Rome Vacations

1. Step off the Metro at Colosseo and it’s right there in front of you: enormous and almost suspiciously well-preserved – the biggest amphitheatre ever built. The Colosseum has several areas you shouldn’t miss, including the panoramic upper levels of the stands, the arena floor, and the hypogeum (where wild animals were kept before being lifted up to arena level). Many Colosseum tickets include access to the Roman Forum, and you should allow enough time to walk this amazing archaeological park.
2. Once inside The Vatican you shouldn’t miss the formidable art collection: follow signs to the Pinacoteca – a treasure trove of Da Vinci, Raphael and Caravaggio canvases (look out for famous sculptures, too, like one of Laocoon wrestling some fearsome serpents). When you’re ready, get ushered into the Sistine Chapel. In this extraordinary sacred space, let the art do the talking. The guards ensure that everyone keeps to an awed silence as they stare up at Michelangelo’s spectacular painted ceiling – featuring depictions of the nine books of Genesis, including the creation of Adam right in the middle.
3. The famous Trevi Fountain, a Baroque tangle of gods, animals and waterjets, was built when Pope Urban VIII declared that the current fountain that stood in Piazza di Trevi wasn’t dramatic enough. The Trevi Fountain was duly built by the architect Nicola Salvi, who died before it was finished in 1762. The legend goes that if you throw a coin (tossed over your left shoulder with your right hand) and it lands in the fountain, then you will one day return to Rome. The jettisoned change is all scooped up at the end of the day to help the local homeless – so be generous. Book a panoramic tour of Rome by night – ending up at the fountain for an atmospheric dinner.
4. St Peter’s Basilica is the largest church in the world, but its still nearly dwarfed by the enormous colonnades that flank it and encircle the enormous St Peter’s Square. If you were looking for an audience with the Pope, you would have the best chance here. Many people make special pilgrimages to this spot from all over the world. It’s free to enter the cathedral, though there’s often a queue – and there’s a charge if you want to be adventurous and climb the cramped staircase up into its capacious dome. Don’t miss a chance to poke around the grottos, where many of the past Popes have been buried – it’s said that Saint Peter himself is buried below the High Altar.
5. Behold, the Pantheon, Rome – evidence that Rome’s ancient engineers really might have been a bunch of geniuses. Just walk through the enormous open door of this church (which was once a Roman temple) and look up. You’ll see a gigantic freestanding dome soaring above you. The walls are a massive 6.4 metres thick in places, and an oculus in the roof provides the only source of light. The Pantheon was the largest freestanding dome in the world for 1,000 years – right up until 1496, and never fails to impress; its echoing, cloche-like interior giving a real feeling of space. It’s now a church – meaning its name, of Greek origin and meaning ‘for all the Gods’, is a little less fitting than it used to be.

• Rome has a wide choice of five-star hotels. Stay at Villa Agrippina, a Gran Melia Hotel, an urban resort with Mediterranean gardens and a seasonal outdoor pool. For a more traditional style, The St Regis Rome combines Belle Epoque interiors with its signature butler service and has undergone an extensive refurbishment. After checking in, browse the boutiques along Via dei Condotti, then stop for a cocktail in the surrounding Tridente area.
• With gelato, ancient ruins and family-focused activities, Rome has plenty to offer visitors with children. Explore the Colosseum and Roman Forum together or look for gladiator-themed experiences designed for families. Older children may enjoy visiting one of Rome’s catacombs or placing a hand inside the Mouth of Truth, at the Basilica of Santa Maria in Cosmedin. Hop-on, hop-off bus tours can reduce the amount of walking between sights. In summer, families can also cool off in the seasonal outdoor pool at Crowne Plaza Rome - St. Peter's Hotel by IHG.

• Rome’s historic centre, known as the Centro Storico, has a wide choice of hotels close to many of the city’s best-known landmarks. The central streets can be busy, particularly around major sights such as the Spanish Steps, the broad 18th-century staircase rising above Piazza di Spagna. Nearby Via del Corso is one of Rome’s main shopping streets. Stay at Hassler Roma and you will be based at the top of the Spanish Steps.
• Trastevere is known for its narrow lanes, lively squares and traditional Roman food scene. Explore its historic streets, stop at neighbourhood churches and dine al fresco at one of its many trattorias or taverns. The area becomes particularly lively in the evening, with plenty of places to eat and drink. For a hotel within walking distance, consider Villa Agrippina Gran Melia, which is located between Trastevere and the Vatican.
• Monti is a lively neighbourhood in Rome’s historic centre, known for its narrow streets, small piazzas, independent shops and evening food-and-drink scene. Sit over a cappuccino and enjoy a little dolce far niente – the pleasure of doing nothing – as life passes by. Browse vintage clothing and design stores, or explore Via dei Serpenti, where restaurants serve a range of international cuisines. Its mix of historic buildings and contemporary businesses gives the area a distinct character. Stay at Rome Times Hotel and you’ll be well placed to explore Monti and the surrounding city centre.
• San Lorenzo lies near Roma Termini station and Sapienza University. Known for its lively, alternative atmosphere, the neighbourhood has informal bars, trattorias, craft shops, artists’ studios and colourful street art. Its student population gives the area a different character from Rome’s more monumental centre. Stay at NH Collection Rome Cinquecento, which has a private garden containing ancient Roman remains. The hotel is located beside Roma Termini, offering convenient transport links and easy access to San Lorenzo.

1. Drive south from Rome and you can reach Naples in around two and a half hours, depending on traffic. The city is known for its historic centre and pizza, while the surrounding region includes Mount Vesuvius, the Roman ruins of Pompeii and the cliffs and coves of the Amalfi Coast. Alternatively, direct high-speed trains connect Rome and Naples in around one hour.
2. Florence is a compact city with a rich concentration of Renaissance art and architecture. See works by artists including Botticelli, Leonardo and Raphael at the Uffizi, then visit Florence Cathedral, whose exterior is faced with bands of coloured marble. Combining Rome and Florence gives art lovers the chance to explore different aspects of the Italian Renaissance. Direct high-speed trains connect the two cities in around one hour 25 minutes, depending on the service. Alternatively, the drive takes around three hours, depending on traffic.
3. Swap Italy’s cultural capital for its fashion capital, Milan. The city’s style credentials are reflected in Milan Fashion Week, the Fashion District and historic shopping arcades such as Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. Direct high-speed trains connect Rome and Milan in around three hours, while the drive takes around six hours, depending on traffic. Highlights include Milan Cathedral, known for its elaborate marble exterior and many spires, and the Navigli district, where bars and restaurants line the city’s canals.

Citizens of the UK and Ireland and EU passport holders do not need a visa to visit Italy. UK passports must have at least three months' validity beyond the end of your visit. If you hold a passport from a country or territory outside of these areas, you may need to apply for a visa before you travel. You can find out more about visa requirements for all the countries we fly to at the IATA Travel Centre.

Three to four days gives you enough time to see many of Rome’s main sights at a comfortable pace. In two days, you can visit highlights such as the Colosseum, the Vatican and the Pantheon, although you will need to plan your time carefully. With a longer stay, you can explore neighbourhoods such as Trastevere and Monti or take day trips to places such as Tivoli. Extra time also leaves room for simple pleasures like leisurely lunches, evening walks and an aperitivo in one of the city’s piazzas.

Spring and early autumn are good times to visit Rome, particularly from April to May and September to October, when conditions are generally more pleasant. Temperatures rise in summer, especially during July and August, and exposed piazzas and historic sites may offer limited shade. During these cooler periods, it can be more comfortable to walk between landmarks, explore different neighbourhoods and enjoy Rome at a steadier pace. Everyday local life can also feel more noticeable beyond the main visitor areas.

Rome brings together centuries of history, architecture and everyday life across its neighbourhoods. You can move from ancient landmarks such as the Colosseum and Pantheon to busy piazzas and quieter streets, often passing lesser-known churches, fountains and archaeological remains along the way. The city suits both short breaks and longer stays, with major sights to explore as well as opportunities to spend more time in its neighbourhoods, cafes, parks and public squares.

• Step off the Metro at Colosseo and it’s right there in front of you: enormous and almost suspiciously well-preserved – the biggest amphitheatre ever built. Depending on your ticket, you may be able to visit the arena floor, the upper levels or the hypogeum, where people, animals and stage equipment were prepared before being raised into the arena. Many tickets also include admission to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, so allow enough time to explore the wider archaeological area.
• Once inside the Vatican Museums, take time to explore their extensive art collection. Follow signs to the Pinacoteca, where highlights include paintings by Leonardo, Raphael and Caravaggio. Elsewhere on the museum route, look for the Laocoon, a marble sculpture depicting the Trojan priest and his sons struggling with serpents. The visit culminates in the Sistine Chapel, a sacred space where visitors are asked to remain silent. Look up at Michelangelo’s ceiling, whose central panels depict nine scenes from Genesis, including The Creation of Adam.
• The Trevi Fountain, an elaborate Baroque composition of figures, sea horses, rock formations and cascading water, is one of Rome’s most iconic landmarks. Built between 1732 and 1762 to a design by architect Nicola Salvi, it is associated with the tradition that throwing a coin over your shoulder into the water will ensure your return to Rome. The coins are collected regularly and donated to charity. For a different perspective, include the fountain on an evening walk or panoramic tour, when its sculptures and water are illuminated.
• St Peter’s Basilica, the largest church in the world, overlooks St Peter’s Square and its sweeping colonnades. It is a major destination for pilgrims, and the square hosts public papal appearances including general audiences and the Angelus, depending on the Pope’s schedule. Entry to the basilica is free, although queues can be long, and a separate ticket is required to head up to the dome. Visitors can take a lift or climb part of the way by stairs before completing the final 320 steps for panoramic views across Rome. Beneath the basilica, the Vatican Grottoes contain the tombs of many former popes, while the Vatican Necropolis is traditionally believed to hold the tomb of St Peter.
• The Pantheon is one of Rome’s best-preserved ancient buildings, originally built as a Roman temple and later converted into a church. Step inside and look up at its vast dome, still the largest unreinforced concrete dome ever built. The supporting walls are more than six metres thick in places, while an oculus at the centre of the roof provides the interior’s only natural light. The result is a striking circular space with a strong sense of scale. Its name, commonly understood to mean ‘for all the gods’, reflects the building’s origins.