In Rome, where you sleep decides how much of the city you see on foot. These are the areas we recommend, and who each one suits.
€€€€€€ Price levels compare the areas within this city.
01
Centro Storico €€€ Higher prices
Best for: First-timers
Pantheon, Piazza Navona and Trevi on foot. Expensive and busy, but you lose no time.
02
Monti €€ Mid-range prices
Best for: Couples and food lovers
Boutique streets a few minutes from the Colosseum. Feels local despite being central.
03
Trastevere €€ Mid-range prices
Best for: Evenings out
Ivy-covered lanes and trattorias across the river. Lively at night; fewer metro links.
04
Prati € Lower prices
Best for: Families and Vatican visitors
Calm, orderly streets next to the Vatican, with good value hotels.
Hotel shortlists
Three picks per question, chosen with our selection criteria, with price ranges and what nobody tells you.
The 3 best hotels near the ColosseumComing soon
The 3 best luxury hotels in RomeComing soon
The 3 best cheap hotels in the centreComing soon
Airport to city
01
Leonardo Express ≈ 32 min
About 32 min non-stop to Termini
Fast and reliable. Validate your ticket before boarding.
02
Official taxi ≈ 45 min
About 45 min
Fixed fare to the historic centre; use the official rank only.
03
Private transfer ≈ 45 min
About 45 min door to door
Removes the taxi-queue gamble, which can be long in summer.
Frequently asked questions
The 10 questions everyone asks before going, answered straight.
01Is Rome safe for tourists?
Yes, Rome is safe for tourists. Watch out for pickpockets on crowded buses (especially lines 40 and 64), the metro, Termini station, the Trevi Fountain and around the Colosseum. Politely refuse "free" bracelets and photos with costumed gladiators: they'll ask for money afterwards.
02When is the best time to visit Rome?
April to June and September to October offer the best weather and long days. July and August are very hot (often above 35 °C) and in August many locals go on holiday. Winter is mild, with fewer crowds and shorter queues.
03What language is spoken in Rome?
Italian. English is spoken in hotels, restaurants and at the main sights. Spanish speakers understand a lot of Italian, and many Romans understand Spanish if you speak slowly.
04How many days do you need in Rome?
Three to four days is ideal for ancient Rome, the Vatican and the historic centre. With 5 or 6 days you can add a day trip to Pompeii, Tivoli or Orvieto.
05What are the top 10 attractions in Rome?
Colosseum
Roman Forum and Palatine Hill
Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel
St Peter's Basilica
Pantheon
Trevi Fountain
Piazza Navona
Spanish Steps
Borghese Gallery and gardens
Trastevere
06Which of these attractions can you visit for free?
St Peter's Basilica is free to enter (the dome climb is paid, and shoulders and knees must be covered). The Trevi Fountain, Piazza Navona, the Spanish Steps, Trastevere and the Villa Borghese gardens are free too. Many churches hide masterpieces at no cost: San Luigi dei Francesi (Caravaggio) or San Pietro in Vincoli (Michelangelo's Moses). The Pantheon now has an entry fee.
07Which museums are worth visiting in Rome?
The Vatican Museums with the Sistine Chapel are a must, as is the Borghese Gallery (Bernini and Caravaggio; booking compulsory). Add the Capitoline Museums, the world's oldest public museums, Palazzo Massimo (National Roman Museum) and Castel Sant'Angelo. Some state museums are free on the first Sunday of the month, but very busy.
08What are the locals like in Rome?
Romans are warm, expressive and direct, with a relaxed attitude to time. Lunch is around 1–2:30 pm and dinner from 8 pm. A "coperto" (cover charge) often appears on the bill, and tipping is not required. Coffee is cheaper standing at the bar.
09What is the typical food in Rome?
Try the four Roman pastas: carbonara, cacio e pepe, amatriciana and gricia. Add supplì (fried rice balls), pizza al taglio, Roman-style or Jewish-style artichokes, saltimbocca and a maritozzo with cream for breakfast. Finish with gelato and an espresso.
10Where should you stay in Rome?
The Centro Storico puts you within walking distance of almost everything, at higher prices. Monti is bohemian and close to the Colosseum, at mid-range prices. Trastevere is full of charm and nightlife, and Prati is quieter, close to the Vatican and cheaper.
Staying connected
An eSIM is a digital SIM you install on your phone before you fly. No plastic card, no shop at the airport: you land, switch it on and you're online.
Low cost: plans for a few days usually cost far less than roaming
Coverage in every destination on tips2trip, and worldwide
Data from the moment you land: maps, ride apps and your bookings
Book your airport-to-hotel and hotel-to-airport transfers in advance and forget about the taxi queue, the bargaining and the 'where do we go now?'. When you walk out of arrivals, someone is already waiting with a sign with your name on it, helps you with the bags and takes you straight to the door.
Fixed price, agreed before you travel
Flight tracking: they wait if you're delayed
Child seats and vans for families or groups on request
