rome tourist attraction pass

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Rome City Pass

More than 50 attractions and experiences – one ticket for the whole city

Explore Rome, the Eternal City, with the Rome City Pass! With the Rome City Pass, you can experience Rome in all its facets, as over 50 attractions and leisure activities are already included in your City Pass. For example: your tickets for the Colosseum and the Vatican Museums – including the Sistine Chapel: already included! Also included: a city tour with the hop-on hop-off bus, admission to the Pantheon, Castel Sant’Angelo and many interesting museums. The Rome City Pass saves you valuable time, as you can avoid the long queues at many of the most popular places – and that’s a really good thing, as there is so much to see here. And if your feet need a break – use your City Pass for a discounted ice cream or hop on a bike and experience Rome from a completely different perspective. Book your sightseeing pass now for a period of 1 to 7 days. Discover the capital of Italy stress-free and inexpensively with the Rome City Pass!

Our included Top Attractions

Skip-the-line at Vatican Museum & Sistine Chapel

- - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Free entry to Castel Sant'Angelo

Optional: Airport transfer (Fiumicino & Ciampino)

Optional: Free entry to Colosseum

Free entry to Pantheon

Museums & Galleries

Landmarks & Monuments

Hop On Hop Off & Boat Experiences

Public Transport

Discount Partner

Activities & Leisure Attractions

Airport Transfer

Guided Tours

Don’t miss a thing with the Rome City Pass

With your Rome Pass, you have access to over 50 attractions and leisure activities included.

Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill: the city’s must-see attractions

Vatican museums – the sistine chapel: breathtaking, the vatican courtyards – an insight into the architecture and structure of the vatican city, pantheon and castel sant’angelo, two impressive landmarks of the city, hop-on hop-off city tour – 48 hours, with audio guide, optional: rome airport transfer (fiumicino + ciampino), visit the underground archaeological sites: balbi crypt, vicus caprarius and case romane del celio, experience cities the smart way.

Everything you need

Save time & energy

Your trip your choice

These are the advantages of the Rome City Pass

With the Rome City Pass, you already have your ticket to Rome’s famous attractions in your pocket, without the hassle of queuing, additional reservations and further ticket purchases. Explore Rome at your own pace and visit as many museums, exhibitions and sights as your heart desires – more than 50 attractions and activities are already included in your City Pass. Admire the city at a glance on a hop-on hop-off city tour and go into more detail on a guided city walk. Our Rome City Pass is your key to an even more intense sightseeing experience – saving time and making the most of your budget has never been easier. Experience Rome as it should be with the Rome City Pass.

Queue less, see more

Don’t queue at the ticket office, save time and energy! The Italian capital delights many visitors with its historical monuments and unique attractions. With the Rome City Pass, you already have your ticket in your pocket and can simply walk straight through to the entrance of each attraction. Thanks to the Rome City Pass, you get access to the top attractions and avoid long queues, giving you more time for the actual experience.

Best value for money

Save time and money with a Rome City Pass – one ticket that covers everything! The Rome City Pass offers unlimited flexibility, as you can decide which attractions you want to visit and when you want to explore them. From top attractions to special experiences, there is something for everyone. The City Pass allows you to experience Rome in your own way.

Optional: local public transport and airport transfer

The Rome City Pass is very flexible and can be customised to your needs. Are you travelling around the city by public transport? Are you arriving at the airport and don’t want to study the whole system and look for a ticket machine first? Book your ticket for public transport or for the airport transfer at the same time.

Only pay for the period you need

As flexible as you are: only book the Rome City Pass for the time you need. Whether you are in the city for just one day or a week – the City Pass adapts perfectly to your plans.

No more need to book individual tickets

The Rome City Pass saves you the hassle of booking individual tickets for each attraction and gives you hassle-free access to the city’s highlights. You will receive your Rome Pass by e-mail immediately after payment has been received.

No time for the Colosseum and Vatican Museums?

Your City Pass already includes a visit to the Colosseum and the Vatican Museums. Logical, because you have to visit these places when you are in Rome! However, if there are no more tickets available for your preferred date or you would like to skip the visit for other reasons, no problem: simply cancel your tickets and save money again. Because with the Rome City Pass you don’t pay for these attractions if you don’t book tickets for them.

Team of experts

Our Rome experts research the best attractions, tours and leisure activities for you.

How the Rome City Pass works:

Book: Start your trip to Rome by clicking on "Book now". Choose the number of days, add any extras you want and tell us how many people are coming along.

Receive: As soon as we have booked your tickets for the Colosseum and the Vatican Museums, you will receive the Rome City Pass by email. 

Start: Scan your QR code at the attractions and discover Rome!

Rome, the capital of Italy, is one of the most fascinating cities in the world. A rich history, impressive sights and a vibrant culture come together here.

Attractions and Activities:  Rome is rich in historical and cultural treasures, its history spans 28 centuries. The city is one of the most important tourist destinations in the world, not only for the immensity of its archaeological and artistic treasures, but also for the charm of its unique traditions, the beauty of its panoramic views and the majesty of its magnificent "villas" (parks). Among the most famous and impressive sights are the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, St Peter’s Basilica, the Pantheon and the Trevi Fountain. Rome is also famous for its museums, such as the Vatican Museums and the Galleria Borghese, as well as its ancient ruins. Many of the archaeological sites are still underground today and can still be visited. Not to be forgotten: Some of these sights are of course in the Vatican, so technically not in Rome. Vatican City (the smallest country in the world) is an independent state within the city limits of Rome, the only existing example of a country within a city. So somehow, it’s all in Rome. The city on the banks of the river Tiber is considered the cradle of Western civilisation and Christian culture, and the Vatican is the centre of the Catholic Church.

Climate and Best Time to Visit: The climate in Rome is Mediterranean and offers mild winters and warm summers. The best time to visit Rome is in spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November), when the temperatures are pleasant and the tourist crowds are not so large. Summers can get very hot, especially in July and August, while winters are mild.

Facts and figures: Rome is the largest city in Italy and has a permanent population of around 2.8 million people. Up to 4.2 million people live in the metropolitan area of Rome, which includes the surrounding municipalities. 

Overall, Rome offers an amazing variety of experiences, be it in terms of history, culture, art or culinary delights. With a City Pass Rome, you can make the most of your visit and enjoy this impressive city to the full.

Use and Validity

Booking and delivery : Booking and delivery: The Rome City Pass is valid for the number of consecutive days selected by you. 1 day = 1 calendar day, starting at 0 am and ending at midnight. The Rome City Pass is available in German, English and French via online booking. Please book early, as visitor capacity in Rome is limited. You will receive your City Pass, and the airport transfer if required, by e-mail. Important: If you have not received an email from Turbopass, please check the spam or junk folder in your email inbox. If the message has been categorised as spam/junk mail, there should be one of the following options: ‘Not spam’, ‘Not junk’ or ‘Add sender to white list’. This will help you to receive future emails from Turbopass. If you still cannot find an email, please contact our customer service. Attention early bookers! Reservations are possible approx. six weeks before the desired date, you will receive your documents at least 1 day before your specified travel date. For last-minute bookers: The processing time for your booking may take 24 hours. Vatican : For your preferred entry to the Vatican, please select a date and time in the corresponding field when ordering. You also have the option of not booking the Vatican if, for example, it is not available on your preferred date. The price for the City Pass will then be reduced accordingly. Please observe the dress code for visiting the Vatican and wear clothing that covers your knees and shoulders, otherwise you may be refused entry. Please note that you may have to be prepared for delays at the security checks at the Vatican. These checks cannot be bypassed even with a Rome City Pass and "priority entry". You may be approached by supposedly "helpful" salespeople outside the Vatican who will try to sell you more overpriced tickets. Don’t go for it, with your City Pass you already have free access reserved for you personally and can go straight to the entrance. Colosseum (with Roman Forum and Palatine Hills) : For your reserved access, please select a date and a preferred time during your booking. For your preferred entrance to the Colosseum, you should be at the entrance 30 minutes before your allocated time slot due to security checks. Go past the ticket queue directly to the entrance. Your ticket is valid for the Colosseum, the Roman Forum and the Palatine Hill. You can visit the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill on the same day (e.g. before the Colosseum) or the day after the Colosseum, regardless of the time slot you have reserved for the Colosseum. Tickets for children (under 18) are not bound to the time stated on the ticket. What is relevant is the date stated. This means that a child can enter the Colosseum at any time on the specified date. 

Arrival and departure times : Note for visits on your arrival or departure day: If you would like to visit the Vatican and/or Colosseum on your arrival or departure day, please let us know the times of your arrival or departure in the note field when booking so that your reserved admission times can be adjusted according to or before your arrival and departure.

Hop-on Hop-off City Tour : Your Rome City Pass includes a 48-hour ticket on the hop-on hop-off bus with free audio commentary in many languages. The ticket is valid for 48 hours. Validity : The Rome City Pass is valid for one day or two, three, four, five or seven consecutive days, starting from the first day the pass is used. The validity cannot be extended. Not even if the validity period happens to include a museum’s closing day. Upon presentation, you will receive free access to the sights and museums included in the Rome City Pass. The services included in the Rome City Pass can be used/visited once in any order during the period of validity of your City Pass.

Airport transfer :  Your airport transfer ticket includes the journey from Fiumicino and Ciampino airports to the city centre and a return journey to the airport. You can use the airport transfer on flexible days, the validity of the transfer ticket is not tied to the days of the pass. More information here.

Children and teens : Children and teenagers under the age of 18 sometimes require proof of age (passport or ID) to gain free entry to certain attractions. Children and young people do not pay admission to the Colosseum and the Colosseum does not offer reservations for them. For free admission to the Colosseum, a free ticket is required for under-18s, which you can only obtain on site. Further information on obtaining a free ticket can be found in the appendix of your pass under "Colosseum".

Opening hours : Some museums and sights may be closed for renovation or at short notice on certain days. Many Italian museums are closed on Mondays (does not apply to the Vatican, the Colosseum and the tour) and on 25 December, 1 January and 1 May. The Vatican Museums are closed on Sundays and on some church holidays. St Peter’s Basilica is always closed on Wednesdays from 8am to 12pm and on 24 December and 31 December.

That's good to know : Rome can get crowded during peak travel times. Please be prepared for many visitors who want to visit the main attractions just like you. Security checks are mandatory for everyone and there may be waiting times. The capacity of the Colosseum has been limited to 3000 visitors, which may mean that you have to wait despite having a reservation. In addition to the Colosseum or the Vatican, we recommend visiting the many other great museums and attractions that are perhaps less in the spotlight. Your Rome City Pass includes lots of other exciting content for an interesting visit to Rome. With the Rome City Pass, you get a package that makes your trip and preparations easier. Compared to individual purchases and organisation, you save money, time and nerves. You can find more information about the City Pass under Questions and help.  We hope you enjoy your visit to Rome! 

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Rome City Pass Comparison Your Definitive Guide

By Elyssa Bernard

August 15, 2023

Wondering which Rome city pass is the best one?

You want to  skip the line , you want to  save money . So which combo pass for Rome should you get?

Rome City Pass Options

You want to skip the lines at Rome's top attractions? Who doesn't?

I'm going to start right off the bat by telling you that  none of the Rome city passes will save you money . 

For the main sites included in these passes, the Colosseum and the Vatican Museums , there are other ways to skip the line.

To see how to skip the line at the Colosseum, visit my page here . To see how to skip the line at the Vatican, visit my page here .

As for getting public transportation passes , that's easy too. You don't need any Rome city pass to do that, and taxis are not part of any pass.

Just know that if you buy any kind of Rome city pass, it is not for any kind of saving, but for the convenience factor only .

Want help visiting Rome on a budget? Visit my page here .

All of the combo passes you can buy for Rome are "skip-the-line" , so that's not an issue.

Most come with maps, and the first four offer an additional discount of 10-20% off sites that you don't use for your free site.

So  what is the difference between all the passes ? 

What's included? What's not? Will you save money? Which one is best for YOU?

Let me help you break through the confusion about which Rome city pass you should get, and why. 

Rome Combo Passes for General Sight-Seeing

Here are the different kinds of Rome city passes, all of which offer skip-the-line access, and entry to at least the Colosseum.

Click each one to find out costs, what's included, and my assessment.

• Rome Turbopass

Rome Super Pass

Rome combo passes for transportation and specific focus.

You may also be interested in these other Rome combo tickets that are more specific. I review them after the Rome city pass reviews.

Unlike the above passes, I do think these combo tickets are a really good value for what you pay, provided you use them well:

• Transportation Pass
• Colosseum/Palatine Hill/Roman Forum ticket
• National Rome Museum Pass

Appia Antica Card

32€ for 2 days -  52€ for 3 days 

The Roma Pass is probably the most popular of the Rome city passes.

Offered by the city of Rome, it allows skip-the-line access and unlimited bus/metro/tram transportation in Rome, for a 2-day or 3-day period.

If you choose the 2-day pass, you get one site of your choice included, and then you'll get a 10-20% discount off all the other sites associated with the pass. 

If you choose the 3-day pass, you get two sites of your choice included, then a 10-20% discount of all the other participating sites.

I have a whole page dedicated to the ins and outs of the Roma Pass, along with a pricing breakdown (in which I show you that it is not a money-saver but rather, a nice package that offers you that VIP feeling).

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Roma Pass breakdown

What's included:

• One free entry to the Colosseum , Galleria Borghese , or any of a number of other state-run archeological sites and museums
• You can also choose from city-run sites and museums, such as the Capitoline Museums, and Trajan's Market
• City public transportation (bus/metro/tram)

What's not included:

• St. Peter's Basilica
• St Peter's Dome Climb
• Vatican Museums (Sistine Chapel)
• Airport transfer
• Hop-on/Hop-off bus
• Children's discount

Big plus - Skipping the line at the Colosseum

Big minus - You won't save money unless you are a turbo sight-seer

Bottom line - The Roma Pass is great if you like knowing that is will be easy to simply show up and skip the line. It's also useful that it comes with unlimited transportation, and a handy, well-designed map. Don't plan on it saving you money, but rather use it more for the convenience.

Ready to plan your trip?

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Buy your TurboPass

Purchase the convenient Turbopass and visit all of Rome's top attractions including the Colosseum, Pantheon, and Vatican.

With one handy pass, it's all included.

129€ for 3 days

The Omnia Pass is basically the Roma Pass (above) with Vatican stuff added on.

In addition to all the benefits you get with the Roma Pass, you will have skip-the-line access to the Vatican Museums (no tour, just entry).

And as long as you take the shortcut from the Sistine Chapel to  St. Peter's Basilica , you will skip the (security) line for the basilica as well.

• All the sites on the Roma Pass

Big plus  - Skipping the line at the Colosseum, and Vatican Museums

Big minus  - It's pretty impossible for this pass to save you any money

Bottom line  - The Omnia Pass is great if you are planning a typical 3-day visit to Rome , and want to see the two main tourist attractions, the Colosseum and Vatican Museums, without having to deal with long lines.

It also includes the Hop-On/Hop-Off bus which can be useful your first day in Rome to really get the lay of the land. Don't plan on it saving you money, but rather use it more for the convenience.

110.90€ for 3 days

The Turbo Pass is Rome City pass made by a German company. It seems they wanted to offer more flexible options for 1,2, 3, 4 and 7-days.

All their passes include skip-the-line free entry to the Colosseum and to the Vatican Museums . They also all include free public transportation .

All passes include free entry to Castel Sant'Angelo . 

• Colosseum and all other state-run archeological sites and museums
• Museo delle Mura and  Villa di Massenzio on Appia Antica
• Hop-on/Hop-off bus (1 day)
• has an optional airport transfer

Big plusses  - More things are included on this pass than any other

Big minus  - There is not an included airport transfer but there is optional add on

Bottom line  - The Turbo Pass is a great choice if you need flexibility in the length of your stay, and you want to have all the sites plus public transportation covered.

Want to buy the pass? - Buy it here

No matter what season you visit Rome, here are 4 things never to leave at home:

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105.90€ - valid for 3 consecutive days

The Rome Super Pass is offered by another tour company, Tiqets . Tiqets sells tours and entry tickets with a really easy to use interface and booking calendar. Also, your tickets come right to your mobile device, so you don't need to print anything. Their Rome City Pass is very basic.

It includes skip-the-line entry to the Colosseum and the Vatican Museums.

• Colosseum/Roman Forum/ Palatine Hill
• Any other sites in Rome
• Unlimited - metro, bus and tram

Big plusses  - Simple, easy to use and understand. Gets you into the top to tourist attractions in Rome

Big minus  - A lot more expensive than just buying the Colosseum and Vatican Museums site tickets separately

Bottom line  - The Rome Super Pass is perfect if you just want to purchase your skip-the-line tickets ahead of time, and know you've got that covered. It's also great if you don't have a lot of time in Rome, and so wouldn't really take advantage of a lot of discounts at other sites.

The perfect 3-day itinerary in Rome

Trying to figure out how to organize your visit to Rome? I've got the perfect 3-day itinerary for first-time visitors (or those who have not been here in a while.) It works for a 2.5 day visit as well.

In my 3-day itinerary, you'll see all the major must-see Rome attractions like the Vatican , Colosseum , Trevi Fountain , Pantheon , Piazza Navona , Spanish Steps , Castel Sant'Angelo , and much more.

And if you have more time, or want suggestions for extra/other things to do, you'll find that there too.

Visit my page with the best 3-day itinerary in Rome for first-timers .

Targeted Rome City Pass Options

The below tickets are more specific passes you may find useful, depending on how long you will be in Rome, and your particular interests.

The first two are the most commonly used tickets/passes by visitors to Rome:

Rome ATAC Transportation Pass

18€ for a 3-day pass. Children under 10 ride free.

I love to see Rome on foot, both for the exercise and for all the things you can really only see on foot, like open doorways and hidden courtyards.

But walking around Rome can be exhausting, especially if you are doing a lot of intense sight-seeing.

You might also want use some form of transportation if you are staying outside the city center, have mobility issues, or have young children or elderly travellers with you.

The Rome ATAC bus/metro passes are super easy to use and easy to buy.

You can just pick one up anyplace you can buy bus/metro tickets, which includes newspaper kiosks or Tabbachi shops.

They metro, bus, and tram all use the same tickets and you may combine the systems. For example, you may decide to take the metro from Rome Termini station to the Vatican , and from there, take a bus towards Pantheon (where the Metro does not go).

• BIT ticket  ( one-time use ) - A one-way metro ticket costs 1.50€. For this ticket, you are allowed to change train or bus once (same direction, not round-trip). It's valid for 100 minutes from the moment you validate it.
• Roma24   - A 24-hour pass costs 7€ pass and is valid for unlimited use for  24 hours  from the moment you validate it. If you will use the bus/metro more than 4 times in one day , it would be worth getting this pass.
• Roma48  - A 48-hour pass costs 12.50€ and is valid for unlimited use for  48 hours  from the moment you validate it. 
• Roma72  - A 3-day metro/bus pass costs 18€. It's good for unlimited bus/metro use around Rome for  72 hours  from the moment you validate it.
• CIS ticket  ( 7-day use ) A 7-day pass costs 24€, and is good for unlimited travel on the buses and metro in Rome from and including the day you validate it, until midnight of the 7th day.
• For more information, visit  ATAC  , Rome's official public transportation portal. The site is really limited in English but you can use Google translate.

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Colosseum/Roman Forum/Palatine Hill Ticket

18€ for all 3 sites for 24 hours

Did you know that if you buy a ticket to the Colosseum , it automatically includes entry to the Palatine Hill and the Roman Forum ?

I think this is a real bargain, because you see so much for just one ticket price of 18€. 

• You have all day (24 hours) to use the ticket
• You get ONE entry to the Colosseum (no re-entry) and ONE entry to the Palatine Hill/Roman Forum - they are connected so it's considered one park.

Want to buy a Colosseum combo ticket? - Buy it here

The following passes are much more esoteric and may be more interesting if this is not your first time visiting Rome; if you have a lot of time to spend in Rome; and/or if you have a strong interest in Roman art/archeology.

National Rome Museum

14€ for all 4 museums - 7 days

The   National Rome Museum  ( Museo Nazionale Romano ) is actually a collection of 4 museums in various locations across Rome. The theme of the museums is mostly antiquities from the Roman Kingdom through the Roman Republic to the Roman Empire (around 5th century BCE - 3rd CE).

The four museums that comprise the Roman National Museums are:

Palazzo Altemps : This palazzo once belonged to various Roman noble families in the 1600's and 1700's. Here you can see two things - gorgeous Renaissance architecture, and one of the world's best collection of Greek and Roman statues from antiquity.

Palazzo Massimo : This stunning museum is one of my favorite in all of Rome. You will find a whole floor full of rooms and frescoes from the time of Augustus - in fact, they transported entire rooms from the House of Livia (Augustus' wife) to this museum. There are also wonderful examples of ancient Greek and Roman sculptures and mosaics. 

Baths of Diocletian ( Terme di Diocliziano ) : The Baths of Diocletian were the largest thermal bath system in ancient Rome. Built by the emperor Diocletion in around the 2nd century CE, the structure eventually crumbled and we have very little left of what once was. Luckily for us, Michelangelo converted part of the ruins into one of the most stunning churches in Rome, Santa Maria degli Angeli (free to visit and not part of the museum). At a separate entrance around the side, you can visit the museum, which showcases the baths' structures and other Roman antiquities.

Crypta Balbi : At this museum you can see excellent examples of ancient Roman infrastructure and get a feel for city life in Rome 2000 years ago.

Cost and Rome city pass for the National Rome Museums - 1 adult full price entry is 14€. You can visit all 4 of them over a 7-day period. Reduced 10€ for anyone 18-25. Free for anyone 18 and under. Participates in the Free Sundays or other culture initiatives, and also participates in the Roma Pass . (This is a great pass if you have time and are into Roman antiquities.)

Bonus - These museums are almost NEVER crowded!

Want to purchase this ticket?  - You can purchase the ticket directly at any of the participating museums, or you can prepay online and use an e-ticket.

17€ for a year unlimited access

The Appia Antica is a really special part of Rome, and worth visiting just for the expanse of quiet, wild green space.

But it's also full of ancient Roman ruins. 

You can just walk along and see them from the outside, or, you can go inside. If you have time, and are an ancient Rome buff, the Appia Antica card might be worthwhile.

For 17€, you get to buy an Appia Antica card - which gives you unlimited access to the  Mausoleum of Cecilia Metella, Villa dei Quintili, Santa Maria Nova, Antiquarium of Lucrezia Romana, Complex of Capo di Bove, and Tombs of the Via Latina.

These sites are already so affordable, but if you really want a Rome city pass that gives you lots of access to the ancient stuff, this is a good bargain.

Want to purchase this ticket? - You can buy it at any of the sites listed.

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Top attractions and tours

• Colosseum - Don't miss visiting Rome's most iconic monument
• Vatican Museums - This is where the Sistine Chapel is
• Pantheon - Book ahead and skip the line
• Galleria Borghese - You'll need to book ahead for one of Rome's best museums
• Castel Sant'Angelo - See Rome's history through its architecture
• Rome City Pass - A great way to make your Rome visits easier

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Rome Tourist Pass

Service offered in collaboration with

This ticket includes a supplement for the fundraising promoted by the Italian Government aimed at securing and restoring cultural heritage in the flooded areas of Emilia Romagna (Art. 14 - DL 1 June 2023, n.61).

Rome Tourist Card: the ultimate pass for your visit to Rome

The “Rome Tourist Pass” is the optimal solution for visiting Rome’s major tourist attractions, when you want and in the order you want. This allows you not only to save money, but also to enjoy maximum freedom in organising your visit to one of the most beautiful cities in the world.

As well as priority access to the Colosseum and the Vatican Museums, this ticket offers a guided tour of St Peter’s Basilica and a handy audio guide that will take you around more than 130 monuments in Rome.

What’s included in the pass

1. colosseum, roman forum and palatine hill: priority entry.

The pass includes priority access to:

• Colosseum The world’s largest masonry amphitheatre, symbol of Rome
• Roman Forum Archaeological area that was the centre of commercial, administrative, juridical and religious life in Imperial Rome
• Palatine Hill Site of luxurious dwellings from the imperial period. Here are the imperial domus, Domitian’s Palace and the Temple of Apollo Palatine.

2. Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel: priority entry

Priority access to the Vatican Museums, home to one of the world’s most important collections of masterpieces of ancient Egyptian, early Christian, Etruscan, Medieval, Renaissance and contemporary art. Your ticket also includes access to the Sistine Chapel, famous for its frescoes by Michelangelo, who painted the most famous vault in the world.

3. St Peter’s Basilica Tour

Due to the majesty of St Peter’s Basilica and the high demand from visitors, a guided tour of the largest church in Christendom has been included in this package. Dating back to the Renaissance period, artists such as Michelangelo, Bernini and Carlo Maderno collaborated in its construction.

4. Rome audio guide app

App offering a complete audio guide to over 130 points of interest, monuments and churches in Rome. The app also offers suggestions for itineraries made by expert guides. The app can also be used offline.

Instructions

• Select the date of your first visit on the purchase form
• On the next page, select the individual dates of the visits included in the package
• Receive the tickets directly in your e-mail

Additional information

With the purchase of packages you not only save on the total cost, but also get 10% discount on your next reservation on Tiqets.com

Access to St Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican Museums is only permitted if you are decently dressed (for strictly religious reasons). Shoulders and knees must be covered. As in the Colosseum, bulky bags and suitcases are not allowed and you will need to go through a security check.

Acquista biglietti

Select the date

Important informations

We inform you that specifications, prices and information on tickets and tours may be subject to change and may not always be accurate.

Ticket price for the Colosseum

• Adults 18+: €23 + €2 booking fee + other services
• Reduced 18-25 EU citizens: €3 + €2 booking fee + other services
• Free 0-17: €0 + other services

Last entry: 15 minutes before closing

Recommended by ArcheoRoma

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Rome City Pass Comparison

Which city pass should you buy.

Latest update: July 24, 2023

In a nutshell: Our tips on Rome's city passes

• The number of sights in Rome is huge. A city pass can save you a lot of time and money .
• There are time-based passes (for as many attractions as you can manage in a certain period of time), attraction-based passes (for a certain number of attractions) and combination passes (for very specific attractions).
• Our recommendation if you want to experience as many attractions as possible is the Rome Turbopass .
• If you have more time and want to take part in guided tours, the Go City Rome Explorer Pass is a great option.
• If you feel like exploring Rome by Hop-On/Hop-Off bus , the Omnia Card is perfect.

Our article will show you everything you need to know about the different Rome Passes, how they work and what advantages and disadvantages they have.

What is a Rome city pass and why is it worth it?

A city pass should ideally fulfill all these purposes:

• It should give you free admission to attractions and museums
• It should facilitate the organization of visits to attractions
• It should give you discounts
• It should save you from waiting in long lines
• It should get you from A to B

The more points a discount pass fulfills, the more expensive it is. But if you use it extensively, the Rome city pass really pays for itself, and the bottom line is you save a lot of money.

With the cheaper Rome passes you have only a small advantage, with the expensive passes you are completely covered during your city trip to Rome .

Because the Rome tourist cards are so different , the purchase is not only worthwhile if you are planning a power sightseeing program, but sometimes also for a few sights or museums in Rome . The choice depends on what you want to experience during your city trip.

If you prefer to explore Rome off the beaten path , a city pass is probably not worth buying for you.

Next, we’ll show you in which cases it makes sense to purchase a Rome city pass:

#1 When you’re in Rome for the first time

A first visit to a new city is always exciting. With a Rome city pass, you can make everything a little easier for yourself.

#2 For culture lovers

If you want to experience as much culture and art as possible during your trip to Rome, you can make your visits to museums and attractions easier with a Rome pass.

#3 If you like to plan your trip in detail and you know in advance what you want to see

If you have an exact plan in mind for your stay in Rome, compare your plan with the benefits included in the passes. If a Rome city pass covers many or even all of your favorites, be sure to get it.

#4 If you want to see a lot but you’re short on time

It’s not just during peak season that you’ll face long lines at every turn in Rome. With the right pass, you can reduce the long waits in the summer heat and walk past the lines.

#5 If you’re planning a power sightseeing trip in a very short time

If you want to experience as much as possible in Rome in a short period of time, a Rome city pass will not only save you time and money , but also nerves. City passes are designed for just this purpose, you should definitely take advantage of it.

Our personal recommendation for the best Rome city pass

Is this all too detailed for you and you don’t have time to read the whole article? Then just read this section. We’ll tell you straight away which Rome city pass is really worth it .

Rome Turbopass

Our top choice if you’re in Rome for the first time.

In 90 percent of all cases, we recommend the Rome Turbopass for your time in Rome.

It makes sense if:

• you are in Rome for the first time
• you want to see as many attractions as possible
• if you have limited time but still want to visit the most important sights of Rome

By far the most comprehensive pass is the Rome Turbopass. This pass facilitates your visit to Rome in many places. You can also easily add an airport transfer . The Rome Turbopass is available for 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 7 days.

The longer the duration of the Turbopass, the cheaper it is per day.

Get the Rome Turbopass here

Omnia Card for 72 hours

Our choice if you want to experience Rome by Hop-On/Hop-Off Bus.

The Omnia Card includes the Roma Pass as well as the Hop-On/Hop-Off bus for the entire duration of the pass, admission to selected Vatican highlights and priority admission to St. Peter’s Basilica.

With the Roma Pass that is included in the Omnia Card, you also visit the Colosseum and Castel Sant’Angelo .

Get the Rome Omnia Card here

Go City Rome Explorer Pass

Our choice if you stay in Rome for more than a week.

At many attractions the Rome Go City Pass will get you priority access and guided tours in Rome .

The pass is valid for 60 day s, so you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy the offers included. You can also choose tickets to operas and classical concerts .

Get the Go City Explorer Pass for Rome here

How do the Rome city passes work?

All passes can be purchased online . Some of the city passes have to be picked up in person once you get to Rome, others can be printed out at home or used digitally on your smartphone.

Note : Rome is always crowded with tourists, so you should book your pass as early as possible . In summer or around Easter and Whitsun, the main sights are often booked up weeks in advance.

The included services can differ significantly from pass to pass. It is best to make a to-do list for Rome and compare this list with the included offers. You will quickly see which pass makes the most sense for you.

However, the passes in Rome differ fundamentally. There are three different ways in which the passports work:

#1 Time-based passes

These passes are valid for a specific period of time , during which you can use some or all of the included features, depending on the pass. The more attractions you visit, the more worthwhile the pass.

#2 Attraction-based passes

Attraction-based passes are valid for a certain number of attractions that you can visit over an extended period of time. You can choose from a list of options which attractions you would like to visit with your pass.

#3 Combo tickets

With a combination ticket, specific attractions are included in your pass. When you buy the pass, you decide what attractions you want to visit.

Which Rome city passes are available?

Let’s start with an overview of the passes available in Rome. After that we will go into detail for each of the passes.

#1 Turbopass Rome

The Turbopass is an all-inclusive pass for Rome.

What does the Turbopass offer?

• Time-based pass
• Valid for 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 7 days
• 24 hours hop-on/hop-off bus included
• Free entry to 25 attractions
• Castel Sant’Angelo and St. Peter’s Basilica included
• Vatican City and Colosseum included
• Priority access to St. Peter’s Basilica
• Airport transfer optional
• Further discounts for attractions and tours

What does the Turbopass Rome cost?

You can also book an airport transfer for 12.00 euros.

Pros and cons of the Turbopass

• Sent via e-mail, no pickup necessary
• Many offers included
• Visits to the Colosseum and the Vatican can be scheduled when buying the pass
• Airport transfer can be booked optionally
• Galleria Borghese is not included
• Capitoline Museums are not included
• Public transport is not included

Our verdict on the Turbopass

The Turbopass is an all-round carefree package that you should not only buy to save money, but especially for the sake of convenience. It really simplifies the whole organizational aspect. And it is sent via e-mail – so you can just easily print it out at home.

A big advantage: You can already book your dates to visit the Vatican and the Colosseum when ordering the pass. You don’t have to wait in line at the box office in Rome.

However, you should plan these visits as far in advance as possible . Especially in the peak season or around holidays the city is packed with tourists and tickets for the Vatican and the Colosseum are often sold out weeks in advance.

In case there are no free dates for the Colosseum or the Vatican, this will be indicated to you when booking the Turbo Pass . The price of the pass is then reduced automatically.

Get the Turbopass

#2 Rome Tourist Card

The Rome Tourist Card is the pass with the most compact range of features .

What does the Rome Tourist Card offer?

• Combo ticket
• No time limit
• Guided tour of St. Peter’s Basilica, free admission to the Colosseum, admission to the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel, tour of the Pantheon
• Additional 10% discount on attractions

What does the Rome Tourist Card cost?

94.00 euros

50.00 euros

26.00 euros

Admission to St. Peter’s Basilica is generally free of charge. The ticket is for a guided tour with priority entrance , which saves you the long wait in line during peak season.

Pros and cons of the Rome Tourist Card

• Priority access to selected attractions
• Pass is sent to you via e-mail

Our verdict on the Rome Tourist Card

The Rome Tourist Card is like a mini-pass . If you want to visit the Vatican Museums , the Sistine Chapel and other sights, the Rome Tourist Card might be what you are looking for.

If you visit the two to three attractions included , you will save between 3 and 10 euros with the Rome Tourist Card.

In addition, you get a discount at many other sights and museums with the pass. The more of them you visit, the more the pass is worth it.

Get the Rome Tourist Card

#3 Roma Pass

The Roma Pass is the official museum pass of the city of Rome.

What does the Roma Pass offer?

• Valid for 48 oder 72 hours
• Official museum pass of the City of Rome
• Free use of public transport
• 1 or 2 free attractions from over 30 offers
• Priority access to some attractions
• Additional discounts at museums and attractions
• A city map of Rome

What does the Roma Pass cost?

from 33 euros

from 53 euros

Note: If you have children aged 10 or older, you have to buy the Roma Pass at full price . However, since many sights and museums offer discounts or even free admission for visitors up to 17 years of age, the Roma Pass is only worthwhile for those over 18 .

Pros and cons of the Roma Pass

• Potential savings on many museum visits
• Vatican is not included
• No Hop-On/Hop-Off bus
• You have to book a time slot for the Colosseum and the Palazzo Valentini despite the Roma Pass
• You have to pick up the pass in Rome

Our verdict on the Roma Pass

The Roma Pass is the classic among the city passes in Rome. For those interested in culture , it offers a lot of potential savings when visiting museums and archaeological sites.

You can buy the Roma Pass online and you will receive an confirmation of your order. With this confirmation and your ID card , you can pick up the pass at these locations in Rome:

• Fiumicino Airport
• Ciampino Airport
• Stazione Termini
• Castel S. Angelo
• Fori Imperiali

When making your purchase online, you will need to specify a date on which you would like to pick up your pass. If you can’t make it on that day, it doesn’t really matter though. You have six months to pick it up , starting 24 hours after your purchase.

Unfortunately, both the pickup process of the pass in Rome and the necessary registration for the Colosseum, the Roman Forum and the Palazzo Valentini is quite complicated . This is much easier when using other passes.

Registration for the Colosseum and the Roman Forum is only possible by phone , for which a fee of 2 euros is charged. They will give you a reservation number with which you must then go to the box office at the Roman Forum. You will then get a receipt with your time slot for the Colosseum.

Booking a time for the Palazzo Valentini can be done via e-mail and is free of charge.

Our tip: The pass is not worth using on a Monday, as most museums and sights in Rome are closed then.

Get the Roma Pass

#4 Omnia Card

The Omnia Card is especially recommended for those who are only in Rome for a weekend .

What does the Omnia Card offer?

• Valid for 24 or 72 hours
• Hop-on/hop-off bus on all days the pass is valid
• Free priority access to the Vatican, Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica.
• 2 additional free attractions, such as the Colosseum or Castel Sant’Angelo, are included in the 72-hour pass
• Discounts at other attractions

What does the Onmia Card cost?

Pros und cons of the omnia card.

• Hop-On/Hop-Off bus on all days the pass is valid
• The 24 hour pass is available online
• The 72-hour pass has to be picked up in Rome
• Complicated access to the Colosseum
• Hardly any savings

Our verdict on the Omnia Card

The Omnia Card is an interesting option, as it includes the top highlights – the Vatican and the Colosseum .

If you like exploring cities using a Hop-On/Hop-Off bus , then the Omnia Card is the perfect choice for you. In case you are not planning on using the buses though, the Omina Card is a waste of money.

You can only print the 24-hour pass at home .

After purchasing the 72-hour card online, you’ll receive a voucher that you will need to pick up the actual Omnia Card near the Vatican.

Our tip: To get to the pick-up point, you can ride the Roma Christiana Hop-On/Hop-Off bus using your online booking confirmation.

The Roma Pass is part of the Omnia Card, which means that getting into the Colosseum is also rather complicated .

Overall, you will hardly save any money with the Omnia Card. If you book the attractions separately, you’ll pretty much pay the same price . But at least you won’t have to make all the individual bookings.

Get the Omnia Card for 24 hours Get the Omnia Card for 72 hours

#5 Go City Rome Pass

The Go Rome Explorer Pass is mainly for those who want to see the sights of Rome through guided tours .

What does the Explorer Pass offer?

• Attraction-based pass
• 2 to 7 out of 25+ attractions included
• Valid for 60 days
• Premium offers included
• Highlights offered as guided tours with priority access
• Hop-On/Hop-Off bus possible
• Opera or classical concerts possible

What does the Go Rome Explorer Pass cost?

Highlights like the Colosseum, the Vatican and St. Peter’s Basilica are included in the Explorer Pass. You won’t have to wait in line at the entrance.

You can explore the Colosseum and St. Peter’s Basilica independently using an audio guide . St. Peter’s Basilica is also offered as a guided tour . For these tours you have to register via email. It is best to do so as far in advance as possible, as the tours are sold out quickly during the peak season.

Pros and Cons of the Go Rome Explorer Pass

• Use on mobile or print it yourself, no need to pick up the pass
• Can be used immediately after purchase
• Long validity
• No public transport included

Our verdict on the Go Rome Explorer Pass

When using the Explorer Pass, you should take a good look at the included offers beforehand and pick out your favorite attractions . The pass is worth it if you select offers that would cost at least 26 euros separately.

As the Explorer Pass has many options that would be quite expensive when purchased individually, the pass is a good way to save some money .

The offers for operas , concerts and ice cream making classes included in this pass are not available in any other Rome pass.

In addition, you get the VIP treatment at some sights, with priority access and audio guides included.

If you are in Rome for more than a week , you can use this pass to visit an attraction every now and then. For longer stays like these, the 60-day duration of the pass is fantastic.

Our tip: The prices for four to seven attractions are often reduced online ! So the pass for seven attractions often only costs 139.00 euros instead of 159.00 euros.

Get the Go City Rome Explorer Pass

Best city pass for Rome

Okay, those were the Rome passes in detail. So that you don’t have to scroll up and down like crazy to compare them again, this section will sum up the differences for you.

Rome city pass comparison #1: The billing method

The difference here is that some passes are valid for a certain period of time , others for a fixed number of attractions . In addition, there you can also get a combined ticket in Rome.

All three types have their advantages and disadvantages. We summarized how each pass works again here:

Passes with a certain validity period:

• Roma Pass: 48 or 72 hour validity
• Turbopass: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 7 day validity
• Omnia Card: 24 or 72 hour validity

Attraction-based pass:

• Go Roma Explorer Pass: You can choose between 2 and 7 from over 25 attractions and have 60 days to do so

Combo ticket:

• Rome Tourist Card: Combines St. Peter’s Basilica with the Vatican Museums and the Colosseum

Rome city pass comparison #2: The included attractions

The most important aspect when choosing a Rome card is usually what the passes have to offer in terms of content. This Rome city pass comparison lists the attractions included in the pass. Compare the table with your to-do list and see which Rome tourist card fits your plans best.

Rome city pass comparison #3: The mode of delivery

The delivery via e-mail is very convenient. You can easily print your Rome city pass at home and don’t have to look for the pickup point in Rome.

You will get these passes via e-mail and you can print them yourself:

• Turbopass Rome
• Rome Tourist Card

Go Rome Explorer Pass

• Omnia Card 24 hours

You will have to pick up all or part of these passes in Rome or at the airport :

• Omnia Card 72 hours

Rome city pass comparison #4: Getting around Rome by public transport

Public transportation is only included in the Roma Pass.

You can optionally book an airport transfer to and from Rome with the Turbopass.

Rome city pass comparison #5: Hop-On/Hop-Off busses

If you like to travel by Hop-On/Hop-Off bus , you should take a good look at the Omnia Card . It includes the Roma Christiana Hop-On/Hop-Off busses for all days of validity.

The Turbopass includes one day of Hop-On/Hop-Off bus transportation.

You can choose to use the BigBus Hop-On/Hop-Off bus as one attraction with the Explorer Pass. Then you can visit one less museum or attraction though.

Judging by the reviews, BigBus is by far the best hop-on/hop-off operator in Rome in terms of quality.

Which Rome city pass is the right one for you?

If you haven’t figured out yet which Rome city pass is the best for you, we will give you an overview of the different types of travel . This will make it easier for you to assess which pass makes the most sense.

Travel type 1: Those who want to see as much as possible and worry as little as possible about tickets. Rome Turbopass

Travel type 2: Those who have more time and want to see the sights through guided tours. Go Rome Explorer Pass

Travel type #1: Visit as many Rome sights as possible (3 days or more)

The Turbopass offers three advantages for a comprehensive sightseeing program in Rome:

• You don’t have to pick up the passport, you can print it yourself .
• You don’t have to worry about scheduling time slots for the Vatican and the Colosseum after booking.
• If you visit lots of the included highlights, you can even start saving money with a Turbopass after two days.

Here’s an example of what three days in Rome with the Turbopass could look like:

• Hop-On/Hop-Off bus (25.00 euros)
• Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill (18.00 euros)
• Terme di Caracalla (8.00 euros)
• St. Peter’s Basilica (free)
• Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel (21.00 euros)
• Museum Leonardo da Vinci Experience (12.00 euros)
• Pantheon with audio guide (8.50 euros)
• Castel Sant’Angelo (13.00 euros)

Total price without the Turbopass: 105.50 euros

In total, that’s seven attractions . Combined with a visit to all the sights in Rome for which you don’t need a ticket, such as the Spanish Steps or the Trevi Fountain, the program is easily manageable in three full days .

With the Turbopass for 3 days, you would save 8.60 euros.

Unfortunately, the Turbopass does not include priority access to St. Peter’s Basilica . That doesn’t matter, though. The line in front of St. Peter’s Basilica is long, but it moves along quite quickly. And if you come very early in the morning , there’s usually no line at all.

Our tip: When doing an active program like this, it’s worth planning ahead what you want to visit and when. This way you can visit the sights that are close to each other on the same day and combine the others with the Hop-On/Hop-Off bus tour.

Travel type #2: Visit the sights of Rome with guided tours on a longer stay.

With the 60-day Go Rome Explorer Pass, you can take it easy. You can spread your attractions over a longer period of time and also take a break from sightseeing in between.

The Explorer Pass, including four attractions in 60 days , is well worth it:

• Guided audio tour of the Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill (38.00 euros)
• Guided tour of the Vatican, Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica (35.00 euros)
• Guided tour of the Catacombs with round trip (48.00 euros)
• Guided tour: Rome at dusk (35.00 euros)

Total price without the Explorer Pass: 156 euros

The Explorer Pass includes premium offers that would be very expensive otherwise. The savings with this itinerary would be 57.00 euros .

Note: You can get into the Colosseum and the Vatican independently for a much lower price. So you shouldn’t choose the Explorer Pass because of the savings, but rather because of the premium features the pass includes.

Rome without a pass

It’ s also possible that none of the passes works for you. For example, if you are in Rome with children : There are plenty of discounts for children under 18 , so a pass is usually only worth it if you are 18 or older.

EU citizens who are 25 or younger often get free admission or discounts. If you’re under 26, check beforehand what tickets would actually cost you at your favorite attractions.

As Rome is very busy in peak season, be sure to buy your tickets for the main sights online in advance , if you don’t have any of the passes.

Frequently asked questions

Last but not least, we gathered all the questions that keep popping up about city passes in Rome.

Are there discounts for children?

Yes, however, a pass for children is almost never worth it , as discounts or even free admission is granted at many sights and museums up to the age of 17.

Are there discounts for students or seniors?

When purchasing a pass, you will not receive any discounts as a student or senior. However, you will often get reduced prices on site, so it’s worth checking the various attractions and museums for discounts beforehand .

Are the passes cheaper locally?

No, on the contrary . You can often get discounts online that aren’t available on site.

Can I visit attractions multiple times with the pass?

No, you can visit each attraction only once .

Can I pause the time of my pass and continue to use it a few days later?

You can only do so with the Rome Tourist Card and the Go Rome Explorer Pass . The time-based passes will continue running even if you don’t use them.

And that was our pass comparison for Rome . Have you already used a Rome city pass or do you have any questions? Then drop us a comment below!

RELATED LINKS

On this page, major rome attractions, rome's best..., transport, tours & passes, outside rome.

• Rome hotels
• Venice hotels
• Florence hotels
• Naples hotels
• Pisa hotels
• Sorrento hotels
• Rome Fiumicino Airport
• Rome Ciampino Airport
• Venice Marco Polo Airport
• Pisa Airport
• Naples Airport
• Civitavechia (Rome) Cruise Port
• Naples Cruise Port
• Rome public transport
• Venice water bus (vaporetto)
• Florence public transport
• Naples public transport
• Sorrento local buses beyond Amalfi

Rome and Vatican sightseeing passes compared

Prices and coverage of transport and sightseeing passes in rome.

About Rome sightseeing passes

There is an increasingly complex range of sightseeing passes for Rome. Odds are there is one that fits your sightseeing needs, but which one?

Key point: most people visiting Rome want to see a mix of Rome's main attractions not just one.

Within Vatican City is the Vatican Museums and St Peter's. In the centre of Rome itself, on the other side of the river is the Colosseum, Spanish Steps and Trevi Fountain.

Until recently, the authorities in Vatican City and the City of Rome seemed unable to work together and produce a single sightseeing pass that covers attractions in both. However, the Rome Tourist Card now offers a pass for the Vatican, Colosseum and St Peter's Basilica. It does not cover any other major attractions but as a pass for these three attractions, it is exciting development.

Is there an ideal solution?   Rome public transport pass   Hop-on buses with passes   Fast track tickets   Rome Tourist Card   Roma Pass   Omnia Card  

Is there an ideal sightseeing ticket solution?

The majority of first-time visitors to Rome end up buying multiple tickets to cover their sightseeing and transport around Rome, but many will purchase a pass that combines several sightseeing components into one money-saving bundle.

Sightseeing passes can make life easier when visiting a new city as they will include various attractions and transport options that make getting around and into attractions a less complicated experience. However, these passes do not always cover every attraction and may have other limitations on entry and ticket availability.

Below we give a brief summary of the components that you need to consider when planning your ideal sightseeing solution and then review the sightseeing passes on offer.

Top of the page

Rome public transport pass.

Rome has an excellent, if crowded public transport system that is very cheap. 1, 2, 3 and 7 day passes giving you unlimited rides on the buses, metro and some trains and are excellent value for the independent minded traveller.

Rome public transport passes are easily purchased once you are in Rome, but almost unobtainable before you arrive in the city. Some sightseeing pass options include a public transport pass as part of a ticket bundle including entrance tickets to major attractions.

Recent developments have allowed us to now offer a 72-hr Rome Public Transport Pass that you can purchase before you arrive in Rome. This pass is posted to you at home before you leave for Rome, so you can use public transport straight away upon arrival.

Buy your 72-hr Public Transport Pass in advance now.

Public transport passes - more details

Open top hop-on hop-off sightseeing buses included with many Rome passes

Hop-on hop-off open top sightseeing buses are common place in nearly all major cities in the world that attract tourists, and Rome is no exception. At last count there is a bewildering choice of five.

Rome open top hop-on hop-off sightseeing buses - full details

You can of course buy individual tickets for the Rome hop-on hop-off sightseeing buses but some sightseeing passes include tickets for one of the operators within their pass.

Rome tours & fast track tickets with many Rome passes

Some tours and some of the most popular Rome visitor attractions are bundled with sightseeing passes.

The queues at the Vatican Museums, St Peter's and the Colosseum in particular can be very long - a fast track ticket is often a welcome relief.

There is no “best” sightseeing pass, all the options have their own market. You just need to ascertain which option or options best fit your sightseeing needs.

Rome Tourist Card

The Rome Tourist Pass is a simple ticket pass that lets you see the three most popular attractions in Rome all with one ticket. You can visit the Colosseum and Roman Forum, the Vatican including the Sistine Chapel and St Peter's Basilica.

Please read the product description of the Rome Tourist Card on the website of Tiqets carefully when buying. We say this because in exceptional circumstances like Easter (when Rome is incredibly busy) the attractions may have to be adapted so that you get the best value possible. As tickets sell out for major attractions they are replaced by others. To be fair this is unusual and only ever occurs if demand is extreme, which after so long without travelling due to coronavirus, it currently is. So just be sure to read what you get for the dates you want to use the card on before buying.

This pass can save you money on buying individual tickets to each attraction and offers a few extra bonus discounts too. So, if you know you are going to visit all three attractions on your stay in Rome, then it can be a good money saving and ease of use purchase.

Key Features:

Priority access to the Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palantine Hill.

Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel skip the line ticket with 20% discount in the Vatican Museums online shop.

Guided tour of St Peter's Basilica with an official Vatican guide.

City Tour of Rome: Audio App Guide.

Self-guided Tour of the Pantheon Rome via Audio guide app.

10% discount on other attractions in Rome

ROME TOURIST CARD FOR COLOSSEUM, VATICAN AND ST PETER'S BASILICA

With the Rome Tourist Card you get tickets for three of Rome's biggest attractions plus some extra bonus discounts.

You will still need to book your entry times in advance and plan your days carefully, but if you are going to visit all three then it can save you money on buying equivalent tickets individually.

The Roma Pass

The Roma Pass is the “official” tourist sightseeing pass for the City of Rome (but not Vatican City) and is offered by the City of Rome authorities themselves, who own or manage most of the sights and museums you will want to see in the City of Rome.

You can get them at the official tourist offices in Rome, including at Termini Railway Station, or you can conveniently buy them in advance on-line.

What do I get with a Roma Pass?

The Roma Pass has 4 main components:

- Free entry to the first 2 visited museums and / or archaeological sites of your choice.

- Concessionary tickets to all other museums and / or archaeological sites visited after

- Free use of the city’s public transport network for 3 days.

- Quite a good Rome city map

There is a 48-hr version that offers the same as the 3-day version, but only allows free entry to the first attraction and 2 days travel on Rome public transport.

The pass covers most of the museums and archaeological sites in and around Rome, over 45 of them. This includes the most popular Colosseum/Roman Forum, Capitoline Museums and Galleria Borghese, popular choices often used for the free entries under the scheme.

Once you get through your free entries, subsequent visits obtain discounts between 15% and 50% on the entrance tickets.

A key aspect is that the Roma Pass doesn't include the Vatican, so the Vatican Museums and St Peter's are not included.

Entering the Colosseum with a Roma Pass

Timeslot entries are now in place at the Colosseum in Rome. You are required to select your timeslot in advance. You will receive a confirmation email upon booking and on your voucher you can read how to reserve your timeslot. Although you can choose to do this at the Colosseum Ticket Office, it is sensible to do this online in advance, because otherwise there is no way of securing your preferred date and time.

Will I save with the Roma Pass?

From a financial perspective the pass isn't going to save you a heap of money, but you might find the convenience more than makes up for that. As a crude guide, to make the pass break even you will need to make at least 7 public transport journeys for the 3 day pass, using your free entries, but this will depend on the mix of attractions you decide to visit.

Of course if you have a heavy programme of sites to visit, executed at a brisk pace you will make a real saving.

ROMA PASS 48-HR OF 72-HR

• Free entry to the first visited museum and/or archaeological site of your choice • Free use of the city’s public transport network • Discounted tickets to exhibitions and events • Skip-the-line Colosseum

Omnia Card - 3-day pass includes hop-on hop-off bus, public transport pass, Roma Pass & Vatican Card

Adult €129, child (6 to 9 years old) €59.

The Omnia Card is the most comprehensive sightseeing pass.

When you buy this exclusive travel and sightseeing card, you get access to all Rome’s public transport with a 3-day public transport pass, the Roma Cristiana hop-on, hop-off sightseeing bus, Roma Pass and Omnia Vatican Card.

The pass is offered through Opera Romana Pellegrinaggi (ORP) a branch of the Vicariate of Rome, organ of the Holy See directed by the Cardinal Vicar of the Pope.

This complete solution to your transport and sightseeing needs include:

Roma Cristiana hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus

3-day public transport pass

Fast track admission to Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel with the Omnia Vatican Card

Fast track admission to St. Peter’s Basilica with the Omnia Vatican Card

The Roma Pass with free entry to two top Rome attractions like the Colosseum, Borghese Gallery, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill and Capitoline Museums

Discounted entry to more than 30 other Rome attractions with the Roma Pass

OMNIA CARD ROME

• FREE entry to two top attractions including the Colosseum • Includes hop-on, hop-off bus • 3-day public transport pass • Fast-track to Vatican and Sistine Chapel • Fast-track St Peter's

POPULAR DAY TOURS FROM ROME

Info & orari

The tourist card of rome, the best tourist card for visiting rome.

The Roma Pass is a tourist-cultural card of the capital city that offers various services for tourists to enjoy the beauty of Rome. It is possible to purchase it for 48h and for 72h.

Rome Pass 72 Hours

The 72h roma pass includes:.

• Free admission to the first 2 museums/archaeological sites/experiences and reduced admission from the 3rd museum/archaeological site/experience visited.
• Unlimited free access, for 72 hours from the first activation on public transportation, to all public transportation included in the ATAC offer.
• Discounts for exhibitions, attractions and tourist services.
• Dedicated reservation form for museums/archaeological sites.
• Free access to guarded toilets in the P.Stop. network.

Validity for 72 hours starts from the first validation on museums and public transportation

The card must be filled out in its entirety and is non-transferable. It must be shown at any request by inspection personnel, together with a valid ID. Some special tpl Atac connections, Trenitalia FL (former FR) regional railways, Cotral Rome Tiburtina/Termini-Fiumicino Airport special connection, Trenitalia “No stop” Rome Termini-Fiumicino Airport connection (Leonardo Express) and all connections to and from Fiumicino are excluded.

Included in the Capital's cultural tourism card kit are:

• The Roma Pass 72 Hours card for museum visits and access to public transportation
• The paper map with Tourist Info points, Metro stations and all points of interest in the city, usable with the Roma Pass.

Rome Pass 46 Hours

The roma pass 46h includes:.

• Free admission to the first museum/archaeological site/experience and reduced rate admission from the 2nd museum/archaeological site/experience visited.
• Unlimited free access, for 48 hours from the first activation on public transport, to all public transport included in the ATAC offer.

Validity for 48 hours starts from the first validation on museums and public transportation

Included in the cultural tourism card kit are:.

• The Roma Pass 48 Hours card for museum visits and access to public transportation

Useful Info Museum - Attractions

Regarding the opening hours of museums and archaeological sites, generally the closing day is Monday, with the exception of Colosseum (reservation required), Mercati di Traiano, Capitoline Museums, Ara Pacis Museum. Most museums are closed on December 25, January 1 and May 1. You should always check the hours and days of closure on the official website of the museum you plan to visit. Admission to state-owned museums and archaeological sites, including the Colosseum, is free for everyone on the first Sunday of the month (unless ministerial regulations state otherwise). It is also always free in 8 museums of the Sistema Musei di Roma Capitale (Museo Carlo Bilotti in Villa Borghese, Museo della Repubblica Romana e della memoria garibaldina, Museo delle Mura, Museo di Casal de’ Pazzi, Museo di Scultura Antica Giovanni Barracco, Museo Napoleonico, Museo Pietro Canonica in Villa Borghese and at the Accademia Nazionale di San Luca). For more information on concessions for admission to State and Rome Capital Museums and Archaeological Sites, please consult the Current Regulations.

• Opening Hours.

Buy tickets and tours

• Guided tours

Acquista il tuo ingresso

• Acquista il tuo biglietto di ingresso
• Acquista la tua visita guidata
• Acquista la tua card

Purchase your admission

• Buy your entrance ticket
• Buy your guided tour
• Buy your card

Colosseum Rome

Opening hours., buy skip-the-line ticket or guided tour.

Rome City Pass & Tourist cards Rome

Rome tourist card, roma city pass, tickets & omnia travel cards.

Review of the best Rome city passes, digital attraction tickets and travel cards: from the Omnia Card to the official Roma City Pass. Which Rome tourist cards is worth it?

Review: Best tourist pass in Rome

Rome has a wide variety of city passes, priority tickets and tourist cards like the Rome Pass and Omnia Card. A few of these Rome City Passes give you the advantage of saving money or having fast track tickets for attractions and museums. In this article we will compare and review the advantages and the disadvantages of the Rome city passes, Omnia Card , Rome Turbopass and other tourist cards . Which Roma Pass is worth it?

• Rome Tourist Card
• Rome City Pass (Turbopass)
• Vatican Pass
• Roma Pass (48h or 72h)
• Rome Travel Card

1) Recommended: Rome Tourist Card

In my opinion, this is the best tourist pass for a city trip to Rome. With only one purchase you have all the important tickets in Rome. Even better, you don´t have to pick up the card in Rome, because you get all the tickets online. For most other Roma city passes you need to pick up the card in Rome. Click on the link for the Rome Tourist Card . During the booking process you can select your arrival date and select your timeslots. After payment, you will receive your attraction tickets by email or you can show them via smartphone.

This digital Rome Tourist Card covers the most important tickets like:

• Priority entrance into the Colosseum
• Entrance to the Forum Romanum and the Palatine
• Choose from: Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel or St. Peter's Basilica
• Choose one of these three attractions: Pantheon, Castel Sant'Angelo or public transport card with airport transfer
• 10% discount on various attractions and excursions
• More info Rome Tourist Card
• More than 12 persons? Click here for group bookings

No availability? It is only possible to reserve tickets a couple of weeks in advance. Also check the Rome City Turbopass with different availability.

2) Rome City Pass (Turbopass)

The Rome City Turbopass is a very comprehensive city pass for Rome. The Rome City Turbopass is valid for 1 to 7 days and gives you access to various museums and attractions. This new tourist card is especially interesting if you are staying in Rome for a longer period of time.

The Rome City Turbopass includes the following attractions:

• Admission to Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill
• Admission to Vatican Museums (and the Sistine Chapel)
• Hop-on-hop-off city bus tour (48 hours) with audio guide
• Admission to the Pantheon
• Admission to the Castle of Sant'Angelo
• Various attractions and museums such as: the Baths of Caracalla, the Stadium of Domitian in Piazza Navona, the Baths of Diocletian, Palazzo Massimo, Palazzo Altemps, Museo Leonardo da Vinci Experience and Palazzo Barberini
• Optional : With airport transfers
• Optional : With public transport ticket
• More info and booking Rome City Turbopass

3) The Vatican City Pass

Do you want only the most important tickets for visiting the Vatican City? Then an interesting card is the Vatican City Pass, which contains the tickets for St. Peters Basilica, the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel. Book your Vatican City Pass easily via this link . During the booking process you can indicate on which dates and time slots you want. After payment, you will receive your tickets by email or you can show them via smartphone.

This city pass contains the main entrance tickets for Vatican City:

• Guided tour of the Basilica of St. Peter
• Skip-the-line entrance to the Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel
• Downloadable audio guides about Rome
• More info and reservations Vatican City Pass

4) Roma Pass 48 hours or 72 hours

Is the Roma Pass worth it? We recommend the Rome Tourist Card . This pass includes the Colosseum. The tickets for the Public Transportation, that's included in the Roma Pass, you can simply buy at a machine at one of the metro or bus stops. Another disadvantage is that you still have to collect your Roma Pass card on the spot. With the Rome Tourist Card you will receive the tickets online.

The following is included in the Roma Pass 48 hours :

• 2 days (or 3 days) use of the public transportation (ATAC) in Rome (bus, tram, metro and some train lines)
• Access to one museum or archeologic site (check out all museums at this page ). This is also the biggest disadvantage of the Roma Pass, during high season the popular highlights like the Colosseum and the Borghese Gallery are probably already sold out. The 72-hour card includes two museums.

5) Vatican & Rome Omnia Card

You can order the Vatican & Rome Omnia Card for 72 hours. This is the most expensive, but also one of the most comprehensive city passes. It contains various entrance tickets, public transport and the Hop on Hop off bus. This Omnia card has a number of advantages and disadvantages:

• Access to St. Peter's Basilica, the Vatican Museums and the Colosseum
• Including public transport
• Including Hop on Hop off bus
• Includes access to San Giovanni in Laterano and Mamertine prison
• Including guide booklet and map
• Advantage: You can cancel for free up to 24 hours before your trip
• Disadvantage: You still need to exchange your voucher for a physical card at a transfer point in Rome after booking (however, it is very close to the entrance of St. Peter's Basilica)
• More information about the Rome & Vatican Omnia Card

Our advice : The Omnia Card is a fine card that contains almost everything, but you still have to pick it up. However, the Omnia Card is the card with the best cancellation options.

6) Rome Travel Card

Do you want to use public transport in Rome? Then the Rome Travel Card is exactly what you need! 3 days of unlimited public transport (metro and bus) in Rome plus a private airport transfer from Ciampino or Fiumicino airport. The Rome Travel Card is ideal to discover the city and start your city trip in a relaxed way! Your driver will be waiting for you at the airport and can communicate in English. During the taxi ride you will receive your 3-day public transport card from your driver.

• Private Airport Transfer to your accommodation by taxi.
• Welcome Service at 'Arrivals' at the Airport.
• Optional: Rome Public Transportation Card for 3 Days (Metro, Bus)
• Your driver speaks English

Don't: other city cards

In this article we have tried to give you a review of the most popular and the most affordable Roma passes. However, there are also many other cards in circulation such as the ' Best of Rome Pass ', ' Vatican and Rome Experience Pass ' and ' Rome Underground Pass '. The disadvantage of many cards is that you still have to pick them up in Rome at a specific location or that you can only visit some attractions to a limited extent and are therefore not really interesting.

Conclusion : The winner of all Rome city passes in our opinion is the aforementioned Rome Tourist Card , which really gives you the most important tickets digitally in one purchase.

7) Buy separate tickets

If you only want to visit a limited number of attractions, it can also be advantageous to purchase individual attraction tickets instead of a Rome pass. The most popular sightseeing tickets:

Most visited attractions

Top 25 Things to do in Rome

Colosseum & Tickets

Sistine Chapel & Vatican Museums

St.Peter's Basilica & Tickets

Roma Pass 2024

On this website, we present the official Roma Pass in detail. We explain what the product offers, how it works and where you can buy the Roma Pass. For every Roma Pass sold, we receive a commission.

• Roma Pass: Quick overview

The official Roma Pass offers:

• Free entry to 1 - 2 attractions
• Discounts for many attractions & museums
• Public transport in Rome
• Valid for 48 or 72 hours
• Pick up in Rome required

Some top attractions: Colosseum incl. Roman Forum, Castel Sant'Angelo, Baths of Caracalla, Galleria Borghese etc.

Not included: Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel

Price:  from €33 to €53 - depending on the period of validity

Alternative: Roma Pass + Vatican Museums

Page content

What attractions are included, attractions & museums, what the roma pass does not contain, reservations with the roma pass, public transport, how much does the roma pass cost, example: 72 hours in rome, purchase, collection & activation, what speaks against the roma pass, conclusion: who is the roma pass suitable for, questions & answers, how the roma pass works.

The Roma Pass is the official tourist card of the city of Rome. With this card you can visit many sights and museums for free or at reduced prices.

You can also use public transport without having to buy a ticket.

Key benefits include:

• 48 h Roma Pass: 1 attraction free of charge
• 72 h Roma Pass: 2 attractions free of charge
• incl. Colosseum, Castel Sant'Angelo, Galleria Borghese, Circus Maximus
• Discounts for other attractions & museums
• Public transport within Rome

Within 48 or 72 hours, you can use all ATAC public transport. In addition, the first one or two attractions you visit are free. For each subsequent visit to a museum or historical site, you will receive a discounted ticket.

After the purchase, you will receive all the information about the collection of the card by e-mail. Pick-up is possible at both Rome airports and in the city centre.

Unfortunately, you cannot skip queues with the Roma Pass. However, some sights and museums require a reservation to shorten the waiting time.

The Roma Pass includes around 30 sights. You can visit one or two of them for free:

The order of the visits is crucial. Only the first one or two visits are free! We recommend visiting the more expensive attractions first and only then the museums with the high discounts.

The Roma Pass includes many museums and historical sites, including famous landmarks:

• Colosseum incl. Roman Forum & Palatine Hill
• Caracalla Baths
• Galleria Borghese
• Capitoline Museums
• Circus Maximus
• Circus Maximus VR Experience
• … ( See all attractions )

With the Roma Pass, the first two attractions you visit are free. For each additional attraction you pay the reduced price. Please refer to this list for the amount of the discount: Roma Pass Museums .

The Roma Pass includes many museums and historical sites. However, there are some services that are not included in the Roma Pass. These include city tours and the Vatican sights:

• Vatican Museums
• Hop-on/hop-off bus
• City tours with guide
• Airport transfer
• Guided tour of St Peter's Basilica

In addition to the Colosseum and Castel Sant'Angelo, most visitors to Rome also want to visit the Vatican Museums, including the Sistine Chapel. For this we recommend the following combined ticket: Roma Pass + Vatican Museums .

In principle, you can visit many sights at any time with the Roma Pass. However, some museums and attractions require a reservation. Some popular attractions for which a reservation is required:

• Mausoleo di Augusto
• Palazzo Barberini & Galleria Corsini (at weekends)
• Capitoline Museums (reservation recommended)
• Engelsburg (reservation recommended)
• Circus Maximus (reservation recommended)
• Palazzo Valentini / Domus Romane (reservation recommended)
• Galleria Spada (reservation recommended)

Reservations can already be made if you have bought the Roma Pass but have not yet collected it in Rome. The names of the Roma Pass holders are important for the reservation.

Reservations are made via various websites:

• Colosseo.it (Colosseum)
• Ticketone.it (Castel Sant'Angelo, Domus Romane, Galleria Borghese, Galleria Spada etc.)
• Vivaticket.it (Capitoline Museums, Circus Maximus, Mausoleo di Augusto, etc.).

A small fee may be charged when reserving a time slot.

Detailed information on reservations can be found on the official website RomaPass.it - FAQ .

The Roma Pass allows free use of public transport in Rome for 48 or 72 hours.

The pass is valid on all ATAC public transport:

• Metro (lines A, B, B1 and C)
• Suburban trains: Roma-Lido, Roma Flaminio Piazza del Popolo-Viterbo, Roma-Giardinetti

Your Roma Pass is valid for 48 or 72 hours from the first use. You can activate your Roma Pass either by using it for the first time at a tourist attraction or by using public transport.

In any case, you must validate your Roma Pass before your first journey, even if you have already activated it at a tourist attraction.

To do so, hold your Roma Pass up to the yellow readers in trams, buses and metro stations. At a ticket control, you only have to show your Roma Pass and the Roma Pass cover, on which the date and time of the first use are noted.

Airport transfer: The ATAC buses nos. 520 and 720 take you from Ciampino Airport to the nearby metro stations. The Roma Pass can be used as a ticket. Fiumicino Airport is not connected to the public transport network.

Is the Roma Pass worth it?

If you want to visit several museums and historical sites and use public transport, there are good reasons for the Roma Pass. But is it also worth it financially?

This question is answered in this section.

The price of the Roma Pass depends on the period of validity. The 3-day pass is more expensive, but you can use public transport for one day longer and visit an additional attraction for free.

• 48 hours:33 €
• 72 hours: 53 €

The prices are for adults. There is no reduction for children. The Roma Pass is not worthwhile for them. However, most attractions are free or reduced for children anyway.

With the Roma Pass valid for 72 hours, the first two attractions visited are free. For each additional attraction, the Roma Pass grants a discount. Using the following example for a three-day trip to Rome, we would like to show you whether you can save money with this product.

Conclusion: With the Roma Pass, you can save some money by first visiting two expensive attractions that are free with the Roma Pass. After that, you should choose other museums with great discounts. In addition, the Roma Pass is only worthwhile if you use the public transport in Rome extensively.

The Roma Pass is the official product of the City of Rome and is available at tourist information points and on the official website ( RomaPass.it ).

You can also buy the Roma Pass through independent ticket platforms such as GetYourGuide or Tiqets.com.

After your purchase, you will receive an email with a voucher that you can use to pick up your Roma Pass. You can print the voucher or save it on your mobile phone.

Pick up your Roma Pass at one of the following locations:

• Fiumicino Airport, International Arrivals, Terminal T3
• Ciampino Airport, International Arrivals
• PIT Fori Imperiali, Visitor Center
• PIT Castel Sant'Angelo

You will receive pick-up instructions in the confirmation email. If you buy the Roma Pass from GetYourGuide, you can cancel the booking free of charge up to 24 hours before departure.

Activation takes place when the Roma Pass is used for the first time.

The official Roma Pass is a very good product, but it has some disadvantages:

No fast track: With the Roma Pass, you do not have fast-track access. You have to queue at the ticket office to get your free ticket. Some museums require a reservation. This shortens the waiting time.

Missing attractions: Although the Roma Pass covers around 30 sights and museums, some popular attractions are missing: Hop-on/hop-off buses, Vatican museums and city tours.

Maximum 2 attractions free of charge: Only one or two attractions are free. For each additional attraction, you only get one discount with the Roma Pass.

Collection required: Unfortunately, the Roma Pass is not a digital product, but a physical card. You will need to collect the card when you arrive in Rome. Pick-up is possible at the airport or in the city centre.

Reservation required: Reservations are required for some museums and sights. It is not possible to visit without a reservation. Unfortunately, there is no uniform procedure, so reservations are relatively cumbersome.

In the following circumstances, the Roma Pass may be suitable for your trip to Rome:

• They are especially interested in historical sites and museums.
• You would like to visit the Colosseum and another attraction free of charge.
• You would like to use public transport for up to 72 hours.
• You have a small travel budget for your sightseeing programme in Rome.

Does the Roma Pass grant fast entry?

No, the Roma Pass does not generally entitle you to priority entry. At most sights and museums, you must go to the box office to get your ticket. In some cases, a reservation is required to reduce the waiting time. This applies, for example, to the Colosseum and the Galleria Borghese. For Castel Sant'Angelo, a reservation is recommended.

Can the purchase be cancelled free of charge?

Cancellation conditions depend on the website where you purchased the Roma Pass. On the GetYourGuide ticket platform, you can cancel your purchase free of charge up to 24 hours before departure.

Is the Roma Pass suitable for families?

In our view, the Roma Pass is not suitable for families with children, as there is no reduced ticket for children. Admission to most museums is free or greatly reduced for young visitors anyway.

Please note that Roma Pass holders must make a reservation for some attractions. In this case, free tickets for children must also be reserved. This is somewhat inconvenient.

About the author

Patrick has been involved with city breaks in Europe since 2018. Here he writes about the Roma Pass, a popular product for the Italian capital. His goal is to always keep the information up to date.

The Roma Pass: The Ultimate Guide on Whether it’s Worth the Money

April 24, 2023 | Posted in: Italy

Over 10 million tourists go to Rome each year, making the city Italy’s most popular destination. This means one thing: it’s crowded, especially in the high season. Booking tickets to major attractions or queuing for entry can waste your precious vacation time.

So, is there an easy way to plan your trip and book your entry to popular sites before you visit Rome? The answer is yes! The Roma Pass is an easy way to access multiple top attractions while in Rome.

How does the Roma Pass work, and how much does it cost? This post will break down all the pros and cons of the Roma Pass and help you decide if it’s worth it for your trip.

We’ll also take a look at the other Rome city passes to help you make up your mind about what’s right for you.

Let’s get started.

The Omnia Vatican Pass covers fewer sights and activities, but it does offer skip the line access to the Vatican Museums and Hop-on Hop-off bus tours, along with free public transport.

What is the Roma Pass?

Other attractions included, free public transport, admission to these popular attractions, roma pass discount list, discounts for tourist services, what does the roma pass not include, how much does the roma pass cost, where to buy the roma pass, is the roma pass worth it, who shouldn’t buy the roma pass, what is the omnia rome card, roma pass and omnia rome card summary, don't forget travel insurance.

The Roma Pass is the ultimate sightseeing pass designed for the Rome tourist. It offers discounts and entry to some of Rome’s most famous sites. It’s a one-time purchase that essentially makes it easier and cheaper than buying individual tickets.

Rome City Council sponsors the Roma Pass card, which includes free access to public transport in the city. The idea behind the pass is to make your visit to Rome as enjoyable and hassle-free as possible, especially if you want to visit many of the most famous attractions, museums, and points of interest.

If you want to see as much of the city as possible in the shortest amount of time while making savings, the Roma Pass could be a good option.

There are two Roma Pass options: the 72-hour pass and the 48-hour pass.  

Roma Pass Benefits: What Does the Roma Pass Include?

When you buy a Roma Pass, you get a bunch of discounts and benefits to use while your card is valid.

Over 45 museums, monuments, and archeological sites are part of the Roma Pass.

Benefits of your Roma Pass include:

• Full access to the first two museums or archaeological sites you visit (with the 72-hour pass)
• Discounts and special prices for all other attractions, exhibitions, and tourist services
• Special booking access and skip the line tickets at certain attractions
• Free public transport in Rome Zone A

With your Roma Pass, you’ll always receive free entry to the first one or two attractions you visit (depending on the length of your pass), including any exhibitions held in the museum.

While you have to purchase discounted tickets for your second or third attraction, the following museums are always free with unlimited access:

• Villa di Massenzio e Mausoleo di Romolo
• Accademia Nazionale di San Luca
• Museo Carlo Bilotti Aranciera di Villa Borghese
• Museo della Repubblica Romana e della memoria garibaldina
• Museo delle Mura
• Museo di Casal de’ Pazzi (booking required)
• Museo di Scultura Antica Giovanni Barracco
• Museo Napoleonico
• Museo Pietro Canonica a Villa Borghese

Within Zone A, you have free unlimited access to Rome’s public transport. You can use the following lines:

• ATAC public transport (trams, buses, metro A, B, B1, and C and railway lines Roma-Lido, Roma Flaminio Piazza del Popolo-Viterbo, Roma-Giardinetti)
• Transfers to and from Ciampino airport by ATAC Bus line 720 from/to Metro B Laurentina Station
• Transfers to and from Ciampino airport with the ATAC Bus line 520 from/to Metro A Subaugusta and Cinecittà station.
• Transfers by tpl Atac bus, Trenitalia FL railway lines, the train to and from Fiumicino Airport

• Galleria Borghese – booking required in advance to guarantee fast track entry
• Galleria d’Arte Moderna di Roma Capitale – booking in advance recommended
• Galleria Nazionale d’Arte Antica in Palazzo Barberini e Palazzo Corsini – Palazzo Barberini- cumulative ticket (no need to buy separate tickets): Palazzo Barberini + Palazzo Corsini
• Galleria Nazionale d’Arte Moderna e Contemporanea
• Galleria Spada – Booking is optional
• Journeys Through Ancient Rome – Book tickets online through the Roma Pass website
• Mausoleo di Augusto – reservations required on the Roma Pass website
• MAXXI – Museo nazionale delle arti del XXI secolo
• Mercati di Traiano – Museo dei Fori Imperiali – advance reservation highly recommended
• Musei Capitolini – advance reservation highly recommended
• Musei Capitolini – Centrale Montemartini- advance reservation highly recommended</li
• Musei di Villa Torlonia – cumulative ticket Casina delle Civette + Casino Nobile
• Musei di Villa Torlonia – Serra Moresca – advance reservation highly recommended
• Museo Civico di Zoologia – advance reservation highly recommended
• Museo dell’Ara Pacis – advance reservation highly recommended
• Museo di Roma – advance reservation highly recommended
• Museo di Roma in Trastevere – advance reservation highly recommended
• Museo Nazionale di Castel Sant’Angelo – advance reservation highly recommended
• Museo Nazionale Etrusco di Villa Giulia
• Museo Nazionale Romano
• Museum of Civilisations
• Museum of Civilisations – Museo Nazionale d’Arte Orientale
• Palazzo Valentini – Archaeological Area of the Domus Romane – booking recommended
• Parco archeologico del Colosseo, Foro Romano & Palatino – Colosseo (Anfiteatro Flavio) Cumulative ticket (no need to buy separate tickets): Anfiteatro Flavio: Colosseo + Palatino + Foro Romano (the museum excluded)
• Parco Archeologico dell'Appia Antica Cumulative ticket (no need to buy separate tickets) valid for the entire duration of the Roma Pass: Mausoleo di Cecilia Metella, Villa dei Quintili-Santa Maria Nova, Antiquarium di Lucrezia Romana, Complesso di Capo di Bove, Tombe della Via Latina
• Parco Archeologico di Ostia Antica

After you visit your first one or two museums or attractions for free, the Roma Pass gives you discounted entry to dozens of other attractions throughout the city. Here’s the full list of attractions, theatres, and tours, along with the discount you get with your Roma Pass:

• Accademia di Francia a Roma – Villa Medici – Concession ticket
• Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia – 20% discount on Friday concerts
• Ancient and Recent – 15% discount
• Area Archeologica Del Vicus Caprarius – la Citta Dell’Acqua – Concession ticket (booking recommended)
• Augustus Welcome to Rome – 15% discount at ticket office
• Bioparco – 2 EUR discounts at the ticket office
• Casa di Goethe – Concession ticket
• Camminamento della Mura Aureliane di Via Campania
• Camminamento della Mura Aureliane di Via Pretoriano
• Cinecitta Si Mostra – 10% discount on exhibitions
• Cincitta World – 5 EUR discount on full price ticket online with code ROMAPASS
• Circo Maximo Experience – multisensory augmented reality experience (entry without VR device)
• Colonna Gallery – private entrance for Roma Pass holders
• Evolved Guide – 15% discount on tours with a private guide
• Foxtrail – Urban Adventures – 20% discount Foxromapass
• Gladiator for a Day – 20% discount
• Gladiator Museum – 2 EUR discount at the ticket office
• Hard Rock Cafe Rome – 15% off at restaurant + free gift at the shop with spends over 35 EUR
• Hydromania – 1 EUR discount
• Ikono Roma – The Immersive Experience – 15% discount on adult & reduced tickets with code ROMAPASS online
• InRome Cooking Class – 15% discount for cooking classes and food tours
• Inside Eat – 15% discount on cooking experiences with code ROMAPASS online
• I Virtuosi Dell’Opera Di Roma – Concession ticket
• Imperial Rome Bus in Virtual Reality – Concession ticket
• Lateran Palace – Reduced ticket
• Leonardo Da Vinci Experience – 2 EUR discount at the ticket office
• Leonardo Da Vinci Museum – 2 EUR discount at the ticket office
• Mcarthurglen Castel Romano Designer Outlet – 10% discount
• MIAC – Italian Museum of Moving Image – 10% discount + 10% discount at the shop
• Museo Ebracio Di Roma – Concession ticket
• Museo Leonardo Da Vinci – Piazza Del Popolo – Concession ticket
• MuseoNazionale delgi Strumenti Musicali – Concession ticket
• Museo del Teatro Argentia – open to organized groups by reservation only
• Opera e Lirica – 10 EUR discount for central seats
• Opera in Rome – Concession ticket
• Palazzo Delle Esposizioni – Concession ticket
• Palazzo Merulana – Concession ticket
• Parco Villa Gregoriana
• Planetarium – Concession ticket
• Roma Opera Omnia – Concession ticket with 10% discount
• Roma World – 3 EUR discount on full price ticket online with code ROMAPASS
• Safari D’arte – 20% discount on art treasure hunt tours
• Stadio di Domiziano – Concession ticket
• Teatro Arcobaleno – 20% discount
• Teatro Argentina – Concession ticket
• Teatro Brancaccio e Brancaccino – 20% discount on tickets
• Teatro Dell’Opera di Roma 20% discount on no-subscription performances and 10% on subscriptions
• Teatro Flavio – 20% discount
• Teatro il Parioli – 20% discount
• Teatro India – Concession ticket
• Teatro Vascello – Concession ticket
• Teatro Vittoria – 20% discount in the stalls, 15% discount in the gallery
• Terme di Caracalla – 10% discount + 4 EUR discount on audio guide
• The Roman Quary of the Appian Way – 15% discount on a private tour, 20% discount on scheduled tour (only Italian)
• The Underground od San Nicola in Carcere – 15% discount on a private tour, 20% discount on scheduled tour (only Italian)
• Theater of Villa Torlonia – Concession ticket
• Tram Jazz – 5 EUR discount
• Vigamus Rome Video Game Museum – 5 EUR ticket
• Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel – 8% discount
• Vox Vatican Guide – App for St. Peter’s Basilica – 5 EUR discount
• Wax Museum- 50% discount
• Zoomarine Amusement Park – discounted ticket

Your Roma Pass is part of a full tourist package! You can also use your Roma Pass to save money with the following services for tourists:

• 1 City Tour – 15% discount on electric cars, bikes, Vatican and Colosseum tours, and luggage deposit
• Bags Free Luggage Transport and Storage – 15% discount
• Bicycl-E – 20% discount on e-bike rentals & 10% discount on tours
• Big Bus Rome – 15% discount
• Bounce Luggage Storage – 15% discount online with code ROMAPASS15
• Capital Luggage Deposit at Termini Station – 15% discount
• City Sightseeing Rome – 15% discount on open bus tours
• Ecobike at Parco Appia Antica – 20% discount on bike hire
• Hi Bike – 15% discount on any rental, 20% discount on a Hi Bike tour
• Hop on Hop off Panoramic Rome Bus Tour – 20% discount
• Radical Storage – 10% off
• Roma Starbike – 15% discount when booking online with code romapass
• Rome and Italy Tourist Services – 20% discount
• Rome by Segway – 30% discount
• Rome Left Luggage – 10% discount for luggage storage and bike rental
• Segway Rome Tours – 20% discount
• Sitbus Shuttle to Ciampino Airport – 6 EUR ticket one way, 11 EUR return ticket
• Sitbus Shuttle to Fiumicino Airport – 6 EUR tickets, 13 EUR return ticket
• Stow Your Bags – 15% discount
• Terravision Shuttle to Ciampino or Fiumicino Airport – 5.50 EUR ticket one way, 10 EUR return ticket
• Topbike Rental and Tours- 10% discount
• Travelbaby – 10% discount on all products
• Travelwheelchair – 10% discount on all products
• Wheely Bike Rental and Tour – 20% discount

While the Roma pass does not include free entrance to the Vatican museums and Sistine Chapel, you can get a discount on entry, usually 18 EUR.

However, remember that tickets to the Vatican Museums sell out way ahead of time. If you want to visit Vatican City on your trip to Rome, you must plan it in advance.

Other things not included with the Roma Pass:

• Visits to the Colosseum at night
• Tourist hop on/hop off buses
• The express train from Fiumicino Airport Trenitalia “No stop” train Roma Termini-Fiumicino Airport (Leonardo Express), and all connections to and from Fiumicino Airport
• Colossum Hypgeum
• St Peter’s Tomb
• The Catacombs
• The Viaggio nei Fori light shows

You’ll need to buy an extra ticket or pay the entrance fee for these attractions in Rome as reduced ticket prices aren’t available.

There are two options for the Roma Pass:

• The 72-hour pass which costs 52 EUR / 55 USD
• The 48-hour pass, which costs 32 EUR / 34 USD

Depending on how long you plan to stay in Rome and how many sites you want to visit will determine which pass works best for you.

Remember, the 72-hour pass offers you free entry to the first two museums or sites you choose to visit.

The 48-hour pass offers you free entry to one site.

On visiting your first site or museum, your pass is automatically activated, and you can then use it as much as you like for the next 48/72 hours.

You can buy your Roma Pass online in advance here .

Alternatively, you can purchase the pass at all the museums and sites that participate or any tourist information spot in the city. You can find a complete map of tourist info points in Rome here .  

The Roma Pass may even be worth it for the skip the line option because the most popular attractions in Rome can get extremely busy. You can queue for hours to visit the Colosseum and Roman Forum. For example, the Borghese Gallery and the Vatican Museums, and Sistine Chapel can have ticket lines that are way over an hour outside.

The Colosseum ticket you get included in your Roma Pass includes Palatine Hill and the Roman Forum, which means the Roma Pass makes it much easier than buying individual tickets to those attractions.

To get the most out of your Roma Pass, you’ll need to plan your itinerary carefully and book tickets online for some of the attractions you want to see in advance. That way, you’ll really be able to maximize your time in Rome and get your money’s worth from your sightseeing pass.

You’ll get a free map with your city pass, making it easier to plan your days in Rome.

If you're looking for a more relaxed itinerary on your trip to Rome and only want to visit one or two museums or sites, the Roma Pass won’t be worth it for you.

The savings you get using the Roma Pass are modest, with small discounts compared to the regular entry price for many attractions. So if you aren’t bothered by the skip the line perk and want to visit less touristy sites on your trip, the Roma Pass probably isn’t the best tourist pass option for you.

If the Vatican City attractions aren’t appealing to you, and you just want to check Vatican City from the outside without visiting any of the Vatican museums, you can also skip buying the Vatican museum pass that we'll go into detail about below.

At first, the free public transport option may seem appealing, however, one of the charms of Rome is walking the streets and discovering it for yourself. Plus, public transport is very cheap – on average 1.40 EUR per journey on the metro. You won’t necessarily be saving money by using a Rome Pass on public transport.

Want to plan your own itinerary? Check out this 4 day itinerary for Rome .

If seeing the Roman Forum, Palatine Hill and the Colosseum, isn’t enough and you also want fast track entry to the Vatican and St Peter’s Basilica, you can add on the Omnia Vatican Pass to your Roma Pass. This makes it a combo card.

The Omnia Vatican Pass also includes access to Rome’s Hop-on, Hop-off bus. So if you really want to go all out on your trip to the eternal city, you could consider buying both passes.

Purchasing both passes together gives you the ultimate Rome tourist experience. If seeing as many tourist spots as possible while skipping the ticket lines is your priority, it could be an excellent option for you.

For the sake of transparency, here are all the Rome tourist spots you can access for free with the Omnia Rome Card:

• Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel – Fast track & reserved entry
• St Peter’s Basilica – Free audio guide included
• Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour – 4 available routes
• Carcer Tullianum (Maretine Prison) – Free multimedia guide included & reserved time slot
• Vox City Guide
• St. John in Lateran and Cloister – Free audio guide included

Don’t get confused by these two different options; it’s simple:

If you want to see only the Vatican museums and the Sistine chapel get the Omnia Vatican Pass.

If you only want to see the Roman Forum, Palatine Hill, and the Colosseum, get the Roma Pass.

Get the combo pass if you want to see all the Rome city sites!  

Plan for the best, and prepare for the worst. Travel insurance covers you in case (part of) your trip gets canceled, you get sick or hurt abroad, and sometimes even when your electronics break or get stolen. I always make sure I'm covered on every trip I go on.

Don't have travel insurance yet? Check out SafetyWing. They offer super flexible plans that you can even sign up for while you're already on your trip. On top of that, they were the first travel insurance to cover COVID, and when I got COVID, they reimbursed all of my expenses without making a fuss. Their customer support team is great and I can personally recommend them.  

Have you ever visited Rome? Did you go for one of the Rome city passes or go it alone? Share your experience in the comments.

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Which Rome City Pass is Best?

Sometimes as we're leading one of our free Rome walking tours, a guest will ask us about how to save money on tickets to popular attractions.

While we usually mention at least a few great programs like Domenica al Museo and free days at the Vatican Museums , it's hard to deny that these tourist passes are among the best ways to get a good deal on various activities throughout the city.

This post includes information on 8-10 of the best Rome tourist attraction passes. We list prices, what's included, and if they are worth buying. 

Before You Buy

• All-Inclusive
• Pick Your Attraction
• Prepackaged
• Travel Pass
• Bus Tours of Rome

Disclosure:  While our recommendations are always unbiased, we may receive a small share of sales through some of the links below at no cost to you. See the  full text .

There are several different types of tourist passes in the City of Rome, and they all offer low cost tickets for popular activities or services in the ancient city.

Passes often include " skip-the-line " or " skip-the-queue " tickets which allow you to enter an attraction without waiting in the ticket queues, which sometimes can save you hours.  

Most of these passes act as your transportation card as well, allowing free boarding on the subway, buses, and trams, saving you precious vacation time trying to figure out how to buy your transport tickets . 

Likewise, a few passes include a  hop-on-hop-off bus service.

Also, passes usually include free maps and informational booklets to further help you maximize your visit. 

If you are traveling with children , keep in mind that many of Rome’s top museums and sights offer free or reduced-cost entry to children under the age of 18. 

Here are some of the most notable locations and activities you can enjoy with one of these passes:

• Vatican Museums
• Sistine Chapel
• The Colosseum
• Roman Forum
• Palatine Hill
• Borghese Gallery
• Hop-on-Hop-off Bus Tour
• Castel Sant’Angelo
• Baths of Caracalla

Although each of these attractions is included with most services, no one tourist pass is exactly alike, so it’s important to understand how each one works before deciding which one will work best for your needs.

This section will provide details about each type of Rome tourist pass available, including how to use it and how it can save you money.

All-Inclusive Pass

There are currently a couple of passes available in Rome that offer an all-inclusive experience.

This type of Rome pass includes admission to dozens of popular attractions for a specific amount of time (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 7 days).

Although this type of pass offers some of the best opportunities to save money, you have to use it for a lot of different activities in order to enjoy the biggest possible price cut.

All-inclusive passes usually include skip-the-line or skip-the-queue tickets to certain locations, allowing you to save both time and money.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by OMNIA Vatican & Rome (@omniavaticanrome)

You can also expect these services to include at least one bus tour and admission to popular sites like the Vatican Museums, the Colosseum, and more.

These passes are best suited to people who plan on taking part in a lot of different activities while visiting Rome, as they’ll get the most out of it.

Depending on how the pass is used, you can save anywhere from 20% - 50% off general admission prices.

Pick Your Attractions Pass

This is similar to the all-inclusive option in that you pay one flat price, but rather than paying for a certain number of days that you can use the pass, you will pay for a specific number of activities.

You can choose between 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or 7 attractions at a time, and these passes are also active for up to 60 days, which gives you plenty of time to enjoy each activity.

Although you won't always save as much with this type of pass, it does include certain attractions that aren't available on any other tourist pass.

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This type of Rome pass is accessible via your smartphone, making it easy to use wherever you choose to go.

Much like other passes, this service also includes hop-on-hop-off bus tours, access to the Colosseum, the Vatican Museums, and other popular things to do in Rome.

Prepackaged Pass

Unlike the all-inclusive option, these passes offer a few select attractions or services and provide a small price cut on several additional activities.

This is a much more affordable Rome pass, because there aren’t as many attractions fully covered with the service.

Although they don’t offer admission to as many activities as their competitors, their additional deals can come in quite handy.

Some of the services included with the extra deals provided by prepackage passes aren’t available with any other tourist pass, making it one of the best ways to save money on those attractions.

Depending on which pass you choose, you may find that the cost of the pass essentially pays for the services which it covers, which means you won’t save any money on those activities.

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That said, every additional deal you receive will be free, so it makes sense to purchase a prepackaged pass if you’re already planning to use some of the included services in the first place.

A majority of these passes include admission to at least one major attraction and either a hop-on-hop-off bus tour or a free public transport card valid for 48 hours or more.

Additional deals provided on other activities are usually between 10% - 20% off. Low cost tickets for some attractions and tours must be purchased ahead of time in order to receive the deal.

Travel Card

If you’ve already paid for all the attractions and activities you want to enjoy during your trip to Rome, this pass might be an excellent alternative to the others.

A travel card typically includes access to almost every form of public transportation in the city, as well as other transport services such as airport transfers.

These services may also sometimes include additional goodies such as audio guides that you can use to enjoy a self-guided tour around the city.

Since travel cards don’t typically include much, they are usually the cheapest type of tourist pass available. That said, you may be able to save more money by using a prepackaged pass.

Make sure to compare and contrast what each pass offers before making a decision about which one to purchase.

All-Inclusive Rome Passes

The following section will cover the highlights of each of the all-inclusive tourist passes available in Rome, providing details about how to use the pass, the attractions included, and how much money you can save.

OMNIA VATICAN AND ROME CARD

This is an excellent pass for visitors who want to see the top sights in a limited time, visitors who want to avoid long ticket queues, see the Vatican sights, and like taking hop-on-hop-off sightseeing buses.  

This may seem at first glance like a pricey pass, but if you have a limited amount of time in Rome and plan to visit the most famous attractions, this pass can save you lots of time and money. 

It has two components. One is the OMNIA Vatican and Rome Card for Vatican City sights & tours as well as unlimited use of the Roma Cristiana hop-on-hop-off bus.  

The other is the  3-day Travel Card ,  which means you have 3 days of free city transportation on the metro, trams, buses, and overground trains plus the other benefits.

If you're looking for a more affordable option, consider their 1-Day Pass instead.

Although it costs less, it's worth noting that with just 24 hours to use the pass, you won't have a lot of time to get as much value as possible out of it.

The 1-Day Pass also includes far fewer activities and attractions, so we only recommend it for visitors with a limited amount of time to spend in Rome.

Highlights included with the 1-Day Pass:

• Free entry to Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel (with a free downloadable audio guide for St Peter's Basilica).
• Guided tour of the Catacombs of Saint Calixtus.
• Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour.
• Basilica and Cloister of Saint John in Lateran with audio-guide, Entrance to the Treasure Museum.
• Carcer Tullianum.
• Vox City Guide is an innovative app that will guide you around the city.

Highlights included with the 3-Day Pass: 

• Free entry to your choice of 2 out of 6 top Rome attractions including The Colosseum , Roman Forum & Palatine Hill, Capitoline Museums , Borghese Gallery , and National Museum of Castel Sant'Angelo .
• Fast Track Entry to St Peter's Basilica, Sistine Chapel & The Colosseum.
• Free, unlimited use of the Roma Cristiana hop-on-hop-off bus.
• Free travel card for unlimited access to Rome's public transport system.
• Low cost entry to another 30-plus sights, attractions, and museums in Rome.
• Free guidebook and detailed map.

1-Day Pass Prices

• Card for just 24 hours
• €70 for Adults
• €50 for Children (6-17)
• Purchase this pass or learn more .

3-Day Pass Prices

• Card for 3 consecutive days
• €149 for Adults
• €69 for Children (ages 6-17)
• For more information and to purchase, click here .   
• The OMNIA Vatican & Rome Card is valid for 12 months from the date of purchase. Once you activate it by visiting your first attraction.
• This pass is available as a physical card. If you're not a big fan of using your smartphone, this might be preferable to other passes.
• The 3-Day card runs for 72 consecutive hours.  If you activate your card on a Monday, that is your first day and thus Wednesday is your last day. ( Note: if you start using your card in the late afternoon or evening that will still count as your first full day. So start your day early!)
• The included travel card does not include travel to and from the city airports.
• St. Peter's Basilica
• Lateran Complex
• Carcer Tullianum (open on Sunday)

Guests loved the ability to see a large variety of attractions in three days. They also loved the convenience of the Roma Cristiana hop-on-hop-off bus.

Many reviewers commented that the price of the card was worth the skip-the-line passes alone.

The best part of this pass was that customers were able to use the Omnia Card as their metro card for three days—without the hassle of buying separate metro tickets.

Some guests were unhappy with the signage and wait times of the hop-on-hop-off buses (a common complaint with all hop-on-hop-off bus companies), but they were pleased to use the card on the metro.

See our post,  Bus Tours of Rome , for a review of the Omnia Card’s hop-on, hop-off bus, the Roma Cristiana.

Bottom Line: Is It Worth It?

If you’re planning to hit the Vatican Museums and two other attractions in three days, the Omnia Card is definitely worth the money; you can save up to €45.

Check out Omnia Card’s suggested itinerary  to see the breakdown for yourself.

ROME CITY PASS - TURBO PASS

This Rome Pass is a good value for those who will visit religious sites, and archaeological sites, those who enjoy hop-on-hop-off bus riders, and travelers who prefer to move at their own pace.

It comes in increments of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 7 days.

Highlights included

Whichever number of days you choose, all passes come with the following (valid only for the number of days you purchase): 

• Free luggage storage
• Unlimited use of the City Sightseeing hop-on-hop-off bus
• Free or low cost entry into 60+ museums and attractions
• Fast track ('skip the line') entry for some museums and attractions

Here are just a few of the 60+ attractions  

• The Sistine Chapel
• Castel Sant'Angelo
• Mausoleum of Cecilia Metella
• Colosseum/Roman Forum/Palatine Hill
• €99.90 for Adults
• €58.90 for Teens (10-17 years)
• €48.90 for Children (6-9 years)
• Free for 5 years and under
• €114.90 for Adults
• €63.90 for Teens (10-17 years)
• €53.90 for Children (6-9 years)
• €127.90 for Adults
• €68.90 for Teens (10-17 years)
• €58.90 for Children (6-9 years)
• €134.90 for Adults
• €73.90 for Teens (10-17 years)
• €63.90 for Children (6-9 years)
• €144.90 for Adults
• €78.90 for Teens (10-17 years)
• €68.90 for Children (6-9 years)
• €154.90 for Adults
• €83.90 for Teens
• €73.90 for Children (ages 6-9) 

For more information and to purchase tickets click  here .

• Days are consecutive.
• Passes are non-transferable.
• Passes can be presented via mobile phone.
• You may cancel your purchase (without stating a reason) up to 1 day before your arrival. You will be reimbursed the entire purchase price, less a 40 € service charge.

Reviews of the Turbo Pass

Reviewers who wanted to see more sites with fewer time constraints and those who wanted to see more than two non-Vatican sites were extremely happy with the Turbo Pass. 

Most reviewers commented that the skip-the-line tickets were worth the price of the pass alone.   

This pass is slightly less expensive than the Omnia Card for the three-day pass, and guests loved that they saw more sites with fewer restrictions. 

The hop-on-hop-off bus service that they use is CityRoma, which is so poorly reviewed that we don't even include them on our bus comparison page.

If you buy this pass, don't buy it for this service.  

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If you want to see more than two non-Vatican sites or want to spread your time sightseeing over more than three days, the Turbo Pass should be worth the price.

Depending on how many attractions you want to see, you could save well over €100. Just don't buy it for the hop-on-hop-off service.

PICK YOUR ATTRACTIONS PASS

This type of Rome pass allows you to pay one flat price for only as many attractions as you want to visit.

In this section, we'll explain exactly how this service works in greater detail.

GO CITY ROME EXPLORER PASS

This tourist pass provides access to 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or 7 different attractions.

Depending on how you use the pass, you can save up to 47% off normal ticket prices.

There are over 30 different attractions and activities to choose from with the Go City Rome Explorer Pass, and they give you a total of 60 days to use the service.

Here are a few of the more notable activities included with this pass:

• Colosseum + Roman Forum
• Saint Peter's Basilica Tour
• Capitoline Museum
• Rome Catacombs Tour
• Big Bus Hop-on Hop-off
• Via Appia Bike Tour
• Three Tenors Concert

Pass Prices

2 Choice Pass

• €34.50 per activity
• €22.00 per activity

3 Choice Pass

• €33 per activity
• €19.67 per activity

4 Choice Pass

• €29.75 per activity
• €18.50 per activity

5 Choice Pass

• €27.80 per activity
• €17.80 per activity

6 Choice Pass

• €26.50 per activity
• €17.33 per activity

7 Choice Pass

• €25.57 per activity
• €16.29 per activity

Purchase the Go City Rome Explorer Pass or learn more .

• Passes that have not been used are valid for up to 2 years.
• Passes can be canceled within 90 days of purchase if necessary.
• You can use this pass digitally on your smartphone.
• Child passes are only valid for ages 2-6. Anyone older must get an adult pass.

Things to Consider

If you get the 7-choice pass, you'll be paying as little as €24.14 per activity, and many of the services included are usually €35 - €40 per ticket.

That said, there are a few attractions included that are regularly less than €23, so we recommend not using the pass for those choices.

This pass is available exclusively through the Go City app.

All you have to do is download the app onto your smartphone and use it to access any attraction included with the service.

One of the nice things about the Go City Rome Explorer Pass is that it includes a lot of activities you won't typically get with other passes, such as the Three Tenors Concert and the Gelato Making Class.

Although you might be able to save more with other passes, the advantage of the Go City Rome Explorer Pass is that you have plenty of time to enjoy all of your attractions, with 60 days to enjoy up to 7 activities.

This pass is definitely worth the price if you're looking to save 30-40% off a variety of different services, many of which are unique to this company.

Prepackaged Passes

This section will provide details about all of the prepackaged passes available in Rome, including information about how each pass works, activities you can enjoy, and how to save money with these services.

The Roma Pass is the “official” sightseeing pass for Rome and it is offered by the city itself.

This card is best for those on a budget as well as for museum lovers. 

They can be purchased in advance , or at any official tourist office, or at the Termini Railway Station.

This pass is sold as either a 2-day card with 1 free attraction or a 3-day card with 2 free attractions.

You also get reduced entry at 45+ museums and attractions. Prices are between 15% and 50% off the regular costs.

(See the list of sites here along with your reduced price.)

One significant aspect of this pass is that it does not include the Vatican, Vatican Museums, and St Peter's Basilica.

The Roma Pass acts as your travel card for unlimited travel within the main parts of the city. 

2-Day + 1 free attraction 

• €33 per person | Children ages 5 and under FREE

3-Day + 2 free attractions

• €53 per person | Children ages 5 and under FREE

For more information and to purchase tickets click here .

TIP : Choose the most expensive attraction(s) you want to see as your first attraction(s) to see. 

Good choices to use as your freebie(s) are the  Capitoline Museums , Galleria Borghese , and the Colosseum/Roman Forum .  

Note: Be sure to visit the Colosseum and the Roman Forum on the same day to make sure it is counted as one attraction. 

Before you buy: 

Before buying a pass, find out if you might already be entitled to a reduced price based on age or status.

There are several museum networks in Rome and they have different concessions policies and you may find that buying the pass isn’t worth it.

But more likely than not, relying on museum-reduced prices will not save you nearly as much as the pass will.

If you are traveling with young children, you should check to see which museums and attractions offer free admission based on age.  

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Fine Print:

• You can only buy up to four Roma Passes online.
• You must wait 24 hours after you purchase your card to pick it up.
• Valid for consecutive days only.
• Roma Pass will not refund the price of the card due to museum closures.
• Airport transfers are not included in the public transportation portion of the card. 

Reviews of the Roma Pass

Reviewers who didn’t care to see the Vatican Museums loved this less-expensive option.

The Roma Pass gives you fast-track tickets to the Colosseum, which reviewers found extremely helpful during peak travel seasons.

If you’re not interested in using a hop-on-hop-off bus, this is definitely the pass for you. You don’t pay for services you won’t use.

Plus, if you change your mind and decide you want to ride one loop on the CitySights bus, you can get 20% off the price of your ticket. 

Bottom Line: Is it worth it?

If you’ve come to Rome for archaeological sites and non-religious museums, this pass can be perfect.

You save around €10 if you just visit the Colosseum, and one other museum, and use the metro for three days.

If you want to take advantage of additional deals, you can save even more money.

ROME TOURIST CARD 

Unlike the other passes above, this pass does not limit you to a set number of days.

This feature alone may make one of these passes right for you.

The Rome Tourist Card includes admission to a few specific attractions and services while providing an additional 10% off dozens of other popular activities.

This pass currently includes:

• skip-the-line tickets to Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill
• skip-the-line tickets to the Borghese Gallery
• skip-the-line tickets to Castel Sant'Angelo
• Audio Tour of Rome City Center and The Pantheon
• A unique code to receive 10% off tickets for many other attractions, museums, excursions
• No set number of days in which to visit the included attractions
• “Paperless” pass -  use your smartphone as your pass or print it up - your choice!

NEW FEATURES

This tourist pass now gives visitors the option to choose which type of tickets they want for each attraction.

What this means is that you can choose to get either the ticket alone or admission with an additional guided tour or activity.

This allows you to either save as much money as possible, or essentially add on extra activities at a lower rate when purchasing the pass.

The Fine Print:

The Rome Tourist Card does not include public transportation in the city, but you can buy it with 10% off when you use their website. Passes are non-refundable after purchase.

• Youth (4-17) €73
• Infant (0-3) Free

More information or to purchase .

First, it seems that none of the Rome Tourist Card options is worth buying for anyone 17 and under.

Rome museums and attractions are typically very generous with low prices for youth. Some attractions are even free for teens and toddlers.

When you add up the regular ticket prices of the attractions included in this pass, you see the difference is just a few euros.

The pass has one benefit that easily makes up for those few extra euros: the 10% off promotional offer on certain museums and attractions can save you money.

For example, if you go to the Galleria Borghese , you will save €4 and you have broken even.  

Roma Super Pass

Although it sounds like an extension of the Roma Pass, this is actually a completely different service that provides access to specific attractions.

If anything, this pass has more in common with the Rome Tourist Card, as it includes many of the same activities.

The main difference of note between this and other prepackaged passes is that it does not include 10% off other attractions.

Another important detail is that the Roma Super Pass is only valid for 3 days.

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This pass currently offers the following:

• Entrance to the Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel
• Entrance to St. Peter's Basilica & Audio Guide
• Entrance to the Colosseum, Roman Forum, & Palatine Hill
• Ancient Rome Multimedia Video at FORO ROMANO
• 72-Hour Public Transport Ticket (ATAC)
• €115/Adults
• €95/Children (6-17)
• Children 5 and under are free

Purchase the Roma Super Pass or learn more .

At only €7 more than the Rome Tourist Card, this service includes both a ticket to see the Piazza Navona Underground and a 72-hour ticket for public transport.

The one activity not included here is an audio guide for the Pantheon, which is free to visit on weekdays.

While you won't save a lot of money over general admission prices, this pass will cover the cost of several popular activities all at once, which means you won't have to worry about buying individual tickets at each location.

If you're trying to save time, this is an excellent option. That said, there are probably much better options when it comes to saving money.

The Vatican City Pass

If you're planning to visit Vatican City, this pass is a great way to save some time and take care of several tickets all at once.

Although the attractions included are limited, this service should take care of almost everything you'll need while in the area.

In addition to the activities you can enjoy with this tourist pass, you'll also receive an additional 10% off other attractions in Rome.

The Vatican City Pass includes the following:

• Skip-the-Line Entrance to the Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel
• St. Peter's Basilica Guided Tour
• Rome City Audio Guide
• 10% off other attractions
• €68/Youth (7-17)

Purchase the Vatican City Pass or learn more .

When you factor in the cost of all three included activities, you'll be saving close to €9 overall.

That said, it should be noted that it's free to visit St. Peter's Basilica and you might be able to get a better deal on a tour elsewhere.

We also offer free walking tours of Rome that you can use to save money on the audio guide.

Furthermore, the Vatican Museums offer free admission on the last Sunday of every month.

If you really wanted to save even more money than you can with this pass, it is entirely possible.

Of course, if you can't manage to visit on the last Sunday of the month and you want to avoid long lines, it will almost certainly be worth it to consider a pass like this, even though you aren't saving a whole lot of money.

Pompeii & Vesuvius Pass

Although neither of these historic sites are in or around Rome, they are both a short journey from the ancient city.

Pompeii is actually one of the most popular day trips to take from Rome, so this pass could be quite useful for some travelers.

In addition to covering the cost of both reserved entrance to Pompeii and skip-the-line entry to Mount Vesuvius, this digital pass also includes an audio guide for each attractions.

One of the best things about this tourist pass is that it allows you to pick the specific dates and timeslots you want for each attraction.

In other words, if you're planning to stay in the area overnight, you could easily plan out a full day at Pompeii and then schedule your time at Vesuvius for the day after.

If you prefer to have complete control over your itinerary, this pass is an excellent option.

• €53/Adults (25+)
• €53/Youth (18-25)
• €32/EU Citizen (18-24)

Purchase the Pompeii & Vesuvius Pass .

TIP: If you want a pass that also includes roundtrip transport from Pompeii to Vesuvius , this company also offers that for just €58 !

As with every tourist pass, that depends on whether or not you're interested in visiting these attractions and how much you want to save.

It's worth noting that few (if any) Rome tourist passes include admission to either of these attractions, so this is one of the only ways to save money on tickets to Pompeii or Vesuvius.

The fact that you can also pick and choose the dates and time slots you want is also a nice benefit that shouldn't be ignored.

That said, the deal provided with this digital pass is typically only 5% - 10% off , so you won't be saving a lot of money.

Keep in mind that tickets to both attractions do not sell out very frequently, so getting skip-the-line or reserved entry is not that big of a deal.

For more details, please check our post covering Pompeii tickets and ways to save on admission .

The following section will cover several important details about each Rome travel card, how you can use them, what services are included, and other information.

Rome Airport Taxi & Transport Card

Whether you have already planned out all your activities, you have all the attraction tickets you want, or you’re just looking for a way to get around the city, this is an excellent alternative to other Rome tourist passes.

The Rome Airport Taxi & Transport Card will take care of pretty much all your transportation needs while in the city.

This card includes the following services:

• Valid on Metro, Bus, Train, and Tram
• Private Airport Transfer (Fiumicino or Ciampino) to Rome (one-way)

The Rome Airport Taxi & Transport Card is also one of the most affordable tourist passes available in this city at a price of just €62 for taxi plus €20 per person for transport card.

This is a great way to make sure that you can get to the city from either Ciampino Airport or Fiumicino Airport with ease, and the Public Transportation Pass includes access to buses, metro, trains, and trams in the urban area of Rome for a full 3 days.

Purchase the Rome Public Transport Pass .

The 72-hour travel pass is worth €18 and the private airport transfer will set you back an extra €35-€45, so it is a pretty decent deal.

That said, the Rome Airport Taxi & Transport Card does take all the guesswork out of traveling, as it includes almost every type of transportation you could possibly need to get around the ancient city.

If you’ve already taken care of the other activities/attractions you want to see while you’re in Rome, this pass will help you avoid the hassle of paying various fares for each individual ride you take on a bus, tram, train, or metro.

The Rome Airport Taxi & Transport Card is similar to the Roma Pass in that they both provide access to public transportation for a specific amount of time.

Even so, it’s worth noting that one service has a lot more to offer.

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Not only is the Roma Pass around the same price as this service, but it also includes at least one free attraction as well as low cost admission to other popular activities. 

While the 48-Hour Roma Pass doesn’t last as long as the Rome Airport Taxi & Transport Card, it does provide admission to one attraction and it actually costs less.

On the other hand, the 72-Hour Roma Pass is roughly €9 more than a travel pass alone, and it includes 2 free attractions.

Depending on how you use either Roma Pass , it is definitely possible to save more money with that service than the Rome Public Transport Pass.

Rome Metro Card

If you don't need an airport transfer and you're just looking for transportation around the city, this is a more affordable option you may want to consider.

The Rome Metro Card is valid for either 1 or 3 days at a time, and it includes the following services: 

• Hop on Hop off Bus Tour

Card Prices:

• 1-Day Card: €29/Adults
• 3-Day Card: €39/Adults
• Free for kids 9 and under.

This is an excellent option for anyone who wants to explore and learn about the city because the hop-on-hop-off bus service includes a tour of Rome.

Although you can use the bus tour to get around the city and see most of the notable landmarks, the public transport card will ensure you can reach any other location you might want to visit.

NOTE: Not currently available.

As we previously mentioned, a 72-hour travel pass costs €18 on its own.

In addition, it typically costs about €30-€35 for 1-day hop on hop off bus tour or €35-€45 for a 3-day ticket.

When you use a Rome Metro Card, you'll save about €10-€15 on both services.

While this isn't the biggest price cut out there, it's a savings of about 25% - 30% off.

If you're only looking for a cheaper transportation option while visiting Rome, this is a great way to save a few euros without worrying about paying for additional activities or attractions.

As with the Rome Public Transport Pass , the Rome Metro Card should be compared with the Roma Pass – which also covers the costs of public transportation.

While the Roma Pass includes admission to several popular museums and attractions, the Rome Metro Card focuses on transportation and a tour of the city.

Ultimately, prices for both of these passes are very similar, so we recommend picking the service that best fits your needs.

If you've already taken care of tickets for attractions and activities, a Rome Metro Card is probably the best choice for transportation.

However, if you want to save some money on admission to popular museums and landmarks and you also need a way to get around the city, a Roma Pass would be the superior option.

PRICE COMPARISON EXAMPLE

If you already know where you are planning to go and which museums and sites are on your list, you may want to get out that calculator and see if the savings are worth buying a pass.  

Sometimes passes cost more than if you paid for everything individually.

But passes can also make life easier and that has a value of its own.

If you visit these attractions, this is what you would pay based on regular prices for one adult.  

Remember: these prices do not include a fast-track entry so you may be spending valuable time just waiting to get in. As they say, “Time is money.”

• Colosseum/Roman Forum/Palatine Hill (one-day)  €18
• Sistine Chapel/Vatican Museums  €20
• Capitoline Museums  €15
• St. Peter’s Basilica - Free entry, but with a useful audio guide €15
• Galleria Borghese €13
• 2-day hop-on, hop-off bus tour (in lieu of public 3-day transportation card and more fun) €39

The above itinerary without a pass would cost you €120.  

But with a 3-Day OMNIA Vatican and Rome Card at €149, you have almost broken even and you will get fast-track entry for some sites and also low cost admission at 30 more sites.

As you can see, spending some time in advance planning what you want to see and checking out prices can help you make the right decision about getting a pass or not. 

PRICES OF ATTRACTIONS AND TRANSPORT WITHOUT A PASS

Rome Metro Tickets - Regular Prices

• Single-Ride Ticket €1.50  Valid: 75 minutes
• One-Day Ticket €7 Valid: 1 day on any public bus, metro, or tram. Expires at midnight on the day of validation
• Two-Day Ticket €12.50 Valid: 2 consecutive days on any public bus, metro, or tram.
• Three-Day Ticket €18 Valid: Three consecutive days on any public bus, metro, or tram.
• One-Week Ticket €24 Valid: 7 consecutive days; good for only one rider
• Children free if 10 and under accompanied by a paying adult

Top 3 Rome Museums and Attractions - Regular prices 

Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill (valid for 2 days )  

• Adults € 18
• Children 17 and under € 2
• Reduced Fee for EU citizens ages 18-25 and EU teachers € 6
• Add € 2 for online purchases. Highly recommended as lines are very long).

Gallery Borghese (Ticket reservations are required)

• Adults € 13 plus € 2 mandatory reservation fee
• Children 17 and under FREE plus € 2 mandatory reservation fee
• Reduced Fee for EU citizens ages 18-25  € 2 plus € 2 mandatory reservation fee

Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel (grounds are an additional fee) 

• Adults € 20
• Children between the ages of 6 and 18 years € 8.00 with a valid ID
• Children below the age of 6 FREE
• Reduced Fee for EU citizens ages 18-25 and EU teachers € 8
• Add € 5 for online purchases. Highly recommended as lines are very long).

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• What to Do in Rome
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• Where to Store Your Luggage

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Online Tickets in Rome

A quick look online will show you that there are a lot of ticket options to choose from when you are planning your Rome vacation and some important choices to make.

To help you decide which tickets are the right for you, we’ve put together a guide to everything you need to know, from getting to Rome to the most popular excursions and choosing the Colosseum tickets that are right for you.

Tourist Passes

Tourist passes can be a great way to save you time and money when you are on holiday. Some will allow you to book everything in one go, others are a little more complicated.

Let’s take a look at 3 of the most popular passes available in Rome and what they can offer you.

1. Roma Pass

The Roma Pass is an initiative of the Rome City Council. It is the cheapest of the passes and includes free access to the city’s transport network .

What’s Included?

• 1 or 2 free entrances of your choice, including the Colosseum
• Free access to buses , trams , and metro lines (excluding airport transfers )
• Discounts to museums , events, sightseeing buses , guided tours , bike rentals, and more
• Free access to the P-Stops (public toilets)
• Can be purchased online or in Rome

How Does It Work?

You can buy your Roma Pass online or in person once you arrive. This is a physical card, and even if you pay online, you’ll need to pick up your pass from one of the many collection points around the city.

You can choose a 48-hour pass or a 72-hour pass. The pass includes 1 (48hr pass) or 2 (72hr pass) free entrances. Some of the sites you can visit, like the Colosseum or Galleria Borghese , require you to go to their website and book a timeslot for a small booking fee. No museums are guaranteed to be available when you buy the pass, and options don’t include the Vatican Museums , Sistine Chapel , or Colosseum underground.

The main advantage of the card is that it is also a travel pass, and you won’t need to worry about buying Rome tickets for every trip.

Other benefits are free access to the city’s public toilets (known as P-Stops) located in some of the most popular areas and monuments and discounts for many exhibitions, events, and services around the city, such as luggage storage, bike rental, Hop-on Hop-off buses, urban adventures, and guided tours.

Where Can I Get The Roma Pass?

At the airports , metro station ticket offices (not available at all stations), tourist information points , and P-Stops .

Is This Card For Me?

The Roma Pass is a good option if you are planning on visiting Rome by public transport. 

2. Omnia card

The Omnia card is great if you want to focus on Rome’s religious history.

• Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel 
• Carcer Tullianum
• Catacombs of St. Callixtus
• St. John Lateran
• Hop-on, Hop-off Rome & Vatican buses

How does it work?

The 24hr card gives you skip-the-line access to the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel, as well as St. John Lateran (Rome’s cathedral), the Carcer Tullianum prison where St. Peter was held, the catacombs of St. Callixtus and the Hop-on, Hop-off Open Bus. 

The 72hrs card doesn’t include the catacombs, but it is combined with the Roma Pass (adults only) and gives you access to the city’s transport network, free entrance to 2 other sites of your choice, and numerous discounts.

Where Can I Get the Omnia card?

Buy your ticket online and book the times you want for each visit. You can also add discounted tours of the Vatican Museums and St. John Lateran.

Pick your card up at one of the official collection points in St. Peter’s Square or outside St. John Lateran.

Is This The Card For Me?

The 2 Omnia cards are quite different, and you should check carefully which will suit you best as they are non-refundable.

The 24h card will let you spend a day (or 2 half days) visiting the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel, seeing some of Rome’s many beautiful churches by bus, and taking a tour of one of the catacombs (not on the bus line). While the 72hr card is a great option if you want a wider choice of Rome and Vatican sites, and it gives you free access to the transport network.

3. Rome Tourist Card (TicketBar Pass)

Rome tourist card is a 100% digital option to visit Rome’s most visited sites.

What’s included?

• Colosseum , Palatine , and Forum with multimedia experience
• Vatican and Sistine Chapel with an audio guide
• St. Peter’s Basilica guided tour
• Access to St. Peter’s dome
• City audio guide
• 1-day Hop-on, Hop-off sightseeing bus 
• 1 airport transfer
• 20% discount on museums, cruises, excursions, public transport, and bike tours
• No time limit

You can buy the pass online. Before paying, you’ll need to pick the dates and times for your visits to the Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s. The earlier you do this, the better, as numbers are limited, and slots sell out.

Where Can I Buy the Tourist Card?

A great advantage of this pass is that you won’t need to pick up a card when you arrive in Rome. Buy the card online and receive everything you need by email. No printing is required.

If you only have a short time in Rome and aren’t interested in guided tours, the Rome Tourist Card can be a one-stop booking solution that lets you see the highlights of the city ticket-free.

Popular Rome Attractions

Dream of going underground at the Colosseum or visiting the Vatican Museums after hours?  

If you are looking for more than the basic entrance tickets included in the tourist passes, there are plenty of exclusive experiences and offers available when you book your tickets directly or through a tour operator.

Here are some of the best ones to know about before you book your tickets for Rome.

The Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel

The Vatican Museums has an amazing selection of tickets which you can buy through their website. These include:

• guided tours
• special access outside the regular opening hours
• entrance combined with breakfast, lunch, or aperitif
• entrance to off-limit areas of the Vatican Museums
• tours of the Vatican Gardens
• combined visits to the Pope’s summer villa at Castel Gandolfo from the Vatican train station

Don’t worry about getting separate tickets for the Sistine Chapel . Michelangelo ’s masterpiece is in the middle of the Museums and included in every entrance ticket.

In the summer months, book your tickets as early as possible, especially for early or after-hours tours, which sell out quickly. Regular entrance tickets are available 2 months in advance, and if you can’t book online, it’s still possible to wait in line and buy a ticket on the day. 

The Colosseum

The Colosseum is one of 3 sites in the archaeological park Parco del Colosseo , along with the Roman Forum and the Palatine Hill. You can choose to visit all the sites or just the Colosseum.

The basic entrance ticket is perfect for seeing the 3 sites, but for those who want to see all the areas which are open to the public, the Full Experience with Colosseum Underground is the best option. This will give you access to the Colosseum, including the arena and underground areas, the Forum, the Palatine, and the S.U.P.E.R sites.

And remember, waiting in line to buy tickets at the Colosseum is no longer an option. All Colosseum tickets are for a fixed time and must be purchased online in advance on the Coopculture website.  

Galleria Borghese

Art lovers won’t want to miss Rome’s most elegant art gallery and its wonderful collection of works by Bernini , Canova, and Caravaggio . But Galleria Borghese is the hardest museum in Rome to get tickets for. Only 180 tickets are available each hour, and you have to buy them online on the TicketOne website.

Museums Capitolini

Advanced booking for Museums Capitolini will let you walk straight in here through the priority entrance. There are no timed entrances here, so you can even buy your ticket online when you arrive if there’s a line at the ticket office, though you will have to register with the vivaticket website. 

Hop-On, Hop-Off Buses

There are several sightseeing bus companies in Rome to choose from:

• Big Bus Tours 
• I love Rome City Tour
• City Sightseeing
• Greenline Tours (3 routes)
• Vatican & Rome

They all follow a similar route, starting at Termini Station and ending at the Vatican. First-time visitors find this a great way to see a lot of the city quickly. The bus will take you close to some of the most popular sights in Rome, including the Colosseum, Pantheon , Trevi Fountain , and the Vatican . 

Greenline also has 2 additional routes, one going to the world’s largest Eataly store near Ostiense Station (a must for foodies) and the other visiting the museums of the north of Rome.

The Vatican & Rome ticket (or Omnia card) allows you to use their yellow buses, as well as the Big Bus Tours and City Sightseeing buses.

As well as the companies’ websites, you can also get these tickets from online tour operators and at many places around the city. They are available at tourist information points, P-Stops, newsstands, and the staff at the official bus stops.

These buses can be great if you don’t want to walk too much, but Rome has a lot of traffic, and some visitors find the slow progress of these buses very frustrating. There’s no need to buy these tickets in advance as they are always available, so wait until you get to Rome and decide if they are for you.

Guided Tours

With a 2000-year timeline full of hundreds of popes and emperors to get your head around, choosing a guided tour can be a great way to make sense of everything.

There are loads of tours to choose from in Rome , from walking tours of the city center to guided visits to the Vatican & Sistine Chapel, to trips out of town. Once you’ve decided what you’d like to do, book your tour online or through a tour operator.

Walking tours are the most common tours in the city center. You’ll find an amazing selection of tours online for all the major museums and sites and with dedicated itineraries for Rome’s art, history, culture, and food. 

But first, you’ll need to decide what type of tour you are interested in:

Group Tours

Planning to take a lot of tours? The group tours will help keep costs down. Once you book the tour, you’ll be given the meeting point where you’ll find your guide, usually holding a sign with the name of the tour company. These kinds of tours always use a radio system so you can hear everything the guide is saying no matter how big the group is. 

Small Group Tours

If you like the idea of being with other tourists, but would rather not be in a large group, then a small group tour could be right for you. With fewer than 10 people in a group, these kinds of tours offer lower prices than private tours but a more personal experience than regular group tours, as you can ask questions and interact with the guide.

Private Tours

Hiring a private guide will give you maximum flexibility. Many licensed guides have their own websites where you can contact them directly, or you can find recommendations from happy travelers on TripAdvisor. Private guides will arrange tickets and transportation for you if you want and can tailor the tour to your group and interests.

When you are ready to give your feet a rest, there are other ways to experience the beauty of the Eternal City.

River Boat Cruise

While Rome’s streets are full of traffic, her river is usually empty except for the River Boat Cruise . You can get a 2-day pass and use the 4 stops at Isola Tiberina, Ponte Sisto, Castel Sant’Angelo , and Piazza del Popolo to explore different parts of the city or take a single trip and enjoy the multilingual commentary about the monuments and neighborhoods you are passing.

Golf Cart Tours

This eco-friendly tour option of golf cart tours is the ideal way to navigate some of Rome’s Medieval streets, which aren’t always accessible by cars. If you’re traveling with young children who have had enough of walking, kids love riding on these open buggies and watching the monuments as they pass.

A day trip is a great way to escape the crowds of Rome and see some more of Italy. Here are 5 of the best and easiest excursions from Rome.

• Ostia Antica

The ancient Roman port is today a fascinating archaeological park just 30 minutes outside Rome. You can enjoy a relaxing stroll around the ruins or join a tour for a more in-depth look, while younger visitors will enjoy running along the ancient roads and climbing the Greek theater.

Less than 1 hour from Rome, the town of Tivoli is home to 2 UNESCO sites: Villa d’Este, a 16 th century villa famed for its water gardens, and Villa Adriana, the country retreat of the emperor Hadrian. Villa Adriana is outside the town, so the easiest way to see both villas is to hire a car or take a tour from Rome.

• Castelli Romani

The hills to the south of Rome are scattered with picturesque towns famed for their beautiful villas and their wine. One of the easiest to visit is Castel Gandolfo, home to the Pope’s summer palace and a 40-minute train ride from Termini. You can visit the palace and (in summer) its gardens before finding somewhere to have lunch overlooking Lake Albano.

• Naples and Pompeii 

A high-speed train from Termini will get you to Naples in just over an hour. You can then spend the day exploring this stunning city, visiting the underground ruins, castles, palaces, and churches, not to mention tasting the original pizza. It’s also possible to visit the spectacular ruins of Pompeii, which are just 30 minutes south of Naples.

Italy’s Renaissance jewel is small enough that you can see a lot of it in just one day. Do you dream of visiting Uffizi and Michelangelo’s David? Or will you spend your day wandering the old streets, crossing the Ponte Vecchio, and drinking in the beauty of the city before returning to Rome? A high-speed train from Termini will get you to the heart of Tuscany in just 1.5hrs.

Rome Transportation

Buses , trams , and metro tickets.

Although Rome’s metro is easy to understand – there are only 2 lines – there are hundreds of buses connecting every corner of the city.

There’s just one type of ticket that you can use on metros, buses, and trams. You can either buy single tickets for each journey (a ticket is valid for 100 minutes, including 1 metro trip) or get a travel pass for several days. 

Both types of tickets can be bought from the machines at metro stations, as well as from tobacconists, newsagents. If you choose to get a Roma Pass, this can be used as a pass for the transport network . 

Taking public transport abroad can be daunting, and unless you are staying in the heart of the city and plan to walk everywhere, I’d definitely recommend getting a travel pass to make life easier.

Don’t waste time trying to hail a cab in Rome , they almost never stop. 

Either call a taxi from your hotel or go to the nearest taxi rank (look for the orange ‘Taxi’ sign or a line of taxis). There are lots of these around the city, for example, outside Termini, on the corner of Piazza Venezia/Via dei Fori Imperiali, Piazza del Popolo/Via di Babuino, and in Piazza di Spagna.

Far more convenient is to use an app to call a taxi to come to you. An app can also come in handy if you want to pay by credit card and the driver claims the machine isn’t working (which happens a lot).

There are fixed rates between the airports and addresses inside the Aurelian Walls. For locations outside the ancient walls that circle the historic center of Rome, the driver will set the meter.

It’s generally easy to find taxis to/from the airports unless there is a public holiday or transport strike.

Flying to Rome

Rome has 2 airports: Fiumicino (FCO) , close to the sea, and the smaller Ciampino in the south-east.

All international flights come into Fiumicino. Flights from around Europe and the UK use both airports, with Ciampino favored by low-cost carriers.

Airport Transfers

Traveling between fiumicino and rome.

Getting to/from Fiumicino by taxi will cost you a fixed price if the other end of your journey is inside the Aurelian Walls. For destinations outside the walls, the driver will set the meter.

There are 3 private bus companies operating buses between Termini and Fiumicino (Terminal 3). You can buy tickets online, or at the bus stop. 

• Terravision

Buses leave from Via Giovanni Giolitti, at the back of Termini close to the Mercato Centrale

Buses leave from Via Giovanni Giolitti and stop at Stazione Ostiense (outside Eataly).

Buses leave from Via Marsala with additional stops at Aurelia and Vatican

There are 2 trains to/from Fiumicino:

• The Leonardo Express is a direct connection between Termini Station and Fiumicino. It takes 32 minutes.
• There is another train that leaves from Fiumicino airport and goes out of Rome to the town of Orte. Along the way, it passes Roma Tiburtina, Roma Tuscolana, Roma Ostiense, and Roma Trastevere. It does not stop at Termini. A one-way ticket on this train is more convenient if you are staying in or around Trastevere .

Traveling Between Ciampino and Rome

For Ciampino, there is a fixed rate inside the ancient walls.

Buses stop close to the entrance of the airport and depart Termini from Via Giovanni Giolitti (Terravision) and Via Marsala (S.I.T.)

You can take a train between Termini Station and Ciampino town. For the airport, you need to take an additional bus to get from the railway station to the airport.

The easiest way to do this is to buy a combined ticket for the 2 services from the Trenitalia website by selecting the destination Ciampino Airport. The trip takes 30-45 minutes, depending on the connections.

Things to Do in Rome

Explore Rome's most impressive squares, fountains, monuments and attractions. Rome is a breath-taking open-air museum and these are its top sights. 

Colosseum The Colosseum is the largest amphitheatre built during the Roman Empire. Inaugurated in 80 AD, it offered gladiator fights, executions and animal hunts.

Roman Forum Located between Piazza Venezia and the Colosseum, the Roman Forum was the hub of political and social activity of the Roman citizens.

Piazza Navona With its three majestic fountains and surrounding mansions, Piazza Navona is one of the most beautiful Baroque squares in Rome.

Trevi Fountain Trevi Fountain is the most beautiful and most spectacular fountain in Rome. Millions of people visit it every year to make a wish.

St. Peter's Square St. Peter's Square (Piazza San Pietro in Italian) is located in the Vatican at the feet of the Basilica. One of the most famous squares in the world.

St. Peter's Basilica One of the largest churches in the world, St Peter’s Basilica, built in the Renaissance style is, part of the Vatican. Many Popes have been buried here.

Sistine Chapel The Sistine Chapel is one of the greatest treasures of the Vatican City. Designed by the brilliant Michelangelo, it is a must-see tourist attraction.

Piazza di Spagna & the Spanish Steps As the site of many events and fashion shows, the Spanish Steps is one of the most renowned places in Rome. Piazza di Spagna in one of Rome’s best areas.

Pantheon Completed by Hadrian in the year 126AD, the Pantheon claims to be the best preserved building from ancient Rome. A masterpiece of Roman architecture.

Catacombs San Sebastiano, San Callisto, Domitilla, Priscilla, and Sant’Agnese... Discover Rome's various catacombs, what they are and how to visit them.

The Vatican City

Vatican City Located in the heart of Rome, the Vatican is one of Rome's main tourist attractions. Find out what to see and how to visit the Vatican!

Vatican Museums The Vatican Museums are the Vatican city's museums and includes admissions to Sistine Chapel, Chapel of Beato Angelico and Raphael Rooms

Piazzas and fountains

Campo de' Fiori Campo de' Fiori is a bustling market during the mornings and then transforms into a lively square at night full of bars and restaurants.

Piazza del Campidoglio The Piazza del Campidoglio is located at the top of Capitoline Hill and is the first modern square to be designed in Rome.

Piazza Barberini Built in 1625 by Cardinal Francesco Barberini, Piazza Barberini is particularly noteworthy due to its two fountains created by Bernini.

Piazza della Repubblica The Piazza della Repubblica is made up of a large roundabout in which the Fontana delle Naiadi is located. It is flanked by imposing buildings.

Piazza del Popolo Located at the beginning of Via Flaminia, the Piazza del Popolo is where foreigners arrived in the city during the era of the Empire. Discover it.

Piazza Colonna Piazza Colonna gets its name from the impressive Column of Marcus Aurelius, a marble column that has been in the square since the year AD 193. Discover it.

Piazza del Quirinale The Piazza del Quirinale provides splendid views of Rome. The Palazzo del Quirinale is one of the official residencies of the President of the Republic.

Monuments and tourist attractions

Palatine Hill Palatine Hill is the most famous of Rome’s seven hills and where, according to the legend, Romulus founded Rome and where Lupa raised Romulus and Remus.

Trastevere Trastevere is one of the most charming districts of Rome. Its peaceful and bohemian atmosphere will captivate every visitors' heart.

Villa Borghese Villa Borghese is the largest park in Rome. It features a number of buildings, museums, a lake, fountains and beautiful green meadows. A definite-must!

Trajan's Column Commissioned by Emperor Trajan in 114 to pay homage to himself, Trajan's Column is one of the most important monuments in Rome.

Arch of Constantine The Arch of Constantine was erected in the year 315 in commemoration of the victory of Constantine the Great in the Battle of Milvian Bridge.

Trajan's Market Built between the years 100 and 110 A.D, Trajan's Market is believed to be the first covered shopping mall in history. It holds the Imperial Forums Museum.

Baths of Caracalla Built between the years 212 and 216, the Baths of Caracalla were one of the greatest and most spectacular thermal springs in antiquity.

Ara Pacis The Ara Pacis is a commemorative monument created between the years 13 and 9 B.C. for the celebration of peace in the Mediterranean.

Mouth of Truth The Mouth of Truth is an enormous marble image of a man's face. According to legend, the man is said to bite the hand of anyone who lied.

Circus Maximus Located between the Aventino and Palatine Hill, Circus Maximus was the largest stadium in ancient Rome built for chariot races.

Castel Sant'Angelo Also known as the Mausoleum of Hadrian, the Castel Sant'Angelo is a fortress located on the right bank of the river Tiber, not far from the Vatican.

Altare della Patria Inaugurated in 1911 to pay respect to Victor Emmanuel II, the Monumento Nazionale a Vittorio Emanuele II is an imposing building located in Piazza Venezia.

Janiculum Hill Janiculum Hill, called Gianicolo in Italian, is one of Rome's most romantic places to visit. It also provides stunning views of the city.

Area Sacra di Largo Argentina Area Sacra di Largo Argentina is a square in Rome that houses four Roman temples and the remains of a Temple, discovered in 1920.

Forum Boarium The Forum Boarium was an area located on the banks of the river Tiber home to the city’s biggest meat and fish market in ancient Rome.

Museums and art galleries

Galleria Borghese The Galleria Borghese is one of the most famous and prestigious museums in the world. It houses sculptures by Bernini, Canova and other great artists.

Capitoline Museums The Capitoline Museums are located in Piazza del Campidoglio. They constitute Rome’s main municipal museum. Find out opening hours, tickets and much more.

Palazzo Massimo alle Terme Known as Palazzo Massimo alle Terme due to its close proximity to the Baths of Diocletian, this palace has the best preserved Roman frescoes in the world.

Palazzo Altemps The Palazzo Altemps hosts an important collection of Greek and Roman sculptures in a fifteenth century palace built by the Riario family.

Baths of Diocletian The Baths of Diocletian were the largest bath complex in Ancient Rome. It currently houses part of the National Museum of Rome.

Crypta Balbi The Balbi Crypt (Crypt of Balbus) offers a historical trip through the past of Rome thanks to the excavations carried out on its sites.

National Gallery of Modern Art Paul Cezanne, Antonio Canova, Claude Monet, Vincent van Gogh… Rome’s Galleria Nazionale d’Arte Moderna is one of the best art museums in Italy.

Palazzo Barberini Palazzo Barberini is a splendid Baroque construction that houses the Galleria Nazionale d’Arte Antica. The building itself is worth visiting.

Galleria Doria Pamphilj Palazzo Doria Pamphilj houses the Galleria Doria Pamphilj, the best-known private gallery in Rome, featuring works by artists like Raphael and Velazquez.

National Etruscan Museum The National Etruscan Museum of Villa Giulia (Museo Nazionale Etrusco di Villa Giulia) features works from pre-Roman Italian antiquity.

Villa Farnesina Villa Farnesina is a mansion built between 1505 and 1511. It is one of the most magnificent Renaissance buildings still standing in Rome.

Museo di Roma The Museo di Roma narrates the social context and artistic endeavours that were carried out in the city from the Middle Ages until the 20th century.

Palazzo Venezia The Palazzo Venezia features the National Museum of Palazzo Venezia with works of art from the beginning of the Common Era through to the Renaissance.

Galleria Spada The Galleria Spada displays a collection of art from the 16th and 17th century. Don't miss visiting the forced perspective gallery by Francesco Borromini.

Keats-Shelley House The Keats-Shelley House is a house-museum dedicated to the romantic poets John Keats and Percy Bysshe Shelley. Discover the poet's last dwelling.

Churches and basilicas

Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls is one of the four major basilicas of Rome, the second largest after St. Peter’s Basilica.

Basilica of St. John Lateran The Lateran Palace was handed over by Constantine I to the Bishop of Rome, who converted the building into a temple during the fourth century.

Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore Santa Maria Maggiore (Basilica of Saint Mary Major) is one of the four major basilicas of Rome and is dedicated to the Virgin Mary.

Basilica di San Clemente Basilica of Saint Clement is an early Christian church, which has been reconstructed in various periods, dedicated to Pope Clement I.

Our Lady of the Conception of the Capuchins Santa Maria della Concezione dei Cappuccini was built between 1626 and 1631 by Pope Urban VIII. It is for the Crypt of the Capuchins

Santa María in Cosmedin The Basilica of Santa Maria in Cosmedin is a medieval church that houses the Bocca della Verità (Mouth of Truth), which is located at its gate.

Basilica di Santa Maria in Trastevere The Basilica of Santa Maria in Trastevere still retains its medieval character despite the changes made over the years. It was founded in the third century

Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri was designed by Michelangelo and is the only Renaissance-style church built in Rome.

Basilica di San Pietro in Vincoli Basilica di San Pietro in Vincoli (Saint Peter in Chains) was built in the fifth century to house Saint Peter’s chains when he was imprisoned in Jerusalem.

Church of the Gesù Erected between 1568 and 1584, Il Gesù was the first Jesuit church built in Rome. It is one of the best examples of Baroque architecture.

Santa Maria in Aracoeli Basilica of St. Mary of the Altar of Heaven is situated very near the Altare della Patria and is one of the most popular churches among the locals.

Santa Maria della Vittoria Santa Maria della Vittoria is a church built during the seventeenth century after the victory of the Emperor Ferdinand II at the battle of White Mountain

Santa Maria del Popolo According to a legend, the site where the Santa Maria del Popolo stands was haunted by Nero’s ghost. It contains works by Pinturicchio, Raphael, and more.

Nearby visits

Villa Adriana (Tivoli) Villa Adriana was built by the Emperor Hadrian in Tibur (nowadays Tivoli) to get away from Rome. It is currently a archaeological complex.

Villa d'Este Listed as a UNESCO heritage site, Villa d’Este is a splendid Renaissance palace with beautiful, romantic gardens in the outskirts of Rome.

Ostia Antica Ostia Antica is a large archaeological site, and was once one of the most thriving Roman cities thanks to its status as a major port and commercial centre.

Pompeii Pompeii was an ancient Roman city near modern Naples that was buried by the great eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD.

Herculaneum Located in the region of Campania, the town of Herculaneum succumbed to the same fate as Pompeii. In the year 79 AD it was destroyed by Mount Vesuvius.

Located in the Gulf of Naples, Capri is a dream-like island surrounded by a deep blue sea that reflects a very special light. Come and discover it.

Rome in 3 day

14 things to know before visiting Rome in 2024

Feb 27, 2024 • 9 min read

Rome can seem imposing to first-time visitors, but with these tips, you'll be all set in no time © TFILM / Getty Images

I first visited Rome in 1992, and my love for the city has only grown since. I wrote my first book about the city in college and rarely a year goes by since then when I don’t visit my favorite piazza ( Navona ), enjoy my favorite gelato ( cioccolato e limone con panna ) or gaze upon my favorite art (Raphael’s Stanze …among many others).

Even though my love for  Rome  runs deep, I can see why it seems imposing to first-time visitors and that's why I'm here to help you. Enjoying the Eternal City and all its myriad nuances is much easier than many people think. Here are my essential things to know for anyone lucky enough to be headed for magnificent, wonderful Roma.

1. Pick your moment for key attractions

Rome gets crowded, and some sights like the Vatican museums are both overwhelming in scale and overwhelmed with other visitors. Many a tourist has lapsed into a stupor as they wander the nearly 7km (4.5 miles) of corridors. By the time they finally reach the Sistine Chapel , they gaze up at Michelangelo’s fantastic ceiling in a daze and are out the other side before having time to enjoy it.

But with a bit of planning , you can avoid the most crowded times at the Vatican Museum. Visit Tuesdays and Thursdays; Wednesday mornings are good, too, though the afternoon is better than the morning. Monday is an especially bad day to visit as other museums in Rome are closed (instead, use the day for exploring the city’s streets, squares, back alleys and parks).

Across Rome, weekends are always busier at attractions as tourists are joined by Romans enjoying the sights on their days off.

2. Aim to spend at least three days in Rome

Start your trip at the Colosseum , Rome’s ancient amphitheater. Early risers need not get gladiatorial as long queues only start to form around mid-morning, at which point you’ll be poking around the Palatino , breathing in the majesty of the once-powerful palace and its perfumed pine trees before roving around the ruins of the Roman Forum .

A well-earned espresso should be enjoyed among the cobbled streets of Centro Storico (try Caffè Sant'Eustachio ) and then sweeten the coffee by pre-booking tickets to the Vatican – home not only to the Pope but a myriad of masterpieces including the Sistine Chapel. Visitors who are first in line at the Vatican will also be at the head of the line at Bonci Pizzarium when it opens for lunch. Nothing recharges your sightseeing energy like a slice of the city’s best pizza, still warm from the oven.

Of course, Rome has plenty more museums to offer, but it’s also a living city offering la dolce vita. Indulge by strolling through the designer boutiques of Via del Corso stopping only to stoop into the devilishly cool Salotto 42 for one of the city’s very best cocktails.

3. Buy tickets in advance

You’ve mastered the Metro and finally reached your sight of choice, only to discover a guide ahead of you in the line for tickets, methodically – and slowly – buying tickets for 40 people. Or you discover that a few hundred others are already in the queue. While you wait in the hot sun for your turn, you feel a prime chunk of your day ticking away.

However, you can easily avoid all this by buying in advance online. The Vatican museums are a perfect example of where you’ll feel the joy as you walk past the waiting masses and breeze in. For any major sight in Rome, it’s always worth checking the website for advance ticket sales. Note that some unmissable attractions, like the Museo e Galleria Borghese , or special tours, like the secret castle tours at Castel Sant’Angelo , require an advance ticket as admissions are limited to avoid overcrowding.

4. Prioritize your favorites and don't forget to wander

Decide which of the unmissable top sights you’ll most enjoy and face the fact that you won't get to see everything on your first trip to Rome. Any attempt to "do" places like the Vatican or the Forom in a rush will leave you unsatisfied and stressed – these are incredible experiences that are worth your time.

And always leave extra time for wandering, café sitting and people-watching. It’s one of the true highlights of Roman life.

5. Know what to miss 

Have the self-awareness to know your limit on churches. Yes, some would cry sacrilege, but if you’re standing in some world-famous house of god and you can’t remember which one you’re in because it’s looking a lot like the previous ten, then it’s better just to pick a couple  and focus on those. Plus, you’ll have something new to see on your next trip.

6. Skip the Spanish Steps (or at least don’t sit down)

The Spanish Steps – a nice stone staircase with good views, yes, but a reason to go out of your way, no. Tourist traps, touts and fast-food jostle for space in this neighborhood. Give it a miss. And if you do go, don’t sit down! Fines are issued by police for those who dare use the steps as a seat.

7. Swerve Bocca della Verità too

Bocca della Verità , an old stone carving of a lion head with a mouth that’s been pawed by millions of sweaty fingers. Every country seems to have one of these (hello Blarney Stone !), right down to a magical legend; in this case, the lion will bite your hand if you tell a lie. Uh-huh.

8. Book your table in advance

Some of Rome’s most vaunted restaurants fill out their reservations list weeks in advance, so it pays to book tables before you arrive. No matter if your travel style is loose and easygoing, it’s always a good idea to reserve your table in advance, even if it's just a couple of hours before your meal (assuming there are still tables available).

Having a reservation is one of those intangibles that’s essential in practice. Roman restaurants give more respect to people arriving with a booking as opposed to mere walk-ins – even when there are plenty of available tables.

9. Break bread like a Roman

Most restaurants open from noon to 3pm and 7:30pm to 11pm, usually closing one day per week (often Sunday or Monday). In August, most eateries close for at least a week, although some close for the entire month.

Other essential tips:

• Bite through hanging spaghetti – no slurping it up, please.
• Pasta is eaten with a fork (no spoon).
• It’s OK to eat pizza with your hands when you’re getting it to go – in restaurants, people usually use a knife and fork.
• Like any Italian grandma, fare la scarpetta (make a little shoe) with your bread to wipe plates clean. 
• Yes, there are vegan restaurants in Rome these days too.

10. Try to keep up: know when and how to dress to impress

Roman style is world-renowned, and there’s no better way to escape the tourist cliche than to dress with panache, especially when going out to celebrated restaurants and clubs. Let sharp and smart be your bywords in this, and don’t underestimate what you can achieve with travel-friendly black and eye-catching accessories.

Also, know that by day, and when you’re out in the neighborhoods, dapper casual is the rule. Still, there’s never a time when you’ll want to wear a sweatshirt, goofy shorts, hiked-up socks and the like – unless it’s your signature look and you can pull it off!

11. Be aware of laws that are specifically for tourists

Picking up the trash is an ongoing and seemingly eternal challenge for Rome, but efforts are being made on other fronts to try to bring some order. In 2019, a series of laws were introduced to reign in the excesses of the visiting masses. People caught breaking these rules risk fines of up to €500 or a temporary ban on entering the area in which they caused the offense. Among the restrictions:

• Sitting on the Spanish Steps is forbidden.
• No wading in the city’s fountains.
• No “messy” outdoor eating near historic monuments.
• No walking around bare-chested.
• No dragging strollers or wheelie suitcases up or down historic staircases.
• When drinking from the public drinking fountains known as nasoni , don’t place your lips on the spout – drink from your cupped hands.

12. Be polite and observe the local formalities

Italy is quite a formal society, and the niceties of social interaction are observed. Greet people in bars, shops, trattorias, etc, with a buongiorno (good morning), buon pomeriggio (good afternoon) or buonasera (good evening). 

Say mi scusi (excuse me) to attract attention or ask for help. Use permesso (permission) to pass someone in a crowded space and always cover up at churches (that means shoulders and legs).

14. Health and safety in Rome

Rome has no inherent health hazards beyond the bloating that comes from wildly excessive food (and gelato) intake. But we have a few tips that will keep you feeling tip-top.

Stay hydrated. It gets hot in summer, especially out in the open air of places like the Forum. Carry a water bottle, drink copious amounts and keep it filled at the many public drinking water fountains.

Ancient cobblestones, long staircases and hours spent wandering are just some of the features that will tire you out. Wear shoes with excellent support and cushioning.

13. Keep your wits about you

Rome is generally a safe city, but petty theft is a real risk. Use common sense and watch your valuables. Pickpockets and thieves are active in touristy areas such as the Colosseum, Piazza di Spagna , Piazza Venezia and St Peter’s Square .

Stay alert around the chaotic Termini train station and on crowded public transport – the 64 Vatican bus is notorious. Keep your wallets, phones and valuables out of reach of pickpockets – a wallet bulging in your back pocket won't remain there for long.

In case of theft or loss, always report the incident to the police within 24 hours and ask for a statement. The emergency number for the police (Carabinieri) is 112. Make sure you never drape your bag over an empty chair at a streetside cafe or put it where you can’t see it.

Beware of gangs of kids or others demanding attention. If you’ve been targeted, take evasive action and/or shout " Va via!"  ("Go away!").

This article was first published Jan 16, 2022 and updated Feb 27, 2024.

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Plan Your Trip to Rome: Best of Rome Tourism

Rome, Italy

Travel advice, essential rome.

Where to stay

Where to eat

How to spend 3 days in Rome

Exploring Rome’s underground

Browse collections

More great cultural capitals

Rome Travel Guide

Travelers' pro tips or experiencing rome.

Restaurants near major tourist destinations often have a fixed-price, or tourist menu. It's better to avoid those restaurants and find a restaurant further away from the tourist attraction for higher quality meals.

RMartinSDXB

Dress as you want but always take an extra piece of clothes to gain access to churches and museums.

You won't need to know a word of Italian to enjoy your trip. However, learning a few key words and phrases will be fun, helpful, and sometimes make you a little more appreciated.

Rome is an unforgettable city. From its beautiful buildings that have withstood time itself to the majestic, graceful, Mediterannean Pines. It's a living museum of history and art like nowhere else in the world.

Rome is one of the most beautiful,photogenic cities in the world. A mixture of modernity and tradition. The more you visit the more you love to go back.

It breathes history and art at every step you take and behind every corner there's a surprise.

What is the best way to get there?

Rome is served by the Leonardo da Vinci–(Fiumicino) International Airport.

Stazione Termini is the main railway station in Rome with regular train services to all major Italian cities, as well as daily international services to Munich, Geneva, and Vienna.

Do I need a visa?

Italy is part of the Schengen Area with many other European countries. This means tourists from certain countries don’t require a visa for trips less than 90 days — as long as your passport is valid for at least six months after your planned departure date.

Find more information about the Schengen Visa and what countries are exempt  here .

When is the best time to visit?

Late fall to early spring (October to April): Avoid Rome in July and August unless you can handle heat and humidity with temperatures reaching high 80s°F (26.6°C). Spring and fall offer perfect conditions with temperatures 60 - 70 °F ( 15.5 - 21°C), but the trade-off is peak crowds and prices.

Instead, visit during the off-season months of October through April, when you’ll trade shorter opening hours for fewer crowds. Winter is crisp, but nothing a light coat can’t handle.

Uber Jump offers electric bike hire through its bike-share app .

The Rome Metro, run by ATAC, operates 3 lines which run from about 5:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. daily. On Fridays and Saturdays service ends later, at about 1:30 a.m.

When the Metro is closed, a night bus service operates with lines that follow the same routes and stop at the same stations as the Metro.

For more information about the network and fares,  see here .

Rome’s public bus service, run by ATAC, operates services from about 5.30 a.m. to midnight daily. The city’s night bus service runs from 12:30 a.m. to 5:30 a.m.

Licensed, metered cabs are white with a “TAXI” sign on their roofs. The symbol of Rome City Council is also clearly visible on the front doors.

You can hail a taxi from the street but it is recommended to go to one of the city’s many taxi stands or call to book.

For more information about fares, who to call and where to find a taxi stand,  see here .

ridesharing

Uber is available in Rome on your smartphone.

On the ground

What is the timezone.

Central European Standard Time

What are the voltage/plug types?

The standard voltage in Italy is 230V and the standard frequency is 50Hz. Wall outlets typically accommodate plugs with two or three round pins.

What is the currency?

Are atms readily accessible, are credit cards widely accepted, how much do i tip.

Tipping is not obligatory in Italy, however, a tip for exceptional service is always appreciated.

Are there local customs I should know?

The federal legal age for buying and drinking alcohol is 18 years old.

Walk to the right of the sidewalk and step off to the side of the sidewalk if you want to stop to check your phone, look up directions, or want to take in a view.

Rome is full of churches and places of worship, so dress neatly and respectfully — cover bare shoulders and refrain from wearing short skirts or shorts when sightseeing.

Meals should be savoured and enjoyed, not eaten on the go while walking.

Italians take their coffee culture seriously. Milk-based coffee beverages are considered breakfast, so don’t order them after 11 a.m. — stick to espressos instead. Coffee is also meant to be enjoyed as a digestive after a meal.

Learning a few basic Italian phrases will go a long way as a sign of respect.

• Hotel Artemide
• Hotel Colosseum
• Hotel Barocco
• Singer Palace Hotel
• The Hoxton Rome
• Osteria da Fortunata - Pellegrino
• Bono Bottega Nostrana - San Pietro
• Pinsitaly Trevi
• La Fata Ignorante - Rooftop Restaurant & Bar
• Trevi Fountain
• Galleria Borghese
• Skip-the-Line Group Tour of the Vatican, Sistine Chapel & St. Peter's Basilica
• Skip the Line: Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill Guided Tour
• Colosseum with Arena Access and Ancient Rome Tour
• Self Guided Tour Colosseum Skip the Line Ticket
• Skip-the-Line Tour of the Vatican, Sistine Chapel & St. Peter's | Small Group

Rome   Travel Guide

Courtesy of joe daniel price | Getty Images

Getting Around Rome

The best way to get around Rome is on foot. And because many of the best attractions are clustered together in traffic-free zones, walking makes the most sense. However, some places, like Vatican City, are pretty far from the central historic district, necessitating the use of the metro or a taxi. A nonstop express train (the Leonardo Express) can take you from the Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport (FCO) to the Rome Termini railway station in a little more than 30 minutes; one-way tickets cost 14 euros (about $17). Buses are also available, but these aren't recommended because of crowded conditions aboard and heavy traffic outside. If you must bring a car to Rome, you should park it as soon as possible once you enter the city limits. Otherwise, you'll find heavy traffic, impatient drivers and pedestrian-only areas make driving around virtually impossible.

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Avoid These Tourist Traps In London And Visit These Destinations Instead

O ne of the world's greatest cities, London is packed with tourist attractions so impressive that you'll want to add them all to your itinerary. From the Tower of London to Buckingham Palace to the Churchill War Rooms, the list of unmissable landmarks seems endless. Don't worry, though -- it's possible to visit most of them in just a two-day trip . When you're on a tight schedule, it's important to avoid time- and money-wasting tourist traps in favor of visiting sites that are worthy of your attention. 

Whether it's an overrated and overpriced wax museum, a kitschy dungeon experience, or a super crowded viewpoint, there are many places to avoid visiting in the U.K.'s heady capital. The confusing part? Some of them top multiple lists of must-see attractions. That's where we come in. 

As someone who lived in this captivating English city for six years, I have first-hand knowledge of the biggest tourist traps to avoid when traveling to London. Plus, I can offer more impressive (and often less costly) destinations to visit instead. Don't want to take my word for it? No problem. I combined my first-hand knowledge with reviews and suggestions from other locals to create this list.

Read more: 50 Underrated Tourist Destinations Around The World

Skip Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tours And Ride A London Bus

While hop-on hop-off bus tours can be a convenient way to explore a big city, they often come with a hefty price tag. If the tour is based in London, you can expect to pay over $50 per adult for a one-day pass. Instead, board a London bus, which will cost less than $7 for a day of travel. Bus fare for one ride is about $2 and the daily cap is under $7. To pay for their ride, visitors must use a contactless card or an Oyster Card, the visitor's version of which can be purchased online and mailed to your home before you leave.

Double-decker London buses offer spectacular city views, with many routes passing right by London's landmark attractions. One of our faves is the historic Routemaster Bus 15, which we suggest boarding at the Tower of London. Hop on at Great Tower Street (Stop TT) and ride west to Charing Cross Station. Be sure to sit up top for the best views along this heritage route -– you can't miss St. Paul's Cathedral and Trafalgar Square. 

Bus 24 is another great option for sightseers. Hop on at Victoria Station and ride it to Camden High Street. Along the way, you'll pass Westminster Abbey, the Horse Guard's Parade, Trafalgar Square, and Downing Street. Grab a bite at Camden Market when you disembark or stay on until you reach Hampstead Heath where you can catch unbeatable views of the city.

Skip Madame Tussauds And Visit Buckingham Palace

It may tout itself as a top London attraction, but Madame Tussauds would be more honest if they said they were the top rip-off site. Booking in advance will save some money -- the standard online rate for an adult begins at just over $47 versus the walk-up price, which begins at almost $60. But that's still a lot of quid to dish out for wandering around an overcrowded and noisy space filled with okay-ish wax replicas of A- and B-list celebs. Yes, it's fun to take photos with the royal family and fool friends into thinking you met them IRL, but is it worth it? We don't think so.

Instead, we suggest visiting Buckingham Palace for a potential King Charles III sighting. Realistically, you probably won't spy a royal outside the palace, but at least you'll see a historic monument up close. Celebrities more your thing? Book a reservation at one of the city's most popular restaurants. Chiltern Firehouse has hosted acting greats Jennifer Lawrence and Bradley Cooper as well as soccer superstar David Beckham. 34 Mayfair is another good bet for great food and celeb spotting. Imelda Staunton and royal family members have all eaten here.

Skip Changing Of The Guard And Visit The Queen's Gallery

While you should add Buckingham Palace to your list of must-see London tourist attractions, you may want to avoid a visit during the Changing of the Guard. This formal ceremony marks the change between the old guard (on-duty soldiers) and new guard (soldiers taking over duty) for the royal palaces. Marching with a band from Wellington Barracks to the Palace, the new guard will arrive at the palace at about 10:45 a.m. A well-known event, this is a big tourist draw, which means you can expect hefty crowds queuing up an hour or more in advance, as well as pickpockets who arrive to take advantage of the chaotic atmosphere. This tourist trap, which takes place every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday, is one you'll be happy to miss. Sadly, watching this famed ceremony these days feels more like witnessing an overhyped marching band than it does an esteemed historic ritual.

Instead, ditch the crowds and glimpse art from the Royal Collection in the Queen's Gallery or visit the Royal Mews , where you can see the royal stables and the 260-year-old Gold State Coach used at King Charles III's Coronation. The Mews are open Thursday through Monday from early March to early November. Neighboring St. James Park is another interesting place to visit. One of London's famed Royal Parks, it is bordered by three palaces and boasts a fabulous view of Buckingham Palace in particular.

Skip Platform 9 ¾ At King's Cross Station And Visit Warner Brothers Studio Tour London

If you're traveling with a Harry Potter-obsessed kid, you may want to visit Platform 9 ¾ at King's Cross Station. But if you're alone, or with other adults who couldn't care less, we advise you to skip this overrated tourist trap. If you're already planning to be in King's Cross Station and have time to scope out this attraction, that's one thing; but if you're traveling there with the sole purpose of visiting this site, think twice. 

Set between platforms 9 and 10 (obvs) this point of interest includes nothing but a brick wall denoted with a sign. Stuck into the wall is part of a trolley loaded with fake suitcases and an empty owl cage. Those hoping for a quick photo and to score some Potter swag will be pleased;  the Harry Potter Shop at Platform 9 ¾ is open daily, even on bank holidays, and it sells everything from wands to clothes to makeup. 

For those who'd rather have an unforgettable and truly magical Harry Potter experience, though, head to Warner Brothers Studio Tour London -- The Making of Harry Potter in nearby Leavesden. Instead of merely looking at a wall, visitors can board the Hogwarts Express, "fly" on a broomstick, walk through the Great Hall, and explore the Forbidden Forest. Step foot in Diagon Alley, try a Butterbeer, or check out some of the film's famous props and costumes. You won't be sorry you visited.

Skip London Dungeon And Visit The Tower Of London

No matter how much the kids beg you to visit the London Dungeon, stay strong and just say "no." This kitschy tourist trap is a waste of your hard-earned money (tickets start at over $37 for adults) and it's so hokey you'll roll your eyes more times than you can count on both hands. This pitiful attraction is peppered with costume-clad actors who like to scream and cackle and its two rides (the Drop Dead: Drop Ride and the Tyrant Boat Ride) will make you wish you were at Walt Disney World; even "It's a Small World" would be more enjoyable. An escape room has also been added to increase the venue's income stream –- it costs $153 for a private game for six people.

Want a historic experience with a side of chills? Head to the Tower of London instead. There, you can tour the Torture at the Tower Exhibition, where you can get up close and personal with the stretching machine (a.k.a. the rack) and other ancient torture devices in the Lower Wakefield Tower. The Bloody Tower is another point of interest you won't want to miss. The most infamous prison on the grounds, this is where you'll learn about the alleged murder of two young princes -– Edward V and his little brother Richard –- by their uncle, Richard III.

Skip The London Bridge Experience And Visit Churchill War Rooms

Looking for a good spooking? Do yourself a favor and skip The London Bridge Experience. A tourist trap designed to bring the city's macabre history to life with the help of actors with a penchant for jump scares, you can expect to meet zombie-like versions of ghastly heavyweights Jack the Ripper and William Wallace during your visit. Tickets cost about $37 for the experience, which takes anywhere between 35 and 50 minutes. That means you could be spending more than $1 a minute. Entry fees also include a trip to the London Tombs, deemed the U.K.'s "best scare attraction," according to their site . Zombified dentists, doctors, and creepy clowns await visitors in the lower vaults of this venue, ready to pounce and scream in your face.

Instead, we suggest visiting the Churchill War Rooms. Also located underground, this fascinating historic facility is part of the Imperial War Museums. Located in the basement of Whitehall, this once-secret complex was used by former Prime Minister Winston Churchill, top government ministers, and military planners to conduct meetings and develop plans during the country's war effort during World War II. Known as the Cabinet War Rooms, this clandestine spot was used daily during the war, until August 16, 1945. Or experience that stomach drop feeling by walking the glass floors at Tower Bridge. Set nearly 138 feet above the Thames, the views are both terrifying and impressive. Tickets cost under $16 per adult. 

Skip The Sherlock Holmes Museum And Visit The Sherlock Holmes Pub

We don't recommend visiting the Sherlock Holmes Museum unless you have a detective-obsessed kid who doesn't realize that the famed character is fictional. Set inside a Georgian townhouse at 221B Baker Street in Marylebone, this four-story museum has been open since 1990. Inside lie antique furnishings mentioned in the books and pretty creepy-looking mannequins. Tickets cost over $21 which isn't exorbitant, especially for London, but considering you won't be there long (the museum's quite small), this seems a bit of a waste.

Instead, head to The Sherlock Holmes  in St James. Self-described as a "Victorian-themed public house," this watering hole features a recreated version of the famed fictional detective's apartment upstairs. The entire pub is dotted with references to Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's beloved books, making it easy to feel as if you're within the pages. Plus, there's a beer garden –- the museum certainly doesn't have one of those.

Skip The SEA Life London Aquarium And Visit The London Zoo

You'll find everything you'd expect to see at the SEA Life London Aquarium. From penguins to sharks to turtles, they're all there. And as far as aquariums go, this is a pretty good one. But when you're in one of the world's greatest cities that lies on the banks of a river, not an ocean, there are plenty of better things to see. Standard tickets to the Sea Life London Aquarium cost $24 online or $51 at the door. Again, that's pretty on par for London attractions, however, it's a steep price to pay for a tourist trap. 

Instead, visit London Zoo in Regent's Park. The oldest scientific zoo in the world, this family-friendly attraction was opened in 1828 for fellows of the Zoological Society of London. In 1847, the public was invited to visit. Today, the zoo is home to 14,0000 animals including a giant, 425-pound silverback gorilla, Sumatran tigers, and Linne's two-toed sloths. While tickets aren't cheap (an adult will cost about $40 to visit on a weekday), it's easy to spend a whole day here. Or, if you aren't willing to part with that much cash, visit the smaller, and lesser-known, Battersea Park Children's Zoo . Adult tickets are more reasonably priced, at $16. There are over 100 animals at this little zoo, including wallabies, meerkats, otters, and lemurs, and plenty of opportunities to interact with animals like coatis, donkeys, and goats.

Skip The Shard And Visit Level 10 At The Tate Modern

There's no denying that The Shard is impressive. In fact, it's one of the most spectacular buildings in the world . The viewing platform was opened by the queen on February 1, 2013, with the main restaurants (Aqua, Oblix, and Hutong) following suit that summer. Set across the Thames from another bucket-list-worthy London building, the Gherkin, this engineering masterpiece towers 1,016 feet above the city and boasts 11,000 glass panels. 

Dubbed a "vertical city," there's plenty to do inside, like spend serious coin on a meal with a view, or zip up one of the 44 elevators to the viewing platform. That 360-degree view will cost you, though -- about $36, or more if you add a glass of champagne. And if you visit on a day that's rainy or misty (honestly, London is often both of those things), you're basically paying for a ride in a lift.

Instead, head to Level 10 at Tate Modern, where you can enjoy a drink or snack (including sandwiches and salads) while ogling the impressive view of the Thames, St. Paul's Cathedral, the BT Tower, and Blackfriar's Bridge. You won't have to pay a thing unless you choose to grab a bite or a warm cuppa. The Skygarden at 20 Fenchurch Street is another must-visit for a free skyline vista. The highest public garden in London, this leafy space is as stunning as its views are remarkable.

Skip The London Eye And Visit Hamstead Heath

We are well aware that some of you will disagree with this addition to our list of tourist traps to avoid when traveling to London, but hear us out. Yes, the London Eye is iconic. Yes, it offers fantastic views of the city. And yes, it's deemed a top London attraction you won't want to miss . That said, visiting this popular landmark can cause more headaches than enjoyment. First created as a temporary point of interest, this 443-foot-tall, "cantilevered observation wheel" is the largest of its kind in the world, according to its website . And if you catch a ride on one of its 32 pods on a sunny day, you can see up to 25 miles in all directions. The problem is that thousands of others have the same idea, which means you could stand in line for more than two hours on a particularly busy day. Standard tickets start at over $32 online or more than $57 for a walk-up.

Instead, visit Hampstead Heath for a unique city view you probably never knew existed. Parliament Hill stands over 321 feet tall, making it one of the highest natural points in the city. If the weather is ideal, you can see to the Gherkin, St. Paul's Cathedral, and the Houses of Parliament. Speaking of the Gherkin, it's another great spot to enjoy unparalleled views. Grab a drink and snack at Iris Bar at Searcys at the Gherkin , then relax with a side order of stunning vistas.

Skip Harrods And Visit Peter Jones And Liberty

Harrods is to London as the Colosseum is to Rome -– a historic icon that's become synonymous with the city. The world's most famous luxury department store, this Knightsbridge institution is impossible to miss -– it's eight floors tall and an entire block long, not to mention over one million square feet in size. Inside, you'll find 20 restaurants, a beauty salon, a bank, and 300 separate departments selling over 5,000 brands. You'll also see price tags so high you might suffer sticker shock. Due to its notoriety, Harrods is often packed with tourists, making it difficult to enjoy the plush interior.

If you're hoping to shop during your London holiday, there are plenty of excellent places to visit instead. Sloane Square is home to the Peter Jones & Partners department store. Owned by John Lewis, this vast shop is filled with enough enticing merchandise that you'll find it tough to leave empty-handed. Grab a bite at The Top Floor Restaurant (on the 6 th floor) for captivating views of Chelsea and beyond.

Liberty is another recognizable landmark located on Regent Street. A heritage-listed building; this stunning Tudor-style store is as beautiful outside as it is indoors. Built between 1922 and 1924, it is worth a visit, if only to admire the impressive architectural features (the price tags here are also quite shocking).

Our Ranking Methodology

Having lived in London for six years with two young children, I visited pretty much every tourist attraction the city has. From renowned points of interest like the Tower of London to remarkable museums, I've seen the top sightseeing destinations multiple times, including many kitschy tourist traps I wish I'd skipped. To create this list, I used my experiences at these attractions to determine which locales are tourist traps that should be avoided and I included alternatives that are more than worthy of your time and money. I also consulted reviews from other locals and travelers, as well as their tips, to ensure the list is solid.

Read the original article on Explore .