When people describe their visit to Rome, they often start by calling it a true open-air museum. In my opinion, this description fits Rome perfectly. At every corner, I found a building, fountain, square, statue or street that left me in awe. Including the breathtaking Vatican, it’s impossible not to fall in love with Rome.
To explore Rome without getting too tired and while enjoying every moment, you need to decide what kind of tour you want. If you aim to visit every museum and palace, 4-5 days won't be enough. Instead, I recommend choosing the museums you most want to see and exploring the squares, churches, streets and fountains that turn the city into an open-air museum.
For me, the best and most enjoyable way to get to know a city is by walking through it. Since Rome is a small and relatively flat city, you can easily explore it with 4-5 hours of daily walking. Plus given the carbohydrate-rich nature of the city's cuisine, walking is especially recommended to burn off what you eat. If you prefer not to walk, public transportation like buses and the metro is readily available. Alternatively yu can rent bikes or scooters to make your trip easier. Though we mostly walked, tickets like the 3- or 7-day Roma Pass, which includes public transportation and free entry to some museums, can make your trip more economical.
Because Rome attracts tourists all year round, I suggest planning accommodations, transport and museum visits well in advance of your travel dates. There are plenty of accommodation options. We generally prefer staying in Airbnb rentals. In Rome we stayed in an old Roman apartment in the Trastevere district for 100 euros per night. Our rental was on the top floor, which was a bit tiring, but finding a building with an elevator in Rome is rare due to its age.
Despite the challenge of climbing stairs, we loved the apartment for its location and view. Here’s a little note: tap water in Rome is drinkable. In fact, our host claimed that Rome has some of the best tap water in the world, though we’re taking their word for it. Be sure to carry water bottles with you while exploring. You’ll find small fountains in squares and streets where you can refill them.
As I mentioned earlier, every corner of Rome is worth visiting, but it’s still helpful to list the highlights. For all ticketed museums, I strongly recommend purchasing tickets online in advance. This way, you can skip the lines and avoid the risk of tickets selling out.
Trastevere and the Tiber River:
Trastevere is a neighborhood separated from central Rome by the Tiber River. With its narrow streets, old buildings, restaurants, cafés, markets, souvenir shops and the small Santa Maria square, this neighborhood lets you feel the true essence of Rome. We absolutely adored it. The area has a lively and fun vibe, thanks in part to the student population from the nearby university. Bars in Trastevere are vibrant and entertaining, too. The Tiber River flows through the heart of the city and looking at the city from one of its bridges at night is an unforgettable experience. I highly recommend taking a walk along the river.
The Colosseum:
Construction of the Colosseum began between AD 70–72 and was completed in ad 80 during the reign of Emperor Titus, son of Vespasian. Built to entertain the public, this amphitheater hosted gladiator fights and theatrical performances. While touring, I couldn’t help but shudder at the thought of the gladiator battles I’ve seen in movies. With its impressive architecture and rich history, the Colosseum is a must-visit. They say that leaving Rome without seeing the Colosseum means you haven’t seen the city.
The Arch of Constantine:
Located right next to the Colosseum, this triumphal arch was built in ad 315 by the Roman Senate and people to commemorate Emperor Constantine's victory at the Battle of the Milvian Bridge in AD 312. The reliefs on the arch depict Constantine's military campaigns and aspects of civilian life.
The Pantheon:
The word Pantheon originates from Greek, meaning related to all gods. The Pantheon can be described as a temple dedicated to all gods. Situated in Piazza della Rotonda, the Pantheon can be visited free of charge. Stepping inside, I was left speechless by the grandeur of its dome, so much so that my friend had to remind me to close my mouth.
The Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel:
One of the world's largest museums, the Vatican Museum consists of 54 galleries. Each Pope contributed by commissioning or collecting artworks for the Vatican palaces and chambers. The museum houses masterpieces by artists like Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, Titian, Giovanni Bellini and Michelangelo. It’s a must-see.
To make the most of our visit, we opted for a guided tour. Our guide mentioned that if we were to spend just 3 minutes on each artwork, it would take 4 years to see the entire collection. Keep this in mind if you plan to explore the Vatican Museum in detail.
Highlights of the Museum: Sistine Chapel, Raphael Rooms, Borgia Apartments, Gallery of Maps, Pio-Clementine Museum, Niccolina Chapel, Egyptian and Etruscan Museums, Pinacoteca, Chiaramonti Museum and the iconic Spiral Staircase by Giuseppe Momo, which you’ll use when exiting.
The Sistine Chapel, the museum's most visited section, features Michelangelo's frescoes depicting scenes from the lives of Jesus and Moses. These works are considered foundational pieces of the Renaissance. Note that speaking loudly and taking photos inside the chapel is strictly prohibited.
Castel Sant'Angelo:
A wonderful vantage point to admire the city from above. The castle also serves as a National Museum, with historical artifacts displayed on each floor.
Trevi Fountain (Fontana di Trevi):
The Trevi Fountain is not only Rome's most famous fountain but arguably the most famous in the world. It frequently appears in movies and images showcasing Italy. Its name derives from Tre Vie (Three Streets), as the fountain sits at the junction of three streets. Measuring about 20 meters wide and 26 meters high, it’s also the city's largest fountain.
In the 1954 movie Three Coins in the Fountain, three American women working in Rome toss coins into the Trevi Fountain while wishing for love. This romantic comedy gave rise to a popular myth:
- Toss one coin: You’ll return to Rome.
- Toss two coins: You’ll fall in love with an attractive Italian.
- Toss three coins: You’ll marry the person you meet.
For your wishes to come true, toss the coin with your right hand over your left shoulder. May all your wishes come true.
Piazzale Garibaldi & Giuseppe Garibaldi Monument:
For a breathtaking view of Rome from above, this is the perfect spot. Situated at the highest point of Janiculum Hill, you’ll find the imposing equestrian statue of Giuseppe Garibaldi. Getting there requires a bit of uphill walking and climbing stairs, but the view makes it all worthwhile. Every day at noon, a cannon is fired near the monument, attracting crowds of Italians to the square.
The Spanish Steps (Scalinata di Trinità dei Monti):
Named after the Spanish Embassy located nearby, the steps were originally built to provide easier access to the Trinità dei Monti Church above. Today, they serve as a gathering place for socializing, taking photos and relaxing. At the base of the steps, you’ll find the Fontana della Barcaccia, a fountain designed in the shape of a boat.
More than just ruins and museums, Rome is an experience. It's about wandering, eating, and soaking up the atmosphere. It's a city that truly lives and breathes. I can't wait to go back and breathe it in again.