Waymark

Italy · Lazio

Rome travel guide

Ancient ruins, Baroque fountains and long Roman lunches

The Colosseum at sunset. Photo: FeaturedPics, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

2h 15mflight from London
FCOnearest main airport
26° in Augwarmest month
7° in Jancoolest month

Rome is the city where you turn a corner and find a 2,000-year-old temple next to a gelato shop. The Colosseum, the Forum and the Pantheon sit in the middle of a living city, and the Vatican's museums and St Peter's are a short walk across the river.

It's big and busy, so plan your days by area. Mornings are best for the major sights, and evenings for wandering Trastevere and the piazzas when the light turns golden.

Good forHistoryArtFoodCity breaks

What Rome is known for

  • The Colosseum

    The Roman amphitheatre that held 50,000 people, still the city's great landmark.

  • The Vatican

    St Peter's Basilica and the Sistine Chapel ceiling, in the world's smallest country.

  • Roman pasta

    Carbonara, cacio e pepe and amatriciana, best in a Trastevere trattoria.

  • Fountains and piazzas

    Throw a coin in the Trevi Fountain to be sure of coming back.

Top things to do in Rome

  1. 1

    The Colosseum and Roman Forum

    One ticket covers the arena, the Forum and the Palatine Hill. Book a timed slot and go at opening.

    Find tours and tickets
  2. 2

    The Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel

    Miles of galleries ending under Michelangelo's ceiling. Book ahead or take an early-entry tour.

    Find tours and tickets
  3. 3

    St Peter's Basilica

    Free to enter, with a climb to the top of the dome for the best view of the city.

    Find tours and tickets
  4. 4

    The Pantheon

    A 2,000-year-old temple with a hole in its dome, still standing almost unchanged.

    Find tours and tickets
  5. 5

    Trevi Fountain and Spanish Steps

    Rome's most famous fountain and staircase, best seen early before the crowds.

    Find tours and tickets
  6. 6

    Trastevere

    Ivy-covered lanes across the river, full of trattorias and bars after dark.

    Find tours and tickets

See all tours and tickets in Rome

Where to stay in Rome

Find a hotel in Rome

Best time to visit Rome

Best value: Mar–May, Sep–Nov. April, May, September and October: warm days for walking without the heat and crowds of July and August.

  • Best valueGood weather, smaller crowds
  • PeakBusiest, highest prices
  • QuietCheapest, cooler or wetter
7 C7°J7.6 C8°F10.3 C10°M13.9 C14°A18 C18°M22.8 C23°J26 C26°J26.2 C26°A21.4 C21°S17.2 C17°O12.4 C12°N8.1 C8°D
Bar height is the average temperature in Rome, °C, 2001–2025 (NASA POWER).

Getting there and around

About 2h 15m from London to FCO, and flights from most UK airports.

Most of the centre is walkable. The metro is limited but useful for the Vatican and the Colosseum, and the Leonardo Express train runs from Fiumicino airport to Termini in 32 minutes.

Find flights to Rome (FCO)

Shows the cheapest fares for next month on Aviasales, our flight partner. We may earn a commission, at no cost to you. Flight times are straight-line estimates for a direct flight from Heathrow.

Good to know

  • Pickpockets work the metro, buses and the big sights. Keep bags zipped and in front of you.
  • Cover shoulders and knees for St Peter's and other churches.
  • A city tourist tax is added to hotel bills, per person per night.
Italy guidesVisasPlugs & adaptersDriving abroadEnglish spokenWhen to go

Rome FAQ

How many days do you need in Rome?

Three days covers ancient Rome, the Vatican and the centre. Four lets you slow down or add a day trip to Tivoli or Ostia Antica.

Is Rome walkable?

Yes. The historic centre is compact, and walking is often quicker than the metro or buses.

More places in Italy

Back to the Italy travel guide + Add Rome to your bucket list