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Plan Your Trip to Rome: Best of Rome Tourism

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Rome, Italy

It’s easy to see why Rome’s one of the most-visited places on the planet: There’s history everywhere (the Pantheon, the Colosseum, the list goes on), sculptural masterpieces in almost every piazza, and—of course—ridiculously good food. Every trip could feel like a whirlwind, but slow down and you’ll discover lots of surprises. Spend a Sunday morning in Trastevere and hunt for vintage finds at Porta Portese flea market. Or hit San Lorenzo—a student neighbourhood with an edgy-but-charming vibe—for trendy shops, galleries, and street art. Dinner’s not ‘til late here, so grab an aperitivo in Prati—it’s walkable from the Vatican and packed with quirky sidestreet bars.Yes, the energy’s next-level, so if you need a break, head for the hills (literally) and check out Aventine Hill, a leafy-green suburb with peaceful gardens and some of the best views of the city. There’s always something to do and we’ve got more recs, below.
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Essential Rome

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Travel Advice

How to spend 3 days in Rome

Masterpiece art, incredible eats, and the Colosseum
Read on

Exploring Rome’s underground

A funny thing happened when I brought my teenage son to Rome for the first time: he convinced me to go below ground. Exploring beneath the city’s surface revealed a world of fascinating crypts, catacombs, and subterranean sights I had missed on previous visits. Plus, they all offered delightful natural cooling on sweltering Rome days—another highlight of the Eternal City’s hidden underground.
  • Colosseum Underground and Ancient Rome Small Group - 6 People Max
    3,681
    On this Colosseum tour, we learned all about the lions, and tigers, and bears (oh my!) that were held in the cellar—a space you can only access on a tour. (Tours are also the only way to skip the entry line that typically stretches beyond Palatine Hill.) Our guide also told enthralling stories of gladiators battling wild animals and the “special effects” launched from the basement, like flooding the stadium for boat battles.
  • Museum and Crypt of Capuchins Friars
    2,634
    A word of warning: If you’re at all squeamish about seeing bones (lots and lots of bones), this is one to skip. But children, I discovered, tend to find these underground rooms—filled with the artfully arranged remains of 4,000 capuchin monks—more fascinating than frightful. There is a method to the macabre here: you’ll see mosaics, altars, and more, created from skeletal pieces dating from the 1500s to the 1800s.
  • Catacombe San Sebastiano
    756
    Take the 118 city bus from the Colosseum to these catacombs (a route formerly known as the Appian Way and the origin of the saying “all roads lead to Rome”) to see the ancient underground grave where Saint Sebastian was buried in 350 A.D., along with many of Rome’s wealthy Christian families. It’s a fascinating combination of art and archaeology, with mosaic walls and marble sculptures preserved in a sunless space.
  • Catacombe di Santa Domitilla
    451
    If you’re hesitant about seeing more crypts, I hear you. I felt the same way at this point in our explorations. But this catacomb close to San Sebastiano is actually an underground basilica dating back to 120 A.D., which still, amazingly, has its original frescoes. There are also tombs—15,000 of them to be exact, sprawled across four layers and 10 criss-crossing miles. If you venture down, bring a jacket; it can get chilly.
  • Vicus Caprarius – the City of Water
    222
    Talk about under the radar. In the 1990s, an entire apartment complex, dating to the first century, and a still-working aqueduct were discovered beneath the neighbourhood surrounding the Trevi Fountain. The site, now known as Vicus Caprarius (City of Water), can be enjoyed on a guided tour, but we found it easy enough to visit the small, below-ground museum on our own (then head back to street level to toss a coin in the fountain).
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Rome travel advice

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These questions and answers were created by AI, using the most common questions travellers ask in the forums.

Central Locations

According to forum posts, many travelers recommend staying in the central areas of Rome for easy access to tourist attractions. Piazza Navona, Campo de' Fiori, and the Pantheon are frequently mentioned as ideal central locations. These areas are within walking distance of most major sites and offer a vibrant atmosphere.

Historic Center

Some travelers have called out the historic center as a suitable area for families and first-time visitors. This area is praised for its proximity to major landmarks and its picturesque streets, filled with local restaurants and shops.

Alternative Neighborhoods

For those looking for a more local vibe or budget-friendly options, areas like Trastevere and Monti are suggested. Trastevere is noted for its lively night scene and is still within walking distance of the city center. Monti, near the Colosseum, offers a youthful energy and is also central to many historical sites.

Vicinity to Public Transit

Travelers have called out the Prati neighborhood, especially for those attending events at the Olympico stadium, as it provides good public transportation links while being close to the city center.

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Variety of Tours

According to forum posts, Rome offers a diverse range of food tours including evening tours, street food tours, and specific tours like the Twilight Trastevere by Eating Europe. Travelers have called out various platforms such as Secret Food Tours and With Locals for booking different culinary experiences.

DIY Tours

Some travelers suggest designing your own food tour by visiting recommended local spots like Campo de Fiori for cheese and cured meats, or Testaccio market for a variety of local foods, as an alternative to organized tours.

Booking and Pricing

Travelers have mentioned that food tours can be pricey, but many feel they are worth the cost for the experience provided. It's recommended to check for seasonal promotions or discounts when booking through official tour sites.

Meal Sharing and Social Dining

For a more intimate dining experience, posts suggest using platforms like Eatwith.com to book dinners in local homes, offering authentic meals and the opportunity to engage with locals.

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Public Transport Overview

According to forum posts, Rome has a comprehensive and affordable public transport system that includes buses, the metro, and trams. The city's historic center is highly walkable, making it convenient to explore on foot.

Metro and Bus Details

Some travelers mentioned using the metro, which is efficient but has limited coverage with only two main lines. For wider coverage, numerous bus routes are available, such as route 118 that travels to the Appian Way. Public transport tickets in Rome are integrated, allowing use across the metro, buses, and trams. A standard ticket costs €1.50 and is valid for 100 minutes, though it allows only one metro journey within this period.

Tram and Regional Train Insights

Travelers have called out the availability of Trenitalia Regionale trains for longer distances, such as from the Roma Trastevere station to Roma Termini, costing 1 euro and taking 10 to 16 minutes. Additionally, substitute tram services are mentioned for areas like Isla Tiburtina within Trastevere, complemented by bus services.

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Public Transport Accessibility

According to forum posts, Ostia Antica is highly recommended for a day trip from Rome due to its accessibility by public transport. The site can be reached with a standard €1.50 transport ticket. Similarly, the coastal town of Ostia is accessible via a metro line from Piramide, costing the same €1.50 ticket.

Variety of Destinations

Some travelers suggested a range of destinations for day trips from Rome. These include historical sites like Tivoli and Orvieto, and coastal areas like Sperlonga and Santa Severa. Lakes such as Lago di Bracciano and seaside towns like Ponza were also mentioned as great day trip destinations.

Nature and Small Towns

For those interested in nature and quaint villages, forum users have recommended exploring places like Bomarzo’s Park of the Monsters, the medieval centers of Orvieto and Spoleto, and the lakeside town of Anguillara Sabazia. These destinations offer a break from the bustling city environment of Rome.

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Official Website Tours

According to forum posts, the official Colosseum website offers various guided tours, including the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill, which are described as the most beneficial due to the complexity and historical significance of these sites. These tours can be booked directly through the CoopCulture website.

Underground and Special Tours

Some travelers mentioned that specific areas like the Colosseum's underground and third ring are only accessible through guided tours, which need to be booked in advance. Additionally, there are special event tours like nighttime tours that offer unique experiences of the sites.

Private and Group Tours

For those looking for more personalized experiences, options such as Context Rome and Walks of Italy offer small group tours, which typically provide a more intimate and detailed exploration of the Colosseum and surrounding areas. These can be booked through their respective websites.

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Official Websites

To purchase tickets for the Colosseum, the most reliable method is using the official ticketing websites like coopculture.it or ticketing.colosseo.it. These platforms offer various ticket options, including general admission and special tours like the Underground or Attic tours.

In-Person Purchase

If you're unable to secure tickets online due to high demand or website issues, you can buy them directly at the Colosseum ticket window. This can be a viable alternative, especially if online tickets are sold out.

Website Issues and Solutions

Some users have experienced technical difficulties when trying to purchase tickets online, such as error messages or the website not loading. Clearing browser cookies, updating software, or trying different browsers may resolve these issues. If problems persist, checking the website at different times or using a computer instead of mobile devices has helped some travelers.

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Location and Amenities

According to forum posts, many travelers recommend staying near the Pantheon or Piazza Navona due to their central locations, which allow easy access to major attractions and a variety of dining options. Hotels like Albergo del Senato and Hotel Damaso are frequently mentioned for their proximity to these areas.

Family-Friendly Options

For families, the Albergo del Senato next to the Pantheon offers family rooms and is praised for its location in the lively Piazza della Rotunda. Another recommended option is the Hotel Indigo Rome - St. George, which is noted for its quiet street location close to the Borghese Gardens and Museum.

Budget Considerations

Travelers looking for budget-friendly options have pointed out that prices can vary significantly, with some hotels offering rooms in the 300-400 euro range per night. The Hotel Ponte Sisto and Hotel Luna are also suggested as cost-effective choices with good locations.

Historic Charm

Some users have expressed a preference for hotels that combine modern amenities with historic charm. The Hotel Dei Borgognoni and D.O.M. Hotel are highlighted for their stylish interiors and central locations, providing a comfortable and aesthetically pleasing stay.

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Train Companies and Booking Sites

Travelers have two main train operators to choose from for travel between Rome and Venice: Trenitalia and Italo. Both companies provide high-speed train services and can be booked through their official websites, https://www.trenitalia.com/en.html and https://www.italotreno.it/en.

Travel Duration and Train Types

The journey duration on high-speed trains between Rome and Venice typically takes about 3 hours and 45 minutes to 4 hours. Trenitalia offers the Frecciarossa service, while Italo operates its high-speed trains on this route. Both services connect major stations such as Roma Termini and Venezia Santa Lucia.

Stations and Accessibility

For travelers departing from Rome, the primary station is Roma Termini, though some trains also call at Roma Tiburtina. In Venice, the key station is Venezia Santa Lucia, which is closer to the city center and ideal for tourists aiming to stay near iconic sites like St. Mark's Square. Venezia Mestre station serves the mainland and might be suitable for different travel needs.

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