Planning your first city trip to Rome? Then you’re in the right place!
Our first-time visitor guide to Rome includes everything you need to know, from must-see landmarks to hidden gems.
In this travel guide, we’ll show you the best tips for visiting Rome, so you can make the most of your first trip to the capital of Italy.
We’ll cover how to get there, the best neighborhoods for accommodations, must-see sights, ticket tips, and what to avoid.
Plus, we’ll share some insider tips and the best Roman food to try.
Rome First-Time Visitor Guide
Rome, the Eternal City, is one of the best travel destinations in Italy, especially if you love city trips and the ancient history of the Romans.
Plus, you can enjoy delicious Italian cuisine and shop till you drop.
How To Get To Rome
Rome is one of the most accessible cities in Europe, especially for travelers from the USA or other international destinations.
Here are the best travel tips for your arrival:
✈️ By Plane
Rome has two main airports:
- Fiumicino Airport (Leonardo da Vinci): 18.6 miles (30 kilometers) from the city center, well-connected to downtown Rome via the Leonardo Express train (30 minutes to Roma Termini).
- Ciampino Airport: Mostly for budget airlines flying within Europe.
From the airport to the city:
- Leonardo Express: The fastest way to reach central Rome (Roma Termini station). Purchase tickets online or at the ticket booth.
- Taxi: Convenient for groups or those with luggage (€50 flat rate).
- Shuttle Service: Pre-book a shuttle for a more comfortable ride into the city.
🚅 By Train
When traveling within Italy, Rome is easily accessible by high-speed train from cities like Florence, Naples, Venice, Verona, and Milan.
Rome is also connected by train to the main cities in Europe.
Train tickets can be booked in advance through RailEurope or the official website.
🚘 By Car
Driving in Rome can be challenging due to traffic and parking restrictions.
If you plan to drive, make sure your accommodations include parking.
Otherwise, rely on public transportation.
🚌 By Bus
Affordable bus options like FlixBus connect Rome to major cities in Europe, and across Italy.
Getting Around: Public Transportation In Rome
While Rome is a walkable city, navigating Rome’s public transportation is also essential for first-time visitors, whether you’re arriving by plane, train, or bus.
- Metro: Rome’s subway system is limited but useful for some major routes.
- Bus: Extensive network but often subject to delays.
- Hop-On Hop-Off Bus ticket: Ideal for tourists wanting a flexible way to visit top attractions.
🎟 Tickets for public transport can be purchased at metro stations or tobacco shops.
Where To Stay In Rome: Accommodation Tips
Choosing the best neighborhoods to stay in Rome can enhance your trip.
There are options for different budgets and travel styles.
Rome offers a variety of neighborhoods to stay in, each with its own unique charm.
Here are the best options for first-time visitors:
- Historic Center (Centro Storico): Perfect for those who want to be close to major sights like the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, and Piazza Navona. Expect mostly luxury hotels.
- Trastevere: Great for a local atmosphere with lively restaurants and bars. Can be noisy at night.
- Monti: A trendy area near the Colosseum, ideal for exploring on foot.
- Prati: Quieter, near the Vatican, with mid-range and luxury accommodations.
- Roma Termini: Convenient for transportation links, with a mix of budget and mid-range options.
🏨 Tip: Find budget hotels and hostels on Hostelworld.
⭐️ Pro Travel Tip: In this interactive map you can add your prefered neighborhood (e.g. Trastevere) into the search bar and check out the different hotels and accommodation options.
Try it out:
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During our last trip to Rome, we were invited to stay at the Meininger Roma Termini Hotel.
It’s conveniently located next to the Castro Petrorio metro station which offers direct access to the Colosseum, Circo Massimo, and Piramide.
The Meininger Roma Termini is also within walking distance of the Roma Termini train station.
It was a convenient location because we traveled by train and wanted to stay within walking distance of the train station. It’s also a great area if you want to include a day trip from Rome by train.
The Meininger Hotel offers double rooms, multi-bed rooms, family rooms, dormitory, and accessible rooms.
The hotel’s theme is centered around movies.
While we still haven’t figured out the movie scene above our bed, we did recognize some other movie scenes and posters. Maybe you can help us out by letting us know which movie it is.
What we enjoyed most was the modern look, the location, and the breakfast. They even offered vegan options.
The Best Time To Visit Rome
Wondering about the best time to visit Rome?
Here is a brief overview of the pros and cons of each season to help you decide.
Rome is beautiful year-round, but here’s what you need to know:
- Summer (June to August): Expect high temperatures and large crowds.
- Spring and Fall: The best seasons to visit. Mild weather and fewer tourists.
- Winter: Quieter (except for Christmas and New Year’s), but colder.
Read our complete guide on the worst time to visit Rome to learn more about when it’s best to avoid the city.
👚 Pro Travel Tip: Wear light layers in spring and fall, sunscreen in summer, and cover your shoulders and knees when visiting churches.
Must-See Attractions In Rome
Don’t miss these top things to see in Rome during your first trip:
- Colosseum: One of the New Seven Wonders of the World and for many travelers one of the reasons to visit Italy.
> check out our visiting the Colosseum tips article - Vatican City: Home to St. Peter’s Basilica, the Sistine Chapel, and the Vatican Museums.
> check out our visiting Vatican City tips - Trevi Fountain: The largest and most famous fountain in Rome.
- Pantheon: A well-preserved ancient temple.
- Piazza Navona: A stunning square with baroque fountains.
- Spanish Steps & Piazza di Spagna: Popular for photos and shopping nearby.
- Roman Forum & Palatine Hill: Explore the ruins of ancient Rome’s political center. From here you have one of the best views of Rome!
Tickets For Rome’s Attractions
Book tickets for top sights like the Colosseum and the Vatican in advance.
We recommend and always use GetYourGuide, Viator, Expedia, or Tiqets for a hassle-free booking experience.
⭐️ Travel Tip: Don’t schedule visits to the Colosseum and Vatican on the same day to allow for flexibility.
🎟 To avoid long lines, be sure to purchase skip-the-line tickets for Rome's most popular attractions, such as the Vatican Museums and Colosseum.
Insider Tips And Hidden Gems For Rome
Explore these hidden gems in Rome and local secrets during your trip:
- City of Water: An underground tour near the Trevi Fountain, where you can see ancient Roman water systems (our favorite hidden gem and a great activity for hot days or when it rains in Rome).
- Nasoni Drinking Fountains: Free water fountains are scattered across the city—bring a reusable bottle!
- Dress Code for Churches: Shoulders and knees must be covered in churches and the Vatican.
First Time In Rome Itinerary
For the best Rome itineraries, including maps, suggested walking routes and more, we highly recommend you check out these itineraries:
and our article about the self-guided walking tour of Rome.
Local Roman Cuisine: What To Try
Rome is a paradise for food lovers.
Don’t miss the authentic Roman cuisine by exploring markets and local trattorias.
The best local dishes are:
- Cacio e Pepe: Simple but delicious pasta with pecorino and pepper.
- Supplì: Fried rice balls with mozzarella and ragu.
- Carciofi alla Romana and Carciofi alla Giudia: Roman-style fried artichokes, especially popular in the Jewish Quarter.
For the best food, visit Campo de’ Fiori Market, Trastevere, or the Jewish Quarter.
We also recommend joining a guided food tour in Trastevere or the Jewish Quarter to sample the best Italian street food while learning more about Italian culture.
Avoiding Tourist Traps In Rome
Skip the overpriced restaurants near attractions like Piazza Navona and the Pantheon.
Instead, head to a quieter side street to find authentic Roman restaurants.
These also offer better value for money.
What To Avoid
What’s prohibited: Did you know it’s illegal to sit on the Spanish Steps? While it seems that no one cares about it you still could pay a fine.
Be sure to follow local rules to avoid hefty fines.
Also, avoid scams in Italy. Find out about common tourist scams in Italy and how to avoid them.
Shopping And Souvenirs In Rome
If you want to take a piece of Rome home with you, here are a few shopping tips:
Italian Leather Goods: Personally, I love buying handbags made in Italy. They are high quality and offer great value for money.
Ceramics from Rome and Limoncello: Both make great gifts for friends and family.
🛍 Tip: The most famous shopping street in Rome is Via del Corso.
Day Trips from Rome
Rome is a great base for exploring nearby destinations.
Consider these day trips from Rome by train:
- Tivoli: Explore Villa d’Este and Villa Adriana.
- Ostia Antica: Discover ancient Roman ruins by the coast.
- Florence, Naples, or Pompeii: Reachable via high-speed train.
These guided day trips from Rome are available for a stress-free experience.
Tips For Planning A Trip To Rome
To plan your trip to Roma you can download our free planning checklist.
You can read more about it in our Italy travel planning checklist or download it right away:
Final Tips For Your First Time In Rome
Rome is one of the best cities to visit in Italy for first-timers.
Whether you want to explore ancient ruins, stroll through narrow streets, or indulge in Italian cuisine (including lots of gelato), Rome has something for every adventurer.
Don’t forget, if you want to make sure you return to Rome: toss a coin into the Trevi Fountain!
According to legend, this guarantees you’ll visit Rome again. (It worked for me!)
Here’s a fun fact: As a teenager, I had the incredible experience of singing with my school choir in St. Peter’s Basilica during a mass with Pope John Paul II.
It’s a cherished memory and one of the many reasons why I keep going back to Rome.
We’d love to hear your fun fact or special experience you’ve had in Rome!
We hope our Rome for beginner guide and tips help you plan the perfect trip to the Eternal City.
Feel free to share your experiences or ask questions in the comments below!
