How many days do you need in Rome?

Three days cover the Colosseum, the Vatican and the old centre. A fourth day adds Trastevere and the Borghese Gallery.

How do I get from Fiumicino airport to Rome?

Take the Leonardo Express train to Termini station, which takes about 32 minutes. The slower FL1 train and airport buses are other options.

Do I need tickets for the Trevi Fountain?

Since 2 February 2026, tourists need a ticket to enter the inner area of the fountain. You can still see it free from the square.

Which Rome sights must I book in advance?

The Colosseum, the Vatican Museums and the Borghese Gallery. They use timed entry or reserved slots and fill up in busy periods.

What is the dress code for St Peter's Basilica?

Shoulders and knees must be covered for both men and women.

Is tap water safe to drink in Rome?

Yes. The public drinking fountains in the street are safe and free.

Rome travel guide: what to know before you go

Best time to visit

April to June and late September to October are the most comfortable months. July and August are hot, often above 33 degrees Celsius in the afternoon, and Rome is crowded with tour groups. Many small restaurants close for a week or two around 15 August.

Winter is mild and wet, with fewer visitors. Easter week and the weeks around Christmas are busy, and the Vatican changes its hours on major religious days.

How many days you need

Three days covers the essentials: the Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill on one day, the Vatican on another, and the old centre with the Pantheon, Piazza Navona and the Trevi Fountain on a third.

Add a fourth day for Trastevere, the Borghese Gallery and the Appian Way, or a day trip to Ostia Antica.

Getting from the airport to the centre

Fiumicino (FCO): the Leonardo Express train runs non-stop to Rome Termini in about 32 minutes. The regional FL1 train is slower, stops at Trastevere, Ostiense and Tiburtina, and takes about 30 to 50 minutes depending on the stop. Airport buses run to Termini. Taxis have a fixed fare to and from areas inside the old Aurelian walls.

Ciampino (CIA): direct buses run to Termini in about 40 minutes, depending on traffic. A short bus ride also links the airport to Ciampino train station, but the direct bus is simpler.

Getting around

Rome has three Metro lines (A, B and C), plus buses and trams. The Metro is useful for the Vatican, the Colosseum and Termini station, but it does not reach much of the old centre. Buses are slower because of traffic. Buy a ticket before boarding and validate it on the first ride. Contactless bank cards can be tapped at the Metro gates, but not directly on buses and trams.

The historic centre is best explored on foot. Distances between the Pantheon, Piazza Navona, the Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps are short, but cobblestones are hard on thin shoes. A Roma Pass is available, so check whether the sights you plan to visit are included.

Where to stay

The area around the Pantheon and Piazza Navona suits first-time visitors who want to walk to the main sights. Monti is a quieter neighbourhood near the Colosseum with many small restaurants. Trastevere suits travellers who like evening life, but it is busy and noisy at night. Prati, near the Vatican, is calm and has good Metro access. The area around Termini is convenient for trains but is less pleasant late at night.

What to book in advance

Book the Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill in advance. Tickets are issued in the visitor's name, the entry time slot is compulsory, and you must show ID with the ticket. Buy only from the official site. The Colosseum is closed on 25 December and 1 January. The Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel sell out in busy months. The Borghese Gallery allows entry only with a reserved time slot, and it is closed on Mondays. Climbing St Peter's dome does not need a reservation but can have long queues.

Since 2 February 2026, tourists who want to enter the inner area of the Trevi Fountain must buy a ticket. Viewing the fountain from the square is still free. Residents of Rome and children up to age 5 do not pay. Check the official Rome site for hours and rules.

Common mistakes to avoid

Wearing shorts, short skirts or bare shoulders into St Peter's Basilica. Entry can be refused.

Accepting a free rose, bracelet or photo from someone on the street. They will ask for money.

Eating at restaurants with touts outside, especially near the Pantheon and Piazza Navona. Look for menus with local dishes and short lists.

Missing the coperto. Many restaurants add a small cover charge per person, which is legal and shown on the menu.

Planning a Vatican Museums visit on a Sunday. They are closed on Sundays, except the last Sunday of each month, when entry is free and very crowded. They also close on some church holidays.

Money, tipping and practical notes

Italy uses the euro. Cards are accepted in most places, but small cafés and market stalls sometimes prefer cash. Tipping is not expected. Many people round up the bill or leave a few coins.

The plug type is C, F and L, at 230 volts. Free drinking fountains called nasoni are all over the city. Hotels collect a city tax per night separately from the room rate. Check the official Italian government site for visa rules based on your nationality.

Facts on this page were last checked in November 2026. Routes, rules and opening days change, so confirm important details with the official source before you travel.

Things to do in Rome