LAST UPDATED: 6/15/26 – Rome, Italy Visitor Guide

This Rome, Italy visitor guide post contains my Hotels.com, Expedia, Vrbo, and Viator affiliate links. I may receive a commission when you book a hotel or tour from this article, though at no additional cost to you. I hand-pick and recommend only the hotels and tours I have thoroughly researched and feel comfortable recommending.

According to legend, Rome was founded by Romulus and Remus, and few cities today can match its layered history—from the Roman Empire to the Renaissance to the vibrant capital it is now. That depth is exactly what makes creating a quintessential Rome, Italy visitor guide both exciting and challenging. With so many remarkable sites and stories, it’s hard to know where to begin.

Rome introduced the world’s first shopping mall under Emperor Trajan, built St. Peter’s Basilica—the largest church ever constructed—and engineered masterpieces like the Colosseum and Pantheon. The early Romans also built more than 53,000 miles of roads, nearly 900 churches, and hundreds of fountains, shaping the city we explore today.

An All-You-Need Rome, Italy Visitor Guide

Whether you come for the history or simply to enjoy the atmosphere, it’s impossible not to feel the weight of what came before. In this guide, you’ll find the best times to visit, how to get there, top things to see and do, and where to stay and eat—everything you need to plan an unforgettable trip to Rome.

Only have a day to explore Rome? If so, you might want to check out my A Day in Rome, Italy: Exploring the Eternal City guide linked below.

Rome Visitor Guide Navigation Menu

At a Glance

Before you start making any travel plans, you need to be sure you meet the country’s entrance requirements. This includes all of the passport, VISA, and immunization requirements for Italy. 

In addition, you need to make sure you clearly understand what languages they speak in Italy. This way, you can plan any translation needs you may have. Not only that, but you will need to know what currency they use in Italy. Knowing this, you can plan to exchange currency before your trip if necessary.

I have included some of this key information in my Rome, Italy visitor guide below for you to review as you start to make your travel plans.

	Passport requirements exist. See below for details.
	Immunization recommendations are listed below.
	The official language in Italy is Italian.
	The official currency in Italy is the Euro.

Italy Passport and VISA Requirements

To assist you in navigating the legal requirements for visiting Italy, I have included a link to my Italy Entrance Requirements Guide below for you to review.

This guide will give you all of the information that you will need to meet the VISA, passport, customs, and immunization requirements and recommendations for visiting Italy.

Travel Immunizations

Before you leave for your trip to Italy to visit the beautiful Rome area, you need to make sure you have all of the proper vaccinations. Not only to protect yourself but to protect others. Having the necessary vaccinations will make sure that you don’t get sick while you travel and that you don’t get others sick when you return home.

Travel Vaccination Advice

You may have questions on what immunizations you will need and what to look out for when you get them. In this case, I have linked to my Italy Entrance Requirements guide for you to review below. In this guide, I outline the various vaccinations and precautions you can take while visiting Italy to stay healthy.

Packing Tips

Outside of knowing the entry and immunization requirements, there is no pre-travel task more important than packing. Don’t worry, I am here to make sure you are packed and prepared for your trip. I have included links to my packing resources in my Rome, Italy visitor guide below for you to review.

Top Things to See and Do in Rome, Italy

One thing that you will never be in short supply of when you visit Rome is amazing things to see and do. Between the ancient Roman ruins, the city’s many amazing museums and parks, and the breathtaking buildings in the Vatican City, there is a seemingly endless supply of things to fill out your itinerary. If you are in the process of planning your trip to Rome and would like some ideas on what to add to the itinerary for your visit, I have included a list of my top 10 things to see in Rome for you to review below.

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The Colosseum

Considered the largest amphitheater in the world, the Colosseum—also known as the Flavian Amphitheatre—is one of Rome’s most iconic landmarks. Built between 72 and 80 A.D. under Emperor Vespasian and completed for Titus, it was constructed by thousands of enslaved laborers.

At its peak, the Colosseum held up to 50,000 spectators for gladiatorial games, sporting events, and even staged naval battles. It sits close to other major sites like the Circus Maximus and the Roman Forum and is a stop on most hop‑on hop‑off bus routes.

If you plan to visit, buy tickets online to skip the line. Large bags and selfie sticks aren’t allowed inside, so leave them at your hotel.

The Roman Forum

If you want to dive into Rome’s history, the Roman Forum is essential. This sprawling archaeological site is filled with ruins of ancient temples, basilicas, government buildings, and memorials—some dating back to 7 B.C. One of the most visited spots is the tomb of Julius Caesar, where visitors still leave flowers today. Nowhere else in the city brings ancient Rome to life quite like a walk through the Forum.

Along with using this guide, booking a guided Forum tour is highly recommended, as a knowledgeable guide can explain the significance of each ruin and deepen your understanding of the site.

The Pantheon

Originally built around 27 B.C. by Marcus Agrippa and later rebuilt by Emperor Hadrian around 120 A.D., the Pantheon is nearly 19 centuries old and one of Rome’s oldest surviving structures. Its name comes from the Greek for “honor all gods,” reflecting its role as a temple to the Roman deities.

One of its most astonishing features is the oculus. Each year on April 21st—Rome’s birthday—a beam of sunlight passes through the opening and illuminates the entrance, a feat of engineering the Romans perfected almost 2,000 years ago.

The Trevi Fountain

Widely considered one of the world’s most beautiful fountains, the Trevi Fountain sits at the junction of Rome’s three oldest roads—hence its name, Fontana di Trevi, or “Three Street Fountain.” The original design was far simpler, but in 1629 Pope Urban VIII asked Gian Lorenzo Bernini to redesign it, resulting in the spectacular fountain you see today.

Tradition says tossing a coin over your left shoulder with your right hand brings good luck: one coin ensures a return to Rome, two promise a return and romance. When you visit, keep my Rome Travel Guide handy so you get the coin‑toss ritual right.

The Arch of Constantine

Located between the Colosseum and the Palatine Hill in Rome, the Arch of Constantine is a breathtakingly beautiful stone archway that was commissioned by the Roman Senate to commemorate Emperor Constantine and his victory over Maxentius at the Battle of Milvian Bridge in AD 312.

The location of the arch is significant in that it spans the Via Triumphalis, which is the route that was taken by victorious military leaders when they re-entered Rome after a successful military campaign. If you would like to see some cool shots of the detail on the Arch of Constantine, please refer to the photo gallery at the end of my Rome, Italy visitor guide.

The Spanish Steps

Made famous by the 1953 film Roman Holiday, the Spanish Steps have become one of Rome’s most popular modern landmarks. Built between 1723 and 1725 to connect the Trinità dei Monti Church with the square below, the staircase was funded by French diplomat Étienne Gueffier. Its name comes from its location beside the Spanish Embassy to the Vatican in Piazza di Spagna.

If you visit, remember that sitting on the steps is prohibited, and be mindful when taking photos—pictures of the Spanish Embassy are not allowed.

Saint Peter’s Square

No visit to Rome feels complete without seeing the Vatican. Though its own city‑state, it sits right in the heart of Rome, with St. Peter’s Square as its most iconic gathering place. Named for the apostle Peter—the first leader of the Catholic Church—the square is where the Pope delivers major addresses and where crowds watch for the white smoke signaling the election of a new pontiff.

Even if you’re not religious, the scale and history of the square are undeniably moving. Plan to spend at least a full day or two exploring the Vatican, and consider booking a guided Vatican tour. The context and insight a guide provides will make your visit far more meaningful.

The Circus Maximus

The ancient Romans excelled at creating entertainment, and while the Colosseum is the most famous example, the Circus Maximus was just as important. Located between the Aventine and Palatine Hills, it was the largest stadium in the Roman Empire and hosted massive chariot races. It also has a darker history—during periods of persecution, many Christians were executed here.

Today, the site is an open public space used for events and recreation. Along with using my guide, booking a guided Circus Maximus tour is well worth it for the historical context a guide can provide.

St Peter’s Basilica

St. Peter’s Basilica is the building most associated with Catholicism, designed during the Renaissance by masters like Bramante, Michelangelo, Maderno, and Bernini. Named for the apostle Peter, it’s considered one of the holiest sites in Christianity and the “greatest of all churches of Christendom.” A visit to the Vatican isn’t complete without touring it.

Along with using my guide, hiring a Vatican tour guide will add valuable context to your visit. If possible, try to book a spot to see the tomb of Saint Peter in the catacombs below—only a small number of visitors are allowed each day, and it’s an unforgettable experience.

The Sistine Chapel

The Sistine Chapel is one of the world’s most famous chapels, located inside the Apostolic Palace in Vatican City and named for Pope Sixtus IV, who restored it in the late 1400s. It’s best known for its extraordinary frescoes—especially Michelangelo’s ceiling and The Last Judgment, considered among humanity’s greatest artistic achievements.

If you plan to visit, booking a guided Sistine Chapel tour is worthwhile for both the historical context and the typically faster entry.

IMPORTANT NOTE: If you are thinking about taking photographs of the famed frescoes inside the chapel, please be aware that any photography or videography inside the chapel is prohibited.

How to Get to Rome, Italy

If you are traveling to Rome from outside of Italy, the quickest way to get there would be to fly into Rome’s Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport (FCO). For those who are traveling to Rome from elsewhere in Italy or Europe, in addition to being able to fly into Rome, you also have the option of taking the high-speed rail or renting a car and driving to Rome.

The rail system in Europe is extraordinarily efficient and cost-effective, so using the rail system to get around Italy would be my top recommendation. However, if you are looking for some flexibility in being able to get from place to place in your own timeframe, renting a car is an effective option.

If you plan on driving in Italy, the US consulate recommends obtaining an international driver’s license before departing for your trip. For a better idea of where Rome is located in relation to other large Italian cities and what the traveling time to Rome is from those cities, I have included a map in my Rome, Italy visitor guide for you to review below.

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Best Times to Visit Rome, Italy

When planning a trip to Rome, it’s important to consider weather and rainfall so you visit at the ideal time for your plans. The wrong conditions can limit what you’re able to see and do. To help you choose the best season for your trip, I’ve included Rome’s average temperatures and precipitation in the guide below.

Average Temperature (°F)

Rome’s temperatures aren’t extreme, but they do vary throughout the year. Winter (December–February) brings lows in the upper 30s and highs in the upper 50s, which can feel chilly if you plan to spend a lot of time outdoors. Summer (June–August) is hot, with highs in the upper 80s and 90s, which may be uncomfortable if you’re not used to the heat.

For the most pleasant weather, May and October are ideal—warm days, mild evenings, and fewer crowds. If you want help refining your best time to visit Rome section, I can tighten it even further.

Average Precipitation (Inches)

If you plan to spend a lot of time outdoors in Rome, you’ll want to avoid the rainiest part of the year. September through November see the highest precipitation, making them the least ideal for sightseeing. For drier, more reliable weather, spring and summer are typically the best seasons to visit.

Where to Stay in Rome, Italy

One of the most important decisions you are going to have to make when planning your trip to Rome is where you will stay. When you travel, the accommodations you choose are oftentimes amongst the biggest expenditures for your trip.

So not only do you need to be comfortable where you are staying, but you also need to be comfortable with how much you are paying to stay there. Finding the right accommodations for your trip involves looking at the amenities, the location, and most importantly, the price.

If you are starting to plan your trip to Rome and want some hotel and hostel suggestions, I have included some great options at different price points in my Rome, Italy visitor guide below for you to review. As always, don’t be afraid to expand your search to room-sharing sites such as Airbnb or VRBO if you aren’t finding a hotel or hostel that meets your needs.

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Where to Eat in Rome, Italy

When most people plan a trip, the primary focus is on how to get there, where to stay, and what is on the list of things to see and do. What many travelers neglect to plan is where to eat when you are there.

Granted, it is sometimes fun to be spontaneous when choosing a restaurant while traveling, and it is always smart to get recommendations when you arrive. However, it can also be advantageous to have some ideas of restaurants you would like to try during your trip written down beforehand as well.

This way you can be assured that you won’t miss out on a highly recommended culinary experience that you will regret. To help you decide on some restaurants in Rome to add to your list, I have included a list of some highly recommended options for you to review in my Rome, Italy visitor guide below.

In addition to the restaurant recommendations above, TripAdvisor has a really amazing article on the top pasta places to eat in Rome. If you love pasta, then I would definitely recommend checking out the recommendations that I linked to below.

Recommended Tours in Rome, Italy

There is an abundance of amazing things to see and do in the Rome area, and one of the best ways to experience those things is on a tour.  If you are looking for fun tours and excursions to fill out your trip, I have included some category links to recommended tours and excursions in my Rome, Italy visitor guide that you can review below.

Rome, Italy Photo Gallery

Rome is such a beautiful city that you have to almost try to not get great photographs to come away without some amazing images when you visit. If you are interested in seeing some of the many great pictures I was able to take during my visit, I have included a photo gallery in my Rome, Italy visitor guide for you to review below.

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