Planning a trip to Rome? This guide provides everything you need to explore the Eternal City and other nearby destinations.
Rome has some really iconic locations like the Colosseum and Vatican City. Plus, you can explore some interesting hidden gems in Trastevere and Testaccio. The city is a great mix of history, culture, and incredible food.
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Estimated Cost
You want to budget about €131 ($141) per day when you’re in Rome. That’s what the majority of people generally end up doing. People who have gone before tend to spend about €37 ($40) for a day of food and around €17 ($18) on transportation.
If you prefer a hotel, the nightly average for a couple is about €134 ($144). So, a week in Rome for two adults usually runs about €1,836, which is about $1,968.
Accommodation Cost
The average price for one person for accommodation in Rome is €67. For two people sharing a typical double-occupancy hotel room, the average price for a hotel room in Rome is €134.
Rome Travel Map: Key Attractions
- Colosseum
- Iconic ancient amphitheater and a symbol of Rome.
- Nearby: Roman Forum and Palatine Hill.
- Roman Forum
- Ancient ruins of temples, arches, and government buildings.
- Walking distance from the Colosseum.
- Pantheon
- The best-preserved ancient Roman temple is now a church.
- Located in Piazza della Rotonda.
- Trevi Fountain
- Baroque masterpiece and famous coin-throwing spot.
- Nearby: Spanish Steps and Piazza di Spagna.
- Vatican City
- St. Peter’s Basilica, Vatican Museums, and the Sistine Chapel.
- Must-see: Michelangelo’s ceiling frescoes.
- Piazza Navona
- Beautiful square with fountains, restaurants, and street artists.
- Nearby: Campo de’ Fiori (lively market square).
- Trastevere
- Charming neighborhood with cobblestone streets, trattorias, and nightlife.
- Perfect for dinner and evening strolls.
- Borghese Gardens & Gallery
- Scenic Park with the Borghese Gallery (art museum).
- Great for a relaxing afternoon.
- Castel Sant’Angelo
- Historic castle with panoramic views of Rome.
- Walking distance from Vatican City.
- Testaccio
- Foodie neighborhood known for authentic Roman cuisine.
- Try traditional dishes like carbonara and cacio e pepe.
Suggested Route for Your Rome Travel Map
Ancient Rome
- Colosseum
- Roman Forum
- Palatine Hill
- Capitoline Museums
Historic Center
- Pantheon
- Trevi Fountain
- Spanish Steps
- Piazza Navona
Vatican City
- St. Peter’s Basilica
- Vatican Museums
- Sistine Chapel
- Castel Sant’Angelo
Food & Drink
- Trastevere (restaurants and bars)
- Testaccio Market
- Campo de’ Fiori (evening vibe)
- Gelateria del Teatro (best gelato)
Parks & Relaxation
- Borghese Gardens
- Villa Borghese Gallery
- Orange Garden (Giardino degli Aranci)
Suggested Itinerary Routes
- Ancient Rome Route: Colosseum → Roman Forum → Palatine Hill → Capitoline Museums.
- Historic Center Route: Pantheon → Trevi Fountain → Spanish Steps → Piazza Navona.
- Vatican Route: St. Peter’s Basilica → Vatican Museums → Castel Sant’Angelo.
- Local Vibes Route: Trastevere → Testaccio → Campo de’ Fiori.
Navigating Rome
- Use public transport (metro, buses) or walk to explore the city.
- Download offline maps (Google Maps or Maps.me) for easy navigation.
- Start very early to avoid crowds at major attractions like the Colosseum and Vatican.
4-Day Rome Itinerary
First Day: Ancient Rome
- Start the day early by visiting the Colosseum, one of Rome’s most iconic landmarks.
- From there, head to the nearby Roman Forum. It is an ancient complex of ruins.
- Walk up the Palatine Hill. It’s one of the seven hills of Rome. Catch a glimpse into the lives of ancient Roman emperors.
- End the day with a visit to the Pantheon, a well-preserved ancient temple dedicated to all the gods.
Second Day: Vatican City and the Historic Center
- Begin your day with a visit to Vatican City, home to many famous attractions like St. Peter’s Basilica, the Vatican Museums, and the Sistine Chapel.
- After the Vatican, head to the nearby historic center of Rome. You can see famous landmarks like the Spanish Steps. Don’t miss the Trevi Fountain and the Piazza Navona.
- Spend some time walking through the city’s streets and alleys, taking in the local sights and sounds.
- End the day with a stroll through Trastevere neighborhood, known for its lively atmosphere and great restaurants.
Third Day: Museums and Art
- Start the day with a visit to the Capitoline Museums. It is home to a collection of ancient Roman art and artifacts.
- Next, head to the Borghese Gallery. It is a museum with a collection of paintings, sculptures, and other works of art by famous Italian artists.
- After lunch, visit the MAXXI Museum, a contemporary art museum that showcases a wide range of modern and contemporary works.
- End the day with a stroll through the Villa Borghese Gardens, a beautiful park in the heart of Rome.
Fourth Day: Food and Shopping
- Start the day with a visit to the Campo de’ Fiori. It is an outdoor market that sells fresh produce, flowers, and other local products.
- Next, head to the Testaccio neighborhood, known for its food scene and traditional Roman cuisine.
- Spend some time exploring the local shops and boutiques, especially around the trendy Via del Governo Vecchio.
- End the day with a visit to the Porta Portese Flea Market. It is one of the largest and most famous outdoor markets in Rome.
Nearby Cities to Explore
Looking to extend your trip? Check out these nearby destinations:
- Florence (1.5 hours by train): Renaissance art, the Duomo, and Uffizi Gallery.
- Naples (1.5 hours by train): Gateway to Pompeii and home of authentic pizza.
- Tivoli (1 hour by train): Visit Villa d’Este and Hadrian’s Villa.
- Orvieto (1.5 hours by train): A charming hilltop town with a stunning cathedral.
- Amalfi Coast (3 hours by train + ferry): Breathtaking views and Positano.
Note: Before you plan your trip, please check the latest travel restrictions and requirements.
Travel Resources
Resources to Use While You Plan
These are core guides and tools you can use for almost any trip, from picking a destination to mapping your route and making more time to travel.
All Itineraries & Trips
A central hub of long-weekend guides, Detty December routes, solo trips, and country itineraries you can copy and tweak.
Open itineraries hub →Solo Travel Starter Guide
A full solo travel hub with safety tips, destination ideas, and resources if you’re planning to travel on your own.
Open solo travel guide →Group Travel & Hosted Trips
Explore hosted group trips and trusted partner trips if you’d rather join a group instead of planning alone.
See travel options →COI Travel Network
A central page for solo, group, agency, and travel update links, so you can plug into my wider travel ecosystem.
Explore the network →How to Take More Time Off
A practical guide on stacking weekends, holidays, and smart PTO so you can travel more without quitting your job.
Read time-off tips →Trip Consultation Call
Need help with route, timing, or where to stay? Book a call and we can walk through your trip plan together.
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