How to plan a trip to Rome?

Rome, the eternal city of history, culture and art, attracts millions of visitors each year with its ancient streets, imposing monuments and unrivalled historical heritage. From the majestic Colosseum to the serene beauty of the Trevi Fountain, Rome offers a unique experience that captivates the hearts of all who visit. However, there is so much to see that planning a trip to Rome requires careful organisation to make the most of every second and not miss anything.

In this post we tell you how to maximise the experience without falling into the common tourist traps: long queues, high prices and the crowds that can overshadow the magic of the city. We also give you numerous travel tips and accompany you in the preparation of your next holiday as we answer key questions such as the best time to travel, how to get there, where to eat and many other unknowns.

1. Prepare the necessary documentation to travel to Rome

Travelling to Rome from the European Union is relatively straightforward as you will only need a valid ID card or passport. Make sure these documents are up to date, valid for at least six months and remember that, as a tourist or for work purposes, you can stay for up to 90 days.

For travellers from outside the Schengen area who require a visa, it’s essential to arrange it through the Italian embassy or consulate. To apply for a visa, you will need to present certain documentation such as a completed travel form, return tickets, proof of accommodation, proof of sufficient financial means for the stay and medical insurance with minimum coverage of €30,000, valid throughout the European Union.

Travel Tip: To organize your trip we recommend using Passporter totally free. You can be inspired by the experiences of other travelers, choose the places that interest you most, create the travel route with a geolocated map, upload all important documents such as reservations and invite your friends so that everyone can participate in the organization of the trip.

2. Choose the date to plan your trip to Rome

The best time to visit Rome will depend on your interests and preferences, whether you mind sharing the city with thousands of other tourists, whether you hate the heat or dislike the cold, and your budget. But if you have the availability to choose when to travel, we recommend spring and autumn.

During these months the weather is pleasantly mild, which makes exploring the city’s myriad outdoor wonders comfortable. Plus, these periods avoid the sweltering summer heat and denser crowds of tourists, allowing for a more relaxed experience.

In spring, Rome comes alive with blooming flowers and longer days, while autumn offers cool temperatures and warm colours, perfect for strolling the cobblestone streets and enjoying the many outdoor cafés.

If you don’t mind the cold, winter is another good option for a trip to Rome. Although the days are shorter, the main sights remain open and, as well as being much less crowded, prices are more moderate. Still, planning ahead can help you find better deals and ensure availability.

3. Find out how to get to and around Rome

The main gateways to Rome are the Rome-Fiumicino and Rome-Ciampino airports, which connect to both European capitals and smaller cities. Flight frequency is generally high, but be aware that during peak tourist seasons, ticket prices can be quite expensive.

From Fiumicino airport you can reach the city by train, bus or taxi for around 50€. The ‘Leonardo Express’ train runs every 15-30 minutes, takes about half an hour and costs €13. The bus takes a little longer, about 45 minutes, but is cheaper.

For getting around Rome, there are areas where you can easily get around on foot, but for long distances, we recommend using the metro or bus. You can also take ubers or taxis, but this is a more expensive option. Metro and bus tickets cost €1.5, but there are also 24-hour, 48-hour, 72-hour and weekly passes for €7, €12, €18 and €24.

4. Compare and find accommodation with Passporter

As a capital and major tourist city, Italy offers plenty of accommodation options. But because they also know the value of their city and there is a high demand, prices tend to be high, especially during public holidays. That’s why our recommendation is to look as far in advance as possible so that you can make your choice. In the Passporter App you can select your favourites via Booking, make your reservations and keep them in an orderly fashion on your mobile.

As in any tourist city, the further you get away from the centre, the better the deals you’ll find. Here’s our selection of the best neighbourhoods in Rome to stay in:

1. Historic Centre: ideal for first-time visitors to Rome who want to be close to the main attractions such as the Pantheon, Piazza Navona and the Trevi Fountain. Perfect for immersing yourself in the history and architecture of the city.
2. Trastevere: Known for its bohemian atmosphere, cobbled streets and vibrant nightlife, Trastevere is ideal for those looking for a more local experience. It’s full of restaurants, bars and cafés.
3. Prati: Close to the Vatican, this neighbourhood is more residential and quiet, with elegant shops and a good selection of accommodation. It is ideal for those wishing to visit the Vatican and St. Peter’s Basilica.
4. Monti: Popular with the young and creative, Monti offers a mix of vintage shops, art galleries and trendy venues. It is an excellent choice for those looking for a vibrant atmosphere and something different.
5. Testaccio: this is the ideal neighbourhood for foodies, known for its authentic Roman cuisine and food market. Testaccio is less touristy and offers a more authentic view of Roman life.

5. Choose the activities you want to do in Rome

Rome can be seen in 3 days or 3 months. There is so much to do and learn in the Italian city that you will have to plan your trip very well if you don’t want to miss anything. Our advice is to get up early, buy your tickets in advance if possible, and get a Roma Pass to save on your entrance fees.

Besides the typical freetours, we encourage you to try other types of tours that specialise in art, graffiti or the history of lesser-known neighbourhoods. In this post you can read about the essential things to see in Rome: What to see and do in Rome

Main points of interest in Rome

Here’s a summary of the main points of interest to see in Rome:

1. Colosseum: the largest amphitheatre ever built in the Roman Empire, the scene of famous gladiatorial combats. Admission is 16€ and visiting hours are from 8:30 to 19:00.
2. Roman Forum: the nerve centre of ancient Rome, full of ruins that tell the story of Roman power and politics. It is included in the Colosseum entrance fee.
3. Mount Palatine Hill is one of the oldest archaeological sites in the city, full of legends and majestic ruins. It is also included in the Colosseum ticket.
4. Trevi Fountain: Rome’s most famous Baroque fountain, known for the tradition of throwing coins to ensure a return to Rome.
5. Pantheon of Agrippa: this ancient Roman temple, converted into a church, is famous for its impressive dome and central oculus. Visiting hours are from 8:30-19:30 and admission is free.
6. Plaza di Spagna and the Spanish Steps: an emblematic meeting point, known for its steps leading up to the church of Trinità dei Monti.
7. Vatican: home to St. Peter’s Basilica, the Sistine Chapel and the Vatican Museums, the Vatican is a sovereign enclave full of artistic and spiritual treasures. Admission is €17 and opening hours are 9:00-18:00.
8. Galleria Borghese: this museum houses an impressive collection of art, including works by Caravaggio, Raphael and Bernini.
9. Trastevere: known for its cobbled streets and vibrant nightlife, this neighbourhood offers a charmingly authentic atmosphere.
10. Campo de’ Fiori: a lively square known for its daytime market and bustling nightlife scene, ideal for experiencing local life.

6. Where and what to eat in Rome?

In Rome you’ll find a wide range of restaurants, trattorias, pizzerias and ice-cream parlours where you can delight all your senses. However, our recommendation is to avoid the more touristy areas, where everything is not only more expensive, but also of poorer quality. If you want to eat well, look for where the Italians eat. And if you’re not a fan of Italian food (if there is such a thing), you can always find fast food restaurants or international cuisine.

These are some of Rome’s most typical dishes:

1. Pasta Carbonara: made with guanciale, Pecorino Romano cheese, eggs and black pepper, it is famous for its creaminess.
2. Pasta Cacio e Pepe: a delicious combination of pasta, Pecorino Romano cheese and black pepper, noted for its simplicity and flavour.
3. Pasta all’Amatriciana: with guanciale, tomato, Pecorino Romano cheese and a spicy touch, it represents the perfect harmony of flavours.
4. Supplì: rice croquettes filled with mozzarella, known for their crunchy exterior and melted interior.
5. Carciofi alla Romana: artichokes cooked with herbs and olive oil, a dish that celebrates the flavours of Roman springtime.

And let’s not forget the desserts! Delicious gelato, tiramisu, panna cota or cannoli are just some of them, but you’ll find many more typical sweets in the patisseries. And if you are a cheese lover, we encourage you to visit a local cheese shop where you can taste and buy delicious Italian cheeses.

7. Organise a trip with friends to Rome

Organising a trip to Rome with friends can be a wonderful and adventurous experience or a challenge due to the abundance of historical and cultural sites to explore. Often when travelling in a group it can be difficult to agree on what to see, budget and schedules. Here are some useful tips for travelling with friends: Group travel: The best way to travel with your group of friends

At Passporter we want you to enjoy your trip no matter who you travel with, that’s why we encourage you to use the Passporter App to simplify the process. With the Passporter App you can plan your travel itineraries from start to finish and discover the experiences of other travellers. You can read about the best places to visit in Rome, but also about transportation, necessary documentation and many other details. Add your friends and create together your travel itinerary with the stops you are going to make and the points of interest you are most interested in. Later you can share your experience through the photos you take during your trip.

8. Tips for planning a trip to Rome

• The currency in Italy is the Euro.
• Get up early to enjoy the city with fewer people and have time to see everything.
• The best time to travel to Rome is in spring and autumn.
• Buy your tickets online in advance.
• Hire a guide or take a freetour to make sure you don’t miss anything.
• State museums are free on the first Sunday of every month.
• If you’re travelling from the EU, you won’t need a visa to travel to Italy; a passport is enough.
• The official language is Italian, but in tourist areas you can communicate in English and other European languages.
• The water in Rome is safe to drink.
• Book flights and accommodation in advance for best prices.
• Find out about events or festivals during your visit.
• Be covered for medical emergencies: travel insured.
• Sign up for Passporter and discover our Rome travel itinerary. Using passporter to plan trips is free and helps you get inspiration from other travellers 🙂

9. How to prepare what to see on your trip to Rome?

Download the Passporter App and discover all its possibilities.

• Get inspired by other travellers’ experiences, photos and itineraries.
• Organise your trip by the categories that suit you best: dates, number of days or type of trip (beach, mountain, restaurants).
• Add your friends so they can see and modify all the plans and trip information.
• Create your own itinerary of your destination with everything you want to visit each day.
• Add the stops that interest you the most, including your accommodation, restaurants, museums, etc.
• Book your flights, accommodation, transfers and activities through a single app.
• Save all your documents in the app so you always have everything at hand: reservations, boarding passes, important documents.
• Make any changes you need to make and you’re all set for your trip.
• Share your experience with other users. Upload photos of the places you have visited on your trip to the app and inspire other travellers with your experience. You can also share your experience on how to plan your trip to Rome.

If you have any doubts about how to do it, you can check our post: How to create a travel itinerary on Passporter.

10. Frequently asked questions about a trip to Rome