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5 Days in Rome
Packed to bursting with more household-name attractions than you could shake a very large scepter at, Rome is one big open-air museum. Think the Colosseum, the Pantheon, the Roman Forum, the Baths of Caracalla, the Circus Maximus and St Peter’s Basilica. And that’s just for starters. There are also lush green parks to relax in, hills to climb for sigh-inducing city views and, of course, all the authentic wood-fired pizza and creamy gelato you can eat. Spend five days in Rome and you’ll just about scratch the surface of this endlessly fascinating city, experiencing just enough of its atmospheric cobbled lanes, charming piazzas and ancient monuments to whet the appetite for a second visit. The sheer number of things to see and do around the city is staggering, making it difficult to know where to even start. Fear not though: our suggested 5-day Rome itinerary is here to help guide and inspire you. Day 1: Ancient Rome Bucket List Bonanza There’s no point beating about the bush: you came to Rome to snap a selfie in front of the Colosseum. Everything else is just gravy, right? So let’s dive straight in with a day one itinerary that takes in not just one, but four of Ancient Rome’s biggest hitters. First stop on your self-guided walking tour is – you’ll be pleased to hear – the Colosseum. Grab that much-anticipated snap then step inside to experience the largest and best-preserved ancient amphitheater ever built. It doesn’t take a whole lot of effort to imagine the roar of the crowd baying for gladiator blood in one of the deadly battles that were staged here on an almost daily basis nearly 2,000 years ago. Suitably roused, it’s onwards to the Roman Forum, the city’s ruined former heart, which contained markets, temples, brothels and more, then up Palatine Hill where, legend has it, Rome’s mythical twin founders Romulus and Remus were raised by a she-wolf. Wildflowers grow among the ancient ruins atop this verdant oasis and there are excellent views of the Forum and Aventine Hill from one side, and the Circus Maximus, Colosseum and Capitoline Hill from the other. Not ready to throw in the towel just yet? Continue your walk to the ancient Baths of Caracalla, a spa complex that would have accommodated up to 1,300 bathers at a time back in the day. If you still have energy after that, you’re not a million miles from Aventine Hill, atop which stars of the show include the legendary Mouth of Truth (Bocca della Verità) and a keyhole through which you can view the dome of St Peter’s Basilica framed by perfectly manicured cypress trees. After all that, your first large glass of chilled pinot grigio will be richly deserved. Pro-tip: Go City’s Rome Explorer Pass includes an audio tour that covers part of this itinerary, taking in the Colosseum, Forum and Palatine Hill. Day 2: Villa Borghese Footsore and hungover, you’ll be looking for something a little less taxing on day two of your 5-day Rome itinerary. Step forward Villa Borghese, Rome’s great green lung, packed with beautiful villas, gardens and monuments. Grab a picnic from the morning market on Campo dei Fiori – some salami, pecorino and fresh focaccia ought to fit the bill – and find a shady spot among the park’s towering plane and pine trees to stretch out, savor your lunch and enjoy some blissful Rome relaxation. Afterwards, pop by the Galleria Borghese, home of landmark works by Italian masters, including Raphael’s Deposition, Caravaggio’s Saint Jerome, and Bernini’s dramatic Apollo and Daphne sculpture in smooth Carrara marble. There’s also a temple, a slew of grand villas, several fountains and gardens, a lake and a puppet theater to explore in and around the park. The ever-popular Spanish Steps are tantalizingly close by, too, should you wish to tick off another of the city’s top attractions before returning to your hotel. Day 3: Trastevere For the third of your five days in Rome, head for the laidback Trastevere neighborhood. Just downriver from the Vatican, it feels a long way from the honking car horns of the city center, with oodles of atmospheric alleys, pretty piazzas and Instagrammable ocher-colored houses with painted shutters, vines that wrap around wrought-iron balconies and window boxes that burst with joyful blooms. Take time to visit the duo of stunning churches here. One of Rome’s oldest, the Basilica of Santa Maria in Trastevere has sections that date from the 4th Century, as well as a Romanesque 12th-century bell tower and incredible mosaics by artist Pietro Cavallini. Cavallini’s masterpiece, a huge fresco depicting the Last Judgment, can be seen at the nearby Church of Santa Cecilia in Trastevere, alongside several other fine medieval artworks. Climb Janiculum Hill for sweeping views along the Tiber to the dome of St Peter’s Basilica and beyond, find your inner zen in the Japanese garden at the Botanical Gardens, and take in a little more art at the Palazzo Corsini where the collection includes fine pieces by Caravaggio, van Dyck, Rubens and more. Reward yourself with an authentic artisan gelato – flavors in these parts range from traditional stracciatella to a somewhat more challenging artichoke sorbet – and stick around for evening, when Trastevere’s piazzas burst into life as locals come together for fine wine, delicious local craft ales and the best thin and crispy pizza this side of Naples. Day 4: Vatican City and Castel Sant’Angelo There aren’t many cities you can visit where you get two countries for the price of one, but this is one of them, and a visit to the Vatican City should be considered an essential part of any 5-day Rome itinerary worth its salt. You’ve spent the last three days snapping St Peter’s Basilica from various other vantage points around the city. Now’s your chance to get inside and see Michelangelo’s iconic dome up close, with its biblical scenes by Botticelli, Perugino and Michelangelo himself. The basilica also contains dozens of other works of fine art and sculpture, including Michelangelo’s Pieta and Bernini's vast bronze Baldacchino, as well as relics such as St Peter’s chair and tomb. And of course no visit to Rome would be complete without visiting the planet’s most famous fresco on the planet. You can get a combi ticket for access to the Sistine Chapel as well as several other Vatican museums, including impressive collections of classical sculpture, modern art and more. Sure, there’s a lot to take in here, but if you arrived early enough it’s worth making time to pop over to Castel Sant’Angelo for a quick mooch around. This imposing cylindrical fortress was commissioned by Emperor Hadrian as a family mausoleum 2,000 years ago. It’s now a fantastic museum chock-full of frescoes, sculptures, paintings and military weaponry, all topped off with far-reaching views across the Eternal City from the lofty castle terrace. Day 5: A Spot of Souvenir Shopping Now’s the time to mop up any of those must-see attractions that you just didn’t have time to visit. Whaddya mean you haven’t thrown a coin into the Trevi Fountain yet? Or enjoyed the uniquely mesmerizing experience of watching rain cascade through the Pantheon’s oculus during a downpour? Make time to grab some gifts for loved ones and a few souvenirs for yourself. We’re talking fruity Lazio region wines and olive oils, tangy pecorino cheeses and – naturally – armfuls of Colosseum keyrings, Forum fridge magnets, Vatican votives and Trevi Fountain t-shirts. Finish up with an atmospheric evening stroll through baroque Piazza Navona, pausing for a romantic selfie at Bernini’s Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi (Fountain of the Four Rivers), before settling in at one of the local trattoria for wood-fired pizza and a few local craft ales. Save on things to do in Rome Save on admission to Rome attractions with Go City. Check out @GoCity on Instagram and Facebook for the latest top tips and attraction info. |
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# Best ways to travel around Rome without a car
Want to avoid the traffic on your Italian vaycay? Explore the famed cobbled Roman streets with ease with our handy guide on the best ways to get around\!
By [Karleen Stevens](https://gocity.com/en/rome/things-to-do/best-ways-to-travel-around-rome-without-a-car#author-bio)

Rome – a city of mystery and intrigue that invokes as much wonder and curiosity today as it did in ancient times, when it was the heart of a magnificent and terrible empire. It’s no wonder, really, that most travelers end up here eventually, often arriving by the same routes and roads trodden by pilgrims and legionaries of old - although nowadays, it’s much more likely to be via train or car than by chariot or forced march. Once here, however, the modern traveler will find things have changed a bit, as despite its ancient center Rome is a thriving, modern city - although some may argue that its somewhat baffling traffic system is more terrifying that being charged down by a gladiator. Fortunately, Rome is very well connected and there are plenty of alternatives to getting behind the wheel of a car. The best option for you will depend on where you’re going to and from, but some of the most popular choices for how to get around in Rome include:
- **Hop-On Hop-Off bus tour**
- **Walking**
- **Metro**
- **Public bus**
- **Tram**
- **Vespa hire**
- **Bicycle hire**
### Hop-On Hop-Off

### Hop-On Hop-Off
A [Hop-On Hop-Off bus tour](https://gocity.com/rome/en-us/attractions/big-bus-rome) is one of the best ways to orientate yourself and get a sense of how big the city actually is. It’s also a good way to make sure you’ve seen everything, as surprises hide around every corner in Rome! Start your day by doing the complete tour and then hopping off wherever you plan to start exploring, such as the Colosseum or the Vatican.
If you’ve only got one day, start early and use the stops at the Circus Maximus, Trevi Fountain and Spanish Steps to get around Rome as quickly as possible. Then after a long day of pounding the pavements you can sit back and do the full circuit in the evening, as the bustle slows down and the buskers come out to serenade you into the night.
### Walk

### Walk
There’s nothing like exploring a new city on foot, and no better way to take in the sights, smells and sounds at ground level – especially in a city that’s famous for its culinary delights. Try turning off your GPS and simply wandering – if you’re lucky you’ll stumble onto a small neighborhood market or emerge from a dark, winding lane into a bright, bustling square full of restaurants and bubbling fountains.
If your sense of direction is a bit iffy, or you need some context to get interested in all the old stuff, never fear – if you’ve purchased a Hop-On Hop-Off ticket you’ll also get four self-guided audio walking tours. To delve deeper into the secrets of Rome try a guided tour around the [Pantheon](https://gocity.com/rome/en-us/products/explorer/attractions/pantheon-gefuehrte-tour), [St Peter's](https://gocity.com/rome/en-us/products/explorer/attractions/st-peters-basilica-guided-tour) or the [Catacombs](https://gocity.com/rome/en-us/products/explorer/attractions/rome-catacombs-tour), or a themed walking tour such as [Rome at Twilight](https://gocity.com/rome/en-us/products/explorer/attractions/empresses-emperors-and-courtesans-tour) or [Empresses, Emperors and Courtesans](https://gocity.com/rome/en-us/products/explorer/attractions/empresses-emperors-and-courtesans-tour).
### Metro

### Metro
Building an underground transport system takes time in Rome – not because they keep stopping for siestas, but because each excavation uncovers new archaeological remains. As a result, Rome’s subway is the smallest in Europe and is refreshingly easy to navigate.
There are only three lines, although tourists will really only need Line A, for the Vatican, St Peter’s and Spanish Steps, and Line B, which runs past the [Colosseum](https://gocity.com/rome/en-us/products/explorer/attractions/virtual-reality-tour-colosseum-exterior) and Circus Maximus. Both lines get very crowded in peak times and are hotspots for pickpockets, but they will get you across town very quickly – just be sure to watch your bags.
### Bus

### Bus
Buses run 24 hours in Rome, so are a handy way to get around. Most of them are small electric or hybrid models which can navigate the narrow streets of the center where everything is too old or delicate to dig up for trains and trams. There are 338 lines to choose from, so use your maps app to make sure you get the right one.
When using the buses, keep in mind they often run late and there is no official queue system – once the doors open it’s every passenger for themselves! Pickpockets also work on buses so be extra vigilant and always keep your bag on your lap.
### Tram

### Tram
The tram system in Rome is cleaner and safer than other modes of transport, but it’s unlikely you’ll need to use it unless you’re staying out of the center or want to visit [Trastevere](https://gocity.com/rome/en-us/attractions/trastevere-walking-tour), the small island in the Tiber river where there are lots of cute cafes and trattorias.
Tram tickets also work on buses and the metro, and vice versa, and cost €1.50 for a single trip (valid for 100 minutes) or €7.00 for 24 hours. Tickets can be bought from convenience stores or newsagents (tabacchi) and must be validated anytime you get on a tram, bus or train.
### Vespa

### Vespa
To really feel like a proper Italian, zipping around the city with the wind in your hair and the cobbles at your feet, you can hire a scooter from around €60 per day. The same rules apply as for hiring a car – you’ll need an international driving permit and to be over 18, and you and any passengers must wear a helmet at all times.
You’ll also be subject to the same unwritten rules and will need to be super-careful of pedestrians, but once you perfect your zig-zag you’ll find this is the most fun way of getting around in Rome. The only problem will be remembering where you parked it – so be sure to pin the location in your maps\!
### Cycle

### Cycle
Although on the map it looks as though everything is very close together, it’s actually a surprisingly long way from one end of Rome to the other. If you don’t want to use public transport, you can cover long distances more quickly - and work off some of that pizza and pasta - by hiring a bike.
There are plenty of bicycle hire options, such as a standard or e-bike and full or half day hire. There may even be some added bonuses – for example, with a three-hour hire from Go City you can choose between a [Circus Maximus](https://gocity.com/rome/en-us/products/explorer/attractions/bike-rental-circo-massimo-experience) virtual reality experience or an audio guide headset tour of the [Baths of Caracalla](https://gocity.com/rome/en-us/products/explorer/attractions/bike-rental-caracalla-baths), or you could take a full day exploring the [Via Appia Antica](https://gocity.com/rome/en-us/products/explorer/attractions/ancient-appia-antica-bike) with your own map and guidebook.
### **Save with Go City**
All roads lead to Rome, literally and metaphorically – and once you’re here, there are plenty of options for getting around. If you need a little guidance, be sure to check out a [Go City](https://gocity.com/rome/en-us) Explorer Pass for inspiration and savings on plenty of tours and attractions. So grab a [Rome pass](https://gocity.com/en/rome) and see the sights\!
Karleen Stevens
Go City Travel Expert
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[Blog Things to do at Night in Rome Rome is more relaxed, more romantic and altogether more enchanting in the evenings, when ancient monuments are beautifully illuminated and locals chatter over aperitivi at piazza bars and cafés. Our guide to the best things to do at night in Rome includes after-dark tours of the Colosseum and Vatican Museums, a moonlit stroll along the Tiber and a trip to trendy Trastevere.  Stuart Bak](https://gocity.com/en/rome/things-to-do/things-to-do-at-night-in-rome)
[Blog Rome Airport to City Travel Options You know the feeling. You’ve just stepped off the plane and cleared passport control, and your feet are already itching to get to the main attractions. And boy, what a cornucopia of treats await you here in the Eternal City. We’re talking world-famous sights like the Coliseum, the Trevi Fountain and the spectacular Spanish Steps. And don’t even get us started on the pizza and gelato here. Delizioso! But first you need to get out of the airport and into town. Read on for our guide to the best, fastest and most cost-efficient ways to get from Rome’s airports to the city center. Rome Airports in Brief Rome has two main airports and, depending where you’re flying in from, chances are you’re going to end up in one or the other. Helpfully (or perhaps not), both airports also have two names. Here’s the lowdown: Rome-Fiumicino (aka Leonardo da Vinci International Airport): the larger of the two, Fiumicino is situated south-west of the city and is well connected by public transport. It’s around a 35-45 minute drive from Rome’s historic center. Rome-Ciampino (aka Giovan Battista Pastine International Airport): Ciampino is physically closer to Rome city center (around 13km to Fiumicno’s 25km), but traffic in the southern part of the city means that it takes about the same amount of time (35-45 minutes) to drive into town. But what’s the best way to get to Rome from the airport? Read on to find out… Rome Airport to City by Public Transport Traveling light on a short Rome city break? Then public transport might just be the best (and cheapest) option for you. Great news: both airports have direct connections by bus and train! Public Transport from Fiumicino to Rome City Center Da Vinci’s legacy looms large in Rome and we’re sure he’d be delighted that this also includes the ever-reliable Leonardo Express, which has turned public transportation into an art form. Well, nearly. This fast train takes just 32 minutes to reach Roma Termini Station in downtown Rome, with departures scheduled every 15 minutes, round the clock. Tickets cost €14 one way and group passes (€40 for four people) make this a comfortable and affordable alternative to taking a cab. If, however, you’re looking to save your Euros for Rome’s ubiquitous souvenir shops, opt for the shuttle bus. These are less convenient – departures are only every 40 minutes or so and journeys take up to an hour – but the cost of a ticket is less than half that of the Leonardo Express, which can of course make a real difference if you’re traveling with the family or a large group of friends. Public Transport from Ciampino to Rome City Center Ciampino Airport also offers reliable shuttle bus and train options. The train station is in nearby Ciampino, so you’ll need to take the short bus ride (€1.20) to reach it. From there, trains run every 30 minutes between 5.30AM and 10.30PM, taking around 15 minutes to reach Roma Termini Station and costing the princely sum of around €1.50 one way. Alternatively, you’ll find several shuttle bus services running from Ciampino Airport to downtown Rome. Prices range from a mere €1.20 for the least frequent departures up to €6. There are often surcharges for excess luggage and the journey takes around 40 minutes. Rome Airport to City by Private Transfer Perhaps you’re looking to swing up to your Rome hotel in style. In which case, rejoice! There are good private transfer options from both airports. You can book these in advance for peace of mind on arrival and, who knows, you might even luck out and get a chatty cabbie who can give you the lowdown on Rome’s best under-the-radar restaurants and attractions. Private Transfers from Fiumicino to Rome City Center Join the queue outside the terminal to bag yourself the cheapest private transfer. Cab prices to central Rome are fixed at €48 one way for up to four passengers, including luggage. If in doubt about what constitutes ‘central Rome’, check with your driver and agree any surcharges before getting into the cab. Pre-booked airport-to-city transfers are a little pricier at €75 per vehicle but, as the driver will be waiting for you in the terminal (look for the sign with your name on it), it’s faster and more convenient than standing in line with the masses. Minibusses for up to seven people are a good option for large groups, and can also be booked in advance. All of these modes of transport from Fiumicino Airport to Rome city center should take around 35-45 minutes, depending on traffic. Private Transfers from Ciampino to Rome City Center Much like Fiumicino, cabs from Ciampino to downtown Rome also have a fixed rate. It’s €30 for up to four passengers and their luggage. Pre-booked airport transfers from Ciampino to city center hotels cost €50 and take 35-45 minutes. Rome Airport to City by Rental Vehicle Driving in Rome is very much the preserve of motoring masochists. It’s a city where having your vehicle rear-ended outside the Coliseum is practically a rite of passage, where the sound of car horns blaring angrily can be deafening (and rather stressful!), and where red lights and speed limits are often considered ‘optional’. If you like the sound of all that, you’ll find car rental agencies galore in and around both Fiumicino and Ciampino airports in Rome. We’re talking all the usual suspects: Hertz, Enterprise, Europcar, Thrifty and more. Prices vary wildly depending on whether you’re happy with a three-door Fiat or prefer a souped-up Merc, but there are plenty of affordable options for the casual driver. Note that parking in central Rome can be expensive and many city center hotels do not offer parking facilities. Save on attractions, tours and activities in Rome Save on admission to Rome attractions with Go City. Check out @GoCity on Instagram for the latest top tips and attraction info.  Stuart Bak](https://gocity.com/en/rome/things-to-do/rome-airport-to-city-travel-options)
[Blog 5 Days in Rome Packed to bursting with more household-name attractions than you could shake a very large scepter at, Rome is one big open-air museum. Think the Colosseum, the Pantheon, the Roman Forum, the Baths of Caracalla, the Circus Maximus and St Peter’s Basilica. And that’s just for starters. There are also lush green parks to relax in, hills to climb for sigh-inducing city views and, of course, all the authentic wood-fired pizza and creamy gelato you can eat. Spend five days in Rome and you’ll just about scratch the surface of this endlessly fascinating city, experiencing just enough of its atmospheric cobbled lanes, charming piazzas and ancient monuments to whet the appetite for a second visit. The sheer number of things to see and do around the city is staggering, making it difficult to know where to even start. Fear not though: our suggested 5-day Rome itinerary is here to help guide and inspire you. Day 1: Ancient Rome Bucket List Bonanza There’s no point beating about the bush: you came to Rome to snap a selfie in front of the Colosseum. Everything else is just gravy, right? So let’s dive straight in with a day one itinerary that takes in not just one, but four of Ancient Rome’s biggest hitters. First stop on your self-guided walking tour is – you’ll be pleased to hear – the Colosseum. Grab that much-anticipated snap then step inside to experience the largest and best-preserved ancient amphitheater ever built. It doesn’t take a whole lot of effort to imagine the roar of the crowd baying for gladiator blood in one of the deadly battles that were staged here on an almost daily basis nearly 2,000 years ago. Suitably roused, it’s onwards to the Roman Forum, the city’s ruined former heart, which contained markets, temples, brothels and more, then up Palatine Hill where, legend has it, Rome’s mythical twin founders Romulus and Remus were raised by a she-wolf. Wildflowers grow among the ancient ruins atop this verdant oasis and there are excellent views of the Forum and Aventine Hill from one side, and the Circus Maximus, Colosseum and Capitoline Hill from the other. Not ready to throw in the towel just yet? Continue your walk to the ancient Baths of Caracalla, a spa complex that would have accommodated up to 1,300 bathers at a time back in the day. If you still have energy after that, you’re not a million miles from Aventine Hill, atop which stars of the show include the legendary Mouth of Truth (Bocca della Verità) and a keyhole through which you can view the dome of St Peter’s Basilica framed by perfectly manicured cypress trees. After all that, your first large glass of chilled pinot grigio will be richly deserved. Pro-tip: Go City’s Rome Explorer Pass includes an audio tour that covers part of this itinerary, taking in the Colosseum, Forum and Palatine Hill. Day 2: Villa Borghese Footsore and hungover, you’ll be looking for something a little less taxing on day two of your 5-day Rome itinerary. Step forward Villa Borghese, Rome’s great green lung, packed with beautiful villas, gardens and monuments. Grab a picnic from the morning market on Campo dei Fiori – some salami, pecorino and fresh focaccia ought to fit the bill – and find a shady spot among the park’s towering plane and pine trees to stretch out, savor your lunch and enjoy some blissful Rome relaxation. Afterwards, pop by the Galleria Borghese, home of landmark works by Italian masters, including Raphael’s Deposition, Caravaggio’s Saint Jerome, and Bernini’s dramatic Apollo and Daphne sculpture in smooth Carrara marble. There’s also a temple, a slew of grand villas, several fountains and gardens, a lake and a puppet theater to explore in and around the park. The ever-popular Spanish Steps are tantalizingly close by, too, should you wish to tick off another of the city’s top attractions before returning to your hotel. Day 3: Trastevere For the third of your five days in Rome, head for the laidback Trastevere neighborhood. Just downriver from the Vatican, it feels a long way from the honking car horns of the city center, with oodles of atmospheric alleys, pretty piazzas and Instagrammable ocher-colored houses with painted shutters, vines that wrap around wrought-iron balconies and window boxes that burst with joyful blooms. Take time to visit the duo of stunning churches here. One of Rome’s oldest, the Basilica of Santa Maria in Trastevere has sections that date from the 4th Century, as well as a Romanesque 12th-century bell tower and incredible mosaics by artist Pietro Cavallini. Cavallini’s masterpiece, a huge fresco depicting the Last Judgment, can be seen at the nearby Church of Santa Cecilia in Trastevere, alongside several other fine medieval artworks. Climb Janiculum Hill for sweeping views along the Tiber to the dome of St Peter’s Basilica and beyond, find your inner zen in the Japanese garden at the Botanical Gardens, and take in a little more art at the Palazzo Corsini where the collection includes fine pieces by Caravaggio, van Dyck, Rubens and more. Reward yourself with an authentic artisan gelato – flavors in these parts range from traditional stracciatella to a somewhat more challenging artichoke sorbet – and stick around for evening, when Trastevere’s piazzas burst into life as locals come together for fine wine, delicious local craft ales and the best thin and crispy pizza this side of Naples. Day 4: Vatican City and Castel Sant’Angelo There aren’t many cities you can visit where you get two countries for the price of one, but this is one of them, and a visit to the Vatican City should be considered an essential part of any 5-day Rome itinerary worth its salt. You’ve spent the last three days snapping St Peter’s Basilica from various other vantage points around the city. Now’s your chance to get inside and see Michelangelo’s iconic dome up close, with its biblical scenes by Botticelli, Perugino and Michelangelo himself. The basilica also contains dozens of other works of fine art and sculpture, including Michelangelo’s Pieta and Bernini's vast bronze Baldacchino, as well as relics such as St Peter’s chair and tomb. And of course no visit to Rome would be complete without visiting the planet’s most famous fresco on the planet. You can get a combi ticket for access to the Sistine Chapel as well as several other Vatican museums, including impressive collections of classical sculpture, modern art and more. Sure, there’s a lot to take in here, but if you arrived early enough it’s worth making time to pop over to Castel Sant’Angelo for a quick mooch around. This imposing cylindrical fortress was commissioned by Emperor Hadrian as a family mausoleum 2,000 years ago. It’s now a fantastic museum chock-full of frescoes, sculptures, paintings and military weaponry, all topped off with far-reaching views across the Eternal City from the lofty castle terrace. Day 5: A Spot of Souvenir Shopping Now’s the time to mop up any of those must-see attractions that you just didn’t have time to visit. Whaddya mean you haven’t thrown a coin into the Trevi Fountain yet? Or enjoyed the uniquely mesmerizing experience of watching rain cascade through the Pantheon’s oculus during a downpour? Make time to grab some gifts for loved ones and a few souvenirs for yourself. We’re talking fruity Lazio region wines and olive oils, tangy pecorino cheeses and – naturally – armfuls of Colosseum keyrings, Forum fridge magnets, Vatican votives and Trevi Fountain t-shirts. Finish up with an atmospheric evening stroll through baroque Piazza Navona, pausing for a romantic selfie at Bernini’s Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi (Fountain of the Four Rivers), before settling in at one of the local trattoria for wood-fired pizza and a few local craft ales. Save on things to do in Rome Save on admission to Rome attractions with Go City. Check out @GoCity on Instagram and Facebook for the latest top tips and attraction info.  Stuart Bak](https://gocity.com/en/rome/things-to-do/5-days-in-rome)
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| Readable Markdown | Blog
### 5 Days in Rome
Packed to bursting with more household-name attractions than you could shake a very large scepter at, Rome is one big open-air museum. Think the Colosseum, the Pantheon, the Roman Forum, the Baths of Caracalla, the Circus Maximus and St Peter’s Basilica. And that’s just for starters. There are also lush green parks to relax in, hills to climb for sigh-inducing city views and, of course, all the authentic wood-fired pizza and creamy gelato you can eat. Spend five days in Rome and you’ll just about scratch the surface of this endlessly fascinating city, experiencing just enough of its atmospheric cobbled lanes, charming piazzas and ancient monuments to whet the appetite for a second visit. The sheer number of things to see and do around the city is staggering, making it difficult to know where to even start. Fear not though: our suggested 5-day Rome itinerary is here to help guide and inspire you. Day 1: Ancient Rome Bucket List Bonanza There’s no point beating about the bush: you came to Rome to snap a selfie in front of the Colosseum. Everything else is just gravy, right? So let’s dive straight in with a day one itinerary that takes in not just one, but four of Ancient Rome’s biggest hitters. First stop on your self-guided walking tour is – you’ll be pleased to hear – the Colosseum. Grab that much-anticipated snap then step inside to experience the largest and best-preserved ancient amphitheater ever built. It doesn’t take a whole lot of effort to imagine the roar of the crowd baying for gladiator blood in one of the deadly battles that were staged here on an almost daily basis nearly 2,000 years ago. Suitably roused, it’s onwards to the Roman Forum, the city’s ruined former heart, which contained markets, temples, brothels and more, then up Palatine Hill where, legend has it, Rome’s mythical twin founders Romulus and Remus were raised by a she-wolf. Wildflowers grow among the ancient ruins atop this verdant oasis and there are excellent views of the Forum and Aventine Hill from one side, and the Circus Maximus, Colosseum and Capitoline Hill from the other. Not ready to throw in the towel just yet? Continue your walk to the ancient Baths of Caracalla, a spa complex that would have accommodated up to 1,300 bathers at a time back in the day. If you still have energy after that, you’re not a million miles from Aventine Hill, atop which stars of the show include the legendary Mouth of Truth (Bocca della Verità) and a keyhole through which you can view the dome of St Peter’s Basilica framed by perfectly manicured cypress trees. After all that, your first large glass of chilled pinot grigio will be richly deserved. Pro-tip: Go City’s Rome Explorer Pass includes an audio tour that covers part of this itinerary, taking in the Colosseum, Forum and Palatine Hill. Day 2: Villa Borghese Footsore and hungover, you’ll be looking for something a little less taxing on day two of your 5-day Rome itinerary. Step forward Villa Borghese, Rome’s great green lung, packed with beautiful villas, gardens and monuments. Grab a picnic from the morning market on Campo dei Fiori – some salami, pecorino and fresh focaccia ought to fit the bill – and find a shady spot among the park’s towering plane and pine trees to stretch out, savor your lunch and enjoy some blissful Rome relaxation. Afterwards, pop by the Galleria Borghese, home of landmark works by Italian masters, including Raphael’s Deposition, Caravaggio’s Saint Jerome, and Bernini’s dramatic Apollo and Daphne sculpture in smooth Carrara marble. There’s also a temple, a slew of grand villas, several fountains and gardens, a lake and a puppet theater to explore in and around the park. The ever-popular Spanish Steps are tantalizingly close by, too, should you wish to tick off another of the city’s top attractions before returning to your hotel. Day 3: Trastevere For the third of your five days in Rome, head for the laidback Trastevere neighborhood. Just downriver from the Vatican, it feels a long way from the honking car horns of the city center, with oodles of atmospheric alleys, pretty piazzas and Instagrammable ocher-colored houses with painted shutters, vines that wrap around wrought-iron balconies and window boxes that burst with joyful blooms. Take time to visit the duo of stunning churches here. One of Rome’s oldest, the Basilica of Santa Maria in Trastevere has sections that date from the 4th Century, as well as a Romanesque 12th-century bell tower and incredible mosaics by artist Pietro Cavallini. Cavallini’s masterpiece, a huge fresco depicting the Last Judgment, can be seen at the nearby Church of Santa Cecilia in Trastevere, alongside several other fine medieval artworks. Climb Janiculum Hill for sweeping views along the Tiber to the dome of St Peter’s Basilica and beyond, find your inner zen in the Japanese garden at the Botanical Gardens, and take in a little more art at the Palazzo Corsini where the collection includes fine pieces by Caravaggio, van Dyck, Rubens and more. Reward yourself with an authentic artisan gelato – flavors in these parts range from traditional stracciatella to a somewhat more challenging artichoke sorbet – and stick around for evening, when Trastevere’s piazzas burst into life as locals come together for fine wine, delicious local craft ales and the best thin and crispy pizza this side of Naples. Day 4: Vatican City and Castel Sant’Angelo There aren’t many cities you can visit where you get two countries for the price of one, but this is one of them, and a visit to the Vatican City should be considered an essential part of any 5-day Rome itinerary worth its salt. You’ve spent the last three days snapping St Peter’s Basilica from various other vantage points around the city. Now’s your chance to get inside and see Michelangelo’s iconic dome up close, with its biblical scenes by Botticelli, Perugino and Michelangelo himself. The basilica also contains dozens of other works of fine art and sculpture, including Michelangelo’s Pieta and Bernini's vast bronze Baldacchino, as well as relics such as St Peter’s chair and tomb. And of course no visit to Rome would be complete without visiting the planet’s most famous fresco on the planet. You can get a combi ticket for access to the Sistine Chapel as well as several other Vatican museums, including impressive collections of classical sculpture, modern art and more. Sure, there’s a lot to take in here, but if you arrived early enough it’s worth making time to pop over to Castel Sant’Angelo for a quick mooch around. This imposing cylindrical fortress was commissioned by Emperor Hadrian as a family mausoleum 2,000 years ago. It’s now a fantastic museum chock-full of frescoes, sculptures, paintings and military weaponry, all topped off with far-reaching views across the Eternal City from the lofty castle terrace. Day 5: A Spot of Souvenir Shopping Now’s the time to mop up any of those must-see attractions that you just didn’t have time to visit. Whaddya mean you haven’t thrown a coin into the Trevi Fountain yet? Or enjoyed the uniquely mesmerizing experience of watching rain cascade through the Pantheon’s oculus during a downpour? Make time to grab some gifts for loved ones and a few souvenirs for yourself. We’re talking fruity Lazio region wines and olive oils, tangy pecorino cheeses and – naturally – armfuls of Colosseum keyrings, Forum fridge magnets, Vatican votives and Trevi Fountain t-shirts. Finish up with an atmospheric evening stroll through baroque Piazza Navona, pausing for a romantic selfie at Bernini’s Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi (Fountain of the Four Rivers), before settling in at one of the local trattoria for wood-fired pizza and a few local craft ales. Save on things to do in Rome Save on admission to Rome attractions with Go City. Check out @GoCity on Instagram and Facebook for the latest top tips and attraction info. |
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