There is almost no need to prepare for Rome. When going to the Eternal City, you can cheat and go to the airport with a calm soul and a clean sheet of paper. After all, wherever you go, it will be beautiful. Of course, I'm joking, but as you know, every joke has some truth.
So, before you is Rome. First introductory visit. In just a few days you can see the main attractions without visiting museums. If you are planning a short trip, then my article is just for you.
And the first recommendation is - if possible, do not go to Rome in the summer - it is very hot and there are more crowds of tourists than in Tiananmen Square in Beijing. Under such conditions it is really difficult to get a feel for the city. But winter is the low season - it's time to explore new territory!
For a relaxing, pleasant time, I recommend a bunch of attractions: Old streets of the center of Rome + Borghese Gardens. I’ll tell you in more detail (be sure to read about the other days too, maybe you’ll like the other plans better).
Fountain of Trevi
Finally, it is no longer under renovation, and everyone can see this beauty! They say that if you throw a coin into this fountain, you will definitely return to Rome. And more detailed sources announce the entire “price”: two coins - a love meeting, three - a wedding, four - wealth, five - separation. I don’t know about the rest, but the fountain does bring wealth, at least to the public utilities - in 2017, 1.4 million euros were caught from here.
We go further through the city of stopped clocks. Did you think the phrase “time stopped” was used only figuratively? Nooo, not here. There are a lot of street dials. Those that are coming can be counted on one hand. I think I know why Rome is called the eternal city.
Pantheon
The once former pagan temple became a Christian basilica. Behind the majestic but moderately modest façade hides one of the largest domes in the world with a hole in the center that gives an interesting lighting effect. It is in the Pantheon that Raphael and King Victor Emmanuel are buried. The attraction has been paid for since June 2018 (2 euros), but in any case it is easily accessible and without a doubt worthy of a visit.
Upon entering, we are offered to download an application - an audio guide to the Pantheon, including in Russian. We haven't done this, but you know about this possibility now, so if you want, look for the Pantheon Rome app.
Piazza Navona and other streets nearby
Just one general direction of movement is enough. Walk wherever your eyes look and your feet lead. And let this be a time for your own discoveries.
Lunch time
Perhaps your eyes, like mine at one time, will beg for mercy and want to stop seeing something beautiful at least for an hour, and just focus on food. Will not work.
Roman restaurants have their own special action, where the main role is played, of course, by the waiters. Middle-aged men, impressive, with a straight back, without one extra movement and with an excellent sense of self-esteem, will bring you a menu and proudly take your order.
The average price of one dish is 10-15 euros, pizza: 8-12 euros. On the very, very central streets it will be a little more expensive.
Of course, in traditional Italian restaurants, you probably won’t be able to get your usual sized cup of tea or coffee for any price. For some, this may not be a problem at all, especially in the warm season, but in winter and in general, for some reason this did not make me happy at all. If you're a big drinker of hot drinks like me, then take your own cup with you and make sure there's a kettle in your room
Borghese Gardens
This is where the famous museum is located visual arts Borghese Gallery. Original works by Titian, Raphael, Botticelli, Van Gogh, Modigliani, etc. are kept here. Price entrance ticket for an adult - 20 euros. Moreover, the time spent in the gallery is strictly limited - you can be here for no more than 2 hours. Purely theoretically, if you plan to visit this gallery and the Colosseum, then it will be more profitable for you to buy a Roma Pass card, but keep in mind that then you will still need to book your time to visit this gallery 1-2 weeks in advance, and the savings will be 5-10 Euro.
In any case, even without any museums, there are places to take a walk in the Borghese Gardens. Over 70 hectares of cooling greenery! On one of the paths, among the Italian heroes, there is a large honorary monument to Pushkin.
It's time to relax and then go to the bar. Yes, yes, Italy is the place where even the most notorious nerds can hang out in bars. After all, a “bar” is nothing more than a “coffee shop”. Great, right?
Coppede Quarter
A little further from the Borghese Gardens is one of the most expensive quarters of Rome. Housing here is sooooo expensive (it never drops below a million euros!), but you can stroll through the streets of “the most fabulous Roman quarter,” as it is often called, with any budget. The concept was developed by one architect - Gino Coppede - and is a mixture of almost all known styles.
There aren't many coffee shops or eateries here, so plan on your strength when you go to this area.
Second day in Rome
Colosseum + Palatine Hill + Roman Forum
Rome is one of the most famous places on the planet, home to an incredible amount of antiquities. Can you imagine - columns, stones that have been preserved since “BC”?! The same Colosseum, the photo of which we all remember from history lessons at school, is standing in front of you, and you can even touch it! Remains of the temples of the Holy Roman Empire...The popularity of these places these days is breaking all records, and whenever possible you should try to buy a ticket in advance.
However, even if you haven’t done this, and you really don’t like standing in line, there is an option. Immediately upon exiting the metro, you will be surrounded by dozens of guides selling their services. The guides can spot Russians quite easily, so you won’t get through unnoticed. There is no need to queue with a guide.
For a walk along the Palatine Hill (from which the city of Rome began) and the Roman Forum, I used the route from the izi.travel application. He takes us along a somewhat atypical route, which allows us to at least slightly avoid the crowds of tourists.
A ticket at the box office costs 12.5 euros, payment only by card! This includes visits to the Colosseum, Palantine Hill and the Roman Forum. This can be done in two days - that’s exactly how long the ticket is valid.
The easiest way to get to the Colosseum is to get off at the metro station of the same name. Underground, in the Roman metro, fashion shows are broadcast, and imposing Italians often sit nearby. On this trip, there was a man sitting to my left, carefully reading mathematical formulas. And he seems to be dressed usually - a sweater, jeans, but on top is a stylish double-breasted coat made of high-quality wool. All this together looks very noble.
After such a history-filled day, you might want to head to the Trastevere area, on the other side of the river. They say that this is the most “picturesque in terms of its Italianness” area. There is also the Gianicolo hill, from which a stunning panorama of the entire city opens. Apparently my hands were shaking especially strongly from emotions, so there won’t be a photo of Rome at night :(.
Oh, this Vatican! Pilgrims from all over the world have been trying to get here for more than two thousand years! Once upon a time, getting to this state within a state could have been the goal of a lifetime, but now it is enough to buy an inexpensive plane ticket. What wonderful times we live in!
The Vatican Museums can be explored almost endlessly, but if you don’t have that much time, or rather, very little of it at all, then plan on St. Peter’s Basilica, the first pope. This is the place where all words fade and camera lenses go down. Pointless. It is impossible to stop at something and snatch a photo from the overall beauty. An incredible creation of human hands. Encyclopedia of labor and art. You can go to special places for prayers where photography is prohibited and real silence is observed. Only the candle sways. The main thing is not to lose the thread of conversation with God in such a huge number of things, statues, paintings and decorations.
If you only want St. Peter's Basilica, go to the shorter line - you don't need to buy tickets, just go through security.
If you do come during the season, come at least an hour before opening, so as not to spend half a day in line. You can visit the notorious Sistine Chapel for 16 euros (full ticket). The price includes all museums in the complex. The queues are kilometre-long, so we recommend that you buy tickets in advance on the official Vatican website.
A note for lovers of printed materials - go to the post office right on St. Peter's Square, next to the queues for the cathedral. A postcard from the Vatican costs only 0.50 euros, and shipping costs 1-3 euros. A wonderful greeting for parents and friends.
Beware of strikes! Strike is another Italian attraction that was revealed in all its glory on this trip. Living in an apartment right next to the metro and an hour’s drive from the airport, you somehow don’t think about leaving much in advance. But when the nearest metro station is closed, and the next one too, and the whole city is stuck in traffic jams and you walk faster than a taxi, you begin to realize that the plane can fly away without you.
Thank God, everything turned out to be a 40-minute walk-jog with a backpack through half the city - trains did run from Termini station. Locals told us that nowadays similar strikes by transport workers occur once a month, but of course, each time on a different date. Now I understand why accommodation near Termini Station is so popular
Where I lived in Rome
I lived in an apartment that I booked through AirBnb. I'm very pleased. At the cost of a regular hotel room The result is spacious housing, with a full kitchen and an excellent entrance. If you have never booked through AirBnb, then read my first booking guide.
The following two photos: the apartments that I rented through this site.
What else to see in Rome
I wholeheartedly recommend taking a closer look at excursions from local residents. Modern young guides understand perfectly well how tired everyone is of boring babble and try to present information in an interesting and fun way. It makes sense to take at least one excursion to get a deeper feel for the city.
Rome is a place where even 3 days is enough time to see the main attractions that you will have to walk (and stand in queues) a lot. Even in the off season. You have to come to terms with this. Or pay money for excursions to skip the line. Because the queues at all sorts of Vaticans are not for an hour, and not for two!
This itinerary will take you to Rome's most famous sights, so crowds of tourists around any monument are the norm. In general, the best time to come for a walk around Rome is in April or October - and there are not so many people (schoolchildren, again, are studying, not lengthening the queues), and even at this time there will be queues and crowds. The worst time is July and August. Not only is the heat hellish, but there are also countless tourists... In general, it is possible in January - February. It doesn’t seem to be cold here, but it can be quite rainy (it’s been raining all summer!)
What to see in one day in Rome:
The itinerary for 1 day in Rome will take you through the most, including it.
By personal experience: visiting the Vatican Museums can take a whole day, as the queues there are endless even in the off-season. If you want to save time, take a tour. This is the rare case when it's worth it. Because the queues at the Vatican are not for one hour! And with an excursion (there are many of them offered while you stand in line, desperate), you will go along with the group at once. There are still such crowds of tourists inside that whether with a group or without, it makes no difference.
Dress modestly- in the Vatican you won’t be allowed into many places even if you’re wearing a skirt slightly above the knee (scoundrels!). Bare shoulders, shorts, sandals - forget about them even in the monstrous heat. Alas!
What to see in Rome on day 2:
Attractions along the route:
1 - Santa Cecilia
2 - Piazza & Basilica di Santa Maria in Trastevere
11 - Cafe at Casina Valadier
12 - Piazza del Popolo
13 - Enoteca Antica di Via della Croce
What to see in Rome on day 3:
Rome has a huge number of historical attractions - from Roman ruins to Renaissance art, as well as fantastic food and lots of fashionable shops. Of course, 3 days in Rome is not enough to see all the sights of the city, but this time is enough to see the most important ones, if, of course, you plan your time correctly. Proposed independent route Guide to Rome covers the main attractions that you can easily see during your three-day visit.
Route around Rome
Day 1
The Vatican is the first point on our route around Rome. It is a separate state within Rome and is home to world-famous attractions such as the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Basilica. I recommend getting here early, and first heading to the Vatican Museums with a pre-purchased ticket (can be purchased on the official Vatican Museums website). The Vatican Museums opens at 9:00, and I recommend going inside not much later than that. The Vatican Museums get crowded around lunchtime, so going here around 9am will give you a chance to enjoy it before the huge crowds of tourists. The Vatican Museums have many interesting exhibits, the exhibition covers 7 kilometers, so you can spend a lot of time here. Be sure to check out the Gallery geographical maps, the Sistine Chapel, the Pinakothek, the Museum of Modern Art and a fabulously beautiful staircase. But I'm sure you'll find a lot more interesting things here. You will be forced to put bulky items in a storage room, but you are not prohibited from taking water and snacks with you.
Once you've explored the Museum, head outside and head towards St. Peter's Basilica. Again, I advise you to have a pre-purchased ticket with you to avoid the queue, which sometimes stretches like a snake throughout the Vatican Square. You will still have to go through security, but it will take a few minutes rather than hours. St. Peter's Basilica is one of the world's largest churches and a holy place for Catholics. The cathedral building represents the Renaissance; it was designed by such architects as Bramante, Michelangelo and Raphael. The building itself is a real work of art, not to mention how many treasures are inside! I highly recommend climbing to the top of the dome. From here you have a magnificent view of the city.
When you're done with the Vatican, move on to the next point. The most important part of your day was the Vatican, and now I think you can take your time and relax in a nice restaurant. When you're ready, a short walk will take you to the next attraction on our list.
Castle Sant'Angelo
This castle was originally built on the banks of the Tiber River as a mausoleum for Emperor Hadrian almost 2 thousand years ago. After the mausoleum, it visited a fortress, a castle, and then a museum. You can climb to the top of the castle and enjoy a beautiful view of the city. It is also interesting to examine the structure itself, which has been preserved intact for 2 thousand years. In spring, summer and autumn, Castel Sant'Angelo closes at 18:00, and in winter at 13:00.
Piazza del Popolo
From Castel Sant'Angelo to Piazza del Popolo, a 20-minute walk along the Tiber River embankment. This square was the northern gate of Rome, and it was through this square that travelers entered Rome long before the advent of trains, planes and automobiles. There are 3 streets radiating from this square, one of them, Via del Corso, goes through the center of Rome to Piazza Venezia. In the center of the square is an Egyptian obelisk dating from the reign of Ramses II, which was brought to Rome in the 10th century BC, and installed in this square in the 16th century. On the south side of the square there are two twin churches - Santa Maria dei Miracoli and Santa Maria in Montesanto, located on either side of Via Corso.
From Piazza del Poppolo the Spanish Steps can be reached in a south-easterly direction through the gardens of Villa Borghese and down Viale della Trinita dei Monti. This staircase consists of 135 steps and was opened in 1735. It was built in order to connect the Spanish embassy located below in the square and the Trinita dei Monti temple. Now it's very popular place to sit down, eat ice cream and watch people. The staircase became especially popular after the film “Roman Holiday” with Audrey Hepburn.
The next obligatory stop on your walk through Rome is the Trevi Fountain. It is the largest Baroque fountain in the world and is crowded with tourists at any time of the day or night. It was built in the 18th century. They say that if you throw a coin into the fountain, you will definitely return to Rome. Therefore, every day 3 thousand euros worth of coins are found in the fountain. This money goes to charity - buying food for those in need.
A short walk from the Trevi Fountain is the stunning Pantheon. Its building is almost 2000 years old. This is the best preserved ancient monument in Rome. You will certainly be impressed by its incredible dome, which even today, 2000 years after its construction, is the world's largest unreinforced concrete dome. The Pantheon was originally built as a temple for the Roman gods before being converted into a Christian church in 609 AD. It is also noteworthy that the Pantheon contains the graves of several famous people, including Raphael and two Italian kings. You do not need a ticket to enter the Pantheon; admission is free.
If you followed this itinerary, your first day in Rome will be very eventful! I recommend finishing your walk with a visit to Piazza Navona. Since the 15th century, this square has been a public space where fairs and festivals were held. The square is surrounded by magnificent Baroque architecture. The most popular attraction of this square is Bernini's fountain, which stands in the center - the Fountain of the Four Rivers, built in 1651. Piazza Navona is a fun place, often hosting street performers and fairs. There are also plenty of places to dine and drink. But keep in mind that in Rome, as well as in other cities, you always overpay for lunch at tourist place, especially if the cafe has a terrace with beautiful view. Once you get off the tourist path, it’s quite possible that you’ll find perfect place for lunch with reasonable prices.
Now it's time to rest before the next two days in Rome.
Day 2
Start your second day in Rome at the Colosseum. The Colosseum was built in ancient times to host public spectacles, the most famous of which were gladiator fights. Gladiators fought in front of spectators, the number of which could reach up to 80,000 people. The Colosseum is the largest amphitheater in the world. Although damaged, it is very impressive and worth seeing. This is one of the most popular attractions in Rome, so again I recommend arriving early with pre-purchased tickets. I tell you how to buy a ticket to the Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine in this article!
Roman Forum and Palatine
Your Colosseum ticket is also valid for the Roman Forum and the Palatine when visiting on the same day. These attractions are conveniently located next to the Colosseum. If you didn't buy a ticket to the Colosseum and Roman Forum in advance, go to the Roman Forum first as the queue for tickets is shorter than for the Colosseum. During the Roman Empire, the most influential Romans lived on the Palatine Hill, and there was also Central Market and business district. For centuries, Roman life revolved around this place, and a visit to Rome would not be complete without visiting these ancient ruins.
If you watched the movie "Roman Holiday" with Audrey Hepburn, then you probably remember how the main characters put their hands into the mouth of this massive stone figure, which, according to legend, bites off the hands of liars. It is not known exactly when and how this legend originated. You too can visit the Mouth of Truth and take a funny photo with your hand in your mouth. The figure is located at the entrance to the church of Santa Maria in Cosmedine, and this church is also worth visiting. It can get crowded during the summer months, but the line moves quickly.
Did you know that there is a two-thousand-year-old “Egyptian” pyramid in Rome? The Pyramid of Cestius was built in the 12th century BC, during which time everyone in Rome was obsessed with Egypt. It served as the tomb of a wealthy Roman. The tomb was looted and very little is known about its owner. The 36-meter pyramid is entirely covered with marble. It is the only one of its kind in all of Europe and is worth seeing. The pyramid is now attached to the Aurelian Wall, which helps to preserve it. One of best places, from where you can view the pyramid, is a non-Catholic cemetery.
Baths of Caracalla
The Romans loved to create grandiose buildings. The Baths of Caracalla are no exception. These thermal baths could accommodate up to 1,600 bathers at a time and occupied an area of 11 hectares. Even though they no longer function as thermal baths, they can still be visited. You can wander between the mighty walls and appreciate the sheer scale of the building, as well as see preserved details such as the mosaic floor. I advise you to visit this attraction, especially since if you followed the route above, you are nearby. In the summer, an opera festival is held here, and the grand ruins come to life.
Cathedral of St. John Lateran
The Cathedral of St. John Lateran is the most important church in the city. Almost everyone visits St. Peter's Basilica, and this cathedral is visited by very few tourists, despite the fact that it is the oldest and most important cathedral in the city. It is a very calm, quiet and relaxing place. While in this church, notice the largest standing Egyptian obelisk in the world; on the nave, rebuilt by the architect Barromini. Across the street from the basilica in the Holy Staircase building is a staircase that is believed to be the same one Jesus used to ascend to his trial in Jerusalem. The only permitted way to climb its 28 steps is on your knees. This cathedral has beautiful decorations, statues, and a special, peaceful atmosphere.
By following this route, you will spend your second day interesting and eventful.
Day 3
Appian Way and Catacombs
On your third day in Rome, I suggest you take a break from the sights of the city center and explore the Appian Way. It was built in 312 and is considered one of the oldest surviving roads in the world. The Appian Way was of great importance to the Roman Empire; it connected the capital with southern settlements, such as Naples and Brindisi, and allowed the rapid transport of goods and the movement of troops. At that time it was the longest and widest road in the world, and it was built so well that most of The road has been preserved to this day in its original form! The Romans built to last!
There are many attractions along the Appian Way besides the road itself, the most important of which are located at the beginning of the road, in the Parco dell’Appia Antica park. The very starting point of the road, Saint Sebastian's Gate, can be reached from the city by public transport. From here it is a ten-minute walk to the main attraction of the Appian Way, the 9th-century church of Domino Quo Vadis. After the church you can visit 2 catacombs, the Catacombs of St. Callistus and the Catacombs of St. Sebastian. The former are larger, and were the burial place of 16 popes, numerous Christians and martyrs. After the catacombs, you can continue walking along the Appian Way to the Tomb of Caecilia Metella and Villa Maxentius, which are about a 10-15 minute walk down the road from the catacombs. From the Gate of St. Sebastian to the tomb of Caecilia Metella, it is generally about a 30-minute walk. It's a pleasant walk with sights along the way. After this wonderful walk, I suggest returning to the city and heading to the Borghese Gallery.
The Galleria Borghese is located in the gardens of Villa Borghese and houses the Borghese Collection, one of Rome's finest art collections. It houses incredible works by Raphael, Bernini and Caravaggio, among others. The gallery is not very large, occupies two floors and twenty rooms, but all the works that are here are absolute masterpieces. In addition, it is guaranteed that there will not be very many people here, because no more than 360 people are launched at the same time. Getting from the Appian Way to the Borghese Gallery will take from 45 minutes to 1 hour, take this into account when planning your route. And on Sunday it may take even more time, since public transport walks less often. Entrance to the Gallery is timed and requires advance reservation (even with a Roma pass). To make a reservation, you need to call + 39-06-32-810. You can buy tickets on the official website. You are given 2 hours to explore the Gallery.
Gardens of Villa Borghese
After you have toured the Gallery, I recommend heading to the west side of the gardens, towards Piazza del Popolo. Along the way, just strolling through the park and taking a break from the bustle of Rome. You can rent a bicycle. The view from the terrace of Piazza del Popolo is one of the most beautiful in Rome. It is especially beautiful at sunset!
What can you see in Rome on your own in 3 days or with the help of excursions in Russian with an interesting guide? What attractions are worth seeing first? Let's look at the capital of Italy from the perspective of architecture and museums, fascinating history, gastronomic tours, and other themed trips. Let's compose walking route using the map and find out prices for excursion programs.
It is not for nothing that Rome is commonly called the Eternal City. Anyone who has been there at least once cannot help but return there again. The Italian capital received its second name back in the 1st century BC. for the fact that despite its advanced age, the city continues to develop every day.
Here modern fashion shows, crazy financial flows and ancient architecture, which simply amazes with its perfection.
When a tourist who comes to Rome for the first time begins to clearly understand that this is not a city of one day. The capital of Italy is simply impossible to explore in such a short period of time, and it doesn’t matter whether you come on vacation or in the summer, you need to stay here as long as possible. What to see first in Rome? There is a certain set of top places, without visiting which it is simply forbidden to return home.
- The hallmark of Rome is Coliseum. Few people know that official name this place is the Flavian Amphitheatre. The ancient structure received its popular name thanks to the statue of the local madman Nero (Colossus). This is a truly majestic place; as soon as a guest gets here, he is immediately transported to the arena of gladiator fights.
Address: Piazza del Colosseo, 1.
- Antique temple dedicated to ancient Roman To the Gods - Pantheon. By historical references the building dates back to the 2nd century BC. on the site of an older religious building. The Pantheon is perhaps the only local building that has survived to our times in almost unchanged condition.
Address: Piazza della Rotonda.
Opening hours: 09:00 to 18:00 from Monday to Saturday.
Free admission.
- An interesting place in Rome can be called Forum. This large-scale building was once the heart of the city. Big trade area accommodated a huge number of people. There was a market, the Sacred Road, the Capitol, the Temple of Saturn and other historical monuments here.
Address: Via della Salaria Vecchia, 5/6.
Opening hours: 8:30 to 17:00 daily.
Cost of visit: 12 € per person.
- Capitol Hill is one of the seven hills on which the Eternal City arose. The former luxury can no longer be seen here, but the great architect Michelangelo was able to capture the main square and the Palace of Senators with a white marble staircase, which have survived to this day.
Address: Piazza del Campidoglio.
Working hours: unlimited.
Entrance to the territory is free; the cost of museums located on the square will cost approximately 13-15 €.
Capitol Hill
- Saint Paul's Cathedral can safely be called the heart of the Vatican and the entire Catholic world. It all started with the construction of a small basilica, but today tourists can see a majestic religious building with a height of 136 meters and a central passage of 211 meters. Also, for a fee, those who wish can get to the top of the dome, from where a charming view opens.
Address: Piazza di San Pietro.
Opening hours: 07:00 to 18:30.
Ticket price: 6-8€ per person.
Saint Paul's Cathedral
- As soon as the tourist enters Vatican, it is simply impossible to ignore the Sistine Chapel, the creation of the great architect Giorgio de Dolce. The external modesty of the building complements the delightful interior decoration. The walls are painted by the hands of Botticelli, Pinturicchio and Michelangelo themselves. In the chapel, from the 15th century to the present day, Conclaves of Catholic cardinals are held to elect a new Pope.
Address: Città del Vaticano.
- Vatican Museum Complex It is considered one of the largest historical and art museums in the world. The building's more than ten galleries and museums house great works of painting, historical manuscripts and sculpture.
Address: Viale Vaticano.
Opening hours: 09:00 to 18:00.
Ticket price: 16€ per person.
Vatican Museum Complex
Opening hours: 08:00 to 17:00.
Ticket price: 12€ per person.
Hill Palatine
- All the interesting treasures of the world were never kept on the surface, but were well hidden. The underground crypts of ancient basilicas are little known and unusual place Rome. One of these places is Church of Santa Maria, in the corridors of which the remains of ancient buildings and ancient frescoes are hidden. Guests will be able to personally visit the place where the Holy Apostle Paul himself awaited his verdict.
Church of Santa Maria
10. We definitely recommend setting aside a whole day to visit the amazing square that Caesar built - Piazza Navona. Several attractions of Rome are concentrated here, the first of which are worth seeing are three fountains: fountains Neptune And Mavra, fountain of four rivers.
Then we go to visit the palace Palazzo Braschi(the building houses the Museum of Rome) built in 1971, palace built in 1650 - Palazzo Pamphili, Palazzo Torres Lancellotti built in 1552, and Palazzo de Cupis, which began to be built in 1450.
Piazza Navona
Map of Rome attractions
Prices for excursions in Rome
The cost of excursions in Rome can vary from budget to expensive. It all depends on the places visited and the duration of the event.
- It only takes a few hours to fall in love with Rome. Thanks to the classic, guests of the capital will be able to get acquainted with the Palatine Hill and the Colosseum, climb the magnificent Piazza Venice, walk through another equally impressive Piazza Navona, then head to the Trevi Fountain and finish the walk near the walls of the Trinity Church.
In between visits to attractions, tourists will be able to stop by cozy Italian coffee shops and enjoy the aromas of a fresh, invigorating drink with crispy buns and chocolate desserts.
Duration: about 3 hours.
Cost: approximately 85-90€ per person.
- For lovers of religious buildings, you can also order. Guests will be able to visit the very heart of the Vatican. A fascinating tour will take you through all the magnificent Vatican museums and galleries, with their countless treasures and artifacts, ending at St. Peter's Basilica.
Duration: about 3 hours.
Cost: approximately 65€ per person.
- Rome has always been associated with the great. For admirers of his talent and a deeper understanding of his work, you can book an excursion dedicated to the creations of the genius. From the very morning, guests of the capital will leave the noisy capital and go beyond its borders. Small towns in the northwest, the magnificent castle of the Odescalchi princes, the statue of the sculptor in Bassano Romano, the ancient amphitheater in Sutri and many other attractions. Tourists will also be able to dine in a quiet family restaurant and enjoy local harmony.
Duration: about 8 hours.
Cost: approximately 180€ per person.
- Where to go for a walk in Rome in the evening? It opens up a simply magical picture for a person. Guests of the capital will be able to see the ceremonial buildings from the other side. The multitude of lights, the mystery of twilight, the refraction of light and shadow on architectural landmarks will give you an unforgettable experience.
Duration: about 3 hours.
Cost: approximately 97€ per person.
All thematic excursions:
Where to go with children in Rome and what to do?
The Italian capital is rich not only in ancient buildings and an abundance of museums, but also in entertainment complexes and recreational facilities. If you are planning a trip with a child, the Italian capital has something to show him.
Where can you go for a walk without letting your child get bored? One of the favorite places of Italian residents is the zoo, which was built back in 1911. More than one thousand living creatures have found their home here. In addition to getting acquainted with the local fauna, your child can stroll around the surrounding area and wander among ancient, centuries-old trees.
The ticket price will be about 10 €, and if the child is under one meter tall, it will be completely free.
For joint rides on attractions, the local amusement park is perfect, by the way the largest in Italy. There is a Ferris wheel, a roller coaster, a fear room and much more. Entrance to the park is absolutely free. For those parents who have a car, it is possible to visit the attractions in Valmont. On its territory there are also cinemas and an abundance of restaurants where you can have a tasty snack and treat yourself to something sweet and tasty.
What to see in Rome on your own? You can fill your trip with several travel options. The first is on foot or by local transport and the second as part of excursions.
For those who chose the first option, it is best to rent a car for all days of your stay. This way you can visit a large number of places and at the same time get minimally tired.
- Colosseum - Palantine Hill - Roman Forums - Amphitheater - Piazza Venezia - Capitol Hill.
This route will definitely take one or several days, tourists will be able to get acquainted with the most popular Roman attractions.
If a tourist has more days, then he should continue the route this way.
- The Vatican with a visit to St. Peter's Basilica - Castel Sant'Angelo and then the Ponte Sant'Angelo - walk through Piazza Navona and end the journey in the vicinity of the Pantheon.
On a five-day holiday, you can treat yourself to a trip to the sea to Lido de Ostia, then visit the Pyramid, and then enjoy Italian shopping. You can spend an unforgettable evening in the picturesque square near the Trevi Fountain.
Walking route around the capital on your own in 1-2 days:
Where to go on excursions in Rome? After seeing all the best sights in the capital, you can plunge into the boundless beauty of the surrounding area. Local guides invite guests of the Italian capital to visit the magnificent Tuscany, where you can taste amazing cheeses and treat yourself to real wine. small town Narni with green hills and fabulous buildings will open the door to a magical mystical world.
This is an Italian city that we can talk about forever. Always beautiful and endlessly unknown.
It will be useful when planning a vacation.
The next destination of our journey will be (Piazza Navona), which is literally two steps away from our cafe with the most delicious coffee. If you happen to visit Piazza Navona during the Christmas period, you will see it in a pre-Christmas glow, with many stalls selling New Year's gifts, souvenirs and sweets. If your visit to Rome falls in the summer, then your eyes will see a completely different square - with artists offering their works and three beautiful fountains.
Piazza Navona. Photo isparmiare.coninternet.net
From Piazza Navona along Via De Coronari we go to Castel Sant’Angelo, which is reached by the beautiful bridge of the same name across the Tiber. Construction of the castle began in 125, and it was originally intended as a mausoleum for Emperor Hadrian and his family. Over the past centuries, there has been a castle, a prison, a storage facility, a papal residence... and now the Castel Sant'Angelo is a museum.
Castle of Sant'Angelo. Photovicinialcentro. wordpress. com
To the left of Castel Sant'Angelo you can see the square and St. Peter's Basilica; just walk a little along the straight Via della Conciliazione to find yourself on the main square Rome. But, perhaps, it is better to leave a visit to the cathedral itself for the next day.
It's time to go back. Let's cross back over the Ponte Sant'Angelo and end up at the nearest stop, Acciaioli, on Avenue Victor Emanuel II. From here we will take bus 116T to the stop "" (Tritone - Fontana di Trevi) and, despite the late hour, we will get out to admire this magnificent architectural monument in the evening illumination, and at the same time throw a coin into it to return to the Eternal City again.
Trevi Fountain. Photo Thinkstock
It remains to end the first day in Rome with a good dinner in one of the trattorias in the city center.
To return to our starting point, take metro line A (red) from the nearest station Barberini (Piazza Barberini) in the direction of Anagnina, and in a few minutes you will be back at Termini Station. It should be remembered that the metro closes at 23.30, with the exception of Fridays and Saturdays - on these days the metro is open until 1.30 am.
Second day in Rome
On your second day of exploring the Eternal City, why not take a bus tour? Double-decker excursion buses depart from the station square along several routes; they are equipped with headphones, with which you can listen to the guide's story in one of the offered languages, including Russian. From these panoramic buses you can get off at any of the stops, and then take the same route again and continue the panoramic tour until about 22:00. Trambus Open costs 20 euros and is valid for 48 hours, while Roma Pass cardholders only need to pay 15 euros for it.
So, in the morning, on Piazza Piatis Hundred near Termini Station, we buy a ticket for the excursion bus and, without wasting precious time, we take the first bus, which leaves at about 8.30.
Tourist panoramic busTrambus Open. Photo by the author
From the bus we will explore the Baths of Diocletian, again we will pass in front of the Colosseum, but this time we will admire it from the other side, then we will see the largest hippodrome Ancient Rome- “The Great Circus” (Circo Massimo), and immediately after it - the mysterious “Mouth of Truth” (Bocca della Verità). Perhaps it’s worth going out here to take a closer look at the mysterious mask, capable (at least so the belief goes) of distinguishing truth from lies and biting off the hand of a liar, and at the same time we’ll examine the medieval church of Santa Maria in Cosmedin, in the portico of which there are “Mouths” truth."
"Mouth of Truth" Phototurismoroma.it
Buses of this tourist route run every 15 minutes, we'll take the next bus, for example, from Piazza Venezia, to get off this time at St. Peter's Cathedral (Basilica di San Pietro). Most likely, in front of the cathedral there will be a long line of people wishing to enter it (entrance is free), but it moves quickly, and main cathedral The Catholic Church deserves to wait a little at the entrance.
St. Peter's Cathedral. Photo by Thinkstock
You can limit yourself to examining the masterpieces that are located inside St. Peter's Cathedral, you can go down and explore the underground crypts, or you can also climb its huge dome, to which, in addition to the elevator, there are another 500 steps and from which a stunning view of the whole of Rome opens.
After visiting the grandiose cathedral, you need to refresh yourself with a good lunch; this can be done in one of the restaurants, of which there are many in this area. For example, you can go to the trattoria “Il Mozzicone”, which is located on the corner of the neighboring streets Borgo Pio and Via dei Tre Pupazzi and choose one of the typical dishes of local cuisine or a delicious pizza of your choice .
After lunch, we will continue exploring Rome from the tourist bus and return to the stop on Via della Conciliazione. After waiting no more than 15 minutes for our panoramic bus, we will continue our journey through To the Eternal City, listening to the audio guide and trying to capture in memory all the beauties of the Italian capital. Next you can go to the Altar of Peace (Ara Pacis), which was consecrated in 9 BC. and personified the onset of the “Roman Peace”. The Altar of Peace is located on the very banks of the Tiber, a visit to the museum costs 8.50 euros, and Roma Pass holders receive a discount.
Altar of Peace. Photo silentgliss.com
Further, from the Altar of Peace you can go to one of the majestic avenues of Rome - Via del Corso, where many palaces, restaurants, cafes, and shops are located. And after walking along Via del Corso, it is worth turning onto Via dei Condotti - another beautiful street in Rome, where boutiques of the most fashionable Italian brands are collected.
Via Condotti connects Via del Corso with Piazza di Spagna, and a little before reaching Piazza di Spagna, on Via Condotti there is a historic Greek cafe (Caffè Greco), founded back in 1760, where such people stayed famous personalities, like Richard Wagner, Orson Welles, Johann Wolfgang Goethe, Giacomo Casanova. At the table of the Greek cafe, Nikolai Gogol wrote many chapters of his “Dead Souls”. Arthur Schopenhauer and Franz Liszt visited this cafe. You can also join this list of the great and famous by simply drinking a cup of coffee in the Greek cafe.
If time and remaining strength allow, then it’s worth going to Piazza di Spagna and going up the spacious Spanish Steps to the Trinità dei Monti church. And if you turn left from this church, you can go to Villa Borghese with its magnificent park complex, gallery and museum. From here, from the heights of Pincho Hill, all that remains is to admire the sunset and spend another day, so unnoticed, flying by among the beauties and sights of the Eternal City.
Photo by Thinkstock
From here it is enough to go down to the nearby People's Square (Piazza del Popolo), where there is a metro station, and return to our starting point - Termini Station.
And even if this time we weren’t able to explore even a tenth of what this unique city offers, we’ll leave the rest of the attractions for our next encounters, especially since a coin has already been thrown into the Trevi Fountain!
