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Rome City Breaks

City breaks to Rome feel like walking through history, with iconic landmarks, ancient ruins and Renaissance art.

Postcards from Rome

Rome’s historic centre is full of famous sights, and many of them sit close together, which makes exploring easier than you might expect. A good place to start is the Colosseum, before heading on to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill – once the centre of political and social life in Ancient Rome. The Pantheon is another highlight and is still one of the best-preserved Roman buildings in the world, and if you fancy stopping for break, head to Piazza Navona – it’s surrounded by Baroque architecture and cafés. Finally, no trip to Rome is complete without going to the Trevi Fountain – choose to go either early in the morning or later in the evening when it’s quieter.

Ancient drama

The Colosseum is Rome’s most recognisable landmark and has stood for more than 2,000 years. Built under Emperor Vespasian, the amphitheatre could hold up to 50,000 spectators and was used for gladiator contests, public spectacles and large-scale events. It’s one of the city’s busiest attractions, so booking in advance can help you avoid long queues, particularly during peak months.

In the footsteps of emperors

Palatine Hill sits opposite the Colosseum and offers a calmer setting, with more open space and greenery. In Ancient Rome, this was the most desirable address in the city, home to emperors and wealthy families. You can walk through the remains of imperial palaces, including those linked to Emperor Augustus and Livia. The site also includes Casa Romuli, traditionally believed to be the home of Romulus, the legendary founder of Rome. It’s a good place to take a break from the busier streets below.

A country within a city

Vatican City is a separate state within Rome and the centre of the Catholic Church. Despite its small size, it contains some of the city’s most visited attractions. The Vatican Museums house a vast collection of art and artefacts, including Michelangelo’s frescoes in the Sistine Chapel. St Peter’s Basilica stands on the traditional burial site of the apostle Peter and is free to enter. If you’re happy with a climb, the dome offers panoramic views across the city. On Sunday mornings, St Peter’s Square fills ahead of the Pope’s weekly blessing, which takes place just before noon. It’s a unique experience, even if you’re only passing through the area.

Best time to visit Rome

The best time to visit Rome is generally between April and June. Spring brings warm, sunny days that are well suited to walking and sightseeing, with a lower chance of rain than later in the year. September and October offer similar conditions and are popular with travellers looking to visit outside the main school holiday period. Summer can be very hot, which makes long days of sightseeing more tiring and often comes with higher prices, while winter temperatures can drop to around 10°C, which is still mild compared with many European cities. Rome remains lively at this time of year, with festive events in December and most major attractions staying open through the winter months.

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Here are some top tips from our team

Rome FAQs

It’s highly recommended to prebook your tickets for the Vatican and Colosseum to skip the long lines and make sure you get to see these popular attractions. You can buy tickets online in advance.

Three to four days is a good amount of time to fully explore Rome’s major attractions and immerse yourself in the culture and history.

Yes, Rome is very walkable – especially central areas like the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, Pantheon and Spanish Steps. Wear comfy shoes and expect lots of walking. For longer distances, like the Vatican or Trastevere, taxis, buses or the metro are easy to use and affordable

There’s plenty for kids to enjoy on a holiday to Rome – from climbing the Spanish Steps and tossing coins into fountains to hands-on museums and gelato stops. Gladiator schools, pizza-making classes and parks like Villa Borghese are popular with children, too. Just be sure to pace your days and mix in some downtime.

Yes, the tap water in Rome is safe and clean. In fact, the nasoni (public drinking fountains) are all over the city and provide fresh, cold water that’s totally free. Bring a refillable bottle to save money and avoid single-use plastic.

Yes – Sunday is one of the best days to be in the city. Many museums and sights are still open, and Via dei Fori Imperiali near the Colosseum becomes pedestrian-only. It’s also a great day for visiting parks or attending Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica. Just note that many smaller shops may close or open later.

It’s improving, but planning is key. Many major attractions like the Vatican Museums, Colosseum and other museums are wheelchair accessible and offer free admission for carers. Public transport can be hit-or-miss, and the cobblestones can be challenging, so taxis and private tours may be a more comfortable option. Look for accessible hotels and double-check individual sites before you book.

Italian is the official language in Rome, but you'll get by easily with English, especially in tourist areas, hotels, restaurants and museums. Locals in hospitality and younger generations generally speak English to a decent level. But, using a few basic Italian words is always appreciated and can go a long way in markets, cafés and smaller shops.

Tipping in Rome isn’t mandatory, but it’s welcomed for good service. In restaurants, locals often round up the bill or leave €1-€2, and if the service is excellent leaving 5-10% is appreciated. Taxi drivers don’t expect a tip, but rounding up the fare is common. And tour guides and hotel staff (especially porters and concierges) are also used to small gratuities.

Romans are known for dressing smart – it’s common for locals to wear tailored trousers, dresses and good shoes. It’s also polite to not beachwear in the city. When visiting churches or religious sites, especially the Vatican, make sure to cover your shoulders and knees out of respect. A light scarf or shawl is handy if you're unsure.

Italy has a high standard of healthcare. Pharmacies (farmacie) are well-stocked, and pharmacists often speak English. For minor health concerns, visit a pharmacy first – they can usually advise or provide over-the-counter medication. UK and EU visitors should bring their EHIC/GHIC card, and non-EU travellers should make sure they have travel insurance that covers medical costs.

Italy uses the Euro. Prices in Rome vary, but you’ll find options to suit all budgets, from cheap eats to luxury shopping. You’ll find plenty of ATMs (bancomat) around the city, especially near main squares, banks and transport hubs. ATMs generally offer better rates than currency exchange desks. Just let your bank know before you travel to avoid card blocks.

Most places accept Visa, Mastercard and contactless payments, including Apple Pay and Google Pay. That said, smaller cafés, trattorias or market stalls may prefer cash – especially in older neighbourhoods – so it’s handy to carry some euros with you.

When you click through to book your holiday, we’ll supply the exact travel requirements for your chosen destination through our partner, Passolution. In the meantime, check the FCDO for the most up-to-date information on entry requirements and health and safety information.