Begin the day at Rome's iconic Colosseum. Take a tour that includes a visit to the Roman Forum, an ancient plaza surrounded by the ruins of several important government buildings of the Roman Empire.
Visit the world's smallest independent state, Vatican City. First, explore the Vatican Museums, home to the Sistine Chapel, the Raphael Rooms, and countless other treasures. Then visit St. Peter's Basilica, the largest church in the world and one of the holiest places in Christendom.
Start the day at the breathtaking Trevi Fountain. Then check out the Pantheon, a former Roman temple that has been in continuous use as a church since the 6th century. End the day with a stroll around Trastevere, a historic neighborhood with narrow streets, charming piazzas, and great food.
While Rome can be explored on foot, budget travelers would benefit from purchasing a multi-day public transportation pass. The 72-hour Roma Pass costs €18 and provides free entry to the Colosseum and Roman Forum, as well as unlimited travel on buses, trams, and metros for three days.
If you have more time in Rome, consider visiting the Spanish Steps, Piazza Navona, or the Capitoline Museums. If you have less time, skip the Vatican Museums and explore the neighborhood of Monti, known for its charming streets and artisan shops.
Rome has two airports: Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport (FCO) and Ciampino Airport (CIA). FCO is the larger and more modern of the two, located 32 km southwest of Rome. CIA is smaller and closer, located 15 km southeast of Rome. Both offer shuttle buses and taxis to and from the city center.