Rome is truly a beautiful city. On every corner you’ll find a beautiful statue, a fountain or a church. The many sights in Rome make the city perfect for a city trip. Read my tips for this beautiful city.
Rome is so popular for a reason and it is therefore very busy. In July / August it’s very hot in the city. A nice city walk is therefore a lot more tiring than in the cooler months. For that reason it can also be a bit quieter in the hot summer months. So it is a matter of weighing up when you want to plan your visit.
The metro network in Rome is fantastic! There are several subways running through the city that can really take you anywhere. Buy a map and a metro map on one of the first days so that you can plan the trips well. Planning is a good idea, especially if you don’t stay very long and want to see as much as possible.
View the metro map of Rome here.
It is nice to take a tour for some sights in Rome, such as in the Vatican. This way you can save waiting times and some money. It is also very nice if something is told about the different art objects. Keep in mind the enormous crowds in the various museums and churches.
Top places in Rome
1. The Colosseum
One of the most famous sights in Rome and also the symbol of the city is of course the Colosseum. The colosseum is easy to reach by metro, getting off at the Colosseo stop. The entrance fee for the colosseum is € 12.00. For members of the European Union between 18 and 25 years old, the price is € 7.50 and entrance is free for everyone under 18 years old.
2. Vatican City
Did you know that Vatican City is the smallest independent state in the world? In the Vatican you can spend hours if you want to visit everything. There are several places of interest to visit, namely:
- St. Peter’s Basilica and the square
- The Sistine Chapel
- Vatican museums
- Vatican Gardens
The Vatican is a very special experience. You will be inundated with splendor and grandeur. Unfortunately, there are huge queues in front of the museums. You can try to avoid that by visiting it in the morning, buying your tickets online or arranging a tour with a guide. Many guides offer their tours outside the Vatican. Always guess which person seems best to trust.
3. Trevi Fountain
Despite the crowds, the Trevi Fountain is definitely worth a visit. The myth says that if you stand with your back to the fountain and throw a coin in the water with your right hand over the left shoulder, you will one day return to Rome. The city donates the many coins to charities.
4. Pantheon
This large temple of almost 2000 years old can be found in the Piazza della Rotonda. The Pantheon fountain is located on the square. The huge dome of the Pantheon contains a large round hole (oculus) that lets in both sunlight and rainwater. Opening hours: Mon 8.30am – 7.30pm, Sunday: 9am – 6pm.
5. Porta Portese
Porta Portese is a large flea market in the Trastevere district. You can find everything: jewelry, clothing, souvenirs, food, etc. You see few tourists and especially many shopping locals. Prices are a lot lower than in the city center. You will not find many high-quality items, but it is certainly fun to visit once and to stock up on souvenirs. Pay close attention to your belongings, but that applies to all of Rome.
Restaurants in Rome
Italian cuisine is one of my favorites! The pizzas, the pasta and the ice cream have never been so tasty and often for a lower price than in the Netherlands. Try not to eat in very busy neighborhoods. You will notice this in the quality and in your wallet. Walk into a side street, which is usually where the best restaurants are located. Looking up good restaurants in advance often works to your advantage too.
General info
Italy covers an area of 301,338 km². The population is more than 60 million, of which almost 2.7 million live in the capital Rome. The summer months in Italy are generally very warm. It can get very hot in the south of the country in particular.
The best time to travel to Rome is in the spring or fall. The sun is not yet at its brightest and the temperatures are more pleasant. A city trip in the summer months is not really recommended because of high temperatures and crowds.