Rome is a vibrant and fascinating city with a rich history and culture that attracts millions of visitors yearly. From the Colosseum to the Vatican, the city is home to countless iconic landmarks and attractions on many travelers’ bucket lists. However, with its popularity as a tourist destination, Rome can also be crowded and overwhelming, especially during peak season. This blog post will focus on avoiding crowds and making the most of your time in Rome.
Traveling smartly and planning allows you to experience the city’s top attractions without the hassles of crowds and long lines. We’ll also provide tips on buying tickets in advance to save time and hassle. So whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, read on for our top tips on exploring Rome like a pro.
Top things to see and do in Rome
The top things to see and activities in Rome will depend on your interests and preferences. Some of the city’s most popular attractions include the Colosseum, the Vatican City, and the Trevi Fountain. The Pantheon, the Spanish Steps, and the Roman Forum are also must-see sights. As for activities, some popular options include taking a guided tour of the city, trying some of Rome’s delicious cuisine, and visiting one of the city’s many museums or galleries. You could also explore the city’s beautiful parks and gardens or take a boat tour along the Tiber River.
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If you have limited time, you have tough choices to make. We recommend doing at least the following six activities.
- Visit the Colosseum and step back in time to the days of the gladiators.
- Admire the stunning art and architecture of the Vatican City, including St. Peter’s Basilica and the Sistine Chapel.
- Explore the ancient ruins of the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill.
- Sample some of Rome’s delicious cuisine, from classic dishes like carbonara and cacio e pepe to mouth-watering gelato.
- Relax in the beautiful gardens of the Villa Borghese.
These activities are must-dos because they showcase some of the best of what Rome has to offer: its rich history, its stunning art and architecture, its delicious cuisine, and its beautiful outdoor spaces. Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, or just looking to relax and enjoy the city, these activities are sure to provide a memorable and enjoyable experience.
Rome's Best Tours and Excursions
One of the best ways to make the most of your time in Rome and avoid crowds is to book a guided tour. A knowledgeable and experienced guide can provide insights and information about the city’s landmarks and attractions that you might not get on your own. Plus, many guided tours include skip-the-line access, saving you time and hassle. Another benefit of booking a guided tour is that it can be a convenient and stress-free way to see the city, especially if you’re short on time or don’t want to worry about planning your itinerary.
In addition to booking a guided tour, it’s also a good idea to buy tickets in advance for the city’s top attractions. Rome’s most famous sights, such as the Colosseum and the Vatican City, can have long lines and crowds, especially during peak season. By buying your tickets in advance, you can save time and avoid waiting in line. You can often purchase tickets online or through your tour operator or hotel concierge. Additionally, many museums and galleries in Rome offer free admission on certain days or at certain times, so it’s worth checking to see if you can visit for free. Overall, booking a guided tour and buying tickets in advance are two key ways to make your trip to Rome more enjoyable and hassle-free.
1. The Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hil
The Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill are must-see attractions if you plan a trip to Rome. And this tour is the perfect way to visit all three of them! Not only do you get skip-the-line access, which is a massive plus because these places can get super crowded, but you also get a knowledgeable and passionate guide who will bring the sights to life. Trust me; you don’t want to miss this tour! The Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and the Palatine Hill are some of the most incredible and important historical sites in the world, and seeing them in person is truly unforgettable. Just make sure to book ahead of time because tickets can sell out.
2. Vatican and Sistine Chapel Tour with Basilica Entry
The Vatican and the Sistine Chapel are absolutely must-see attractions if you’re planning a trip to Rome. And this tour is the perfect way to visit both of them! Not only do you get skip-the-line access, which is a huge plus because the Vatican can get super crowded, but you also get a knowledgeable and passionate guide who will bring the sights to life. Trust me; you don’t want to miss this tour! The Vatican and the Sistine Chapel are some of the most incredible and important artistic and religious sites in the world, and seeing them in person is truly unforgettable. The tour includes entry to the stunning Basilica of St. Peter, another incredible highlight. Just make sure to book ahead of time because tickets can sell out. Trust me; this tour is worth it!
3. Pasta & Tiramisu Workshop with Dinner
If you’re a foodie planning a trip to Rome, this pasta and tiramisu workshop is a must-do! Not only will you learn how to make two of Italy’s most iconic dishes, but you’ll also get to enjoy a delicious dinner afterward. It’s a great way to immerse yourself in the city’s culinary culture and learn new cooking skills. The workshop is led by a passionate and knowledgeable chef who will guide you through making fresh pasta and tiramisu from scratch. You’ll get to use traditional ingredients and techniques, and you’ll be able to taste everything you make. The workshop includes a beautiful dinner where you can enjoy the fruits of your labor. Book ahead to secure your spot, as these workshops fill up quickly. It’s an experience you won’t forget!
Street Food Tour with Local Guide
If you’re planning a trip to Rome and want to experience the city like a local, this street food tour is a must-do! Not only do you get to try some of the best street food in the city, but you also get a local guide who will show you the hidden gems and lesser-known spots that most tourists don’t know about. It’s a total win-win! The tour takes you to some of the best food markets and street food vendors in Rome, where you’ll get to try various delicious and authentic dishes. Plus, your guide will share stories and insights about the city and its culture, giving you a more authentic and immersive experience of Rome. Just make sure to book ahead of time because these tours can sell out. This is an experience you will not forget.
City Sightseeing Hop-on Hop-off Bus with Audioguide
If you’re planning a trip to Rome and want to see as much of the city as possible, the City Sightseeing Hop-on Hop-off Bus with Audioguide is an excellent option. This tour allows you to explore Rome at your own pace, with the flexibility to hop on and off the bus at any designated stop. The bus route covers many of the city’s top attractions, including the Colosseum, the Trevi Fountain, and the Pantheon. The tour includes an audioguide that provides interesting information and insights about the sights you’ll see. While some people might not be fans of hop-on-hop-off buses, this tour is a convenient and hassle-free way to see a lot of the city quickly.
Highly recommended: Buy tickets online ahead of time
One of the best ways to avoid crowds and make the most of your time in Rome is to buy your tickets online before you arrive. Many of the city’s top attractions, such as the Colosseum and the Vatican City, can sell out or have limited availability, especially during peak season. By purchasing your tickets online in advance, you can ensure that you get the dates and times that work best for you. Many online ticket vendors offer skip-the-line access, saving you time and hassle. Additionally, some attractions, such as museums and galleries, have specific entrance times, so buying your tickets in advance can also help you plan your itinerary more effectively. Overall, buying your tickets online before you arrive in Rome is an intelligent way to avoid disappointment and make the most of your trip.
