When we decided to visit Rome, the first thing that came to our mind was how to plan the trip efficiently and book everything in advance to make the most of our time.
We explored walking guided tours, but they were quite expensive (~50-100 Euros per sightseeing spot). With so many options like skip-the-line tickets, audio guides, and various tour packages, it was easy to feel overwhelmed about what to choose
To help you avoid the confusion and enjoy a stress-free, budget-friendly trip to Rome, we’re sharing some of our top tips. Let’s get started!
Rick Steves’ Rome Guidebook is a must-have!
We can’t emphasize enough how helpful this book was. It guided us through everything—from walking tours to museums, markets, and shopping. It truly covers it all! Check it out here.
Use the Rick Steves app for free audio tours!
Even with tickets in hand, it can still be overwhelming to explore these incredible architectural and historic sites. The Rick Steves app offers free audio guides for major sightseeing spots, including the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Vatican City. Don’t forget to bring headphones for a seamless tour experience
Carry an ID to visit the Colosseum
It is mandatory for entry into the Colosseum. Nowhere else were we asked for an ID. We had a digital copy of our passport on our phones, which was accepted
Save your energy for the Sistine Chapel
Vatican City will take almost a day. We started with the Basilica and then visited the Vatican museums. Do remember, when visiting the Vatican Museums, pace yourself, as the best is saved for the last – the Sistine Chapel is at the very end of the tour
Stay hydrated
By staying hydrated, you’ll be able to enjoy Rome’s iconic landmarks without feeling drained. Rome is equipped with numerous public water fountains, known as “nasoni,” which provide fresh and safe drinking water. Bring a refillable water bottle with you and refill it at these fountains throughout the day
Dont miss eating Pasta
When visiting Rome for the first time, immersing yourself in the city’s culinary scene is a must, and pasta is at the heart of it. Rome is renowned for its iconic pasta dishes, each offering a unique taste of the city’s rich gastronomic heritage
Planning is key
Book your tickets well in advance for all major sites to secure an early entry slot from the official websites. Here’s what we booked:
1. Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill (24h ticket)
The official booking link can be found here – Official booking link
2. St. Peter’s Basilica
The Basilica’s entry is free, but if you want to visit the Dome, Necropolis, etc., you need to book in advance. We highly recommend visiting the Dome to get that perfect view of the Vatican. Book here
3. Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel
The Official Booking link can be found here –Official booking link
If it’s your first time in Rome, we highly recommend visiting all these places and booking tickets well in advance. Otherwise, you might end up paying higher prices on third-party websites.
Hope these tips help you plan a smooth and enjoyable trip to Rome. Here’s our blog to enjoy Rome in 4 days for first-time visitors.
Have you been to Rome? Share your favourite travel tips in the comments!
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