Rome is amazing, and a week is a great amount of time to see its famous spots, learn about its long past, and feel its lively mood. Here’s what you can do during your week in Rome:
Must-See Places
You should book tickets ahead of time for popular places like the Colosseum and Vatican Museums.
Old Rome:
Colosseum: This huge old stadium is a must-see. Think about taking a tour to really understand its story.
Roman Forum & Palatine Hill: These old ruins are right next to the Colosseum. They used to be the main part of old Rome. From Palatine Hill, you get great views of the Forum.
Pantheon: This is a very old Roman building, now a church. It’s known for its cool round roof with a hole in the middle.
Circus Maximus: Today, it’s mostly a big grassy field, but it was once the biggest race track for chariots.
Baths of Caracalla: These were huge public baths in old Rome, amazing for how big they were.
Vatican City (Give it a whole day):
Vatican Museums: These museums have a huge art collection, including amazing works by famous artists and the Sistine Chapel with Michelangelo’s paintings.
St. Peter’s Basilica: This is a giant church with beautiful art and design. Try to climb to the top of the dome for awesome views of Rome.
St. Peter’s Square: This is the big square in front of the church.
Beautiful Squares:
Trevi Fountain: Rome’s most famous fountain. Throw a coin in to make sure you come back to Rome. Go early in the morning to avoid crowds.
Spanish Steps (Piazza di Spagna): These are elegant steps leading up to a church.
Piazza Navona: A lively square with a famous fountain in the middle.
Campo de’ Fiori: A busy morning market that becomes a fun square at night.
Art & Gardens:
Galleria Borghese: This place has amazing art by famous painters, and it’s in the pretty Villa Borghese gardens. You often need to book tickets ahead.
Capitoline Museums: These museums on Capitoline Hill have important old Roman statues and art.
Other Cool Spots
Trastevere: A charming area across the river with narrow streets, old-style restaurants, and a fun night life. Check out the church there.
Castel Sant’Angelo: This was once an emperor’s tomb, then a fort and a pope’s home. You can learn about its past and see views of the river.
Doria Pamphilj Gallery: A wonderful private art collection in a grand palace, a quieter place to enjoy art.
Quartiere Coppedè: A unique area with a mix of building styles, like something out of a fairy tale.
Basilica of San Clemente: A cool church where you can go down through different levels of history.
Capuchin Crypt: A strange but interesting place decorated with bones of monks.
Aventine Keyhole: Look through this small keyhole for a perfect view of St. Peter’s Basilica.
Giardino degli Aranci (Orange Garden): A peaceful park with nice city views.
What to Do Each Day (A Sample Plan)
This is just an idea; change it to fit what you like!
Day 1: Old Rome Fun
Morning: Colosseum (get tickets ahead of time!).
Afternoon: Roman Forum and Palatine Hill.
Evening: Walk around the Monti area, have dinner.
Day 2: Vatican City & Castle
Morning: Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel (book tickets early!).
Afternoon: St. Peter’s Basilica (climb the dome if you want) and St. Peter’s Square.
Late Afternoon: Castel Sant’Angelo.
Evening: Dinner near your hotel or in the Prati area.
Day 3: Pretty Squares & City Walks
Morning: Trevi Fountain (go early!), Spanish Steps.
Late Morning/Lunch: Pantheon.
Afternoon: Piazza Navona, Campo de’ Fiori.
Evening: Explore the Jewish Ghetto, a historical area with good food.
Day 4: Art & Green Spots
Morning: Galleria Borghese (book tickets early!) and walk in the Villa Borghese gardens.
Afternoon: See Piazza del Popolo and walk up Pincian Hill for views.
Evening: Enjoy the lively feel and food in Trastevere.
Day 5: Digging Deeper or Finding Hidden Spots
Option 1 (History): Capitoline Museums, Baths of Caracalla, Circus Maximus.
Option 2 (Hidden Gems): Doria Pamphilj Gallery, Basilica of San Clemente, Capuchin Crypt.
Evening: Take a cooking class to learn how to make real Roman pasta.
Day 6: Day Trip from Rome (Pick one you like)
Ostia Antica: An old Roman port city, well-preserved and easy to get to by train.
Tivoli: Visit the amazing Villa d’Este with its fountains and Hadrian’s Villa, an emperor’s big old home.
Pompeii & Naples: A longer trip by fast train to see the old city buried by a volcano, and maybe try some pizza in Naples.
Orvieto: A lovely town on a hill with a grand church and underground caves.
Day 7: Goodbye & Souvenirs
Morning: Visit a favorite place again, or see a new area (like Monti for shops).
Late Morning: Buy souvenirs (around Via del Corso).
Afternoon: Have a last Roman meal, maybe a slow lunch.
Evening: Leave, or have one last ice cream and evening walk.
Good Tips for Your Trip
Comfy Shoes: You’ll walk a lot on old stone streets.
Book Ahead: For places like the Colosseum, Vatican Museums, and Galleria Borghese, buy your tickets online early to skip long lines.
City Passes: Look into a Roma Pass or Omnia Card to see if it saves you money on places and transport.
Public Transport: Rome has a subway (metro), buses, and trams. Many sights are close enough to walk, but the metro is good for longer trips.
Food: Try Roman dishes like cacio e pepe, carbonara, amatriciana, supplì, and, of course, ice cream (gelato)!
Drink Water: Especially when it’s warm, carry a water bottle. Rome has many public drinking fountains.
Relax: Don’t try to do too much each day. Enjoy meals, coffee breaks, and watching people in the squares.
Watch Your Stuff: Be careful with your bags in crowded places and on buses.
Learn a Few Italian Words: “Hello” (Buongiorno), “Thank you” (Grazie), “Please” (Per favore), “Excuse me” (Scusi) will help a lot.
Have a wonderful time in Rome!
Before You Go: Essential Rome Travel Tips
Here are some simple and friendly Rome travel tips to help you get ready for your trip:
Best Time to Visit Rome
You’ll want to pick a good time to go!
- Spring (April to May) and Fall (September to October) are often the best. The weather is nice, not too hot or too cold. There are still people, but not as many as in summer.
- Summer (June to August) is very hot and crowded. Lots of tourists will be there, and prices might be higher. But if you like hot weather and don’t mind crowds, it can still be fun.
- Winter (November to March) is colder, and some days can be rainy. But there are far fewer crowds, and prices are often lower. Christmas in Rome can be special.
Getting to Rome
Rome has two main airports:
- FCO (Fiumicino – Leonardo da Vinci Airport): This is the bigger one. From here, you can take the Leonardo Express train straight to Rome’s main train station (Termini Station). It’s quick and easy. You can also find buses or taxis.
- CIA (Ciampino Airport): This is smaller and used more by budget airlines. Buses are the main way to get to the city center from here. Taxis are also an option.
Getting Around Rome
Rome is a city you can easily explore on foot!
Walkable City: You’ll do a lot of walking, especially around the old parts. So, comfortable shoes are super important!
Metro: Rome has a subway system that’s good for longer distances, like getting to the Vatican or the Colosseum.
Buses: Buses go almost everywhere. They can be a bit slow because of traffic, but they’re useful.
Taxis: You can find taxis at special taxi stands. They are a good choice if you’re tired or have a lot of bags.
Accommodation in Rome
Where you stay can make a big difference. Here are some popular areas:
Trastevere: This is a charming, old neighborhood across the river. It’s full of narrow streets, traditional restaurants, and has a lively feel, especially at night. It can be a bit noisy in the evenings.
Centro Storico (Historic Center): This is right in the middle of all the famous sights like the Pantheon and Piazza Navona. It’s super convenient for walking, but can be more expensive and very busy.
Monti: Close to the Colosseum, this area has a cool, artsy vibe with cute shops and nice places to eat. It’s generally a bit quieter than Centro Storico.
Booking Tickets in Advance
This is a crucial tip!
For very popular places like the Colosseum and Vatican Museums, you really need to book tickets in advance online. This lets you choose a time to enter and helps you skip the long lines that can form. It saves you a lot of time and hassle.
Also consider booking ahead for places like the Galleria Borghese, as they often limit how many people can enter.
Money & Language
Money: Italy uses the Euro (€).
Language: Italian is the main language. It’s helpful to know a few basic Italian phrases like “Buongiorno” (good morning), “Grazie” (thank you), “Per favore” (please), and “Scusi” (excuse me). Most people in tourist areas will speak some English, but trying a little Italian is always appreciated!
Packing Essentials
What to bring in your bag:
- Comfortable shoes! (We can’t say this enough!)
- Layers of clothes: The weather can change during the day, so having layers means you can add or remove clothes to stay comfy.
- Rain gear: A light rain jacket or a small umbrella is good to have, just in case.
- Power adapter: If you’re from outside Europe, you’ll need an adapter for your electronics.
- Small day bag: For carrying water, snacks, and souvenirs while you’re out.
- Reusable water bottle: You can fill it up at Rome’s public fountains.
- Sunscreen and a hat: Especially in warmer months.
Your Ultimate 7-Day Rome Itinerary (Day-by-Day Breakdown)
This plan is here to help you see the best of Rome over seven days. It tries to mix famous places with time to just enjoy being there. Remember, this is just a guide; feel free to change it up based on what you like and how fast you want to go.
Day 1: Ancient Rome & Old Power
Today, you’ll step back in time to see the heart of ancient Rome.
Morning:
Colosseum: This huge old stadium is where gladiators fought! It’s amazing to see. You can go inside with a guided tour to learn all about it, or just use a self-guided audio tour. Book your tickets ahead of time!
Roman Forum & Palatine Hill: Right next to the Colosseum are the ruins of what used to be the main city center.
Your ticket for the Colosseum usually includes these two. Walk among the old stones and imagine life long ago. From Palatine Hill, you’ll get great views of the Forum.
Afternoon:
Piazza Venezia & Altare della Patria (Victor Emmanuel II Monument): This is a huge white monument. You can climb to the top for wonderful views all over Rome. It’s truly grand.
Evening:
Monti Neighborhood: This area is full of charming, small streets. It has a local feel with cool shops and nice places to eat. Find a cozy spot for dinner.
Keyword Integration: Colosseum, Roman Forum, Palatine Hill, ancient Rome, Piazza Venezia, Monti.
Day 2: Vatican City & More
Today is all about Vatican City, a country within a city, and some nearby sights.
Morning:
Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel: This is home to one of the world’s biggest art collections. You’ll see amazing paintings and sculptures, and the famous Sistine Chapel with Michelangelo’s incredible ceiling.
Book your tickets ahead of time! Remember to dress politely (shoulders and knees covered). You’ll need a good amount of time here, maybe 3-4 hours.
St. Peter’s Basilica & St. Peter’s Square: This giant church is free to enter, but you’ll go through security lines. Look for Michelangelo’s beautiful statue, Pietà. You can also climb to the top of the dome for amazing views (there’s a small fee and a lot of stairs!).
Afternoon:
Castel Sant’Angelo: This impressive building started as an emperor’s tomb, then became a fort and a pope’s home. Explore its history and enjoy great views of the Tiber River from the top.
Evening:
Ponte Sant’Angelo: This bridge leading to Castel Sant’Angelo is lined with beautiful angel statues. It’s a lovely spot for sunset views.
Prati Neighborhood (optional): If you’re up for more walking, this area is a bit more fancy and quiet, good for a relaxed stroll.
Keyword Integration: Vatican City, Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, St. Peter’s Basilica, Castel Sant’Angelo, St. Peter’s Square.
Day 3: Famous Fountains, Squares & Roman Charm
Today you’ll see some of Rome’s most famous and lively spots.
Morning:
Trevi Fountain: Rome’s most famous fountain! Go early in the morning to avoid the biggest crowds. Don’t forget to toss a coin over your shoulder to make sure you return to Rome.
Spanish Steps (Piazza di Spagna): These famous steps lead up to a beautiful church. It’s a great spot for people-watching and there are many fancy shops nearby.
Afternoon:
Pantheon: This ancient Roman building is truly amazing. It used to be a temple and is now a church. It’s free to enter, and you’ll be impressed by its huge round roof with an open hole.
Piazza Navona: A lively and elegant square. It has Bernini’s famous Fountain of Four Rivers in the middle, and you’ll often see street artists here. Grab a coffee at a cafe and enjoy the atmosphere.
Evening:
Campo de’ Fiori: By day, this square has a bustling market. At night, it turns into a lively spot with bars and restaurants. It’s a great place to have dinner and soak in the Roman night.
Keyword Integration: Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps, Pantheon, Piazza Navona, Campo de’ Fiori.
Day 4: Art, Gardens & Views
Today you’ll enjoy beautiful art, peaceful gardens, and amazing views.
Morning:
Galleria Borghese & Villa Borghese Gardens: This gallery has stunning artworks by artists like Bernini and Caravaggio. You must book your tickets well in advance for this one! After seeing the art, enjoy a peaceful walk through the lovely Villa Borghese gardens.
Afternoon:
Pincio Terrace (Villa Borghese): Found within the Villa Borghese gardens, this terrace gives you wonderful sweeping views of Rome.
Piazza del Popolo: A grand and large square, often seen as a grand entrance to Rome. Look for the “twin churches” here.
Evening:
Trastevere Neighborhood: Cross the Tiber River to this charming area. It’s full of narrow, old cobblestone streets, real Roman restaurants, and a lively night scene. Visit the beautiful Santa Maria in Trastevere church.
Keyword Integration: Galleria Borghese, Villa Borghese, Pincio Terrace, Trastevere, Roman art.
Day 5: Hidden Gems & Local Life
Today, you’ll dive deeper into Roman history and experience some local flavors.
Morning:
Capitoline Museums: Located on Capitoline Hill, these museums hold important ancient Roman art and artifacts. You’ll also get some good views of the Roman Forum from here.
Circus Maximus & Aventine Hill: See the huge, grassy field that was once an ancient chariot racing stadium. Then, walk up Aventine Hill to find the famous Keyhole view – a perfect little peek at St. Peter’s Basilica!
Afternoon:
Jewish Ghetto: This historic area has a rich past
Foodie Guide: Must-Try Roman Dishes
Rome is a dream for food lovers! Get ready to taste some amazing things. Here’s your guide to Roman food you absolutely have to try:
Pasta: The Roman Classics
When you think of best pasta in Rome, these four are at the top of the list:
- Cacio e Pepe: This pasta is super simple but incredibly tasty. It’s just pasta with Pecorino Romano cheese and black pepper. The trick is how creamy it gets!
- Carbonara: A rich and creamy pasta dish made with eggs, Pecorino Romano cheese, cured pork (guanciale), and black pepper. It’s a true Roman favorite.
- Amatriciana: If you like a tomato sauce, this is for you! It’s made with tomatoes, cured pork (guanciale), Pecorino Romano cheese, and sometimes onion.
- Gricia: Think of this as “white Amatriciana” or Carbonara without the egg. It’s made with cured pork (guanciale), Pecorino Romano cheese, and black pepper. Simple and delicious!
Pizza: Roman Style
Roman-style Pizza: When you eat pizza in Rome, you’ll notice it’s different from the thick, fluffy Naples style. Roman pizza has a thin, crispy crust. It’s light and delicious, perfect for a quick meal.
Street Food: Quick & Tasty Bites
Rome has great food you can eat on the go!
Supplì: These are fried rice balls. Inside, you’ll find rice mixed with tomato sauce, and in the middle, a piece of melted mozzarella cheese. When you bite into one, the cheese stretches out – that’s why they’re called “supplì al telefono” (telephone supplì)!
Pizza al Taglio: This means “pizza by the slice.” It’s big rectangular pizza baked in large pans, and you buy it by weight.
You can pick from many different toppings, making it a great option for a quick lunch or snack. It’s perfect for where to eat in Rome on the go.
Sweets: A Sweet Treat
Gelato: You can’t go to Rome without having gelato! It’s Italian ice cream, but it’s denser and creamier than regular ice cream, with more intense flavors. You’ll find gelato shops on almost every corner. Try many different flavors!
Tiramisu: This famous Italian dessert means “pick me up.” It’s made with layers of coffee-soaked ladyfingers, creamy mascarpone cheese, and cocoa powder.
Drinks: To Quench Your Thirst
Espresso: Italians drink small, strong coffees all day long. Try an espresso like a local, often standing at the bar.
Aperol Spritz: This is a popular orange-colored drink, perfect for a happy hour before dinner (aperitivo). It’s bubbly and a bit bitter-sweet.
Local Wines: Italy is famous for its wine! Enjoy the local Lazio wines, or pick from many other great Italian wines to go with your meals.
Where to Stay in Rome? (Neighborhood Guide)
Here’s a simple guide to help you decide where to stay in Rome, covering some of the best neighborhoods Rome has to offer:
Choosing the right place to stay can really make your trip! Here are some popular areas and what’s good (and not so good) about them to help you find the perfect Rome hotels:
Centro Storico (Historic Center)
Pros: This is the absolute heart of Rome! You’ll be right next to famous spots like the Pantheon, Piazza Navona, and Trevi Fountain. It’s super central and incredibly walkable, meaning you can reach many sights on foot.
Cons: Because it’s so popular, it can be pricey. It also tends to be very crowded with tourists, and streets can be busy day and night.
Trastevere
Pros: This charming area across the Tiber River feels like an old Roman village. It’s known for its narrow, cobblestone streets, traditional restaurants, and lively nightlife. It feels very authentic and romantic.
Cons: While lively can be fun, it can be noisy at night, especially on weekends, if your accommodation is close to bars or busy squares.
Monti
Pros: This neighborhood is cool and trendy, with boutique shops, cool bars, and good restaurants. It’s very close to the Colosseum and Roman Forum, making it great for ancient history lovers. It has a nice, local vibe.
Cons: Some parts of Monti can be hilly, so be ready for a bit of uphill walking.
Vatican/Prati
Pros: This area is very convenient for visiting the Vatican City (Vatican Museums, St. Peter’s Basilica). It’s generally more elegant and residential than the very central areas, offering a quieter stay.
Cons: It’s slightly further from central sights like the Colosseum or Trevi Fountain, meaning you’ll use public transport more.
Termini Area
Pros: This is where Rome’s main train station (Termini) is located, making it a huge transportation hub. It’s super easy to get to and from the airport and to other parts of the city. You can often find more budget-friendly hotels here.
Cons: While practical, it’s generally less charming and can feel a bit gritty compared to other neighborhoods. It’s not the most beautiful part of Rome, but it’s very convenient if you plan to do day trips by train.
Practical Tips for a Smooth Rome Trip
Here are some easy and practical Rome travel tips to help you have a smooth and enjoyable trip:
Stay hydrated
Rome can get hot, especially in summer! Always carry a water bottle. You’ll see many public drinking fountains called “nasoni” (they look like little noses, often made of iron) all over the city. You can fill your bottle with fresh, cool water for free!
Watch out for pickpockets
Like any big, busy city, Rome has pickpockets. Be extra careful in crowded tourist spots (like the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, or on busy buses) and at train stations.
Keep your bags close, don’t keep wallets in back pockets, and be aware of your surroundings to ensure safe travel Rome.
Learn basic Italian phrases
You don’t need to be fluent, but knowing a few words goes a long way! Italians really appreciate it when you try. Simple phrases like:
“Buongiorno” (Good morning/hello)
“Grazie” (Thank you)
“Per favore” (Please)
“Scusi” (Excuse me)
“Ciao” (Hi/bye – informal)
“Dov’è…?” (Where is…?)
Embrace walking
Rome is best explored on foot! Many famous sights are close to each other, and you’ll discover charming little streets, hidden squares, and unexpected views by walking. Wear those comfortable shoes we talked about!
Enjoy the “dolce vita” rhythm
“Dolce vita” means “sweet life.” Don’t rush too much. Take time to sit at a cafe, sip an espresso, watch people in the piazzas, and enjoy long, leisurely meals. Rome is meant to be savored, not rushed.
Consider a Rome Pass or Omnia Card
If you plan to visit many museums and use public transport a lot, look into getting a city pass like the Rome Pass or Omnia Card.
Do some quick math to see if it saves you money based on what you want to do. Sometimes it’s a great deal for Rome travel tips on saving money, sometimes it’s not needed.
Conclusion
Your week in Rome will be a journey through time, from the ancient might of the Colosseum and Roman Forum to the spiritual heart of Vatican City.
You’ll toss a coin in the Trevi Fountain, stroll through charming Trastevere, and savor delicious Roman food like cacio e pepe and fresh gelato. This city’s magic truly lies in its endless layers of history, art, and vibrant local life.
Start planning your unforgettable week in Rome today!
