TOP 10 Things to do in ROME (YouTube link)
How many days to visit Rome?
The ideal number of days to visit Rome depends on your interests and how much time you have available.
Suggested itineraries for a 3-day and 5-day trip to Rome:
3-day trip:
3-day trip:
- Day 1: Visit the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and the Palatine Hill.
- Day 2: Visit the Vatican City, including St. Peter's Square and the Sistine Chapel.
- Day 3: Visit the Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon, and the Piazza Navona.
5-day trip:
- Day 1: Visit the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and the Palatine Hill.
- Day 2: Visit the Vatican City, including St. Peter's Square and the Sistine Chapel.
- Day 3: Visit the Trastevere neighborhood and enjoy its lively atmosphere.
- Day 4: Take a day trip to Pompeii, an ancient Roman city that was destroyed by a volcanic eruption in 79 AD.
- Day 5: Visit the Appian Way, an ancient Roman road that is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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Rome's Iconic Attractions and Fountains
Iconic Attractions
Must-see attractions:
- Vatican City
- This is the smallest country in the world and is home to the Pope. It is also home to St. Peter's Square and the Sistine Chapel.
- For more information, see the companion article here.
- Baths of Caracalla (Thermae Antoninianae in Latin)
- The Baths of Caracalla (Thermae Antoninianae in Latin) were a public bath complex in ancient Rome.
- They were the second largest baths in the city, after the Baths of Diocletian. The baths were built between 212 and 216 AD by the emperor Caracalla and were used for bathing, exercise, and socializing
- Pantheon
- This is a former Roman temple that was converted into a church in the 7th century AD. It is one of the best-preserved ancient buildings in Rome.
- Ticket can be booked here.
- Spanish Steps
- These are a set of 135 steps that lead up to the Trinità dei Monti church. They are a popular tourist destination and are often used as a backdrop for photo shoots.
- Piazza Navona
- This is a large square that is home to three beautiful fountains. It was once the site of a Roman stadium.
- Villa Borghese Gardens
- The Villa Borghese Gardens are one of the most popular tourist attractions in Rome. The gardens cover an area of about 80 hectares (197 acres) and contain a variety of attractions including Borghese Gallery which is home to a collection of Renaissance art, including works by Caravaggio and Bernini.
- The Altar of the Fatherland (Altare della Patria in Italian)
- This is a large white marble monument located in Piazza Venezia in the heart of Rome.
- The Altar of the Fatherland is one of the largest monuments in Italy and is considered to be a symbol of Italian national unity. It was designed by Giuseppe Sacconi and was built between 1885 and 1935.
- Colosseum
- This is an oval amphitheater that was built in the 1st century AD. It was used for gladiatorial contests and public spectacles.
- Roman Forum and Palatine Hill
- This was the center of ancient Rome and was once home to the Senate House, the Temple of Julius Caesar, and other important buildings.
- Appian Way
- This is an ancient Roman road that is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is a popular tourist destination and is known for its historical significance.
- The Catacombs of San Callisto and the Catacombs of San Sebastiano are two of the most popular catacombs in Rome. Both catacombs are located on the Appian Way.
- Trastevere
- This is a historic neighborhood that is known for its narrow streets, lively atmosphere, and good restaurants.
These are just a few of the many attractions in Rome. With so much to see and do, you are sure to have a memorable time in this fascinating city.
Iconic Fountains
Rome's Iconic Fountains
- Trevi Fountain
- This is the largest and most famous fountain in Rome. It is located in the Piazza di Trevi and is a popular tourist destination. The fountain is decorated with sculptures of sea gods and tritons. There is a tradition that if you throw a coin into the fountain, you will return to Rome one day.
- Fontana di Quattro Fiumi
- This fountain is located in Piazza Navona and is another popular tourist destination. The fountain is decorated with sculptures of four river gods: the Nile, the Danube, the Ganges, and the Rio de la Plata.
- Fontana del Tritone
- This fountain is located in Piazza Barberini and is one of the most beautiful fountains in Rome. The fountain is decorated with a sculpture of a Triton, a sea god, blowing a conch shell.
- Fontana del Nettuno:
- This fountain is located in Piazza del Nettuno and is a Baroque fountain. The fountain is decorated with a sculpture of Neptune, the god of the sea.
- Fontana della Barcaccia:
- This fountain is located in Piazza di Spagna and is a Baroque fountain. The fountain is decorated with a sculpture of a boat that is sinking in the water.
- Fontana delle Api
- This fountain is located in Piazza Navona and is a lesser-known fountain. The fountain is decorated with sculptures of bees, which are a symbol of the Barberini family, who commissioned the fountain.
These are just a few of Rome's many iconic fountains. With its rich history and culture, Rome has something to offer everyone. Be sure to add a visit to these stunning fountains to your itinerary when you visit the Eternal City.
The operating times of Rome’s public transportation services
The operating times of Rome's public transportation services are as follows:[1]
- Metro: 5:30 AM to 11:30 PM on weekdays, and 5:30 AM to 1:30 AM on weekends
- Buses: 5:30 AM to midnight daily
- Trams: 5:30 AM to midnight daily
Note: Some bus and tram routes may operate on reduced schedules or may not operate at all on certain days of the week or during holidays. It is always best to check the website of the local public transportation company for the most up-to-date information.
NCCs vs Taxis in Italy
NCCs and taxis are both popular transportation options in Italy, but there are some key differences between the two.
NCCs
- NCC stands for Noleggio Con Conducente, which means "rental with driver" in Italian.
- NCCs are licensed by the government and are required to have a special insurance policy. NCC drivers are also required to pass a background check and have a good driving record.
- NCCs can be booked in advance or on demand. They are often used for airport transfers, city tours, and other special occasions. NCCs are also a popular choice for business travelers, as they offer a more comfortable and professional experience than taxis.
Taxis
- Taxis are not required to have a special license or insurance policy. Taxi drivers are also not required to pass a background check or have a good driving record.
- Taxis can be hailed on the street or found at designated taxi ranks. Taxis are typically less expensive than NCCs, but they may be less comfortable and reliable.
- NCCs are more comfortable and spacious than taxis.
- NCC drivers are more professional and knowledgeable than taxi drivers.
- NCCs are more reliable than taxis.
- NCCs offer a wider range of services than taxis, such as airport transfers, city tours, and business travel services.
If you are looking for a comfortable, reliable, and professional transportation service in Italy, then an NCC is a good option to consider. NCCs are especially popular with business travelers and tourists who are looking for a more personalized experience.
Taking a Taxi in Rome: Tips and Advice
This article on Euronews discusses the challenges of finding a taxi in Italy. It states that there are a number of factors that contribute to this problem, including:
- A limited number of taxi licenses: The number of taxi licenses in Italy is regulated by the government, and there are only a limited number of licenses available. This means that there is a high demand for taxis, but a limited supply.
- Taxi drivers' unions: Taxi drivers' unions in Italy have historically opposed any attempts to increase the number of taxi licenses. This is because they fear that an increase in the number of taxis would reduce the value of their licenses.
- Public transportation: Public transportation in Italy is often unreliable and overcrowded. This leads many people to rely on taxis, which further increases the demand.
- Calling a taxi company in advance
- Going to a taxi stand
- Using a ride-sharing app
How to avoid taxi scams in Italy
- Book your taxi in advance, even if you arrive at the airport.
- This will give you a chance to know the right fare and avoid being charged extra for things like luggage or air conditioning.
- Look for white taxis or rentals with driver (i.e., NCC).
- These are the only licensed taxis in Italy.
- If you choose a white taxi, open a map on your phone and check that the driver is taking the shortest route.
- If you think they are trying to fool you, tell them that you will call the police. The emergency number in Italy is 112.
- Do not believe in extras.
- The fare should be the one that was agreed upon at the beginning of the trip. If the driver tries to charge you for extra things, refuse to pay.
- If you are staying at a hotel, do not ask for a taxi at the reception desk.
- Many hotels have deals with taxi companies and will charge you a commission for booking a taxi. Instead, book your taxi yourself or ask the hotel to call you a white taxi.
- It is not always easy to pay by credit card in Italy, but taxis and rentals with driver are required to accept credit card payments.
- If the driver tells you that you can only pay in cash, tell them that you do not have any cash and that you will pay with your card or call the police.
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