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How to Get Around Rome + Must-See Attractions (Colosseum, Vatican & More)
- 4 hours ago
- 6 min read
Rome is one of those cities where history appears around every corner. Ancient ruins sit beside bustling cafés, fountains spill into lively piazzas, and centuries-old churches hide incredible works of art. The good news for travelers is that Rome is surprisingly easy to explore. Many of the city’s most famous landmarks are located close together, making it possible to see a lot in just a few days.
During our trip we explored mostly on foot, visited several iconic landmarks, and discovered a few helpful tips along the way. This guide covers how to get around Rome and what to see once you’re there.
Getting Around Rome
Walking Around the City
Rome is an extremely walkable city. Most major attractions are located within a relatively small area, and if you plan your route well you can visit several landmarks in a single day.
The longest walk we had during our trip was about 40 minutes (2.5 km / 1.5 miles) from our hotel to St. Peter’s Basilica. Even that walk was enjoyable because there were so many interesting streets and small cafés along the way. Walking is also one of the best ways to discover Rome’s hidden gems. We stumbled across fountains, quiet churches, and espresso bars simply by wandering between attractions.
Using Taxis or the Metro
If you don’t feel like walking or if the summer heat becomes too much, taxis are widely available throughout the city. Rome also has a metro system that connects several major landmarks. A 24-hour metro pass costs around €9.30 and allows unlimited rides during that time. Metro stations are conveniently located near sites like the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and areas near Vatican City, making it a helpful option if you’re trying to move quickly between neighborhoods.
Why the Colosseum Is Worth Visiting
The Colosseum is one of the Seven Wonders of the World, and it’s easily one of the most recognizable landmarks in Italy. Built nearly 2,000 years ago, this massive amphitheater once hosted gladiator battles, public spectacles, and large crowds of Roman citizens.
Even standing outside the Colosseum is impressive, but stepping inside gives you a much better understanding of the scale and history of the structure.
Colosseum Tickets and Tours
Entry to the Colosseum requires a ticket, and during peak seasons tickets can sell out quickly.
If you’re traveling during the summer or holidays, it’s best to book your tickets ahead of time.
Standard tickets typically cost €18 for adults, with reduced pricing for younger visitors and EU residents. These tickets usually include access to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, which sit directly next to the Colosseum and are well worth exploring. Many travelers choose to book guided tours instead. These tours often include skip-the-line access and additional historical context, and some allow visitors to step onto the arena floor where gladiators once fought.
Visiting Vatican City
What to See at the Vatican
Vatican City is technically its own country, located right inside Rome. It’s home to several of the city’s most famous attractions, including St. Peter’s Basilica, the Vatican Museums, and the Sistine Chapel. Most visitors come to see Michelangelo’s artwork in the Sistine Chapel and explore the enormous collection of art housed inside the Vatican Museums.
St. Peter’s Basilica Is Free
One of the biggest surprises for many travelers is that St. Peter’s Basilica is completely free to enter. You can simply walk through security and explore the church at your own pace. Inside you’ll find incredible architecture, sculptures, and works of art, including Michelangelo’s famous Pietà. Tickets are only required if you want to visit the Vatican Museums or the Sistine Chapel.
Watch Out for Ticket Scams
If you visit the Vatican on your own, be cautious of people selling tickets outside the entrance.
We saw several individuals claiming visitors needed to purchase tickets to enter St. Peter’s Basilica, which is not true. The Basilica is free. There is a fence surrounding the entrance area, and many of these scammers remain outside of it. You can simply walk past them and enter the Basilica grounds. Pickpocketing can also happen in busy areas, so it’s worth staying aware of your belongings.
Vatican Museum Tickets
Standard tickets for the Vatican Museums cost around €20, with reduced pricing for younger visitors and students. Audio guides are also available if you want to explore the museums at your own pace. Guided tours are another popular option. The official Vatican tours often include highlights such as the Vatican Gardens, the Gallery of Maps, the Gallery of Tapestries, and of course the Sistine Chapel.
Visiting the Trevi Fountain
The Trevi Fountain is one of the most famous fountains in the world and one of the easiest attractions to visit in Rome. Since it’s located outdoors, the fountain is free and open 24 hours a day. That convenience also means it can get extremely crowded. Late morning through evening tends to be the busiest time. We visited early in the morning around 8:00 AM, which made it much easier to enjoy the fountain without huge crowds. When we returned later in the afternoon, the area was packed. There’s a seating area near the fountain where you can sit and enjoy the atmosphere. It’s a great place to relax with an espresso and do a little people-watching while the city wakes up.
Tourist Traps and Scams Near the Fountain
Many restaurants near the Trevi Fountain cater heavily to tourists. Several had staff outside trying to persuade visitors to come in, which often signals overpriced menus. We also saw a common scam involving friendship bracelets. Someone may approach you, start a conversation, and offer a bracelet as a “gift.” Once they place it on your wrist, they ask for money. The easiest solution is to simply say no and continue walking.
Visiting the Pantheon
The Pantheon is one of the best preserved buildings from ancient Rome. Originally built as a temple nearly 2,000 years ago, it now functions as a church and remains one of the most impressive structures in the city. Visitors now need a ticket to enter the Pantheon.
Standard tickets cost around €15 and include an audio guide, which helps explain the building’s history and architectural significance. If you book through the nearby Basilica of San Lorenzo in Lucina, the ticket also includes an audio-guided visit to that church as well.
The Pantheon also offers free admission on the first Sunday of every month, although it can get quite crowded on those days.
Coffee Near the Pantheon
If you need a quick caffeine break after visiting the Pantheon, a great nearby stop is La Casa del Caffè Tazza d’Oro, a famous espresso bar just around the corner.
Other Places Worth Visiting in Rome
Rome has far more attractions than most visitors can see in one trip. Beyond the major landmarks, the city is filled with beautiful piazzas, historic churches, and scenic viewpoints.
A few places worth adding to your itinerary include Piazza Navona, the Spanish Steps, Janiculum Hill, and the Basilica of Santa Maria in Trastevere. Each offers a slightly different perspective on the city. For travelers interested in history and museums, Rome also has an incredible selection of galleries and archaeological sites such as the Capitoline Museums, the Roman Forum, Castel Sant’Angelo, and the Baths of Caracalla.
Exploring Rome: Final Tips
Rome is one of those cities that feels almost impossible to see in just one trip. Between the ancient ruins, incredible art, and beautiful piazzas, there’s always something new waiting around the next corner. Getting around the city is surprisingly easy, especially if you’re comfortable walking between attractions and taking advantage of the metro when needed. With a little planning, it’s possible to visit many of Rome’s most famous sites in just a few days.
Whether you’re exploring the Colosseum, wandering through Vatican City, tossing a coin into the Trevi Fountain, or stepping inside the Pantheon, Rome has a way of making every moment feel historic. If you're planning your own trip, we hope this guide helps make navigating the city a little easier. And if you’re curious about the food we tried while visiting Rome, be sure to check out our “What We Ate in Rome” post where we share some of our favorite spots from the trip.
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