Is Rome worth visiting? Is Rome expensive? And everything else you need to know

Are you planning a trip to Italy and want to know ‘Is Rome worth visiting’? Well this post will help you decide. We go through absolutely everything you need to know about visiting Rome including ‘Is Rome safe’ ‘Is Rome expensive’ and ‘what is there to do in Rome’.

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Before we answer the question ‘Is Rome worth visiting’ here is some background

I honestly think Rome is one of those cities that probably doesn’t need an introduction, but I will give it a go anyway. Rome is a city located in the Central – Western part of the Italian Peninsula. It’s the capital of Italy and is often referred to as the ‘Eternal City’.

Rome was founded over 2,700 years ago, and has a history that has shaped politics, and religion around the world. According to mythology, it was founded in 753 BC by twins Romulus and Remus. It is said they were raised by a she-wolf due to the fact that they were abandoned as babies on the banks of the Tiber.

Pre-pandemic over 9 million people visited Rome each year, so it is certainly a tourist hot spot. This is no surprise considering how much there is to see and do in Rome. For starters it has more churches than any other city – there are over 900, and it also has over 2000 fountains. So it’s fair to say that you won’t be bored when visiting Rome.

And if you are deciding between Rome and Venice here is some further reading.

Is Rome expensive?

One question we get asked a lot is ‘is Rome expensive’? We actually found it to be a lot cheaper than we thought. That’s not to say it’s a super cheap place, it just means for a European capital city it wasn’t too bad.

There are a lot of ways to be a bit savvy with your money, particularly when it comes to food and drink. If you avoid the tourist traps prices are pretty reasonable. Pizzas are incredibly reasonable in local restaurants, and considering it is Italy, it would be rude not to eat carbs all the time.

Tourist attractions can be pricey but there are also a lot of them that are free. For instance you can see the Pantheon, and St Peters Basilica for free. Also getting photos of the Colosseum from the outside is also free.

We would recommend budgeting about €100 per person per day for a mid range trip to Rome. This will include things like transport, meals out, drinks including cocktails, and attractions. You can obviously spend a lot more or a lot less depending on your travel style.

Do I need cash in Rome?

When visiting Rome it is often a good idea to carry a bit of cash with you. The vast majority of places do accept debit and credit card payments, but you may encounter some smaller stores that may ask for cash. Rome, like the rest of Italy uses the Euro, and you can withdraw this at ATM’s throughout the city.

What language do they speak in Rome?

Italian is the official language spoken in Rome and the rest of Italy for that matter. If you don’t speak Italian though, English is also very widely spoken in the city. We got by not speaking any Italian. It’s a very tourist orientated city, so you do get people speaking quite a few different languages due to this.

Is Rome easy to get to?

Rome is an easy place to get to. It has two main airports, Leonardo da Vinci / Fiumicino and Ciampino. Leonardo da Vinci / Fiumicino is the largest airport in Rome and this is where the bulk of international flights will arrive.

From here you can get a taxi, bus or train into the centre of Rome.

You also have Ciampino which used to be a military airport, but is now frequented by Ryanair flights from around Europe. It’s a much smaller airport, although it is slightly closer to town than Fiumicino. Again you have options to get a bus or a taxi into town. There is also the Airlink which involves a bus and a train.

How long should I spend in Rome?

Rome is one of those places that you could spend weeks in without seeing it all. Honestly there is just that much to explore. That being said we would recommend a minimum of 3 days in Rome to around 5 days. This will give you a good amount of time to explore the main attractions, eat some great food, and get to grips with the nightlife.

On a side note for a handy 4 day Rome itinerary you can click here.

Anything less than 3 days is still worth doing, but you will need to prioritise what you want to see and accept the fact that you won’t be able to do it all. A lot of the attractions in the city are spread out, so it will take some time getting between them. Then you also have the trendy neighbourhoods with restaurants and bars to indulge in, which will take you a bit of time to explore.

Is Rome safe?

Rome tends to get a bit of a bad wrap when it comes to safety in the city. Yes there are some neighbourhoods that you might want to avoid, particularly at night. But this is the same as with any big city in Europe.

The tourist areas are generally safe, although petty crimes like pickpocketing are rife. Just make sure that you keep and eye on your belongings. If you have a handbag make sure it is firmly shut and secured as a precaution. Also be careful with your mobile phone and your wallet as these could be snatched from your hands, always make sure they are in a secure spot.

Is Rome worth visiting compared to other European capital cities?

Rome definitely holds its own when it comes to European capital cities to visit. In fact it is probably one of the most popular places to visit in Europe and for good reason. It has a wealth of history to explore, particularly when it comes to Ancient Rome. It’s also incredibly photogenic with so many places to explore. If you are visiting Europe a trip to Rome is a must.

Is Rome worth visiting compared to other Italian cities?

One question we get asked a lot tends to be, Is Rome worth visiting compared to other Italian cities. The honestly answer is yes. Rome is so different to many other popular Italian destinations like Naples, or Venice.

It’s perfect if you are looking for an Italian style city break, where you can get caught up in history, enjoy some great food, and see some pretty cool sights.

Or if you are tossing you between other Italian cities you can look at this guide to Bergamo.

Can I use public transport in Rome?

If you have spent even 5 minutes in Rome, you will probably soon realise that driving in this city is a pretty intense affair. We found that as pedestrians we were being beeped at for not crossing the roads fast enough. So driving in Rome was never going to be an option for us. Which of course leaves public transport.

It’s relatively easy to negotiate, and will get you around the city pretty quickly. You can purchase a pass that will allow you access to buses (which run 24 hours by the way) and the subway. Tickets can be bought at the train station via a vending machine, or if like us you are terrible at using foreign ticket machines (the shame) you can also purchase them from any tobacconist.

Always remember to validate your ticket before you ride. There is actually a 3 day tourist pass you can purchase for a little over €10 which is convenient if you are staying that little bit longer or if you need to get to the airport the next day.

What is there to do in Rome?

Wondering is Rome worth visiting for attractions alone, well here is a list to help you decide. There is so much to do in Rome that we couldn’t possibly mention everything so we have stuck to some of the top places to visit.

The Colosseum

Obviously you cannot visit Rome without seeing the Colosseum. What struck me when we first saw it was that no photograph can prepare you for seeing it with your own eyes.

It was built in 69-70 AD  and is by far one of the most popular attractions in Rome. The Colosseum has a bloody history as it was famously where tens of thousands of animals and gladiators met their gruesome ends as crowds looked on. It’s a great place to explore as it is just so awe-inspiring.

Expect to have to queue when purchasing your tickets inside. Obviously you don’t have to go inside but we highly recommend it. Standing near the bottom looking up gives you a sense of what the gladiators must have seen before meeting their demise.

Pantheon

This former Roman temple turned church is another of Rome’s most iconic sights. It is also one of the city’s best preserved sights too.

When looking at the Pantheon from the outside it was a shock to realise that the inside is round. The columns at the front are truly misleading.

Apparently Michelangelo upon seeing the Pantheon was said to have described it as the work of angels not humans. Considering its age, durability, and beauty, he may actually have a point!

Inside the Pantheon is the dome which has a hole in the top. This is referred to as the eye or oculus of the Pantheon. Water can get in when it rains but only a small amount and  it drains through the slanted floor of the structure.

The Vatican Museum

Home to about 7km of exhibitions, the Vatican Museum is famed for housing one of the world’s greatest art collections. You could realistically spend all day here admiring the exhibits, though for the more time conscious, the Sistine Chapel is a must see.

The chapel roof was actually one of Michelangelo’s most challenging creations. It is such an incredible piece of artwork, but be warned it is strictly prohibited to take photos inside. And if you even try you will be told off by one of the several guards. I guess you will just have to buy a postcard instead.

St Peter’s Basilica

Around the corner from The Vatican Museum is St Peter’s Basilica. Although I should point out that technically the museum and St Peter’s Basilica are not in Rome or Italy, but Vatican City instead. So you can tick that off your country list. 

This makes sense though as of course the Catholic Church is headquartered in Vatican City. If you are planning to visit it is important that you adhere to the strict dress code. You cannot wear shorts or mini skirts and shoulders must be covered. St Peter’s Basilica is one of the most beautiful churches in Europe and a must when visiting Rome.

The Spanish Steps

The Spanish Steps are a set of steps between the Piazza di Spagna at the base, and Piazza Trinita dei Monti, with the church of the same name at the top. The steps are a great place to sit and take in some of the sights. Just be warned that it is very touristy which also means you have a lot of people trying to sell you things on the street. Especially roses. Don’t engage and just keep walking.

I should also mention that all those photos of the steps with barely anyone on them are actually taken really early in the morning. Don’t expect to get the steps all to yourself unless you are willing to get up early.

Trevi Fountain

Like the Colosseum no photo can prepare you for the sheer beauty of the fountain. The first thing that struck me was how big it was. The fountain dates back to ancient Roman times and is one of the oldest water sources in Rome. It is tradition when visiting to toss a coin over your shoulder into the fountain. This ensures that you will be back in the city one day. Fingers crossed!

If you have wondered where all that money goes to it is collected and donated to charity, and it is actually a crime to steal money from the fountain.

Palatine Hill and the Roman Forum

One of the most ancient sites in Rome is Palatine Hill. Located next to the Colosseum Palatine Hill is one of the seven hills of Rome. Apparently in ancient times Palatine Hill was prime real estate.

The Palatine is home to the Roman Forum and Circus Maximus, and is basically an archeological site. Some of Ancient Rome’s most famous legends were said to have taken place here such as Romulus and Remus being found in the cave by the she-wolf.

Piazza Navona

Piazza’s seem to be the place to hang out in Rome. One of our favourites and a great place for people watching is Piazza Navona. Here you can sit by the fountains and watch the various hawkers and street artists. These Piazzas are really where Rome comes alive. Even historically the Piazzas were the centre of life in Rome. In ancient times markets were held here, and even executions!

Is Rome worth visiting for solo travellers?

Rome is a great place to visit if you are travelling solo. For starters it is a relatively safe city particularly in tourist areas. There is also so much to see and do that you certainly will not be bored.

There are also several guided tours you can join including neighbourhood exploration tours, and pub crawls.

Is Rome worth visiting for couples?

Personally we think Rome is an excellent travel destination for couples. With it’s ancient surroundings, cobbled streets, and incredible food, there is so much to do if you are visiting Rome as a couple. Here are some of our top suggestions.

• Make a wish in the Trevi Fountain – if you want to guarantee that you and your love will return to Rome head to the Trevi and throw a coin over your shoulder. We recommend heading here in the evening as it is a bit more atmospheric.
• Sit down to a delicious meal – eating is a HUGE part of any trip to Rome and there are so many incredible restaurants to enjoy a candle lit dinner.
• Gelato – grab a spoon or two and go for a gelato date.
• Wander the backstreets – there is nothing better than strolling hand in hand as you wander down the backstreets of Trastevere one of Rome’s oldest neighbourhoods.
• Soak up the atmosphere in Piazza Navona – filled with Baroque architecture and ostentatious sculptures Piazza Navona is great for people watching as a couple. There are also some amazing bars around here particularly if you wander around the back streets.
• Watch the sunset from the Spanish Steps – yes you are sharing the moment with hundreds of other people but as soon as that sun starts to set and the sky changes from blue to pink, it is easy to forget the crowds.

Is Rome worth visiting for families?

If you are planning to visit Rome with kids you might be wondering is Rome worth visiting for families. Rome is definitely a great place to visit with kids. There is a lot of cool stuff for them to explore and learn about from the ancient ruins and Colosseum. There are also tons of museums, and parks to explore as a family.

Is Rome worth visiting for foodies?

If you love food you will absolutely love Rome. For us it is one of our favourite cities when it comes to food and drink. You obvioulsy have your classic Italian dishes like pasta, and pizza, which are common throughout Rome. One thing we would say though is avoid the tourist traps when it comes to traditional food. If someone is outside trying to convince you to eat at their establishment it’s probably a tourist trap that you should avoid.

The best places to eat in Rome are where the locals go. Checkout the neighbourhoods, and stay away from restaurants near places like the Spanish Steps, or the Trevi Fountain.

Other foods that are worth trying in Rome are your simmered beef dishes, fresh artichokes, and your creamy gelatos. You really won’t be disappointed when it comes to food in Rome.

One of our top suggestions is to do a Rome food tour where you will get a chance to try different types of food.

Is Rome worth visiting for the nightlife?

Rome is a big city and is perfect if you are wanting to experience the nightlife. There is something here for everyone, from nightclubs, to cocktail lounges. We found that eating and drinking go hand in hand in Rome. It’s a great place to go to sip wine, nibble on food, and just enjoy your evening.

Is Rome worth visiting for history buffs?

I think the answer to the question is Rome worth visiting for history buffs is pretty obvious. It’s probably one of the best cities in the world for history lovers to explore. Even looking at the more touristy sights, there is enough to keep a history lover busy in Rome for days.

Some of the best sights include the Colosseum, the Pantheon, St Peters Basilica, the Spanish Steps, the Vatican Museum and the Roman Forum. Yes they are incredibly touristy but it is fair to say they are popular for a reason.

Is Rome worth visiting for culture lovers?

Rome really is a cultural melting pot full of exquisite art, architecture, food, and so much more. If you are a lover of all things cultural then Rome is a great place to visit. From learning about history, to admiring art you will find a lot here to satisfy your cultural needs.

Is Rome worth visiting in the summer?

If you are wondering is Rome worth visiting in the summer, our honest answer is no. Or at least to avoid it if you can. For starters the summer months of June, July, and August, can be pretty hot. It ranges from 17-31 degrees celsius and is humid. In our experience it isn’t hugely enjoyable exploring Rome in this heat.

It’s also peak tourist season. Hotels increase their prices, and you will find yourself queuing for a lot of the main attractions in the city.

Is Rome worth visiting in the winter?

Winters in Rome are pretty mild, so can be an ok time to visit, as long as you dress appropriately. Temperatures average somewhere between 4 – 14 degrees celsius. It’s also the off season so lines are shorter, hotels are cheaper, and you are likely to have a more pleasant experience than say the summer months.

One thing to keep in mind though is that December especially around the religious holidays gets busy. Christmas and Boxing Day (St Stephen’s Day) are particularly busy, so you probably want to avoid Vatican City on these days.

What to pack when visiting Rome?

What you pack on a trip to Rome will of course depend on the time of year your visit. Here are some essentials we think you should add to your packing list.

• Solid backpack to fit things like a water bottle etc in. Rome is infamous for pickpockets so make sure you don’t have something flimsy and easy to steal.
• Travel belt. Like we mentioned about pickpocketing is a thing so make sure you keep your money safe.
• Comfy shoes. You will do a lot of walking so this is a must.
• Layered clothing. This is especially a must in the summer months and spring as it can get cooler in the evening.
• Sun protection. Things like suncream, hats, etc are a must in the summer.

What should I know before visiting Rome?

Here are some final tips for visiting Rome.

• Whenever you can book your tickets in advance.
• Avoid the tourist traps. There are a lot of restaurants in touristy areas that we recommend avoiding. They are usually overpriced and poor quality. Try to find something down a back street or away from the main tourist thoroughfare.
• Rome is generally safe, but pickpocketing is an issue. Keep your wits about you, and don’t flash your cash or your mobile phone around.
• People can be pushy in Rome, particularly the people walking around trying to sell you roses on the street. You need to be firm and keep moving.
• Be careful when crossing the roads in Rome. Seriously the driving here can be quite scary!

So Is Rome worth visiting?

Ok now to answer the question is Rome worth visiting? Obviously Rome is one of those places that is incredibly popular with tourists but for good reason. There is so much history here and so much to see and do. It also has some world class food and drink, making it a great spot for foodies, history lovers, couples, families, and much more.

The real downside to Rome is the tourism, but if you can avoid peak times, Rome truly is a city that you have to visit at least once in your life.

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Or if you want to visit other Italian cities you might be wondering if Venice is worth visiting which you can read about here.