The Colosseum, also known as the Flavian Amphitheatre, is one of the most recognizable ancient structures worldwide. Built-in 80AD, it was the largest stadium in the world, which hosted various public spectacles including gladiator contests and animal hunts. Next to it lies the Roman Forum, home to several historic government buildings, temples, and shrines with informative panels scattered throughout the complex, the best way to interpret the history of the area.
Home of the Pope and the smallest recognized state in the world, Vatican City is located inside Rome, welcoming millions of visitors every year. The significant attraction in the city-state is the Vatican Museum, which is home to several world-renowned pieces of art and outstanding paintings from various periods in history. The venue displays classical sculptures, modern artwork, and other religious relics.
The Pantheon, the former temple for all gods, is now a Catholic church in Italy, making it one of the best preserved ancient Roman buildings. The magnificent dome and the beam of light from the top light up the venue, and the marble pillars add elegance to the structure. Piazza Navona, a public square that used to be a stadium, has been attracting tourists for decades known for its lively environment and colorful street performers, making it a must-visit spot to explore.
The Trevi Fountain is not only the most iconic and attractive fountain in Rome but also in the world. Built-in the 1700s, the stunning sculptures and the marvellous water effects offer a great experience to visitors to throw coins to assure them of their safe return to the eternal city. It is advised to visit this fountain either early in the morning or late at night to avoid the crowd as it is one of Rome's most famous landmarks.
The best way to explore Rome is by walking as it offers the best taste of its unique features. However, using the metro system, buses, and taxis are also excellent options for those who cannot walk long distances. The metro operates from 5:30 AM to 11:30 PM, and the tickets cost €1.50, while buses run for 24 hours a day and require the same fare as the metro. Taxis, on the other hand, have fixed prices for different zones in the city.
The traveler could purchase a Roma Pass, which is a discount card offering free entry to two museums, transportation, discounts to other museums and related exhibitions. It costs around 48 euros and can be valid for two days. Therefore, it could save more time and money for the traveler.
If the traveler has more time, visiting the Castel Sant'Angelo or taking a cooking class to get a grip of the city's recipes is an excellent idea. Additionally, exploring the Trastevere neighborhood, known for its narrow streets and charming atmosphere, is worthy of visiting as well. If the trip is shorter, it's recommended to choose between either the Vatican City or the Colosseum and its surroundings, depending on interest.
Rome has two major airports: Leonardo da Vinci Fiumicino Airport (FCO) situated 30km southwest of the city center and Ciampino Airport (CIA) located about 15km southeast of the city. Taking a taxi from FCO to central Rome would cost approximately €50-60 and take around 45 minutes. On the other hand, a taxi to central Rome from CIA costs €35-45 and takes between 20 to 25 minutes. Additionally, the Terravision Shuttle Bus Service connects both airports to central Rome and costs €4-€6 each way.