5 days
5-day Rome
City Guide
A preplanned step-by-step time line
and city guide for Rome.
Follow it and get the best of the city.
5-day Rome City Guide
3
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Overview of Day 1
LEAVE HOTEL
Tested and recommended hotels in Rome >
Take Metro line B to Colosseo station
09:00-10:30
Colosseum
Iconic symbol of
Imperial Rome
Take a walk to Arch of Constantine - 5’
10:35-10:45
Arch of Constantine
Majestic monument
Take a walk to Roman Forum - 5’
10:50-13:20
Roman Forum and Palatine Hill
Center of the ancient
world
Lunch time
Take a walk to Piazza Venezia
15:30-15:50
Piazza Venezia
Focal point of modern
Rome
15:50-16:20
Vittorio Emanuele II Monument
Spectacular view of
Rome
Take a walk to the Pantheon - 15’
16:35-17:05
Pantheon
The world's largest
unreinforced concrete
dome
Take a walk to Trevi Fountain - 15’
17:20-17:50
Trevi Fountain
One of the most familiar
sights of Rome
Take a walk to Spanish Steps - 20’
18:10-18:40
Spanish Steps
Rome's most beloved
Rococo monument
END OF DAY 1
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Attraction Details
09:00-10:30
Colosseum
(4/a Piazza San Pietro in Vincoli, 00184, Rome)
Opening hours: Daily: 8:30am - 1 hour before sunset, Jan 1 and Dec 25: Closed • Admission: 12 €
THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW
The Collosseum is an iconic symbol of the
Imperial Rome
Its construction started between 70 and 72
AD and finished in 80 AD
It was the largest Amphitheatre ever built in
the Roman Empire
Jewish slaves built the Collosseum who
were brought to Rome after their revolt in
Judaea was suppressed
Romans used the Collosseum to entertain
the masses with gladiatorial contests and
public spectacles such as mock sea battles,
animal hunts, executions, replay of famous
battles, and dramas based on Classical
mythology
It was capable of seating more than 50 000
spectators. Its structure is still the model for
the world's sports stadiums
Earthquakes, the environment, metal and
stone robbers all played a part in the
building's decay
THINGS TO DO THERE
If you already have your ticket skip the long
line and head straight to the entrance
Discover the lower deck
Climb to the upper deck, where you'll find a
more colossal view of the arena and a nice
look on the Arch of Constantine
TIPS & INSIGHTS
12 € combo-ticket includes Palatine Hill and
Roman Forum, tickets valid for two days
(one entry per sight)
You can avoid the long queues if you have a
Roma Pass or Archaeologia Card
Or you can buy your ticket first at the
less-crowded Palatine Hill entrance on Via di
San Gregorio
Or buy and print your ticket online (you'll
have to pay a 1.50 € booking fee)
We do not recommend the audio guide. It
costs 4 additional Euros and doesn't give
much interesting information
Avoid the "tour guides" hassling the tourists
while standing in the queue for your ticket
If you need a guide to tour the
Colosseum then choose a
professional guide: Antiquatours, Rome Tour
MORE Info and Photos >
10:35-10:45
Arch of Constantine
(Piazza del Colosseo, Rome)
THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW
The Arch of Constantine is a triumphal arch
in Rome erected in A.D. 315
It is the latest of the existing triumphal
arches in Rome and much of its decorations
were looted from earlier emperors'
monuments
It commemorates the Battle of the Milvian
Bridge in A.D. 312 when Constantine I
defeated Maxentius, his rival and
co-emperor
Supposedly, the victory came after
Constantine having a vision of the Christian
cross
The superstitious Constantine, for this
reason, legalized Christianity in A.D. 313
ending centuries of persecution
Later Constantine himself converted to
Christianity becoming the first Christian
Roman emperor
THINGS TO DO THERE
Take a look at the monument from all sides
TIPS & INSIGHTS
MORE Info and Photos >
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Attraction Details
10:50-13:20
Roman Forum and Palatine Hill
(Via dei Fori Imperiali, Rome)
Opening hours: Daily: 8:30am - 1 hour before sunset, Jan 1 and Dec 25: Closed • Admission: 12 €
THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW
The Forum was the political, religious, and
commercial center of the city; as the empire
expanded, it became the center of the
civilized world
Rome's most important temples and halls of
justice were here
Religious processions, political
demonstrations, elections, important
speeches, and parades by conquering
generals took place here
Today it is a site scattered with the ancient
ruins of the buildings, monuments and
sculptures that once stood here
According to the legend, Palatine Hill is
where Romulus founded Rome (the
centermost of the Seven Hills of Rome)
This is where emperors and other ancient
notabilities built their palaces
Today it is a quiet garden scattered with
ancient ruins and shady spots to relax
THINGS TO DO THERE
Enter the Palatine Hill first on Via di San
Gregorio entrance (the Palatine Hill ticket
office)
Walk around the hill and discover the
ancient ruins
Do not miss the great view to Circus
Maximus, Roman Forum and the Colosseum
Walk towards the Roman Forum to see the
remains of the center of the ancient world
Do not miss the highlights: the Temple of
Vesta, the Arch of Titus, Via Sacra and the
Arch of Septimius Severus
Exit the Forum towards Capitol Hill
TIPS & INSIGHTS
With a combined ticket you can see the
Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and the
Palatine Hill
Carry a water bottle and refill it at the
Forum's public drinking fountains
Wear comfy shoes
There are no dining facilities inside so plan
accordingly
If you need a guide to tour the
Roman Forum and Palatine Hill
then choose a professional
guide: Antiquatours, Rome Tour
MORE Info and Photos >
15:30-15:50
Piazza Venezia
(Piazza Venezia, 00186 Rome)
THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW
Piazza Venezia is a large square and
transportation hub almost in the 'geometric
center' of Rome
Rome's major avenues meet here: Via del
Corso, a Via Quattro Novembre, a Via del
Plebiscito
It takes its name from Palace Venezia (West
side) that used to be the embassy of the
Republic of Venice
The square is dominated by the imposing
white Monument of Vittorio Emanuele II
(South side) built between 1855 and 1911 to
celebrate the Italian Unification
The larger palace on the North end (left of
Via del Corso) is Palazzo Bonaparte where
Napoleon's mother lived
In the 1930s, Benito Mussolini used this
square to deliver a number of speeches to
the Fascist masses filling the whole square
and shouting their support to the dictator
THINGS TO DO THERE
Admire the imposing Monument of Vittorio
Emanuele II
TIPS & INSIGHTS
MORE Info and Photos >
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Attraction Details
15:50-16:20
Vittorio Emanuele II Monument
(Piazza Venezia, 00186 Rome)
Opening hours: Daily: 9:30am - 7:30pm • Admission: 7 €
THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW
Vittorio Emanuele II Monument honors the
Italian Unification and Victor Emannuel II,
the first king of the unified Italy
Construction began in 1855 and finished in
1935, although it was inaugurated in 1911
The monument is built of pure white marble
The black center statue shows Victor
Emmanuel on horseback
The two statues on the top of the monument
feature goddess Victoria riding on quadrigas
The structure is 135 m (443 ft) wide and 70
m (230 ft) high
The base of the structure houses the
museum of Italian Reunification
THINGS TO DO THERE
Climb the steps and head towards the
outdoor café (on your left side when facing
the monument)
Take the glass elevator to the rooftop for the
grandest, 360-degree view of the center of
Rome
Helpful panoramic diagrams describe the
skyline, with powerful binoculars available
for zooming in on particular sights
TIPS & INSIGHTS
MORE Info and Photos >
16:35-17:05
Pantheon
(Piazza della Rotonda 12, Rome)
Opening hours: Monday - Saturday: 8:30am - 7:30pm, Sunday: 9am - 6pm • Admission: Free
THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW
Pantheon was built by Marcus Agrippa as a
temple to all gods of Ancient Rome around
27 BC
The building burnt down twice, it was rebuilt
in its current form by Emperor Hadrian
around 126 AD
It is one of the best preserved of all Roman
buildings
In the 7th century Pantheon became a
Roman Catholic church dedicated to St.
Mary and the Martyrs
Almost two thousand years after it was built,
the Pantheon's dome is still the world's
largest unreinforced concrete dome
The height to the oculus (the central opening
in the dome) and the diameter of the interior
circle are the same, 43.3 metres (142 ft)
THINGS TO DO THERE
Start your tour on the square of Piazza della
Rotunda in front of the pantheon
Take a view of the Obelisk-topped fountain
Walk around in this almost perfectly
preserved dome but do not miss: the Main
Altar, the Oculus, the Tomb of Rafael and
the Tomb of Victor Emanuel II
TIPS & INSIGHTS
MORE Info and Photos >
17:20-17:50
Trevi Fountain
(Piazza di Trevi, Rome)
THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW
The 25.9 meters (85 feet) high and 19.8
meters (65 feet) wide Trevi Fountain is an
impressive Baroque fountain in Rome
completed in 1762
The Trevi marks the end point of the
aqueduct, Acqua Vergine, that still feeds it
with water
The medieval Acqua Vergine is the renewed
and lengthened version of the ancient Aqua
Virgo built in 19 B.C. that supplied Rome
with clean water
Legend has it; the spring that feeds the
aqueduct was discovered miraculously by a
virgin
The story is illustrated in the fountain by the
female figures on both sides of the central
figure
The figure standing in the middle is Oceanus
who was believed to be the world-ocean in
ancient mythology
Tradition holds, if one throws coins into the
fountain, he will return to Rome
About 3,000 Euros are thrown into the
fountain each day and collected at night.
The money is used to help Rome's poor
THINGS TO DO THERE
Admire the beautiful fountain
Have some coins ready for tossing in -
backwards over your shoulder - to ensure
your return to Rome
It's also a perfect opportunity to make any
wishes you may have in mind, the more
romantic the better
TIPS & INSIGHTS
Too often thronged with tourists, yet the
sheer beauty and power of this creation are
nevertheless overwhelming, day or night
MORE Info and Photos >
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Attraction Details
18:10-18:40
Spanish Steps
(Piazza di Spagna)
THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW
The Spanish Steps is a monumental
stairway in Rome connecting two squares:
Piazza di Spagna (at its base) and Piazza
Trinity dei Monti (at the top)
Piazza di Spagna (lower square) means
Spanish Square, hence the name of the
stairway
The square took its name after the fact that
the Bourbon Spanish Embassy to the Holy
See was located here; the Spanish embassy
is still housed in the same building, Palazzo
Monaldeschi
The stairway was built in 1723-25; it has 138
steps and it is the widest staircase in Europe
The Early Baroque fountain at the foot of the
stairs is called Fontana della Barcaccia
(Fountain of the Old Boat) designed by the
father of Gian Lorenzo Bernini, the creator of
the alter of St Peter's Basilica
The church above the stairway is called the
Trinita dei Monti
The church and the surrounding area is the
property of the French state
THINGS TO DO THERE
Have a break, sit down and enjoy the
piazza's vibrant life
Do some people watching
TIPS & INSIGHTS
In the summer it can be very crowded
It is the most beautiful in the summer when
the steps are full of flowers
MORE Info and Photos >
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Overview of Day 2
LEAVE HOTEL
Tested and recommended hotels in Rome >
Take Metro Line A to Ottaviano San Pietro station
09:00-10:10
St. Peter's Basilica
Largest Christian
church in the world
10:10-10:40
Piazza di San Pietro
One of the best known
squares in the world
Take a walk to Vatican Museums - 20’
11:00-13:30
Vatican Museums
One of the most known
museums in the world
Lunch time
Take a walk to Castel Sant’ Angelo
15:30-15:50
Castel Sant' Angelo
Magnificent historical
monument
Take a walk to Piazza Navona - 10’
16:00-16:30
Piazza Navona
One of the most
beautiful squares in
Rome
Take a walk to Campo dei Fiori - 15’
16:45-17:15
Campo dei Fiori
Lively square
Take a walk to the Jewish Ghetto on Via del Giubbonari
- 15’
17:30-18:30
Jewish Ghetto
Charming and eclectic
neighborhood
END OF DAY 2
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Attraction Details
09:00-10:10
St. Peter's Basilica
(Piazza San Pietro, Vatican City)
Opening hours: April - September, Basilica: 7am - 7pm, October - March, Basilica: 7am - 6pm,
April - September, Cupola: 8am - 6pm, October - March, Cupola: 8am - 4:45pm • Admission: Free
THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW
St. Peter's Basilica is a Late Renaissance
church located within Vatican City
It can hold 60,000 people and has the
largest interior among all Christian churches
in the world
Its construction started in 1506 and finished
in 1626
Not being the seat of a bishop, Saint Peter's
not a cathedral, but a papal basilica. Rome's
Cathedral is the Basilica of St. John Lateran
There has been a church on this site since
the 4th century and tradition and some
historical evidence suggest that Saint Peter
is buried directly below the altar
The church features a number of
not-to-be-missed treasures such as
Michelangelo's Pietà, the dome, the
Baldacchino, its imressive altar, and the
crypt that is the burial place for popes
The basilica is 132-m (435-ft) high
THINGS TO DO THERE
Enter the basilica and immediately head to
your right to take the elevator up to the
dome (cupola)
The elevator takes you to the first level, to
the church roof just above the facade. Go
inside the gallery ringing the interior of the
dome, where you can look down inside the
church
From this level continue all the way up to the
top of the dome
It's a 15-minute, 323-step climb. The view
from the summit is sublime
Admire the arms of Bernini's colonnade
encircling St. Peter's Square
After descending to the basilica walk around
and do not miss the highlights:
Michelangelo's Pieta, the 13th century
bronze statue of St Peter, the huge bronze
canopy (designed by Bernini)
Descend to the Crypt. Look at St. Peter's
tomb and walk by the simple tomb of Pope
John Paul II
TIPS & INSIGHTS
Most of the time the long queue is caused
by the security check (airport style, before
entering St Peters)
Taking photos is not permitted inside the
basilica
Men and women in shorts, above-the-knee
skirts, or bare shoulders will not be admitted
to the Vatican City basilica. This dress code
is strictly enforced
MORE Info and Photos >
10:10-10:40
Piazza di San Pietro
(Piazza di San Pietro, Rome)
THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW
Piazza di San Pietro is the impressive
square right in front of St. Peter's Basilica,
the world's largest Catholic church
Bernini's colonnade on both sides of the
square was designed to mimic a human
embrace
The Obelisk in the center comes from Egypt
and once stood at Nero's Circus where St.
Peter was martyred in A.D. 64
THINGS TO DO THERE
Walk around the huge square
Admire Bernini's remarkable colonnades
On the square you will find the Vatican Post
Office famous for its stamps. You can send
a postcard from there
TIPS & INSIGHTS
Beautiful day or night
When in the town the pope gives a mass
audience on Wednesday morning. You have
to book a free ticket by calling this number:
+39-669-884-857
MORE Info and Photos >
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Attraction Details
11:00-13:30
Vatican Museums
(Viale Vaticano, 00165Â Rome)
Opening hours: Mar - Oct, Mon-Fri: 8:45am - 3:20pm, Mar - Oct, Sat: 8:45am - 12:20pm,
Nov - Feb: 8:45am - 12:20pm, Sun, except the last Sun of each month: Closed, Many
holidays: Closed • Admission: 15 €
THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW
The Vatican Museums are among the
greatest and richest museums in the world
Pope Julius II founded the museums more
than 500 years ago by displaying the
sculpture of Laocoon to the public
It features some of the most renowned
classical sculptures and most important
Renaissance masterpieces
Highlights include The Sistine Chapel, the
Gallery of maps and works from Caravaggio,
Leonardo da Vinci, Fra Angelico, Giotto,
Raphael, Nicolas Poussin and Titian or the
red marble papal throne
The Sistine's frescoes were decorations by
some of the greatest Renaissance artists
Pope Sixtus IV commissioned wall frescoes
for the Pope's Chapel in 1481-83
The frescoes were intended to underscore
papal authority, in question at the time, by
displaying a line of power from God to the
pope
THINGS TO DO THERE
The Museums are made up of 10 collections
plus the Sistine Chapel and papal
apartments
To see highlights only, first visit the
Pinacoteca, to the right of the entrance
turnstile
The Sistine and other collections (Raphael
Rooms, Apollo Belvedere, Laocoon) are to
the left
TIPS & INSIGHTS
In order to avoid the very long queues book
your ticket online. Note that an additional 4 €
is charged
Be prepared for a huge crowd inside the
museum
You can reach St Peter's basilica from here
(the right rear door of the Sistine Chapel)
Recommended guided tour: Italywithus
, Vaticantoursinc, Easitalytours
Map of the museum
MORE Info and Photos >
15:30-15:50
Castel Sant' Angelo
(50 Lungotevere Castello, Rome)
Opening hours: Tuesday - Sunday: 9am - 7pm, Monday: Closed, Jan 1 and Dec 25: Closed •
Admission: 8 €
THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW
Castel Sant' Angelo is a fortress on the left
bank of River Tiber
Originally it was a massive circular building
erected by Emperor Hadrian as a
mausoleum for himself and his family
After Hadrian's ashes were placed here,
many succeeding Emperors were buried on
the site
After being converted into a fortress it was
used as the papal castle for about 1000
years
A covered fortified corridor, called the
Passetto di Borgo, connects the castle to St.
Peter's Basilica
It takes its name after Pope Gregory the
Great's vision of St Michael announcing the
end of a plague from the castle's tower in
590
The bronze statue of a sword-bearing
archangel on the top commemorates this
event
THINGS TO DO THERE
Walk through the bridge lined with Bernini
angels
Take some great photos of the castle and St
Peter's basilica from the bridge
TIPS & INSIGHTS
Castel Sant'Angelo currently houses the
Museo Nazionale di Castel Sant'Angelo
museum. The collections include ceramics,
sculptures, a picture gallery and the Armory
MORE Info and Photos >
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Attraction Details
16:00-16:30
Piazza Navona
(Piazza Navona, Rome)
THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW
Piazza Navona is an impressive city square
in Rome
Stadium Domitian, an arena mostly used for
athletic contests (built in 1st Century AD),
used to stand here, and the square still
follows the form of the open space of the
stadium
It features a number of fine examples of
Roman Baroque architecture and art
In the central stands Fountain of the Four
Rivers (1651) by Gian Lorenzo Bernini. Two
other fountains decorate the square:
Fontana del Moro (southern end) and the
Fountain of Neptune (northern end)
The beautiful building towering above the
central fountain is the church of Sant'Agnese
in Agone by Francesco Borromini and
Girolamo Rainaldi
In the 15th century, the city market was held
in the square that still hosts Rome's
Christmas market
Street artists, such as cartoonists,
pantomime artists and human statues,
gather in the square and create its pleasant
atmosphere
THINGS TO DO THERE
Enjoy this pedestrian paradise filled with
cafés, street performers, artists, and
splashing fountains
Take a walk around the square
Take some photos of the statues and
fountains
Sit down and relax while doing some people
watching
TIPS & INSIGHTS
Beautiful day or night
MORE Info and Photos >
16:45-17:15
Campo dei Fiori
(Piazza Campo de' Fiori, 00182 Rome)
THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW
Campo dei Fiori is a lively square in Rome
In ancient times, the square was the open
space in front of Theatre of Pompey, Rome's
first stone theater and place of Julius
Caesar's murder
Since medieval times, it has been one of
Rome's liveliest areas
The square has its dark side as having been
the location of Inquisition's executions
The statue of the hooded philosopher
Giordano Bruno, burnt here in 1600,
reminds all of these horrible and cruel acts
During the day the square hosts a lively
market selling fruit, vegetable, and trinket
(Mon-Sat)
In the evening it becomes a busy outdoor
salon of carefree atmosphere
THINGS TO DO THERE
Take a break here
Have a pizza or a drink
Do some people watching
TIPS & INSIGHTS
In the morning there is a great market here
MORE Info and Photos >
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Attraction Details
17:30-18:30
Jewish Ghetto
(Piazza Costaguti, 00186 Rome)
Opening hours: Daily: 9am - 5pm
THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW
The area between the Capitoline and the
Tiber used to be Rome's Jewish Ghetto
Pope Paul IV's bull in 1555 established the
ghetto, segregated the Jews, who had lived
freely in Rome since Antiquity, in a walled
quarter, and imposed further limitations on
their personal freedom
Jewish were forbidden to pursue certain
professions and had to hold certain Catholic
sermons on Shabbat
In 1870, after the Papal State was finally
overthrown, limitations on Jewish were lifted
The ghetto of Rome was the last remaining
ghetto in Western Europe until its later
reintroduction by Nazi Germany
The walls of the ghetto were torn down in
1888 and the whole neighborhood was
reconstructed
Today the area is one of Rome's most
charming and eclectic one with many hidden
gems such as the ancient ruins of Theater of
Marcellus, sculptural gems like the Fountain
of the Tortoises or the synagogue
THINGS TO DO THERE
Explore the charming neighborhood
Start your walk on Piazza Costaguti: taste
something delicious in the nearby traditional
Jewish bakery
Continue the visit on Via del Portico
Ottaviano. You will see the Portico d'Ottavia,
Largo 16 Ottobre 1943 square, the
Synagogue, the Jewish Museum and Santa
Maria della Pieta church
TIPS & INSIGHTS
If you would like to participate in a guided
tour we recommend this one
MORE Info and Photos >
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Overview of Day 3
LEAVE HOTEL
Tested and recommended hotels in Rome >
Take Metro line A to Flaminio station
09:00-09:15
Piazza del Popolo
Houses the unique twin
churches
09:15-09:35
Santa Maria del Popolo
Perfect example of
Roman art
Take a walk to Villa Borghese - 25’
10:00-11:00
Villa Borghese
Lovely gardens with
pretty lakes and
beautiful fountains
11:00-12:30
Galleria Borghese
Incredible art selection
Lunch time
Take Bus H from Termini to Piazza Monte Savello
(Direction: Dei Capesso)
Take a walk to Tiber Island
15:45-16:15
Tiber Island
Boat shaped island
Take a walk to Piazza Piscinula - 5’
16:20-17:50
Trastevere Neighborhood
Neighborhood with a
unique character
17:50-18:10
Basilica di Santa Maria in Trastevere
One of the oldest
churches in Rome
END OF DAY 3
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Attraction Details
09:00-09:15
Piazza del Popolo
(Piazza del Popollo, Rome)
THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW
Piazza del Popolo is a large oval shaped
pedestrian square in central Rome
Its name literally means People's square but
it actually derives from the Latin word for
poplars
This was the starting point of the Via
Flaminia, the most important route to the
North. Porta del Popolo or Porta Flaminia on
the North side of the square used to be the
entrance to Rome
The 4000-year-old obelisk in the center
originates from Alexandria and
commemorates Augustus' conquest of Egypt
in 10 BC
Close to Porta del Popolo stands the church
Santa Maria del Popolo that features
artworks of such masters as Pinturicchio,
Bramante, Raphael, Caravaggio and Bernini
Another feature making the square
remarkable is the Neoclassic twin church
(Santa Maria di Montesanto and Santa
Maria dei Miracoli) on the South side,
opposite of Porta del Popolo
To the east, the square is bordered by the
Pincio gardens, one of Rome's most
romantic spots
THINGS TO DO THERE
Walk around the large square
Admire the Egyptian obelisk of Ramesses II
that stands in the center of the Piazza, the
"twin" churches of Santa Maria in
Montesanto (on the left) and Santa Maria dei
Miracoli (on the right) and the fountains
TIPS & INSIGHTS
MORE Info and Photos >
09:15-09:35
Santa Maria del Popolo
(Piazza del Popolo 12, Rome)
Opening hours: Monday - Saturday: 7am - 12noon, 4pm - 7pm, Sunday: 7:30am - 1:30pm,
4:30pm - 7:30pm • Admission: Free
THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW
Santa Maria del Popolo is an Augustinian
church in Rome
First a chapel was erected here in 1099 by
Pope Paschal II
According to tradition, the site was haunted
by Nero's ghost in the form of black crows;
therefore the pope felled down the tree
sheltering the crows and built the chapel in
its place
In the 15th century the chapel was turned
into a Renaissance church, and later
updated to Baroque style
Santa Maria del Popolo is a perfect primer to
Roman art and architecture
The church features artworks of Early and
High Renaissance and Baroque masters
such as Pinturicchio, Bramante, Raphael,
Caravaggio and Bernini
THINGS TO DO THERE
Discover the church from the inside
Do not miss the famous masterpieces of
Raphael, Caravaggio and Bernini in the
low-ceilinged interior
TIPS & INSIGHTS
MORE Info and Photos >
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Attraction Details
10:00-11:00
Villa Borghese
(Piazzale del Museo Borghese 5, 00197 Rome)
THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW
Villa Borghese is a beautiful landscape
garden made up of a public park,
landscaped gardens, statuary, fountains,
groves, path-ways, pavilions and a water
clock
The gardens were developed for Villa
Borghese Pinciana commissioned by
Cardinal Scipione Borghese, nephew of
Pope Paul V, in the beginning of the 17th
century
He built the villa at the edge of Rome as a
party villa to entertain his friends
Cardinal Borghese was an art collector
amassing an unbelievably rich private
collection (on display in Galleria Borghese)
The park was remade to its current form in
the 19th century in English style
In 1901 the commune of Rome bought the
property and turned it into a public park
Three excellent museums are located here:
Galleria Borghese with Renaissance and
Baroque art (Bernini, Titian, Raphael and
Caravaggio), the Etruscan Museum
showcasing Etruscan artifacts and the
National Gallery of Modern Art
THINGS TO DO THERE
Take a walk in this extensive, elegant
garden
Relax in its shady glades and at the
beautiful fountains
TIPS & INSIGHTS
MORE Info and Photos >
11:00-12:30
Galleria Borghese
(Piazzale del Museo Borghese 5, 00197 Roma)
Opening hours: Tuesday - Sunday: 8:30am - 7:30pm, Monday: Closed, Jan 1 and Dec 25: Closed
• Admission: 8.5 €
THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW
Galleria Borghese is a splendid art gallery
housed in Villa Borghese Pinciana located in
the Borghese gardens
The villa was built by art-lover Cardinal
Scipione Borghese, nephew of Pope Paul V
The gallery now houses a substantial part of
the Borghese collection of paintings,
sculpture and antiquities, begun by Cardinal
Scipione Borghese
Scipione was an early patron of Bernini and
a Caravaggio enthusiast, thus, being well
represented in the collections
Such master works are on display as Titian's
Sacred and Profane Love, Raphael's
Entombment of Christ, Caravaggio's Boy
with a Basket of Fruit, St. Jerome, and Sick
Bacchus or a number of Bernini sculptures
THINGS TO DO THERE
The only way of visiting the museum is by
making a reservation prior to your visit
Call the following number for your
reservation: +39 06 32810
The other option is buying your tickets online
Collect your ticket at the box office of the
museum 30 minutes prior to your entry time
Tickets are only valid for the chosen day and
the given time slot
Walk around and enjoy this incredible
collection
Do not miss: Bernini's Apollo and Daphne,
Caravaggio's Madonna of the Serpent,
Bernini's Rape of Persephone, Bernini's
David
TIPS & INSIGHTS
Please note that it is not allowed to take
photos inside
Roma Pass and Roma Pass+ are accepted
(but you still need to make a reservation)
Audio guide is available for a fee of 5 €
MORE Info and Photos >
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Attraction Details
15:45-16:15
Tiber Island
(Tiber Island, 00186 Rome)
THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW
Tiber Island is a boat shaped island in the
southern bend of the Tiber (270 m long and
67 m wide)
Legend has it, angry Romans threw the
body of their despised tyrant Tarquinius
Superbus (510 BC) in the river. The body
supposedly settled on the bottom and
created the island by collecting dirt and silt
Another story claims that people dumped
their hated ruler's wheat and grain into the
water which became the foundation of the
island
Due to these negative stories, the island
was avoided for a very long time. The worst
criminals and the contagiously ill were
condemned there
After a Christian temple was erected here,
these negative stories lost their power and
the island became the city's sanctuary of
medicine
Large part of the island is taken up by
Fatebenefratelli Hospital
Two bridges connect the island to the rest of
Rome since antiquity: the Ponte Fabricio
from the east, the only original bridge in
Rome, and the partially survived Ponte
Cestio from the west
THINGS TO DO THERE
Take a walk on this small island
Enjoy the great view of the ancient bridges
TIPS & INSIGHTS
MORE Info and Photos >
16:20-17:50
Trastevere Neighborhood
(Piazza in Piscinula, 00153 Rome)
THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW
Trastevere is a lively and atmospheric
neighborhood with narrow cobble stone
streets lined by medieval houses
At night, both natives and tourists flock to its
many pubs and restaurants
Its name comes from the Latin trans Tiberim,
meaning "beyond the Tiber"
During Rome's kingdom period the area
used to belong to the hostile Etruscans
During the Republican period sailors and
fisherman began to settle there. Also
immigrants from the East, mainly Jews and
Syrians, took up residence here
The neighborhood quickly developed its
unique and pleasant character and
atmosphere
THINGS TO DO THERE
Wander around on the narrow streets
Start you tour at Piazza Piscinula
Visit Basilica Santa Cecilia
Continue on Via Anicia, Via di San
Francesco a Ripa towards Basilica di Santa
Maria in Trastevere
Have a delicious pizza in one of the
numerous pizzerias
TIPS & INSIGHTS
MORE Info and Photos >
17:50-18:10
Basilica di Santa Maria in Trastevere
(Piazza Santa Maria in
Trastevere, Rome)
Opening hours: Daily: 7:30am - 8pm
THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW
Basilica di Santa Maria is Rome's oldest
church dedicated to Virgin Mary
The basic floor plan and wall structure date
back to the 340s AD
Legend has it, a miraculous oil font spouted
here on the day Christ was born
The amazing 'Life of the Virgin' mosaics (by
Pietro Cavallini) illustrate this miracle. The
mosaics cover the lower half of the apse
The square in front of the church is a great
place for people watching, as it seems to act
as a common living room for the
neighborhood
THINGS TO DO THERE
Discover the impressive church both from
the inside and outside
Do not miss the Life of the Virgin' mosaics
TIPS & INSIGHTS
MORE Info and Photos >
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Overview of Day 4
LEAVE HOTEL
Tested and recommended hotels in Rome >
Take Metro Line B to Ponte Mammolo station (Direction:
Rebibbia)
Change to local blue Cotral bus to Tivoli Center
(Direction: Tivoli)
10:00-13:00
Tivoli - Villa d'Este
Part of a UNESCO
World Heritage Site
Take local blue Cotral bus from Tivoli Center (Direction:
Rome)
Lunch time
Take a walk from Termini metro station via Via Torino
15:00-15:30
Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore
One of Rome's greatest
basilicas
Take a walk via Via Torino to Via Nazionale
Take Bus nr 60 from Via Nazionale to Piazza Venezia
Take a walk to Capitoline Museums - 45’ in all
16:15-18:15
Capitoline Museums
Rich collection of
Roman art
END OF DAY 4
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Attraction Details
10:00-13:00
Tivoli - Villa d'Este
(5 Piazza Trento, 00019 Tivoli)
Opening hours: Tuesday - Sunday: 8:30am - 1 hour before sunset, Monday: Closed, Jan 1, May 1
and Dec 25: Closed • Admission: 7.8 €
THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW
Villa d'Este is a Renaissance villa
surrounded by a picturesque terraced
garden
Spectacular water fountains dominate the
gardens and create an unbelievable
fairytale-like atmosphere
The creation of the gardens required
dramatic innovation of hydraulic engineering
to provide sufficient water supply throughout
the park
The gardens of the Villa d'Este had a
profound influence on the development of
many other gardens in Europe
Cardinal Ippolito II d'Este commissioned the
development of the estate (1550-72)
In the 18th century the villa fell into decay,
after it passed to the House of Habsburg
who neglected it. Now it belongs to the
Italian State
Villa d'Este is a UNESCO world heritage site
THINGS TO DO THERE
Start your visit in the Villa: walk around and
admire the frescoes
Do not miss the main attractions: the
gardens and the fountains
Be prepared for a bit of hiking as the
gardens are on the side of a hill
To help with the orientation keep in mind
that the garden plan is laid out on a central
axis with subsidiary cross-axes of carefully
varied character, refreshed by some five
hundred jets in fountains, pools and water
troughs
TIPS & INSIGHTS
The organ fountain plays every two hours
It is most enjoyable in the summer
Wear comfortable shoes
MORE Info and Photos >
15:00-15:30
Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore
(Piazza di Santa Maria Maggiore)
Opening hours: Daily: 7am - 7pm • Admission: Free
THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW
Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore is one of
the greatest basilicas and one of the 4 papal
basilicas in Rome
It dates back to the 5th century
It displays an interesting mixture of
architectural styles
The nave and its mosaics are from the 5th
century; the Cosmatesque work, the apse
mosaics and the Romanesque bell tower are
medieval; the coffered ceiling (of New-World
gold) is Renaissance; and the twin domes
and front and back façades are Baroque
Santa Maria Maggiore is the only Roman
basilica that retained the core of its original
structure despite a number of
reconstructions over its history
After the papacy returned to Rome (from
Avignon), the church served as the papal
palace for a while
THINGS TO DO THERE
Discover the impressive church both from
the inside and outside
Do not miss the highlights: Tomb of Sixtus,
Bernini's Tomb, Apse Mosaic
TIPS & INSIGHTS
MORE Info and Photos >
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Attraction Details
16:15-18:15
Capitoline Museums
(Piazza del Campidoglio 1 - 00186 Roma)
Opening hours: Tuesday - Sunday: 9am - 8pm, Dec 24 and 31: 9am - 2pm, Monday: Closed,
Jan 1, May 1 and Dec 25: Closed • Admission: 12 €
THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW
Capitoline Museums are a group of art and
archeological museums on top of the
Capitoline Hill in Rome
The trapezoid square, Piazza del
Campidoglio, in front of the museums was
designed by Michelangelo in 1536 and
executed in 400 years
The museums are housed in three palaces:
the 12th century Palazzo Senatorio (middle),
the 16th century Palazzo dei Conservatori,
and the 17th century Palazzo Nuovo
The statue in the center of the square is a
copy of the original and shows Emperor
Marcus Aurelius on horseback. The original
can be seen in the museums
The museums contain a large number of
ancient Roman statues, inscriptions, and
other artifacts; a collection of medieval and
Renaissance art; and collections of jewels,
coins, and other items
The famous statue depicting a she-wolf
nursing Romulus and Remus is on display in
Palazzo dei Conservatori
THINGS TO DO THERE
Enter at the main entrance of Palazzo dei
Conservatori
Walk around in the museum and do not
miss: the bronze She Wolf, Lo Spinario and
the Equestrian Statue of Marcus Aurelius
Head to Palazzo Nuovo which can be
reached by an underground passage that
leads to the Tabularium and offers a
panoramic view of the Roman Forum
Discover Palazzo Nuovo. Highlights include:
Dying Gaul, Capitoline Venus, Mosaic of the
Doves
TIPS & INSIGHTS
The restaurant terrace offers great view
MORE Info and Photos >
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Overview of Day 5
LEAVE HOTEL
Tested and recommended hotels in Rome >
Take Metro line B to Piramide station
Change to the train from Piramide station to Ostia
Antica station (Direction: Lido) - 45’ in all
10:00-13:00
Ostia Antica
Excellently preserved
ancient buildings
Take the train from Ostia Antica station to the terminal
station (Direction: Lido)
Lunch time
14:30-16:30
Lido di Ostia
Popular beach resort
END OF DAY 5
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Attraction Details
10:00-13:00
Ostia Antica
(Scavi di Ostia - Via dei Romagnoli, 717 - 00119 Ostia Antica)
Opening hours: Summer season: 8:30am - 6pm, Winter season: 8:30am - 4pm, Monday:
Closed, May 1: Closed • Admission: 6.5 €
THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW
Today Ostia Antica is a large archeological
park with excellently preserved ancient
buildings, magnificent frescoes and
impressive mosaics
Lying right next to the sea and at the mouth
of the River Tiber, some 2000 years ago,
Ostia Antica was a lively international port
city
The city was founded in the 4th century B.C.
and gradually became more important as
Rome grew
Much of Rome's imports from the
Mediterranean came in here
Huge storage facilities were built here for
grain, one of the most important commodity
to feed Rome's one million large population
Goods were transported to Rome on the
River Tiber
The sea now is about 3 km away and the
Tiber has also changed its course
THINGS TO DO THERE
Buy a map of the site with suggested
itineraries (available for 2 € from the ticket
office)
Walk around admiring the ancient ruins
Top 10 features to see are: Decumanus
Maximus, Theatre, Casa di Diana and
Thermopolium, Museum, Forum, Capitolium,
Terme dei Sette Sapienti, House of Cupid
and Psyche, Terme di Nettuno, Mithraeum
of the Serpents
TIPS & INSIGHTS
Bring a picnic, or eat at the site's pleasant
cafe
MORE Info and Photos >
14:30-16:30
Lido di Ostia
(Lungomare Paolo Toscanelli, Rome)
THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW
Ostia is a sea side neighborhood on the
shores of the Tyrrhenian Sea
It is quite popular among Romans who come
here on the summer weekends or spend
their summer holidays here
The neighborhood was founded in 1884
after the nearby malaria infested marshland
was reclaimed
After the Rome-Ostia railway opened in
1924, the village quickly became Romans'
favorite sea resort
That is when the Art Nouveau houses that
line the waterfront were built
The town received its ultimate architectural
character in the Fascist era when many new
buildings and infrastructure were developed
in Stile Littorio and Rationalism styles
Such developments included a second road
to Rome, the promenade or a water airport
THINGS TO DO THERE
After getting off the train we recommend
taking the 07 or 070 bus (litorale). This bus
goes further down along the coast. Soon it
starts stopping at so called "cancelli" (beach
gates) numbered from 1 to 8
Get off from the bus at gate #6 and you will
find a beautiful beach (entrance fee applies)
You will enjoy the visit even in the winter by
taking a relaxing walk on the sea shore
TIPS & INSIGHTS
Be prepared for a huge crowd on weekends
The beach also has a vibrant nightlife and
outstanding seafood restaurants
The Roma-Ostia-Lido "trenino" (little train) is
part of Rome's metro system
The whole journey requires only one ticket.
So keep it right to the end
MORE Info and Photos >
5-day Rome City Guide
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Photo credits
Cover page
Cover photo #1: Photo by ChrisYunker
Cover photo #2: Photo by mharrsch
Cover photo #3: Photo by tomkellyphoto
Map
http://www.bing.com/maps
Attraction details
Colosseum: Photo by Dixon Dixon • Arch of Constantine: Photo by ricks06 • Roman
Forum and Palatine Hill: Photo by HarshLight • Piazza Venezia: Photo by ale3andro • Vittorio
Emanuele II Monument: Photo by Paul Robert Lloyd • Pantheon: Photo by Mr G's Travels
• Trevi Fountain: Photo by khoogheem • Spanish Steps: Photo by tomkellyphoto • St.
Peter's Basilica: Photo by ChrisYunker • Piazza di San Pietro: Photo by ChrisYunker •
Vatican Museums: Photo by Dave Hamster • Castel Sant' Angelo: Photo by asw909 •
Piazza Navona: Photo by indianadinos • Campo dei Fiori: Photo by Sally Anderson1 •
Jewish Ghetto: Photo by Rubbbens • Piazza del Popolo: Photo by antmoose • Santa
Maria del Popolo: Photo by dawvon • Villa Borghese: Photo by MattP33 • Galleria Borghese:
Photo by peng- • Tiber Island: Photo by jimforest • Trastevere Neighborhood: Photo by nmatiny
• Basilica di Santa Maria in Trastevere: Photo by wsifrancis • Tivoli - Villa d'Este:
Photo by computerjoe • Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore: Photo by fidelramos •
Capitoline Museums: Photo by dvdbramhall • Ostia Antica: Photo by claud334 • Lido
di Ostia: Photo by SevenWafflz
