Day trips from Rome

UPDATED JULY 2024
By Go City Expert

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

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.

If you’re staying in the city for a bit longer, it’s well worth planning some day trips from Rome to explore more of the area.

 

Appian Way

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.

Visitors can still see the ruins and old road still intact – and set in a public park it makes for a great day out and a beautiful spot for a picnic.

Address: Via Appia Antica, Roma

How to get there: 118 bus from Circo Massimo Metro Station

 

Ancient Ostia

Ostia Antica, or Ancient Ostia, is Rome’s ancient harbor city – before the river moved over the years to where it lies now. Ostia means ‘mouth’ in Latin and was the mouth of the River Tiber.

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’s a fascinating

Address: Ostia Antica, 00119, Rome

How to get there: Roma-Lido station (by Piramide) and get off at Ostia Antica

 

Ostia Lido

Ostia is the Romans’ 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.

During the summer months, it’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’re staying for longer there are many B&Bs and hotels to choose from for a short stay.

Address: Ostia Lido, Rome

How to get there: Roma-Lido station (by Piramide) and get off at Ostia Lido Centro

 

Castelli Romani

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

One of the most popular towns in the area is Frascati – known mostly for its wine! It’s a beautiful hillside town where you can sit out at pavement restaurants, drink wine and indulge in fine food.

Address: Frascati, Rome

How to get there: Train to Frascati from Termini

 

Hadrian's Villa

Villa Adriana, or Hadrian’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.

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 – and rightly so. Spend the day discovering the beauty of this ancient villa from its thermae, to its theatre, temples, and staterooms.

Address: Largo Marguerite Yourcenar, 1, 00010 Tivoli RM

How to get there: COTRAL buses to Tivoli from Ponte Mammolo station

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

Attention art-lovers! Use our guide to the Capitoline Museums to discover some of Rome's most beautiful sculptures! 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. Image via Musei Capitolini facebook Equestrian Statue of Marcus Aurelius (Statua equestre di Marco Aurelio) 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 Palazzo dei Conservatori, while the replica took its place in the courtyard. The Capitoline She-wolf (Lupa Capitoline) 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 Palazzo dei Conservatori. Image via Musei Capitolini facebook Colossus of Constantine (Statua colossale di Costantino) 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 Forum Romanum. 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. Image via Musei Capitolini facebook Lion Attacking a Horse (Leone che azzanna il cavallo) 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. Image via Musei Capitolini facebook Boy with Thorn (Spinario) 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. Image via Musei Capitolini facebook Bust of Medusa (Busto di Medusa) 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 (Sala delle Oche). Image via Musei Capitolini facebook Statue of Capitoline Venus (Statua della Venera Capitolina) 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 (Venus Pudica) statues. Image via Musei Capitolini facebook Statue of Capitoline Gaul (Statua del Galata Capitolino) Perhaps the most famous sculpture in the Hall of the Galatian (Sala del Gladiatore), 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. Image via Musei Capitolini facebook Bust of Commodus as Hercules (Busto di Commodo como Ercole) 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. Image via Musei Capitolini facebook Furietti Centaurs (Centauri Furietti) In the centre of the Great Hall (Salone) of the Palazzo Nuovo, 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. 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.
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Airport Travel in Rome - Best Transfers

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 really 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! Travel in Rome - which airport? Rome has two airports: Leonardo da Vinci International Airport and Giovan Battista Pastine International Airport. So, depending on where you're flying from, you'll likely end up in one or the other. Travel in Rome - how far away is each airport from the city? The good news is that both airports are equidistant to the city center, each taking around 30-35 minutes by car. Travel options in to Rome from the airport 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. Hire a car 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. If you're landing at Leonardo da Vinci International Airport, you could rent a vehicle from Hertz, Enterprise, or Europcar, among others. Or, if you're landing in Giovan Battista Pastine International Airport, you could try Firefly, LEASYS, or Thrifty. 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! Public transport 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! Public transport from Giovan Battista Pastine International Airport You have two options here. The first is a relatively simple shuttle bus, which will set you back €6, and takes around 35 minutes to get into the city center. The second is via train. From the airport, get the Airlink shuttle to Stazione FS di Ciampino, and then a train to Roma Termini - Rome's central train station. This will take 35 minutes and will set you back €2.70. Public transport from Leonardo da Vinci International Airport Again, you have two options to choose from. The first is another shuttle bus. It's slightly more expensive at €7 and takes around 35 minutes non-stop to the center of Rome. Similarly again, your other option is a train. You can get it straight out of Leonardo da Vinci International Airport; it takes 32 minutes and costs around €3. And now, let's talk about transfers. Travel in Rome - why you should book a transfer from the airport 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. 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! 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. Plus, you needn't worry about being overcharged by a sly driver looking to make a quick buck off of a clueless tourist. Unfortunately, it's one of the most common issues you'll run into in Rome, but with a prepaid transfer, there's no need to negotiate! Travel in Rome - types of transfer vehicles from Leonardo da Vinci International Airport Minibus In a group, a minibus is your best bet. They can sit up to 7 people 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 35 minutes. Price-wise, you're looking at anything from €30-100 per head, so it's worth researching which works best for you. Car 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 35 minutes. Unlike the minibus, prices range from €60-400 per person, 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 1-3 people. Travel in Rome - types of transfer vehicles from Giovan Battista Pastine International Airport Minibus Seating 1-7 people, a minibus will set you back anything from €80-280 per person, and takes around 32 minutes. Car A private car from Giovan Battista Pastine International Airport will take around 32 minutes, can seat 1-3 passengers, and will cost anywhere from €60-450 And that's our guide to transfers and travel from the airport in to Rome! Need some vacation inspiration? Check out Go City. With us, you can see all of Rome's best bits when and how you want.
Dom Bewley
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Rome Sightseeing - The Best Instagram Spots in Rome

Enjoy a spot of Rome sightseeing and add a dash of culture to your social media with the best Instagram spots in Rome below! Rome, the eternal city, has centuries of history, culture and art thanks to being the heart of the Roman Empire. With a number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites and spiritual landmarks, Rome sightseeing is second to none! While wandering around town, you'll want to keep your camera handy because we've put together a list on some of the best photo spots around the city. Pack your portable charger because you're set for some serious Rome sightseeing with our guide to the best Instagram spots in Rome. 세계에서 제일 크다는 성베드로대성당 정말 크고 멋있다 그나저나 로마 날씨 넘나 좋은것.. 트렌치 코트 가져올껄 😢 #rome#가족여행 A post shared by 유채 (@yoochae_) on Feb 27, 2017 at 6:31am PST St Peter's Basilica As the heart and soul of the Roman Catholic faith, St Peter's Basilica is renowned for its stunning architecture, distinctive dome and marble detailing. It happens to be the largest church in Rome and there's always something breathtaking to photograph both inside and out, whether you're snapping photos of its tall pillars or Bernini's bronze pavilion. Filled with sculptures and mosaics, it's also an inspiring place of artistic expression and boasts an incredible view of the city from the top of its towers. ❣️ A post shared by Leila Beruchashvili 🕴 (@lelusinio) on Feb 26, 2017 at 7:28am PST Sistine Chapel Best known for its captivating ceiling fresco The Last Judgement painted by Michelangelo, the Sistine Chapel is one of the most visited sites within the Vatican City and also most frequently photographed. Part of the Vatican Museums which contains a prolific collection of art and details the history of Catholicism in the city, the 15th century chapel also features murals by Botticelli. Stand in the centre of the cathedral and point your camera directly upwards at Michelangelo's masterpiece for the ultimate Instagram shot. 내 눈앞에 콜로세움이 있는게 왠지 그냥 어이가 없었다 A post shared by 이경진 (@lkj____1115_21) on Feb 26, 2017 at 11:12am PST The Coliseum Add a splash of ancient history to your Instagram feed with a shot of the Roman Coliseum, where gladiators, wild animals and emperors once roamed. More than 2000 years later, it's now frequented mainly by tourists and the gigantic amphitheatre's distinctive arches, pillars and steep, tiered seats are impossible not to photograph. Scale to the top of its seating area and its walkways to get a full sense of the structure's sheer size, as well as a breathtaking view over its crumbling ruins. #roma sotto un cielo così è uno spettacolo! 🌤😍 #ig_world #ig_rome #loves_united_lazio #loves_united_roma #loves_united_europe #loves_italia #loves_united_italia #buongiornoroma #longexposure #super_italy #loves_madeinitaly #yallersitalia #igfriends_roma #kings_alltags #kings_villages #yallerslazio #italiainunoscatto #ig_italia #loves_landscape #ig_italy #italianlandscapes #best_italiansites #don_in_italy #castelsantangelo #worldbesthdr #living_europe A post shared by Cristina Proietti (@cristinaproietti_photo) on Feb 26, 2017 at 12:15pm PST Museum of Castel Sant'Angelo This stark structure cuts an imposing figure amidst Rome's skyline and the former fortress stands sentinel over the nearby River Tiber. Now a popular ancient Roman museum and the mausoleum of Emperor Hadrian, it's always a hit with history buffs and travel photographers. According to legend, a holy vision depicted the Archangel Michael sheathing his sword on top of the building to signify the end of a plague wracking the city and this has been recreated in an impressive bronze figure, overseeing the city. The opulent Papal Apartments are rich with stunning details and the Courtyard of the Angel is perfect for well-lit photographs. A mais bela e conhecida fonte barroca italiana ⛲ . 📍 Fontana di Trevi | Roma 📸 @royalcaribbean A post shared by Teste o Mundo (@testeomundo) on Feb 26, 2017 at 3:00pm PST Trevi Fountain While it may be a struggle to get a photo of the Trevi Fountain without crowds of tourists in your shot, it's an iconic Roman sight with beautiful Baroque sculptures. Get someone to snap a photo of you tossing coins into its glittering waters (a popular tradition that is said to ensure a return trip to Rome) or sitting on its low walls with the marble structure arcing over you, much like Hillary Duff in the Lizzie McGuire Movie.
Megan Hills

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