This travel guide to Rome will show you the top attractions you need to see in Rome for every first-time visitor.
The capital of Italy, rich in history, architecture, and gelato, is one of Italy’s top most-visited cities!
With many landmarks, museums, churches, and Italian cuisine to experience, you won’t have a dull moment in Rome.
This travel guide to Rome is sure to help you prepare for your first visit.
What To Know Before You Go
Language – Italian is the official language in Italy. Many people in Rome speak English due to its high tourist volume.
Currency – Italy’s currency is Euros (EUR).
1 USD=1 EUR
Climate- Rome’s warmest season last for about 3 months, from June to September Rome’s average high temperature is 87ºF and a low of 65ºF with August being the hottest month of the year. The colder months are from November to March with an average high of 60ºF and an average low of 54ºF, with January being the coldest month of the year.
Safety- Rome is a relatively safe city; however, at night I didn’t feel so safe (from experience).
Still, I think Rome is a safe city for the most part.
In case of any emergency, the number to dial is 112.
Daily Budget- Rome can be relatively inexpensive depending on attractions, food, and accommodations. I would suggest budgeting around 75 euros a day including an attraction, food, transportation, and accommodations (hostel).
Tips-
- Hop-on-hop-off bus tour: a great way to see all of Rome’s main attractions in a day if you are short on time.
- The city is pretty spread out so lots of walking will be involved, wear comfy shoes.
- Watch out for pickpocketing, keep an eye out for your belongings!
- There are 2 major airports in Rome, you can get on the train from Leonardo Da Vinci for 8-14 euros depending on where in the city you are going, or take a taxi for a fixed price. You should be able to figure out what the fixed price is so don’t let taxi drivers tell you otherwise!
Keep reading the travel guide to Rome to make the most out of your trip.
Travel Guide to Rome for First-Time Visitors
Main Attractions in Rome
The Colosseum
The iconic landmark in all of Italy! Inaugurated in 80AD, the largest Roman amphitheater was once a popular location for people to experience gladiator flights and other events. Today the Colosseum has been listed as one of the 7 Wonders of the World! To enter, tickets start at 18 euros and you must reserve a timeslot online!
Trevi Fountain
How is it that a fountain can be so popular? Well once you lay eyes on the Trevi Fountain you’ll see why. Tucked away in the corner of three streets (tre vie meaning three streets) Trevi Fountain unexpectedly appears and takes your breath away.
A crowd of people shoving to capture the best picture is what you’ll normally experience during the day. However, if you want to avoid crowds, getting there before 9 am or after 11 pm will be your best shot!
Also! When you visit the fountain make sure to throw a coin in the fountain with your back towards the fountain with your right hand over your left shoulder, a proper Trevi coin toss! Legend says that if you throw it once you’ll be sure to return to Rome, if you throw another coin (separately) you’ll find love in Italy, if you throw a third coin it’ll lead to marriage!
Since so many people throw coins in the fountain, all that money goes to charity to help the poor and homeless. Therefore, superstitious or not, throw a coin in the fountain for a good cause!
Monumento a Vittorio Emanuele II
Built between the years 1895-1911, this enormous white monument represents the emergence of Italy in 1861 along with the first king of Italy, Victor Emmanuel II. It is a magnificent building made of white marble which has also been given the name ‘Altra Della atria’ meaning wedding cake. You can enter Monumento a Vittorio Emanuele II for 12 euros which give you access to a panoramic terrace and entry to the Museum of the Risorgimento and the Museum of Palazzo Venezia.
Castel Sant’Angelo
Located a short distance from Vatican City, Castel Sant’Angelo was originally built as a mausoleum for Emperor Hadrian, then it became a military building, then in the year 1277 an underground passage was built to connect Vatican City to the castle to protect the pope from any danger such as the sieges that happened in 1527. Today Castel Sant’Angelo is a museum open to the public with 5 floors of rich history.
To enter tickets start at $18.00.
Vatican City
St. Peter’s Basilica:
Visiting St. Peter’s Basilica is free; however, during the peak tourist season, there are long lines. I waited around 45 minutes to enter. Once inside the basilica you also have the option to climb the dome for 8 euros (+2 euros more to take an elevator) to experience a view of Vatican City.
TIP: If you choose not to wait in the long line to enter the Basilica, you can choose private guided tours for a skip-the-line entry ticket along with entry to Vatican museums and Sistine Chapel.
The Vatican Museums:
Containing 70,000 thousand paintings and sculptures, from Renaissance to Modern-religious artwork the Vatican Museum is one of the most popular art museums ranking as the 4th most-visited art museum in the world. With artworks from Michelangelo to Van Gogh, the Vatican Museum is a can’t miss spot to visit.
Sistine Chapel:
Included with the Vatican Museum ticket, the Sistine Chapel is home to the Pope and marvelous Michelangelo artworks. Founded by Pope Sixtus IV (also named after him) and painted by Michelangelo in the 16th century, the Sistine Chapel is a magnificent beauty to experience IRL.
Vatican Garden:
The gardens are another popular site to visit when exploring Vatican City. You can purchase combined entry tickets with the Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel.
Tickets to enter start at 22 euros. Buying tickets the day of is quite tricky as tickets usually are sold out, therefore, I would suggest buying tickets in advance. You can find tickets here or for private tours, you can find tickets here.
*If you decide to go to Rome during Easter (spring break) you can attend Easter mass by Pope Francis himself right outside St. Peter’s Basilica! Though it was in Italian, it was honestly one of the highlights of my trip, not to mention getting to see the Pope in action along with being physically blessed by Pope Francis. Highly recommended even if you’re not religious at all, the experience was unforgettable.
Spanish Steps
135 sets of steps dating back from 1723, connects Piazza Di Spagna (bottom) and Piazza Trinita (top) beautifully presenting Trinita Dei Monti Church. Though the steps were designed by Italian Francesco de Sanctis, the Spanish Embassy is located on Piazza Di Spagna hence the name ‘Spanish Steps’. Famous for its several appearances in films and artworks the Spanish steps make a beautiful backdrop for a picture. Today you can find artist post up on the steps offering portraits of yourself!
Piazza Navona
The best plaza in Rome to grab lunch, a drink, or gelato and people-watch!
Surrounded by restaurants, cafes, churches, and street performers, Piazza Navona is a great place to recharge after walking around Rome.
The Pantheon
The oldest and best-preserved monument from ancient Rome is the magnificent Pantheon, home to several Italian kings’ tombs and the famous renaissance artist Raphael. The pantheon has remained almost completely intact dating back from 126-128 AD.
Entry to the Pantheon is free; however, if you want to get the most out of your experience I suggest a guided tour.
Roman Forum
Once Rome’s main hub was where people would gather for social events such as trials, gladiator combat, and elections! The Roman Forum dates back to the 7th century and today it holds some of the most famous temples of ancient Rome. It is a must-see site where you get to walk on the same grounds Julius Caesar once walked on!!
Trastevere
My favorite neighborhood in Rome offers picturesque street views and endless options of bars and restaurants to choose from. Stroll around the alleyways and get lost in the streets of Trastevere!
My favorite restaurant (recommended by a friend) is Casetta di Trastevere, it’s super affordable and delicious! I highly suggest making a reservation in advance as it does get very crowded or getting there before dinner time to avoid waiting. When I was in Rome I went there twice. The first time with a reservation, the second time I showed up early (around 7 pm) and waited since I didn’t have a reservation.
Piazzas (squares) to check out
- Piazza Santa Maria- Located in Trastevere
- Piazza Della Bocca Della Verita
- Campo de’ Fiori
- Piazza del Popolo Rome
- Piazza della Repubblica
- Piazza del Quirinale and Palazzo del Quirinale
Food Recommendations
*Prepare to indulge yourself in pasta, pizza, gelato, and Aperol Spritz!*
If you’re not a fan of Aperol Spritz or have never tried one before, well lucky for you Rome may be able to convince you otherwise (it sure did for me).
Lauro Bistro– Located on the most picturesque street in Rome, Lauro Bistro is a great lunch place! Sit outside and enjoy people-watching in an alleyway in Rome. The seafood pasta was a 10/10!
Gelateria del teatro – The best gelato I’ve had!! A family-owned gelateria where you can see them making the gelato from a window right next to the shop. They have a variety of flavors that are worth waiting in line for.
*Located right across the street from Lauro Bistro!*
Casetta di Trastevere- As mentioned before this restaurant is a must-visit when walking around Trastevere to indulge in some amazing, may I add, inexpensive food. Make sure to make a reservation to avoid waiting a long time or getting denied a table. Get their Cacio y Pepe pasta, it will not disappoint!
Osteria Da Fortunata- If you’re looking for fresh handmade pasta, search no more! Osteria Da Fortunata is known for its freshly made pasta where you can see a woman making the pasta from scratch on a little window showcased in the middle of the restaurant! Though you can’t make a reservation and there is usually a line, it is 100% worth the wait! I recommend going a bit early for dinner to avoid the 30-minute line wait. ***MUST MUST MUST get their tiramisu***
Final Thoughts
Rome is a city that lives up to the hype. With archaeological sites, museums, and food to indulge in it sure is worth the visit to this dreamy city.
There are many things to do in Rome from shopping to sipping on Aperol Spritz to visiting some of the most iconic landmarks. Though I went during peak season it was hard to visit some of the main attractions as everything filled up quickly so I recommend buying tickets in advance even if it means paying a little extra to guarantee a spot.
Though this travel guide to Rome pinpoints the top attractions to see, I always recommend just walking around and getting lost in the streets of Rome. You never know what you will find!
If you are planning your first trip to Rome, I hope my travel guide to Rome is useful to make planning easier.
I hope this travel guide to Rome helped you plan your trip and get the most out of it!