Rome

Yes, Rome is Italy’s largest city, with around 2.75 million residents. Each year, the city welcomes approximately 9–10 million visitors, making it one of the most visited cities in the world.

Comfortable shoes are a must, as you’ll be doing plenty of walking, and Rome’s cobblestone streets aren’t heel-friendly. For clothing, pack based on the season: lightweight pieces are perfect for summer, a light jacket works well in spring and fall, and in winter, be sure to bring a warm coat and layers.

Regardless of the season, it’s wise to bring modest clothing or a shawl to cover your shoulders when visiting religious sites, which are common throughout the city and require respectful attire.

The ideal months to visit Rome are April to June and September to October when the weather is perfect for exploring. August can be quite hot, and many locals head to the seaside for vacation, which means some shops and restaurants may be closed. However, major monuments and attractions remain open, so if you can brave the heat, you’ll enjoy fewer crowds during this time.

We recommend spending 4 to 5 days in Rome to truly soak in the city’s charm. This gives you enough time to visit major attractions like the Colosseum, Vatican City, and the Pantheon, while also allowing for leisurely strolls through its charming neighborhoods and indulging in delicious local cuisine. No matter how long we are in Rome, a tour of Rome will help you experience m0re of the city.

Rome has two main airports: Ciampino and Fiumicino.

• Ciampino Airport (CIA) is approximately 15 kilometers (9 miles) from the city center, typically taking around 30-40 minutes by car or taxi.
• Fiumicino Airport (FCO) is about 32 kilometers (20 miles) from the city center. The drive usually takes around 40-60 minutes, depending on traffic.

Both airports offer various transportation options to reach the city center, including buses, taxis, and trains.

The Colosseum is a must-see in Rome! It’s the largest amphitheater ever built and a true symbol of the city. Once filled with crowds watching gladiatorial contests and public events, it’s now a fascinating glimpse into ancient Roman life. Millions of visitors come each year to admire its stunning architecture and rich history—this is one site you don’t want to miss!

Rome is a fantastic city for walking, especially in the historic center where many attractions are close together. For longer distances, the metro is a great option; we recommend using Metro A (the red line) and Metro B (the blue line), as they run through the city center. There’s also an extensive network of buses and trams that connect various parts of the city.

To help you get your bearings, we suggest scheduling Rome tours to immerse yourself in the city and the attractions you are interested in learning more about. Whether you choose to stroll, hop on the metro, or catch a bus, you’ll find plenty of ways to explore this beautiful city!

Rome is famous for its cucina povera, which focuses on simple, high-quality ingredients. Must-try dishes include Cacio e Pepe, a pasta made with cheese and black pepper, and Carbonara, a creamy pasta with eggs, cheese, pancetta, and pepper. Don’t miss Roman-style pizza with its thin, crispy crust, and Saltimbocca alla Romana, a savory veal dish with prosciutto and sage. For dessert, indulge in Tiramisu or Maritozzo, a sweet bun filled with cream. Enjoying these local delights is a delicious way to experience the culture of the Eternal City! If you are interested in a hands-on food experience, take a Cooking Class with Crown Tours. Bring home some new cooking skills and recipes after your Rome vacation.

To avoid crowds at major attractions in Rome, try visiting in the early morning or late afternoon. Booking tickets in advance is also a smart move, and weekdays tend to be less busy than weekends. Additionally, consider special access or small group Rome tours, which often allow you to skip the lines and explore with fewer people around. Crown Tours offers many of these Rome tour options for your Rome vacation.

The most popular sites generally include the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, the Pantheon, and the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel and of course, St Peter’s Basilica. Other popular attractions include the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, and Borghese Gallery, each rich in history and culture. Exploring these sites will give you a deeper appreciation of Rome’s incredible heritage!

Rome is filled with amazing attractions! Beyond the iconic Colosseum and the breathtaking Vatican Museums, you won’t want to miss the Spanish Steps, the historic Pantheon, and the beautiful Piazza del Popolo. Explore the lively Piazza Navona, the serene Villa Borghese, toss a coin into the enchanting Trevi Fountain, and take in the ancient sights at Circus Maximus. Each of these spots offers a unique taste of Rome’s rich history and vibrant culture! A great way to explore these attractions is with a guided tour. Explore Crown Tours complete list of Rome tours to see it all on your vacation.

For day trips, consider visiting Pompeii, the Amalfi Coast, or Tivoli’s Villa d’Este and Hadrian’s Villa. These offer a glimpse into Italy’s rich heritage outside of the capital.

When visiting Rome with kids, consider engaging tours that combine fun, exploration, and education!For the Colosseum, both the Express Tour and the Arena Tour are fantastic options. The Express Tour offers 1 to 1.5 hours of history combined with time for self-exploration, while the Arena Tour lets kids experience the thrill of gladiators as they stepped onto the arena stage. The Vatican and Sistine Chapel Tour is another great choice. With 2 to 2.5 hours of exploration with a guide, plus the opportunity for some solo time, it strikes a perfect balance to keep kids engaged.

Most restaurants and attractions in Rome are open on Sundays, although some may have reduced hours. The Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel are closed on Sundays, except for the last Sunday of the month when admission is free; however, note that there are no guided tours available that day, and you can expect long lines.

St. Peter’s Basilica is open on Sundays, typically after the Pope’s morning speech. The Colosseum is also open, with free entry on the first Sunday of the month. Most other attractions remain open on Sundays as well.

While a few restaurants may close, you’ll find plenty of options available throughout the city!

Absolutely! We believe in making the monuments accessible to everyone and want you to experience them in your own language. All of our tours are conducted in English, and most are also available in Spanish, French, Italian, and German. Just check the specific language options on the respective experience pages to find the perfect fit for you!

When visiting churches in Rome, it’s important to dress modestly out of respect for these sacred spaces. Make sure to cover your shoulders and knees—women might find a shawl or scarf handy, while men should avoid sleeveless shirts. This is particularly important for sites like the Sistine Chapel and St Peter’s Basilica. 

Vatican City is an independent state, so you don’t need a ticket just to enter. However, if you want to explore the attractions within, like the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel, and the Gardens, you’ll need to purchase a ticket. The exception is St. Peter’s Basilica, which is free to enter, although tickets are available for special access areas like the dome.

Since these attractions are quite popular, we strongly recommend booking your spot in advance to avoid disappointment!

You don’t need a ticket to visit St. Peter’s Basilica itself, but if you want to access special areas like the dome, you will need to purchase a ticket. When visiting the basilica on its own, there’s no way to skip the line since there are no tickets. However, you can bypass the crowds by booking a combined tour of the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel, which includes an escorted passageway that leads directly from the Sistine Chapel into the Basilica!