Things you didn't know about this Roman masterpiece

From its original name inspired by a dynasty of Flavius emperors to why one of the building materials mysteriously went missing, the Coliseum is full of weird and wonderful facts. Here are our five favorites.

Five Facts: The Coliseum

<p>The&nbsp;<a href="https://romeandvaticanpass.com/en-us/rome-attractions/rome-colosseum-roman-forum-palatine-hill" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Coliseum</a>&nbsp;is one of Rome&rsquo;s most iconic landmarks and silhouettes. Although most of us know the vague history of the Coliseum &ndash; like how it was built around 70 AD and used for gladiator fights &ndash; we&rsquo;ve found five fun facts we bet you didn&rsquo;t know (and trivia that will be a sure-fire savior on a pub quiz!)</p>

<p>So when you visit Rome and have devoured a travel guidebook in preparation, you can visit the Coliseum knowing that little bit extra about the masterpiece&nbsp;stamped on the back of Italy&rsquo;s five-cent coin.</p>

<p>🪙&gt;&gt; Speaking of coins, you can save up to 55% on entry to the Coliseum with the <a href="https://romeandvaticanpass.com/en" target="_blank">Omnia Rome and Vatican Pass</a>.&nbsp;</p>


<p>We know the Coliseum was used for gladiator fights, but did you know the Coliseum was also used for miniature naval boat battles? The lower wooden floor of the amphitheater was removed to fill the cells with water to hold these events, which understandably weren&rsquo;t quite as nail-biting as the prisoner executions.</p>

<p>Due to popular demand, fight-to-the-death entertainment was a firm favorite among the adrenaline-seeking Romans. Consequently, it pushed the small boating tradition out to another venue, and the wooden floor was secured down permanently.</p>


1. Spectator Sports

<p>The Coliseum is an impressive structure and it has stood the test of time for nearly 2000 years &ndash; with the help of restorative facelifts. The first damage to the building was caused by a fire when it was struck by lightning in the year 217 AD which put the amphitheater out of use for nearly 20 years.</p>

<p>Later, four separate earthquakes in the years 442, 508, 847, and 1231 AD led to irreparable destruction over the years. The one in 847 AD specifically caused the Coliseum&rsquo;s southern side to collapse. Saying this, the Coliseum as we see it today is still standing majestically, supported by much of its original structure and architecture.</p>


2. It all turned to ruin

<p>Did you know that the word &lsquo;colosseum&rsquo; is now used as a generic term for any large amphitheater used for sports and entertainment? It was coined by the Romans after they named their very own Coliseum after a colossus (giant statue) of Nero which stood nearby. Now, the one in Rome is obviously the most recognized &lsquo;Colosseum&rsquo; in the world and is in fact the only one to be capitalized and recognized as The Coliseum.</p>

<p>Before this though, it was christened the&nbsp;<strong>Amphitheatrum Flavium</strong>, after the dynasty of Flavius emperors, and you can still see its original name etched into an engraving on the wall. Talking of aliases, did you know the West Exit, as we call it today, used to be called the &lsquo;death exit&rsquo; because that was the exit through which the unlucky gladiators were disposed of if they had lost their fight.</p>


3. Misnomer?

<p>Whether it was because they were short of resources or whether they wanted to recycle a bit of history (most probably the former) a lot of the costly marble in the Coliseum was stolen by architects during the construction of several big builds throughout the Renaissance.</p>

<p>Most notably St Peter&rsquo;s Basilica where the marble was used to construct the fa&ccedil;ade of the grand cathedral. It&rsquo;s believed that the marble was also used for private purposes and to furnish the builds of the &#39;palazzi&#39; for the Roman rich and famous.</p>


4. Missing marble masterpieces

<p>If you&rsquo;ve ever wandered around the Coliseum you&rsquo;ll notice that on the ground a spread of greenery covers the walkways like a thin carpet. This is a diverse flora, as documented since 1643, where nearly 350 different species of plant and vegetation have taken root among the old stonework.</p>

<p>Due to the mild climate and good summers, the flora has thrived, and clearly, the thousands of feet that have trodden them down over the years must have had little effect. So if you&rsquo;re a botanist or keen on your horticulture, there&rsquo;s another reason to visit.</p>


5. What lies beneath

<p>Make visiting the Eternal City a breeze with the&nbsp;<a href="http://www.romeandvaticanpass.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Omnia Rome and Vatican Pass</a>. Entry to the Coliseum,&nbsp;<a href="https://romeandvaticanpass.com/en-us/rome-attractions/st-peters-basilica" rel="noopener" target="_blank">St Peter&#39;s Basilica</a>,&nbsp;and the&nbsp;<a href="https://romeandvaticanpass.com/en-us/rome-attractions/Sistine-Chapel" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Vatican Museums &amp; Sistine Chapel</a>&nbsp;is included, plus visit over 30 <a href="https://romeandvaticanpass.com/en/rome-attractions/other-roma-pass-attractions" target="_blank">extra attractions</a> at a discounted rate.</p>

<p>Not to mention, pass holders can travel&nbsp;<a href="https://romeandvaticanpass.com/en-us/rome-transport" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Rome&rsquo;s transport system</a>&nbsp;with a free travel card. That&#39;s right, you can use it on all buses, trams, and metro trains in the municipality of Rome. Find out more&nbsp;<a href="http://www.romeandvaticanpass.com/what-you-get/index" rel="noopener" target="_blank">here</a>.</p>

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Find out all you need to know about The Coliseum before you even set off!

Five Facts: The Coliseum | Omnia Rome and Vatican Pass

Blogger's Best Sicilian Pastry Shops in Rome

<p>Rome is a foodie&rsquo;s paradise, and it&#39;s no wonder bloggers flock to the city to sample the delicious sweets, savories and local delicacies. This month, we wanted to indulge our sweet tooth, so we got in touch with some local food bloggers to tell us which are their favorite pastry shops in Rome for some of the best&nbsp;<em>cannoli</em>,&nbsp;<em>brioscia</em>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<em>granite</em>.</p>

<p>Make sure you leave room to try them all!</p>


<h2><a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/Le+Sicilianedde+-+Cucina,+Rosticceria,+Pasticceria,+Gelateria+Siciliana/@41.9240304,12.4895999,153m/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x132f611929b1b5f5:0xc69c7c2687ab7a45!8m2!3d41.924071!4d12.4901969" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><strong>Le Sicilianedde</strong></a></h2>

<p><em>Viale Parioli, 37, Rome</em><br />
Giuseppina from&nbsp;<a href="http://www.deliciousitaly.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Delicious Italy</a>&nbsp;says... &ldquo;In summer at Le Sicilianedde, the classic granite Siciliane are served in various sizes and are extremely popular with Romans and tourists alike. Where gelato is concerned, the pistachio di Bronte is as genuine as it gets in Rome while the cannoli with fresh ricotta are delicate and enjoyable all year round.</p>

<p>&quot;You will also find cassata, Sette Veli and Frutta Martorana which are the traditional marzipan sweets in the shapes of fruit and vegetables. Le Sicilianedde pastry and gelato shop is next door to the larger coffee bar and tavola calda selling other classic Sicilian food products such as arancini, should you wish a change to savoury.&rdquo;</p>


<h2><a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/I+Dolci+di+Nonna+Vincenza/@41.8941012,12.470878,614m/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x132f6048ae005265:0xfee79728c4447fa1!8m2!3d41.8940972!4d12.4730667" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><strong>I Dolci di Nonna Vincenza</strong></a></h2>

<p><em>Via dell&rsquo;Arco del Monte, 98, Rome</em></p>

<p>Maite from&nbsp;<a href="https://www.thatsamore-restaurant.com/fabiolous-cooking-day" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Fabulous Cooking Day</a>&nbsp;says... &ldquo;I love the homegrown nuts and ingredients shipped directly from Sicily, like almonds and pistachios, for example. If you&rsquo;re a fan of almonds, make sure you order the Olivette di Sant Agata, and for an intense pistachio taste, opt for the simple dry cake with very few ingredients aside from flour, eggs, honey and pistachios. You can&rsquo;t miss the strong nutty flavors!&rdquo;</p>


<h2><a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/Ciuri+Ciuri/@41.8948133,12.4875305,623m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m9!1m2!2m1!1sPasticceria+Ciuri+Ciuri!3m5!1s0x132f61b107798663:0x6e0a2d64158b37a9!8m2!3d41.8948131!4d12.4919738!15sChdQYXN0aWNjZXJpYSBDaXVyaSBDaXVyaSIDiAEBWhkiF3Bhc3RpY2NlcmlhIGNpdXJpIGNpdXJpkgELcGFzdHJ5X3Nob3A" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><strong>Pasticceria Ciuri Ciuri</strong></a></h2>

<p><em>Via Leonina, 18/20, Rome</em></p>

<p>Alida from&nbsp;<a href="https://alidasitaliankitchen.wordpress.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">My Little Kitchen</a>&nbsp;says... &ldquo;Situated in the heart of Rome this little shop has a really large selection of Sicilian pastries, ice creams and desserts. Once you try them you will be unable to walk past without sinking your teeth into one of their&nbsp;<em>cannoli</em>. It&rsquo;s one I always go back for - and recommend to those who haven&rsquo;t tried!&rdquo;</p>


<h2><a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/Pasticceria+Siciliana+Switzerland/@41.8944319,12.4367849,614m/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x132f607565d28c5d:0xbbce51833ccb519a!8m2!3d41.8944467!4d12.4389699" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><strong>Pasticceria Siciliana Svizzera</strong></a></h2>

<p><em>Piazza Pio XI, 10, Rome</em></p>

<p>Igor from&nbsp;<a href="http://www.romecentral.com/">RomeCentral</a>&nbsp;says... &ldquo;You can&rsquo;t beat a good cafeteria and pastry shop. Although I like sweet Sicilian cakes and pastries, you also can&rsquo;t beat a salty rice-and-mozzarella-filled arancino ball.&rdquo;</p>


<h2><a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/Mizzica!+di+Gusti+di+Sicilia+S.r.l./@41.9121974,12.5156775,613m/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x132f617073fc5187:0x303ad201ea2edbcc!8m2!3d41.9121934!4d12.5178662" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><strong>Mizzica!</strong></a></h2>

<p><em>Via Catanzaro, 30, Rome</em></p>

<p>Rick Zullo from&nbsp;<a href="http://rickzullo.com/">Rick&rsquo;s Rome</a>&nbsp;says... &ldquo;Mizzica is probably the only place in Rome where you find the homemade &ldquo;brioscia,&rdquo; which are large sweet rolls served with gelato and granita. The Sicilians will often have this for breakfast in the summertime, so if you find yourself down in Sicily, ask for a coffee-flavored granita with panna (whipped cream) and a brioscia and you&rsquo;ll fit right in.&rdquo;</p>

<p>Claudia from&nbsp;<a href="http://www.gourmetproject.net/">Gourmet Project</a>&nbsp;also says... &ldquo;There is no way I leave Sicily without having a Briosche &amp; Granita. Every time I go this is the first thing I look for: it can be my breakfast, snack, even lunch... but I must have one. At least one! I usually go for the almond granita, but lately, pistachio flavor has won me over.</p>

<p>&quot;When I&rsquo;m not in Sicily and miss the sun, beaches and food, I make sure I go to find my fix of brioche and granita at Mizzica in Rome. You can&rsquo;t beat it for a bite of Sicily. It&rsquo;s right near Piazza Bologna, open late and fiercely traditional. Don&rsquo;t miss it out and thank me later!&rdquo;</p>

<p><em>If you want to explore more of Rome&#39;s food culture, read our other blog posts about the&nbsp;<a href="http://blog.romeandvaticanpass.com/bloggers-best-gelaterias-in-rome">best gelaterias</a>&nbsp;and the&nbsp;<a href="http://blog.romeandvaticanpass.com/guide-real-food-wine-rome">best food and wine in Rome.</a></em></p>


Indulge your sweet tooth at the best Sicilian Pastry Shops in Rome. Eight local food bloggers have shared their top spots for the traditional delicacies!

Blogger's Best Sicilian Pastry Shops in Rome | Omnia Rome and Vatican Pass

Top Five Places to Picnic in Rome

<p>Now that it&rsquo;s hotting up, Rome is one of the most picture-perfect places to have a picnic and to&nbsp;<a href="http://blog.romeandvaticanpass.com/guide-real-food-wine-rome" rel="noopener" target="_blank">indulge in the food the country&rsquo;s famous for</a>. From stone-baked pizzas, fresh buffalo mozzarella, to deep red tomatoes and arancini rice balls, Rome is the best place for finger food!</p>

<p>To make the most of the weather and to see some of the best cityscapes Rome has to offer, we put our heads together to come up with our five favorite picnic spots from the lush and verdant parks, to the banks of the River Tiber.</p>

<h2><strong>1. Isola Tiberina</strong></h2>


<p>One of the best places to picnic in Rome is actually on the River Tiber. Not usually known for its picnic spots, as in the summer the banks are taken over with festivals and bars, but the Isola Tiberina island in the middle of the River is the perfect spot with unparalleled views downstream.</p>

<p>With grassy slopes that wrap around the island, you can sit out in the midday sun until your heart&#39;s content. Although it&rsquo;s a smaller patch than a park you might need to get down there early, as like-minded locals also favor this grassy spot for their lunch breaks.</p>

<p>Whilst you&rsquo;re there, you can even walk off your lunch by crossing the river north and into Trastevere and even a walk up to&nbsp;<a href="https://romeandvaticanpass.com/en-us/rome-attractions/st-peters-basilica" rel="noopener" target="_blank">St Peter&rsquo;s Basilica</a>&nbsp;and the&nbsp;<a href="https://romeandvaticanpass.com/en-us/rome-attractions/Sistine-Chapel" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Vatican City</a>.</p>


<h2><strong>2. Villa Borghese</strong></h2>


<p>It&rsquo;s no surprise&nbsp;<a href="https://romeandvaticanpass.com/en-us/rome-attractions/Borghese-Gallery" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Villa Borghese</a>&nbsp;is on this list, as it&rsquo;s one of our favourite places in Rome, as well as half the locals! Rome&rsquo;s central heart-shaped park is a stunning nod-to Classic English architecture and Renaissance design with its flowing ponds, manicured gardens and white marble buildings.</p>

<p>With acres and acres of lush green garden and park to explore, it makes for one of the most quiet sanctuaries in Rome to take your picnic to &ndash; and it&rsquo;s not like there&rsquo;s a shortage&nbsp;<a href="http://blog.romeandvaticanpass.com/things-to-see-and-do-in-villa-borghese" rel="noopener" target="_blank">of things to do in Villa Borghese</a>&nbsp;for when you&rsquo;ve finished either!</p>


<h2><strong>3. Monte Gianicolo</strong></h2>


<p>The Janiculum Hill is without a doubt one of the best places to go for a panoramic picnic. Up on one of the seven summits of Ancient Rome, this unrivalled viewpoint commands some of the best views over the city. Look out over the rooftops, the ruins, the trees and piazzas as you eat &ndash; and you&rsquo;ll be pushed to experience anything else like it!</p>

<p>Make sure you pack your picnic well, as there aren&rsquo;t many places to stock up on supplies when you&rsquo;re up there. Also make sure you&rsquo;ve got your walking shoes on &ndash; or spare change for the bus &ndash; as it&rsquo;s quite a way up from street level.</p>


<h2><strong>4. Gardens around the Catacombs of San Callisto</strong></h2>


<p>Slightly outside Rome are the ancient Catacombs of San Callisto, which are worth a visit regardless with your Roma Pass. These Ancient Roman are the largest in Rome with over 20km of tunnels underground and are a fascinating insight into Rome&rsquo;s important archaeology.</p>

<p>But above ground is the Appia Antica which now considered is a large heritage park along Rome&rsquo;s oldest roads &ndash; so there are plenty of ruins to marvel at. Take shelter and unroll your picnic mat under the natural Cyprus and palm trees &ndash; you&#39;ll completely forget that you&rsquo;re in Rome!</p>

<h2><strong>5. Campo di Fiori</strong></h2>

<p>As one of the original food and flower markets in Rome, Campo di Fiori is a chaotic and sometimes overwhelming experience, but worth it to see local vendors in action, true Roman dialect and of course to sample fresh produce.</p>

<p>For anyone who wants supplies for an all-authentic Roman picnic, start at Campo di Fiori and you won&rsquo;t regret it. With a range of stalls selling olives, cheeses, and fruit and vegetables stock up while you can and stop off at one of the local wine shops for something to wash it down with.&nbsp;<em>Buon appetito!</em></p>

<p>Consider picking up an&nbsp;<a href="https://romeandvaticanpass.com/en-us" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Omnia Rome and Vatican Pass</a>, and make the most of your very own Roman Holiday with all the best sights of the in one package. It even includes a&nbsp;<a href="https://romeandvaticanpass.com/en-us/rome-transport" rel="noopener" target="_blank">travelcard</a>&nbsp;so you can move around Rome with ease.</p>


Rome isn't short of places to picnic but here are our top five favourites for summer. From the banks of the River Tiber to the best views in Rome...

Tourist Traps in Rome

<p>It&rsquo;s a truth universally acknowledged that the closer you are to any major tourist attraction &ndash; be it in London, Paris, New York, or wherever &ndash; the more likely you are to fall into a classic tourist trap. Sure, you&rsquo;ll want to hit up bucket-list biggies like the Colosseum and Trevi Fountain while in Rome, but it pays to be aware that this will position you squarely in the danger zone &ndash; we&rsquo;re talking tacky overpriced souvenirs, street scammers, tediously long queues, and takeaway pizza that no right-minded Italian would touch with a bargepole. Fear not though: we&rsquo;ve got your back. Read on for our guide to the worst tourist traps in Rome, how best to avoid them, and what you should do instead.</p>

<h2>Tourist Traps at Major Rome Attractions</h2>


<p>Number one on the list for most Rome sightseers is the Colosseum, that great oval arena in the heart of the city. It just happens to be the biggest and best-preserved Ancient Roman amphitheater on the planet, and one of Rome&rsquo;s most photo-friendly attractions, so it stands to reason that it&rsquo;s busy pretty much <em>all the time</em>. First tip: dodge the faux-gladiators touting for photos outside and, if you absolutely must have a selfie with one of them, avoid a fleecing by agreeing a price first. Better still, get yourself onto the arena floor and strike your own Russell Crowe poses for the camera. Yes, it&rsquo;s busy down there, but there are ways to avoid the worst of the crowds: quieter evening tours kick off around 9PM and the atmosphere under the floodlights is electric &ndash;&nbsp;you can almost hear the crowd baying for gladiator blood. Recommended.</p>


<p>The best tip we can give is to eat where the locals eat. <a href="https://gocity.com/en/rome/blog/things-to-do-in-trastevere-rome" style="text-decoration:none" target="_blank">Non-touristy neighborhoods like Trastevere</a>, Copped&eacute; and Testaccio are among the most picturesque in town, and are also where can tuck into traditional <em>amatriciana, carbonara </em>and<em> cacio e pepe</em>, safe in the knowledge they&rsquo;ve been freshly prepared from scratch in the trattoria&rsquo;s own kitchen. And, if in doubt, Tripadvisor is your friend.</p>

<h2>Rome Tourist Traps: Common Scams</h2>


<p><strong>The map scam. </strong>Sidewalk caf&eacute; tables are prime real estate for incurable people-watchers and a great way to watch the world go buy over cappuccino and cannoli. But don&rsquo;t let yourself get too distracted and, if anyone slaps a map down on your table on the pretext of asking for directions, be on high alert. When they lift the map to leave, chances are they&rsquo;ll also grab any valuables you&rsquo;ve left lying underneath. Arrivederci, phone and wallet!</p>

<p><strong>The coin scam. </strong>Tourist trap hotspots abound around the major Rome attractions and you&rsquo;ll find plenty of restaurants, stores and street vendors ready to give you dud coins in your change. So, if you absolutely <em>must</em> have <a href="https://gocity.com/en/rome/blog/best-rome-souvenirs" style="text-decoration:none" target="_blank">that tacky Colosseum keyring</a>, at least check for rogue lira coins in your change before walking away.</p>

<p><a href="https://gocity.com/en/rome/blog/is-rome-safe" style="text-decoration:none" target="_blank">Read our guide to staying safe in Rome here.</a></p>


<h2>Save on Popular Rome Attractions, Tours and Activities</h2>

<p>Save on admission to Rome attractions with the <a href="https://romeandvaticanpass.com/en" style="text-decoration:none" target="_blank">OMNIA Vatican &amp; Rome Pass</a>. Check out @omniavaticanrome on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/omniavaticanrome/" style="text-decoration:none" target="_blank">Instagram</a> for the latest top tips and attraction info.</p>


<p>Another Rome must-do, the Trevi Fountain is also best visited at dawn or dusk if you hope to avoid the worst of the crowds (and touts, and street scammers). This is also when the light is at its softest and most romantic, all but guaranteeing the perfect #humblebrag shots to fill up your Insta. Trevi is the only fountain in Rome to hold a long-established coin-tossing tradition. So sure, flip in a coin and make your wish, but don&rsquo;t go doing this at every other fountain in town (as many do) &ndash; that pocketful of change is far better spent on authentic gelato or produce from <a href="https://gocity.com/en/rome/blog/best-markets-in-rome" style="text-decoration:none" target="_blank">local markets like these ones.</a></p>


<p>Skip-the-line tickets are your friend at most other major attractions, especially the Vatican Museums, though be aware you&rsquo;ll still have to wait for a little whatever ticket type you have. And, although decidedly touristy, the ubiquitous hop-on hop-off bus tour is actually a pretty good way of getting around the city and ticking off many of the top Rome attractions without tiring yourself out. You can save a bit of extra cash for gelato with the OMNIA Vatican &amp; Rome Pass, which includes the hop-on hop-off bus tour, plus access to many more major city attractions, tours and activities. <a href="https://romeandvaticanpass.com/en" style="text-decoration:none" target="_blank">Find out more about the pass here.</a></p>

<h2>Traps for Hungry Rome Tourists</h2>


<p>You&rsquo;d think it would be impossible to have a bad meal in the world&rsquo;s culinary capital, but alas, it is not. As ever, a good rule of thumb is that, if it&rsquo;s within spitting distance of a major Rome attraction, it&rsquo;s a tourist trap. We&rsquo;re talking soggy pizza, microwaved supermarket spaghetti, mass-produced factory sauces, and worse (did somebody say &lsquo;pineapple on pizza&rsquo;?). Besides proximity to tourist hotspots, there are a few telltale signs which can help you sidestep the dodgiest dining disasters.</p>

<ol>
	<li style="list-style-type:decimal">Restaurant signs and menus that are a) in English, b) laminated or c) laying claim to e.g. &lsquo;the best pizza in town&rsquo; are major red flags. Run away as fast as you can!</li>
	<li style="list-style-type:decimal">The same goes for menus with no prices on them. If you can&rsquo;t be shown prices up front, it&rsquo;s a hard no.</li>
	<li style="list-style-type:decimal">Aggressive waiters or touts vying for your custom out front of the eaterie. Do. Not. Engage.</li>
	<li style="list-style-type:decimal">Italian stereotypes on restaurant signage: mustachioed dudes scoffing pizza, Italian flags, anything still trading on <em>The Godfather</em> movies&hellip; avoid, avoid, avoid. Unless, that is, you actually enjoy eating overpriced and unsatisfying food.</li>
	<li style="list-style-type:decimal">Gelato from street carts. Far better to find a traditional store in a non-touristy area than to pay top dollar for a single scoop of synthetic disappointment.</li>
	<li style="list-style-type:decimal">The people-watching potential of popular piazzas like Navona and del Popolo is second-to-none; the food&nbsp;resolutely&hellip; not. Seek out trattoria in smaller neighborhood piazzas for the best Roman cooking instead.</li>
</ol>


<p>Rome can have an intoxicating effect on newbie visitors, wowed by seeing all those instantly recognizable attractions &ndash; the Colosseum, the Pantheon, St Peter&rsquo;s Basilica &ndash; up close. Such distractions make you a prime target for scammers, pickpockets and other dodgy dealers. Here are a few of the scams you may encounter around Rome&rsquo;s tourist traps, plus tips on how to avoid them.</p>

<p><strong>The freebie scam.</strong> Picture the scene: you&rsquo;re minding your own business sitting on the Spanish Steps, or gazing wistfully into the glittering shop windows of the Via del Corso, when a woman or small child approaches and offers you a rose, charm or other trinket. The problem is that, the minute you take it, those sweet, innocent faces will harden and the loudly aggressive demands for cash payment will commence. Avoid by simply declining the item offered, saying a firm &lsquo;no&rsquo; and walking away.</p>


Our guide to Rome's most notorious tourist traps, how to avoid them, and what to do instead.

Tourist Traps in Rome City | Vatican and Rome Omnia Pass

Day trips from Rome

<p>Rome is located just so that it is great for short day trips out of the city in less than two hours travel time.</p>

<p>Rome has a whole historic area to be discovered in Ostia and the Appian way as well as other great destinations for the summer, like the Ostia Lido with long sandy beaches and seaside bars.</p>

<p>If you&rsquo;re staying in the city for a bit longer, it&rsquo;s well worth planning some day trips from Rome to explore more of the area.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<h3>Appian Way</h3>

<p>The Appian Way is one of the most impressive historic ruins in Rome and is one of the earliest stretches of straight roads in Rome, dating back to 312 BC. The road was originally used as a military road which is why it needed to be as straight and strategic as possible, later aiding in the victory of the Second Samnite War.</p>

<p>Visitors can still see the ruins and old road still intact &ndash; and set in a public park it makes for a great day out and a beautiful spot for a picnic.</p>

<p><strong>Address:</strong>&nbsp;Via Appia Antica, Roma</p>

<p><strong>How to get there:</strong>&nbsp;118 bus from Circo Massimo Metro Station</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<h3>Ancient Ostia</h3>

<p>Ostia Antica, or Ancient Ostia, is Rome&rsquo;s ancient harbor city &ndash; before the river moved over the years to where it lies now. Ostia means &lsquo;mouth&rsquo; in Latin and was the mouth of the River Tiber.</p>

<p>The oldest settlements, most believe, date back to between 396 and 267 BC and it was mainly a military center until the early Imperial period where there is evidence of a theatre and the growth of the Forum, where commerce and trade took place. For anyone interested in history, it&rsquo;s a fascinating</p>

<p><strong>Address:</strong>&nbsp;Ostia Antica, 00119, Rome</p>

<p><strong>How to get there:</strong>&nbsp;Roma-Lido station (by Piramide) and get off at Ostia Antica</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<h3>Ostia Lido</h3>

<p>Ostia is the Romans&rsquo; go-to summer destination. Just 30kms away from the city center by train, this seaside resort brings both Italian tourists and locals alike to its sandy shores. The town itself is relatively small, with typical Art Deco buildings along the coast and more Fascist-style buildings towards the fringes.</p>

<p>During the summer months, it&rsquo;s a great place to spend the day, bring your towel and enjoy the many seaside restaurants and bars to take you through the day and into the night. If you&rsquo;re staying for longer there are many B&amp;Bs and hotels to choose from for a short stay.</p>

<p><strong>Address:</strong>&nbsp;Ostia Lido, Rome</p>

<p><strong>How to get there:</strong>&nbsp;Roma-Lido station (by Piramide) and get off at Ostia Lido Centro</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<h3>Castelli Romani</h3>

<p>The Castelli Romani are a cluster of wine-producing towns southeast of Rome, set in the volcanic area of Colli Albani. It&rsquo;s a pleasant escape from the hot summer months, with its natural lakes and beautiful mountains with a national park.</p>

<p>One of the most popular towns in the area is Frascati &ndash; known mostly for its wine! It&rsquo;s a beautiful hillside town where you can sit out at pavement restaurants, drink wine and indulge in fine food.</p>

<p><strong>Address:</strong>&nbsp;Frascati, Rome</p>

<p><strong>How to get there:</strong>&nbsp;Train to Frascati from Termini</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<h3>Hadrian&#39;s Villa</h3>

<p>Villa Adriana, or Hadrian&rsquo;s Villa, is one of the most beautiful complexes of Roman ruins you can visit. Situated in Tivoli, you can wander through the classical buildings still standing and exemplary of the times in which they were built.</p>

<p>Having been built in 2AD, it is the perfect ancient city with architectural styles from Egypt, Greece, and Rome and its statues and monuments give it the status as a World Heritage Site &ndash; and rightly so. Spend the day discovering the beauty of this ancient villa from its thermae, to its theatre, temples, and staterooms.</p>

<p><strong>Address:</strong>&nbsp;Largo Marguerite Yourcenar, 1, 00010 Tivoli RM</p>

<p><strong>How to get there:</strong>&nbsp;COTRAL buses to Tivoli from Ponte Mammolo station</p>


Best Time to Visit Rome for Weather

<p>When planning a visit to Rome, there are a few things you should consider *besides* all those bucket-list Roman relics you want to tick off. That&rsquo;s right: we&rsquo;re talking about the weather. Rome&rsquo;s location in west-central Italy means a generally warm climate with all the usual peaks and troughs of temperature you&rsquo;d expect from a Mediterranean country in southern Europe. So what&rsquo;s the best time to visit Rome for weather? Read on for our guide to all the seasonal pros and cons.</p>

<p>Planning to spend a few days in town? <a href="https://romeandvaticanpass.com/en" style="text-decoration:none" target="_blank">The Omnia Vatican &amp; Rome Pass</a> can save you money when on attractions, activities and tours, including the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel, the Colosseum, and the Circo Maximo Experience.</p>

<h2>Best Time to Visit Rome: Spring</h2>


<p>No point beating about the bush: Rome&rsquo;s spring season is hands-down the most pleasant time of year to visit. In terms of weather, average highs in March start in the low 60s, rising to the balmy mid-70s by late May, and rainfall is relatively low, so you won&rsquo;t have to carry an umbrella everywhere you go. Perfect conditions, in other words, for city sightseeing: cool enough for pounding the pavements for several hours and being exposed to the midday sun at open-air bucket-listers like the Colosseum and Roman Forum, but warm enough (most definitely warm enough) to justify that daily gelato.</p>


<p>The fall&rsquo;s pleasant climate makes it a great time for exploring the Appian Way. Pack a picnic of market cheeses, cured meats and fresh bread (and a light raincoat, just in case) and strike out along this ancient road, which remains largely unchanged since Julius Caesar marched his armies up it a couple millennia ago. A rented bicycle will give you the freedom to cover way more of this fine cobbled avenue than you could manage on foot in one day, allowing plenty of time to explore the numerous ancient monuments that lie beyond the lofty pines.</p>

<h2>Best Time to Visit Rome: Winter</h2>


<p>It will come as little surprise to European weather watchers that Rome&rsquo;s winter season, from December to February, is its coldest and wettest. So yeah, you can forget balmy afternoons in Villa Borghese and sun-soaked selfies on the Spanish Steps for now; this is not the best time to visit Rome if fine weather is top of your wish list. If, on the other hand, you thrill to the promise of long afternoons gorging on hot chocolate and panettone in atmospheric cafes like the landmark Antico Caff&egrave; Greco on Via dei Condotti, or Caff&egrave; Sant&rsquo;Eustachio between Piazza Navona and the Pantheon, your luck&rsquo;s in.</p>


<p>December is also, of course, Christmas market season, and boy does Rome go to town on its yuletide festivities. A Christmas tree festooned with hundreds of fairy lights towers over Piazza Navona throughout the season, as the city&rsquo;s biggest and best Christmas market gets underway. Wander from this artisan craft stall to that roasted chestnut hawker, drinking in the joyful atmosphere, riding the old-fashioned carousel, joining the carol singers in full festive song, and sipping warming mugs of mulled wine, a drink that was in fact invented by the ancient Romans. Magical.</p>

<h2>Save on attractions in Rome</h2>

<p>Save on admission to Rome attractions with <a href="https://romeandvaticanpass.com/en" style="text-decoration:none" target="_blank">the Vatican and Rome Omnia Pass.</a> Check out @omniavaticanrome on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/omniavaticanrome/" style="text-decoration:none" target="_blank">Instagram</a> for the latest top tips and attraction info.</p>


<p>As the city shakes off the relative chill of winter, so the streets begin to fill with a thousand colorful blooms, presenting yet another fine reason to visit in spring. Stroll the streets for Insta-tastic snaps of pink cherry blossoms, purple wisteria and clouds of yellow mimosa, and don&rsquo;t miss the pink azaleas that line the Spanish Steps in April and May. This is also when the sprawling Vatican Gardens are at their blooming best. And those clear spring skies don&rsquo;t half make a great backdrop for souvenir snaps of the dome of St Peter&rsquo;s either.</p>

<h2>Best Time to Visit Rome: Summer</h2>


<p>Sightseeing masochists may well relish the searing temperatures, madding crowds and infuriating attraction queues during the height of Rome&rsquo;s summer season, but it can feel a little unpleasant to most normal people. June through August is peak season in the Eternal City, when average temperatures sit in the upper 70s/lower 80s, but have been known to top out as high as 108&deg;F, not exactly the most comfortable conditions for stomping up Capitoline Hill or the Spanish Steps (all 135 of them, each more sweaty than the last).</p>


<p>Having said all that, summer can be a great time to enjoy Rome&rsquo;s great expanses of green space without the risk of a surprise downpour to ruin your picnic. We&rsquo;re talking the wooded glades, leafy lanes and tranquil pools of historic Villa Borghese and the beautiful botanical gardens in Trastevere, among others. Then of course there are all those excellent rooftop bars, perfect for summer sunsets and Campari cocktails. Not to mention the people-watching opportunities afforded by the crowds that pour through Piazza Navona and Piazza di Spagna, with a dripping gelato in hand, natch. Don&rsquo;t miss the chance to catch the historic Teatro dell&rsquo;Opera in its temporary summer home: the ancient Roman Baths of Caracalla. It&rsquo;s quite the atmospheric location for performances of La Traviata, Aida and the rest.</p>

<h2>Best Time to Visit Rome: Fall</h2>


<p>The temperature in Rome drops fairly rapidly in the fall, but not unpleasantly so. You can still reasonably expect September and October averages in the mid-to-high 60s, dropping down to the mid-to-high 50s by November. But what we&rsquo;re really talking about is warm, comfortable days with slightly cooler evenings and an increased chance of rain: three out of four of Rome&rsquo;s wettest months are in fall (the wettest, by some margin, follows in December). With peak season done and dusted and kids back in school, there are also plenty of hotel and flight bargains to be had at this time of year, and you won&rsquo;t have to worry quite as much about booking all your tours months in advance nor queuing outside attractions like the Pantheon, Colosseum and St Peter&rsquo;s Basilica for hours at a time.</p>


Spring, summer, winter or fall? We explore the best times to visit Rome and what to expect from the weather.

Best Time to Visit Rome for Weather | Vatican and Rome Omnia Pass

Things to do in Rome at Night Time

<p>A sightseeing Shangri-La during the day, Rome is arguably even more exciting after dark, when lights illuminate its spectacular ancient ruins, swoonsome fountains, imposing statues and vast Roman amphitheaters. It&rsquo;s also a lot less hectic in and around the main attractions as the majority of tourists have already retired, footsore, to their hotels and apartments. Read on for our guide to all the best things to do in Rome at night time, including:</p>

<ul>
	<li style="list-style-type:disc">Colosseum night tours</li>
	<li style="list-style-type:disc">People-watching on the piazzas</li>
	<li style="list-style-type:disc">Trevi Fountain</li>
	<li style="list-style-type:disc">The Catacombs of Rome</li>
	<li style="list-style-type:disc">The best rooftop bar views</li>
	<li style="list-style-type:disc">A night at the opera</li>
	<li style="list-style-type:disc">Gelato!</li>
</ul>

<h2>Up on the Roof</h2>


<p>Let&rsquo;s start our tour of night time Rome as we mean to go on: with a Campari cocktail at sunset in one (or two) of the Eternal City&rsquo;s excellent rooftop bars. The sixth-floor terrace at Eitch Borromini Hotel is just about as good as it gets, with panoramic 360-degree views across the rooftops of Piazza Navona and beyond, and a list of cocktails as long as your arm. Watch the sun set over the Pantheon&rsquo;s iconic dome from atop Hotel Raphael, see the illuminated Roman Forum from (where else?) Hotel Forum, and hit up the art-deco Bettoja Hotel Mediterraneo for some of the finest rooftop views in Rome. Do be aware that you&rsquo;ll be paying for the view as well as the drink so expect significantly higher prices than at most street-level Rome bars.</p>

<h2>The Colosseum by Night</h2>


<p>Nothing says romance like an evening stroll to the Trevi Fountain. I mean, can you even say you&rsquo;ve been to Rome if you haven&rsquo;t flipped a coin into its waters at some point during your visit? No, dear reader, you cannot. And there&rsquo;s really no better time to make your Trevi pilgrimage than at night after the crowds have dissipated, and when your chances of nabbing that essential &lsquo;alone in Rome&rsquo; selfie for your Insta feed are at their highest.</p>

<h2>Pizza and Beer in Trendy Trastevere</h2>


<p>Bohemian Trastevere is one of Rome&rsquo;s coolest neighborhoods, a medieval labyrinth of cobbled lanes and colorful piazzas chock-full of artisan stores, independent trattorias and hip brewpubs. The district really comes alive at night as locals gather for aperitifs on Piazza Trilussa before heading on for dinner and drinks at some of the best bars and pizza joints in town. Hit up local fave Pizzeria ai Marmi for a slice of the good stuff: wafer-thin, wood-fired and ultra-crispy with a kaleidoscopic range of toppings to choose from, then make for the likes of Ma Che Siete Venuti a F&agrave; or Bir &amp; Fud for craft brews that go above and beyond the ubiquitous Peronis and Birra Morettis favored by less adventurous travelers than you, dear reader.</p>

<h2>Gelato!</h2>


<p>It doesn&rsquo;t matter a jot whether you&rsquo;re visiting Rome during summer or in the depths of winter: Italian gelato should be considered an utterly essential part of your experience. Still in Trastevere? Hit up Otaleg for some of the city&rsquo;s more unusual flavors (artichoke sorbet, anyone?). Or head back over the Tiber, where the chestnut flavor at Ciampini near Piazza Navona, and tiramisu from Il Gelato di Claudio Torc&egrave; may prove life-changing. Gelato parlors stay open well into the evening for all your night-time frozen snack needs.</p>

<h2>And Finally&hellip; McDonalds</h2>


<p>Bear with us here. In the event you get an attack of the late-night munchies that only a Big Mac can satisfy, make for the branch at Termini station, where your burger and fries come with a large side order of Roman history. For inside this otherwise identikit restaurant you can view a section of the Servian Wall that defended the city against invading Carthaginians and Gauls in the 4th Century BC. We&#39;re lovin&#39; it.</p>

<h2>Save on attractions in Rome</h2>

<p>Save on admission to Rome attractions with <a href="https://romeandvaticanpass.com/en" style="text-decoration:none" target="_blank">the Vatican and Rome Omnia Pass.</a> Check out @omniavaticanrome on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/omniavaticanrome/" style="text-decoration:none" target="_blank">Instagram</a> for the latest top tips and attraction info.</p>


<p>Fewer tourists, shorter queues, cooler temperatures, better views&hellip; there&rsquo;s literally no downside to making your pilgrimage to the Colosseum at night, when light floods the world&rsquo;s largest (and best-preserved) ancient amphitheater and you can almost hear the roar of the crowd baying for gladiator blood. Night tours need to be pre-booked and usually kick off around 9PM, so plenty of time to scarf down a pizza before you get there. Night tours are also a great way to get into the guts of the Colosseum and unleash your inner Russell Crowe as you step out onto the arena floor, activities that are traditionally waaay oversubscribed during the daytime.</p>

<h2>People-Watch on the Piazzas</h2>


<p>The evening atmosphere on Rome&rsquo;s piazzas is second-to-none. This is the magic hour, when the sun sets, bars bustle, and street entertainers come out in force. Hit up Piazza Navona &ndash; home of the beautifully illuminated Bernini fountain &ndash; grab yourself a gelato and find somewhere to perch as you admire the fairytale churches and palazzos and, well, just watch the world go by. Piazza di Spagna is no less enchanting and has the added bonus of lying at the foot of the Spanish Steps, while the lesser-spotted Piazza Trilussa over in Trastevere is an unsung hero beloved of locals who meet and mingle by the fountain here, overlooking Ponte Sisto and the Tiber, nightly.</p>

<h2>A Night at the Opera</h2>


<p>For the quintessential night time Rome experience, book a performance of one of the greats at the historic Teatro dell&rsquo;Opera. We&rsquo;re talking nothing less than the likes of Turandot, La Traviata, Madame Butterfly and La Boh&egrave;me, right here in Italy, the birthplace of opera. Between its grand opera-house setting and extraordinary open-air summer home at the Baths of Caracalla, the Teatro dell&rsquo;Opera has hosted performances by Maria Callas, The Three Tenors and Joan Sutherland, as well as the world premier of Puccini&rsquo;s Tosca way back in 1900. Quite the pedigree, then.</p>

<h2>The Catacombs of Rome</h2>


<p>Night time activities in Rome don&rsquo;t come much spookier than a tour of the Catacombs. Brace yourself for thrills, spills and chills as you descend deep beneath the city streets for a blood-freezing meet-and-greet with the city&rsquo;s oldest permanent residents. For down here in the Catacombs lie the mortal remains of thousands of ancient Romans, often arranged in bizarre and macabre displays. These creepy underground ossuaries are spread across the city, but most tours will include a stop at the famous Capuchin Crypts, where the bones of countless friars are displayed in weird, wonderful and frankly shiver-inducing ways. Chapels down here include the Crypt of the Pelvises, Crypt of the Leg Bones and Thigh Bones, and Crypt of the Three Skeletons, and are very much not for the faint of heart.</p>

<h2>Trevi Fountain Photo Shoot</h2>


All the best after-dark activities in Rome, including rooftop bars, pizza and beer in Trastevere, piazza people-watching, and the Colosseum at night.

Things to do in Rome at Night Time | Vatican and Rome Omnia Pass

Vatican City attractions

<h2>Save on Vatican City attractions with the Vatican Omnia Card</h2>

<p>A visit to Rome would be wasted if you didn&rsquo;t take time out to see the awe-inspiring Vatican City attractions. As the heart of the Catholic faith, many have endured pilgrimages to reach this holy place starting with the ancient Romans and persisting all the way to the present day. As home to some of the most famous landmarks and attractions in the world, you can see the best of them for free with the Rome and Vatican pass package and learn more from our guide to the Vatican city below.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<h3><a href="https://www.romeandvaticanpass.com/rome-attractions/st-peters-basilica.html"><strong>St Peter&#39;s Basilica&nbsp;</strong></a></h3>

<p>One of the most important sites of pilgrimage in the world, St Peter&rsquo;s Basilica is one of the city&rsquo;s most iconic landmarks and justifies the Vatican City tickets price for the millions of tourists who flock to its doors. Enjoy a free audio guide and skip the long lines at St Peter&rsquo;s Basilica to fast-track your way into one of the Catholic faith&rsquo;s most important sites. Dating back to the 16th century, it is an impressive building and perhaps one of the best examples of Renaissance architecture in the world. With names like Bramante, Michelangelo, Maderno, and Bernini involved in its construction, it&rsquo;s no wonder it&rsquo;s one of the most impressive attractions in the city.</p>

<p>From the huge square to its iconic dome, the true treasures of the Basilica lie within its walls: gleaming gold d&eacute;cor, mosaics, statues, and sculptures galore. See if you can spot Bramante&rsquo;s bronze Baldacchino, which takes prime position at the head of the church.</p>

<p>Underground, you can also explore the crypts which house the tombs of the former Popes. For unparalleled views over the city, climb up to the top of the Dome to really appreciate the vast expanse of this amazing site.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<h3>Vatican Gardens&nbsp;</h3>

<p>Many popes have found peace of mind and solitude at the Vatican Gardens, an oasis of calm amidst the city with an unbeatable view of St Peter&rsquo;s Basilica wherever you tread. In recent years, savvy tourists have been allowed beyond its walls to explore its numerous green pockets which include exotic plants, miniature succulent plots and no end of breathtaking sculptural fountains poised making for a picturesque experience.</p>

<p>Not just anybody can wander in, however, as only a select number of visitors are permitted a day. You&rsquo;ll need to make a reservation on a Vatican Gardens tour or on an inclusive Vatican tours package to see the site.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<h3><a href="https://www.romeandvaticanpass.com/rome-attractions/Sistine-Chapel.html"><strong>Sistine Chapel&nbsp;</strong></a></h3>

<p>The Sistine Chapel is considered one of the finest works of High Renaissance art for the sheer scale and the skill of the frescoes, predominantly painted by Michelangelo in the early 16th century. The chapel itself dates back to the late 1400s which was built by Pope Sixtus IV. The later decorations were commissioned by Pope Julius II.</p>

<p>Perhaps the most famous of the frescoes is&nbsp;<em>The Last Judgement,&nbsp;</em>but central to the ceiling are the nine scenes from the Book of Genesis. It wasn&rsquo;t just Michelangelo that deserves all the credit, other leading painters and contemporaries such as Botticelli and Ghirlandaio also contributed to the painting of this impressive chapel. The building measures an impressive 40.9 meters long so it puts it into perspective &ndash; if you want to be awed then visit the Sistine Chapel to appreciate the magnitude of one of Rome&rsquo;s most impressive works of art.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<h3><a href="https://www.romeandvaticanpass.com/rome-attractions/Sistine-Chapel.html"><strong>Vatican Museums&nbsp;</strong></a></h3>

<p>The Vatican Museums are home to over 9 miles of art, sculpture, tapestries and more. The estimated worth of the art in the Vatican Museums is over &euro;15 billion so you&rsquo;re promised a wide range of world class collections. The collections were built up over the centuries by the Popes who lived in the city and date back to Ancient Egyptian pieces, to the 20th century &ndash; most notably some of the finest masterpieces from the Renaissance years.</p>

<p>There are 54 rooms, from the Gallery of Statues, the Gallery of the Busts, to the Rotonda, and finally, the Sistine Chapel which is at the end of the tour. These Museums are not to be rushed and a thorough visit can take over 4 hours. Join one of the many Vatican tours and learn about Papal history along the way, not to mention the history behind some of the most famous works on display.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<h3>Garden of Eden Painting - Vatican</h3>

<p>This stunning painting is one of the Vatican&rsquo;s most iconic, barring of course Michelangelo&rsquo;s frescoes stretching across the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. Lovingly crafted by Wenzel Peter, this masterpiece named Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden has to be seen to be believed as both its gigantic size and attention to naturalistic detail make it one of the most exciting pieces in the Vatican Museums&rsquo; collection. Situated in the Pinacoteca Art Gallery in Room XVI, it takes up an entire wall and awes everyone who passes.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<h3><a href="https://www.romeandvaticanpass.com/rome-attractions/St-John-Lateran-Cloister.html"><strong>St John in the Lateran and the Cloister&nbsp;</strong></a></h3>

<p>St John in the Lateran and Cloister is in fact the official seat of the Pope. It&rsquo;s older and &ndash; officially &ndash; more important than St Peter&rsquo;s Basilica and is one of the oldest churches in Western Europe. It&rsquo;s hugely significant in religious history and dating back to 324 AD has a wealth of history to tell. Within, the building is a fine example of Cosmatesque and Baroque architecture and design, with grand gold decorations and sculptures down its long nave.</p>

<p>St John in the Lateran is also famous for its peaceful Cloister, which was built in the 13th century and is now a site of meditative prayer for many locals and visitors. Many pilgrims also flock to the Holy Steps, the Scala Sancta, which can be found in an early Papal chapel named the Lateran Palace.</p>


Museums in Rome

<p>The museums in Rome are second to none and known around the world for their cultural and historic offerings, from paintings, sculptures, ancient ceramics and more. Rome is a city that benefits from a wide range of these museums and every visitor should make the most of the smorgasbord of what&rsquo;s on offer. From the iconic Vatican Museums to the MAXXI, Castel Sant Angelo and the Borghese Gallery, each museum has its own subject matter and specialty waiting to be discovered.</p>

<h2>Vatican museums</h2>

<p>The&nbsp;<a href="http://www.romeandvaticanpass.com/rome-attractions/Sistine-Chapel">Vatican Museums</a>&nbsp;are considered some of the best museums in the world in terms of their priceless artifacts and historic pieces of art, sculpture, and tapestries. Its contents are an estimated &euro;15 billion and covering over 9 miles, the Vatican Museums are definitely packed with plenty to see. The Raphael Room, the Papal Entrance, the portraits of the Popes and the Sala Rotonda are some of the best things to see &ndash; and don&rsquo;t miss the iconic Sistine Chapel, an exhibit in itself!</p>

<p><strong>Address:</strong>&nbsp;Viale Vaticano, 00165 Roma<br />
<strong>Metro:</strong>&nbsp;Ottaviano-S.Pietro-Musei Vaticano (Metro A line)<br />
<strong>Visit Duration:</strong>&nbsp;4 hours</p>

<h2>Museum of Rome</h2>

<p>The&nbsp;<a href="http://www.romeandvaticanpass.com/rome-attractions/Museum-of-Rome">Museum of Rome</a>&nbsp;is a fine example of Baroque architecture and within champions some of Rome&rsquo;s best art from the medieval ages to the twentieth century. It&rsquo;s a fascinating museum in Rome to discover the forgotten art and artists, see frescoes, ceramics, and paintings you wouldn&rsquo;t usually see. The Palazzo Braschi in which its housed is an important historic building in itself, built for Pope Pius VI&rsquo;s nephew Luigi Braschi Onesti.</p>

<p><strong>Address:</strong>&nbsp;Piazza San Pantaleo, 10, 00186 Roma<br />
<strong>Tram:</strong>&nbsp;Arenula/Cairoli (Tram 8)<br />
<strong>Visit Duration:</strong>&nbsp;2 hours</p>

<h2>Borghese Gallery</h2>

<p>If you like your art, the&nbsp;<a href="http://www.romeandvaticanpass.com/rome-attractions/Borghese-Gallery">Borghese Gallery</a>&nbsp;is considered one of the finest museums in Rome for classical antiquities and paintings, as well as sculptures. You&rsquo;ll find famous pieces on exhibit from Caravaggio&rsquo;s David with the Head of Goliath, as well as Young Sick Bacchus, and sculptures by the iconic Bernini dating back to the 1620s &ndash; including the iconic Apollo and Daphne. There are over two thousand years of works to admire, not to mention set in the stunning Villa Borghese Park offering you a picturesque setting once you&rsquo;re finished.</p>

<p><strong>Address:</strong>&nbsp;Piazzale del Museo, Borghese, 5 - 00197 Rome<br />
<strong>Bus:</strong>&nbsp;Pinciana- Museo Borghese<br />
<strong>Visit Duration:</strong>&nbsp;3 hours</p>

<h2>Capitoline Museums</h2>

<p>The&nbsp;<a href="http://www.romeandvaticanpass.com/rome-attractions/Capitoline-Museums">Capitoline Museums</a>&nbsp;are the oldest national museums in the world, founded originally by Pope Sixtus IV in the 15th century. He donated a collection of bronze statues, making it the first museum open to the public and people of Rome. The museum is set within three historic buildings with a beautiful piazza in the middle. The museum is dedicated to art from Ancient Rome and features the She-Wolf, Hall of Tapestries and historic sculptures, artifacts, and mosaics.</p>

<p><strong>Address:</strong>&nbsp;Piazza del Campidoglio, 1 - 00186 Rome<br />
<strong>Metro:</strong>&nbsp;Colosseo (Metro line B)<br />
<strong>Visit Duration:</strong>&nbsp;2 hours</p>

<h2>Ara Pacis Museum</h2>

<p>Commissioned by the Roman Senate in 13 BC to honour the return of Augustus, this magnificent sculpture-come-structure depicts the Augustan victory in intricate engravings. Made purely of marble, it&rsquo;s a spectacular example of the fine classic Roman skill and sculpture. It&rsquo;s considered one of the most important pieces of ancient sculpture in Rome and is not one to be missed.</p>

<p><strong>Address:</strong>&nbsp;Lungotevere in Augusta, 00186 Roma<br />
<strong>Metro:</strong>&nbsp;Spagna (Metro line A)<br />
<strong>Visit Duration:</strong>&nbsp;2 hours</p>

<h2>Galleria Nazionale d&#39;Arte Antica: Palazzo Barberini</h2>

<p>One of Rome&rsquo;s best museums and art galleries is the Galleria Nazionale d&#39;Arte Antica at Palazzo Barberini. Home to a fantastic collection of 16th-century tapestries, as well as works by Raphael and Caravaggio, visitors can admire the private collection within the former home of Pope Urban VIII. The palazzo itself is a testament to the Roman architecture of the time, complete with marble pillar and an orange garden.</p>

<p><strong>Address:</strong>&nbsp;Via Delle Quattro Fontane, 13, 00186 Roma<br />
<strong>Metro:</strong>&nbsp;Barberini (Metro line A)<br />
<strong>Visit Duration:</strong>&nbsp;2 hours</p>

<h2>National Museum of Castel St. Angelo</h2>

<p>Sat proudly on the northern bank of the River Tiber,&nbsp;<a href="http://www.romeandvaticanpass.com/national-museum-castel-st-angelo">Castel Sant&rsquo;Angelo</a>&nbsp;is Rome&rsquo;s ancient fortress and mausoleum with a fascinating museum dedicated to exploring its past, from the role it played guarding the city, to being a papal refuge. Castel Sant&rsquo;Angelo is over 2,000 years old &ndash; so that&rsquo;s over 2,000 years of history to uncover within the museum. See the papal apartments, the statue of the angel and learn about the secret passageway into the Vatican&hellip;</p>

<p><strong>Address:</strong>&nbsp;Lungotevere Castello, 50 - 00186 Rome<br />
<strong>Metro:</strong>&nbsp;Lepanto (Metro line A) Ottaviano (Metro line A)<br />
<strong>Visit Duration:</strong>&nbsp;2 hours</p>

<h2>MAXXI Museum</h2>

<p>The MAXXI museum and art gallery in Rome is one of the finest museums in the world for the art of the 21st century. A real contemporary art gallery and museum, it was designed as a &lsquo;multidisciplinary space&rsquo; by Zaha Hadid in 2010 and has been deemed to be the architect&rsquo;s finest design to date. For those who like contemporary art and architecture, this museum is a must. See the permanent exhibitions and new works, commissions, and ones-to-watch.</p>

<p><strong>Address:</strong>&nbsp;Via Guido Reni, 4a, 00196 Roma<br />
<strong>Tram:</strong>&nbsp;Flaminia-Reni Visit<br />
<strong>Duration:</strong>&nbsp;3 hours</p>


Rome Itineraries - 3 and 4 days

<p>Planning an itinerary is the best way to make the most out of your visit &ndash; especially to a city that has so much to see and do, like Rome. With your 3-day OMNIA Rome and Vatican Pass, here is a suggestion of what you could do over 3 days in Rome and if you&rsquo;re staying a bit longer, what to do during day 4 in Rome, too. From the iconic historic attractions to must-do bus tours, here are some suggested itineraries for your trip to Rome.</p>

<h2>3 Day Itinerary</h2>

<p><strong>Day 1:</strong></p>

<p><strong>MORNING</strong></p>

<p><strong>Attraction:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="http://www.romeandvaticanpass.com/rome-attractions/st-peters-basilica">St Peter&rsquo;s Basilica</a></p>

<p>Make St Peter&rsquo;s Basilica the first stop on your itinerary and get one ticked off the bucket list. Any visit to St Peter&rsquo;s Basilica will start your holiday on the right foot. With its huge impressive dome, marble fa&ccedil;ade and beautiful interior you can&rsquo;t help but be awed by this Roman landmark. Don&rsquo;t miss Bernini&rsquo;s baroque baldachin, the papal throne and crypt underneath. Visit duration: 2 hours Address: Piazza San Pietro, 00120 Citt&agrave; del Vaticano Metro: Ottaviano-S.Pietro-Musei Vaticano (Metro A line) MIDDAY Attraction: Sistine Chapel &amp; Vatican Museums Around the corner from St Peter&rsquo;s Basilica you&rsquo;ll find the Vatican City, home to the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel. Made world-famous by Michelangelo&rsquo;s The Last Judgement, visit this chapel to admire the skill for yourself. There are also 9 miles of art, sculpture and tapestries to admire in the museums too &ndash; so make sure you have enough stamina!</p>

<p><strong>Visit duration:</strong>&nbsp;4 hours</p>

<p><strong>Address:</strong>&nbsp;Viale Vaticano, 00165 Roma</p>

<p><strong>Metro:</strong>&nbsp;Ottaviano-S.Pietro-Musei Vaticano (Metro A line)</p>

<p><strong>AFTERNOON</strong></p>

<p><strong>Attraction:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="http://www.romeandvaticanpass.com/rome-attractions/national-museum-castel-st-angelo">Castel Sant&rsquo;Angelo</a></p>

<p>Castel Sant&rsquo;Angelo is also known as the Mausoleum of Hadrian and has stood on the bank of the River Tiber for over 2,000 years. It was once Rome&rsquo;s fortress, then papal refuge, now it&rsquo;s a historic attraction that showcases a range of ancient Roman artefacts from pottery to paintings, military weapons and the bronze angel right on top. Visit duration: 2 hours Address: Lungotevere Castello, 50 - 00186 Rome Metro: Lepanto or Ottaviano (Metro line A)</p>

<p><strong>Day 2:</strong></p>

<p><strong>MORNING</strong></p>

<p><strong>Attraction:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="http://www.romeandvaticanpass.com/rome-attractions/coliseum-rome">Colosseum</a></p>

<p>The Colosseum is one of the most iconic historic buildings in Rome and dates back over 2,000 years so its walls are bursting with history and tales of Ancient Rome. The Colosseum is the world&rsquo;s most famous amphitheatre, once used for entertaining and brutal gladiator contests &ndash; you can learn about these and the lives of a gladiator and the hierarchy of the Empire at the fascinating exhibits in the Colosseum.</p>

<p><strong>Visit duration:</strong>&nbsp;2 hours</p>

<p><strong>Address:</strong>&nbsp;Piazza del Colosseo, 00184 Rome</p>

<p><strong>Metro:</strong>&nbsp;Colosseo (Metro line B)</p>

<p><strong>MIDDAY</strong></p>

<p><strong>Attraction:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="http://www.romeandvaticanpass.com/rome-attractions/Roman-Forum-Palatine-Hill">Roman Forum &amp; Palatine Hill</a></p>

<p>If you&rsquo;re into your history and archaeology, the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill are two of Rome&rsquo;s most iconic sites to visit and will give you a great insight into what life was like in Ancient Rome. Walk through the cobbled streets of the forum to imagine what life was like in the busy market place, and walk up the Palatine Hill for views across the city of Rome and the ruins of the Forum below.</p>

<p><strong>Visit duration:</strong>&nbsp;2 hours</p>

<p><strong>Address:</strong>&nbsp;Via di San Gregorio, 30 - 00184 Rome</p>

<p><strong>Metro:</strong>&nbsp;Colosseo (Metro line B)</p>

<p><strong>AFTERNOON</strong></p>

<p><strong>Attraction:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="http://www.romeandvaticanpass.com/rome-attractions/Capitoline-Museums">Capitoline Museums</a></p>

<p>The Capitoline Museums are considered the world&rsquo;s oldest national museums, founded in 1471 by Pope Sixtus IV who donated bronze statues to the museum, set within three historic buildings and piazza designed by Michelangelo. Within you can see the iconic She-Wolf suckling Romulus and Remus, as well as sculptures and statues thousands of years old.</p>

<p><strong>Visit duration:</strong>&nbsp;2 hours</p>

<p><strong>Address:</strong>&nbsp;Piazza del Campidoglio, 1 - 00186 Rome</p>

<p><strong>Metro:</strong>&nbsp;Colosseo (Metro B)</p>

<p><strong>Day 3:</strong></p>

<p><strong>MORNING</strong></p>

<p><strong>Attraction:</strong><a href="http://www.romeandvaticanpass.com/rome-attractions/Borghese-Gallery">&nbsp;Borghese Gallery</a></p>

<p>The Borghese Gallery is one of the most impressive art galleries in Rome and certainly in one of the most picturesque of locations. Housed in the old Villa Borghese Pinciana, once home to Scipione Borghese who commissioned works off Caravaggio and Botticelli for his private collection, has since become one of the most esteemed art galleries for paintings and classical antiquities in all of Rome.</p>

<p><strong>Visit duration:</strong>&nbsp;2 hours</p>

<p><strong>Address:</strong>&nbsp;Piazzale del Museo, Borghese, 5 - 00197 Rome</p>

<p><strong>Bus:</strong>&nbsp;Pinciana- Museo Borghese</p>

<p><strong>MIDDAY</strong></p>

<p><strong>Attraction:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="http://www.romeandvaticanpass.com/rome-attractions/Rome-Bus-Tour">Hop on Hop off Bus Tour</a></p>

<p>There&rsquo;s no better way to see the sights of Rome than aboard a hop on hop off Rome Christiana bus tour. Take the stress off and just sit back and admire the landmarks and monuments of Rome, passing the iconic sites; Castel Sant&rsquo;Angelo, St Peter&rsquo;s Basilica, the Vatican City, River Tiber, Colosseum &ndash; and more! Plug into live commentary as you drive through the streets and learn about the city&rsquo;s history as you go. Whenever takes your fancy, just hop off to explore!</p>

<p><strong>Visit duration:</strong>&nbsp;3 hours</p>

<p><strong>AFTERNOON</strong></p>

<p><strong>Attraction:</strong><a href="http://www.romeandvaticanpass.com/rome-attractions/St-John-Lateran-Cloister">&nbsp;St John in the Lateran</a></p>

<p>Did you know St John in the Lateran is the official seat of the Pope? Take in the stunning Cosmatesque architecture, sculpture and 14th-century Gothic Baldacchino, and don&rsquo;t forget to visit the Scala Sancta &ndash; the Holy Steps &ndash; to which hundreds make pilgrimage to every month. It&rsquo;s also one of the oldest basilicas in Europe, dating back to 324 AD!</p>

<p><strong>Visit duration:</strong>&nbsp;2 hours</p>

<p><strong>Address:</strong>&nbsp;Piazza San Giovanni in Laterano, 00184 Rome</p>

<p><strong>Metro:</strong>&nbsp;San Giovanni (Metro A)</p>

<h2>4 Day Itinerary</h2>

<p><strong>Day 4:</strong></p>

<p><strong>MORNING</strong></p>

<p><strong>Attraction:</strong>&nbsp;Pantheon</p>

<p>The Pantheon is one of the best preserved ancient buildings in Rome, dating back to 118 AD. It&rsquo;s a place of worship and working church to this day, and its name, in fact, means &ldquo;house of gods&rdquo;. It&rsquo;s famous for its large pillared fa&ccedil;ade &ndash; upon which the Pantheon in Paris was modelled &ndash; as well as its huge oculus in the ceiling which provides the only source light in the building. Visit duration: 1 hour</p>

<p><strong>Address:</strong>&nbsp;Piazza Della Rotonda, 00186 Roma</p>

<p><strong>Tram/Bus:</strong>&nbsp;Largo di Torre Argentina</p>

<p><strong>MIDDAY</strong></p>

<p><strong>Attraction:</strong>&nbsp;Trevi Fountain</p>

<p>The Trevi fountain is not to be missed on your trip to Rome; it&rsquo;s the perfect place to go around lunch as all around the piazza are restaurants so you might be lucky to get a table with a view. The Trevi Fountain is one of the most famous fountains in the world thanks to its stunning Baroque sculptures &ndash; so make sure you throw a coin in for good luck to make sure you&rsquo;ll return to Rome! Visit duration: 1-hour Address: Piazza di Trevi, 00187 Roma Metro: Barberini (Metro line A)</p>

<p><strong>AFTERNOON</strong></p>

<p><strong>Attraction:</strong>&nbsp;Spanish Steps</p>

<p>There are 135 steps which make up the Spanish Steps that date back to the early 1720s, linking the Piazza di Spagna to the elevated church in the Piazza Trinit&agrave; dei Monti at the top. You might recognise the steps in some classic films, such as Audrey Hepburn&rsquo;s Roman Holiday, otherwise, it&rsquo;s a lovely spot to buy a coffee or a picnic and sit and watch the world go by.</p>

<p><strong>Visit duration:&nbsp;</strong>1 hour</p>

<p><strong>Address:</strong>&nbsp;Piazza di Spagna, 00187 Roma</p>

<p><strong>Metro:</strong>&nbsp;Spagna (Metro line A)</p>

<p>It&rsquo;s important to plan out an itinerary or rough agenda so you can make the most out of your days in Rome. There are so many historic sites, it makes more sense to group them by location, as above. Rome is small enough you can walk between many attractions during the day &ndash; but with the OMNIA Rome and Vatican Pass you get a free travelcard for the Metro, Trams and Buses which also makes getting from A to B easier.</p>


3 Days In Rome Itinerary (72 hours in Rome)

<p>Rome is a fascinating city full of ancient culture and whose historic ruins, monuments, and museums are waiting to teach you about its rich past. To make the most out of your time in Rome, we&rsquo;ve put together a suggested 3 day itinerary to show you how you can spend three days (72 hours) in the Eternal City and see the best of what Rome has to offer.</p>

<h2>Day 1</h2>

<h3>Morning - St Peter&#39;s Basilica&nbsp;</h3>

<p>St Peter&rsquo;s Basilica is perhaps one of the most important religious and historic buildings in the world, let alone in Rome, so a visit to this iconic cathedral is a must. Its imposing architecture is breath-taking and inside is even better with its huge dome, Baldacchino, and Papal throne. The best thing is you can skip the queue and walk right in and make the most of a free audio guide too!</p>

<h3>Midday - Sistene Chapel and Vatican Museums</h3>

<p>Save up to four hours of queuing with the Rome and Vatican pass package&nbsp;and step right into the Vatican Museums. Considered some of the most prestigious museums of its kind for the sheer scale of collections and artworks on display, you can see ancient Roman bronzes, to marble sculptures, and tapestries. There are over 9 miles of art to appreciate so you&rsquo;ll need a few hours to take it all in. Don&rsquo;t miss Michelangelo&rsquo;s masterpiece, the Last Judgement, on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel before you leave.</p>

<h3>Afternoon - Castel Sant&#39;Angelo</h3>

<p>On the bank of the River Tiber, Rome&rsquo;s ancient fortress Castel Sant&rsquo;Angelo &ndash; also known as Hadrian&rsquo;s Mausoleum &ndash; is waiting to be discovered. Built over 2000 years ago, it has seen its fair share of events, from battles to Papal refuge and jailing criminals so it has a story to tell. Walk through its courtyards and bring Rome&rsquo;s ancient history to life.</p>

<h2>Day 2</h2>

<h3>Morning - Colosseum</h3>

<p>The Colosseum is arguably the most famous amphitheatre in the world and provides a fascinating insight into the world of gladiator fighting and Ancient Roman entertainment. Walk through the ancient corridors and along the tiers that would have held aristocracy to paupers and imagine what the gruesome games would have been like as a spectator. Learn more about Rome&rsquo;s ancient culture in the exhibitions &ndash; and what&rsquo;s more, enjoy fast track entry to get in!</p>

<h3>Midday - Museum of Rome</h3>

<p>Revisit some of Rome&rsquo;s forgotten art and sculpture at the stunning Museo di Roma. The Baroque Palazzo Braschi, a fine example of Roman architecture in itself, celebrates the &lsquo;forgotten ages&rsquo;, showcasing frescoes, mosaics, ceramics, and more. Right beside Piazza Navona its location is hard to beat, too! Spend a few hours admiring its rich collections dating back to the Middle Ages and spanning up to the mid-20th century.</p>

<h3>Afternoon - Capitoline Museums</h3>

<p>If you are an art and sculpture aficionado, make a beeline for the Capitoline Museums. Founded in 1471, they are considered the oldest museums in the world. A true museum of the people, they feature the first collections donated by Pope Sixtus IV, the original bronze statues, as well as the iconic She-Wolf suckling Romulus and Remus.</p>

<h2>Day 3</h2>

<h3>Midday&nbsp;- Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour</h3>

<p>See the sights of Rome from the comfort of a hop-on hop-off bus tour and let the guide do all the work. Pass the iconic sights and get a unique perspective along the way. You&rsquo;ll be pointed out the Colosseum, Imperial Forum, Vittorio Emanuele, Piazza Navona, and more &ndash; and you can hop on and off at leisure to tailor-make your own itinerary. We recommend going to Campo di Fiori to see the local fresh produce.</p>

<h3>Afternoon - St John in Lateran</h3>

<p>Officially the seat of the Pope, St John in Lateran is a must for your Rome itinerary. You&rsquo;ll see the baroque and Costmatesque style and architecture and 14th century Baldacchino, cloisters and Scala Sancta (Holy Steps) to which thousands make a pilgrimage to every year to see. Whether you&rsquo;re a visitor or a worshiper, St John in the Lateran is not to be missed! Hopefully this gives you everything you need to see the best of Rome in 3 days. It will be an action-packed 72 hours but an unforgettable one.</p>


Landmarks and Ruins in Rome

<p>You can&rsquo;t help but be awed by the famous landmarks and historical places you can see all over Rome.</p>

<p>Thanks to its ancient Empire, the city has a wealth of history and culture to explore. You&#39;ll learn about everything from the Colosseum to the Trevi Fountain and the Pantheon to the Roman Forum. It&#39;s not surprising, then, that the city is one of the most well known for landmarks and monuments.</p>

<p>Get your fix of history and heritage at these famous Rome monuments and ruins and make the most of your time in the city with the&nbsp;<a href="http://www.romeandvaticanpass.com/">Omnia Rome and Vatican Pass</a>.</p>

<h3>Colosseum</h3>

<p>Packed with ancient history, the&nbsp;<a href="https://romeandvaticanpass.com/en-us/rome-attractions/rome-colosseum-roman-forum-palatine-hill" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Colosseum</a>&nbsp;is one of the most recognized landmarks and ruins in Rome. Dating back over 2,000 years it was once the ground for legendary gladiator contests that would entertain the masses.</p>

<p>These brave gladiators would fight in the arena in front of thousands, often against wild animals and those with weapons far greater than theirs! Don&#39;t miss the opportunity to learn about the fascinating history of this ancient landmark during your stay in Rome.</p>

<p><strong>Address:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/Piazza+del+Colosseo,+00184+Roma+RM,+Italy/@41.8909432,12.4908501,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x132f61b70b7b2079:0x527c695197775609!8m2!3d41.8909432!4d12.4930388" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Piazza del Colosseo, 00184 Rome</a><br />
<strong>Metro:</strong>&nbsp;Colosseo (Metro B)</p>

<h3>Roman Forum</h3>

<p>Did you know the word &#39;palace&#39; comes from&nbsp;<a href="http://www.romeandvaticanpass.com/rome-attractions/Roman-Forum-Palatine-Hill" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Palatine Hill</a>&nbsp;after Emperor Augustus established the tradition of building palaces on the hill?</p>

<p>The Roman Forum was the political epicenter of the evolution of ancient Rome and it played a crucial role in the growing trade and commerce of the city, including the historic ruins, arches, churches, and pillars still standing to give you a real feel of what the city was like 2,000 years ago.</p>

<p><strong>Address:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/Via+di+San+Gregorio,+30,+00186+Roma+RM,+Italy/@41.8884605,12.4849034,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x132f61b6006299a5:0x607c01568375afbb!8m2!3d41.8884605!4d12.4870921" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Via di San Gregorio, 30 &ndash; 00184 Rome</a><br />
<strong>Metro:</strong>&nbsp;Colosseo (Metro B)</p>

<h3>St Peter&#39;s Basilica</h3>

<p><a href="https://romeandvaticanpass.com/en-us/rome-attractions/st-peters-basilica" rel="noopener" target="_blank">St Peter&rsquo;s Basilica</a>&nbsp;is one of the most famous churches in the world and is the site of many pilgrimages every year &ndash; so you know it&rsquo;s a landmark worth visiting.</p>

<p>The beautiful architecture is one of its most impressive features; with Bramante, Bernini, Michelangelo and Maderno all having left their mark on the building, both inside and out.</p>

<p>See the huge dome, intricate d&eacute;cor, baroque Baldacchino and huge obelisk in the square.</p>

<p><strong>Address:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/Piazza+San+Pietro,+Citt%C3%A0+del+Vaticano,+Vatican+City/@41.9022309,12.4556927,305m/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x132f6067b0ad3535:0xb0be9b5b5aad7258!8m2!3d41.9022225!4d12.4567283" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Piazza San Pietro, Vatican City</a><br />
<strong>Metro:</strong>&nbsp;Ottaviano-S.Pietro-Musei Vaticano (Metro A line)</p>

<h3>Castel Sant&#39;Angelo</h3>

<p>This famous Rome landmark and important historical site sits on the northern bank of the River Tiber overlooking the city as it has for the last 2,000 years as its role as a fortress.</p>

<p>Protecting the city,&nbsp;<a href="https://romeandvaticanpass.com/en-us/rome-attractions/national-museum-castel-st-angelo" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Castel Sant&rsquo;Angelo</a>, or Hadrian&rsquo;s Mausoleum as it&rsquo;s also called, is the tomb of the former Emperor and has a rich history and a wealth of priceless historic artifacts within its museum.</p>

<p>A visit to this historic landmark will uncover the Papal Apartments, Courtyard of the Angel and even the secret passageway into the Vatican&hellip;</p>

<p><strong>Address:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/Castel+Sant'Angelo/@41.9028016,12.4655395,609m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m5!3m4!1s0x13258a8711e7a4d1:0x366c111ce77d4189!8m2!3d41.9030632!4d12.466276" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Lungotevere Castello, 50 - 00186 Rome</a><br />
<strong>Metro:</strong>&nbsp;Lepanto (Metro A) or Ottaviano (Metro A)</p>

<h3>Trevi Fountain</h3>

<p>The Trevi Fountain is a must on everyone&rsquo;s bucket list who visits Rome. Set within the winding cobbled streets of central Rome, this huge baroque fountain is considered one of the best in the world and has embellished the streets of Rome since 1726.</p>

<p>The Trevi Fountain&rsquo;s intricate sculpture and marble draw in over 3.5 million tourists a year thanks to the efforts of Bernini and Salvi who are credited with creating this baroque masterpiece.</p>

<p><strong>Address:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/Piazza+di+Trevi,+00187+Roma+RM,+Italy/@41.9007566,12.4811364,609m/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x132f60532f4c6993:0xa4225d84428fcb5f!8m2!3d41.9007566!4d12.4833251" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Piazza di Trevi, 00187 Roma</a><br />
<strong>Metro:</strong>&nbsp;Barberini (Metro line A)</p>

<h3>Piazza Navona</h3>

<p>Piazza Navona is one of the most famous squares in Rome and has been a space of commerce and trade since the 15th century when the local market was moved there from Campidoglio.</p>

<p>During this time the square underwent considerable improvements and a stunning baroque facelift, to what we still see today. In the square, you can see the baroque fountain by Bernini, the Obelisk of Domitian and many other churches surrounding it, as well as Pamphili Palace around the corner.</p>

<p><strong>Address:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/Piazza+Navona,+00186+Roma+RM,+Italy/@41.8991328,12.4711034,609m/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x132f604ffb562893:0x5c425ce8ce05efb!8m2!3d41.8991328!4d12.4732921" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Piazza Navona, 00186 Roma</a><br />
<strong>Metro:</strong>&nbsp;Spagna (Metro line A)</p>

<h3>Altare Della Patria</h3>

<p>Just down from the Roman Forum and across from the Imperial Forum is the eclectic Monumento Nazionale a Vittorio Emanuele II, aka&nbsp;<em>Altare Della Patria</em>, aka the &#39;wedding cake&#39; as the locals like to call it.</p>

<p>Not to everyone&rsquo;s taste, this grand building at the center of Piazza Venezia is an imposing landmark you can&rsquo;t miss. The monument in Rome&#39;s very center is home to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier with the eternal flame burning, as well as a stunning viewpoint right at the top of the landmark.</p>

<p><strong>Address:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/Altar+of+the+Fatherland/@41.8957614,12.4807609,609m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m5!3m4!1s0x132f604d1b805de3:0x21154807a7b83fe1!8m2!3d41.8945976!4d12.4831269" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Piazza Venezia, 00186 Roma</a><br />
<strong>Bus:</strong>&nbsp;Piazza Venezia</p>

<h3>Pantheon</h3>

<p>Ever wondered what happens to the rain that falls through the large oculus in the roof of the Pantheon? Learn more about the history of the ancient &ndash; and one of the best-preserved &ndash; landmarks in Rome.</p>

<p>The Pantheon dates back to 118 AD and is believed the building was completed by Emperor Hadrian. Now, it&rsquo;s still a working church so whether you&rsquo;re visiting for prayer or for pleasure, you most certainly won&rsquo;t be disappointed by this impressive Rome landmark.</p>

<p><strong>Address:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/Piazza+della+Rotonda,+00186+Roma+RM,+Italy/@41.8992659,12.4746979,559m/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x132f6051e7064b01:0x4d7641c606b9e525!8m2!3d41.8992619!4d12.4768866" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Piazza Della Rotonda, 00186 Roma</a><br />
<strong>Bus/Tram:</strong>&nbsp;Largo Argentina</p>

<h3>Spanish Steps</h3>

<p>The Spanish Steps are some of the most romantic steps in the world and are a site of many selfies and picture-perfect moments. Whether you sit and watch the world go by, or bring a picnic, these steps are a great location to rest and recover during a busy day of sightseeing.</p>

<p>The 135 steps date back to 1725 and were designed by Francesco de Sanctis and have been an iconic landmark of Rome ever since.</p>

<p><strong>Address:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/Piazza+di+Spagna,+00187+Roma+RM,+Italy/@41.9056838,12.4800175,558m/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x132f60551e4bc091:0xe99f322710644b16!8m2!3d41.9056798!4d12.4822062" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Piazza di Spagna, 00187 Roma</a><br />
<strong>Metro:</strong>&nbsp;Spagna (Metro line A)</p>

<h3>St John in the Lateran</h3>

<p><a href="https://romeandvaticanpass.com/en-us/rome-attractions/St-John-Lateran-Cloister" rel="noopener" target="_blank">St John in the Lateran</a>&nbsp;is the official seat of the Pope and is home to the Scala Sancta, a site of pilgrimage throughout the year. The church is also one of the oldest churches in Western Europe, dating back to 324 AD, and has been decorated in a Cosmatesque style with a 14th-century Gothic Baldacchino. Don&rsquo;t miss the stunning cloister, deemed one of the most beautiful in Rome, embellished with delicate mosaics and friezes.</p>

<p><strong>Address:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/Piazza+di+San+Giovanni+in+Laterano,+00184+Roma+RM,+Italy/@41.8870463,12.5046456,361m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m5!3m4!1s0x132f61bfe7b3603d:0xbe800f627bc49cc9!8m2!3d41.88711!4d12.5061638" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Piazza San Giovanni in Laterano, 00184 Rome</a><br />
<strong>Metro:</strong>&nbsp;San Giovanni (Metro line A)</p>

<p><br />
Make sure to explore these treasures on your very own Roman holiday, and so much more, with an&nbsp;<a href="http://www.romeandvaticanpass.com/">Omnia Rome and Vatican Pass</a>.</p>


Airport Travel in Rome - Best Transfers

  <p>Nothing can deflate the feeling of landing at your vacation destination and feeling lost. What do the words say? Why doesn't your GPS work? Does data <em>really</em> roam? So, let's talk about travel in Rome - getting to and from the airport, the airports themselves, and whether you're better off using public transport or booking a transfer!</p> <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dtljonz0f/image/upload/f_auto/q_auto/v1/gc-v1/rome-and-vatican-pass/Shutterstock_585061555.jpg" loading="lazy"><h3>Travel in Rome - which airport?</h3> <p>Rome has <strong>two airports</strong>: <strong>Leonardo da Vinci International Airport</strong> and <strong>Giovan Battista Pastine International Airport</strong>. So, depending on where you're flying from, you'll likely end up in one or the other. </p> <h3>Travel in Rome - how far away is each airport from the city?</h3> <p>The good news is that both airports are equidistant to the city center, each taking around <strong>30-35 minutes by car</strong>. </p> <h3>Travel options in to Rome from the airport</h3> <p>Before we talk about transfers, which may be your best option as they take all the stress out of your arrival, let's explore alternatives first. </p> <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dtljonz0f/image/upload/f_auto/q_auto/v1/gc-v1/rome-and-vatican-pass/Shutterstock_125323874.jpg" loading="lazy"><p><strong>Hire a car</strong></p> <p>If you're planning on doing your own driving throughout your vacation, then hiring a car might be your best bet. Both Leonardo da Vinci International Airport and Giovan Battista Pastine International Airport have numerous rental companies based within walking distance.</p> <p>If you're landing at Leonardo da Vinci International Airport, you could rent a vehicle from <a href="https://www.hertz.it/p/noleggio-auto/italia/roma/roma-fiumicino-aeroporto?utm_source=google&amp;utm_medium=local&amp;utm_content=FCOT50&amp;utm_campaign=GMB-Listings" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Hertz</a>, <a href="https://www.enterpriserentacar.it/?mcid=yext:245709" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Enterprise</a>, or <a href="https://www.europcar.it/it-it/stazioni/italia/roma-fiumicino-aeroporto?utm_campaign=FCOT01&amp;utm_medium=organic&amp;utm_source=local" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Europcar</a>, among others. </p> <p>Or, if you're landing in Giovan Battista Pastine International Airport, you could try <a href="https://it.fireflycarrental.com/Car-Hire-Rome.html?utm_source=google&amp;utm_medium=local&amp;utm_content=CIAT51&amp;utm_campaign=GMB-Listings" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Firefly</a>, <a href="https://www.leasysrent.it/auto-noleggio-roma-ciampino-aeroporto?utm_source=google&amp;utm_medium=organic&amp;utm_campaign=gmb" target="_blank" rel="noopener">LEASYS</a>, or <a href="https://www.thrifty.it/t/noleggio-auto/italia?utm_source=google&amp;utm_medium=local&amp;utm_content=CIAT50&amp;utm_campaign=GMB-Listings" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Thrifty</a>. Prices differ depending on the vehicle you want and the length of time you want it, so it's best you do your own price comparison. That way, you can get the best deal for you!</p> <p><strong>Public transport</strong></p> <p>If you're only staying in Rome for a short period and your baggage is manageable, then you might consider taking public transport to the city center. Both airports have decent connections, so it's more than doable!</p> <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dtljonz0f/image/upload/f_auto/q_auto/v1/gc-v1/rome-and-vatican-pass/Shutterstock_610930631.jpg" loading="lazy"><h3><strong>Public transport from Giovan Battista Pastine International Airport</strong></h3> <p>You have two options here. </p> <p>The first is a relatively simple <a href="https://bustickets.distribusion.com/vx/bookings/new?arrival_station_code=ITROMVMA&amp;currency=EUR&amp;departure_station_code=ITROMCGI&amp;express=true&amp;fare_class=FARE-1&amp;locale=en&amp;marketing_carrier_code=SIBU&amp;pax=1&amp;retailer_partner_number=130331&amp;utm_campaign=gtfs&amp;utm_medium=agency-fare-route&amp;utm_source=googlemaps" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>shuttle bus</strong></a>, which will set you back<strong> €6</strong>, and takes around <strong>35 minutes</strong> to get into the city center. </p> <p>The second is <a href="https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&amp;rct=j&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.atral-lazio.com%2F&amp;source=maps&amp;ei=htzwYurWLIKD8gKXx5-YCg&amp;usg=AOvVaw1s8ObNlENAkV8M570-hGXv&amp;ved=0ahUKEwjqsduH_Lb5AhWCgVwKHZfjB6MQ-CQICygC" target="_blank" rel="noopener">via <strong>train</strong></a>. From the airport, get the <strong>Airlink shuttle to Stazione FS di Ciampino</strong>, and then a <strong>train to Roma Termini</strong> - Rome's central train station. This will take <strong>35 minutes</strong> and will set you back <strong>€2.70</strong>.</p> <h3><strong>Public transport from Leonardo da Vinci International Airport</strong></h3> <p>Again, you have two options to choose from.</p> <p>The first is another <a href="https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&amp;rct=j&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fbustickets.distribusion.com%2Fredirect%2Fgmaps%3Farrival_time%3D%255B%25222022-08-08T11%3A05%3A00%252B00%3A00%2522%255D%26boarding_time%3D%255B%25222022-08-08T10%3A30%3A00%252B00%3A00%2522%255D%26from_ticketing_stop_time_id%3D%255B%2522ITROMRFB%2522%255D%26service_date%3D%255B%252220220808%2522%255D%26ticketing_trip_id%3D%255B%2522SIBU-12%3A00-ITZRRPGA-20%2522%255D%26to_ticketing_stop_time_id%3D%255B%2522ITROMRVA%2522%255D&amp;source=maps&amp;ei=ceXwYsKAGtmD8gKdt77ABQ&amp;usg=AOvVaw3RBtJ8NYCwRky-1-wvkgqe&amp;ved=0ahUKEwiC_ZfIhLf5AhXZgVwKHZ2bD1gQ-CQIUSgD" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>shuttle bus</strong></a>. It's slightly more expensive at <strong>€7</strong> and takes around <strong>35 minutes </strong>non-stop to the center of Rome.</p> <p>Similarly again, your other option is a train. You can get it straight out of Leonardo da Vinci International Airport; it takes <strong>32 minutes</strong> and costs around <strong>€3.</strong></p> <p>And now, let's talk about transfers.</p> <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dtljonz0f/image/upload/f_auto/q_auto/v1/gc-v1/rome-and-vatican-pass/Shutterstock_772168699.jpg" loading="lazy"><h3>Travel in Rome - why you should book a transfer from the airport</h3> <p>As a stranger in a strange land, it couldn't hurt to get some know-how from the locals. And that's what you'll get in spades if you book an airport transfer. Cab drivers will be able to provide you with local tips and tricks with a vacation twist, so be sure to strike up a conversation and see what tasty gossip nuggets you can mine. </p> <p>Besides, you may have already started celebrating your vacation on the plane, so leaving the driving up to someone else might be the best - and legal - course of action!</p> <p>Suppose you're traveling to a city that doesn't use English as a second language. In that case, it can be difficult to articulate directions, read bus and train timetables, or understand what stops and connections you need to make on any given journey. And, let's be honest, it's the last thing you want to worry about when arriving at your vacation destination! With a transfer, you've already booked the trip, and your driver will know exactly where to take you. </p> <p>Plus, you needn't worry about being overcharged by a sly driver looking to make a quick buck off of a clueless tourist. Unfortunately, <a href="https://romeandvaticanpass.com/en-us/blog/is-rome-safe" target="_blank" rel="noopener">it's one of the most common issues you'll run into in Rome</a>, but with a prepaid transfer, there's no need to negotiate!</p> <h3>Travel in Rome - types of transfer vehicles from <strong>Leonardo da Vinci International Airport</strong></h3> <p><a href="https://www.hoppa.com/en/booking-details-gm" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Minibus</strong></a></p> <p>In a group, a minibus is your best bet. They can sit <strong>up to 7 people</strong> depending on your choice of vehicle, and the baggage area will be yours to own! As it's a private vehicle, you won't have to worry about any other stops on your journey, and this halves the travel time to <strong>35 minutes</strong>. Price-wise, you're looking at anything from <strong>€30-100</strong> per head, so it's worth researching which works best for you. </p> <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dtljonz0f/image/upload/f_auto/q_auto/v1/gc-v1/rome-and-vatican-pass/Shutterstock_2024345486.jpg" loading="lazy"><p><a href="https://www.hoppa.com/en/booking-details-gm" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Car</strong></a></p> <p>The most stylish choice on this list, a private car is also the most expensive. Like the minibus, your trip to Rome will take around <strong>35 minutes</strong>. Unlike the minibus, prices range from <strong>€60-400 per person</strong>, depending on your vehicle type. That's a lot of dough, but if you've got it, why not flaunt it? Oh, and it's a car, so it can only seat <strong>1-3 people</strong>. </p> <h3>Travel in Rome - types of transfer vehicles from <strong>Giovan Battista Pastine International Airport</strong></h3> <p><a href="https://www.hoppa.com/en/booking-details-gm" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Minibus</strong></a></p> <p>Seating <strong>1-7 people</strong>, a minibus will set you back anything from <strong>€80-280</strong> per person, and takes around <strong>32 minutes</strong>. </p> <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dtljonz0f/image/upload/f_auto/q_auto/v1/gc-v1/rome-and-vatican-pass/Shutterstock_1467544532.jpg" loading="lazy"><p><a href="https://www.hoppa.com/en/booking-details-gm" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Car</strong></a></p> <p>A private car from Giovan Battista Pastine International Airport will take around <strong>32 minutes</strong>, can seat <strong>1-3 passengers</strong>, and will cost anywhere from <strong>€60-450</strong></p> <p>And that's our guide to transfers and travel from the airport in to Rome! Need some vacation inspiration? <a href="https://romeandvaticanpass.com/en-us/rome-attractions" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Check out Go City</a>. With us, you can see all of Rome's best bits when and how you want.</p> 

Vacationing in Rome and not sure how to get to your hotel? Check out our guide to transfers and travel from the airport to Rome!

Airport Travel In Rome Best Transfers | Rome & Vatican Pass

Getting Around Rome - The Best Way

  <p>So, you've decided to visit Rome? Brilliant choice! It's a city dripping with history around every corner, and contains some of the most recognizable landmarks on Earth! But how are you going to reach all those brilliant things and see them for yourself? Why public transport, of course! In this guide, we'll let you know about getting around Rome and the best way to do it. So read on, take notes, and prepare for your Roma adventure!</p> <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dtljonz0f/image/upload/f_auto/q_auto/v1/gc-v1/rome-and-vatican-pass/Shutterstock_98831906.jpg" loading="lazy"><h3>Getting Around Rome - Ticket Types</h3> <p>Let's start with tickets, as you'll need these to get on most public transport. Bear with us, as there are quite a few denominations to cover. </p> <p><strong>BIT (one way)</strong></p> <p>The BIT ticket allows for unlimited transfers between the metro, buses, trams, and urban trains. From the point of validation, it lasts for 75 minutes, meaning you can travel across the entire city with relative ease if you plan your route. Keep in mind that once you leave a metro station, you cannot use the ticket to get back in. Instead, you'll have to switch to an alternative mode of transport, so make sure to plan your journey with a travel app before you set off. </p> <p><strong>Cost: € 1.50</strong></p> <p><strong>MetroBus 24 hours</strong></p> <p>Unlimited public transport from the moment the ticket is validated until 12AM. </p> <p><strong>Cost: € 7</strong></p> <p><strong>MetroBus 48 hours</strong></p> <p>Unlimited public transport for 48 hours. </p> <p><strong>Cost: € 12.50</strong> </p> <p><strong>MetroBus 72 hours</strong></p> <p>Unlimited public transport for 72 hours. </p> <p><strong>Cost: € 18</strong></p> <p><strong>Weekly pass</strong></p> <p>If you're spending the week in the city, why not pick up a weekly pass that will give you unlimited public transport for 7 days? </p> <p><strong>Cost: € 24</strong></p> <p>Now you know about the tickets, let's talk about the types.</p> <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dtljonz0f/image/upload/f_auto/q_auto/v1/gc-v1/rome-and-vatican-pass/Shutterstock_640431868.jpg" loading="lazy"><h3>Getting Around Rome - Metro</h3> <p>Rome's Metro system is actually one of the smallest in Europe, made of only three lines; Line A (Orange), Line B (Blue), and Line C (Green). However, of the 73 stations it serves, you'll find it covers nearly every attraction you'll want to see in the city center. </p> <p>Line A serves the <a href="https://romeandvaticanpass.com/en-us/rome-attractions/Sistine-Chapel" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel</a>, <a href="https://romeandvaticanpass.com/en-us/rome-attractions/st-peters-basilica" target="_blank" rel="noopener">St Peter's Basilica</a>, Trevi Fountain, and the Pantheon, to name but a few. </p> <p>Line B serves the <a href="https://romeandvaticanpass.com/en-us/rome-attractions/rome-colosseum-roman-forum-palatine-hill" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Colosseum and the Roman Forum</a>, while getting you into the city center from Fiumicino Airport. </p> <p>The easiest way to get from point A to point B, Rome's Metro is a great way to travel across the city. </p> <h3>Getting Around Rome - Bus</h3> <p>Rome's bus system is wide-reaching, with 338 bus lines serving over 8000 stops throughout the city. However, it can become a bit convoluted, and you'll be at the whim of Rome's famous traffic.</p> <p>Many of the most used buses have displays that update when buses are delayed, but many others do not. You may feel like you're waiting for a bus that'll never come. Not ideal, but new screens are being put up every week, so hopefully, they serve your needs!</p> <p>There are too many lines serving too many stops to mention here, <a href="http://www.atac.roma.it/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">go here</a> to plan your journey and find out which station will take you where. </p> <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dtljonz0f/image/upload/f_auto/q_auto/v1/gc-v1/rome-and-vatican-pass/Shutterstock_1418358683.jpg" loading="lazy"><h3>Getting Around Rome - Trams</h3> <p>Like many European cities, Rome has its own tram system. However, unlike many of those cities, Rome's trams don't connect with the center of the city particularly well. </p> <p>So, while it may be useful for locals to get around, it may be less useful for your vacation. As so many of Rome's biggest tourist draws are in the center, you may never need to ride one. </p> <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dtljonz0f/image/upload/f_auto/q_auto/v1/gc-v1/rome-and-vatican-pass/Shutterstock_305616623.jpg" loading="lazy"><h3>Getting Around Rome - Urban Railways</h3> <p>Like the overground in London, Rome's Urban Railways connect outer parts of the city to the inner city. The three lines that connect to Rome are the Lido, Viterbo, and the Giardinetti. </p> <p>If your hotel is near one of the above stations, you may be using these trains every day. And the good news is that, since they're run by the same company as the buses and metro, your tickets will work on all of them. </p> <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dtljonz0f/image/upload/f_auto/q_auto/v1/gc-v1/rome-and-vatican-pass/Shutterstock_346424051.jpg" loading="lazy"><h3>Getting Around Rome - Taxis</h3> <p>Taxis are one of the easiest ways to get about the city, ensuring you get straight to your destination without any wayward wandering. </p> <p><a href="https://romeandvaticanpass.com/en-us/blog/is-rome-safe" target="_blank" rel="noopener">We previously spoke a bit about the risks of taxis</a>, but let's talk about it a bit here. </p> <p>Taxi drivers are well known to try and scam passengers with exuberant fees. If they think you don't know the city, they may take you a much longer way around, or go off-meter to charge you whatever they like. They may even pre-agree a fee with you when you get in and then challenge you on said fee when you reach your destination. Not ideal. </p> <p>So it's good to know some tips before getting in someone's car. </p> <ul><li>All taxis in Rome are white, so make sure yours is! Also, look out for a sign on the roof and a meter in the window. </li> <li>Better yet, if the vehicle has a number on the side of it, you know they work for a taxi company. Call this number if you feel you're being swindled. </li> <li>You'll find the vehicle's license plate on the back of the front seats, if you need to identify the car and driver to the company. </li> <li>Rates can be fixed, depending on where you're traveling. Or, if not fixed, they will have minimum and maximum fares. Make sure to <a href="https://www.rome.net/taxi?_gl=1*1qaz5bz*_up*MQ..*_ga*NTA0MTYyNTU3LjE2NTkwOTI5OTY.*_ga_0L41Q9EE60*MTY1OTA5NjcyNi4yLjAuMTY1OTA5NjcyNi4w" target="_blank" rel="noopener">check these</a> before your trip. </li> <li>If the driver doesn't turn the meter on, request that they do so. If they refuse, ask to leave the vehicle. </li> <li>Don't let drivers intimidate you. If you know you're in the right, call the taxi company or, failing that, the authorities. </li> </ul> <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dtljonz0f/image/upload/f_auto/q_auto/v1/gc-v1/rome-and-vatican-pass/Shutterstock_1029714208.jpg" loading="lazy"><h3>Getting Around Rome - Walking</h3> <p>If you're fortunate enough to stay close to Rome's biggest attractions, you can always venture out and burn some calories while you're at it. Rome is one of the most picturesque cities on the planet, so what better way to drink it all in - and get some great photos - than exploring it on foot? </p> <p>And that's our guide to getting around Rome! Not sure which of Rome's attractions you want to experience? <a href="https://romeandvaticanpass.com/en-us/rome-attractions" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Check out Go City</a>. With us, you can see all of Rome's best bits when and how you want.</p> 

Visiting Rome and want to know how to get around? Check out our guide to getting around the city!

Getting Around Rome - The Best Way | Rome & Vatican Pass

Is Rome Safe?

  <p>Safety can be one of the biggest concerns when planning a vacation. 'A stranger in a strange land', as the saying goes. That's why it's always important to know what to expect when visiting a new city and country. Take Rome, for instance. It's one of the most popular tourist spots in Europe, but how safe is it? Read on, and find out as we explore how to stay safe in Rome, what to look out for, and neighborhoods to avoid. </p> <p><strong>Including:</strong></p> <ul><li><strong>How safe is Rome?</strong></li> <li><strong>Common threats to safety in Rome</strong></li> <li><strong>Neighborhoods to avoid</strong></li> <li><strong>Is public transport safe in Rome?</strong></li> <li><strong>and more!</strong></li> </ul><h3>How safe is Rome?</h3> <p>Rome is one of the most historic cities in Europe, so it's no wonder countless people flock there every year. In fact, Rome plays host to around 10 million tourists every year, making it one of Europe's most popular destinations. Some come for the ancient architecture and history-soaked streets. Others visit for the nightlife, food, and shopping. But how safe is Rome?</p> <p>Rome is considered a relatively safe city, ranking 29th in <a href="https://safecities.economist.com/#" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Economist's Safe City Index 2021</a>. Many factors make up this ranking, including personal safety, environmental safety, and even digital security. Those factors don't make a huge difference here, as Rome's 'personal security' ranking has it at 29th too!</p> <p>So, what should you look out for on your trip to Rome? </p> <h2>Common threats to safety in Rome</h2> <p>Rome's most frequent crimes are petty theft. And, like many travel hotspots around the world, tourists are usually targeted. So let's talk about the types of theft you should be aware of on your vacation.</p> <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dtljonz0f/image/upload/f_auto/q_auto/v1/gc-v1/rome-and-vatican-pass/Shutterstock_159419678.jpg" loading="lazy"><p><strong>Pickpockets</strong></p> <p>During peak tourist season in the summer, you should be aware that many pickpockets operate in Rome. Focusing on the most popular spots as well as trains, they target tourists because of the large amount of vacation cash they may have on them. </p> <p>This is relatively common in any big city that welcomes a lot of tourist traffic, so you may already be aware of the dos and don'ts. If not, or you just need a refresher, here are our tips to keep your belongings belonging to you!</p> <ul><li>Keep your bag, purse, or clutch close to you at all times.</li> <li>Try and avoid carrying large amounts of cash - most places will accept card, even if it's from a different country.</li> <li>Don't leave coats, jackets, wallets, or phones unattended when you're having a drink, getting a bite to eat, or going up to the counter to collect your order.</li> <li>Be aware of distraction techniques. Thieves often work in pairs, so while one may strike up a conversation, ask directions, or 'accidentally' fall into, the other may well be attempting to swipe your cash or camera.</li> <li>Avoid using paper maps when out and about. If you know where you want to go, use your phone's GPS and then stick an earbud in and listen for directions. You'll blend right in.</li> </ul><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dtljonz0f/image/upload/f_auto/q_auto/v1/gc-v1/rome-and-vatican-pass/Shutterstock_2169036483.jpg" loading="lazy"><p><strong>Muggings</strong></p> <p>Though chances of a violent mugging are much lower than being pickpocketed, it's still worth being mindful when walking around Rome. Public transport, especially at night, can make you an easy target. If you want to avoid a mugging, do the following. </p> <ul><li>Avoid public transport at night when possible - book a taxi from a reputable company instead. <a href="https://www.rome.net/taxi" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Check online</a> to find one, though you may pay more than a local. Alternatively, go through a taxi app, if you're comfortable.</li> <li>At night, try and travel in groups of two or more.</li> <li>Plan your route around your daily plans and know when and where you're going to avoid unnecessary loitering - you may draw the attention of ruffians.</li> </ul><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dtljonz0f/image/upload/f_auto/q_auto/v1/gc-v1/rome-and-vatican-pass/Shutterstock_2162105813.jpg" loading="lazy"><p><strong>Scams</strong></p> <p>Scams have become one of the most popular forms of crime in many cities. Rome is no different, with a number of scams operating throughout the city. </p> <ul><li>Unfortunately, taxis are one of those. As we mentioned above, taxi drivers may be tempted to charge tourists higher rates than locals. Always make sure your driver is on the meter, and if they offer you a flat fee or 'forget' to put the meter on, they're likely trying to scam more money out of you. Politely ask them to put the meter on or request to leave the vehicle.</li> <li>You may also be approached in the street and offered a free charm or trinket. Ensure you do not accept this, and be firm if necessary. If you take it, they will loudly and aggressively demand payment.</li> <li>Another common scam is fake charity petitions. While not every one is fake, it may be difficult to discern which is not. We'd advise you to avoid these where possible, and give through a charity's website instead. Even signing a petition might lead to an aggressive demand for a donation, and that donation is going straight into the scammer's pocket.</li> <li>Make sure you check ATMs for tampering, as scammers target those too. Most places in Rome will allow card payments, so if you're lucky, you won't need to use one at all.</li> </ul> <h3>Neighborhoods to avoid</h3> <p>Rome's most crime-riddled neighborhoods include Tor Bella Monaca, Romanina, San Basilio, and Corviale. As these are predominantly residential areas, you may have no reason to ever visit them. However, if you do, try to avoid them at night. If that's not possible, make sure you travel in a group to avoid being targeted as much as possible. </p> <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dtljonz0f/image/upload/f_auto/q_auto/v1/gc-v1/rome-and-vatican-pass/Shutterstock_629049449.jpg" loading="lazy"><h3>Is public transport safe in Rome?</h3> <p>As we mentioned, there are some things worth bearing in mind regarding public transport. We've talked about taxis at length, so be vigilant of those. </p> <p>Regarding other forms, they are generally safe, especially during the day. Do bear in mind that some train stations such as Termini are pickpocket hotspots, especially in the evening. </p> <p>As a general rule, try and avoid using public transport at night if possible. That way, you lower your risk of potential muggings or pickpocketing. </p> <p>And that's our guide to staying safe in Rome! Want to make the most of your vacation? <a href="https://romeandvaticanpass.com/en-us/rome-attractions" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Check out Go City</a>. With us, you can see all of Rome's best bits when and how you want.</p> 

Traveling to Rome this year? This is our guide to staying safe in the city!

Is Rome Safe? | Rome & Vatican Pass

The Best Rome Walks - Get Around the City

  <p>Ah, Rome. One of the best ways to see this ancient city is by foot as there’s a surprise on every corner and given that many of its big tourist attractions are quite close together, a good itinerary will save you money flitting back and forth.</p> <p>We’ve put together two of our favorite Rome walks which will take you from the Spanish Steps to the <a href="/vatican-rome/en-us/rome-attractions/coliseum-rome">Colosseum</a> in no time and hit all the big attractions in between.</p> <p>Bring some good shoes, you’ll need them.</p> <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dtljonz0f/image/upload/f_auto/q_auto/v1/gc-v1/rome-and-vatican-pass/blog/rome-walks-spanish-steps.jpg" loading="lazy"><h2>Spanish Steps to Trevi Fountain to The Pantheon</h2> <p>Start things off like Audrey Hepburn in <em>Roman Holiday</em> at the Spanish Steps, one of Rome’s biggest landmarks. Dating back to 1723, this grandiose staircase has attracted many and it’s worth nipping into the nearby streets to explore the boutiques and cafes for a souvenir or three.</p> <p>Once you’ve wrapped up at the Steps, it’s pretty much a straight line towards the Trevi Fountain. Walk past the Keats/Shelley house nearby the base of the steps and walk south along the Piazza di Spagna.</p> <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dtljonz0f/image/upload/f_auto/q_auto/v1/gc-v1/rome-and-vatican-pass/blog/spanish-steps-to-trevi.png" loading="lazy"><p>It will eventually give way to the Via di Propaganda and you’ll spot the Sant’ Andrea delle Fratte Basilica church on your left, continue going straight on Via di Sant’Andrea beside it. When the road forks, go left onto Largo del Nazareno and then continue onto Via del Nazarano. After that, turn right Via della Panetteria, right onto Via della Stamperia and keep walking straight until you hit the Piazza di Trevi. It’s not going to come as a huge surprise that the Trevi Fountain will be waiting for you there and it’s pretty easy to spot, as there’s usually a big crowd congregated round the massive ivory structure.</p> <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dtljonz0f/image/upload/f_auto/q_auto/v1/gc-v1/rome-and-vatican-pass/blog/trevi-to-pantheon-Rome-walks.png" loading="lazy"><p>After you’ve taken your photograph and taken part in a very Roman tradition (tossing a coin into the fountain), head towards Vicolo del Forno. Continue onto Via delle Muratte and walk past the McDonald’s, onto Via di Pietra and finally left into a narrow street called Vicolo de Burro. Continue onto right onto PIazza S. Ignazio, then left at the end of the road and right onto Via del Seminario. Then just walk straight until you see the gigantic facade of the Pantheon rise up in the distance, it’ll be on your left. All in all, the total walk should take between twenty to thirty minutes — of course, if you’re stopping off at the sights then it’s going to take a little longer.</p> <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dtljonz0f/image/upload/f_auto/q_auto/v1/gc-v1/rome-and-vatican-pass/blog/rome-walks-colloseum.jpg" loading="lazy"><h2>Trastevere to the Capitoline Museum, Roman Forum and Colosseum</h2> <p>A lazy morning in Trastevere is a gorgeous way to start the day, as it’s one of Rome’s coolest districts and it’s packed with no end of restaurants perfect for a spot of brunch and coffee. Once you’ve finished up and spent time getting to know the area, return to the Basilica of our Lady in Trastevere — located in one of Trastevere’s biggest squares. With your back to the church entrance, turn left and walk till you reach Piazza di Santa Maria. From there, turn right and go past Ristorante Sabatini, past Antica Osteria Rugantino until you hit a major dual carriageway called Piazza Sidney Nonnino. Cross the road, turn left and walk over the bridge (Ponte Garibaldi) which crosses the River Tiber. You’ll then hit Lungotevere de Cenci, which you should follow along the length of the river until you hit a turn off for Via del Foro Olitorio. At the end of the street, turn left onto Via di Teatro di Marcello, then right onto Piazza del Campidoglio. This is when a lot of stairs get involved, as you’ll then start your climb up to Capitoline Hill which you’ll easily spot by the gigantic white statues that line the walk to the entrance.</p> <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dtljonz0f/image/upload/f_auto/q_auto/v1/gc-v1/rome-and-vatican-pass/blog/trastevere-to-capitoline.png" loading="lazy"><p>Once you’ve finished with the <a href="/vatican-rome/en-us/rome-attractions/Capitoline-Museums">fascinating ancient museum</a>, stand on the hill and take in the ruins of the <a href="/vatican-rome/en-us/rome-attractions/Roman-Forum-Palatine-Hill">Roman Forum</a> from a distance. You can choose to walk down and around to explore it properly, however this walking tour will take you up to the <a href="/vatican-rome/en-us/rome-attractions/coliseum-rome">Colosseum</a> first. Take the stairs to Via del Campidoglio (located at the edge of Piazza del Campidoglio) walk along it. It’ll eventually give way to another street called Via di St Pietro which you’ll want to continue along, then turn right onto Via dei Fori Imperiali. You’ll be able to see the Piazza del Colosseo and the imposing structure in the distance, so just continue towards it — you literally can't miss it!</p> <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dtljonz0f/image/upload/f_auto/q_auto/v1/gc-v1/rome-and-vatican-pass/blog/capitoline-to-colloseum.png" loading="lazy"> 

The best way to explore Rome is by foot - take to the streets and discover the city spots with our favourite Rome Walks guide.

The Best Rome Walks - Get Around the City | Omnia Rome and Vatican Pass

The Catacombs of Rome - Unique Rome Adventures

  <p>Go off the beaten track and discover a hidden world in the catacombs of Rome</p> <p>Rome is a beautiful place to bask in ancient architecture and strolling its streets never get old, however there’s an entirely different world waiting below its surface. This ancient city has an entire network of catacombs criss-crossing beneath the streets that taxis and buses now frequent, named for religious heroes and filled with the residents of a time gone by. With five different locations open to the public, you’ll definitely want to put your walking shoes on for these eerie expeditions. Here’s everything you need to know about the catacombs of Rome below...</p> <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dtljonz0f/image/upload/f_auto/q_auto/v1/gc-v1/rome-and-vatican-pass/blog/catacombs-of-rome-san-sebastien.jpg" loading="lazy"><h2>San Sebastian Catacombs Rome</h2> <p>As one the most famed catacomb sites in Rome, this underground burial site spans over 11 kilometres - though you’ll thankfully only get to explore a small fraction of it. Covered in Christian paintings, they’re regarded as the best in Rome and were named for a martyr named Saint Sebastian. A former soldier, he was later clubbed to death after his Christian faith was discovered before he was laid to rest in these very catacombs. Open between Monday and Saturday, it’s a place of particular interest to those of the Christian faith as the graffiti that lines the wall references the apostles Peter and Paul. In fact, the reason the place became so closely tied to the two was because it was apparently impossible to visit their actual tombs - so this became a popular place to pay respects to them While you’re here, make sure to make time for the San Callixtus catacombs - they’re nearby and absolutely amazing so you have no excuse.</p>  <div> <div> <div>View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BinM7GFlm1U/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_medium=loading" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Catacombs San Callisto, Basilica of San Clemente and Capuchin Crypt and Museum 💀 tour with @citywonderstours #crypt #catacombs #rome #travel #wanderlust #skullseverywhere #travelgram #igtravel #eurotrip #italy #mustsee #tour</a></p> <p>A post shared by @<a href="https://www.instagram.com/irenevy_/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_medium=loading" rel="noopener" target="_blank"> irenevy_</a> on May 10, 2018 at 2:46pm PDT</p> </div>  <h2>San Callixtus Catacombs</h2> <p>The sheer scale of these catacombs is more than enough reason to head over here. With four floors and nearly twenty kilometres worth of exploring to do, it’s a vitally important religious site as a number of saints and popes have been buried here. While it was originally both an above and below-ground structure, most of the bi For those of you who love a song and dance, you’ll want to stop by and pay your respects to St Cecilia - the patron saint of music buried here. It’s also a great shout for art lovers as it’s packed with small art galleries, filled with Christian art and frescoes to bask in. Open Thursday to Tuesday, it’s a popular destination and should be top of your list if you only have time for just the one.</p> <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dtljonz0f/image/upload/f_auto/q_auto/v1/gc-v1/rome-and-vatican-pass/blog/catacombs-of-rome-priscilla.jpg" loading="lazy"><h2>Saint Priscilla Catacombs</h2> <p>This catacombs is widely regarded as the ‘regina catacumbarum’, or rather, the ‘queen of the catacombs’ when translated into English. Dating back to second century AD, it expanded monumentally over time and owes its name to a noblewoman called Priscila who is believed to have donated the field the catacombs lie under. With many martyrs buried here, one of the biggest highlights of the tour is an image of the Virgin Mary which is believed to be the oldest ever.</p>  <div> <div> <div>View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BkQw_SshT_F/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_medium=loading" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Today’s outing was underground at the Catacombs!</a></p> <p>A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/krina_lessard/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_medium=loading" rel="noopener" target="_blank"> Krina</a> (@krina_lessard) on Jun 20, 2018 at 2:42pm PDT</p> </div>  <h2>Catacombs of Domiitilia</h2> <p>This is apparently one of the oldest catacomb sites in Rome, if not the oldest in the capital. Although it’s absolutely massive, only a few of the tunnels are open to the public. While there aren’t as many out and out highlights as the others, there are some stunning artworks of biblical stories like the Last Supper. Two of the most famed martyrs to be buried in these catacombs are two people named Nereus and Achilleus, both ancient Roman soldiers.</p>  <div> <div> <div>View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BnGOHYNgvZo/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_medium=loading" rel="noopener" target="_blank">#italia #italy #travel #catacombes</a></p> <p>A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/travel_shmavel_/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_medium=loading" rel="noopener" target="_blank"> im’bloger</a> (@travel_shmavel_) on Aug 30, 2018 at 1:59am PDT</p> </div>  <h2>Where are the catacombs in Rome?</h2> <p>This is a little tricky to answer as there’s a number of catacombs dotted around the city. In fact, there’s sixty of them all over the Italian capital. However, you don’t have to worry about making time to see all of them as only five are open to the public. The most famous are the San Sebastian Catacombs Rome, named after San Sebastiano - a martyr who was buried there and who’s also the namesake for the Basilica of St. Sebastian. Located at Via Appia Antica, 136, you’ll also be able to knock out the Catacombs of San Callixtus nearby at Via Appia Antica, 126. Further afield, the Catacombs of Saint Priscilla are in Via Salaria, 430, the Catacombs of Domitilia in Via del Sette Chiese, 280 and the Catacombs of Sant’Agnese at Via Nomenata, 349.</p> 

Go off the beaten track and discover Rome's unique landmarks with a guide to the Catacombs of Rome. Enjoy a unique Rome adventure underground in the city.

The Catacombs of Rome - Unique Rome Adventures | Omnia Rome and Vatican Pass

The Top 10 Spots for the Best Coffee in Rome

  <h2>Discover the comprehensive caffeine guide to the best coffee in Rome</h2> <p>Forget Starbucks and Costa, you’re in Italy now. Discover what a real coffee is meant to taste like in Rome, where more often than not you’ll spot locals sipping espressos as the warm days roll on by. From legendary haunts to sleek modern hangouts, there’s a cafe and coffee shop for everybody in the capital to sate your caffeine cravings.</p>  <div> <div> <div>View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bm0q0F-Ho_A/?utm_source=ig_embed_loading" rel="noopener" target="_blank">espresso ☕️ #한모금먹었는데말도안대게맛있</a></p> <p>A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/5_13.c/?utm_source=ig_embed_loading" rel="noopener" target="_blank"> 주은경</a> (@5_13.c) on Aug 23, 2018 at 6:23am PDT</p> </div>  <h3>Sant’Eustachio il Caffe</h3> <p>Located just a stone’s throw from the Pantheon, the coffee is so good at this cafe that even locals will brave the tourist crowd for a pick-me-up. These purveyors of coffee have been grinding beans and whipping up macchiatos since 1938 and go by the motto, ‘Life is too short for bad coffee’ - a saying we can definitely get behind. Easily spotted by its bright yellow cups and the packed tables spilling out onto the street beside the entrance, those worried about the price of coffee in Italy can save a few cents by opting to stand at the indoor bar.</p>  <div> <div> <div>View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BnZdes_l9mD/?utm_source=ig_embed_loading" rel="noopener" target="_blank">black as hell strong as death and sweet as love cr. Turkish proverb #กาแฟเปิดกระโปรง #roma #romanholiday #makhanundha #crewlife #signaturecoffee #foodphotography #guy #asianmen #travelgram #romegallery #italystory</a></p> <p>A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/marcdebest/?utm_source=ig_embed_loading" rel="noopener" target="_blank"> Marc Ch</a> (@marcdebest) on Sep 6, 2018 at 1:19pm PDT</p> </div>  <h3>Caffe Tazza d’Oro</h3> <p>Step into another world at Tazza d’Oro, a cafe that still thrives with an old-world energy and serves a mean espresso. The entire establishment looks as though it never aged out of the 1940s and that adds to its charm, with a lovingly crafted sculptural trim running the length of the store and marble columns throwing back to Rome’s classical architecture. For a real sweet treat, grab a Granita di Caffe con Panna - frozen espresso finished off with a generous helping of whipped cream.</p>  <div> <div> <div>View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BltHOX-HX0g/?utm_source=ig_embed_loading" rel="noopener" target="_blank">No fancy latte art. Just a straight up single shot of Italian espresso with some dark chocolate 🇮🇹 #mandatorycoffeepost #italiancafe #espressoneat #caffeineoverload</a></p> <p>A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/ridasaban/?utm_source=ig_embed_loading" rel="noopener" target="_blank"> Rida Saban</a> (@ridasaban) on Jul 26, 2018 at 11:26am PDT</p> </div>  <h3>Sciascia Caffe</h3> <p>They say you can’t teach an old dog new tricks, but legendary establishment Sciascia Caffe is out to prove everyone wrong. Beloved by the likes of Lonely Planet, AFAR and locals, it’s widely regarded as the best coffee in Rome and a must-visit for those serious about their beans. One of their signature offerings is the Espresso Chocolate, which combines luxurious dark chocolate with the best espresso in the capital.</p>  <div> <div> <div>View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BkpZOb6jquQ/?utm_source=ig_embed_loading" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Idem.</a></p> <p>A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/itssofiaorifici/?utm_source=ig_embed_loading" rel="noopener" target="_blank"> Sofia Orifici</a> (@itssofiaorifici) on Jun 30, 2018 at 4:15am PDT</p> </div>  <h3>Necci Dal 1924</h3> <p>This charming cafe in the picturesque Pigneto district is where you’ll be able to rub elbows with Rome’s cool kids, many of whom start the day off right here with a freshly baked pastry and a frothy cappuccino. While it may have started off as a gelateria and becomes a bustling restaurant later in the day, it’s a gorgeous place to unwind on one of your lazier days - especially if you can get a spot on its unbeatable terrace.</p>  <div> <div> <div>View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BGCNEa3MQf3/?utm_source=ig_embed_loading" rel="noopener" target="_blank">💗☕️💗</a></p> <p>A post shared by @<a href="https://www.instagram.com/colleenshosler/?utm_source=ig_embed_loading" rel="noopener" target="_blank"> colleenshosler</a> on May 30, 2016 at 7:17am PDT</p> </div>  <h3>l’Arte del caffe Er Barretto</h3> <p>If you’re more about style than substance, Er Barretto serves up a decent cup - but the real draw is its adorable customised cappuccino art. Their barristas go the extra mile and are masters with a coffee cup, whipping up floral, typography and animal designs in a matter of seconds that’ll have you sorted for the perfect Instagram. Located in Monti, it’s a small detour from sites such as the <strong><a href="/vatican-rome/en-us/rome-attractions/Roman-Forum-Palatine-Hill">Roman Forum</a></strong>, <strong><a href="/vatican-rome/en-us/rome-attractions/coliseum-rome">Colosseum</a></strong> and Trevi Fountain.</p>  <div> <div> <div>View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bm5iL98nRdg/?utm_source=ig_embed_loading" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Buon Giorno !!! #tornatoinitalia #estate #macchiato 🇮🇹</a></p> <p>A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/ticomadero/?utm_source=ig_embed_loading" rel="noopener" target="_blank"> ernesto</a> (@ticomadero) on Aug 25, 2018 at 3:44am PDT</p> </div>  <h3>Caffe Ciampini</h3> <p>There’s a reason why many of Rome’s most famous creative types made this place their favourite hangout. With gorgeous marble interiors and a blend of beans to die for, this family-run caffe not only makes a fantastic espresso but also offers amazing croissants and homemade cakes if you’re feeling peckish. And if you’re travelling with little ones, they’ll be sorted with a scoop of gelato while you get your fix.</p>  <div> <div> <div>View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bnq1z9tHCLE/?utm_source=ig_embed_loading" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Phallic symbolism is alive and well in The Eternal City 🍆</a></p> <p>A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/rightupyour_ali/?utm_source=ig_embed_loading" rel="noopener" target="_blank"> Ali Inglese</a> (@rightupyour_ali) on Sep 13, 2018 at 7:18am PDT</p> </div>  <h3>Antico Caffe Greco</h3> <p>For one of the oldest coffee shops in Rome, head to Antico Caffe Greco which has been a stalwart on the scene since 1760. This atmospheric cafe has seen the best minds of Rome and modern thinkers pass through its doors and drink deeply from its coffee cups, retaining elements of the old-world with suited waiters and gorgeous Renaissance art lining its walls. (It also serves as a small gallery, with over 300 works on display.)</p>  <div> <div> <div>View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bl2h1J0hyW_/?utm_source=ig_embed_loading" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Kafe v 🇮🇹 jsme nenechali náhodě a využili tipu od @europeancoffeetrip ☕️ Tahle kavárnička je jen pár metrů od hranic Vatikánu ✔️ #coffeetime #roma . . #dnescestujem #canon_photos #vscocam #vscocze #coffeetour #coffeetravel #italy #holiday</a></p> <p>A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/skillsofart/?utm_source=ig_embed_loading" rel="noopener" target="_blank"> Skills of Art</a> (@skillsofart) on Jul 30, 2018 at 3:12am PDT</p> </div>  <h3>Pergamino Caffe</h3> <p>This new kid on the block is one of the few shining culinary lights around the <strong><a href="/vatican-rome/en-us/rome-attractions/Sistine-Chapel">Vatican museums</a></strong>, serving both classic Italian coffees and more adventurous choices for those bored of their standard latte. This modern hipster spot serves everything from a stunning cappuccino to a cold brew Nitro for those hot summer days when a steaming cup of coffee just makes you want to melt.</p>  <div> <div> <div>View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BXY0ZIsgBhe/?utm_source=ig_embed_loading" rel="noopener" target="_blank">caffè ☕️ + dolci 🥐 = classic Italian breakfast 🥄🍶</a></p> <p>A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/liannashima/?utm_source=ig_embed_loading" rel="noopener" target="_blank"> Lianna Xiaokui Nakashima | LXN</a> (@liannashima) on Aug 4, 2017 at 2:57pm PDT</p> </div>  <h3>Cafffe Camerino</h3> <p>Do as the locals do and head to Cafffe Camerino, where the most discerning of Italians head for some of the best coffee around. Their cappuccinos have to be tried to be believed, but don’t outrage the Romans - stick to ordering it for breakfast as ordering a frothy, milky coffee anywhere is a no-no after lunch rolls around. Authentic and high quality, there’s a reason so many people return to this spot over and over again for their morning Joe.</p>  <div> <div> <div>View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BeThSI4ABvR/?utm_source=ig_embed_loading" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Starting a day with ☕️&amp;☀️</a></p> <p>A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/raffaelemorerapalangio/?utm_source=ig_embed_loading" rel="noopener" target="_blank"> Raffaele Morera Palangio</a> (@raffaelemorerapalangio) on Jan 23, 2018 at 12:14pm PST</p> </div>  <h3>Castroni</h3> <p>With several locations scattered throughout the city, the beverages at each Castroni location are top notch at this traditional coffee bar. With beans from Central America, Indonesia and Africa, nothing but the best coffee beans are enough for this popular spot which also hawks other authentic Italian produce: think wine, olive oil, desserts and more. Keep an eye out as you’re wandering around as many branches pop up around tourist hotspots and it’s well worth dipping in for a quick cup before you continue on your travels.</p> 

Whether you want to kickstart your day or grab an afternoon pick-me-up, this guide to the top spots for the best coffee shops in Rome is the perfect caffeine fix.

The Top 10 Spots for the Best Coffee in Rome | Omnia Rome and Vatican Pass

Visiting the famous Trevi Fountain - Top Tips

   <h2>An enduring icon of the Italian capital, the Trevi Fountain is a breathtaking piece of art that attracts millions to its waters every year. Learn more below...</h2> If you’re planning a visit to Rome, chances are you’ve been inspired by many Hollywood films set here: Roman Holiday, La Dolce Vita and even The Lizzie McGuire Film if you’re a millennial. One thing all these three films have in common is that they all feature the most famous fountain in Rome, the Trevi Fountain. <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dtljonz0f/image/upload/f_auto/q_auto/v1/gc-v1/rome-and-vatican-pass/blog/trevi-fountain-rome-3.jpg" loading="lazy"><h3>Trevi Fountain Rome History</h3> Dating all the way back to 19BC, this Rome water fountain is known to locals as <em>Fontana di Trevi</em> and persists as one of the capital’s most photographed sights. As a stunning example of Baroque art and architecture, it actually was created with a pragmatic purpose in mind - to round off an aqueduct and bring water to the townspeople. Nowadays however, it’s one of Rome’s biggest tourist draws and is always surrounded by people throwing coins into its depths. Constructed by Roman architect Nicola Salvi and completed by Giuseppe Pannini, this Rome fountain pays homage to ancient Roman mythology with the god of the sea Neptune at its centre. Standing astride a shell chariot led by sea horses and flanked by allegorical statues of Abundance and Salubrity, it took nearly three centuries to complete and has changed over the years. However, the Rome Trevi Fountain has never looked better following a recent €2.2 million restoration process. <h3>Trevi Fountain Location</h3> If all roads lead to Rome, then most roads in Rome lead to the Trevi Fountain. Located in the heart of the city nearby the Via Del Tritone, it sits proudly in the centre of Piazza di Trevi. Easily accessible from the Barberini Metro station, it’s also just a few steps from another famous Roman sight: the Spanish Steps. <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dtljonz0f/image/upload/f_auto/q_auto/v1/gc-v1/rome-and-vatican-pass/blog/trevi-fountain-rome-1.jpg" loading="lazy"><h3>Best time to visit the Trevi Fountain</h3> As one of Rome’s most popular attractions, the Trevi Fountain is always packed with people daily. For budding photographers seeking an emptier shot and those leery of crowds, it’s best to head here early in the morning to see it in daylight. The Rome fountain completely changes at night, when lights are switched on to illuminate the ivory sculptures for a totally different and atmospheric experience. Wander here after dinner when the crowds have abated for a unique experience after the rest of the tourist pack have retired to their hotels for the night. <h3>Attractions nearby the Trevi Fountain</h3> As one of the most centrally located attractions in Rome, the Trevi Fountain is within walking distance of many iconic landmarks in the capital. The Spanish Steps are the closest by alongside <a href="/vatican-rome/en-us/rome-attractions/Borghese-Gallery">Villa Borghese and its famous gallery</a> a little further along in that direction, while the heading in the opposite direction will take you towards the Pantheon and even the <a href="/vatican-rome/en-us/rome-attractions/Roman-Forum-Palatine-Hill">Roman Forum</a> if you’re up for a bit of a walk. <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dtljonz0f/image/upload/f_auto/q_auto/v1/gc-v1/rome-and-vatican-pass/blog/trevi-fountain-rome-2.jpg" loading="lazy"><h3>Trevi Fountain Legend</h3> If you’re heading to Trevi Fountain, remember to bring some change. The most popular legend surrounding this famous fountain in Rome dates all the way back to ancient times, granting travellers to the city a safe return to the capital. It’s said that if you turn your back to the fountain and throw a coin with your right hand over your left shoulder, you will be certain to return to Rome in the future. Chances are you’ll spot lots of other tourists doing the same thing and to be honest, who doesn’t want to come back to Rome? Fans of the film <em>Three Coins in the Trevi Fountain</em> may already be aware of the other legend surrounding the fountain, which also builds on the coin-throwing practice. As the title of the film suggests, visitors should throw three coins into the fountain as the first guarantees safe passage, the second a new romance and the third a successful marriage. Even if you’re not particularly superstitious, participating in the harmless tradition of throwing a coin into the fountain actually helps the city. The money from the fountain is collected daily and it is said 3000 Euros are thrown in a day, with proceeds going towards charities that help people in need. 

An icon of the capital, the Trevi Fountain has been attraction visitors from around the globe for centuries. Explore this famous landmark with our top tips.

Visiting the famous Trevi Fountain - Top Tips | Omnia Rome and Vatican Pass

The 20 Most Romantic Places in Rome

   <h2>Soak up the romance in the Eternal City with our guide to the most romantic places in Rome!</h2> With heaps of romantic places to share with your loved one, Rome is the perfect mix of greenery, history and radiant sunsets. Beautiful architecture lines the streets while hidden cafés nestle under arches and between historic buildings. If you’re looking for a European destination to explore with your partner, Rome is the perfect place to go. The team at the OMNIA Vatican &amp; Rome Pass have put together this handy guide to help you dial up the romance. <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dtljonz0f/image/upload/f_auto/q_auto/v1/gc-v1/rome-and-vatican-pass/blog/romantic-rome-villa-borghese.jpg" loading="lazy"><h3><strong> Explore the Villa Borghese Gardens</strong></h3> Head over to the beautiful gardens of Villa Borghese for a romantic stroll or a quiet picnic in the lush greenery. Villa Borghese was built in the 17th century and now houses the largest private art collection in the world. The gardens themselves offer a small lake with rowing boats for hire and a small zoo; bike rental is also popular. Make sure you don’t miss the Temple of Aesculapius by the small pond, which is particularly tranquil.  <div> <p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BmRwxyChsWt/?utm_source=ig_embed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The best of the first day 🏛⛲️Terrazza del Pincio, 6 agosto 2018</a></p> <p>A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/silvi.dozzi/?utm_source=ig_embed" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Silvi</a> (@silvi.dozzi) on Aug 9, 2018 at 5:02pm PDT</p> </div> <h3><strong> The Pincio Gardens</strong></h3> Stroll across the pedestrian bridge within the Borghese Gardens to discover the Pincio Gardens that neighbour the park. There are beautiful views from the terrace at the Piazzale Napoleone I, particularly at sunset – well worth the climb up the hill.  <div> <p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BkoTQNaDaVa/?utm_source=ig_embed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">(più Roma di così...) #iconic #pantheon #botticella #carrozzella #roma #rome #italy #igersroma</a></p> <p>A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/pangestruzio/?utm_source=ig_embed" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Tommaso</a> (@pangestruzio) on Jun 29, 2018 at 6:04pm PDT</p> </div> <h3><strong> Horse-drawn carriages</strong></h3> What could be more romantic than touring the ancient streets of Rome in a horse-drawn carriage? The carriages are called Botticella (meaning small barrel) and there is a choice of tour routes taking in famous monuments including the <strong><a href="/vatican-rome/en-us/rome-attractions/coliseum-rome">Coliseum</a></strong>, Circus Maximus and the Trevi fountain.  <div> <p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bg4LLNfgznE/?utm_source=ig_embed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The great beauty #rome #rivertiber #italy #cloudlovers</a></p> <p>A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/_federicatodisco/?utm_source=ig_embed" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Federica Todisco</a> (@_federicatodisco) on Mar 28, 2018 at 11:55am PDT</p> </div> <h3><strong>Cruise the Tiber</strong></h3> Cruise down the river Tiber on a boat tour for a different view of the city and take in the wonderful surroundings with your favourite person. There are cruises with live music, drinks and/or food as well as hop-on-hop-off options. <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dtljonz0f/image/upload/f_auto/q_auto/v1/gc-v1/rome-and-vatican-pass/blog/romantic-rome-vatican-museum.jpg" loading="lazy"><h3><strong> Explore Vatican City</strong></h3> Be inspired by the Vatican Museums – 1400 rooms containing art and artefacts from over 3,000 years of Roman history. Not to forget the<strong><a href="/vatican-rome/en-us/rome-attractions/Sistine-Chapel"> Sistine Chapel</a></strong>, that attracts more than 5 million visitors a year (equal to the population of Norway). Advance booking and tickets with fast-track entry are advised, but it’s a real must-visit. <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dtljonz0f/image/upload/f_auto/q_auto/v1/gc-v1/rome-and-vatican-pass/blog/romantic-rome-st-peters-basilica.jpg" loading="lazy"><h3><a href="/vatican-rome/en-us/rome-attractions/st-peters-basilica"><strong>St Peter’s Basilica</strong></a></h3> Also part of the Vatican, St Peter’s is one of the holiest Catholic churches in the world and a beautiful example of Renaissance architecture. Climb to the top of the dome for 360-degree views of St Peter’s Square and the city of Rome, or admire the many statues and artworks, including the <em>Pietà </em>– Michelangelo’s only signed work. If you’re Catholic, you can even be married here. (Terms and conditions apply.)  <div> <p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BkFYbgzFM8D/?utm_source=ig_embed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Resterei lì, a guardarla per ore. Perché certi posti ci restano nel cuore! / 🗝 #roma #bucodellaserratura #aventino #meraviglia ________ #igersitalia #igersroma #igerslazio #instagramer #yallersitalia #yallerseurope #yallersroma #yallerslazio #ilikeitaly #italiainunoscatto #igers #instagrammer #instagramers</a></p> <p>A post shared by @<a href="https://www.instagram.com/smonep/?utm_source=ig_embed" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> smonep</a> on Jun 16, 2018 at 4:36am PDT</p> </div> <h3><strong> Aventine Hill</strong></h3> Climb Aventine Hill to enjoy a romantic picnic while gazing down at the city from above. Set in a quieter residential district, it’s a break from the hustle and bustle of the rest of the city. Take a cheeky bottle of wine at sunset and don’t forget to peek through the keyhole of the Knights of Malta for a particularly beautiful view.  <div> <p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BlZ89htAoIh/?utm_source=ig_embed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Tim (@timvranken)</a> on Jul 19, 2018 at 12:51am PDT</p> </div> <h3><strong> Teatro Dell’Opera di Roma</strong></h3> Head over to the famous opera house to witness a jaw-dropping opera or ballet. Built in the nineteenth century, this theatre is one of the best in Europe. A perfect evening or day activity, you and your partner will leave feeling refreshed and inspired.  <div> <p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BmNfHpnDcxf/?utm_source=ig_embed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Situado na rua ao lado da Piazza Navona (praça) , o hotel Raphael oferece quartos luxuosos com banheiros revestido em mármores e piso em parquet. O terraço na cobertura oferece vista panorâmica de Roma , da Basílica de São Pedro. #azmturismo #roma #relauschateaux #viagem www.azmturismo.com E-mail: amanda@azmturismo.com</a></p> <p>A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/azm.turismo/?utm_source=ig_embed" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> AZM Turismo &amp; Corporativo</a> (@azm.turismo) on Aug 8, 2018 at 1:11am PDT</p> </div> <h3><strong> Raphael Rooftop Dinner</strong></h3> Enjoy a fancy dinner on the Hotel Raphael roof terrace looking out over Rome. Look up from your meal to admire views of the Church of St Agnes, the Church of St Mary of the Soul and Santa Maria della Pace. Or simply gaze into your partner’s eyes.  <div> <p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BmRoN4olh0w/?utm_source=ig_embed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Диана Харламова (@slum_princess)</a> on Aug 9, 2018 at 3:47pm PDT</p> </div> <h3><strong> Trastevere</strong></h3> As the sun goes down, head over to Trastevere to explore the more laid-back, bohemian side of Rome. Wander through boutique shops selling a variety of unique products perfect for special gifts or souvenirs. There are also plenty of cafés for a relaxing cup of coffee while enjoying the evening air. <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dtljonz0f/image/upload/f_auto/q_auto/v1/gc-v1/rome-and-vatican-pass/blog/romantic-rome-trevi-fountain.jpg" loading="lazy"><h3><strong> Trevi Fountain</strong></h3> Don’t forget to throw a coin into the famous Trevi fountain for luck. Legend has it, you will then be sure to return to Rome in the future. And if you throw in three coins, the fountain promises marriage! All the coins are later collected and donated to charity. <a href="/vatican-rome/en-us/blog/visiting-the-trevi-fountain">Learn about this iconic Roman landmark here</a>.  <div> <p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BmJ3cY_g_ZR/?utm_source=ig_embed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">When in Italy... GELATO • When in Rome... GIOLITTI 🍦#sisterlystyle #sisterlystyletakerome #travelingwithsisterlystyle ❤️ A&amp;E</a></p> <p>A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/sisterlystyle/?utm_source=ig_embed" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> S I S T E R L Y S T Y L E</a> (@sisterlystyle) on Aug 6, 2018 at 3:26pm PDT</p> </div> <h3><strong> Giolitti Ice Cream </strong></h3> Ice cream lover? If you’re starting to feel the heat after a long walk, this is the perfect place to cool off. With every flavour imaginable and sprinkles galore, this is a great place to stop off during a day out. Discover some of the <a href="/vatican-rome/en-us/blog/best-gelato-in-rome">best gelato in the city thanks to our guide</a> with local bloggers!  <div> <p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BmMMiZoAdOa/?utm_source=ig_embed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">★ story ★ Puddles = photo opportunity . Another pic from my recent trip to Rome. _̲̅_̲̅_̲̅_̲̅_̲̅_̲̅_̲̅_̲̅_̲̅_̲̅_̲̅_̲̅_̲̅_̲̅_̲̅_̲̅_̲̅_̲̅_̲̅_̲̅_̲̅_̲̅_̲̅_̲̅_̲̅_̲̅_̲̅_̲̅_̲̅_̲̅ . ★ kistography ★ _̲̅_̲̅_̲̅_̲̅_̲̅_̲̅_̲̅_̲̅_̲̅_̲̅_̲̅_̲̅_̲̅_̲̅_̲̅_̲̅_̲̅_̲̅_̲̅_̲̅_̲̅_̲̅_̲̅_̲̅_̲̅_̲̅_̲̅_̲̅_̲̅_̲̅ . ★ my set up ★ _̲̅_̲̅_̲̅_̲̅_̲̅_̲̅_̲̅_̲̅_̲̅_̲̅_̲̅_̲̅_̲̅_̲̅_̲̅_̲̅_̲̅_̲̅_̲̅_̲̅_̲̅_̲̅_̲̅_̲̅_̲̅_̲̅_̲̅_̲̅_̲̅_̲̅ . 📷 = @CanonUK 700D + 10-18mm. . 🌍 = Giardino degli Aranci, Rome, Italy 🇮🇹. . 🖍 = Processed in Adobe Creative Suite - Adobe Photoshop _̲̅_̲̅_̲̅_̲̅_̲̅_̲̅_̲̅_̲̅_̲̅_̲̅_̲̅_̲̅_̲̅_̲̅_̲̅_̲̅_̲̅_̲̅_̲̅_̲̅_̲̅_̲̅_̲̅_̲̅_̲̅_̲̅_̲̅_̲̅_̲̅_̲̅ . ★ social ★ . * [FB] www.facebook.com/kistography * [TW] kistography * [IG 2] @kistogram * [SC] Kistography. * (Clickable links in my profile). _̲̅_̲̅_̲̅_̲̅_̲̅_̲̅_̲̅_̲̅_̲̅_̲̅_̲̅_̲̅_̲̅_̲̅_̲̅_̲̅_̲̅_̲̅_̲̅_̲̅_̲̅_̲̅_̲̅_̲̅_̲̅_̲̅_̲̅_̲̅_̲̅_̲̅ . ★ hashtags ★ . . . . #canonuk #telegraphtravel #guardiantravelsnaps #ig_travelerworld #bbctravel #natgeotravel #igrome #romecityworld #thehub_roma #inrhome #unlimitedrome #igroma #lazio_super_pics #loves_lazio #vivolazio #romeitaly #placesofitaly #raw_italy #travelsitaly #igpic_italia #ig_italia #TopEuropePhoto #ig_europe #loves_united_europe #loves_europe #ig_europa #ok_europe #euro_shot #ThePIPAS2018</a></p> <p>A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/kistography/?utm_source=ig_embed" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Photographer ➕ instagram geek</a> (@kistography) on Aug 7, 2018 at 1:09pm PDT</p> </div> <h3><strong> The Garden of Oranges</strong></h3> Take a leisurely stroll to the Giardino degli Aranci behind the Basilica of Santa Sabine with the ancient ruined walls of the Castle Savelli. Take a picnic or go to enjoy the sunset, accompanied by the wonderful fragrance of the orange trees. What could be more relaxing? <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dtljonz0f/image/upload/f_auto/q_auto/v1/gc-v1/rome-and-vatican-pass/blog/romantic-rome-ponte-st-angelo.jpg" loading="lazy"><h3><strong> Ponte Sant’Angelo</strong></h3> Enjoy a scenic wander along the Tiber until you reach the Ponte Sant’Angelo bridge that dates back to the 15th century. Watch the lights of Rome reflect and sparkle in the water and think about the love of your life (or the pizza you’re going to order later). <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dtljonz0f/image/upload/f_auto/q_auto/v1/gc-v1/rome-and-vatican-pass/blog/romantic-rome-castel-st-angelo.jpg" loading="lazy"><h3><strong> Castel Sant’Angelo</strong></h3> <strong><a href="/vatican-rome/en-us/rome-attractions/national-museum-castel-st-angelo">Castel Sant’Angelo</a> </strong>is close to the Ponte Sant’Angelo bridge and beautifully lit at night. It’s occasionally open in the evenings, which is a chance to explore the castle when it’s much quieter than normal. Now housing a museum, it was originally built as the Mausoleum of Hadrian and later converted to a papal fortress. While that may not sound romantic, the impressive architecture, peaceful atmosphere and views from the terrace are well worth the trip. <h3><strong> Hidden Cafés and Rooftop Terraces</strong></h3> It wouldn’t be a romantic get-away without a drink at a hidden café or on a rooftop terrace. Rome is home to many places of the sort waiting to be discovered by you and your partner. Stroll through the streets to stumble upon cosy cafés amongst the brick. <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dtljonz0f/image/upload/f_auto/q_auto/v1/gc-v1/rome-and-vatican-pass/blog/romantic-rome-roman-forum.jpg" loading="lazy"><h3><strong> The Roman Forum &amp; Palatine Hill</strong></h3> <strong><a href="/vatican-rome/en-us/rome-attractions/Roman-Forum-Palatine-Hill">The Roman Forum and Palatine Hill</a> </strong>are part of the ancient city of Rome. Explore the ancient ruins, iconic pillars, historical buildings and winding cobbled streets with your partner while you literally walk in the footsteps of emperors.  <div> <p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BmOu8WjBK9A/?utm_source=ig_embed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Pinching myself that I happened to be here for last night’s sunset. Roma you never cease to amaze me! ✨✨✨ • • • • • • • • • • #romewhatelse #lazio_bestsunset #tramonto #rome #roma #romewise #tramonti_italiani #sunset_hunter #campidoglio #michelangelo #quantoseibellaroma #ig_rome #igersroma #igersitalia #vivoroma #vivo_italia #italia_super_pics #italiainunoscatto #yallersroma #yallersitalia #mytinyatlas #beautifuldestinations #romeisus #romephotography</a></p> <p>A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/romewise/?utm_source=ig_embed" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Elyssa Bernard</a> (@romewise) on Aug 8, 2018 at 12:48pm PDT</p> </div> <h3><strong> Campidoglio</strong></h3> A very popular wedding venue, Piazza del Campidoglio is a great place for holiday photos, particularly as there is no traffic. The piazza itself was designed by Michelangelo and has plenty of cafés to stop at. Located on Capitoline Hill, it also offers more exquisite views over the city.  <div> <p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BmQMP_qgG1f/?utm_source=ig_embed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">#down #exploringtheglobe #sunrise #sundown n #sky #skyline #skylovers #skyview #valley #nature #naturelove #natura #natureza #naturalista #naturegram #panorama #roma #tramontosulfiume #explore #isolatiberina #colli #river #tramonto #explore #naturephotography #summer #naturephotography #travelphotography #sunset #tibetina #tevere</a></p> <p>A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/gullarig/?utm_source=ig_embed" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Giulia Godoli</a> (@gullarig) on Aug 9, 2018 at 2:24am PDT</p> </div> <h3><strong> Lungotevere</strong></h3> Lungotevere were large walls built to protect Rome from the Tiber flooding. Now a boulevard running along the edge of the river, this is a perfect spot for a romantic evening stroll while looking out over the water.  <div> <p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BkvWcjLHKB8/?utm_source=ig_embed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">View from the other side of Gianicolo hill. #gianicolohill #rome #villalante #basilicadisanpietro #saintpetersbasilica</a></p> <p>A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/s_juvonen/?utm_source=ig_embed" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Suvi Juvonen</a> (@s_juvonen) on Jul 2, 2018 at 11:46am PDT</p> </div> <h3><strong> Gianicolo Hill</strong></h3> For the most breathtaking panorama of Rome yet, Gianicolo Hill is the place to go to. It doesn’t matter if you’re in your heels and best dress, as taxis run regularly to the top. With cafés and shops conveniently located, there’s no need to pack a picnic either. With so many romantic places in Rome, it’s hard to choose where to start. An OMNIA Vatican &amp; Rome card will save you time and money on big and small attractions, making your romantic getaway go as smoothly as possible. Wishing you a romantic trip! 

The perfect mix of greenery, history, art and radiant sunsets, Rome is perfect for couples. Discover our guide to the most romantic places in Rome.

Our Guide to the Most Romantic Places in Rome | OMNIA Vatican & Rome Pass

The Ultimate List of Unusual Places to Visit in Rome

  <h2>Go off the beaten track and get to a new perspective on the city with our guide to Unusual Places to Visit in Rome!</h2> <p>Rome is famous for its grand architecture, mysterious ancient ruins and magnificent parks. As well as the famous attractions, there are heaps of unusual and quirky places to visit that aren’t in every tourist guide. Why not take some time to escape the crowds and explore these weird and wonderful hidden gems, with this guide from the team at the OMNIA Vatican &amp; Rome Pass?</p> <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dtljonz0f/image/upload/f_auto/q_auto/v1/gc-v1/rome-and-vatican-pass/blog/unusual-places-in-rome.jpg" loading="lazy"><p>1. Cat lover? Explore <strong>Torre Argentina</strong>, the Roman cat sanctuary where you’ll find cats lounging around the ruins where Caesar was murdered. Home to over 300,000 felines, Rome is a cat lover’s paradise. 2. Mooch around <strong>San Lorenzo,</strong> a laid-back, bohemian district of Rome. Home to street parties, pop-up cafes and a great mix of bars, this is the best spot for a cheap beer and an evening boogie. 3. Head to the ‘crypt of pelvises’ at the <strong>Santa Maria della Concezione Crypts </strong>to see the bones of over 4,000 friars decorating the walls. 4. Make your way to the impressive architectural museum, <strong>Centrale Montemartini</strong>, housed in a former power plant located in Ostiense. The architecture provides a great contrast with the Roman and Greek statues, busts and friezes. 5. Heard of Aventine Hill? A perfect spot for an afternoon picnic, don’t forget to look through the <strong>keyhole</strong> in the large door in the <strong>Piazza dei Cavalieri di Malta</strong> for a special view. 6. For an eclectic mix of architecture, check out the<strong> Quartiere Coppede</strong>. It’s an unusual area of Rome where you’ll find a mix of Ancient Greek, Roman, Baroque, Mannerist, Medieval and Art Nouveau architecture. 7. Head to the <strong>EUR, the Esposizione Universale di Roma,</strong> located right at the edge of the city. The combination of ancient Rome and modern design was designed for a world fair in 1942 that never happened. 8. Be amazed by the <strong>Dome Illusion</strong> at the Jesuit church of Saint Ignazio. Built in the 17th century, original plans included a beautiful dome, but money ran out. Instead they hired a painter to create the illusion from within the church. 9. Sift through trinkets, clothes, books, jewellery and much more at the unique <strong>Porta Portese Market</strong>. This Roman flea market is the perfect place to find a good deal on some unusual gifts. 10. Visit the first paved road in history, <strong>Appia Antica</strong>. Starting at the Baths of Caracalla this road has been dubbed the ‘Queen of Roads’ as construction began centuries ago in 312 BC.</p> <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dtljonz0f/image/upload/f_auto/q_auto/v1/gc-v1/rome-and-vatican-pass/blog/Mithraeum-at-Circus-Maximus.jpg" loading="lazy"><p>11. Explore the mysteries of the <strong>Mithraeum at Circus Maximus</strong>. Once the underground sanctuary of a centuries-old cult, this temple was dedicated to Mithras. Accessible by appointment only. 12. Pay your respects at the resting place of celebrated English poets Shelley and Keats at the <strong>Roman Protestant Cemetery. </strong>This cemetery built in the 18th century was intended for foreign non-Catholics, who were not permitted to be buried in Roman soil. 13. Fancy yourself a good liar? Visit <strong>Bocca di Verita</strong> (The Mouth of Truth) and risk getting your hand bitten off. The Mouth is a stone disk with a yawning humanoid face used as a lie detector dating back to the 1st century CE. Eagle-eyed movie fans will recognise the sculpture from the classic Audrey Hepburn film "Roman Holiday". 14. Another beautiful park can be found at <strong>Villa Doria Pamphili</strong>. It’s Rome’s largest park and houses gorgeous gardens plus a huge villa. 15. Brave the city of the dead in the <strong>Vatican Necropolis</strong>. Hidden beneath St Peter’s Basilica lie the tombs that may even hold the remains of St Peter himself. 16. Visit the <strong>Church of St. Ignatius Loyola</strong> to see the splendid oil paintings by Andrea Pozzo from 1685. Prepare to be fooled by the ceiling fresco, which creates the illusion that the building is vaulted. 17. Did you know there was an ‘Egyptian’ pyramid in Europe? Well, there is, and it’s the 2000-year-old <strong>Pyramid of Cestius </strong>in Rome housing the tomb of Remus. 18. Visit the Vegan Cat Café, <strong>Romeow</strong>, to make some furry feline friends. Sit back and enjoy the wonderful selection of vegan cakes, pastries and hot drinks. 19. Explore the <strong>Basilica of St Paul Outside the Walls</strong>, as a usually quiet alternative to St Paul’s at the Vatican. Just as vast and magnificent inside, this is a great place to go for some peaceful observation. 20. Hidden away in a small basilica in Rome lies the supposed <strong>skull of St Valentine</strong>, the patron saint of lovers, surrounded by flowers. Romantic date?</p> <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dtljonz0f/image/upload/f_auto/q_auto/v1/gc-v1/rome-and-vatican-pass/blog/Ostiense-unusual-rome.jpg" loading="lazy"><p>21. Throughout Rome you can find quirky and interesting <strong>street art</strong>. <strong>Ostiense</strong> is particularly known for unusual street art and murals. 22. Visit the <strong>Porta Alchemica</strong>, an Alchemist’s ‘magic door’ hidden within a Roman park. 23. For some alternative architecture, head to ‘the Monster House’, otherwise known as the <strong>Zuccari Palace</strong>. It features a monstrous stone faces that appears to be eating away at the palace structure. 24. Explore the <strong>MAXXI Museum </strong>(National Museum of the 21st century arts) to view a collection of local and international pieces from recognised artists. 25. Take a tour round the extremely unusual <strong>House of the Owls</strong>. Not an animal sanctuary, but a gothic house with art nouveau decorations, it’s not a place that’s featured in your typical guide books. 26. Along the road of Appia are the <strong>Catacombs of San Sebastian</strong> – supposedly the first use of the term catacombs. It is also home to a set of marble footprints that are thought to be Jesus’s from his walk to Rome along the Appia Road. 27. Squeamish? At the <strong>Santi Vincenzo e Anastasio a Trevi</strong>, you can see the embalmed hearts and organs of 22 popes. 28. For another strange experience, head to the <strong>Ospedale delle Bambole</strong>, the hospital for dolls. Somewhat creepy and definitely very weird, this is a hospital where antique dolls are given treatment and new lease on life. 29. Witness the skull claimed to be that of <strong>St John the Baptist</strong> on display at the <strong>San Silvestro in Capite </strong> church. 30. Visit an ancient Roman prison, the <strong>Mamertine Prison </strong>and see the unusual cross in the chapel, hung upside down since St Peter is said to have been crucified that way.</p> <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dtljonz0f/image/upload/f_auto/q_auto/v1/gc-v1/rome-and-vatican-pass/blog/keats-shelley-rome.jpg" loading="lazy"><p>31. <strong>The Keats-Shelley Memorial House </strong>is a must-visit for English literature lovers. The museum was the last home of John Keats and was also sadly where he passed away after contracting tuberculosis at the age of 25. 32. Explore one of the only two Jewish catacombs open to the public, out of the seven in Rome. The catacombs<strong> Vigna Randanini</strong> were discovered in 1859. 33. Wander the scattered ruins of an ancient Italian ghost town set in amongst thick forest, <strong>the Natural Monument of Galeria Antica</strong>. Rebuilt several times over the course of centuries, it was finally abandoned in 1809, after an outbreak of malaria caused the last residents to flee. 34. Head to the<strong> Campo de’ Fiori </strong>for a peculiar market built around a statue of Giordano Bruno, an Italian Dominican friar, philosopher, mathematician, poet, and cosmological theorist, his statue is built on the site of his execution by fire. Wander around the market and sample some of the exquisite olive oils and balsamic vinegars. 35. Visit the <strong>Sweating Cenotaph at the Archbasilica San Giovanni </strong>located in Laterano, that is supposedly able to predict the death of the pope. A large stone covered in inscriptions and images, it’s said to sweat heavily if the death of a pope is approaching. 36. The <strong>Museum of Roman Ships </strong>at Fiumicino is the perfect place to find out more about ancient Roman seafaring. 37. Discover ‘<strong>Little London’</strong> and a street designed in the style of a typical English urban street dating back to 1909. 38. Fancy yourself a worthy gladiator? Enrol for a day at <strong>Rome’s Gladiator School </strong>to experience a historic reenactment. 39. Climb to the top of <strong>Gianicolo Hill </strong>and listen out for the sound of cannon fire that resonates around the city every day at midday. This tradition dates from when the battle of Rome was won in 184. 40. Witness ancient Roman houses brought to life in the <strong>Palazzo Valentini </strong>using state-of-the-art technology.</p> <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dtljonz0f/image/upload/f_auto/q_auto/v1/gc-v1/rome-and-vatican-pass/blog/rome-food.jpg" loading="lazy"><p>41. Take an <strong>Italian cookery class</strong> or wine and food pairing class. This is a perfect activity for a couple or solo traveller to meet some local people and learn more about the Roman culture. 42. Hang out in the <strong>Piazza Madonna dei Monti </strong>in the Monti district, grab a slice of yummy pizza and a cheap bottle of beer and just chill out. 43. Sending postcards? Head to the <strong>Vatican City </strong>to use some of the coolest stamps you’ll come by. 44. Check out the <strong>Stadio dei Marmi</strong> with impressive statuary from the 1920s, used to evoke classical sporting arenas. 45. Take a <strong>Vespa Tour </strong>in the evening or at night and feel like you’re in a movie. 46. Visit the <strong>Trevi Fountain </strong>at night to escape the crowds in the day and see it when beautifully lit up. 47. Climb to the top of Rome’s highest point, <strong>Monte Mario, </strong>and experience the spectacular views from above the city. Although a bit further out, this is well worth a visit. 48. Explore the <strong>Shrine of Pope Joan, </strong>close to the Colosseum and potentially the only female pope in the history of Catholicism. 49. Head to the <strong>Metropoliz Museum of the Other and the Elsewhere </strong>located in an old abandoned Roman salami factory. Contact the museum for opening times. 50. Check out <strong>Monte Testaccio, </strong>the hill made up completely of amphorae – ancient Romans regarded it as a simple garbage dump.</p> <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dtljonz0f/image/upload/f_auto/q_auto/v1/gc-v1/rome-and-vatican-pass/blog/Passetto-di-Borgo.jpg" loading="lazy"><p>51. Explore the secret passageway that allowed the Pope to quickly escape raiders in the 16th century. The <strong>Passetto di Borgo </strong>looks like any other old wall but in fact hides an escape route. 52. Visit the ‘great sewer’, <strong>Cloaca Maxima</strong>. Supposedly one of the oldest sewer systems in the world, it demonstrates the forward-thinking and ingenuity of Roman city planners. 53. Discover your <strong>pasta making</strong> skills and take a class with a local chef. 54. Jump on a <strong>Segway</strong> and take a tour around Rome – see all the the great attractions without having to worry about sore feet. Don’t forget your helmet though! 55. Thrill-seeker? Try out the <strong>Tandem Paragliding experience </strong>and fly over one of three cities just outside of Rome for an unforgettable experience. 56. For a spectacular view and food to die for, pop in to <strong>La Pergola </strong>restaurant to enjoy views of St Peter’s Basilica while you chomp down on the signature carbonara. Molto buono. 57. For a chilled out evening of authentic pizza and a lively atmosphere, make your way to the laid back district of Testaccio. <strong>Pizzeria Remo</strong> serves Roman-style flat pizzas and is extremely popular with the locals, so turn up early to grab a table. 58. Check out the <strong>Meridian Line of the Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels and the Martyrs. </strong>The basilica built in the 16th century is home to a beautiful and intricate meridian-aligned sundial. 59. Experience the mystery of <strong>Lacus Curtius</strong>, once believed by the Romans to be the gateway to hell. Located in the Roman Forum it now appears to be just a simple stone slab however, before it was filled in a huge chasm existed. 60. Chocolate lover? Head over to <strong>Said</strong>, half restaurant, half chocolate factory. The restaurant works to produce the perfect combinations of sweet and savoury with dishes such as bitter chocolate ravioli.</p> <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dtljonz0f/image/upload/f_auto/q_auto/v1/gc-v1/rome-and-vatican-pass/blog/gregorys-jazz-bar-rome.jpg" loading="lazy"><p><em>Image via <a href="https://www.facebook.com/gregorys.jazzclub">Gregory's Jazz Club</a></em> 61. Jazz night, anyone? <strong>Gregory’s Jazz Club</strong> serves up some of the finest scotch with a super-friendly atmosphere making it the perfect place for a cosy evening. 62. Go back in Italian automobile history and cruise down the streets of Rome in the original Fiat 500. 63. Hidden down a narrow side street, the <strong>Arch of Gallienus </strong>is often missed by tourists and even locals. The arch marks the location of one of the ancient Roman gates that stood at one of the Seven Hills of Rome. 64. Admire the huge sculptural piece <strong>La Resurrezione </strong>that sits behind the main stage of the Paul VI Audience Hall. 65. Out of 900 churches in Rome, there is one that stands out from the others: <strong>Saint Catherine </strong>was the first Russian Orthodox church built in the city. 66. With an authentic look and feel, <strong>Ristorante da Meo Patacca </strong>is the best place to try some traditional Roman dishes while listening to wonderful live music.</p> <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dtljonz0f/image/upload/f_auto/q_auto/v1/gc-v1/rome-and-vatican-pass/blog/Purgatory-Museum.jpeg" loading="lazy"><p>67. The <strong>Purgatory Museum </strong>is filled with extraordinary artefacts and strange books with handprints burnt into them by souls trapped in purgatory – definitely an unusual experience. 68. Home to over 40 underground burial chambers throughout the city, it would be silly not to check out some of the <strong>Catacombs of Rome</strong>. 69. If you fancy a bit of a thrill, take a spooky <strong>Ghost Tour</strong> and discover some of the Roman mysteries that still haunt the city today. 70. Visit the quirky <strong>Pasta Museum</strong> to learn about all the different varieties of Rome’s famous staple food. 71. Join the locals to watch a traditional puppet show at <strong>Giancolo Belvedere</strong> and enjoy a fun activity for the whole family. With so many unusual things to do in Rome, where will you go? And don’t forget to check out the OMNIA Vatican &amp; Rome card, which can save you time and money on attractions big and small. Wishing you a good trip!</p> 

Rome is famous for its grand architecture and mysterious ancient ruins. Go off the beaten track and get to a new perspective on the city with our guide to unusual Places to Visit in Rome!

Unusual Places to Visit in Rome List | Omnia Rome & Vatican Pass

Our Guide to Unique Buildings in Rome

   <h2>From ancient works to modern standouts, here's the most unique buildings in Rome</h2> Stroll around Rome for the day and you'll be faced with architectural marvel after architectural marvel, with gigantic churches, elaborate fountains and skyscrapers tied together in a harmonious (if not slightly chaotic) network of narrow streets and crowds of people. If you've only got a few days in the city and you're a bit of an architectural buff, it's worth listing down some of the most beautiful buildings in Rome to save on time - check them out below. <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dtljonz0f/image/upload/f_auto/q_auto/v1/gc-v1/rome-and-vatican-pass/blog/unique-buildings-rome-colliseum.jpg" loading="lazy"><h3><a href="/vatican-rome/en-us/rome-attractions/coliseum-rome"><strong>Colosseum</strong></a></h3> Were you even remotely surprised the Colosseum made the list? As one of the biggest architectural marvels in Rome, this gigantic Flavian stadium dates all the way back to 70-80AD and still looks like it's in pretty good nick. While gladiators and wild animals once played out gory scenes on its sands, it now serves as a popular tourist attraction for history buffs and large scale concerts and the occasional religious ceremony is held here nowadays. <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dtljonz0f/image/upload/f_auto/q_auto/v1/gc-v1/rome-and-vatican-pass/blog/unique-buildings-rome-st-angelo.jpg" loading="lazy"><h3><a href="/vatican-rome/en-us/rome-attractions/national-museum-castel-st-angelo"><strong>Castel St Angelo</strong></a></h3> This stark fortress on the River Tiber is impossible to miss and has a colourful history with separate lives as a final resting place, battleground and papal residence. Commissioned by Emperor Hadrian to serve as his mausoleum, the cylindrical fortress became a crucial military and papal residence since it happens to be nearby the Vatican City. The iconic angel statue that sits atop it was only added in 590AD after Pope Gregory was visited by a vision of Archangel Michael while the city was entrenched with plague, which he believed hailed the end of the epidemic. <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dtljonz0f/image/upload/f_auto/q_auto/v1/gc-v1/rome-and-vatican-pass/blog/unique-buildings-rome-st-peters.jpg" loading="lazy"><h3><a href="/vatican-rome/en-us/rome-attractions/st-peters-basilica"><strong>St Peter's Basilica</strong></a></h3> Arrive at St Peter's Basilica at the right time and you'll be able to catch a glimpse of Pope Francis in one of its upstairs windows, reciting prayers to an attentive crowd below. It's said to be built above the final resting place of Peter the Apostle, one of Jesus' most trusted disciples, and Christians from all over the world travel to pay their respects at one of the holiest sites on earth. For those who aren't so religiously inclined, the Basilica is an unforgettable site with the likes of Michelangelo working on its iconic dome and architects like Donato Bramante, Carlo Moderno and Gian Lorenzo Bernini bringing it to life. <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dtljonz0f/image/upload/f_auto/q_auto/v1/gc-v1/rome-and-vatican-pass/blog/unique-buildings-rome-maxii.jpg" loading="lazy"><h3><strong>MAXXI</strong></h3> Designed by architectural superstar Zaha Hadid, MAXXI houses some of the most seminal works of the 21st century and is itself a work of art. Its gorgeous slick and sloping lines weren't predetermined however as the Ministry of Cultural Heritage actually ran an architectural competition, after which the winners' design would be made a reality and Zaha Hadid secured the prestigious project. As a stark juxtaposition to the city's range of ancient Roman buildings, it's a vision of modern Rome that the emperors of old would hardly have been able to dream of. <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dtljonz0f/image/upload/f_auto/q_auto/v1/gc-v1/rome-and-vatican-pass/blog/unique-buildings-rome-pantheon.jpg" loading="lazy"><h3><strong>Pantheon</strong></h3> Thousands of people flock to the Pantheon every year to see the glory of ancient Roman architecture, with its ivory facade, broad dome and tall imposing columns setting the bar. As a relic of Emperor Hadrian's era, it was commissioned by the ruler and later finished in 126AD to worship a number of Roman gods - though it later became a church, then the tourist attraction it is today. <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dtljonz0f/image/upload/f_auto/q_auto/v1/gc-v1/rome-and-vatican-pass/blog/unique-buildings-rome-museum-2000.jpg" loading="lazy"><h3><strong>Church of 2000</strong></h3> If you've just about had enough of traditional churches out in the Vatican City, American architect Richard Meier's modern take on the religious place of worship is a breath of fresh air. As the same man who designed the Ara Pacis museum, the Church of 2000 has the same graphic design sensibility with bisected shapes and walls of glass playing into the structure. Its three gigantic curving shells contrasted with the sharp blocks of the main church hall are a pleasing 

Stroll around for the day and you'll be faced with architectural marvels, from ancient works to modern standouts, here's the most unique buildings in Rome

Our Guide to Unique Buildings in Rome | Omnia Rome and Vatican Pass

Dinner with a View: The Best Rooftop Restaurants in Rome

  <h2>Take to the heights at the best rooftop restaurants and bars in Rome</h2> <p>While the Italian capital isn't the tallest city in Europe, that actually works in its favour as it boasts a number of rooftop restaurants and bars in Rome with panoramic views over the skyline. Whether you're looking to catch a breath between sightseeing with an espresso, revive yourself before dinner with aperitivo or looking for decadence with Michelin starred menus, there's a number of rooftops restaurants in Rome to add to your bucket list.</p>  <div> <p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BbHFHfZHIC6" rel="noopener" target="_blank">What a beautiful place #rooftop #dining #drinks #beautiful #nice #chill #roma #rome #italy #🇮🇹</a></p> <p>A post shared by Nuttasuk Ngokngarm (@nuttasuk) on Nov 5, 2017 at 2:43am PST</p> </div>  <h3><strong>Bramante Terrace, Hotel Raphael</strong></h3> <p>Looking to get away from the crowds and bustle? Head upstairs to Hotel Raphael's Bramante Terrace, where you'll be able to drink in panoramic views of <a href="/vatican-rome/en-us/rome-attractions/vatican-city-attractions">the Vatican</a>, <a href="/vatican-rome/en-us/rome-attractions/national-museum-castel-st-angelo">Castel Sant'Angelo</a> and as much of Rome as far as the eye can see. With a killer wine list, cocktails and a food menu if you're feeling peckish, it's a great place to kick back and relax at the height of sophistication. It's not super well known and the terrace is quite small, making for an intimate experience you'll be hard-pressed to find anywhere else.</p>  <div> <p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BZanPwFlAeq" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Coffee with a view - - - - - - - #coffee #coffeetime #bar #roma #rome #italia #italy #view #terrace #city #escape #panorama #visit #explore #world #travel #traveller #travelgram #travelblogger #travelphotography #instatravel #wanderlust #beautiful #beautifuldestination</a></p> <p>A post shared by Alessio Terzi (@terzibus) on Sep 24, 2017 at 12:44am PDT</p> </div>  <h3><strong>American Bar, Hotel Forum</strong></h3> <p>Step into another time period at the American Bar, where you'll be able to unwind with views over ancient Roman landmarks like the <a href="/vatican-rome/en-us/rome-attractions/coliseum-rome">Colosseum</a>, Altare della Patria and of course, the <a href="/vatican-rome/en-us/rome-attractions/Roman-Forum-Palatine-Hill">Roman Forum</a> ruins from which the hotel derives it name. You don't even need to be a hotel guest to lounge around here and it's a gorgeous place for a date night, if you're in the mood for romance.</p>  <div> <p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BaloMk-j8rN" rel="noopener" target="_blank">A post shared by marcodetomassi (@marco.detomassi)</a> on Oct 23, 2017 at 3:55am PDT</p> </div>  <h3><strong>Casina Valadier</strong></h3> <p>Located atop the iconic <a href="/vatican-rome/en-us/rome-attractions/Borghese-Gallery">Villa Borghese</a>, this tranquil bar and restaurant has breathed neoclassical life into one of the Villa's historical structures and has become a must-visit spot for those on the tourist trail. The menu's worth making the trek out with recipes such as beef tartare sprinkled with comte flakes, lamb with a truffle and caprino cheese crust and mixed seafood grilled to perfection. As it's up on high, you'll be able to see all the major sights stretching out across the horizon from <a href="/vatican-rome/en-us/rome-attractions/st-peters-basilica">St Peter's Basilica</a> to <a href="http://blog.romeandvaticanpass.com/guide-best-piazzas-in-rome">Piazza del Popolo</a>.</p>  <div> <p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BbPaBG6gn3R" rel="noopener" target="_blank">✨🇮🇹 Tu chiamale se vuoi emozioni... @palazzomanfredi #Roma #Colosseo 🇮🇹✨ Photo by: @italian_places ___ #yummy #foodie #cooking #lunch #breakfast #fashionfood#instacake #cibo #gnam #homemade #foodblog #Ilovefood #pranzo #cucina #foodart #tasty #delicious #foodpic #cucinaitaliana #dinner #eating #yum #italian_places #bar #ilovefood #rome #coliseo #colosseum</a></p> <p>A post shared by Best Food, Chef And Restaurant (@italian_food) on Nov 8, 2017 at 8:19am PST</p> </div>  <h3><strong>Aroma</strong></h3> <p>If you like the finer things in life, Aroma over at Palazzo Manfredi is one of Rome's best fine dining destinations - with a gorgeous view to boot. With a Michelin starred seven course tasting menu primed for an indulgent culinary evening, it's a surprisingly modest set-up which lets the food and the unbeatable view over the<a href="/vatican-rome/en-us/rome-attractions/coliseum-rome"> Colosseum </a>speak for itself. Come with a hefty wallet though, dining at Aroma doesn't come cheap.</p>  <div> <p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BVrsqDsFlZ4" rel="noopener" target="_blank">On June the 25th we will be hosting our last Sunday brunch of the season! We will be back in September. Minerva Roof Garden Restaurant and Bar are always open for breakfast, lunch and dinner and delicious cocktails...For cocktails lovers here a shot of our strawberry frozen daiquiri !!! #cocktail #delicious #minervaroofgarden #relaxing #breathtaking #view #pantheon #piazzadellaminerva #rome #grandhoteldelaminerve</a></p> <p>A post shared by grandhoteldelaminerve (@grandhoteldelaminerve) on Jun 23, 2017 at 5:53am PDT</p> </div>  <h3><strong>Minerva Roof Garden</strong></h3> <p>Another fantastic hotel bar on the list, the Minerva Roof Garden crowns the Grand Hotel de la Minerve located in the heart of Rome. Just a stone's throw away from sights such as the Spanish Steps and Trevi Fountain, it serves as both a restaurant and bar when the lights go down with traditional delights and more modern choices up for grabs. It's utterly chic with white jacketed staff keeping a beady eye out for those who need a champagne top up and a stellar view of sights such as<a href="http://blog.romeandvaticanpass.com/ultimate-rome-bucket-list"> the Pantheon.</a></p> 

Take to the heights at our top picks for best rooftop restaurants in Rome. Amazing food and drinks paired with incredible views, what more could you want!

The Best Rooftop Restaurants in Rome | Omnia Rome & Vatican Pass

Our Guide to the Borghese Gallery: Don't Miss Out

  <h2>Feeling artsy? Check out our guide to the Borghese Gallery</h2> <p>See some of the world's most significant pieces of art at Villa Borghese, where the family that the villa is named for cultivated one of the world's most impressive art collections. From early Caravaggios to Bernini's most breathtaking sculptures, there's lots to see here - make sure you see the highlights with our guide to the<strong><a href="/vatican-rome/en-us/rome-attractions/Borghese-Gallery"> Borghese Gallery</a></strong> below.</p> <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dtljonz0f/image/upload/f_auto/q_auto/v1/gc-v1/rome-and-vatican-pass/blog/Caravaggio_-_David_con_la_testa_di_Golia.jpg" loading="lazy"><h3><strong>David with the Head of Goliath</strong></h3> <p>It should come as no surprise that this dark piece of work comes from the mind of Caravaggio, one of the greatest Baroque artists of all time. As with all of his works, the play of light and shadows is one of the most striking things about it. Beyond its biblical references to the story of David slaying the giant Goliath, it's also an allegory for Caravaggio himself who gifted this to Pope Borghese to ask for a murder pardon.</p> <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dtljonz0f/image/upload/f_auto/q_auto/v1/gc-v1/rome-and-vatican-pass/blog/Apollo__Daphne_September_2a.jpg" loading="lazy"><h3><strong>Apollo and Daphne</strong></h3> <p>These gorgeous sculptures were crafted by Gian Lorenzo Bernini, a Baroque artist that grew to prominence in the 1600s. These mythological and romantic statues were actually crafted for Scipione Borghese, the founder of the Borghese Gallery - and Bernini was just 24 when he made them.</p> <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dtljonz0f/image/upload/f_auto/q_auto/v1/gc-v1/rome-and-vatican-pass/blog/Young_Sick_Bacchus-Caravaggio_1593.jpg" loading="lazy"><h3><strong>Young Sick Bacchus</strong></h3> <p>While this portrait of the Greek god Bacchus has strong mythological ties, Caravaggio actually based it off of his own likeness and is one of his earliest self-portraits. Painted in the dark Baroque style the artist was renowned for, its said that it reflects Caravaggio's own illness for which he was hospitalised for several months.</p> <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dtljonz0f/image/upload/f_auto/q_auto/v1/gc-v1/rome-and-vatican-pass/blog/The_Rape_of_Proserpina_01.jpg" loading="lazy"><h3><strong>The Rape of Persephone</strong></h3> <p>The virtuoso sculptor Gian Lorenzo Bernini's work fills the halls of Galleria Borghese and The Rape of Persephone is perhaps one of his most visited. Crafted by the artist at just 23 years old, the work depicts the goddess Persephone fighting off the god Hades who eventually steals her away to the underworld to be his wife. It was commissioned by Cardinal Scipione Borghese and while it moved around a bit in its lifetime, it eventually found its way back to the Borghese family in the early 1900s.</p> <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dtljonz0f/image/upload/f_auto/q_auto/v1/gc-v1/rome-and-vatican-pass/blog/venus-victrix.jpg" loading="lazy"><h3><strong>Venus Victrix</strong></h3> <p>It's hard to believe this sculpture is hewn out of marble, as the artist Antonio Canova's work seems as though it is set to take a deep breath and come to life any second. This is one of the most famous sculptures in the Borghese Gallery and has strong historical precedence as well, as the semi-nude was actually based on Pauline Bonaparte - yes, that Bonaparte. (She was Napoleon's sister.)</p> <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dtljonz0f/image/upload/f_auto/q_auto/v1/gc-v1/rome-and-vatican-pass/blog/Titian-Sacred-Profane-Copy-15.jpg" loading="lazy"><h3><strong>Sacred and Profane Love</strong></h3> <p>When discussing the masters of the Borghese Gallery, it's impossible for Titian's name and this particular painting to come up. As one of his earliest outstanding pieces, the contrast between the two women - one clothed and one bare naked - has been highly debated and meaning read and reread into everything from their composition, to their posture, to even what they're holding in their hands.</p> <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dtljonz0f/image/upload/f_auto/q_auto/v1/gc-v1/rome-and-vatican-pass/blog/1200px-Raffaello_pala_baglioni_deposizione.jpg" loading="lazy"><h3><strong>The Deposition</strong></h3> <p>Also known famously as The Entombment, this biblical work by a young Raphael exemplifies the best of his early training, including his skills gained from Florentine masters. While the subject matter - the entombment of Christ following his crucifixion - isn't particularly original or groundbreaking, the choice of scene was very left field at the time and proof of his originality.</p> 

Feeling artsy? From early Caravaggio to Bernini sculptures, see some of the world's most significant pieces of art with our guide to the Borghese Gallery!

Borghese Gallery Museum Guide and Sculptures | Omnia Rome & Vatican Pass

Blogger's Best Gelaterias in Rome

   <p>If you’re spending the summer in Rome, you’ll quickly find yourself searching for ways to cool off in the heat and in desperate need of refreshment. There’s no better way to tackle those needs and celebrate the Rome’s thriving culinary scene than with an ice cold creamy gelato. Gelato is one of Rome’s most iconic gourmet staples and is not to be missed, especially after a long hot day on the tourist trail. Forget waiting until after dinner, have dessert first and make a beeline for some of the best haunts in town during the day. There’s no better way to cool off than with a scoop (or three) of homemade ice cream – trust us. We asked some of the best food, travel and city bloggers where to order the best gelato in Rome. Take it from the professionals and read on... </p><h2>Best Gelato in Rome</h2>  <div> <p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BmStr3JB-4x/?utm_source=ig_embed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Именно здесь Грегори Пек угощал мороженым Одри Хепберн в фильме "Римские каникулы"🍦 _____________ Побывать в Италии и не попробовать gelato- непростительно) Giolitti — самое старое кафе-мороженое в Риме. Это историческое заведение было внесено в список Forbes, как одно из самых вкусных морожениц мира. Здесь можно попробовать мороженое со вкусом сицилийской кассаты, шампанского, марсалы и риса Настоящим удовольствием будет выстоять очередь в кафе возле Пантеона и насладится рожком мороженого у фонтана напротив исторического здания. И после встать в очередь опять 💛</a></p> <p>A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/likaqn/?utm_source=ig_embed" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Dance teacher</a> (@likaqn) on Aug 10, 2018 at 1:54am PDT</p> </div> <h3>Best Gelato near the Pantheon</h3> We spoke with Alida, the food blogger behind <a href="http://www.mylittleitaliankitchen.com">MyLittleItalianKitchen</a>, who suggested <strong>Gelateria Giolitti</strong>. Located on Via Uffici del Vicario, this family-run business has been in the business of gelato for over a hundred years and has a prime spot on the tourist trail. She said, ‘“The Gelateria Giolitti is barely a stones throw from the Pantheon and the Trevi fountain and is a family run business which has been producing ice cream since 1890. The salon of Gelateria Giolitti has an attractive decor styled in the Art Nouveau and Art Deco style and which is very elegant with the 1930’s furnishings.” As for what they serve? They’ve had a few years to figure out their flavour range and it’s an endless list of both traditional Italian favourites and international influences. Alida continued, “Their tremendous selection of ice cream flavours range from figs, dried fruit, champagne, rice, zabaione, sicilian cassata, nutella and cookies and many others which will leave you craving for more. Their ice cream is simply fantastic! Just the place to go for a creamy and first class ice cream indulgence in stylish surroundings.”  <div> <p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bhq4m7tnSus/?utm_source=ig_embed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">#sgnomsterinrome Care for some gelato in the cold cold weather? • 4 scoops with chocolate cone €4.00</a></p> <p>A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/sgnomster/?utm_source=ig_embed" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> SG Food | Travel | Lifestyle</a> (@sgnomster) on Apr 17, 2018 at 4:35am PDT</p> </div> <h3>Best gelato near St Peter’s Basilica</h3> <strong>Gelarmony</strong> - Via Marcantonio Colonna, 34 With four locations and an avid fan base, Gelarmony is a local favourite and travel blogger Valeria of <a href="http://www.romenewyorklondonworld.com">Rome, New York, London</a>, World insists it's one of the best scoops in Rome. For those poring over their guidebooks and figuring out the day’s route, make time to stop off at their branch situated just fifteen minutes from St Peter’s Basilica for a cold treat. Valeria said, “Their gelato comes in sixty different and delicious flavors, all made of natural ingredients imported from Sicily. You can’t go wrong by picking the more common flavors like chocolate or pistachio, but you should also try their specialties such as cassata and my personal favorites: tiramisù and amaretto. Gelarmony also offers tasty soya-based options. Enjoy!” Let her know what you think on Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/RomeNYLondWorld">@RomeNYLondWorld</a>  <div> <p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bk5D9aMHLq7/?utm_source=ig_embed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Hotly contested on the streets of Rome, but in this 32 degree heat it has to be gelato from... #Rome #gelato #food #foodie</a></p> <p>A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/daystudiolondon/?utm_source=ig_embed" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Lisa Helmanis</a> (@daystudiolondon) on Jul 6, 2018 at 6:17am PDT</p> </div> <h3>Unique gelato in Rome</h3> <strong>Gelateria del Teatro </strong>– Via dei Coronari, 65 (Navona Square) &amp; Lungotevere dei Vallati, 25 (Campo dei Fiori Square /Lungotevere area) For those bored of the standard chocolate and vanilla, head to one of Gelateria del Teatro’s two branches for a more experimental bite. It’s one of local Rome blogger Antonio of <a href="http://www.romeing.it">Romeing’s</a> favourite spots to cool off on a hot summer’s day with a scoop of some of the best gelato in Rome. Antonio said, “Gelateria del Teatro is so confident about their quality that in each of their two charming locations you can even watch them make their gelato. Flavours include lavender with white peach and pumpkin with chocolate and there is a variety of cone sizes to choose from, including the giant, five-scoop cone monster. We recommend the specialty: rosemary and lemon, a refreshing, cleansing, light yet satisfying flavor.” Let Antonio know which flavours you’ve tried at <a href="https://twitter.com/romeing">@Romeing</a>  <div> <p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BlG3auvHoSa/?utm_source=ig_embed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Venchi Gelato, Rome! 🇮🇹 ☀️ . . . . #aegeuswatches #aegeuswatch #klockor #watchesofinstagram #elegance #simplicity #timepiece #watch #watches #klocka #aegeusklocka #wristwatch #aegeus #elegantblacksilver #blacksilver #menwatches #minimalistwatch #minimalistwatches #mensstyle #fashion #watchaddict #vatican #italy #rome #venchi #venchigelato</a></p> <p>A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/aegeuswatches/?utm_source=ig_embed" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Aegeus Watches 🇸🇪</a> (@aegeuswatches) on Jul 11, 2018 at 2:57pm PDT</p> </div> <h3>Best traditional gelato in Rome</h3> <strong>Venchi</strong> – Via degli Orfani, 87 Why dispute the classics? A gelateria named Venchi takes the prize for the best traditional gelato in the city according to food blogger Beverley of <a href="http://beverleyglock.com/blog">Beverley Glock,</a> sticking to all natural ingredients and classic Italian flavours that will really hit the spot. As with the earlier Gelateria Gillotti, it’s also situated nearby the Pantheon in case you have room for more than one sweet treat on your travels. She said, “I’ve never had a poor ice cream in Rome so why would it start here? Venchi make their ice cream with natural ingredients; fresh milk, cream, eggs, fresh fruit and their own chocolate. Only fruit and nuts are used to colour and flavour their ice cream, so there’s no artificial colouring. “Venchi pride themselves on the variety of traditional Italian flavours they offer and situated in an idyllic location right next to The Pantheon, you can tick the ‘culture’ box as you sit down to enjoy the best ice cream in Rome. Do you agree? Let her know on <a href="https://twitter.com/beverleyglock">@BeverleyGlock</a>  <div> <p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Beal8FMnUGg/?utm_source=ig_embed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Breakfast, lunch or dinner , hot summer days or rainy cloudy afternoons - in Rome it’s always time for #icecream !! Wearing my beautiful @yalchypapa bracelet 💌 #WeInRoma</a></p> <p>A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/ila.na.na/?utm_source=ig_embed" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Travel Blog • בלוג טיולים</a> (@ila.na.na) on Jan 26, 2018 at 6:09am PST</p> </div> <h3>Best gelato in Trastevere</h3> <strong>La Fonte della Salute</strong> – Via Cardinal Marmaggi, 2-4-6 A day spent wandering the colourful neighbourhood of Trastevere never goes unwasted, as there’s always something new to discover in one of Rome’s most charming areas. Slip past the old men drinking espresso and the trattoria to grab a table at La Fonte della Salute, which serves an unforgettable gelato that caters to people from all walks of life. Blogger Tiziano of<a href="http://www.romelocalfriend.com"> Rome Local Friend</a> said, “La Fonte della Salute, which may be translated to “fountain of health” is definitely the best ice cream maker of Trastevere. The shop has been open since 1981. Then after a change in management, it came back stronger than before. Now they sell organic, vegan and gluten free ice cream. This is definitely what one would call the ‘Gelateria of the 21st century’. I love to pop in for a tasty ice cream whenever I am around. They still offer a very wide variety of flavours, from cream to fruit, so I invite you to come too during your strolls in the neighborhood. They also provide some free tables outside.” What’s your favourite flavour? Start a conversation with <a href="https://twitter.com/RomeLocalFriend">@RomeLocalFriend</a> 

We asked some bloggers what their favourite ice cream shops and gelaterias were in Rome to give you a flavour of summer. Read on for some inspiration...

Blogger's Best Gelaterias in Rome | Omnia Rome and Vatican Pass

Our historical and cultural guide to Churches in Rome

  <h2>Discover the history and cultural beauty of some of the most iconic churches in Rome with our guide!</h2> <p>Whether you’re visiting the Eternal City as a tourist or as a pilgrim, exploring the beautiful churches in Rome is a must-do. And with over 900 dotted around the city, you’ll be spoilt for choice. Discovering a small baroque masterpiece on a leisurely amble through the streets is a particular delight, but here is a bit more about the churches we think you wouldn’t want to miss. Brought to you by the team at the OMNIA Vatican &amp; Rome Pass.</p> <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dtljonz0f/image/upload/f_auto/q_auto/v1/gc-v1/rome-and-vatican-pass/blog/churches-in-rome-st-john-lateran.jpg" loading="lazy"><p><strong><a href="/vatican-rome/en-us/rome-attractions/St-John-Lateran-Cloister">Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano</a></strong> Known in English as the Basilica of St. John Lateran, this is the official seat of the Bishop of Rome (ie. the Pope). Built during the reign of Constantine I, the first Christian emperor of Rome, it’s also amongst the oldest churches in the world. It has however been through several reconstructions and renovations. The impressive baroque façade was completed in 1735 and includes a portico from which the Pope gives his benediction on Maundy Thursday. Take a good look at the central bronze doors, which are Roman originals, recovered from the Imperial Forum. And once inside, look out for the cosmatesque pavement in the nave (a type of inlaid stonework from the 14th century), and statues of apostles from the 18th century. The basilica also houses several important relics. Don’t forget to visit the adjacent cloisters, which are all that remain of a 13th century Benedictine monastery.</p> <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dtljonz0f/image/upload/f_auto/q_auto/v1/gc-v1/rome-and-vatican-pass/blog/santa-maria-maggiore-churches-rome.jpg" loading="lazy"><p><strong>Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore</strong> Located on the top of Esquiline Hill, the Basilica of St Mary Major is one of the best examples of early Christian churches in Rome. Check out the magnificent 5th-century mosaics and triumphal arch, as well as the crypt of the nativity, home to another prized relic, the crib (or manger) of Jesus Christ. The site for the church was chosen after a legendary summer snowfall in AD 359 - clearly a miracle in the blistering heat of a Roman summer. The event is commemorated every year on 5 August, when a shower of white rose petals is released from the dome.</p> <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dtljonz0f/image/upload/f_auto/q_auto/v1/gc-v1/rome-and-vatican-pass/blog/san-paolo-fuori-churches-in-rome.jpg" loading="lazy"><p><strong>Basilica di San Paolo fuori le Mura</strong> St Paul Outside-the-Walls is the newest of Rome’s four major papal basilicas, relatively speaking. Although it was originally completed in the 5th century, repeated earthquakes and a catastrophic fire meant it had to be completely rebuilt in 1823. It’s still magnificent and marks the burial place of St Paul, who was executed by decapitation in the 4th century. Particular highlights include the Romanesque Easter candle statues and the Gothic baldacchin (a marble canopy at the high altar). The inside of the church is large and imposing, and is joined to a cloister, which was untouched by the fire and dates back to the 13th century.</p> <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dtljonz0f/image/upload/f_auto/q_auto/v1/gc-v1/rome-and-vatican-pass/blog/pantheon-churches-in-rome.jpg" loading="lazy"><p><strong>The Pantheon </strong> The Pantheon is of course best known as an ancient temple to honour all gods (this is the original Greek meaning of the name), but was turned into a church in 609 AD. This has contributed to its longevity and it remains the best preserved ancient monument in the Italian capital. Made from material quite similar to modern-day concrete, the dome is still the largest unsupported dome in the world. Check out the oculus in the centre, 7.8m in diameter, which is the only source of light in the building. There are of course many more notable churches, including Santa Maria sopra Minerva, build on the site of a pagan temple, and Basilica of Santa Maria del Popolo, which contains works by Renaissance artists such as Raphael, Caravaggio and Gian Lorenzo Bernini. Please don’t forget: when visiting churches, bear in mind that these are places of worship. Shorts and skirts should be longer than the knees and shoulders must be covered – some sites may otherwise refuse entry.</p> <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dtljonz0f/image/upload/f_auto/q_auto/v1/gc-v1/rome-and-vatican-pass/blog/st-peters-churches-in-rome.jpg" loading="lazy"><p>You may have been surprised not to find<strong><a href="/vatican-rome/en-us/rome-attractions/st-peters-basilica"> St Peter’s Basilica </a></strong>on this list of churches in Rome, but it’s been covered so extensively elsewhere that we thought you would be unlikely to miss it. And technically speaking, <a href="/vatican-rome/en-us/rome-attractions/vatican-city-attractions">it’s actually in the Vatican</a>. What will make your list of favourites?</p> 

You'll be spoilt for choice with churches in the Eternal City! Discover the history and cultural beauty of some of the most iconic churches in Rome with our guide!

Churches in Rome Historical Guide | Omnia Rome & Vatican Pass

Our Tasty Guide to the Best Pizzerias in Rome

  <h2>Forget the pasta for a second, here's some of the best pizzerias in Rome!</h2> <p>While Rome may be renowned for being the birthplace of carbonara, it's worth trying one of Italy's greatest imports - pizza. From classic margaritas to adventurous gourmet toppings, grab a slice at some of the most popular pizzerias in Rome below.</p>  <div> <p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BP7MDFoAEso" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Cacio pepe pizza? Yes, please 😛 We are no longer casual about pizza, we don't just go out of our way for Sforno, a great spot near #Rome's Cinecittà, but we pretty much deprive ourselves of all pizza for days until we get here. It is that good. I go nuts just for the dough- @dariusaryadigs loves a basic margherita. And this? Well, it is a simple antipasto- best had with a cold Duchesse de Bourgogne, on the advice of @tastegeorgia. Click the geotag to find it exactly where it is and how to get there #🍕</a></p> <p>A post shared by Erica Firpo (@ericafirpo) on Jan 31, 2017 at 2:07am PST</p> </div>  <p><strong>Sforno</strong> For a Neapolitan-style pizza, head to Sforno where creativity abounds and both locals and tourist crave their offerings. As one of Rome's most popular pizzerias, it's best to book in advance but it's all worth it. Their Cacio e Pepe pizza is world famous, bringing the classic pasta staple to pizza bases with a healthy dusting of peppery Pecorino cheese. It's also worth venturing into their appetiser selection for some <em>fritti</em>, their fried zucchini flowers are finger licking good.</p>  <div> <p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BX_gNgnF81T" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Couple bombass pizzas at what some people have called the best pizza in Rome. With cat themed pictures everywhere no less.</a></p> <p>A post shared by Joey (@jte3) on Aug 19, 2017 at 3:31pm PDT</p> </div>  <p><strong>La Gatta Mangiona</strong> This restaurant translates to 'the greedy cat' in English and we totally understand why. You'll have finished one of their delicious pizzas before you know it and taste the quality with every bite. This restaurant prioritises seasonal ingredients, premium dough and goes to town with their flavour combinations (plus there's a long list of craft beers if that's more your speed).</p>  <div> <p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BWVZCPMA9fH" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Twelve years ago I walked past this pizzeria in Testaccio and thought, well hello ( like Leslie Philips) but had no intention of staying in Rome. But then I did stay, and this became a Sunday night ritual, (the endless ritual around food is something I love about the way Italians eat) . We start with fried things, courgette flowers and fat peices of salt cod battered and fried or rice croquettes filled with mozzarella that stretches like a great looping string...then for me Napoli with extra anchovies. To finish a nameless amaro that you are not sure whether to drink or use to strip paint ( it is delicious). @rachelaliceroddy going red for a takeover.</a></p> <p>A post shared by Guardian Cook (@guardian_cook) on Jul 9, 2017 at 10:29am PDT</p> </div>  <p><strong>Pizzeria da Remo</strong> If you like your pizzas thin-crusted and packed with flavour, Pizzeria da Remo is the place to be. Everybody else in Rome is clued into it as well so get there early for dinner, otherwise risk missing out on their simple yet mouthwatering wood-fired pizzas. Located out in the trendy Testaccio neighbourhood, it's always bustling with energy and every table is laden with their signature margherita pizza.</p>  <div> <p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BWZozjFhkkf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Snacking-on-the-go, done right in Rome 🍕</a></p> <p>A post shared by V A N E S S A (@vslawson) on Jul 11, 2017 at 2:04am PDT</p> </div>  <p><strong>Pizzarium Bonci</strong> If you're not up for a massive meal, Pizzarium serves up thick gourmet pizzas by the slice. Run by Gabriele Bonci, a renowned Roman pizza maker, its little storefront may be humble but the food is nothing if not fancy. Using seasonal ingredients and a complex dough-making process, you'll find creative combinations like mascarpone and anchovies, steak and blue cheese as well as the classics.</p>  <div> <p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BX6d3gkldQs" target="_blank" rel="noopener">La pizza romana es muy parecida a nuestra pizza a la piedra. Usan palote para estirar la masa y la cocinan a menos temperatura que Napoles logrando una masa más crocante y seca. Ésta tenía crudo y Gorgonzolla, un queso azul típico de Italia. Obviamente combinada con una birra, y claro, Peroni. Se viene mucho Roma para el programa. Se viene @hashtagviajeros. ¡Seguilos!</a></p> <p>A post shared by El Guerrillero (@guerrilleroculinario) on Aug 17, 2017 at 4:35pm PDT</p> </div>  <p><strong>Ai Marmi</strong> There's no bells and whistles here - Ai Marmi's all about the pie and nothing else. Named after its long marble tables, it's great value for money with fantastic pizza for a fraction of the price. Their suppli and fried zucchini flowers are popular favourites as well (in fact, the latter are occasionally used as toppings) and nobody leaves with an empty stomach. Located out in Trastevere, it's also open late if you're looking for something to fill the midnight hours.</p>  <div> <p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BUxMTpAgbHr" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Everyone surely knows about #pizza, but let me introduce you its glorious roman relative: the one and only "Pinsa", a lighter ad crunchy version of the famous one, with an enriched quality topping 🍅🇮🇹 // Tutti sicuramente conosceranno la pizza, ma chi di voi riconosce questa prelibatezza? È la "Pinsa", sua cugina romana, dalla base fragrante e saporita! #BonAppetit #ItalianFood #FoodPorn #pinza #pinzandbeer #InstaFood #FoodBlogger #TheGoodLife #InstaDaily #PhotooftheDay #Italy #Rome #lapratolina #rome #eatingout</a></p> <p>A post shared by The Singingwine (@the_singingwine) on May 31, 2017 at 12:34pm PDT</p> </div>  <p><strong>La Pratolina</strong> If you're out near the Vatican City, La Pratolina is a great place to stop off for a meal. It's closer to traditional Roman pizza and comes in an oblong shape, all with a thin yet slightly raised crust crust. Prosciutto's the name of the game here, with pizza dough made from a mixture of flours for a rich unique taste.</p>  <div> <p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BWpezBRBusx" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Плюс одно место обязательное к посещению в Риме! Пиццерия EMMA. Оочень тонененькая и хрустящая😋 обязательно заказывать Маргариту и буратту! #foodinrome #foodporn #foodpornroma #pizzaroma #pizzagains</a></p> <p>A post shared by EVA STREPETOVA (@evaeeva) on Jul 17, 2017 at 5:44am PDT</p> </div>  <p><strong>Emma</strong> Located in the heart of Rome, Emma is undoubtedly one of the fancier options on the list and an ideal date night option. While it's less pizzeria and more of a proper sit-down restaurant, there's no debating the quality of these pizzas - especially as it's associated with the Roscioli Group who have some of the bakeries and delis across the capital. Think top of the line mozzarella, olive oil and dough baked with generations of experience.</p> 

Forget pasta for a second, from classic margaritas to adventurous gourmet toppings, check out our tasty guide to some of the best pizza in Rome!

The Best Pizzerias in Rome - Guide | Omnia Rome & Vatican Pass

10 Reasons Why You Should Visit Rome at Least Once in Your Life

  <h2>Still undecided on the Italian capital? Here's why you should visit Rome</h2> <p>If your extensive travel guides and the promise of affordable flight tickets haven't swayed you yet, there's a number of reasons why you should visit Rome on your next big holiday. From the culture to the food, here's some things that may just tip you over the edge.</p>  <div> <p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BXfcaeJlHVn" rel="noopener" target="_blank">#foodporn #food #foodblogger #foodpics #instafood #pecorino #guanciale #italyfood #rome #romefood #foodlover #eat #fettucine</a></p> <p>A post shared by MANUEL ⚽️ (@manuelcarchedi) on Aug 7, 2017 at 4:43am PDT</p> </div>  <h3><strong>The pasta</strong></h3> <p>Take a leaf out of Joey Tribbiani's book and bring your stretchy eating pants - you're going to need them. Rome is renowned for its <strong><a href="http://blog.romeandvaticanpass.com/best-pasta-restaurants-in-rome">hearty pasta dishes</a></strong> and as the birthplace of carbonara, a piping hot plate of the stuff is exactly what the doctor ordered. If you're feeling really adventurous, try quinto quarto - you'll have to check our <a href="http://blog.romeandvaticanpass.com/top-10-rome-foods-you-need-to-try"><strong>Roman food guide</strong></a> to find out exactly what you'll be getting yourself into.</p>  <div> <p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BXkFV4IBGO5" rel="noopener" target="_blank">La Louve Capitoline #lupacapitolina #romulus #remus #rome #italy</a></p> <p>A post shared by Emmanuel (@manuols) on Aug 8, 2017 at 11:57pm PDT</p> </div>  <h3><strong>The culture</strong></h3> <p>The Vatican aside, every inch of Rome brims with culture. From the outstanding <a href="/vatican-rome/en-us/rome-attractions/Capitoline-Museums">Capitoline Museums</a>, to the <a href="/vatican-rome/en-us/rome-attractions/Museum-of-Rome">Museum of Rome</a>, to the <a href="/vatican-rome/en-us/rome-attractions/Borghese-Gallery">Borghese Gallery</a>, the hardest part will be narrowing which cultural hotspots to make a priority.</p>  <div> <p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BXkRLwJHS_z" rel="noopener" target="_blank">🏟🇮🇹 #colloseum #rome #roma #italy #italia #tourist #vacation #summervibes #summer #summervacation #travel #favoritecity</a></p> <p>A post shared by C💋SIMA (@cosimarrrr) on Aug 9, 2017 at 1:41am PDT</p> </div>  <h3><strong>The history</strong></h3> <p>As one of the oldest cities in the world, Rome has seen empires rise and fall and endures and still stands to tell its tales. From the bloody gladiator battles in the <a href="/vatican-rome/en-us/rome-attractions/coliseum-rome">Colosseum</a> to the crumbling remains of the <a href="/vatican-rome/en-us/rome-attractions/Roman-Forum-Palatine-Hill">Roman Forum</a>, it's sometimes hard to believe that the skyscrapers of the 21st century coexist in the same city.</p>  <div> <p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BWpJbbBhDyK" rel="noopener" target="_blank">In honour of #NationalIceCreamDay yesterday 🍦</a></p> <p>A post shared by V A N E S S A (@vslawson) on Jul 17, 2017 at 2:38am PDT</p> </div>  <h3><strong>The gelato</strong></h3> <p>There's nothing better than a rich cup of gelato after a hot summer's day spent pounding the pavement, and luckily you won't have to go far in Rome. With a <strong><a href="http://blog.romeandvaticanpass.com/bloggers-best-gelaterias-in-rome">gelateria on every block</a></strong> selling everything from ultra chocolatey flavours to more unusual black cherry goods, this sweet treat is impossible to resist.</p>  <div> <p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BXidBMrjpou" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Visitando la basílica de San Pedro #basilica #sanpedro #sanpietro #vaticano</a></p> <p>A post shared by marcegrajeda (@marcegrajeda) on Aug 8, 2017 at 8:46am PDT</p> </div>  <h3><strong>The spirituality</strong></h3> <p>As the heart of the Catholic church, Rome brims with hundreds of churches spanning from the landmarks like <a href="/vatican-rome/en-us/rome-attractions/st-peters-basilica">St Peter's Basilica</a> to quiet little chapels tucked down side streets. Naturally, the Vatican City is a must for anybody interested in the religious traditions, art and history.</p>  <div> <p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BXkawryBWTL" rel="noopener" target="_blank">On top of St Peter's Basilica, but felt like the world. Shortly before an address from Papa Francesco, which was special; even for a non-catholic.</a></p> <p>A post shared by Aaron Clark (@aaronjclark) on Aug 9, 2017 at 3:04am PDT</p> </div>  <h3><strong>The Pope</strong></h3> <p>Even if you're not a practicing Catholic, there's something deeply emotional about watching hopeful people fill St. Peter's Square waiting for the Pope making a public blessing. While you're unlikely to see him flitting around in his Popemobile, he does occasionally conduct public masses though you'll have to book your free tickets way in advance.</p>  <div> <p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BWrqmagBlOS" rel="noopener" target="_blank">When you snap a sneaky pic inside the Sistine Chapel &amp; manage to get the top of some guy's head in 📷⛪️👨🏻‍🎨</a></p> <p>A post shared by V A N E S S A (@vslawson) on Jul 18, 2017 at 2:06am PDT</p> </div>  <h3><strong>The art</strong></h3> <p>Rome is absolutely lazy with creative talent - both of the new masters and the old. However it's the old world works that most people flock to see, whether you're taking in the remnants of ancient Rome's sculptures at the Capitoline Museums or seeing Botticelli's works in the Vatican City. One thing remains though - Michelangelo's ceiling frescoes at the<a href="/vatican-rome/en-us/rome-attractions/Sistine-Chapel"> Sistine Chapel</a> have to be seen to be believed.</p>  <div> <p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BXkN5fLDmrM" rel="noopener" target="_blank">A post shared by celine (@celine_de_a_)</a> on Aug 9, 2017 at 1:12am PDT</p> </div>  <h3><strong>The piazzas</strong></h3> <p>At night, the trattorias and bars dotting some of<strong> <a href="http://blog.romeandvaticanpass.com/guide-best-piazzas-in-rome">Rome's biggest squares </a></strong>come alive with people spilling out onto the street and music filling the air. The laidback atmosphere is infectious and it's worth making time for a night out, especially with a glass of wine in hand.</p>  <div> <p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BXjtLYDg4u9" rel="noopener" target="_blank">💙🌤💚🌤💙🌤💚🌤💙 📍Riomaggiore 📷@adridemarteau · · · · · #Italy #Italia #Italian #ItalianGirl #ItalianFood #visititalia #roma #rome #florence #firenze #naples #napoli #positano #milano #milan #heaven #travel #travels #travelgram #traveling #tourism #picoftheday #awesome #beautiful #vacation #vacations #gorgeous #escape #beauty #beach</a></p> <p>A post shared by Italy • Benvenuti a tutti! (@italy) on Aug 8, 2017 at 8:26pm PDT</p> </div>  <h3><strong>The location</strong></h3> <p>If you're not the kind of traveller to settle in one spot, Rome is a great jumping off point to get to the rest of the country. As one of the best connected cities in Italy, there's more cultural excursions to be had over in Florence and Pompeii while a number of beaches are easily accessible for a sunny day trip.</p>  <div> <p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BWR4XrsAD2j" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Un sabato diverso in città? Fondaco apre le sue porte per una preview nel calendario di Altaroma. Passate a trovarci. Dalle 18.30 alle 21. Duecento passi di bellezza e shopping. ___________________________________ #fondacoroma #fondaco #fondacodesign #fondacoboutique #fondacooutdoor #viadellafrezza #200steps #200passi #artstyle #artdesign #artgallery #designgallery #interiordesign #madeinitaly #romeart #artlife #italianstyle #romestyle #romeart #romestyle</a></p> <p>A post shared by Fondaco Roma (@fondacoroma) on Jul 8, 2017 at 1:46am PDT</p> </div>  <h3><strong>The fashion</strong></h3> <p>You'll see some of the best dressed people in the world in Rome, from men dressed in slick tailored suits to women gliding by in sleek dresses. It's undeniable that Italy has great style and has served as the birthplace for great designers like Donatella Versace, Emilio Pucci and Giorgia Armani - though it's worth keeping an eye on the independent boutiques for lush leatherwork and classy outfits.</p> 

If travel guides haven't swayed you yet, here's a number of our favourite reasons why you should visit Rome on your next big holiday!

10 Reasons Why You Should Visit Rome | Omnia Rome & Vatican Pass

A Taste of History: Rome's Oldest Restaurants

  <h2>Have your history and eat it too at Rome's oldest restaurants</h2> <p>When in Rome, do as the Romans do and get stuck into its fabulous dining scene. We don't have to tell you about Rome's incredible street food and fresh pastas - the international hype speaks for itself - but there are a few grand establishments worth trying that <em>really </em>know what they're doing. Try the dishes at some of Rome's oldest restaurants below for a true taste of tradition.</p>  <div> <p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BUFXFYojbcE" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Some classic Roman #appetizers to start our night at one of the oldest restaurants in #Rome 🇮🇹 #carciofoallagiudia #friedArtichoke #friedzucchiniflowers with cheese 👍😋 #lacampanaroma #ristorantelacampana</a></p> <p>A post shared by 🎀 🎀 EAT hard PLAY hard 🎀 🎀 (@fonc) on May 14, 2017 at 12:02pm PDT</p> </div>  <h3><strong>La Campana</strong></h3> <p>This family-run trattoria is a stalwart of the Roman dining scene, with nearly 500 years of patronage and Italian comfort food. Founded back in 1518 and named after Pietro de la Campana, the restaurateur who opened the establishment, it remains a firm favourite with both locals and tourists - especially because the Pantheon and Piazza Navona are nearby. Try the Artichokes alla Guidia and Saltimbocca for some real classic tastes. Nearby Sites: Pantheon, Piazza Navona</p>  <div> <p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BT6WQ_wD8R7" rel="noopener" target="_blank">E niente, posso resistere a tutte le tentazioni ma davanti a loro,mi inchino.</a></p> <p>A post shared by @just_anto64 on May 10, 2017 at 5:23am PDT</p> </div>  <h3><strong>Ristorante Peppone</strong></h3> <p>It's a story we're all familiar with - a small town boy named Giuseppe Tozzi leaves the countryside for the big city, dreaming of fame and fortune. Even back in the 1800s, it was a cliche and one that Giuseppe (nicknamed Peppone) owned wholeheartedly. He opened up a traditional restaurant in the 1890s and it's persisted till now, run by his great grandchildren who bring the flavours of his hometown Abruzzo to the capital. Nearby Sites: Via Veneto</p>  <div> <p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BVe7VwtFZMa" rel="noopener" target="_blank">doooood getting the full Roman offal experience here... starting at 12:00 is veal testicles (best part on this plate), veal small intestine, veal sweetbreads (damn good), repeats from 6-12 position and then veal liver in the middle... all perfectly roasted with some salt that's it... with squeeze of lemon and it's magically delicious</a></p> <p>A post shared by Victor Tam (@victors_belly) on Jun 18, 2017 at 6:51am PDT</p> </div>  <h3><strong>Checchino dal 1887</strong></h3> <p>If you're keen to try quinto quarto - Italian for offal - then you've come to the right place. Popular with locals, this restaurant has lived many lives starting off as a wine cellar, then a slaughterhouse, then eventually a restaurant. Started by a young couple, the restaurant really hit its stride once their daughter and grandson breathed new life into the business and revamped its dishes. With quinto quarto tasting menus, vegetarian options and a mean spaghetti carbonara, it's worth stopping by here on the way to see Monte Testaccio. Nearby Sites: Monte Testaccio</p>  <div> <p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BWTE0myhwtA" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Fried artichokes in Rome. Been waiting for this for a long time. #waitingmakesitsweeter</a></p> <p>A post shared by Christine Barbour (@dcbrocksjewelry_rawredefined) on Jul 8, 2017 at 12:54pm PDT</p> </div>  <h3><strong>Ristorante Piperno</strong></h3> <p>Jewish cuisine is a strong influence on many of Rome's tastes and dishes and you'd be hard-pressed not to find Carciofi alla Giudia (artichokes cooked in the Jewish style) on menus in Rome. As the oldest joint in the Jewish quarter dating back to 1860, it's no surprise that they specialise in the dish - so much so that they threw spring parties called Carciofolata there. Their homemade pastas are also a thing of beauty, try the taglioni.</p>  <div> <p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BV_-1ZmDBot" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Uma grande mistura de sabores! #gelato #fassi #italia #roma</a></p> <p>A post shared by Valnice Lopes (@val_nice) on Jul 1, 2017 at 2:56am PDT</p> </div>  <h3><strong>Palazzo del Freddo di Giovanni Fassi</strong></h3> <p>Skip dinner and head straight for dessert at Palazzo del Freddo, a gelato sanctuary started way back in 1880. Forget the mom and pop soda shops you'll see in the US, gelato is serious business here with classy interiors and over 30 different gelato flavours ranging from safe vanillas and hazelnuts to bolder choices like rice and pineapple. Order an extra large scoop, grab a marble-topped table and be prepared to feast - the dessert's next level here.</p> 

When in Rome, do as the Romans do and get stuck into its fabulous dining scene! Have your history and eat it too with our guide to Rome's oldest restaurants

Rome's Oldest Restaurants - A Taste of History | Omnia Rome & Vatican Pass

How well do you know these Ancient Rome Facts?

  <h2><strong>Ancient Rome facts</strong></h2> <p>Do you want to learn a little more about the Eternal City and its origins? Then look no further than this handy pop quiz full of ancient Rome facts. </p> <h3><strong>1. Rome was founded by twin brothers</strong></h3> <p>Twins Romulus and Remus were abandoned by their mother at birth, but discovered by a lone she-wolf who nursed them. They then grew up to found a city, but had a fatal disagreement over who would rule. Romulus killed Remus in the fight and named Rome after himself.</p> <p>You can find the original bronze statue <em>Capitoline Wolf</em>, of the wolf suckling the brothers, inside the <a href="https://romeandvaticanpass.com/en-us/rome-attractions/capitoline-museums" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Capitoline Museums</a>.</p> <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dtljonz0f/image/upload/f_auto/q_auto/v1/gc-v1/rome-and-vatican-pass/iStock_000024461153_Full.jpg" loading="lazy"><h3><strong>2. The Colosseum was once filled with water</strong></h3> <p>The legendary stadium served as the location for gladiator combats, animal hunts and even... naval battles. That’s right, great ships were built and ‘sailed’ out into the flooded <a href="https://romeandvaticanpass.com/en-us/rome-attractions/rome-colosseum-roman-forum-palatine-hill" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Colosseum</a> where theatrical battles would be held, with hundreds of actors and live animals including alligators in the water!</p> <h3><strong>3. The hills of ancient Rome influenced the language of today</strong></h3> <p>Capitoline Hill, the location of political power in Ancient Rome is responsible for the word ‘capital’ we use today. Not only that, but neighboring Palatine Hill, home to temples, monuments and religious structures gave way to the word ‘palace’.</p> <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dtljonz0f/image/upload/f_auto/q_auto/v1/gc-v1/rome-and-vatican-pass/blog/st-peters-guide-to-vatican-city.jpg" loading="lazy"><h3><strong>4. Rome is the only city with a whole country inside it</strong></h3> <p><a href="https://romeandvaticanpass.com/en-us/rome-attractions/Sistine-Chapel" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Vatican City</a>, the smallest nation in the world, lies wholly inside Rome, taking up just 44 hectares. Governed by the Pope this tiny city has a population of just over 800, its own army, its own currency and its own post office!</p> <h3><strong>5. Ancient Rome was home to the largest stadium ever</strong></h3> <p><a href="https://romeandvaticanpass.com/en-us/attractions/circo-maximo-experience" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Circo Maximo</a> was a vast chariot racing stadium. It was so big almost 3 Colosseums could fit inside. On race days, it could welcome 250,000 spectators - the largest stadiums of today cannot even hold half that number!</p> <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dtljonz0f/image/upload/f_auto/q_auto/v1/gc-v1/rome-and-vatican-pass/Baths%20of%20Caracalla%20banner.jpg" loading="lazy"><h3><strong>6. </strong><strong><strong>R</strong>omans are the inventors of health spas</strong></h3> <p>The Romans took bath time very seriously. The word ‘spa’ comes from the Latin term <strong><em>S</em></strong><em>ana </em><strong><em>P</em></strong><em>er </em><strong><em>A</em></strong><em>cquam</em> (health through water) and ancient bathhouses are still enjoyed to this day.</p> <p>Check out the ruins of the <a href="https://romeandvaticanpass.com/en-us/attractions/baths-caracalla-4d-experience" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Baths of Caracalla</a> to get an idea of how the Romans would get clean and unwind.</p> <h3><strong>7. St Peter’s Basilica took 120 years to build</strong></h3> <p>To this day, <a href="https://romeandvaticanpass.com/en-us/rome-attractions/st-peters-basilica" rel="noopener" target="_blank">St. Peter’s Basilica</a> is the world’s largest church and the center of Roman Catholicism. With its opulent decorations and stunning vaulted ceilings, is it any wonder construction took so long to complete? In fact, five different architects took the helm during this magnificent structure’s build. </p> <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dtljonz0f/image/upload/f_auto/q_auto/v1/gc-v1/rome-and-vatican-pass/National%20Museum%20of%20Castel%20Sant'Angelo.jpg" loading="lazy"><h3><strong>8. Archangel Michel appeared over the city to signal the end of the plague</strong></h3> <p>Yep, Archangel Michel is said to have appeared above the citadel sheathing his sword as a sign that the Justinian plague of 590 had ended. Formerly known as the Mausoleum of Hadrian, the building was renamed <a href="https://romeandvaticanpass.com/en-us/rome-attractions/national-museum-castel-st-angelo" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Castel Sant’Angelo</a> to honor this event.<br> </p> <p>Pick up an <a href="https://romeandvaticanpass.com/en-us" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Omnia Rome and Vatican pass</a> and make great savings on attraction admission.</p> <p>You can use your pass to gain free entry to <a href="https://romeandvaticanpass.com/en-us/rome-attractions" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Rome and Vatican City’s top attractions</a>, as well as discounted entry to lots more museums, landmarks and famous locations. <br> </p> 

From historical figures to urban legends, test your history knowledge and see how well you know these Ancient Rome facts with our true or false quiz!

Ancient Rome Facts | Omnia Rome & Vatican Pass

Explore the City: Our Guide to the Best Piazzas in Rome

   <h2>Take things easy with our guide to the top piazzas in Rome</h2> There's a sculpture, church and pasta place on every corner in Rome - and the same rings true for its many piazzas. Lined with restaurants and filled with fountains, there's a number scattered around the capital nearby some of the biggest tourist attractions or in quieter areas perfect for city break. Here's our guide to the top piazzas in Rome.  <div> <p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BU99TNPFC-q" target="_blank" rel="noopener">This town 💜#balconyview #sunset #rome #travel</a></p> <p>A post shared by miia 💋 (@minttumanttu) on Jun 5, 2017 at 11:33am PDT</p> </div> <h3><strong>Piazza Campo de'Fiori</strong></h3> This atmospheric piazza thrives with energy and culture. This rectangular square is home to one of the <strong><a href="http://blog.romeandvaticanpass.com/guide-street-markets-rome">best street markets in Rome</a></strong>, where you'll be able to grab everything from fresh produce to street food. In the evenings, it becomes a massive hang out area for people from all walks of life and there's a number of fantastic restaurants for ideal date nights.  <div> <p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BVikp7zAkQC" target="_blank" rel="noopener">City of many fountains. #rome #vsco #latergram</a></p> <p>A post shared by Armi (@armi_h) on Jun 19, 2017 at 4:50pm PDT</p> </div> <h3><strong>Piazza Navona</strong></h3> An ancient Roman stadium once stood where this piazza does now. This large area retains the general shape of the arena and is filled with interesting statues and architectural marvels, including the Fountain of the Four Rivers and the Obelisk of Domition. With restaurants and benches scattered around the piazza, it's a fantastic place to chill out with a cold glass of white wine.  <div> <p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BVZPsN3hyb4" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Пьяцца дель Пополо или «Народная площадь" В центре площади стоит обелиск Фламиния – 24-х метровая каменная колонна возрастом 3400 лет, которая была вывезена из Египта как военный трофей. Вначале колонну поставили в Большом цирке. Там он простоял долгие годы, разрушился и рухнул. Архитектор Доменико Фонтана по распоряжению Папы соединил обломки, и установил восстановленный обелиск посреди Пьяцца дель Пополо. Каждый шаг в Риме - это возможность увидеть своими глазами историю, прикоснуться к прекрасному. Единственное, что меня под конец стало раздражать - это торговцы цветами, подходят предлагают цветы и говорят, что это бесплатно. Начинаешь отказываться, пытаются всунуть их тебе в руки, в платье, вообщем лишь бы цветы оказались у тебя 😤 Настырные такие, слов не понимают, так и хотелось им уже 👊🏼 А так Рим прекрасен💓 Ставьте 💗, вам несложно, мне приятно😊 #travelnotes_Mfamily</a></p> <p>A post shared by Натали • Медякова (@iamname_) on Jun 16, 2017 at 1:53am PDT</p> </div> <h3><strong>Piazza del Popolo</strong></h3> As one of the larger squares in Rome, this piazza is named after the nearby church Santa Maria del Popolo. Located within throwing distance of the Borghese Gardens which houses the <strong><a href="/vatican-rome/en-us/rome-attractions/Borghese-Gallery">Borghese Gallery</a></strong>, it draws on neoclassical elements while incorporating fun sculptures such as an Egyptian obelisk and a tall arched gateway into the central area. A number of fountains add natural elements to the square and it's worth dipping into the three churches ringing the piazza.  <div> <p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BVhR-sRgwLl" target="_blank" rel="noopener">#wedding #boda 1 año y 7 meses después #instagood #instapic #roma #rome #roma🇮🇹</a></p> <p>A post shared by Fʀᴀɴᴄᴇsᴄᴏ Cʜɪᴀʀɪ (@masterfrenc) on Jun 19, 2017 at 4:47am PDT</p> </div> <h3><strong>Piazza del Campidoglio</strong></h3> This breathtaking square was designed by the Italian master himself - Michelangelo. Trace the charcoal and cream oval pattern on the ground and pose alongside the intimidating bronze statue of Marcus Aurelius, a former Roman Emperor. Once you've finished basking in the sun, head into the <strong><a href="/vatican-rome/en-us/rome-attractions/Capitoline-Museums">Capitoline Museums</a></strong> nearby to get your fill of ancient Roman art and architecture.  <div> <p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BVjoWRWBqFC" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Mijn buitenverblijfje. #vaticaan #vatican #vaticano #vaticancity #basilica #italy #rome #zweten</a></p> <p>A post shared by Esteban (@estetollen) on Jun 20, 2017 at 2:41am PDT</p> </div> <h3><strong>Piazza San Pietro</strong></h3> If you're keen on seeing the pope, this large <strong><a href="/vatican-rome/en-us/rome-attractions/vatican-city-attractions">Vatican City piazza</a></strong> is the place to be. On select dates, the pope appears in a window of <strong><a href="/vatican-rome/en-us/rome-attractions/st-peters-basilica">St Peter's Basilica</a></strong> - the gigantic cathedral that dominates the square - and addresses those below with blessings. It functions as the spiritual heart of the deeply religious state and it's worth passing through on your way to the rest of the Vatican's attractions.  <div> <p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BVbMCz2Hnod" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Spanish Steps 👣 #Rome #italy #NasaEuropeSia #europalma #europetraveldiaries #beautifuldestinations</a></p> <p>A post shared by CZARLINE S. P. (@itsczzzarline) on Jun 16, 2017 at 8:00pm PDT</p> </div> <h3><strong>Piazza di Spagna</strong></h3> Channel your inner Audrey Hepburn and head to the Spanish Steps on your Roman holiday. Piazza di Spagna, the large square at the base of the famous staircase, is a charming place to cool off and grab an espresso after running round the sights. Grab a picture of Bernini's ivory fountain before heading into the English poet John Keats' former home, where he and his fellow literary celebrity Percy Shelley are celebrated. 

Lined with restaurants and filled with fountains, architecture and culture, take things easy with our guide to the top piazzas in Rome!

Explore the City: Our Guide to the Best Piazzas in Rome | Omnia Rome and Vatican Pass

The Ultimate Rome Bucket List: Top 50 things to do in the City

   <h2>When in Rome, do as the Romans do with our top things to do in and around the city. Time to start planning your Rome Bucket List!</h2> The Eternal City is a beautiful place to visit, but what’s on your Rome bucket list? Check out our ultimate list of the top 50 things to do in Rome, courtesy of the team behind the OMNIA Vatican &amp; Rome Card.  <div> <p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BUhDbuRD9Nh" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Roma. #italia</a></p> <p>A post shared by Tatiana Belisário (@tatibelisario) on May 25, 2017 at 6:09am PDT</p> </div> 1.<a href="/vatican-rome/en-us/rome-attractions/coliseum-rome"><strong> The Colosseum</strong></a> is an ancient gladiatorial arena and one of the most recognised symbols of Rome. Head back in time and discover the history of this impressive building. 2. Drink an espresso (<strong><em>un caffè</em></strong>) or a <em>caffè macchiato</em> if you want some milk in it. Don’t order a latte though – you’ll just get milk! 3. Take a stroll through the ancient ruins of the <a href="/vatican-rome/en-us/rome-attractions/Roman-Forum-Palatine-Hill"><strong>Roman Forum</strong></a>, which is also visible from the Capitoline Museums. 4. Soak up the atmosphere in one of the restaurants which line one of Rome’s most popular public spaces, <strong>Piazza Navona</strong>.  <div> <p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BUg_tlEgLiD" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">#rome🇮🇹 #sanpietrobasilica</a></p> <p>A post shared by Vanessa (@vanessa.vanderput) on May 25, 2017 at 5:36am PDT</p> </div> 5. Spend some time at <a href="/vatican-rome/en-us/rome-attractions/st-peters-basilica"><strong>St Peter’s Basilica</strong></a> and the <strong>Vatican</strong>, home to the <a href="/vatican-rome/en-us/rome-attractions/Sistine-Chapel"><strong>Sistine Chapel</strong></a>. 6. Cross the river and explore the hip and bohemian area of <a href="http://blog.romeandvaticanpass.com/rome-neighbourhoods-guide"><strong>Trastevere</strong></a>. 7. Make a wish at the <strong>Trevi Fountain</strong> which has a marble statue of Neptune at its centre. Visit early in the morning or late at night to avoid the tourists. 8. Wander the cobbled streets around the Colosseum and get lost in <strong>Centro Storico</strong>. 9. Shop in style at the beautiful <strong>Galleria Alberto Sordi</strong> with stained-glass skylights and mosaic floors. On the neighbouring streets, you’ll find plenty of designer boutiques.  <div> <p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BUc2seshVsK" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Самое главное - правильно мыслить и постоянно это осуществлять в деле, не поддаваться суете и сомнениям: Я выстрою и сделаю то, что другим не под силу, Я буду самым лучшим в мире мужчиной, Идя только вперед, несмотря ни на что, Мною движет настойчивость и редкая смелость, Целеустремленность и жажда к победам. Талант быть устойчивым и умелым, Подходя с решением к любым делам и проблемам. Реализовать все свои идеи, точно по плану, как черным по белому, За это сейчас хочу поблагодарить свою маму, До встречи на следующем жизненном раунде. Наступила ночь, но уже недалеко до финала. P.S Важно ценить своих родителей, ведь это они нам дали жизнь, и теперь все в наших руках. Если бы не моя мама, которая поддержала меня, я не уехал бы за границу получать образование и жизненный опыт. Если бы не одобрение отца, то не ушел бы с работы и не начал заниматься любимым делом.</a></p> <p>A post shared by Eugene (@eugenephotos) on May 23, 2017 at 3:00pm PDT</p> </div> 10. Marvel at the architecture of the <strong>Pantheon</strong>, the former temple and best-preserved monument of Imperial Rome. 11. Take a break from ancient and Baroque art, and indulge in some from the modern era. Locals say <strong>MAXXI</strong>, the Museum of 21st Century Art, is the best place to see modern and contemporary art in Rome. 12. Walk up <strong>Gianicolo</strong> at dusk for a spectacular panoramic view of Rome. If you’re there at midday, you’ll hear the cannon which has fired every day since the battle of Rome was won there! Read up on our <strong><a href="http://blog.romeandvaticanpass.com/rome-sightseeing-instagram-spots">favourite Instagram Spots in Rome</a></strong> for some of the city's best views. 13. Sample the delights of <strong>Roman cuisine</strong>. Although traditionally simple, the dishes are delicious. Try the fried artichoke starter and pig’s cheek pasta. Find out more in <strong><a href="http://blog.romeandvaticanpass.com/top-10-rome-foods-you-need-to-try">Our Guide to the Top Rome Foods</a></strong> you should try!  <div> <p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BUfkHmqBpEm" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Koskaan ei tiedä mitä avaimenreiästä näkyy.. 📷:@marielisahan #tb #tirkistelijätRoomassa #paaviastalkkaamassa #forbiddenyard #oispaolluparempiobjektiivi</a></p> <p>A post shared by Sami Rojo (@sami_rojo) on May 24, 2017 at 4:16pm PDT</p> </div> 14. Find the nondescript door to the Priory of the Knights of Malta on Aventine Hill, just past the orange grove. Look through its keyhole: locals love the perfect view of St Peter’s Basilica. 15. Visit the spectacular <a href="/vatican-rome/en-us/rome-attractions/Capitoline-Museums"><strong>Capitoline Museums</strong></a>. Read our <strong><a href="http://blog.romeandvaticanpass.com/guide-to-the-capitoline-museums-rome">Guide to the 10 sculptures you can’t miss</a></strong>. 16. On the second Sunday of every month, explore the <strong>antique market</strong> on the River Tiber which starts just under the ancient Ponte Milvio Bridge. Soak up the local culture and wander around some of <strong><a href="http://blog.romeandvaticanpass.com/guide-street-markets-rome">Rome's best street markets</a></strong>. 17. Hire a bike and ride through the <strong>Appia Antica Regional Park</strong>. Located along one of the oldest and important Roman roads, it’s brimming with ancient ruins. 18. Take a stroll through the city centre and look out onto <strong>Galleria Spada</strong>. You’ll be amazed by the magic of Borromini’s masterpiece. 19. Relax in the Villa Borghese Park, one of the largest parks in the city centre, and escape the hustle and bustle of the city.  <div> <p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BUBYVAAglkz" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Pe ttutta Roma cuant’è llarga e stretta nun poterai trovà ccosa ppiú rrara. È una faccia de pietra che tt’impara chi ha ddetta la bbuscía, chi nnu l’ha ddetta..” (G.G.Belli)</a></p> <p>A post shared by Rosy&amp;Giusy (@giusyrosy_) on May 12, 2017 at 10:55pm PDT</p> </div> 20. Legend has it the <strong>Bocca della Verità</strong> or the Mouth of Truth, outside the Basilica di Santa Maria in Cosmedin, bites off the hand of anyone who is not telling the truth. Try it! Movie-lovers will recognise this city hotspot after seeing it in Audrey Hepburn's "Roman Holiday". 21. Fancy a cocktail with an Italian twist? Visit <strong>Barattolo</strong> and sample one of the famous tiramisù cocktails served in a jar. 22. For jazz music lovers, visit the <strong>Casa del Jazz</strong> (House of Jazz) and watch famous and lesser-known Italian and international jazz musicians. 23. There are more than 60 <strong>catacombs</strong> in Rome. Venture underground and join a guided tour and learn about the rites and customs of the early Church years. 24. Make time in the early evening for an <strong><em>aperitivo</em></strong>. Most bars offer some snacks to accompany your drink, check out some of <strong><a href="http://blog.romeandvaticanpass.com/best-bars-aperitivo-rome">our favourites around the city!</a></strong>  <div> <p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BUceL0egLRq" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">What else? #rome #bestplace #villatorlonia #nowords #architecture #skyline #thebigbeauty</a></p> <p>A post shared by Giulia Zambon 🐾 (@giulia__zambon) on May 23, 2017 at 11:26am PDT</p> </div> 25. On the Rome bucket list of history-buffs, the underground bunker in which Mussolini and his family lived during the Second World War is hidden under <strong>Villa Torlonia</strong>. 26. For music concerts, exhibitions, plays and festivals, visit Rome’s greatest concert hall, the <strong>Auditorium Parco della Musica</strong>. 27.<strong> Bioparco</strong>, Rome’s Zoo, is home to a wide variety of animals. It’s great for kids of all ages. 28. Take a tip from locals and visit the <strong>Palazzo delle Esposizioni</strong>. It has some of the best exhibitions in the city and sometimes hosts cinema evenings. 29. Visit a traditional tavern (<em>fraschetta</em>) for good local wine and food that’s budget-friendly.  <div> <p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BUeHWXgAWV3" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Nel blu dipinto di bbbblu ☀️</a></p> <p>A post shared by martina vivani (@livinginthegardenofevil) on May 24, 2017 at 2:45am PDT</p> </div> 30. Watch the world go by on <strong>Piazza del Popolo</strong> where there’s always something going on. 31. If you’re in Rome in the summer, take in the magic of the open-air theatre in the <strong>Villa Borghese Park</strong> . 32. Enjoy a relaxing break in the <strong>Terme di Trastevere </strong> This spa evokes the beauty rituals of ancient Rome and you can unwind in a bath of wine, citrus fruits and herbs, or donkey milk, just as Cleopatra did! 33. Want to escape the tourists? Visit the <strong>Abbazia delle Tre Fontane</strong>. The Trappist monks who live here recently began making and selling their own beer. 34. Check out the work by artists around the world displayed across the fronts of the buildings in the <strong>Tor Marancia</strong> district, as part of a regeneration project.  <div> <p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BUgVd0bhDm2" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Rim :) #roma #rome #rim #vatikan #vaticancity #basilicadisanpietro #stpeterschurch #stpeterscathedral #pontesantangelo #tiber #rivertiber #vatican #sky #italia #italy #europe</a></p> <p>A post shared by Dragan Gulic (@dragangulic) on May 24, 2017 at 11:27pm PDT</p> </div> 35. Stroll along the river banks or take a scenic cruise along the <strong>River Tiber</strong> which runs through the heart of Rome. 36. The little <strong>Borgo Pio</strong> neighbourhood just behind the Vatican is amazingly quiet. The streets in this traditional area are lined with trattorias and bars. Keep your eyes open for the small fountain in the middle of Piazza del Catalone. 37. In Rome for a romantic trip? Visit the romantic <strong>Roseto Comunale</strong> near the Circo Massimo at the foot of the Palatine Hill where over 1000 varieties of roses grow. 38. Love pop surrealism? The <strong>Dorothy Circus Gallery</strong> is for you! This was the first art gallery in Rome to specialise in the genre. 39. A secret top tip: the <strong>Centrale Montemartini</strong> displays classical sculptures in the middle of an old power plant. It’s a combination that works surprisingly well!  <div> <p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BUhOukeFXHm" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Favorite gelato in Rome 🍦😋</a></p> <p>A post shared by teresa (@teresaliao) on May 25, 2017 at 7:47am PDT</p> </div> 40. Visit the city’s <strong><a href="http://blog.romeandvaticanpass.com/bloggers-best-gelaterias-in-rome">best gelateria</a></strong>, Giolitti, which is near to the Pantheon. 41. Are you a film lover? Join a guided tour and wander around film sets and studios at <strong>Cinecittà</strong>. Or create your own tour with our <strong><a href="http://blog.romeandvaticanpass.com/movie-lovers-guide-to-rome">Movie-Lovers' Guide to Rome</a></strong>. 42. Want to know what life was like in ancient Rome? Enrol in <strong>Gladiator School</strong> and you’ll see for yourself! 43. Take a <strong>Vespa Tour</strong> by night and recreate your own Roman holiday scene! 44. Apparently the best chocolate in Rome, the chocolate factory at <strong>SAID</strong> is nestled in the San Lorenzo district.  <div> <p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BUJfBvElbrV" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Ochutnaj Rím - najlepší spôsob ako spoznať krajinu, mesto, kultúru, život je jednoznačne prostredníctvom jedla 😇 #musttry #niecoakopizza #baklazanvovnutri #parmezannavrchu</a></p> <p>A post shared by Eduarda Krázelová (@eda_lumturi) on May 16, 2017 at 2:28am PDT</p> </div> 45. Take a <strong>food tour</strong> with an expert local guide and titillate your tastebuds. Don't forget to sample some of the most delicious hand-held goodies with <strong><a href="http://blog.romeandvaticanpass.com/best-street-food-in-rome">our guide to Rome's best Street Food</a></strong>! 46. A short 15-minute drive out of Rome, <strong>Monte Mario</strong> is Rome’s highest peak and offers stunning views of the city, particularly in the evening. 47. Indulge in a ballet or opera at the <strong>Teatro dell’Opera</strong> and follow it with a hearty bowl of pasta at one of the nearby restaurants. 48. The legendary tomb of Remus, the <strong>Pyramid of Cestius</strong>, is the only pyramid in Europe. 49. People-watch on the Spanish steps leading up from <strong>Piazza di Spagna</strong> to the Trinità dei Monti church. 50. Fanatical about pasta? Visit the <strong>National Pasta Museum</strong> on the Via Flaminia and be sure to check out our <strong><a href="http://blog.romeandvaticanpass.com/best-pasta-restaurants-in-rome">Guide to the Best Pasta Restaurants in Rome</a></strong>! Did we miss out something? What's on your Rome Bucket list? Let us know in the comments! 

When in Rome, do as the Romans do with our top things to do in and around the city. Time to start planning your Rome Bucket List!

The Ultimate Rome Bucket List: Top 50 things to do in the City | Omnia Rome and Vatican Pass

The Best Pasta Restaurants in Rome

   <h2>What else were you going to eat in Italy? Here's the best pasta restaurants in Rome</h2> Nothing compares to a steaming dish of home-cooked Italian pasta and luckily, there's a number of fantastic places to order some in Rome. The city's full of options (and recipes), for every creamy carbonara at a family trattoria, there's a sea urchin pasta across the way at a modern bistro. Check out some of the best pasta restaurants in Rome below.  <div> <p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BP8fL5cgbWI" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Uma legítima pasta a carbonara italiana, al dente e queijo pecorino.</a></p> <p>A post shared by Oslec (@borgescelso10) on Jan 31, 2017 at 2:14pm PST</p> </div> <h3><strong>Da Danilo</strong></h3> Nothing beats homemade food and the adage follows in Italy. Da Danilo, a trattoria owned by a mother-son duo, whip up some of the best pasta in the capital and as such are always in high demand. Specialising in carbonara, Rome's signature dish, as well as other simple comforts like cacio e pepe, Da Danilo's a perfect place for authentic classics. <em>Via Petrarca, 13, 00185 Roma, Italy <a href="http://www.trattoriadadanilo.com">http://www.trattoriadadanilo.com</a> </em>  <div> <p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BSUSgOLAJ3a" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">When in Roma.... My home away from home @fabianaf1979</a></p> <p>A post shared by Anthony D'Anna (@anthdanna) on Mar 31, 2017 at 2:07pm PDT</p> </div> <h3><strong>Armando al Pantheon</strong></h3> After roaming the iconic Pantheon, head over to the nearby Armando al Pantheon for a meal that will really hit the spot. Despite being surrounded by subpar tourist trap restaurants, the food is next level with favourites including the spicy and garlicky Spaghetti Aglio, Olio e Peproncino as well Spaghetti alla Gricia, a hearty dish comprising of Pecorino Romano cheese, guanciale and black pepper. <em>Salita dei Crescenzi, 31, 00186 Roma, Italy <a href="http://armandoalpantheon.it">http://armandoalpantheon.it</a> </em>  <div> <p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BTxdtb0g2Zb" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Do as the Italian's do, Pasta! . . . #traveldiaries #italy #wheninrome #pasta #carbsfordays #cheeseforlife #mixology #classiccocktails #cleaneating #personalchef #mixologist #todiefor #chefglass #restauranteur #wanderlust #nomad #bourbon #ginlover #scotch #wineconnoisseur #anytime #vinovinovino #travel #coffee #fuelforhours #cigaraficionado #lahéfa</a></p> <p>A post shared by 🔸Alka Chain🔸 (@eljefeatvintage) on May 6, 2017 at 6:35pm PDT</p> </div> <h3><strong>Roscioli</strong></h3> Whether you're tucking into peppery Cacio e Pepe or buttery Rigatoni Burro e Parmigiano, Roscioli is a pasta restaurant that always delights. These chefs know and prioritise quality ingredients, as in a previous life Roscioli was once a fine foods boutique, and elevate their dishes beyond the norm. They've also got a killer wine list if you're looking for something to wash it all down with. <em>Via dei Giubbonari, 21/22, 00186 Roma, Italy <a href="http://www.salumeriaroscioli.com/restaurant">http://www.salumeriaroscioli.com/restaurant</a> </em>  <div> <p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BR8W8bEhu4Y" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Grandissimo spaghetto con le vongole del lago di Caprolace. #lagodicaprolace #solouva #arcariedanesi #roma #ilsanlorenzo</a></p> <p>A post shared by Giovanni Arcari (@giovanniarcari) on Mar 22, 2017 at 7:04am PDT</p> </div> <h3><strong>Il Sanlorenzo</strong></h3> There's a time and place for cheesy pasta and a meal at Il Sanlorenzo isn't it. Specialising in seafood pastas, Il Sanlorenzo is a welcome change from the carbonaras of the city. The menu tends to change depending on the season and what seafood is freshest, but you can expect to see razor clams, octopi, prawns and sea urchin topping their pastas. <em>Via dei Chiavari, 4/5, 00186 Roma, Italy <a href="http://www.ilsanlorenzo.it">http://www.ilsanlorenzo.it</a> </em>  <div> <p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BIlHYFSjGoE" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Lasagne</a></p> <p>A post shared by Jason Lander (@jwlander) on Aug 1, 2016 at 1:43pm PDT</p> </div> <h3><strong>La Tavernaccia da Bruno</strong></h3> This family-run trattoria is located on the outskirts of the effortlessly hipster Trastevere neighbourhood and serves up quality Roman pasta classics, as well as a handful from Umbria where the owner hails from. The standout dish here is the lasagna, made with layers and layers of freshly made pasta and bechamel sauce baked in their wood-fired oven. <em>Via Giovanni da Castel Bolognese, 63, 00153 Roma, Italy <a href="http://www.latavernacciaroma.com">http://www.latavernacciaroma.com</a> </em>  <div> <p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BT1QcZeAYKX" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Tradizioni Romane🍴🍝 Cacio e Pepe way of life! #Italy🇮🇹 . . . . . . . . #lunch #eat #tasty #good #picoftheday #bestoftheday #igersoftheday #igaddict #like4like #followme #photo #photooftheday #beautiful #amazing #tagsforlike #food #foodporn #tradition #italy #rome #cook #togheter #happy #girl #love #life #pasta</a></p> <p>A post shared by Martina Evangelista (@martinavng) on May 8, 2017 at 5:56am PDT</p> </div> <h3><strong>Osteria Bonelli</strong></h3> While it's not the fanciest joint on the list, Osteria Bonelli's hearty pasta recipes give any restaurant a run for their money and they're also luckily a fraction of the price. With seasonal dishes as well as the classics, the osteria's recipes attract a diverse crowd of locals and tourists. If you're feeling up to it, they also have a few quinto quarto - or offal - dishes worth the culinary adventure. <em>Viale dell'Acquedotto Alessandrino, 172/174, 00176 Roma, Italy <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Osteria-Bonelli-427233444051834">https://www.facebook.com/Osteria-Bonelli-427233444051834</a> </em> 

What else were you going to eat in Italy? From the traditional to contemporary, but always home-cooked, here's the best pasta restaurants in Rome!

The Best Pasta Restaurants in Rome | Omnia Rome and Vatican Pass

Rome Neighbourhoods: A Comprehensive Guide

   <h2>Explore your way around the city with our comprehensive guide to the best of Rome neighbourhoods!</h2> The best way to plan your visit to the beautiful Eternal City is to divide your time across the various Rome neighbourhoods, or <em>rione</em>. Each has something unique to offer as this guide, brought to you by the team at the Rome Pass, sets out. <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dtljonz0f/image/upload/f_auto/q_auto/v1/gc-v1/rome-and-vatican-pass/blog/collosseum-rome-neighbourhoods.jpg" loading="lazy"><h3><strong>Ancient Rome – Celio and Campitelli</strong></h3> This is where it all began, the ancient heart of Rome and the Roman Empire. Perhaps the most impressive of the city’s landmarks is here: <strong><a href="/vatican-rome/en-us/rome-attractions/coliseum-rome">the Colosseum</a></strong>. Originally known as the Flavian Amphitheatre, it dominates the piazza del Colosseo. Commissioned in AD 72 by Emperor Vespasian and completed in AD 80 by his successor, Titus, it’s the largest amphitheatre ever built, holding between 50,000 and 75,000 spectators in its heyday. It’s now the most visited tourist site in Italy, so booking tickets in advance (online or by phone) is recommended. The standard admission ticket to the Colosseum also includes entry to the neighbouring <strong><a href="/vatican-rome/en-us/rome-attractions/Roman-Forum-Palatine-Hill">Palatine and Roman Forum</a></strong>. In Roman mythology, the Palatine is the birthplace of Romulus and Remus, founders of Rome. It is now an open-air museum offering a fabulous panorama of the archaeological remains below. In the adjacent Roman Forum – marketplace, business district, civic centre and seat of power of Ancient Rome – you can see the supposed burial place of Romulus, the remains of temples and law courts, and fragments of pottery, mosaics and sculptures. A guided or audio tour will help you get the best out of the site. Had your fill of history? Take a stroll to the leafy residential area of <strong>Aventine Hill</strong> just beyond the Circus Maximus and take in the fantastic panoramic city views. <h3><strong><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dtljonz0f/image/upload/f_auto/q_auto/v1/gc-v1/rome-and-vatican-pass/blog/rome-neighbourhoods-trevi.jpg" loading="lazy"></strong><strong>Centro storico</strong></h3> The Centro storico (historic centre) comprises a number of different <em>rione</em> and contains some of the most iconic of Rome’s sights. The piazza Navona is at its heart, a lively square with street artists, buskers and plenty of cafés. Built over Emperor Domitian’s stadium in the 15th century, it features some of the city’s most beautiful Baroque art and architecture, such as the <strong>Church of Sant’Agnese</strong> in Agone and three splendid fountains. You can also take a fascinating underground tour of the remains of the original stadium. Just to the east is the <strong>Pantheon</strong>. Originally built around 25BC as a temple to all of the Roman gods, it was given to Pope Boniface IV in 609. The Pantheon has functioned as a Christian church to St Mary and the Martyrs ever since, with mass held every week. This continued usage has helped keep the ancient building in an excellent state of repair. Further east again is the <strong>Trevi Fountain</strong>, the largest Baroque fountain in the city. A dense and impressive mass of sculpture and carving, the fountain is over 26 metres high and ejects 80,000 cubic metres of water every day. Legend has it that a visitor who throws a coin into the fountain is guaranteed to return to the Eternal City. A stroll northwards through the narrow lanes will take you to the <em>Scalina Spagna</em>, or <strong>Spanish Steps</strong>. Built in the 1720s, the 138 steps are a mixture of curves and straight flights, vistas and terraces overlooked by the Trinità dei Monti church. The steps were a popular gathering place for artists and poets in the 18th century, and there are still artists plying their trade at the top, ready to paint visitors’ portraits. At the foot of the steps is the house where John Keats lived and died, now a museum dedicated to the English Romantic poets. This area around the Via dei Condotti is also where you’ll find some of Rome’s most upmarket boutiques, restaurants and hotels. <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dtljonz0f/image/upload/f_auto/q_auto/v1/gc-v1/rome-and-vatican-pass/blog/st-peters-square-rome-neighbourhoods.jpg" loading="lazy"><h3><strong>Vatican City &amp; Prati</strong></h3> Technically, <strong><a href="/vatican-rome/en-us/rome-attractions/vatican-city-attractions">Vatican City</a></strong> is a sovereign state, but for sightseeing purposes it is just another of the Rome neighbourhoods. Official residence of the Pope for centuries, it is also home to eleven museums and, of course, Michelangelo’s beautifully painted <strong><a href="/vatican-rome/en-us/rome-attractions/Sistine-Chapel">Sistine Chapel</a></strong>. There are no paintings in <strong><a href="/vatican-rome/en-us/rome-attractions/st-peters-basilica">St Peter’s Basilica</a></strong>, the largest Roman Catholic church in Italy, but plenty of statues and some breathtaking architecture. Michelangelo’s sculpture, Pietà, is at the head of the right nave and the only work he ever signed. If you have a head for heights, you can climb the 551 steps to the top of the dome and be rewarded with fabulous rooftop views. Catholic or not, mass in St Peter’s Basilica is an experience not to be missed. It is celebrated Monday to Saturday in the various chapels of the Basilica. And if you’re lucky enough to be in Rome at the same time as the Pope himself, you can even book tickets (free) for a Papal Mass either in the Basilica or St Peter’s Square. Don’t stay indoors the whole time though: take a tour of the Vatican Gardens. A wonderful place for quiet meditation since 1279, the gardens now cover a large proportion of the site and contain grottoes, fountains, monuments and the heliport. Advance booking only, the tour lasts two hours. If visiting the Vatican is the main purpose of your trip to Rome, you’d be wise to stay in Prati, just to the east. Affordable hotels, good shopping and plenty of decent places to eat all within walking distance of Vatican City, and there are two metro stops with good links to the Vatican as well.  <div> <p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BTTlGlWFu9s" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">La bellezza❤️ #rome #italy #25aprile #trastevere</a></p> <p>A post shared by @ines_l88 on Apr 25, 2017 at 4:02am PDT</p> </div> <h3><strong>Trastevere</strong></h3> A medieval working-class district, Trastevere has gradually been gentrified since the 1970s and is now very popular with visitors. Wander the cobblestoned streets, relax in the University’s botanic gardens and watch the world go by from the steps of the fountain in the piazza di Santa Maria. As you’d expect from one of the more up-and-coming Rome neighbourhoods, there are some excellent restaurants and bars and a really buzzing nightlife. It’s also a good place for funky boutiques, plus there is a huge flea market on Sundays at Porta Portese selling everything from antiques and books to clothes. 

The best way to plan your visit to the Eternal City is to divide your time across the various Rome neighbourhoods, check out our comprehensive guide!

Rome Neighbourhoods: A Comprehensive Guide | Omnia Rome and Vatican Pass

Best Bars for Aperitivo in Rome

  <h2>Forget your regular happy hours, here's where to enjoy aperitivo in Rome</h2> <p>Aperitivo in Rome is a cultural pastime, with people all over the capital spilling out of offices and into trendy bars and restaurants. With affordably priced drinks and lush buffets piled high with Roman dishes, there's no end of places that put their own distinctive spin on aperitivo from jazzing things up with an extensive cocktail list or stepping up their recipe game. If you're travelling to the city, it's worth joining in the tradition at some of the best places for aperitivo in Rome below.</p> <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dtljonz0f/image/upload/f_auto/q_auto/v1/gc-v1/rome-and-vatican-pass/blog/freni-e-frizoni.jpg" loading="lazy"><p><em>Image via <a href="http://www.freniefrizioni.com">Freni e Frizoni</a></em></p> <h3><strong>Freni e Frizoni</strong></h3> <p>Converted from an old mechanic's garage, this effortlessly trendy aperitivo bar in the heart of the hip and happening Trastevere Neighbourhood. With a young eclectic crowd that spills out onto the piazza outside, it derives its name 'brakes and clutches' from its past life. Its team of mixologists make a mean cocktail and it has a large buffet serving up couscous, pizzas, bruschetta and vegetarian dishes.</p>  <div> <p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BSbl3pOgoQ4" target="_blank" rel="noopener">I wish mondays could always be like this.. #roma #rome #italy #italia #italygram #monday #mondays #drink #drinks #delicious #travelgram #travel #explore #traveler #travelingram #ig_daily #igtravel #ig_shotz #ig_europe #ig_italia #instapic</a></p> <p>A post shared by Irina Bykovskaya (@laitalianka) on Apr 3, 2017 at 10:11am PDT</p> </div>  <h3><strong>Salotto42</strong></h3> <p>Specialising in aperitivo, Salotto42 is a great bar within throwing distance of the Piazza di Pietra. Founded by a Swedish supermodel, the entire space is filled with Swedish design touches and its shelves are stacked with curated art magazines and indie books, making it an Instagram goldmine for those looking for their next great shot. Curl up on one of its cosy couches with a sophisticated cocktail and blend in with its stylish clientele as the bar comes to life during aperitivo hour. While it's a little strapped for room, as the night draws on people spill onto the piazza with wine glasses and bar snacks in hand.</p>  <div> <p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BSCiszUDXVL" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Friday night. #photooftheday</a></p> <p>A post shared by Simone Bottaro (@simonebottaro) on Mar 24, 2017 at 4:43pm PDT</p> </div>  <h3><strong>Doppio Zeroo</strong></h3> <p>This welcoming bar and restaurant has a killer aperitivo offer for those on a budget - for just €10-12 you can snag yourself an alcoholic drink and pile your plate high at their all you can eat buffet. Think couscous, pasta, grilled vegetables and even a cheeky nutella pizza for dessert. Converted from an old bakery, it's a popular choice for locals and packs up quick so it's worth making a reservation if you don't want to hang around for half an hour.</p> <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dtljonz0f/image/upload/f_auto/q_auto/v1/gc-v1/rome-and-vatican-pass/blog/momart-rome.jpg" loading="lazy"><p><em>Image via <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pg/www.momartcafe.it">Momart facebook</a></em></p> <h3><strong>Momart</strong></h3> <p>It's impossible not to fall in love with Momart's romantic design, from its moody dark flooring to its sprawling veranda, but particularly its aperitivo offering that starts from 6pm. People from all over Rome come here for its buffet which includes pizzas served fresh out of their wood fire ovens, pasta, salads and naturally its selection of alcoholic offerings. Popular with students from nearby universities, it generally caters to a younger crowd.</p>  <div> <p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BQ7hHL7DqmD" target="_blank" rel="noopener">I weekend sotto al portico di Piazza Augusto Imperatore sono i migliori della città. ____________________________________ #gustopizzeria #gustoristorante #gusto #piazzaaugustoimperatore #bestplacetogo #brunch #eatanddrink #rome #brunchinrome #romanity #italianrestaurant #italianfod #romefood #mangiarearoma #mangiareitaliano #loverome #centrostoricoroma #architecture #bestrestaurantinrome</a></p> <p>A post shared by Follow GUSTO_ROMA (@gusto_roma) on Feb 25, 2017 at 1:43am PST</p> </div>  <h3><strong>Gusto</strong></h3> <p>Gusto is all things to all people: a wine bar, a restaurant, a pizzeria, a bookshop and an awesome place for aperitivo. This trendy joint with its exposed brick walls and industrial details is always filled with customers and its unlimited aperitivo buffet is particularly high in demand, serving up pizzette, arancini and more. Affordably priced, there's also a great selection of cocktails and an extensive wine list to enjoy.</p> 

Forget your regular happy hours, here's where to enjoy the best aperitivo in Rome!

Best Bars for Aperitivo in Rome | Omnia Rome and Vatican Pass

Things to Do: Easter in Rome

   <h2>Witness the beating, spiritual heart of the Italian capital with these fantastic things to do this Easter in Rome!</h2> As a deeply Catholic city, it's no surprise that Easter is kind of a big deal in Rome. The city is transformed by blue skies, vibrant florals, religious processions and some of the most moving masses of the year, which makes it one of the best yet busiest times of the year to visit the Italian capital. Whether you're Catholic or not, the city welcomes all people to join in the festivities and here's a few things to do this Easter in Rome! <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dtljonz0f/image/upload/f_auto/q_auto/v1/gc-v1/rome-and-vatican-pass/blog/easter-in-rome-colisseum.jpg" loading="lazy"><h3><strong>April, 14, Good Friday</strong></h3> <em>Via Crucis at the Colosseum </em> As one of the most memorable ceremonies of the Catholic holiday, Via Crucis honours Jesus Christ's struggle to carry his own crucifix to his eventual crucifixion through a procession re-enactment. Beginning at <a href="/vatican-rome/en-us/rome-attractions/coliseum-rome">the Colosseum</a> at 9:15pm, Pope Francis will start the tradition with an unforgettable mass open to the public before a crucifix is carried to thirteen different locations named the Stations of the Cross. As one of the most moving and sombre rituals of the holiday, it's a great insight into Catholicism for those unfamiliar with its rituals. Visitors hoping to visit the Colosseum for sightseeing purposes may be disappointed however, as the Colosseum's regular tourism services are limited. <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dtljonz0f/image/upload/f_auto/q_auto/v1/gc-v1/rome-and-vatican-pass/blog/easter-in-rome-st-peters-square.jpg" loading="lazy"><h3><strong>Palm Sunday - Easter Sunday</strong></h3> <em>Easter Mass at St Peter’s Basilica </em> Throughout Easter, <a href="/vatican-rome/en-us/rome-attractions/st-peters-basilica">St Peter's Basilica </a>runs regular masses open to the public and besides Christmas, they're the most subscribed events of the year. Visitors hoping to sit in on its masses are advised to book their free tickets a few months in advance if they want to sit in the cathedral, however people are welcome to sit in St Peter's Square to watch the live broadcast. Key Easter masses led by the Pope include the Celebration of Penitential Rites on March 17 to herald the start of Easter, a Good Friday mass at 5pm on April 14, a vigil on Easter Saturday (April 15) at 8:30pm to welcome new Catholics to the church and finally the grand Easter Sunday mass at 10:15am <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dtljonz0f/image/upload/f_auto/q_auto/v1/gc-v1/rome-and-vatican-pass/blog/easter-in-rome-borghese.jpg" loading="lazy"><h3><strong>April 17, Easter Monday</strong><strong>Pasquetta</strong></h3> This Easter Monday celebration is one where families come together and leave the bustling city behind for the seaside, countryside or find themselves a tranquil spot in <a href="/vatican-rome/en-us/rome-attractions/Borghese-Gallery">Borghese Park</a> for a picnic. If you're keen on joining in the tradition, Rome's most popular beach Ostia Lido is just a short distance from Piramide - the area's also a fantastic place to explore once you've finished with your feast with the stunning Ostia Antica ruins towering over the area. <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dtljonz0f/image/upload/f_auto/q_auto/v1/gc-v1/rome-and-vatican-pass/blog/easter-in-rome-castel-sant-angelo.jpg" loading="lazy"><h3><strong>April 17, Easter Monday</strong></h3> <strong>Pasquetta Fireworks</strong> If you're planning on staying in the main Roman drag, it's worth securing a spot on the banks of the River Tiber to catch the breathtaking fireworks display over <a href="/vatican-rome/en-us/rome-attractions/national-museum-castel-st-angelo">Castel Sant'Angelo</a>. While the exact time of the show is hard to pin down, it's worth asking tourist information or your hotel concierge for an idea of when the fireworks will start. With Castel Sant'Angelo's statue of Archangel Michael set against a sky of rainbow lights, this picturesque event is one worth breaking out your camera for. <strong>Flowers</strong> Rome embraces spring and all its blooms during spring, with hundreds of thousands of flowers and a flood of greenery bringing the capital to life. (Last year, over 30,000 tulips, hyacinths and daffodils were used in just one Easter Sunday display.) Even if you don't intend to join the Easter celebrations, the city is still at its most beautiful around this time with the Spanish Steps lined with lilies and rhododendrons and Aventine Hill's Rose Garden in full bloom. 

Easter is kind of a big deal in Rome! Witness the spiritual heart of the Italian capital with these fantastic things to do this Easter in Rome.

Things to Do: Easter in Rome | Omnia Rome and Vatican Pass

Discover Things to Do in Rome in 2017

   <h2>The Italian capital has a busy events calendar, here are some of the best things to do in Rome in 2017!</h2> From sporting events and annual cultural festivals to street performances and more, Rome is a fun-filled capital that never seems to stop buzzing! Check out some of the best things to do in Rome this year, with our comprehensive guide to the city's favourite events! If you happen to be in town during these events, be sure to mark your calendar because you won't want to miss them! <h3><strong>Rome Marathon</strong></h3> As one of the biggest sporting events of the year, the Rome Marathon attracts runners and spectators from all over the world. With a 42 kilometer run for serious runners and a 5km Roma Fun Run for casual joggers, there's also a number of fun activities happening at the Marathon Villages. Runners will race past iconic landmarks like the Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps and St Peter's Basilica and be able to squeeze in some sightseeing while achieving their personal best times. <strong>Dates: </strong>2 April <h3><strong>Natalie di Roma</strong></h3> Happy birthday to Rome! This vibrant celebration honours the founding of Rome in 753 BC, which is said to have been the work of the twins Romulus and Remus for which the capital is named. All day, re-enactments of their story, fireworks and parades brighten up the streets (especially around Campidoglio) and fills the city with a festive atmosphere. <strong>Dates: </strong>21 April <h3><strong>Festa de'Noantri</strong></h3> Held in the Trastevere neighbourhood, this holiday celebrates the discovery of a Madonna statue during a storm by fishermen. The cedarwood statue was then donated to the church St Agata and during the Festa de'Noantri, it is taken and carried to the larger St Tiber church in a beautiful religious procession. After eight days, it is returned to St Agata by boat. As with any great Roman festival, music, dancing and theatrical performances characterise the neighbourhood's joyful transformation. <strong>Dates: </strong>18 July <h3><strong>Papa Audiences at </strong><a href="/vatican-rome/en-us/rome-attractions/st-peters-basilica"><strong>St Peter's Basilica</strong></a></h3> See the Pope at some of the Vatican City's public masses and audiences, held famously at St Peter's Basilica where the papal throne is housed. The Pope regularly conducts the Angelus prayer from his window in the basilica and anybody can watch him speak from the square, however it is worth arriving early to save a good spot. For traditional masses, visitors will have to secure tickets to enter the basilica which are all free of charge. When you've finished, spend some time exploring the basilica and its historical tombs - it's one of the best things to do in the Vatican City. <strong>Dates: </strong>See the full 2017 papal calendar <a href="http://www.vatican.va/various/prefettura/en/udienze_en">here</a>. <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dtljonz0f/image/upload/f_auto/q_auto/v1/gc-v1/rome-and-vatican-pass/blog/rome-events-2017-pope.jpg" loading="lazy"><h3><strong>Settimanta Santa and Pasqua at the <a href="/vatican-rome/en-us/rome-attractions/vatican-city-attractions">Vatican City</a> and <a href="/vatican-rome/en-us/rome-attractions/coliseum-rome">Colosseum</a></strong></h3> Easter is a hallowed time for the Vatican, with numerous services and celebrations held all week long. One of the most important Catholic traditions is Good Friday's Via Crucis - the Stations of the Cross - which is a procession that re-enacts Jesus Christ's struggle to carry his crucifix to his place of death. The procession begins early in the morning at the Colosseum where a prayer is recited, then winds through Vatican city to thirteen additional stations such as St Peter's Basilica before finishing with a public mass at the Colosseum. Make sure to return to the Colosseum on a quieter day to wander its crumbling tiers and learn about its gladiatorial past through its fascinating exhibition. <strong>Dates: </strong>March/April <h3><strong>Festival della Letterature</strong></h3> The Roman Forum is a must-visit for any Rome traveller with stunning relics dating back to ancient times held within its halls. Aside from celebrating Rome's ancient culture, it also honours the best that Rome's modern literary scene has to offer at the Festival della Literature. This popular cultural festival is held annually at the atmospheric Basilica of Maxentius over a number of days, featuring readings by internationally renowned writers such as Zadie Smith, William Finnegan and more. It works a little differently than other literature events - a theme for the festival is announced and then writers create something that pertains to that theme, which are then read aloud. <strong>Dates: </strong>To be announced, usually May/June <h3><a href="/vatican-rome/en-us/rome-attractions/Sistine-Chapel"><strong>Sistine Chapel and the Vatican Museums</strong></a></h3> While this isn't an event per se, the Sistine Chapel and the Vatican Museums' stunning artistic collection are the pinnacle of Roman culture and not to be missed. Open all year round, the Sistine Chapel is most notably famed for Michelangelo's The Last Judgment which arcs across its ceiling and the Vatican Museums for Botticelli's frescoes. Visitors are required to book tickets in advance. <strong>Dates: </strong>Open year round <h3><strong>Gay Village</strong></h3> A ten-week open-air bonanza that makes summer the pinkest season of the year: bars, restaurants, live acts, discos, cinema – a great place for boys and girls alike. Venue and contact details change from year to year, but the website reveals all as the date approaches. <strong>Where:</strong> venue changes from year to year <strong>Dates:</strong> late June-early Sept 7pm-3am daily <h3><strong>Festa de Noant ri</strong></h3> Though few traces of Trastevere's working-class roots remain today, the area's residents celebrate its humble origins with gusto during the Festa de' Noantri. Festivities kick off with a procession held in honour of the Madonna del Carmine, to whom the whole shebang is theoretically dedicated. Two weeks of arts events and street performances follow, and fireworks round off the closing night. <strong>Where:</strong> Piazza Santa Maria in Trastevere/piazza Mastai <strong>Dates</strong> mid-end July 

From sporting events to cultural festivals and more, Rome is a fun-filled capital that never stops! Check out some of the best things to do in Rome in 2017!

Discover Things to Do in Rome in 2017 | Omnia Rome and Vatican Pass

The Best Street Food in Rome

   <h2>Grab it and go - here's a guide to the best street food in Rome</h2> Rome is a city best seen on foot and luckily, there's a whole variety of street food perfect for snacking on while wandering its cultural sites. As with the best Italian food, these budget-friendly dishes are fantastic simple comforts and prioritise fresh, quality ingredients. From doughy delicacies to sweet treats, check out some of the city's popular favourites below.  <div> <p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BSMfxRDDEB8" target="_blank" rel="noopener">😏😏😏 . 🍕 . #pizza #mortadella #scamorza #mozzarella #pizzaaddict #pizzafreak #pizzabianca #torontofoodphoto #torontoeats #torontofood #torontofoodies #buono #buonappetito #feedfeed #heresmyfood #blogto #oldpost #italianfood #italianfoodporn #italianfoodbloggers #cucinaitaliana #cucinamediterranea #cookinglight #nosauce #piattiitaliani #piattitipiciregionali #buzzfeed #buzzfeedfood #huffposttaste</a></p> <p>A post shared by 💟Healthy💟Positive💟Recipes💟 (@for.the.love.of_food) on Mar 28, 2017 at 1:29pm PDT</p> </div> <h3><strong>Pizza Bianca</strong></h3> This flatbread is a popular favourite and is a foccacia style bread, served fresh out of the oven. Baked with olive oil and sprinkled with sea salt, it might not sound like much but it's utterly addictive. It's available at most bakeries and makes for a tasty snack to tide you over between meals. It can also be served with a number of fillings, including melted mortadella cheese, tomatoes and prosciutto for a heartier meal.  <div> <p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BRNoWCOg-6q" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Supplì = Sorpresa ____________________________________ #pasticcioroma #pasticcio #testaccio #rome #italianfood #italianrestaurant #goodfood #restaurantwithaview #romefood #lovefood #mangiarearoma #topfloor #skygarden #photofood #eatanddrink</a></p> <p>A post shared by Pasticcio Roma (@pasticcioroma) on Mar 4, 2017 at 2:32am PST</p> </div> <h3><strong>Supplí </strong></h3> These deep fried rice croquettes are similar to arancini, however the rice is flavoured with meat or alternate sauces and packed around a ball of melted mozzarella. Served frequently as appetisers at restaurants, they're also great street food snacks and everybody has their own take on the recipe with meat, tomatoes and even pizza-flavoured renditions at different stalls.  <div> <p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BRoL63JgXZd" target="_blank" rel="noopener">I know a girl that started to cry when eating this gelato</a></p> <p>A post shared by KELLY UMPHRED EATS (@umpharoni) on Mar 14, 2017 at 11:03am PDT</p> </div> <h3><strong>Gelato</strong></h3> Rome's numerous gelaterias are the bane of any dieter, but fantastic for culinary travellers. With numerous stalls and sit-down restaurants all over the city, this sweet treat is made with milk, cream, sugar and is generally thicker and richer than regular ice cream. With numerous flavours including stracciatella (a vanilla ice cream sprinkled with chocolate) and fruitier options like cherry, it's a treat made for hot summer days.  <div> <p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BSQmfZ7B7bR" target="_blank" rel="noopener">È quasi ora di pranzo 🕐🍝 E io che faccio? Trovo nella mia galleria questo #trapizzino per la rubrica #solokcal 🤤 È uno degli #streetfood più bbbuoni da assaggiare a Roma 🤙🏼 Detto ció, mi vado a preparare l'insalta con il tonno 🥗🐟😝 che sennó quest'estate la prova costume la supero dal ginocchio in giù 🤘🏼 #trapizzinoroma #🇮🇹 ~ #devisolofareclick #lifeisbetterwithmysneakerson #marsgoldencurlyinsneakers #marsgoldencurly #food #italia #igersitalia #igersroma #volgoroma #lunch #foodgasm #travelgram #picoftheday #lavitainunoscatto #nm_smallsteps #nike #vivo_italia #foto_italiane #volgoitalia #fromwhereistand #foodphotography #italianfood #foodstagram #foodpic #foodpics</a></p> <p>A post shared by Mars🌙☁️GoldenCurlyinSneakers (@marsgoldencurly) on Mar 30, 2017 at 3:45am PDT</p> </div> <h3><strong>Trapizzino</strong></h3> These triangular dishes are a mash up of pizzas and sandwiches, using pizza dough to create a sandwich pocket filled with cheese, tomatoes and beef ragu. As with any great street food recipe, every stall has their own spin on it and creative variations include offal, octopi and eggplant parmesan.  <div> <p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BSByGm-hA8s" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Quando em Roma, coma como os romanos: pizza al taglio. No Bonci Pizzarium o chef 👨‍🍳 Gabriele Bonci criou os melhores sabores com ingredientes de altíssima qualidade. Pertinho dos museus do Vaticano, é uma parada ideal. ✨✨ Bonci Pizzarium: the best option to eat like a Roman. A short walk from the Vatican museums and million amazing flavours. #roma #rome #italy #pizzaaltaglio #boncipizzarium</a></p> <p>A post shared by Traveleatandrepeat (@traveleatandrepeat_bylu) on Mar 24, 2017 at 9:38am PDT</p> </div> <h3><strong>Pizza al Taglio</strong></h3> As one of Italy's most famous culinary exports, Pizza al Taglio is a must for any Rome traveller. These large rectangular pizzas are served by the slice (much like New York's famous dollar slice joints) and topped off with anything you can think of: artichokes, zucchini, truffles, prosciutto, olives and more. With simple bases like tomato and cheese (margherita), tomato (rossa) or olive oil, garlic and rosemary (bianca), there's an endless number of varieties.  <div> <p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BR-pgqgBnyC" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Che ne dite di un panino con la porchetta di Ariccia?😍 #food #amazing #yummyinmytummy #tagforfollow #l4l #delicious #follow4follow #cooking #foodaddict #foodblog #foodie #rome #porchetta #Insta_FoodandPlaces #follower #food_instalove</a></p> <p>A post shared by Buzz&amp;Foody (@buzzefoody) on Mar 23, 2017 at 4:25am PDT</p> </div> <h3><strong>Porchetta</strong></h3> You can never go wrong with slow roasted pork and the Italians have taken it to the next level. Porchetta, sandwiches stuffed with juicy deboned pork and crispy crackling, are a hit with both locals and tourists and can be found at street food stalls all over the city. Sprinkled with salt and herbs such as rosemary, it's a simple comfort that always hits the spot. There's been a recent rise in places that serve processed porchetta that just isn't the same, so keep an eye out for the mom and pop shops that serve up the real deal. 

Grab it and go! From doughy delicacies and perfect pizza slices to sweet treats and more, check out some of the best street food in Rome!

The Best Street Food in Rome | Omnia Rome and Vatican Pass

City Break: Long Weekend in Rome

   <h2>Spending a long weekend in Rome? Make the most of your time with this quick guide to the Italian capital.</h2> Rome is a city that overflows with culture, with religious landmarks and artistic masterpieces on every corner. While this all sounds fantastic and is the stuff a culture vulture's dream vacation is made of, identifying the city's highlights and planning an itinerary for a long weekend in Rome is no small task. To make things easier, we've done the legwork for you below.  <div> <p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BR1X-QvDo1k" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Tonnarelli cacio e pepe #homemade #cacioepepe #cucinaitaliana #italianfood #primoitaliano #cucinaresano #sundaydinner #sundaymood #cooking #primiromani #pecorinoromano #tonnarelli #tonnarellicacioepepe #romefood #italianfood #italianstyle #foodporn #foodblogger #yummyfood #delicious #ciboitaliano</a></p> <p>A post shared by @lacucinaconamore on Mar 19, 2017 at 1:59pm PDT</p> </div> <h3><strong>What to Eat</strong></h3> When in Rome, do as the Romans do and indulge yourself in carbs. Unsurprisingly, homemade pastas are the name of the game in the Italian capital and carbonara is a must in the birthplace of the recipe. For simple comforts, try Spaghetti Cacio e Pepe (a peppery cheesy pasta) or Bucatini all’Amatriciana, a meaty, tomato-based dish using hollow pasta strings called bucatini. Fried appetizers such as artichokes, suppli and zucchini flowers are a great way to kick off a meal and if you're feeling adventurous, try a quinto quarto dish comprised of offal. Don't forget to bookmark our guide to <strong><a href="http://blog.romeandvaticanpass.com/top-10-rome-foods-you-need-to-try">Top 10 Rome Foods you must try when visiting the capital</a></strong>! <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dtljonz0f/image/upload/f_auto/q_auto/v1/gc-v1/rome-and-vatican-pass/blog/vatican-city_long-weekend.jpg" loading="lazy"><h3><strong>Where to Go</strong></h3> <strong><a href="/vatican-rome/en-us/rome-attractions/vatican-city-attractions">The Vatican City</a> </strong>Regardless of your religious background, the Rome's holy city within a city never fails to amaze with its stunning architecture and range of Renaissance art. Filled with churches and museums, it's worth braving the hordes of tourists to see Michelangelo's breathtaking frescos across the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel and find Botticelli's masterpieces scattered across the Vatican Museums. After that, venture to St Peter's Basilica and climb its intricate spire for a view over the city and see the papal throne at the Basilica of St John Lateran. For a glimpse of the Pope on Sunday, arrive early at St Peter's Square to see him read the Angelus prayer from his window. <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dtljonz0f/image/upload/f_auto/q_auto/v1/gc-v1/rome-and-vatican-pass/blog/colisseum_long-weekend.jpg" loading="lazy"><h3><strong>Things to See</strong></h3> <strong><a href="/vatican-rome/en-us/rome-attractions/coliseum-rome">Colosseum</a> </strong>Named for the gigantic statue of Emperor Nero that once stood nearby, this gigantic Roman stadium is a legacy of the capital's ancient past. Where gladiators and bloodthirsty spectators once roamed within its walls, tourists can now discover the history of its entertainment and see the remains of its glorious architecture.  <div> <p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BR7nv2dA0UX" target="_blank" rel="noopener">☀️🇮🇹 #Rome #pretty #trevifountain</a></p> <p>A post shared by Fran Howes☀️ (@frannhowes) on Mar 22, 2017 at 12:12am PDT</p> </div> <strong>Trevi Fountain </strong>Sometimes the best tourist sites in life are free and the grand Trevi Fountain is one of them, with images of its pristine white marble sculptures and coin-filled waters featuring in every guide book. Participate in a Roman tradition by turning your back to the fountain and tossing a coin over your left shoulder with your right hand - it's said that this will ensure you'll return to Rome in the future. <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dtljonz0f/image/upload/f_auto/q_auto/v1/gc-v1/rome-and-vatican-pass/blog/roman-forum_long-weekend.jpg" loading="lazy"><strong><a href="/vatican-rome/en-us/rome-attractions/Roman-Forum-Palatine-Hill">Roman Forum</a> </strong>Featured in blockbuster movies such as <em>The Talented Mr. Ripley, </em>the once great Roman Forum now stands in ruins and serves as a popular tourist highlight. Located in Capitoline Hills, once you've basked in the remains of its tall columns and massive expanse, it's worth heading over to the Capitoline Museums to see the legacy of ancient Roman art.  <div> <p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/-jv2ZsDhTH" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Vittorio Emanuele II National Museum Rome, Italy #rome #museum #italy #backpacker #backpacking #travel #traveller #travelling</a></p> <p>A post shared by TK (@tk085) on Nov 26, 2015 at 10:45am PST</p> </div> <strong><a href="/vatican-rome/en-us/rome-attractions/Museum-of-Rome">National Museum of Rome</a> </strong>Spread across four separate buildings, the National Museum of Rome encompasses the history of Rome's architectural contributions, artistic past and evolution of culture. While the widespread nature of the collection makes seeing all of it a frustrating task, those short on time should prioritise seeing the darling of the museum, the Palazzo Massimo alle Terme, which boasts a superb range of ancient Roman art. 

Spending a long weekend in Rome? Make the most of your time, explore the sights and experience the culture with this quick guide to the Italian capital!

City Break: Long Weekend in Rome | Omnia Rome and Vatican Pass

Our guide to the Capitoline Museums: 10 Sculptures You Can’t Miss

   <h2>Attention art-lovers! Use our guide to the Capitoline Museums to discover some of Rome's most beautiful sculptures!</h2> From medieval art to ancient statues, discover Rome’s history at the world’s first public museum, the Capitoline Museums. Here is our guide to 10 of the museum’s unmissable sculptures. <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dtljonz0f/image/upload/f_auto/q_auto/v1/gc-v1/rome-and-vatican-pass/blog/equestrian-marcus-aurelius_capitoline-museum.jpg" loading="lazy"><em>Image via <a href="https://www.facebook.com/MuseiCapitolini">Musei Capitolini facebook</a></em> <h3><strong>Equestrian Statue of Marcus Aurelius <em>(Statua equestre di Marco Aurelio)</em></strong></h3> In the courtyard between the two museum buildings is a replica of the Equestrian Statue of Marcus Aurelius, former Emperor of Rome. The statue is made up of two separate pieces – the emperor and the horse. Scholars believe it was erected around 161-180 AD and rumours suggest there may once have been a defeated enemy under the foreleg of the horse. In the early 1980s, the original statue underwent restoration and was moved inside the <em>Palazzo dei Conservatori,</em> while the replica took its place in the courtyard. <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dtljonz0f/image/upload/f_auto/q_auto/v1/gc-v1/rome-and-vatican-pass/blog/she-wolf_capitoline-museum.jpg" loading="lazy"><h3><strong>The Capitoline She-wolf <em>(Lupa Capitoline)</em></strong></h3> The she-wolf is the symbol of the city of Rome, depicted in this larger than life-size statue nursing the twins, Romulus and Remus. Legend states the she-wolf rescued the twins after an order was made to cast them into the Tiber River. Looked after by the she-wolf until found by a farmer, the twins went on to found the city of Rome as adults. The statue is believed to date back to the Middle Ages, with the twins added at a later date, when the statue was moved inside the <em>Palazzo dei Conservatori</em>. <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dtljonz0f/image/upload/f_auto/q_auto/v1/gc-v1/rome-and-vatican-pass/blog/constantine_capitoline-museum.jpg" loading="lazy"><em>Image via <a href="https://www.facebook.com/MuseiCapitolini">Musei Capitolini facebook</a></em> <h3><strong>Colossus of Constantine <em>(Statua colossale di Costantino)</em></strong></h3> Fragments of a marble, wooden and bronze statue of Roman Emperor Constantine the Great are housed in the courtyard of the Capitoline Museums since their excavation from near the <em>Forum Romanum</em>. It is believed the remainder of the statue was pillaged in around 235-284 AD, presumably for the bronze sections. Based on the measurements of the sections which have survived, it is estimated that the complete statue would have been around 12 metres tall! The statue is an interesting example of sculpting from the era, with the head designed in a typical Constantinian style, and the rest of the body carved more naturally, right down to the bulging veins. <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dtljonz0f/image/upload/f_auto/q_auto/v1/gc-v1/rome-and-vatican-pass/blog/horse-lion_capitoline-museum.jpg" loading="lazy"><em>Image via <a href="https://www.facebook.com/MuseiCapitolini">Musei Capitolini facebook</a></em> <h3><strong>Lion Attacking a Horse <em>(Leone che azzanna il cavallo)</em></strong></h3> One of the most talked-about survivors from ancient times, this statue depicts a ferocious lion attacking a helpless horse. It is believed the lion’s characteristics would have appealed to Romans and inspired them to fight. According to some, the statue became a new symbol of Rome. Parts of the statue date back to around 300-325 BC, although it has undergone several repairs and additions since that time. It is understood that one of Michelangelo’s pupils designed and sculpted the horse’s head and legs for both animals in 1594. <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dtljonz0f/image/upload/f_auto/q_auto/v1/gc-v1/rome-and-vatican-pass/blog/boy-thorn_capitoline-museum.jpg" loading="lazy"><em>Image via <a href="https://www.facebook.com/MuseiCapitolini">Musei Capitolini facebook</a></em> <h3><strong>Boy with Thorn <em>(Spinario)</em></strong></h3> This bronze statue portrays a shepherd boy removing a thorn from his foot and is believed to date from the first century AD, although the head may have been a later addition. Made in the Hellenistic style, the piece became very influential for artists during the Italian Renaissance. Since its creation, there have been many copies made of this statue, in marble and bronze. Some of these were given as gifts to recipients including the Kings of France and Spain as late as the sixteenth century. <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dtljonz0f/image/upload/f_auto/q_auto/v1/gc-v1/rome-and-vatican-pass/blog/medusa_capitoline-museum.jpg" loading="lazy"><em>Image via <a href="https://www.facebook.com/MuseiCapitolini">Musei Capitolini facebook</a></em> <h3><strong>Bust of Medusa <em>(Busto di Medusa)</em></strong></h3> According to myth, anyone who looked at snake-haired Medusa would turn into stone. This marble bust portrays Medusa’s anguish when she looks at her own reflection in a mirror and realises she is turning into stone. The statue dates to around 1645 AD and can be found in the Hall of the Geese <em>(Sala delle Oche)</em>. <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dtljonz0f/image/upload/f_auto/q_auto/v1/gc-v1/rome-and-vatican-pass/blog/capitoline-venus_capitoline-museum.jpg" loading="lazy"> Image via <a href="https://www.facebook.com/MuseiCapitolini">Musei Capitolini facebook</a> <h3><strong>Statue of Capitoline Venus <em>(Statua della Venera Capitolina)</em></strong></h3> Slightly larger than life-size, this statue is made of marble and shows a contemplative Venus as she emerges from her bath. The detail of her hair is incredible, with some pulled up and tied in a bow and some flowing around her shoulders. This version, discovered in around 1666, is a copy – the original has never been found. It is one of around 50 examples of modest Venus <em>(Venus Pudica)</em> statues. <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dtljonz0f/image/upload/f_auto/q_auto/v1/gc-v1/rome-and-vatican-pass/blog/gaul-statue_capitoline-museum.jpg" loading="lazy"><em>Image via <a href="https://www.facebook.com/MuseiCapitolini">Musei Capitolini facebook</a></em> <h3><strong>Statue of Capitoline Gaul <em>(Statua del Galata Capitolino)</em></strong></h3> Perhaps the most famous sculpture in the Hall of the Galatian <em>(Sala del Gladiatore)</em>, this statue is also known as “The Dying Gaul” and depicts a Gallic soldier with a wound to his chest. His face expresses the pain he’s feeling as he lies on his fallen shield. This marble sculpture is a copy of an original Greek bronze and was unearthed during excavations in the gardens of the Villa Ludovisi. <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dtljonz0f/image/upload/f_auto/q_auto/v1/gc-v1/rome-and-vatican-pass/blog/hercules-bust_capitoline-museum.jpg" loading="lazy"><em>Image via<a href="https://www.facebook.com/MuseiCapitolini"> Musei Capitolini facebook</a></em> <h3><strong>Bust of Commodus as Hercules <em>(Busto di Commodo como Ercole)</em></strong></h3> Legend has it Hercules killed his family in a fit of rage. Emperor Commodus was a greedy and selfish man, who ate too much, spent more than he should and ordered the murder and torture of many people. He often referred to himself as Hercules. This bust of Emperor Commodus is one of the most famous Roman portraits and contains many Herculean characteristics. This bust is in remarkably good condition given how much Romans of the time hated him and tried to destroy every inscription or portraiture of him. <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dtljonz0f/image/upload/f_auto/q_auto/v1/gc-v1/rome-and-vatican-pass/blog/centaur_capitoline-museum.jpg" loading="lazy"><em>Image via <a href="https://www.facebook.com/MuseiCapitolini">Musei Capitolini facebook</a></em> <h3><strong>Furietti Centaurs <em>(Centauri Furietti)</em></strong></h3> In the centre of the Great Hall <em>(Salone)</em> of the <em>Palazzo Nuovo</em>, one statue depicts a young centaur who is happy and joyful, standing alongside an old centaur, whose expression is pained. They were not sculpted by Furietti, but found by him at Hadrian’s Villa in 1736. It is believed these statues date from the first century AD. Another copy of the Old Centaur is found in the Louvre Museum in Paris. The statues are signed by Aristeas and Papias who came from Aphrodisias. It is not known whether they were the sculptors of this version or the designers of the original model. <strong>In addition to these not-to-be-missed iconic sculptures, you can find art, coin and jewellery collections at the Capitoline Museums. We hope you have a wonderful time exploring Rome’s history.</strong> 

Discover Rome’s history at the world’s first public museum, with our guide to the Capitoline Museums and 10 of the museum's unmissable sculptures!

Our guide to the Capitoline Museums: 10 Sculptures You Can’t Miss | Omnia Rome and Vatican Pass

A Solo-Traveller's Guide to Rome

   <h2>Heading out on your own? Here's a solo-traveller's guide to Rome to help you along.</h2> Rome is a city that rewards travellers taking on its incredible sights and culture on their own, with so much to see and do. It always helps to be prepared before heading anywhere new however and we've put together a little solo-traveller's guide to Rome for anyone aspiring to their own <em>Eat, Pray, Love</em> adventure below. <h3><strong>Getting Around</strong></h3> Rome has a pretty advanced public transport system, though walking is the best way to see the city and really get a feel for the infectious atmosphere of the place. With public buses running 24 hours across the best tourist attractions, tourists can buy tickets that cover rides on the buses and metro (which isn't that extensive, with only a few lines). Taxis are also a popular way to get around, however mind that some drivers are known to scam unsuspecting tourists so keep an eye on the metre as you zoom through the streets. If you want to see the sights without the stress of navigating the city, there's a great <strong><a href="/vatican-rome/en-us/rome-attractions/Rome-Bus-Tour">Hop On Hop Off bus tour</a> </strong>that departs from Termini Station and <strong><a href="/vatican-rome/en-us/rome-attractions/st-peters-basilica">St. Peter's Basillica</a></strong>. Spanning places like the<strong> <a href="/vatican-rome/en-us/rome-attractions/coliseum-rome">Coliseum</a></strong>, Circus Maximus and Piazza Navona, it's an easy way to explore the city and the ride also provides audio commentary on the key landmarks you'll pass. <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dtljonz0f/image/upload/f_auto/q_auto/v1/gc-v1/rome-and-vatican-pass/blog/bus-tour-rome-solo.jpg" loading="lazy"><h3><strong>Staying Safe</strong></h3> While Rome is generally safe, tourists are routinely subject to scams and pickpocketing so it helps to be vigilant when travelling. Make sure you know where your valuables are at all time, especially around big tourist sites and in busy crowds. As mentioned earlier, sometimes taxi drivers will try for a little more money than they should by adjusting metres or using other scams so it's worth keeping an eye out for that. <h3><strong>Cultural Stops</strong></h3> Rome overflows with culture and history, with stunning works of architecture and rich museums adding splashes of colour to the diverse city. Religion and art are closely intertwined in the capital and it's no secret that the Vatican City frequently tops every tourist's list, with Michelangelo's stunning frescoes at the<strong> <a href="/vatican-rome/en-us/rome-attractions/Sistine-Chapel">Sistine Chapel</a> </strong>and the towering structure of St Peter's Basilica set to amaze. Diving even further back into the city's past, travellers can trace the legacy of ancient Rome at places like the Coliseum and the<strong><a href="/vatican-rome/en-us/rome-attractions/Capitoline-Museums"> Capitoline Museums</a></strong> providing a glimpse of its glorious past. <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dtljonz0f/image/upload/f_auto/q_auto/v1/gc-v1/rome-and-vatican-pass/blog/rome-food-solo-traveller.jpg" loading="lazy"><h3><strong>Culinary Experiences</strong></h3> If you're travelling to Italy, foregoing that no-carb diet is a given. Cheesy pastas are a must when coming to Rome (which happens to be the birthplace of carbonara) and particular dishes include <strong>bucatini al'amatriciana</strong>, a kind of pasta which is hollow all the way through and cooked with tomatoes, peppers and pancetta, as well as the simple comforts of a plate of <strong>cacio e pepe</strong>, a Pecorino Romano cheese and pepper dish. Other unexpected treats include <strong>deep fried artichokes</strong>, popularised by the city's Jewish community, and the city's predilection towards offal - a delight for adventurous eaters. Wine connoisseurs will be absolutely at home in the capital, with numerous high quality bottles stocked at every restaurant and wine tastings available for those looking to hone their knowledge. Looking for some culinary inspiration for your trip? Check out our <strong><a href="http://blog.romeandvaticanpass.com/top-10-rome-foods-you-need-to-try">Top 10 Rome Foods you must try</a></strong>! 

It always helps to be prepared before heading anywhere new so we've put together a solo-traveller's guide to Rome to help you enjoy the best of the city!

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