in Rome and that you are ready for your Eternal City trip.

FAQ:

The post 18 Best Things To Do in Rome, Italy – Top Places to visit & Must-See Sights 🇮🇹 appeared first on Destination Well Known.

If you’re in a hurry:

The easiest way to get from Fiumicino Airport to Rome’s city centre is by the Leonardo Express train, a dedicated express train that runs directly from the airport’s train station to Termini (Rome’s central train station) in the city centre of Rome.

The journey takes 32 minutes, with trains running every 15-20 mins. I recommend buying tickets online, so you skip the long ticket machine queues and walk straight onto the train.

Get tickets with free cancellation here.

Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport in Rome

For the record, Fiumicino is also called Leonardo da Vinci Airport (much to the confusion of many tourists). So there’s no difference whether you buy a train/bus ticket to Fiumicino or Leonardo da Vinci – it is the same airport.

Fiumicino has four terminals and is used by over 40 million travellers annually. The airport’s official website is ADR.it.

The airport is located approx. 30 km west of Rome, on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea, so you can look forward to a very nice approach to the airport if you’re flying in from the seaside.

And with that said – let’s dive into the guide on how to get from Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport to Rome. I’ll start with the cheapest option.

Have you booked a place to stay? Check out my guide on the best areas and where to stay in Rome.

Bus – cheapest way to get to the city centre

The cheapest way to get from the airport to the centre of Rome is by bus. We are lucky enough there that there are a lot of different buses from Fiumicino to Termini in the city centre of Rome:

Termini is the largest railway station in Rome and serves as a hub in the Italian capital. You can buy bus tickets online from Terravision at GetYourGuide.

Check out my massive Rome travel guide on Youtube:

Tickets are valid for all buses on the day

You will receive a ticket by email, and you can show it on your smartphone – so you don’t need to print anything.

You have to choose a date, and the ticket is valid for all departures on that day. This is super smart, as you don’t risk being late for a bus if the plane is delayed.

Buses run approximately every 30 mins, and the ride to Termini should take around 45 mins – depending on traffic.

Get tickets here.

If your final destination in Rome is closer to the Vatican City you can choose another bus route.

This bus stops at Via Crescendo which could be closer to your hotel in Rome city centre:

The bus is a reliable and cheap transport from Fiumicino to Rome, but it can take up to 1 hour in rush hour. On the bus, you might even be able to spot some of the best things to do in Rome.

Train – fastest way to get to the city centre

It is also possible to pay more than the bus and take the fast train from Fiumicino to Termini in the centre of Rome.

Get your train tickets here.

This is a fast airport express train as we know it from the airports around London, Barcelona, Berlin and many other European destinations.

This airport train is called the Leonardo Express, and the trip from the airport to Termini Station takes only 32 minutes.

This is my go-to airport transport in Rome as it simply works well if you want to quickly get from the airport to the centre of Rome.

Timetable for the Leonardo Express

The train departs every 15 minutes in the daytime – the first train is at 06:08 and the last train is at 23:23.

From Termini, the first train is at 05:20 – the last train is at 22:35. Google Maps works great for checking live times and planning your route.

Train tickets & prices

A Leonardo Express train ticket is 14 euros, and children under 12 travel free when accompanied by an adult.

You can buy tickets for the train at a counter at the airport, or if you want to have all tickets ready on arrival and avoid queues, they can be bought online at a slightly higher price.

Buy train tickets online here.

You receive your ticket by email and scan the QR code to enter the platform.

You can also buy tickets at Trenitalia:

I highly recommend getting your tickets in advance. I’ve just been to Rome and want to mention how long the line for the ticket machines was at Fiumicino Airport.

I bought train tickets from home, which saved maybe 15-20 minutes in the queue for the ticket machine.

With the ticket bought from home, I scanned the QR code on my mobile, went through the barrier into the platform, and got on the train.

32 minutes later, I departed at Termini and got on my next train to Naples (where an adventure on the Amalfi Coast awaited).

Get ready for your trip to Rome with my video on the best areas to stay:

Taxi or private transfer straight to your hotel

It is of course also possible to take a taxi from the airport. However, the taxi drivers in Rome have a habit of trying to rip you off, especially at the airports.

On a trip to Rome, I took a taxi from the centre to Fiumicino, where the driver would not use the meter and also gave me a significantly higher price than I know you should pay.

So I would recommend either being ready to discuss with the driver – he must use a taxi meter, and by law, the price cannot be higher than 48 euros from Fiumicino to the city centre – or pre-book a private driver online from home.

The latter is only marginally more expensive, and then you avoid having to discuss with an Italian right on arrival.

You can pre-book a private transfer for 50 euros here.

If you have any questions about your transport from Fiumicino Airport to the centre of Rome, please feel free to comment below.

Otherwise, I want to wish you a pleasant trip to Rome.

FAQ:

The post How to get from Fiumicino Airport (FCO) to Rome City Centre in 30 minutes appeared first on Destination Well Known.