rom tourist card

Rome Tourist Card

Explore Rome’s Most Iconic Attractions With the Rome Tourist Card

From the Colosseum to the Sistine Chapel : if you want to go on a whirlwind tour of Rome’s most unmissable sights , the Rome Tourist Card is the perfect solution.

• Imagine the roar of thousands of spectators as you circle the upper floors of the Colosseum.
• Marvel at the breathtaking ceiling frescoes of Michelangelo in the Sistine Chapel.
• Explore the ruins of the Roman Senate and ancient temples as you roam around the heart of Rome at the Roman Forum .

What’s Included

The Rome Tourist Card includes entrance to some of the most famous tourist attractions in the world. This is what is included:

The Colosseum

No trip to Rome is complete without a visit to the Colosseum , and the Rome Tourist Pass grants you skip-the-line access tickets to Colosseum.

This ancient arena, built between AD 70-72, was once the stage for bloody gladiator fights and staged hunts. Though the ruins are crumbling, you can still envision the Colosseum filled with crowds of people, and the roar of 50,000 spectators, as you walk around the upper floors. In its heyday, the emperor would attend the games and order elaborate spectacles to celebrate events and victories. You can learn all about the Colosseum from information signs and displays as you walk around the amphitheater.

For an additional price, you can enter the labyrinth beneath the arena where gladiators would await their fates and access the arena floor itself. These aren’t included in the skip-the-line ticket available with the Rome Tourist Card but can be purchased as extras; it’s well worth the additional cost if you’re interested in the history of the Colosseum! 

Roman Forum & Palatine Hill

These attractions are included in the same ticket as the Colosseum – you must visit them within the same 48-hour period. Though they are part of the same ticket, they are not on the same site. The Roman Forum and Palatine Hill are next door to the Colosseum but have separate entrance points. 

You can walk freely between the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill once inside the site, though these are again technically separate attractions. The Roman Forum was the heart of Ancient Rome ; the center of all commerce, politics, and religion. It was here that the Vestal Virgins tended to the eternal flame of Rome, Julius Caesar was cremated, and the ancient kings of Rome lived.

Neighboring Palatine Hill is the birthplace of Rome, where, according to legend, Romulus and Remus were raised by the she-wolf Luna in Lupercal Cave. It is here, on the most central of Rome’s seven hills, that Romulus founded the city . It was the most exclusive neighborhood in Ancient Rome, though the ruins of opulent palaces are all that is left. It is worth the climb for the panoramas over Rome alone.

St. Peter’s Basilica: Guided Tour

Renowned as the greatest church in Christendom, St. Peter’s Basilica holds a unique place in the Catholic religion: it is supposedly the burial site of Saint Peter.

Lavishly decorated and filled with spectacular works of art, St. Peter’s Basilica is one of Rome’s most popular attractions. It is one of the finest examples of Renaissance architecture in the city; it was built using many materials sourced from other ancient ruins around the city – the bronze in Bernini ’s baldachin came from the Pantheon , while much of the marble was originally in the Roman Forum.

One of the highlights is Michelangelo’s sculpture Pietà , one of his earliest works. Entrance to the basilica is free, but the Rome Tourist Card includes a guided tour of the church. With a guide, you can get insight into the history of the church and notice things you may have otherwise missed.

Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel

The world’s smallest official country holds its own in cultural impact: is there anywhere with more beauty and historical significance per square mile? If there is anywhere in Rome you will need pre-booked tickets, it is here. Queues can take hours to enter the Vatican Museums : booking a time slot with your Rome Tourist Card allows you to skip all the stress.

Inside the Vatican Museums, you can expect an opulence unlike anywhere else in Rome. The palace houses one of the greatest art collections in the world – with paintings from Raphael and Leonardo da Vinci – as well as artifacts like Egyptian mummies and Roman sculptures.

Every corner of the Vatican Museums holds an item of great historical significance: when in Rome, it is a sight you just can’t miss.

The most famous of all is the Sistine Chapel . Michelangelo ’s masterpiece is the series of frescoes painted onto the ceiling: the Creation of Adam stands out as recognizable the world over. It gets incredibly busy, but witnessing the beauty of the Sistine Chapel is a moving experience that you should enjoy at least once in your lifetime.

Pantheon Audio Guide

Few buildings surviving from the ancient world are as intact as the Pantheon : this is one of the best-preserved Roman structures in existence and the finest example of ancient architecture in Rome.

Entrance to the Pantheon is free regardless of purchasing the Rome Tourist Card, but the audioguide included with the pass gives you some fascinating insight into the history of the building.

The Pantheon was built as a temple for the Roman gods, with the current iteration constructed during the reign of Hadrian – it was one of the first examples of a temple open to the people for worship (previously, access had been limited to priests and vestals).

What you will immediately notice is the Pantheon’s impressive domed roof. The huge dome is made entirely of brick and concrete and isn’t reinforced in any way; it’s an architectural and engineering feat that still has not been matched. 

How Does It Work

The Rome Tourist Card is really simple to use. Unlike many other tourist passes , you don’t need to pick up a physical pass: it gets delivered digitally straight to your phone.

You purchase the Rome Tourist Card online, and upon purchasing, select first the date of activation and then the individual tickets and timeslots for each activity. There’s no time limit on the Rome Tourist Card once activated – you could be in Rome for weeks and spread the attractions across that time; validity isn’t an issue.

Once you have selected the date and time slot for a specific tourist attraction, it works as an individual ticket. You will receive a digital pass on your phone, which will allow you to skip any purchasing queues – which are particularly long at the Colosseum and the Vatican – and head into the site; for certain attractions, you will meet a guide (meeting points will be mentioned in the pass).

There is little flexibility once you have chosen your time slots and dates, so you must stick to them, and you should bear in mind the individual validity of each attraction.

For instance, the Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill ticket is valid for 48 hours upon activation, while the Vatican Museums ticket entrance is only valid on your chosen date.

Key Factors:

• No time limit – validity isn’t an issue for the card itself.
• You use the Rome Tourist Card to ‘purchase’ individual tickets for attractions on a certain date and timeslot.
• Includes skip-the-line access.
• It is a digital pass.
• You may be asked for a photo ID at attractions.
• Audio guides can be downloaded to your phone.
• The Rome Tourist Card can only be purchased a few weeks in advance of your visit.

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

Our guide to Rome city passes

Here's what to choose to save the most time and money on your next visit.

Rome is brimming with world-famous monuments, museums, and churches that charm thousands of visitors every day. With all the must-sees around the city, exploring the Italian capital is always a delight—but it doesn’t have to be expensive if you know where to look for the best deals.

Both the local government and tour operators offer convenient city passes that will let you enjoy Rome to the fullest and save you both time and money. Most include sightseeing tours, access to public transportation, as well as fast-track entry and discounts on tickets to attractions like the Colosseum and the Vatican Museums .

This guide will help you understand the wide range of Rome city passes available and pick the one that works best for you.

Best for: Visitors relying on public transportation to get around

The Roma Pass was developed by the local government and is the only city pass that gives total access to Rome’s entire network of trains, trams, and buses. A 72-hour pass is 52 euro ($56). (Note that a 48-hour pass is sometimes offered as well for 32 euro/$34.50.)

The pass also gives you admission to two Rome attractions of your choice. A few top options are the Borghese Gallery and the archaeological site comprising the Colosseum, the Roman Forum , and Palatine Hill . In some cases, you may be advised or required to book your tickets in advance, either for free or by paying a 1 euro fee.

Discounts for dozens of attractions throughout the city are available through the Roma Pass, too. It’ll also grant you free access to P.Stop restrooms spread across the capital, which extra bonus since public restrooms in Italy typically charge a fee.

Though extremely time-saving, the Roma Pass won’t save you a lot of money, unless you use public transportation many times a day and cram in as many of the main sights as possible. And bear in mind that the most popular attractions are likely to be sold out if you’re visiting during peak season.

Where to buy your pass: You can purchase your pass online up to 24 hours before arrival, but you’ll need to collect it at one of six strategic locations, including Fiumicino Airport and Termini railway station .

Best for: Exploring the Vatican

The Omnia Card is offered by the Diocese of Rome and as such focuses on attractions located within the Vatican or otherwise managed by the Holy See. It will cover your tickets to the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel , the Mamertine Prison , and the Basilica of Saint John Lateran , as well as give you access to ride a dedicated hop-on/hop-off bus.

There are two options: a 24-hour (69 euro/$74) pass and a 72-hour (129 euro/$139) pass. While the first one allows you to also select one out of five Roman catacombs to visit, the 72-hour pass includes a Roma Pass and comes with a multilingual audio guide of St. Peter’s Basilica .

One of Omnia Card’s major advantages is its cancelation policy: should your plans change, you’ll be able to cancel your purchase up to a day before traveling to Rome.

Where to buy your pass: Tickets to single attractions can be bought online or via the Omnia app. The Omnia Card itself has to be collected at one of four offices across Rome; one of them is right outside the Vatican.

Rome Turbopass

Best for: Those staying for more than three days

The Rome Turbopass is available for one to seven days and is priced between 106 euro ($116) and 161 euro ($173). For an additional 13 euro ($14), you’ll get a round-trip transfer to Fiumicino Airport. You can purchase a public transport add-on with your pass as well.

With the Turbopass, you’ll get free entry to the Mausoleum of Hadrian , the Baths of Caracalla , and a few other attractions, plus skip-the-line tickets to the Colosseum, the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel, and the National Roman Museum .

An open-top bus, complete with a city audio guide in multiple languages, serves all pass holders.

Overall, the Rome Turbopass gives you more bang for your buck. But if you’re in Rome for only a couple of days, more affordable alternatives like the Roma Pass will suit you better. Plus, tickets to the Colosseum should be booked in advance as they sell out pretty fast.

Where to buy your pass: The Turbopass can be bought online between six months and 24 hours in advance and will be sent to your email alongside all the tickets you’ll need. But if you choose the public transport add-on, you’ll have to head to Termini station to pick it up.

Go City Explorer Pass

Best for: Discovering Roman sites and cuisine

Go City’s Rome pass is hard to beat in terms of convenience because you'll find all your tickets within one single app. You’ll get to pick between two to seven attractions for 79 euro ($85) to 199 euro ($214).

Classics like the Colosseum (complete with an audio tour), the Vatican Museums, and a one-day tour on a hop-on/hop-off bus are available, and so are more exclusive activities like a rooftop pizza dinner and a wine tasting with a certified sommelier. You can opt for a guided tour of St. Peter's Basilica, too, which isn’t always offered by other passes.

Go City sells similar passes for 29 other cities around the world and is known for its flexible and user-friendly passes. While the Rome pass has almost 30 experiences to choose from, you’ll only get to ride their dedicated open-top bus if you select that as one of your activities. This can be an advantage for visitors who want to get around the city by alternative means, but those looking for a more comprehensive pass should try other options.

Where to buy your pass: Download the app and book all your tickets online.

Rome Tourist Card

Best for: A flexible itinerary

The Rome Tourist Card is another totally digital Rome city pass. For 116 euro ($125), you’ll be able to choose from three categories of tours for the some of the most popular attractions in the city and also receive an audio guide app for Rome.

The first category provides one of six options to see the Colosseum and all the sights within the Roman Forum with skip.

Then, you'll be able to choose between tour options for the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel or St. Peter's Basilica.

Finally, you'll have a choice between entrance to either the Pantheon , Castel Sant'Angelo , or an airport transfer and a 72-hour public transport card.

This pass is perfect for visitors who don’t want to settle on a strict itinerary and would rather avoid collecting actual vouchers. On the other hand, it’s less affordable than similar passes and doesn’t only includes transportation costs if you choose that option instead of an attraction entrance.

Where to buy your pass: Make your purchase online . You’ll be able to schedule your tickets with no time restrictions. In addition to what’s included in the package, you’ll get 10% off the tickets to other attractions in the city.

Recommended tours and activities

More like this:

• How to navigate Rome’s metro with confidence: Tips and tricks from our forums
• How to get around Rome: A guide for first-timers
• 12 travel tips for your next trip to Rome

Info & orari

Cards for visiting the eternal city, all the info to buy tourist cards to visit attractions and museums.

The Roma Pass is a convenient and inexpensive way to visit Rome’s attractions and move comfortably on the city’s public transportation network.

How does the Roma Pass work?

• You can choose between the 48- or 72-hour Roma Pass, depending on your needs.
• The pass can be activated for the first time at one of the attractions or means of transportation covered by the card (for example, a subway station).
• With the Roma Pass, you can visit two attractions of the more than 40 included in the card for free, including the Colosseum, the Roman Forum and the National Roman Museum. In addition, discounts are available for other attractions and tours.
• The Roma Pass offers unlimited access to Rome’s public transportation, including buses, streetcars and the subway.
• With the Roma Pass, you save time and avoid long lines at the entrance to attractions, while enjoying exclusive discounts on optional tours and activities.

The OMNIA Card is a convenient and economical tool for exploring the eternal city of Rome, visiting its main attractions and moving with ease through Rome’s capital city.

How does the OMNIA CARD work?

• You can choose between the 24-, 48- or 72-hour OMNIA Card, depending on your needs.
• The card can be activated for the first time at one of the designated pick-up points in Rome.
• With the OMNIA Card you can visit more than 30 attractions for free, including the Colosseum, the Roman Forum and the Vatican. The card also includes a 3-day tour of Rome, as well as a free city tour guide.
• The OMNIA Card offers unlimited access to Rome’s public transportation, including buses, streetcars and the subway.
• With the OMNIA Card, you save time and avoid long lines at the entrance to attractions, while enjoying exclusive discounts on optional tours and activities.

Hop-On Hop-Off Bus

he Hop-on Hop-off Bus is an easy and flexible way to explore the sights of Rome, without having to worry about travel or reservations. With the ability to get on and off the bus according to your needs, this service allows you to make the most of your vacation in the Eternal City

Frequently asked questions:

What is the address of the colosseum.

Colosseum Square, 1 – Rome

How many admissions does the Colosseum have?

The Colosseum has three entrances: the Stern entrance, the main entrance, and the group entrance.

What to bring with you to a visit?

In the summer months, we always recommend that you come supplied with water to refresh yourself during your visit.

How to get to the Colosseum?

• Metro: Line B – Colosseum Stop
• Streetcar: Line 3 or Line 8 – Colosseum Square stop
• Bus: Line 40/70/75 – Colosseum Square stop

How does the bus work?

• There are several Hop-on Hop-off tour bus companies in Rome that offer similar routes. First, choose the tour that best suits your needs.
• You can purchase tickets online or at a nearby point of sale. The ticket is valid for 24 or 48 hours (depending on the option chosen) from the time you board the first bus.
• During the journey, the bus will follow a predetermined route that will take you through the city’s main attractions. You can get off the bus and visit each place that interests you, then get back on the bus to move to the next attraction.
• On board the bus, you can listen to audio commentaries via headphones in several languages describing the sites you are passing by. This way you can learn about the history and details of the beauty of Rome you are visiting.
• Depending on your Hop-on Hop-off ticket, you can move freely between bus stops for as long as your ticket is valid. In addition, you can choose to use the bus as a practical and effective means of transportation, as you are free to get on and off anywhere during the bus route.
• 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.

• Holidays in Rome
• Where to Stay
• Where to Eat
• Best Time to Visit Rome
• Top 10 Tips for Rome
• Bathrooms in Rome
• What to Pack & What to Wear

Money Matters

Getting Around

Getting to Rome

• Learn Italian
• Rome & Vatican Tours
• Italy Tours
• Transfers & Transport
• Sign up & get a FREE ebook  Subscribe Today!  Our New Italy Travel Website Is HERE  Visit Napleswise Now!
• Romewise Home Page
• What to Do in Rome
• Rome City Pass

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).

 🔐 Store your bags and luggage securely! 🧳

We're parterned with Radical Storage who have locations across Italy for you to keep your luggage safe before and after check-in, while on day trips and for everything else between 👌

Click here to book now and use code ROMEWISE to save 5%!

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?

Book your train.

Planning to travel between cities in Italy and other parts of Europe?

Use Trainline to see all the different options available across the different rail companies.

Find your hotel

Find your perfect place to stay in Rome.

Use Booking.com to choose between hotels, guesthouses, and self-catering apartments in neighborhoods throughout the Eternal City.

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:

Disclosure: If you make a purchase through a link on this page, I may receive a small commission - at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting my site!

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.

 🤙 Roaming in Rome? 📱

Get yourself an Italian eSIM for calls, messages and data when traveling here.

Save on data charges with plans from just 19€ from Holafly - our recommended eSIM provider!

Click here to get yours now  and use code ROMEWISE to save 5%!

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.

Want to save this to Pinterest? Pin it here!

Get your 100%  free  Rome trip planner now!

Simply sign-up today for our free newsletter and get the Romewise Quick Start guide to Rome:

We are committed to respecting your data. Click for our Privacy Policy .

Comments? Questions? Suggestions?

Please come over to the private Romewise Facebook group and join in the conversation.

You will often find me there, happy to answer your questions / comments!

You will also meet other Rome lovers and experts, too.

What are you waiting for?

Come join in the fun !

Read here about our sponsorship policy

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

Disclosure : If you make a purchase through a link on this page, I may receive a small commission - at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting my site!

New to Romewise? Start Here

Get the most out of Romewise

Coming To Rome?

Weather in Rome

Accommodation

Already in Rome?

Things to Do

MORE CITYWISE WEBSITES:

Florencewise

Atlantawise

Citywise LLC

Home    |    About Me     |    STORE     |    Privacy Policy    |    Legal Disclaimer    |    Affiliate Disclosure    |   Contact Me

Copyright © 2009-2024 by Elyssa Bernard, Romewise.com | All Rights Reserved.

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!

Roma Pass, is it worth it? Tourist card comparison

Roma Tourist Card, City Pass and Discount Cards, discover the pros and cons and how to save time and money.

Recommended for Rome:

Recommended for the Vatican:

What are the Rome Tourist Cards?

There are several tourist passes available for Rome. Prices and services vary widely, so it is important to choose the right card for the right sights.

In addition to the different services they offer, the Rome Passes also differ in whether they are issued online or have to be collected in Rome. With the Roma Pass, public transport tickets are included in the price, while with other tourist passes they are optional. However, public transport tickets must be collected in Rome.

What are the Rome City Passes good for?

The oldest is the Roma Pass, which serves as a discount card and you must reserve the museums yourself. Tickets for the Colosseum and the Vatican Museums are often sold out well in advance. The added value of most of the modern passes is that you don’t have to worry about reservations and you have a competent contact person 24 hours a day if you have any questions or problems.

How do I choose the right Rome Sightseeing Pass?

To help you decide which Rome Sightseeing Pass is best for you, please consider the following points:

Rome Tourist Card: The practical Online Pass for the Colosseum, Pantheon or Castel Sant’Angelo and the Vatican Museums

With the Rome Tourist Card you can easily book admission to the Colosseum, the Vatican Museums (including the Sistine Chapel) or a guided tour of St. Peter’s Basilica, the Pantheon or Castel Sant’Angelo. All reservations are included in the price and will be sent to you by e-mail. A shuttle service to and from Ciampino and Fiumicino airports and a 72-hour ticket for public transport, to be issued by the bus staff, can be booked as an option.

Omnia Card 24: the powerful online pass for the Vatican Museums, San Giovanni, Catacombs and Hop-on Hop-off Buses

The Omnia Card 24 is designed for visitors who want to see as much of Rome as possible in 24 hours. It includes admission to the Vatican Museums (including the Sistine Chapel), an audio guide to the Basilica of San Giovanni with access to the cloister, a tour of the Mamertine Dungeon and a guided tour of the Catacombs. Within the 24-hour period, you can use the Vatican & Rome, Big Bus and City Sightseeing hop-on, hop-off buses.

Vatican City Pass: The Online Pass for the Vatican Museums or Castel Sant’Angelo and St. Peter’s Basilica

The Vatican City Pass is an easy way to get tickets to the Vatican Museums, including the Sistine Chapel, even on short notice. The pass also includes a guided tour or audio guide for St. Peter’s Basilica and the Dome.

Rome City Pass – Turbopass: the flexible online pass for 1-7 days

The Rome City Pass – Turbopass is very flexible and offers the most comprehensive package. The tickets for the Colosseum, the Vatican Museums (including the Sistine Chapel), the Hop-on Hop-off Bus and the optional Shuttle Bus are usually sent by email, while the other tickets included in the pass can be booked and collected on site.

Roma Pass: for public transport and visits to city and national museums

The Roma Pass is the discount card of the City of Rome. It consists of a 48- or 72-hour ticket for public transport and one or two free admissions to participating city and national museums. Reservations are not included. The price of admission is reduced for additional museum visits. There are also discounts at some partner businesses and free use of public toilets at p.Stop . You can order the card online and collect it at tourist information offices .

Omnia Card 72: the combination for pilgrims with the Vatican, Basilicas and Roma Pass

The Omnia Card 72 is a very comprehensive card, valid for 72 hours. It can be picked up at Piazza Pio XII No. 9 (right in front of St. Peter’s Square). The Omnia Card 72 includes the Roma Pass 72 and offers the following additional services Vatican Museums including the Sistine Chapel, Cloister of San Giovanni with Audio Guide, Mamertine Dungeon (Carcer Tullianum) with Audio Guide, St. Peter’s Basilica with Audio Guide, 72 hours of unlimited travel on the Vatican & Rome Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Lines, Big Bus and City Sightseeing, Basilica di Santa Maria in Via Lata (via del Corso).

Online Travel Card: Private pick-up from the airport

The Online Travel Card is a good complement to the other passes. It allows you to be picked up at Fiumicino or Ciampino airport and taken to Rome. As an option, you can book the 72-hour public transport pass, which will be issued by the driver.

Practical information and tips to save money

48/72 hour public transport pass: Some city passes offer a multi-day ticket for public transport. This sounds good, but in Rome you can now pay contactless on the metro, bus, tram and local train to Ostia, and the trasport pass is only worthwhile if you make more than 8 journeys in 48 hours or more than 12 journeys in 72 hours (single journey from 1.7.24 €2; 24h €9.30; 48h €16.70; 72h €24; 7 days €32). You also have to collect the card somewhere in Rome, which makes things even more complicated. Only with the Rome Tourist Card is it not necessary to collect the transport card. For more information, see our information on the Metrebus system in Rome .

Is the Rome Tourist Card worth it?

The Rome Tourist Card is a great way to save time and money. The available tickets and guided tours are clearly listed and can be booked with just a few clicks. Everything is delivered by e-mail without having to pick it up in Rome. You can also order a 72-hour ticket for public transport, which will be issued directly on the airport bus.

Is the Omnia Card 24 worth it?

The Omnia Card 24 is our absolute favorite for the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel, as you can still get tickets when they are sold out through other channels. Combined with the 24-hour Hop-on Hop-off Bus, the guided tour of the Catacombs and the entrance to the Cloister of the Basilica of San Giovanni, the Omnia Card 24 is a great value.

Is the Turbo Pass worth it?

The more sights you want to visit, the better the Turbo Pass. It offers a very wide range of museums and attractions and the booking process is clear and time-saving. Tickets for the Colosseum and the Vatican Museums, as well as tickets for the Hop-On Hop-Off buses, are sent by e-mail. Additional tickets can be picked up in Rome.

Is the Roma Pass worth it?

The Roma Pass costs the same as buying a multi-day ticket for public transportation and the included tickets to the most expensive museums separately. Since the Colosseum reservation is not included, the added value of the Roma Pass is not immediately apparent. Discounts are available for visits to other museums and purchases from partners.

Is the Omnia Card 72 worth it?

The Omnia Card 72 offers the Roma Pass plus the Vatican Museums and other services. The package is so comprehensive that it is only worthwhile if you plan to do nothing else in Rome but visit museums and churches.

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Visit Tourist in Rome on Facebook

You are using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser .

Is the Rome Tourist Card worth it in 2024 ? – Review of this Rome City Pass

• In Roma Pass

Is the Rome Tourist Card worth it ? If you're looking for the most current information and insights on the Rome Tourist Card , you've arrived at the right place.

Over the past few years, I've visited Rome multiple times and observed the evolution of its sightseeing passes. Changes have been notable, both in terms of pricing and what's included, with particular shifts in how Colosseum tickets are handled (I'll delve into this more below). 

One thing is certain: as of 2024, the Rome Tourist Card is among the top 3 Rome passes , distinguished by its ease of use and the exceptional selection of major attractions it offers, including priority access. 

But is the Rome Tourist Card worth it and is truly the best option for exploring Rome (particularly the Colosseum and the Vatican) ? This Rome Tourist Card review will cover everything you need to know.

• 1 Is the Rome Tourist Card worth it?
• 2 What is the Rome Tourist Card?
• 3 What are the attractions covered in the Rome Tourist Card in 2024? ?
• 4 Pros of Rome Tourist Card
• 5 Cons of Rome Tourist Card
• 6 Rome Tourist Card vs. other Rome passes
• 7 Conclusion on the Rome Tourist Card review

Is the Rome Tourist Card worth it?

In my view, the Rome Tourist Card ranks among the top 3 sightseeing passes for visiting Rome.

Firstly, in the comparison between the Rome Tourist Card and the Omnia Card , I favor the former. The Vatican pass is notably more expensive (149€ – see the latest price here ) and offers limited time usage (a maximum of 72 hours).

Next, when considering the Rome Tourist Card vs the Roma Pass , I again prefer the former. Although the Roma Pass is less expensive, it is significantly more restricted in terms of ticket validity (48 or 72 hours – see the latest price here ) and does not include access to the Vatican.

Lastly, comparing the Rome Tourist Card with the Turbopass and the Go City Explorer , the decision largely depends on the final price and the number of options selected. 

For a 5-day duration, the Rome Turbopass is priced at 145€ ( see the price in detail here ), and the Go City Explorer, offering 5 activities of choice, costs 139€ ( check the latest rate here ). This makes them 40€ to 50€ more expensive than the Rome Tourist Card.

For those interested in visiting more than 5 major attractions, these options might be appealing. However, for the majority of visitors, the Rome Tourist Card will be more than sufficient .

What is the Rome Tourist Card?

The Rome Tourist Card is a Rome sightseeing pass that enables you to access 4 must-see attractions with a single ticket ( available on this page ). 

It's tailored for visitors eager to explore Rome's most significant monuments without the hassle of organizing every detail. 

Given the choice between purchasing individual tickets and navigating the complexities of booking time slots at major sites like the Colosseum or the Vatican Museums, opting for an all-in-one Rome pass often proves to be the simpler solution .

Whether you're visiting with your family, exploring on your own, or on a trip with friends, this Rome Tourist Card makes things simpler and more fun .

How long is the Rome Tourist Card valid for ? The Rome Tourist Card does not have an expiration date , allowing you to plan your visits to Rome according to your own schedule and timing. 

To the best of my knowledge, it is the only Rome City Card without a time limit. 

This means there's no pressure to cram all your sightseeing into just 2 or 3 days. Whether you're in Rome for a weekend getaway or an extended stay of more than a week, the Rome Tourist Card is designed to accommodate the duration of your visit .

Rome tourist card price

The Rome Tourist Card is available for a single price of 95€ (last known price in April 2024 – click here to check availability ). 

• 108€ for adults ( see the latest price on this page ) 
• 71€ for children aged 4 to 17 
• free for children aged 0 to 3 
• free for visitors with a disability of +74% (also free for their carer)

How to buy the Rome Tourist Card

Purchasing the Rome Tourist Card is straightforward, as, unlike the Roma Pass, the entire process is conducted online.

Wondering where to buy a Rome Tourist Card ?

Here are the steps to buy and activate your Rome Tourist Card:

• Visit the official Tiqets website (the operator of this pass) by clicking on this link .
• Select your visit dates : Choose your visit dates and the number of tickets you want to buy. You will need to select specific dates and a time slot for the Colosseum and the Vatican.
• Buy online : Complete your purchase of the Rome Tourist Card in just a few clicks ( by visiting this page ). The process is simple—just follow the steps sequentially.
• Receive your Pass : After purchase, the Rome Tourist Card will be emailed to you within minutes. It's important to note that the pass is entirely digital. You can store it on your phone or print it out (it comes as a QR Code).
• Activate your Pass : This Rome City Card activates automatically. With no expiration date attached to the pass, you are free to use it whenever suits you best.

What to do if the Rome Tourist Card is unavailable? 

In recent months, the quota of tickets available through online resellers has been limited by the office responsible for ticketing at the Colosseum of Rome, among other attractions. 

This restriction can result in the unavailability of the Rome Tourist Card for certain dates.

If you find that the Rome Tourist Card is not available, you have two alternatives:

• Bookmark this page ( here's the link ) in your browser and check back later.
• Consider choosing a different tourist pass , such as the Rome Turbopass ( available on this site ) or the Go City Explorer Pass ( details on this page ). Both passes offer flexibility, ranging from 1 to 7 days, and serve as excellent alternatives.

What are the attractions covered in the Rome Tourist Card in 2024? ?

The Rome Tourist Card is designed to streamline your visit to Rome, focusing on 5 must-see attractions. The aim is to simplify your booking process and ensure access to major sites.

Here are the attractions included with the Rome Tourist Card in 2024:

• Skip-the-line ticket for the Vatican Museums
• Skip-the-line ticket for the Sistine Chapel
• Skip-the-line ticket for the Colosseum
• Entry ticket for the Palatine Hill and the Roman Forum (included with the Colosseum ticket)
• Priority entry of your choice to one of the following 3 attractions: the Pantheon , Castel Sant'Angelo , or the dome of St. Peter's Basilica .
• Optionally, you can also choose r ound-trip transfers from Fiumicino/Ciampino airports plus a 72-hour public transport card for the ATAC public network.

Additionally, the card comes with a complimentary smartphone audio guide app , offering explanations for over 130 points of interest throughout Rome.

Furthermore, the Rome Tourist Card provides a 10% discount on tickets for a selection of more than 50 museums , attractions, guided tours, and excursions ( the complete list is available on this page ).

Please note that upon buying the Rome Tourist Card, you will easily be able to add extra options to your package . 

For instance, if you wish to access the Colosseum's arena during your visit, you can include this feature with a single click during your reservation. The same flexibility applies to adding guided tours alongside your tickets. Therefore, don't be surprised to encounter these additional options when making your purchase.

Pros of Rome Tourist Card

Having discussed how it works, pricing, and included attractions, let's summarize the pros and cons of the Rome Tourist Card.

Convenient and 100% mobile 

A significant benefit of the Rome Tourist Card is its simplicity in booking and usage . 

The card grants access to the major attractions of the Roman capital, the must-visit sites during a trip to Rome. 

Moreover, the Rome Tourist Card is a completely digital pass, allowing you to use it with your smartphone. This means a single ticket, no paper waste, and no queues for purchasing.

Unlimited in time to visit

Another advantage is its unlimited validity . 

Unlike the Roma Pass and the Omnia Card, which are valid for a maximum of 72 hours, or the Rome City Card from Turbopass and the Go City Explorer, which last from 1 to 10 days, the Rome Tourist Card is not restricted by a specific number of days. 

This feature sets it apart from other passes that are time-bound.

Allows you to book your Colosseum ticket in 1 click 

As mentioned earlier, booking a ticket for the Colosseum has become more restrictive due to its status as one of the most visited sites in the world. 

To manage visitor flow, it's now mandatory to book a specific visit time slot in advance and online for 2024.

This requirement is seamlessly integrated into the Rome Tourist Card, allowing you to select your visiting slot directly upon purchase (see on this page). Once your reservation is confirmed, all details are recorded, eliminating the need to book a time slot through the official CoopCulture website for an additional fee of 2€.

Cons of Rome Tourist Card

The primary drawback of the Rome Tourist Card lies in its simplicity. 

It grants access to only 4 attractions in Rome . While these include some of the city's most significant sites, the selection is nonetheless limited.

After visiting the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and the Palatine Hill (which can be done in a single day), the Vatican and the Sistine Chapel (requiring another day), and either the Pantheon (allow 2-3 hours) or Castel Sant'Angelo (which takes about half a day), you'll have completed a thorough tour of Rome's highlights . At this point, you might find yourself seeking a break from museums.

Additionally, the Rome Tourist Card offers a 10% discount on tickets for other attractions, which can be beneficial if you're planning more visits.

However, another downside is the occasional unavailability of the Rome Tourist Card for certain time slots at the Colosseum and the Vatican, which can be a significant inconvenience.

Rome Tourist Card vs. other Rome passes

In 2024, there are 5 main City passes for visiting Rome: the Roma Pass, the Omnia Card, the Rome Go City Explorer Pass, the Rome Turbopass, and the Rome Tourist Card.

After a detailed comparison and analysis of their prices and offerings, here are the key advantages I've identified for the Rome Tourist Card.

Roma Pass vs Rome Tourist Card

Similar to the Rome Turbopass and the Go City Pass Explorer, the Rome Tourist Card provides good flexibility regarding validity . 

Unlike the Roma Pass and the Omnia Card, which are limited to 2 or 3 days, the Rome Tourist Card does not have such restrictions. 

This is particularly beneficial as it can be challenging to explore all of Rome's major attractions in just a few days, especially for families traveling together.

The Roma Pass may be cheaper, but it's also more limited in scope and duration.

Rome City Pass (Turbopass) vs Rome Tourist Card

The Rome Tourist Card allows you to book visit time slots for the Colosseum and the Vatican at the time of purchase . 

This feature ensures access to these essential sites and eliminates the hassle of making separate reservations through the official Colosseum website.

I personally find it more convenient to book the Colosseum and Vatican time slots during the Rome Tourist Card purchasing process than it is on the Rome City Card for Turbopass website.

Also while the Turbopass includes more attractions, it also comes with a higher price tag. For many, the Rome Tourist Card strikes the perfect balance between cost and value.

Rome tourist card vs Omnia Card

The ease of use of the Rome Tourist Card is noteworthy. Everything can be accessed with a single click on a smartphone. 

In contrast, the Roma Pass and the Vatican's Omnia Card, which are still issued in paper booklet form, seem outdated. 

The ability to avoid managing multiple tickets or queuing to collect your pass at tourist locations is highly valuable.

The Omnia Card's steep price and time limitations make the Rome Tourist Card a more appealing option for those seeking both value and flexibility.

Rome passes comparative table

Conclusion on the rome tourist card review.

Is the rome tourist card worth it ? For your next trip to Rome, I highly recommend purchasing the Rome Tourist Card or another tourist pass. While the savings may not be substantial, t he convenience in terms of organization and ticket usage is invaluable.

So is the Rome Tourist Card worth it ? As demonstrated, the Rome Tourist Card is the optimal choice for most situations . However, if you're interested in a detailed comparison of other options, I invite you to read my comprehensive Rome sightseeing passes comparison .

Keep planning your journey with my guides on how to buy Colosseum tickets and visiting the Vatican museums .

Enjoy your visit to Rome, and please share your experiences with the Rome Tourist Card in the comments.

Fanny is a music and travel lover who has been visiting Rome since 2012. She is the founder and main editor of the Roma Pass blog and she like to share the best things to do in Rome.

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. All fields are required.

Rome Digital Tourist Pass

Your vip ticket for rome, the rome tourist card, rome at leisure.

The Rome Tourist Card is your VIP ticket to a hassle-free city trip to Rome. With the fast track entry benefits, you save hours standing in line at the St Peter’s Basilica, the Forum Romanum, the Colosseum and the Vatican Museums. Add to this 10% discount on other attractions, museums and excursions and you understand that the Rome Tourist Card is the best way to experience the city at leisure and save both time and money.

The Rome Tourist Card (or Rome Digital Pass) is the perfect way to customize your city trip. The big advantage is that this Rome Card is not limited to 24 or 48 hours or has other restrictions. You decide what you want to visit and when so that you can enjoy the sights and attraction in Rome at leisure.

Fast Track Entry

Don’t waste time standing in line and skip straight to the front of queues. You enjoy fast track entry to some of the most popular museum and attraction including the Colosseum, St Peter’s Basilica, the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel. 

Public Transportation

The Rome Tourist Card does not include public transport but you can purchase your metro and bus tickets from tobacconists, newsstands, metro stations and ticket machines at bus stops. The Hop-on Hop-off bus is another option. It takes you along all the highlights of Rome.

Audio Guide App

The Rome Tourist Card also includes an audio guide app. This allows you to discover more than 130 sights in Rome. Local guides provide commentary and tell about their ‘secret places’. The app also includes walking routes.

Your Rome Digital Pass not only affords free entrance to St Peter’s Basilica, the Colosseum, Forum Romanum and the Vatican Museums, it also includes reduced admission fees for museum and attractions.  Add to this, 10% discount on tours, excursions, bicycle and walking tours and you understand why this card is immensely popular.

How does the Rome Tourist Card work?

The Rome Digital Pass is not a physical pass, so you don’t have to pick up anything in Rome, but you can arrange everything online right at home! Select your arrival date in Rome. After ordering you will receive an email with a link. Enter the date when you want to visit the attractions in Rome. All tickets will be sent to you via email. Simply, show your phone at the entrance. You will also receive a discount code allowing a 10% discount at other museums, attractions, tours and excursions in Rome.

• Skip the line and free entry to the Colosseum
• Skip the line and free entry to St Peter’s Basilica (with guided tour)
• Tickets for Forum Romanum and Palatine Hill
• Tickets for the Vaticans Museums and the Sistine Chapel
• Audio guide app, with information about more than 130 sights in Rome
• Discount on other top museums and attractions
• Discount on cruises and excursions in Rome

Rated by 3143 Happy Travelers!

Rome, the capital city of Italy, is rich in 2700 years of history. The city is built on seven hills east of the River Tiber. The city’s long and often turbulent history marked the city. The result is that today Rome is rich in historical buildings and museums. The Vatican State, the seat of the Roman Catholic Church is an enclave within the city of Rome.

Rome is like an open-air museum: the Colosseum, Forum Romanum, Pantheon, St Peter’s Basilica, the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel, Galleria Borghese, Trevi fountain, Piazza Navona and the monument of Victor Emanuel II.

Things to see and do in Rome:

St. Peter’s Square

Castel Sant’Angelo

Forum Romanum

Colosseum Rome

St. Peter’s Basilica

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.

Rom Tourist Card im Überblick..

Startseite › Tickets › Rom Tourist Card

Rom Tourist Card kaufen - Unsere Tipps & Erfahrungen

• - Zuletzt aktualisiert: 22. April 2024

Erkunden Sie die wichtigsten Sehenswürdigkeiten der Stadt mit nur einem Rom Ticket . Die Rom Tourist Card bietet kostenlosen Eintritt in die absoluten Highlights der Ewigen Stadt! Dazu zählen Attraktionen wie das Kolosseum, die Ausgrabungen rund um das Forum Romanum sowie am Palatin Hügel.

Ein Besuch im weltweit kleinsten, anerkannten Stadtstaat – der Vatikanstadt darf natürlich auch nicht fehlen. Hier erkunden Sie neben dem Petersdom die Vatikanischen Museen samt Michelangelos Sixtinischer Kapelle, den Petersplatz und mehr.

Die Rom Tourist Card  deckt also die wichtigsten Sehenswürdigkeiten in Rom ab:

• Forum Romanum
• Palatin Hügel
• Vatikanische Museen
• Sixtinische Kapelle

Die ideale Rabattkarte für die wichtigsten Highlights der Stadt

Dieses Angebot ist vor allem für Erstbesucher Roms spannend. Wer 2-3 Tage in Italiens Hauptstadt verbringt spart somit einige Euros und muss zudem nicht jedes Ticket einzeln kaufen.

Im Gegensatz zu einigen anderen Rabattkarten aus unserem Rom City Pass Vergleich , handelt es sich bei der Rom Tourist Card um ein rein digitales Produkt , das Ihnen nach dem Kauf unmittelbar per Email zugestellt wird.

Sowohl die Omnia Card  (für 72 h), als auch der Roma Pass müssen jeweils noch bei einer Abholstelle in Rom abgeholt werden.

Ebenfalls praktisch: Wer mag, kann bei dem Kauf der Rom Tourist Card eine Führung durch den Petersdom optional hinzubuchen.

Ebenso besteht die Möglichkeit, einen Besuch der Petersdom Kuppel direkt mit zu buchen, was sich unserer Erfahrung nach überaus lohnt!

Vorteile der Rom Tourist Card:

• Tickets zu den wichtigsten Sehenswürdigkeiten ( Kolosseum, Forum Romanum, Palatin, Vatikanische Museen, Sixtinische Kapelle)
• Petersdom Kuppel & viele Führungen optional buchbar
• 10% Rabatt auf viele weitere Sehenswürdigkeiten
• Zeitlich unbegrenzt nutzbar
• Digitaler Pass direkt fürs Smartphone
• Lohnt sich bereits ab 2 besuchten Attraktionen

Preise für die Rom Tourist Card

Erwachsene ab 18 Jahren

104,00 Euro

Jugendliche 4 – 17 Jahre

Kinder 0 – 3 Jahre

Rom Tourist Card kaufen und 10% Rabatt auf weitere Sehenswürdigkeiten erhalten:

Wem die angebotenen Aktivitäten der Rom Tourist Card nicht genügen, der wird sich sicherlich über den von Tiqets.com herausgegebenen Rabatt von 10%  auf weitere Rom Highlights freuen. Das bedeutet, dass der Nutzen der Tourist Card nicht mit dem Abschluss der bereits inbegriffenen Aktivitäten endet.

Vielmehr ermöglicht sie Ihnen, auch spontan weitere Sehenswürdigkeiten in Rom zu erkunden und dabei von attraktiven Preisnachlässen zu profitieren. Damit wird Ihr Rom-Erlebnis noch reicher an Erfahrungen!

Folgende Sehenswürdigkeiten sind enthalten:

• Kolosseum (inkl. Schnelleinlass)
• Kolosseum Führung: 3 Std. (optional buchbar)
• Forum Romanum (inkl. Schnelleinlass)
• Palatin Hügel (inkl. Schnelleinlass)
• Vatikanische Museen (inkl. Schnelleinlass)

Individuell buchbare Optionen:

• Vatikanische Museen (inkl. Schnelleinlass) + Bustour Vatikanische Gärten
• Vatikanische Museen Führung: 2,5 Std.
• Petersdom Führung: 1 Std. (Englisch, Spanisch, Französisch, Italienisch)
• Petersdom Kuppel Eintritt + Audioguide
• Petersdom Kuppel Eintritt + Führung, ca. 105 Minuten

Rom Tourist Card kaufen und Warteschlangen überspringen:

Besuchen Sie das Kolosseum , Forum Romanum und den Palatin Hügel per Schnelleinlass. Die Tourist Card ermöglicht es Ihnen, die Warteschlangen zu überspringen , indem Sie die separaten Eingänge vor Ort nutzen. 

Im Vatikan erhalten Sie ebenfalls kostenfreien Schnelleinlass in die Vatikanischen Museen sowie zur weltberühmten Sixtinischen Kapelle . Der Petersdom Eintritt ist generell kostenlos , wodurch Sie die wichtigsten Sehenswürdigkeiten im Vatikan allesamt besichtigen können.

Sie erhalten Ihre Rom Tourist Card bequem per E-Mail:

Die Rom Tourist Card ist ein digitaler Pass für Ihre Rom-Reise, der Ihnen sofort nach dem Kauf per E-Mail zugeschickt wird. Mit diesem digitalen Angebot erhalten Sie alle Ihre Eintrittskarten direkt in Ihrem Posteingang, ohne vor Ort physische Tickets abzuholen. Eine sehr beliebte Rabattkarte, die ähnlich funktioniert, ist der Turbopass Rom . Dier beinhaltet ein weitaus umfangreicheres Angebot gegenüber der Tourist Card.

Eine umfangreiche Audioguide-App gibt es gratis dazu:

Zusätzlich zu den Eintrittskarten wird Ihnen eine umfangreiche Audioguide-App für Ihr Smartphone zur Verfügung gestellt. Diese App beinhaltet mehr als 100 der bedeutendsten Sehenswürdigkeiten in Rom, digitale Offline-Karten mit ausgezeichneter Navigation sowie hochwertige Beschreibungen, Audiokommentare und Bilder, die die Highlights der Stadt in lebendiger Weise präsentieren.

Unsere Erfahrung mit der Rom Tourist Card:

Die Rom Tourist Card ist die ideale Wahl, wenn Sie lediglich die bedeutendsten Sehenswürdigkeiten der Stadt besichtigen möchten. Wenn Sie mindestens drei der Hauptattraktionen in Rom besuchen, werden Sie mit diesem Angebot bereits einige Euros sparen.

Darüber hinaus profitieren Sie von den Rabatten für weitere Sehenswürdigkeiten, was es sinnvoll macht, die Basis-Attraktionen im Paket zu erwerben und zusätzliche Museen zu einem späteren Zeitpunkt hinzu zu buchen.

Ein weiterer Vorteil neben der finanziellen Ersparnis, ist der zeitliche Aufwand, den Sie sich sparen. Es ist durchaus komfortabler, gleich alle Tickets im Paket zu kaufen und nicht jede einzelne Eintrittskarte getrennt voneinander buchen zu müssen.

Aus diesen Gründen können wir die Rom Tourist Card absolut empfehlen. Sie ermöglicht Ihnen, die wichtigsten Highlights in Rom zu erkunden und die restlichen Erlebnisse nach Ihren individuellen Wünschen zusammenzustellen – und das zu vergünstigten Preisen!

Rom Pässe im Vergleich:

Redakteur: Sebastian Erkens Hey und herzlich willkommen auf Rom-Tourist! Mein Name ist Sebastian und ich reise regelmäßig nach Rom – in die Ewige Stadt. Auf unserem Rom-Blog erhalten Sie wertvolle Reisetipps. Falls Sie Fragen zu speziellen Touren oder Sehenswürdigkeiten haben, können Sie uns gerne einen Kommentar hinterlassen.

Diese Artikel könnten Sie ebenfalls interessieren:

Rom Tickets

Rome Tourist Card

Welcome to RomeTouristCards.com! We inform you about the Rome Tourist Card, with which you can visit three of Rome's most popular sights. On this page you will find the following information:

This is the Rome Tourist Card

Advantages of the rome tourist card, price & booking, colosseum incl. roman forum & palatine hill, vatican museums & sistine chapel or st peter's basilica, pantheon, castel sant'angelo or airport transfer incl. local transport, rome audio guide, discount voucher for tiqets.com, is the rome tourist card worth it, disadvantages of the tourist card.

The Rome Tourist Card is a digital product from Tiqets.com. It is an attractive ticket consisting of several entrance tickets to top attractions in Rome.

The Tourist Card gives you tickets to the following attractions:

• Colosseum with Roman Forum and Palatine Hill
• Vatican Museums with Sistine Chapel or St Peter's Basilica (optional attraction)
• Castel Sant'Angelo or Pantheon or airport transfer incl. public transport ticket (attraction of your choice)

For each of these attractions, when you buy the Rome Tourist Card, you will receive Tickets with time slots. So your visit is guaranteed and waiting times are short.

In addition, you can use an audio guide free of charge with the card:

• Audio guide to the sights of Rome

You can listen to the recorded audio commentary on your own phone. That's why you should take headphones with you to Rome. With this audio guide, you will always be well informed during your journey of discovery through the Italian capital.

After purchase, you will also receive a 10% discount voucher to use towards more Rome admission tickets on the Tiqets.com platform. Choose between more top attractions to benefit from this exclusive discount.

Mode of delivery : You will receive all tickets, the audio guide and the discount voucher by e-mail for free use on your phone. The tickets will be sent to you immediately after purchase. As soon as you start sightseeing in Rome, show your digital tickets at the entrance. Alternatively, you can also print out the tickets.

To use the audio guide, download the free POPGuide app. With it, you can listen to the commentaries at any time.

The discount voucher worth 10% will be sent by email after booking.

The Rome Tourist Card is a popular product with tourists because it has many advantages:

• With this product you can visit three top attractions in Rome. You can also opt for an airport transfer and public transport.
• Buying the Tourist Card is convenient. It would be more time-consuming to book each ticket individually.
• A time slot is reserved for each attraction. This way your visit is guaranteed.
• You can choose between several sights.
• You will receive all tickets by e-mail. You can then save the tickets on your phone.
• The audio guide provides interesting information about Rome and the Pantheon.
• Save 10% on additional tickets for sightseeing in Rome.

These are good arguments in favour of the Rome Tourist Card.

The Rome Tourist Card is an exclusive product of Tiqets.com. Therefore, the purchase is handled by Tiqets.

When booking, please indicate the day of your arrival, the number of people and your preferred dates for the three attractions.

You can book tickets for yourself as well as for your travel companion. You then forward the tickets to the other persons.

Tickets for children are reduced. The price depends on the age of the children.

After purchase, you will receive all tickets and a discount voucher worth 10% by email.

If you have any questions about booking, please contact customer service: [email protected].

Attractions & Audio Guide

The Rome Tourist Card only includes three selected sights - but these are flexible and very attractive. You receive tickets for three of Rome's top attractions.

Enter the Colosseum - the largest amphitheatre built by the ancient Romans. The former venue of great events now stands in the middle of modern Rome and offers a throwback to antiquity.

The Rome Tourist Card gives you a time slot ticket for entry to the Colosseum. In addition, with the same ticket you can also visit the Roman Forum and the Palatine Hill within 24 hours.

The Colosseum is sometimes fully booked during the popular travel season. Therefore, buy your Tourist Card in good time to purchase your ticket for a date that suits your travel dates. If no regular tickets are available, you can often choose between different options, for example Colosseum incl. multimedia video or guided tour. If the Colosseum is fully booked, you can still visit the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill.

You will visit the Vatican Museums inside the Vatican City. The museums house the papal art collections. The most visited part is the Sistine Chapel.

This is one of the most popular attractions in Rome. For this reason, tickets sell out quickly, especially during the main tourist season. With the Rome Tourist Card, you receive an admission ticket with a fixed time slot, subject to availability. In spring and autumn in particular, it is therefore worth booking the Rome Tourist Card two to four weeks before your trip.

If you don't want to visit the Vatican Museums or if tickets are no longer available, you can visit St Peter's Basilica instead.

Admission to the famous St Peter's Basilica is generally free of charge. You can therefore also visit the cathedral without a Rome Tourist Card. However, the card includes an audio tour and a visit to the cathedral dome. You can also choose a guided tour with an English-speaking guide.

The meeting point for this tour is outside St Peter's Basilica. You will be welcomed there and you will be helped to download the audio guide onto your mobile phone. You will also be accompanied to the entrance of St Peter's Basilica.

Opt for a third attraction and choose from the Pantheon, Castel Sant'Angelo and a local transport ticket including airport transfer.

For the Pantheon, you will receive an admission ticket and an audio guide app. This is the cheapest option. Alternatively, you can opt for the popular Castel Sant'Angelo. You will receive an admission ticket with Fast Track access.

The third option is an airport transfer (from Fiumicino Airport or Ciampino Airport) and a 72-hour local public transport ticket for Rome. The airport transfer is by SIT shuttle bus (return journey). The public transport ticket must be collected at the airport.

With the Rome Tourist Card you get free access to an audio guide containing information on more than 100 sights of the city. Listen to interesting information and see matching visuals. To use the audio guide, you need to download the free POPGuide app.

After purchasing the Rome Tourist Card, you will receive a discount voucher worth 10%, which you can use for further ticket bookings on Tiqets.com. The voucher is valid for all tickets in Rome.

You will receive your personal voucher code by email. By using this voucher, you can save money with the Rome Tourist Card.

It is easier to book the Rome Tourist Card than to buy individual tickets for all the attractions. For this reason alone, the Tourist Card is worthwhile.

It is also suitable under the following conditions:

• You would like to visit the Colosseum, the Vatican Museums and St Peter's Basilica or Castel Sant'Angelo or the Pantheon.
• You would like to use public transport and are interested in an airport transfer - both are optional.
• You want to have all the reservations completed before your Rome trip. Afterwards, you don't need to worry about appointments.
• You would like to explore Rome with the help of an audio guide.
• You would like to buy at least one other Rome ticket and receive a discount of 10%.

Conclusion: The Rome Tourist Card should be worthwhile for many travellers who are interested in the city's top attractions and want to book their tickets easily.

The Rome Tourist Card is a very good product that is suitable for many travellers. But there are also disadvantages that we do not want to conceal:

• The purchase cannot be cancelled because several tickets are reserved for you when you book. These cannot be rebooked.
• You won't save much money with the Rome Tourist Card. It would be cheaper to book individual tickets on the official websites of the attractions. However, this takes time and the allotments sell out quickly.
• Compared to other Rome Cards, you can only visit a few sights with the Rome Tourist Card.
• In the high season, tickets for the Vatican Museums or the Colosseum sell out quickly. In this case, the Rome Tourist Card is either not available or you have to switch to other attractions.

If you still want to book the product, you can do so here:

You still have questions? Here you will find our Questions & Answers about the Rome Tourist Card.

Rome was called the “ Eternal City ” by the ancient Romans because they believed that no matter what happened in the rest of the world, the city of Rome would always remain standing . Exploring the city center by foot surrounded by glorious monuments and colossal remains takes you back in time to the “glory that was Rome”.

Rome Travel Guide

• General Information
• Things to do
• Getting to Rome
• Public Transport
• Money-saving tips
• Where to Eat
• Where to Stay
• 3-Day Itinerary

Why visit Rome?  

With its unparalleled history, Rome is the third most visited city in Europe and the fourteenth worldwide. It attracts visitors from all over the world who are impatient to discover the city’s impressive monuments and archaeological sites ; not to mention its renowned cuisine and its lively atmosphere.

When exploring the Colosseum , visitors will easily imagine how the gladiators fought for their lives in the arena, cheered by the crowd. In the Circus Maximus , travelers will picture the chariots crashing into each other in order to be first in the race, and in the Roman Forum visualize what the Roman public life was like.

Looking for accommodation?

If you haven’t booked your accommodation yet, we suggest visiting our search engine , where you’ll find all types of hotels, hostels, and apartments with the best rates guaranteed . You can get up to a 75% discount and pay once you get to your destination.

• Accommodation in Rome - find the best deals​

top activities

Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel Guided Tour Skip the endless queues for the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel—explore the most iconic landmarks in the Vatican City accompanied by an expert guide .

Sistine Chapel, Vatican Museums + St Peter's Basilica On this tour, you'll get access to the Sistine Chapel first thing in the morning, avoiding all the crowds . We'll also visit  St Peter's Basilica .

Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill Tour Travel back in time to Ancient Rome and discover the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill on this guided tour with priority access !

Colosseum Tour + Gladiator's Entrance When in Rome, don’t miss the eternal Colosseum! Access the arena through the Gladiator’s Gate, the entrance used by the ancient Roman fighters.

Borghese Gallery Guided Tour Discover the extraordinary collection of paintings and sculptures housed in the Borghese Gallery , one of Rome's must-see art museums .

Florence & Pisa Day Trip Discover two incredible jewels in Tuscany on our Florence & Pisa Day Trip from Rome. You'll see the Duomo , the Ponte Vecchio and the Leaning Tower .

Pompeii & Naples Day Trip Set off on a full day trip and discover the ruins of Pompeii , followed by a panoramic tour of Naples , one of the world's oldest constantly populated cities.

Rome Night Tour On this night tour of Rome ,   we'll visit the most iconic piazzas , streets and monuments of the Italian capital when the city comes to life at dusk.

Rome Fiumicino Airport Shuttle Bus Are you travelling to Rome? Book this shuttle bus between Fiumicino Airport and Rome so you can get into the city centre comfortably and quickly.

Italian Pasta & Tiramisu Workshop If you love Italian cuisine, then don't miss out on this  Italian Pasta and Tiramisu Workshop . You'll learn how to make some staple Italian dishes!

Day Trip to Venice by High Speed Train Experience a day trip from Rome to Venice on a high-speed train and explore its beautiful canals and historic centre at your own pace.

Audience With Pope Francis An audience with Pope Francis is a unique spiritual experience . Your guide will take care of everything, so you can go relaxed.

Castel Sant'Angelo Tour + Terrace Access A refuge for popes and an ancient Roman mausoleum , Castel Sant'Angelo harbours great secrets. On this guided tour we'll unveil its most hidden mysteries.

Rome Ciampino Airport Shuttle Bus With this shuttle service between Ciampino Airport and Rome, you'll be in the centre of the Italian capital in less than an hour. The eternal city awaits you!

Rome Electric Tuk Tuk Tour Explore the Eternal City through an eco-conscious lens with our electric tuk tuk tour of Rome  and roam the Italian capital's streets in a zero-emission vehicle!

St Peter's Basilica Guided Tour + Dome Climb Enjoy the best views of Rome by climbing the 320 steps leading up to the dome of St. Peter's . We'll also visit the interior of the Basilica!

Set off on a day trip from Rome across the Italian countryside to discover the birthplace of St Francis  in the charming town of Assisi .

Rome Sightseeing Cruise on the Tiber River Take a sightseeing cruise along the Tiber River and enjoy spectacular 360º views of Rome from the water. You can hop on and off as many times as you want!

This tourist bus is the perfect way to discover Rome . You can choose different routes with numerous stops and hop on and off as many times as you want!

Trastevere Food Tour Feast your eyes and stomach during a 3-hour food tour in Trastevere, one of Rome’s most bohemian neighborhoods and sample the delicious Italian gastronomy.

Private Walking Tour of Rome Explore the Eternal City's most iconic sights accompanied by an expert guide just for you and your partner, family or friends.  Discover the best of Rome !

Basilicas Tour and Secret Underground Catacombs Discover some of the most symbolic sites in Christian history: the Catacombs and two of the world's most important Basilicas on this tour of the Eternal City.

Papal Audience & Vatican Museums Tour Enjoy this unique experience of the Holy See with this combination tour which includes an  audience with Pope Francis and a visit to the Vatican Museums .

Roam the underbelly of Rome on this tour of its underground system . Walk  the Appian Way and Caffarella and   dive into the lesser-known side of the Eternal City !

Trevi Fountain and its Underground World On this  tour of the Trevi Fountain and its underground world , we'll reveal the hidden treasures and history of the most  fountain in Rome . 

Ponza Island Day Trip Enjoy a  day trip from Rome to Ponza Island . Cruise along the waters, feel the breeze in your hair and cool off with a dip in the Tyrrhenian Sea!

Hadrian's Villa and Villa d'Este Day Trip Visit the two treasures of Tivoli on this day trip: Hadrian's Villa, Roman Emperor's retreat, and Villa d'Este, a Renaissance mansion with magnificent gardens.

Tuk Tuk Tour around Rome Tour Rome in the most comfortable way on this tuk tuk tour. We'll explore its seven hills and learn tons of historical fun facts about the eternal city.

OMNIA Rome & Vatican Card The OMNIA Card is a sightseeing pass that includes priority access to Rome’s main attractions like the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Vatican City .

Palazzo Santa Chiara Opera Concert Treat yourself to a unique experience during your stay in Rome when you attend a fantastic opera concert at the Palazzo Santa Chiara .

Castel Sant'Angelo Ticket + Audio Guide Explore the intriguing history of Castel Sant'Angelo with this admission ticket + audio guide. Uncover the mysteries of one of Rome's most cryptic monuments !

Rome Mysteries & Legends Free Tour Wandering ghosts and enigmas in Caravaggio's works ... Discover the hidden side of the city with this free tour of Rome's mysteries and legends.

Baths of Caracalla & Circus Maximus Guided Tour Go back in time on this walking tour of the Bath of Caracalla, the most luxurious thermae of the Roman Empire . Then marvel at the remains of the Circus Maximus.

Rome Pub Crawl Are you ready to discover the vibrant nightlife of the Italian capital ? Join us on this pub crawl through Rome and experience it for yourself!

Free Walking Tour of Rome The city of the Caesars, of Baroque and, of course, The Eternal City. Discover Rome with this free walking tour of the Italian capital .

Italian Pizza Workshop Visit Rome and enjoy a delicious pizza made with your own hands . Try this Italian Pizza Workshop and learn how to make one of the country's most famous dishes.

Rome Photo Tour Discover the most Instagrammable locations in the Italian capital and show off your trip with this Rome Photo Tour.  Benvenuti a Roma !

Rome Hard Rock Cafe Come to the Rome Hard Rock Cafe and enjoy an exquisite menu of American food in an emblematic place where the rhythm of rock is felt in every corner. 

Welcome to Rome Tickets Immerse yourself in Rome's thrilling history when you buy a ticket for the fascinating Welcome to Rome multimedia experience .

The impressive dome of the Pantheon of Agrippa has fascinated the whole world for centuries. Discover it with this guided tour of Ancient Rome .

St. Peter's Basilica Tickets: Dome Access + Audioguide Secure your ticket to St. Peter's Basilica for an experience that includes access to its magnificent dome and a self-guided tour with an English audio guide .

Mostra di Leonardo Ticket Discover some of the most amazing inventions by the Italian genius Leonardo da Vinci with this ticket to the Mostra di Leonardo museum.

The Three Tenors Concert The church of  St. Paul's Within the Walls in Rome opens its doors to you to offer you the show The Three Tenors. Enjoy an unforgettable opera concerto.

Rome Catacombs Tour & Appian Way Visit the catacombs of Rome with an expert English-speaking guide during a 3-hour half day-trip, also discovering the fascinating Villa di Massenzio.

Ostia Antica Half-Day Tour from Rome Discover the legacy of the Imperial City on a guided tour of Ostia Antica, an ancient harbor town only 30 km from Rome. Travel back in time with this tour!

La Traviata with Ballet Entrance Ticket Enjoy one of the most famous operas of all time in the magical setting of the St Paul's Within the Walls Church with this La Traviata Ballet Entrance Ticket.

Capitoline Museum Guided Tour Marvel at one of Rome’s most important museums , the Capitoline Museums, followed by a visit to Piazza del Campidoglio on top of the Capitoline Hill.

Visit the largest Roman amphitheater in the world on this guided tour of the Colosseum. An absolute must if you're in the Italian capital!

Capri Day Trip Like the writers and artists before you, you'll fall in love with Capri on this unmissable tour. Discover the island's myths, legends and Blue Grotto .

Rome Bike Tour Tour the Italian capital on two wheels whilst you enjoy an electric bike tour of the Colosseum, the Pantheon, the Roman Forum and much more .

Tiber River Cruise with Appetizer Discover Rome from a privileged perspective as you relax with this Tiber River Cruise with Appetizer. You'll see symbolic places such as the Umberto I Bridge.

Trastevere and Jewish Ghetto Tour Enjoy a walking guided tour of Trastevere and the Jewish Ghetto and soak up the neighborhood’s bohemian atmosphere with numerous landmarks to visit.

Rome Squares and Fountains Guided Tour Set off on a walking guided tour of Rome and discover some of its iconic landmarks, such as the Fontana di Trevi, Piazza di Spagna, and Piazza Navona .

Wine Tasting in Rome Italy is world-renowned for its tradition of wine-making. Indulge your senses on this wine tasting tour of Rome with an expert sommelier!

Rome Fascist History Tour discover the architecture designed in Rome at the time of Benito Mussolini's fascist dictatorship with this Rome Fascist History Tour.

Go City: Rome Explorer Pass The Go City: Roma Explorer Pass  tourist card gives you access to the  main attractions in the Italian capital, such as the Sistine Chapel and the Colosseum.

Janiculum, Trastevere and Jewish Quarter Guided Tour On this fascinating tour of the Gianicolo , Trastevere and   the Jewish Quarter  in Rome, we'll gain a truly unique perspective of the Italian capital.

Rome: Angels and Demons, the Illuminati Adventure Quest Impersonate Robert Langdon himself for a day in this puzzle hunt in Rome: Angels and Demons , the Illuminati Hunt. The best way to explore the city!

Bioparco di Roma Ticket With your ticket to the Bioparco of Rome you will discover this zoo located in the heart of the city, inside Villa Borghese, an ideal plan for families!

Entrance to IKONO Rome Looking for a unique plan in the Italian capital? With a ticket to IKONO Rome , you'll get to explore this creative space and become a part of the art!

Rome Street Art Tour Discover secrets and the most interesting glimpses throughout the most colourful district with this Rome Street Art Tour. Explore the captivating capital city!

Lake Albano Kayak Tour If you're in Rome and want to escape from the hustle and bustle of the big city , join us on this kayak tour on Lake Albano .

Roma World Entrance Ticket Don't miss out on your ticket to Roma World , a theme park in which you'll travel back in time to the ancient and powerful Roman Empire .

Private Photoshoot outside of the Colosseum Remember your trip to Rome forever with this private photoshoot outside the Colosseum - we'll make sure you look your best beside the iconic monument!

Cinecittà World Ticket With this entrance ticket to Cinecittà World you can visit real film sets and travel to the imaginary worlds of movies and TV series .

Ischia 5-Day Tour Are you in Rome? Join us to visit the most beautiful islands in the Napolitan archipelago  on this  5-day tour of Ischia . You'll love it!

Roma World Ticket + Roma on Fire Show With this ticket to Roma World, you'll be able to enjoy a visit to this amazing theme park about the Roman Empire  on the outskirts of the Italian capital.

Private Tuk-Tuk Tour of Rome Would you like to see the Eternal City in the most comfortable way ? On this private tuk-tuk tour of Rome , we'll tour the capital of Italy in an exclusive group.

Capri + Pompeii Day Trip Pompeii and Capri  are two must-see stops in Campania. Discover their history and beauty on this day trip from Rome . Don't miss out!

Aqua World Ticket Do you want to combat the heat in Rome ? With this ticket to Aqua World, you'll have a blast at the swimming pools and slides at  Cinecittà World

Naples to Capri Tour: 2/3 Days Relax in southern Italy with this Naples to Capri Tour lasting 2/3 days. Discover Pompeii's incredible history, Sorrento's cuisine and Capri's beauty .

Florence Excursion by High Speed Train Known as the "City of Art", Florence is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. On this day trip, we'll tour its historic centre and the Uffizi Gallery.

5 Day Tour: The Best of Italy The best of Italy in just 5 days! Asisi, Siena, Florence, Bologna, Padua, Venice and Montepulciano  are the cities we take in on the tour.

Colosseum Guided Night Visit Visit one of Rome's most iconic monuments all lit up at the most magical time of day on our  Colosseum Guided Night Visit at dusk .

Pontifical Villas of Castel Gandolfo Day Trip From Pope Alexander VII to Benedict XVI , numerous popes have spent the holidays at the Pontifical Villas of Castel Gandolfo . Explore its links with the Vatican!

The Four Seasons by Antonio Vivaldi With this classical music concert, you'll experience all Four Seasons of the famous Antonio Vivaldi . An unforgettable concert in an incomparable setting!

Vatican Museums Private Tour Step into the legacy of the Italian city-state on this Vatican Private Tour. Visit the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel with just your family or friends!

Colosseum Private Tour Discover the World Heritage Site and one of the Seven Wonders of the World with this  Colosseum Private Tour . Explore the Roman site with an exclusive guide.

Day Trip to Siena, San Gimignano and Chianti On this tour to Siena, San Gimignano and Chianti , we'll discover the beautiful region of Tuscany - including medieval towns, and a visit to a wine cellar!

Rome Layover Tour Take advantage of your time at Rome airport to explore the Italian capital with this Rome Layover Tour. You'll discover the charm of the beautiful Eternal City.

Rome Private Day Trips Explore the beautiful Italian cities of Naples, Pompeii, Ostia or Assisi with these Rome Private Day Trips. You'll have an exclusive guide just for your group.

Pompeii & Minori Tour: 3 Days Discover the impressive ruins of Pompeii , explore the Almafi Coast  & enjoy 2 nights in Minori on this incredible 3-day tour.

Capri Tour: 2/3 Days Be captivated by the glamour of the Italian island with this Capri Tour lasting 2 or 3 days. Explore the fascinating Mediterranean cave, the Blue Grotto.

Rome Private Tour with Driver Fall in love with Rome with this private tour with driver. Choose your route, and enjoy a comfortable tour solely for you and your travel companions.

Vatican Gardens + Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel Ticket Discover the green lung of Vatican City on this tour of its gardens. You'll also visit the Sistine Chapel and take a self-guided tour of the Vatican Museums.

The most complete guide of Rome

This guide has been written by travelers like yourself and it's designed to help you plan your stay in Rome, so that you get the most out of the city as possible, whether you're staying for 2 days or a month. Find out what the top attractions  and the best places to eat are, which museums are worthwhile, and where to stay in Rome. If you’re traveling on a budget, we have also an article on how to save money while visiting this fascinating city, and the daily costs , so that you're prepared before getting to Italy.

The information provided in this guide was updated in  January 2023 . If you find a mistake or would like to make a suggestion, please do not hesitate to  contact us .

Our travel guides

• top attractions
• where to stay
• and much more

Europe Travel Guide

Last Updated: April 18, 2024

From beautiful Paris to smoke-filled coffeeshops in Amsterdam, Oktoberfest to La Tomatina, Europe is a massive, diverse continent with an unlimited assortment of things to see and do. You won’t have any problem filling your time, whether you’re backpacking Europe for a few months on a budget or just spending a few weeks there on a well-earned vacation.

The continent boasts wonderful beaches, historical architecture, amazing wine, and tons of world-class festivals. Every country is incredibly different from the next too, providing limitless variety in what you do during your trip.

I first backpacked Europe in 2006 and was hooked immediately. I’ve been visiting every year since, have run tours around the continent, and even wrote a book on traveling in Europe . It’s a destination I love and never get tired of exploring.

This guide will give you an overview of Europe and the tips and tricks you need to start planning your trip. I’ve also written extensive travel guides to each country on the continent (linked below in this post) so you can get more in-depth information for your specific itinerary too!

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• Where to Stay
• How to Get Around
• How to Stay Safe
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on Europe

Click Here for Country Guides

Top 5 things to see and do in europe.

1. Tour the Greek Islands

These islands are the mecca of summer beach fun and each is unique in its own great way. There’s Ios (beach party central with archeological ruins and awesome boat tours); Kos (ancient ruins and nature); Crete (Bronze Age ruins of Knossos, hiking, beaches, and wine), Santorini (iconic blue water, white buildings, and local wineries); Mykonos , (the upscale party island with beautiful beaches, villages, and sunsets), Naxos (best island in the Cyclades). Plus, Milos, Corfu, Lemnos, Zakynthos, and so many more! With hundreds of islands in the country, you can always find what you are looking for!

2. Ride the rails

Europe is famous for its international rail system. Rail passes like the Eurail Pass have been around forever and still make it very easy to get from country to country on a relatively small budget (and with lots of flexibility). Europe has some of the fastest trains in the world that travel up to an incredible 217 mph (350 kph). The whole continent is connected by trains and there’s a growing push for even more connections and long-distance, high-speed trains in order to reduce flying and help combat climate change. There’s nothing more quintessential than riding the trains in Europe and I encourage you to take as many trains as possible. It’s one of the best ways to see the continent.

3. Get lost in Paris

The “City of Lights” is everything people say it is. I fell in love with it the first time I stepped foot in Paris . The city is just magical. You have a ton of museums, cafes, jazz clubs, famous art, and beautiful architecture. I love just strolling around the streets of the Quartier Latin (Latin Quarter) or Montmartre neighborhood as it makes for a breathtaking day. Another one of my favorite things to do here is just sit in the Jardin des Champs-Élysées park and picnic like the Parisians. For something a bit different, check out the famous Catacombs and Paris Sewer Museum. With so much to offer in the way of culture, history, and gastronomy, it would take years to see everything here but you can still get a good feel of the city in a few days.

4. Go city hopping

There are so many amazing cities in Europe that we’d need a top 100 to list them all. Here are some of my personal favorites and must-see cities: London is rich in history, culture, and the famous Big Ben clock; Edinburgh is a vibrant medieval city with cozy pubs and a famous castle with a huge New Year’s Eve Party; Amsterdam has cozy coffee shops and canopied tree-covered canals; Berlin has a wild party scene, street art, and the Berlin Wall; Barcelona has tapas, beach, and unique Gaudi architecture; coastal Lisbon has colorful tiles, old tramcars, cobblestone streets and plenty of fresh seafood; Prague has a beautiful intact Old Town, incredible architecture and eclectic bars; Tallinn Estonia has beautiful medieval buildings with colorful roofs. Florence  is a mecca for Italian Renaissance architecture, art history, and gelato; Stockholm mixes medieval architecture and modern art and design. Crisscross the continent, take in the culture, and enjoy all the historic cities!

5. Hit the Alps

Whether you go skiing in the winter or hiking in the summer, the Alps hold some of the most breathtaking views in all the world. You don’t even need to be an expert hiker because there are mountain trails for all levels and crystal-clear Alpine lakes. Check out the spectacular Eibsee trail loop in Bavaria at the foot of Die Zugspitze, Germany’s tallest mountain, for the clearest, multi-colored, sparkling lake you’ve ever seen. Or the Männlichen Kleine Scheidegg Panorama trail in Switzerland’s stunning green and snow-capped Alps. Or visit Italy’s Dolomites in South Tyrol for the scenic Seceda trail. The Alps have trails for every fitness level and in every season.

Other Things to See and Do in Europe

1. tour amsterdam.

I love Amsterdam so much that I lived here for a short period of time in 2006. Here cobblestone and brick streets weave around lovely canals as people ride their bikes to and fro. My favorite things to enjoy here are Amsterdam’s vibrant art and music scene and there are also a ton of interesting museums here like the Anne Frank House, FOAM, the history museum, and the hemp museum. Be sure you get out of the center into Jordaan and Oost with their wonderful outdoor cafes and fewer tourists. Also, a visit to Amsterdam wouldn’t be complete without a canal cruise to visit the many islands and there are many to choose from that include snacks and drinks, sunset cruises, live guided tours, and more.

2. Hang out in Barcelona

Barcelona is a city that goes 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It truly could give NYC a run for the “city that never sleeps” title. Be prepared for late-night dinners and parties until dawn. Besides a great food and nightlife scene, there is a wonderful beach, tons of Gaudi architecture (including the fairytale-like Parc Güell, as well as the iconic Sagrada Familia , which has been under construction for over 100 years!), incredible food tours, one of the best history museums in the country, and lots of outdoor spaces. What I love about Barcelona is that when you’re ready to chill, you can wander around Parc de la Ciutadella and marvel at the majestic fountains, plant life, and buildings created from an ornate military fortress.

3. Visit Berlin

Hip and trendy Berlin is an energetic destination. It is one of Europe’s most affordable capital cities, with a vibrant music and art scene and a growing foodie movement. Be sure to spend some time learning about the city’s darker history via the many excellent museums, memorials, and landmarks. The East Side Gallery, a section of the Berlin Wall that’s now painted with murals, and the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe are two especially powerful reminders of Germany’s past. For all periods of German history, don’t miss the Deutsches Historisches Museum (German Historical Museum) – it’s one of the best history museums in the world. Once you’ve had your fill of history, relax in Berlin’s many green spaces, from Tempelhof Field, the site of a former airfield and popular local hangout spot, to Tiergarten, a tree-covered former hunting ground for 17th-century aristocrats.

4. Drink beer at Oktoberfest

Oktoberfest is a must for anyone going to Germany at the end of September. While not a budget option since beers now cost 15 € a maß, I love the energy and friendly camaraderie this event inspires. For two weeks, millions of people from all over the world gather for lots of beer, excitement, music, and wild fun. Watching thousands of people sing together, raising quart-sized beer mugs for endless toasts, and enjoying the general party atmosphere makes you feel good about the world. (Or maybe that’s just the beer?) Just be sure to book your accommodation well in advance and be prepared to pay top prices for them. If you don’t have an outfit, don’t worry, there are plenty of shops even at the main train station where you can buy a Bavarian dirndl dress and men’s lederhosen.

5. Experience London

Get a taste of English culture in diverse London . The museums here are some of the best in the world (most are free) and include the Tate, the British Museum, the City Museum, the National Gallery, the Historical Museum. There’s no shortage of iconic sights here as well, with Big Ben, the House of Parliament, the London Eye, the Tower of London, Tower Bridge, and of course, Buckingham Palace. I love London’s diversity because of the countless international eateries with great food and wonderful pub culture, perfect for after a long day seeing the sights. Head to Brick Lane on the weekends for some amazing food and craft markets. I prefer Paris to London, but there is something sophisticated and fun about London. Just watch those pints — London is not a cheap destination!

6. Get outdoors in Scandinavia

My favorite region in Europe is Scandinavia. The quality of life here is high, the people are beautiful and friendly, and the cities are clean and historic. Cycling the cities, taking canal tours, hiking the vast forested areas, archipelago hopping, enjoying fika (a Swedish coffee break), and warming up in saunas are just a few of the popular activities that await you here. True, this area of Europe is not cheap, but there are plenty of ways to reduce your expenses. Don’t let the high prices scare you away. Highlights for me include Copenhagen , Stockholm , Gotland, Norway’s fjords, and Lapland in Finland .

7. Get enchanted in Prague

Prague has an amazing history and is one of the most beautiful and picturesque cities I’ve ever seen. Highlights include the 9th-century Prague Castle, the magnificent Charles Bridge (built in the 14th century and one of the oldest standing bridges in the world), the 10th-century old square with its iconic astronomical clock, and the winding Jewish Quarter. Even if you only have a few days there don’t miss the free walking tour which is one of my favorites in Europe and the best way to learn about the Old Town and the tragic history of the city that went from thriving Bohemian capital of art, music, and literature to part of the Iron Curtain after WWII. Some of my favorite gems here include the fantastic black light theater shows in 4D and the one-of-a-kind medieval dinner show in an old tavern complete with musicians and jugglers not to mention hearty food and drinks. During the weekends it heaves with people enjoying the bars, cheap beer, and delicious food so try to visit during the week (and in the spring or fall) to beat the crowds.

8. Relax on the French Riviera

Here, you can pretend to live the high life for a little bit. Have fun in the sun, relax on the beach, swim in azure blue water, hobnob with the rich and famous, and sail on (or gaze at) gigantic yachts. As for cities, Nice is nice with its palm-tree-lined promenade, old town, and many art museums. If you want to go see how the rich and famous live, spend an afternoon checking out Cannes to soak up some glamorous vibes on La Croisette where they hold the famous Cannes Film Festival. The kingdom of Monaco with its tiny streets, beautiful buildings, and world-famous casino is just a skip away too.

9. Enjoy the great outdoors in Interlaken

Located in the beautiful mountains of Switzerland, Interlaken is a gorgeous place to unwind with fantastic hiking, delicious hot chocolate, and plenty of outdoor sports. The area is full of natural attractions to explore, including the St. Beatus Caves (complete with a legendary dragon), the cascading 500-meter-high (1,640 feet) Giessbach Waterfalls, the Jungfraujoch mountain railway (which leads to the highest train station on the continent), and a plethora of lakes (hence the town’s name). It’s a good alternative to all the cities and museums. Interlaken is also a popular party destination for backpackers and other young travelers. By far, my favorite scenic and visually stunning trail was the Oberberghorn panoramic hike, where you can wander the green mountain ridge ogling the amazing views and the turquoise-blue Brienzersee.

10. Experience history in Rome

In this thriving historical city, you can’t walk two feet without stumbling over a ruin, making Rome a history buff’s dream. Its tiny streets are perfect for wandering as you explore the Colosseum, see the Forum and Palatine Hill, visit the Pantheon, spend time in Vatican City, admire the Spanish Steps, and toss coins into the famous Trevi Fountain. The skip-the-line tickets can definitely be worth it so you don’t waste time waiting outside attractions. Rome also has amazing food (it’s Italy, after all) and nightlife. Visit the Trastevere area for a taste of “local” Rome and chill bars. It’s my favorite area in the city because you feel like you’re in a small village in the middle of a big city.

11. Hike around the Cinque Terre

Cinque Terre is my favorite part of Italy. These five beautiful cliffside towns are perched near warm waters and beautiful olive and grape groves. There are wondrous and strenuous hikes in these hills; for a real challenge, take trail #8. Or just walk the coastline for something less difficult. Many activities here revolve around the coastline: kayaking, swimming, having a beach picnic or visiting the Technical Naval Museum. If you happen to be here in December or January, don’t miss the Nativity Manarola, the world’s biggest lighted nativity scene.

12. Tour Krakow

Krakow looks like it stepped out of a medieval postcard. It’s a hip, trendy, and youthful city that’s the center of education in Poland, meaning there are a lot of university students here. Most travelers come to party here (the vodka is cheap) but try to enjoy the city’s history and food besides just the bars. Walk the Royal Road through the Old Town to the 13th-century Wawel Castle, tour Schindler’s Factory (where Schindler saved over 1,200 Jews during World War II), and visit the sobering Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp. You can also take a fascinating day trip to the UNESCO World Heritage Wieliczka Salt Mine, a 13th-century mine with cavernous chambers, statues, chapels, chandeliers, and cathedrals all carved out of salt.

13. Visit the ruin bars in Budapest

The coolest nightlife in all of Europe is found in Budapest . Built in abandoned buildings, ruin bars feature funky art installations, repurposed furniture, and quirky decor. They are amazing, fun, and great places to meet locals, as people of all ages flock here. Open since 2001, Szimpla Kert is the original ruin bar and one of my favorites, along with Instant-Fogas Complex, which takes up an entire building and is actually many different bars in one. Don’t skip the ruin bars — they’re one of the most unique things about the city!

14. Explore Cornwall

The best part of England is outside London, yet unfortunately, not a lot of travelers leave London. Head west to the area of Cornwall for cheaper prices, welcoming locals, natural beauty, great hiking, rolling hills, plenty of medieval castles, and picturesque small towns. If you like biking, the Camel Trail from Bodmin to Padstow is worth the trip and you even pass by a local vineyard. It’s an easy way to spend a day (and it’s pretty flat so it’s not too hard to do.) Plus, I had the best fish and chips in Cornwall! Overall, it’s what you think of as “traditional England.”

15. Walk the Camino

El Camino de Santiago (The Way of Saint James) is an ancient pilgrimage route that stretches from France all the way across northern Spain. It is a 500 mile (800 km) trail that winds through incredible terrain, ending in Santiago de Compostela at the cathedral where St. James is supposedly buried. As a pilgrim, you get a “pilgrim’s passport” which allows you to stay in affordable pilgrim-only hostels, making this a surprisingly budget-friendly adventure. While it usually takes over a month to complete, you can just walk a section if you don’t have the time. To receive a “Compostela” (certificate of completion), you just need to walk the last 62 miles (100 km), which generally takes 4-5 days.

16. Throw tomatoes during La Tomatina

By far my favorite festival, the largest food fight in the world happens during the last Wednesday of August in Bunol, Spain. What started in 1945 as a local brawl has turned into a massive event drawing tens of thousands of people from all over the world. For about an hour, everyone throws tomatoes at each other, leaving streets ankle-deep in tomato juice. Afterward, everyone walks down to the river, cleans off, and then heads to the town square for sangria and music.

17. Find Dracula in Romania

Not a lot of people visit Romania but this underrated country in Eastern Europe has undiscovered yet picturesque medieval towns like Brasov (home to “Dracula’s castle”), Sighisoara, and Sibiu; gorgeous beaches on the Black Sea; and incredible hiking in the Fagaras Mountains — all at dirt-cheap prices. Other major sights include frescoed Byzantine monasteries, the steepled wooden churches of Transylvania, the hip university town Cluj-Napoca, the post-communist capital of Bucharest, and the Danube Delta, a huge nature reserve.

18. Drink whisky in Islay

Whisky has a long history on Islay , an island off Scotland’s west coast. It’s been made there since the 16th-century — first in backyards and then, starting in the 19th-century, in large distilleries. Over the years, whisky from the island came to be considered a specialty and was used to flavor a lot of other blends on the mainland. There are currently nine working distilleries on the island, all located along the island’s shores, with Laphroaig, Ardbeg, and Lagavulin being the most famous. Most distilleries here make single-malt Scotch, meaning that only one type of grain (barley) is used. My visit here was amazing and, even if you don’t like whisky, there are tons of good hikes and walks throughout this magnificent island.

19. Explore Iceland

Iceland is a magical country with majestic waterfalls, hidden hot springs around every corner, and sweeping vistas unlike anywhere else in the world. After my first visit, the country quickly became one of my favorite countries. With whale watching in the summer, the northern lights in the winter, and geothermal baths for soaking in year-round, there really is no bad time to visit! While Iceland’s main draw is the epic natural landscapes, it’s worth spending a couple of days in Reykjavik with its café culture, artsy feel, and brightly colored wooden row houses.

20. Sail the Croatian coast

With calm winds, short distances, a coastline littered with over 1,000 islands, and countless historical sites, Croatia is one of the world’s best sailing destinations. If you can, go during the shoulder season when you can find some great deals. Plan to stay at least a couple of days on one of the islands, with the most popular being Brac, Hvar, Krk, Cres, and Lošinj. However, don’t be afraid to get off the beaten path and explore some of the lesser-known islands such as Silba, Vis, and Lastovo. If you want to splash out and spend a week partying on a yacht, check out The Yacht Week, which hosts week-long parties, complete with DJs, from May-September. You can book a full boat to share with friends or just a cabin if you’re traveling solo. Prices start at 5,250 HRK per person and go up to 9,300 HRK.

21. Explore the Balkans

While the Balkans have become more popular with backpackers in recent years, it’s still largely overlooked by most budget travelers, despite being an extremely budget-friendly region. The Balkan peninsula is home to great (and again, overlooked) wine, beautiful medieval towns like Kotor and Mostar, stunning mountainous landscapes, beautiful pebble beaches, coffee culture, fresh, hearty yet inexpensive food, and museums covering the area’s history, including the most recent turbulent events of the early 1990s. I especially loved my time in Albania . Don’t miss the beautiful beaches in Ksamil, nicknamed the “Maldives of Europe’ as well as the mountain village of Gjirokastër, which was occupied by Romans, Byzantines, and Ottomans. The Balkans have so much to offer for every budget and every country has its unique cultural flavor.

22. Take a wine tour in the Loire Valley

Located in central France, the picturesque Loire Valley is a UNESCO World Heritage site and stretches 280 kilometers (174 miles) along the Loire River. One of the major wine-producing regions of France, the area is home to some of the best wines in the world, with over 1,000 vineyards open to the public. Even those who don’t drink wine will enjoy the beautiful small towns, great food, and the region’s over 300 impressive chateaux. I loved the medieval Chenonceau Castle and Chateau Villandry and the small villages like Saint-Florent-le-Vieil. Spring and Autumn are my favorite times to visit because you can go biking and do outdoor activities when it’s not too hot and there are fewer people. It’s an area not to be missed.

23. See Fado in Portugal

Fado is an important musical tradition in Portugal , originating in Lisbon and stretching back some 200 years. The word “fado” likely stems from the Latin word for fate, and it’s very haunting, poetic, and emotional music. Most of the songs follow themes of loss and mourning, and the music was popular with the working class (especially sailors). Performances normally take place in restaurants during dinner. In Lisbon, head to Clube de Fado, Tasca do Chico, Parreirinha de Alfama, or Senhor Vinho.

24. Tour green Slovenia

Slovenia is one of Europe’s least-visited destinations, which is mind-blowing to me because it’s an amazing place to visit. Slovenia offers all the beauty of Western Europe but at a fraction of the cost and with a fraction of the crowds. Perfect for outdoor adventure lovers, Slovenia offers rugged mountains, untouched landscapes, fantastic ski resorts, plentiful wine, sprawling cave systems, incredible food, and postcard-perfect lakes, such as the famous Lake Bled with its castle on an island. I loved Piran, Slovenia’s often overlooked coastal Venetian-style harbor town that was actually founded 3000 years ago. Stroll around its beautiful windy cobble-stoned streets, beautiful plazas, and take advantage of the many affordable restaurants right on the water. Make sure to also spend a few days in the country’s capital, Ljubljana, known as one of the continent’s greenest and most livable cities. Take a river cruise to see the city and enjoy the friendliness of the locals.

  For more information on specific countries in Europe, check out the guides below:

• Albania Travel Guide
• Austria Travel Guide
• Belgium Travel Guide
• Belarus Travel Guide
• Bosnia & Herzegovina Travel Guide
• Bulgaria Travel Guide
• Czechia Travel Guide
• Croatia Travel Guide
• Denmark Travel Guide
• England Travel Guide
• Estonia Travel Guide
• Finland Travel Guide
• France Travel Guide
• Germany Travel Guide
• Greece Travel Guide
• Hungary Travel Guide
• Iceland Travel Guide
• Ireland Travel Guide
• Italy Travel Guide
• Latvia Travel Guide
• Lithuania Travel Guide
• Malta Travel Guide
• Moldova Travel Guide
• Montenegro Travel Guide
• Netherlands Travel Guide
• Norway Travel Guide
• Portugal Travel Guide
• Poland Travel Guide
• Romania Travel Guide
• Scotland Travel Guide
• Slovakia Travel Guide
• Slovenia Travel Guide
• Spain Travel Guide
• Sweden Travel Guide
• Switzerland Travel Guide
• Ukraine Travel Guide

Europe Travel Costs

Accommodation – Accommodation prices vary greatly by region. In Western Europe, hostel dorm rooms cost between 25-45 EUR per night, depending on the room’s size and the popularity of the hostel. I stayed in a 6-bed dorm in Berlin for 20 EUR, while the same one would have cost me around 45 EUR in Paris. A room in Paris costs on the higher end and a room in cheaper Athens costs on the lower end.

In Eastern Europe, hostel dorm rooms cost between 10-15 EUR per night depending on the size of the dorm room and the popularity of the hostel. The further east you go, the cheaper it gets. Expect to pay around 30-60 EUR per night for a private room that sleeps two.

In Scandinavia, hostel dorm beds cost around 25-45 EUR, while private rooms are 65-80 EUR. Budget hotels start around 85 EUR.

Most accommodations offer free linens, free Wi-Fi, and a lot offer free breakfast, but it’s important to check specific websites for exact amenities.

Campsites cost between 10-15 EUR per night for a basic plot for two without electricity.

Food – Food traditions in Europe run deep, stretching back centuries to become integral parts of each country’s culture. From baguettes in France to tapas in Spain, from hearty Eastern European stews and goulash to the fresh vegetables and olive oils of the Mediterranean, European cuisine varies as much as the countries themselves. Food prices differ greatly across the continent, so check individual country guides for specifics.

But no matter where you are, even in the more expensive countries, finding places to eat within your budget is easier than you might think. Throughout Western Europe, you can find small shops, street food stalls, or food trucks where you can get sandwiches, gyros, kebabs, slices of pizza, or sausages for between 3-7 EUR. These shops are most often found in train stations, bus stations, and main pedestrian areas, and offer cheap food alternatives that can have you eating on 12-17 EUR per day. Fast food (think McDonald’s) costs around 7-10 EUR for a combo meal.

Turkish, Middle Eastern, and Vietnamese eateries abound in Germany, while Indian food is incredible and everywhere in the United Kingdom. Meals at these restaurants usually cost between 8-12 EUR.

Restaurant meals in casual, traditional eateries generally cost around 13-25 EUR for a main dish and drink. Food is much cheaper in the east than in the west, and in the west, northern regions like Scandinavia and the UK are more expensive than southern countries like Spain, Portugal, and Italy.

In Eastern Europe, even if you are eating out for all your meals, you can still get by on a food budget of as little as 15 EUR per day.

For drinks, a pint of beer is 2-5 EUR, a glass of wine is 2-7 EUR, a cappuccino is 2-5 EUR, and cocktails range from 6-14 EUR.

If you eat out, do so at lunch and get the prix-fixe menu (two-course or three-course set menu). Restaurants offer this set menu during lunch, and with prices between 10-20 EUR, it’s a way better deal than the regular dinner menu. You can also get affordable lunches at outdoor markets. So many European cities have huge fresh food markets throughout town.

You can cook your own food for around 45-65 EUR per week. This gets you basic staples like rice, pasta, seasonal produce, bread, and some meat. You can save money by shopping at discount supermarkets like Profi, Lidl, Aldi, and Penny Market.

If you want to save big money on meals, head to one of the markets, pick up some cheese, wine, bread, meats, or anything else, and go to the park for a picnic. (Or grab a sandwich for later!) You’ll find the locals doing the same thing, and it’s one of the cheaper ways to get a true taste of local food.

Backpacking Europe Suggested Budgets

Prices for travel in Europe vary greatly depending on how far north, east, south, or west you travel. If you stick to the budget accommodations, food, and tours listed here and use all my tips on saving money, you need about 65-110 EUR per day in Western Europe, 40-50 EUR in Eastern Europe, and about 85-130 EUR in Scandinavia.

Those numbers reflect a traveler who stays in hostels, cooks some meals and eats out cheaply, enjoys a few drinks, and sticks to free and cheap activities like hiking, walking tours, and enjoying nature. This is your typical backpacker budget. You aren’t going to have a fancy time, but you aren’t going to want for anything either.

However, by getting tourist cards and rail passes, avoiding flights, occasionally Couchsurfing or camping, cooking all your meals, and not drinking, you can travel a lot cheaper. On this budget, you could do Western Europe on 35-45 EUR per day, Eastern Europe on 20-25 EUR, and Scandinavia on 50-65 EUR. That would require you to take a train or a bus or hitchhike everywhere, skip most museums, and limit how often you go out.

Generally, the suggested daily budget for Europe is 80-120 EUR. You can use the chart below to get an idea of how much you need to budget daily. Keep in mind these are daily averages – some days you’ll spend more, some days you’ll spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in EUR.

Europe Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

Individual country guides have more specific information on how to save money in them but here are some general tips on cutting your costs while you explore Europe:

• Picnic – This continent has a lot of little shops where you can buy pre-made sandwiches or ingredients to make your own. Many supermarkets have delis as well where you can get food to go. Buy some food, eat outside, and watch the city and its people go by. It’s a much more enjoyable and cheaper way to eat.
• Eat local and cheap – Not into picnicking? Eat at local sandwich shops, pizza parlors, Maoz, Wok to Walks, and outdoor street vendors. Avoiding restaurants and eating at a lot of the local “grab n’ go” places gives you a taste of the local cuisine at a much cheaper price. If you’re really on a budget, use your creative cooking skills to prepare meals at the hostel as well.
• Stay with a local – Hostels can add up really quickly. If you don’t have any friends with whom you can stay, consider using Couchsurfing , which connects you with locals who let you stay with them for free. Plus, they tend to also have meetups to meet other locals and travelers. It’s a great way to save on accommodation and meet a local who can share their insider tips and advice.
• Camp in a garden – A very good camping service specific to Europe is Campspace , which allows you to pitch a tent in someone’s backyard for free or for a small fee (around 10-20 EUR). All of the garden owners have profiles that tell you what services and facilities they offer. Also, many countries allow wild camping (like Sweden), which can save you a fortune if you have a tent.
• Take the bus – Budget bus companies like Flixbus can take you across the continent for cheap. I personally feel it’s best for day travel as sitting up for an overnight bus isn’t really ideal for sleeping. It isn’t glamorous, but with tickets starting at 5 EUR, you really can’t complain!
• Get a Rail Pass – Eurail Passes have saved me hundreds of dollars. If you are traveling far distances and through many countries, they are a great deal.
• Take the free city tours – One of the great things about Europe is that you can find free walking tours in all the major cities. They can be a great way to see the city attractions, take in some history, and learn your bearings without spending any money. Just make sure to tip your guide at the end!
• Plan accordingly – Plan your trip around Europe so you avoid doubling back. Transportation is a big expense so proper planning can save you a lot of money (and time). Go in a straight line or a loop. Booking your accommodation ahead helps you save as well since cheap, good places unsurprisingly get reserved first. One thing I’ve learned is that waiting until the last minute means you get stuck with expensive places or cheap places no one wants.
• Fly cheap – If you know where you are going and a train won’t do, try to book flights early. You can often get round trip fares for as little as 5 EUR from many of the European discount airlines like Ryanair or Wizz. Many capital cities have smaller airports farther from the city with ‘inconvenient’ times but cheaper fares. Keep in mind you might need to factor in an early morning Uber or taxi if the busses aren’t running and you have an early flight!
• Drink less – Those 5 EUR beers add up. Hit happy hours or pick and choose when you party. Hostel bars are a good place to get cheap drinks or buy your alcohol at the supermarket. Plus, in Europe, it’s legal to drink outside in parks, plazas, by the lakes or rivers. You’ll find you can save a lot of money by not going to bars and clubs. Partying your way across the continent will destroy your bank balance in no time.
• Get a city tourist card – Many local tourism offices sell a tourism card for all their attractions, tours, and restaurants. This card gives you free entry and substantial discounts on all the attractions and tours in a city, free local public transportation (a huge plus), and discounts at a few restaurants and shopping malls. They save a ton of money. If you plan on doing a lot of sightseeing, get one of these cards.
• Rideshare – If you’re flexible in your schedule, use the ridesharing service BlaBlaCar to catch rides with locals between cities (or countries) by paying a small fee. It’s like Airbnb but for rides. I used this service in Switzerland and, not only did I save a lot of money, but I got to meet interesting people and learn about local culture and life. Drivers are verified and it’s perfectly safe, though sometimes rides cancel at the last minute (which is why you need to be flexible). Check their ratings first and try to use rides where the person has done many trips.
• Bring a water bottle – The tap water is safe to drink in most of Europe, so bring a reusable water bottle to save money and reduce your plastic use. LifeStraw is my go-to brand as their bottles have built-in filters to ensure your water is always clean and safe.
• Get a HostelPass – HostelPass is a discount membership for hostels in Europe. Members get 10-20% off select hostels around Europe, as well as perks like free breakfast or free drinks. There are discounts on tours and activities too. It’s a great way to save money if you’re bouncing around Europe as they have hostels in 18 countries around the continent.

Where to Stay in Europe

Europe has a ton of budget accommodation options. The individual country and city guides have tons of recommendations but here’s a short list of some of my favorite budget hostels and hotels around Europe:

• The Flying Pig (Amsterdam, The Netherlands)
• Hotel 54 (Barcelona, Spain)
• Generator Hostel (Copenhagen, Denmark)
• Harcourt Hotel (Dublin, Ireland)
• Castle Rock (Edinburgh, Scotland)
• Ios Palm Pansion (Ios, Greece)
• Greg and Tom’s Party Hostel (Krakow, Poland)
• Largo da Sé Guest House (Lisbon, Portugal)
• Sophie’s Hostel (Prague, Czech Republic)
• The Yellow (Rome, Italy)
• City Backpackers (Stockholm, Sweden)

How to Get Around Europe

Public transportation – Transportation around most European cities is by tram, subway, or bus. Prices are typically around 2 EUR for a one-way ticket in Western Europe and closer to 1 EUR in Eastern Europe. Most large cities also have day passes available that offer unlimited public transportation. These passes are usually 5-12 EUR per day.

In large cities with international airports, there is usually a bus or train available that ferries travelers from the downtown core to the airport. Expect to pay around 5-15 EUR to get to/from the airport.

Bus – Buses are not quite as comfortable as Europe’s trains, although certain lines do have great amenities (like roomy seats and Wi-Fi). While buses are not the most efficient way to travel around the continent, they’re certainly dependable, reliable, and cheap. You can find last-minute rides for as little as 5 EUR. A route from Berlin to Munich is about 25 EUR, while Paris to Bordeaux can be as low as 10 EUR. Longer routes, like Amsterdam to Copenhagen, start at around 47 EUR.

Each country has its own national bus service, but some lines also take you long distances internationally. Megabus and Flixbus (which now owns Eurolines) are the most popular companies.

Train – Train travel is a great way to see Europe. Intercity train prices vary wildly from country to country, depending on whether you take the slow train or a high-speed train and how far in advance you book. For example, a high-speed train from Berlin to Munich costs around 38-60 EUR, Bordeaux to Paris is about 50-85 EUR, and Madrid to Barcelona ranges from 45-85 EUR. Non-high-speed trains and other intercity lines are a lot cheaper, generally costing about 40-50% of the price of high-speed trains. Eastern Europe inter-country trains usually cost between 45-100 EUR when the ticket is booked last minute. Short train rides of 2-3 hours within countries cost about 27 EUR.

To find routes and prices for trains around Europe, use Trainline .

You may also want to consider getting a Eurail Pass , which allows travelers to explore Europe by providing a set number of stops in a specific time period. These passes are continent-wide, country-specific, or regional. It can potentially save you hundreds of dollars.

Ridesharing/Car sharing – If your schedule is flexible, use a ridesharing service and catch rides with locals between cities (or countries). Drivers are verified and it’s perfectly safe. BlaBlaCar is the most popular.

If you’d rather rent a car yourself and find passengers to share a ride with, use Discover Cars to find the best car rental prices.

Flying – Budget airlines are so prolific that competition helps keep fares low. You can often find tickets where the fare is just 5 EUR round-trip! Companies like EasyJet, Ryanair, Wizz, and Vueling offer mind-blowingly cheap flights throughout Europe. Book at least a month early to scoop up great deals.

Make sure that the airport they fly into isn’t too far out of your way (transportation from the secondary airport sometimes negates the savings from using the budget airline itself).

Keep in mind that you’ll have to pay to check your baggage on these cheap flights. It costs about 25-39 EUR for one checked bag. If you wait to pay for your luggage at the gate, you end up paying almost double. Travel carry-on only to avoid this added cost.

Hitchhiking – Hitchhiking in Europe is very safe, but it’s not for everyone. Hitching is quite common around the continent and I’ve met a number of travelers who have done it (I, myself, traveled this way in Bulgaria and Iceland). Some countries are very supportive (Romania, Iceland, Germany) while others may be a bit more time-consuming (Italy, Spain). HitchWiki is the best website for hitchhiking info.

Here are my suggested articles for how to get around Europe:

• 7 Cheap Ways to Travel Across Europe
• Are Eurail Passes a Giant Scam or Do They Save You Money?
• The Ultimate Guide to Finding Cheap Flights

When to Go to Europe

There’s no wrong time to visit Europe. Peak season is summer, when Europe gets crowded and August is the time most European families are at the beach so everything becomes more crowded and expensive. But the overall atmosphere and weather are great during this time, so it’s still worth visiting during peak season (just book your accommodation in advance — especially in August). Keep in mind it’s much hotter in summer so if you like AC, be sure to check that your hostel or hotel has it before you book. You can expect the most crowds in Western Europe. For this reason, I feel summer is a great time to visit the Balkans and the Baltics because many people head to the beaches in Spain, France, Italy, Croatia, and Greece.

Shoulder season is spring and fall (April-May and September-October). It’s still warm during this time but there aren’t as many crowds and prices are cheaper. This is my favorite time to visit hotspot places like Spain, Croatia and Greece, where it’s still hot enough to swim in the sea but you have way more room on the beach. It’s also a good time to go hiking in the Alps in Germany, northern Italy, Slovenia and Switzerland because it’s cooler during the day so you’re much less sweaty on the mountain without shade. The weather is good, the crowds are smaller, and the prices lower.

Winter is from November to February but in much of Central Europe, it’s wet and cold until March or April. It gets cold, even as far south as it gets (like Greece). On the other hand, the Christmas season has Christmas markets and festivals galore! Even if it’s cold, this is a cultural tradition you can’t miss and why I love Europe in December. There is hot mulled wine, sweets, and plenty of hot snacks, which vary by country. One of my favorites is Prague because the Old Town Square is lit up with a gigantic tree with aromas of crispy cinnamon pastries and mulled wine. Berlin takes their Christmas markets very seriously, so there are around 80 different markets with special themes.

Winter is fantastic in Europe for skiing and snowboarding but it doesn’t have to break the bank if you plan carefully. While Switzerland and France are probably the most famous, they are also expensive, but there are plenty of budget winter options.

How to Stay Safe in Europe

Europe is very safe for backpacking and solo traveling, even if you’re traveling solo, and even as a solo female traveler. Violent crimes against tourists are very rare. In fact, some of the safest countries in the world are in Europe. (I wrote a whole article about how Europe is safe to visit right now .)

That said, there are scams and petty crimes you should watch out for, especially around popular tourist landmarks. The most important thing to be aware of is pickpockets in crowds and on public transportation. Zip your bags and don’t put your mobile phone in a jacket pocket where someone could quickly take it. This should be obvious but don’t flash your money to let everyone know you have a huge wad of cash.

When choosing a hostel, look for ones with lockers. It’s always a good idea to carry around a padlock or combination lock. Most hostels are safe and travelers respect each other and I’ve rarely seen things happen to people’s valuables. Nevertheless, I always think that prevention is better.

As anywhere, the standard precautions apply (never leave your drink unattended at the bar, never walk home alone intoxicated, etc.). When at the bar, always keep an eye on your drink. Avoid walking home alone at night if you’re intoxicated.

For female travelers in particular, it’s always a good idea to have a bit of extra money on you just in case you need to take an Uber or taxi back by yourself so you don’t take unnecessary risks to save money. If you’re using apps to date people while traveling, please use common sense and meet in public places. Since I’m not a female traveler, please check out the numerous female bloggers who have first hand knowledge of this.

If you’re worried about scams, you can read about common travel scams to avoid here.

If you rent a vehicle, don’t leave any valuables in it overnight. Break-ins are rare, but it’s always better to be safe than sorry. Be aware that the UK drives on the left and that most rental cars in Europe will have manual transmissions unless you request otherwise.

When hiking, always bring water, sunscreen, and bandaids or foot plasters. There is nothing worse than being halfway up the mountain with a blister and nothing you can do about it!

Likewise, when at the coast, don’t forget not only to wear sunscreen! I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen people get burnt to a crisp the first day. Be sure to check the weather before you depart and dress accordingly.

If you do experience an emergency, dial 112 for assistance.

Always trust your gut instinct. Make copies of your personal documents, including your passport and ID. Forward your itinerary to loved ones so they know where you are.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:

Europe Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• HostelPass – This new card gives you up to 20% off hostels throughout Europe. It’s a great way to save money. They’re constantly adding new hostels too. I’ve always wanted something like this and glad it finallt exists.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• The Man in Seat 61 – This website is the ultimate guide to train travel anywhere in the world. They have the most comprehensive information on routes, times, prices, and train conditions. If you are planning a long train journey or some epic train trip, consult this site.
• Rome2Rio – This website allows you to see how to get from point A to point B the best and cheapest way possible. It will give you all the bus, train, plane, or boat routes that can get you there as well as how much they cost.
• FlixBus – Flixbus has routes between 20 European countries with prices starting as low 5 EUR! Their buses include WiFi, electrical outlets, a free checked bag.
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
• Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!

GO DEEPER: Nomadic Matt’s In-Depth Budget Guide to Europe!

While I have a lot of free tips on Europe, I also wrote an entire book that goes into great detail on everything you need to plan a trip here on a budget! You’ll get suggested itineraries, budgets, even more ways to save money, my favorite restaurants, prices, practical information (i.e. phone numbers, websites, prices, safety advice, etc etc), and cultural tips.

I’ll give the insider view of Europe that I got from years of traveling and living here! The downloadable guide can be used on your Kindle, iPad, phone, or computer so you can have it with you when you go. Click here to learn more about my book on Europe!

Europe Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more tips for your trip? Check out all the articles I’ve written on Europe travel and continue planning your trip:

The 7 Best Hotels in London

10 Scotland Road Trip Tips You Need to Know Before You Go

The Perfect 7-Day Croatia Itinerary

The 6 Best Hotels in Copenhagen

The 6 Best Hotels in Florence

The 7 Best Hotels in Madrid

Get your  free travel starter kit.

Enter your email and get planning cheatsheets including a step by step checklist, packing list, tips cheat sheet, and more so you can plan like a pro!

• Where To Stay
• Transportation
• Booking Resources
• Related Blogs

How to get around in Rome

Jun 29, 2023 • 8 min read

Find your way around in Rome with this guide to transportation and tickets © TFILM / Getty Images

Whether or not you find it easy to get around Rome  will depend a lot on what your expectations are.

The most important thing to remember is that Rome is old. Like, old. Most of the streets have not been designed to accommodate people, buses, cars or bikes, and the underground network has been built in and around one of the most archaeologically rich locations on earth. The  very things we all come to Rome  to see are the very reason that it takes so long to get around it. Keep that in mind the next time you visit and remember that any confusing detours you go on may end up being the best part of your trip!

Here's what you need to know to find your way around in Rome.

Explore the city on mass transit

Just like any major city, the Eternal One has a comprehensive public transport network of buses, trams, and trains that will take you anywhere you want to go. Of course, they may also take you to a few places you weren’t planning on visiting, so it helps to get yourself familiarized before you’re on the ground. Atac, the company that operates all mass transit in Rome, has undergone a facelift in recent years and though some wrinkles are still visible, it’s a pretty convincing nip and tuck. Visitors can download maps in multiple languages from the Atac website , or download the Moovit app to get real-time info. 

Metro line C is best for sightseeing

It’s helpful to remember that the two metro lines A and B mostly travel north and south, with the C line heading further to the east. The C will be one of the most familiar sights if you pass through central Rome: archaeological finds at the Imperial Forum station are so proliferate that it’s taken decades to dig for tracks. As a result, the street between the Colosseum and the Forum is lined with heavy machinery and the promise that “it’ll soon be done.” Don’t hold your breath, but don’t sweat it either, and remember that the street is still open to some traffic, so be mindful when crossing the road.

Trams run east to west

Rome’s six small tram lines are primarily useful for traveling east to west and are a good way to see the Trastevere and Monteverde neighborhoods . The trams are a fun, somewhat nostalgic, slightly nicer way to travel as they tend to avoid a lot of the car traffic. Plus, some vintage trams are still in operation, so may get the chance to catch a bit of retro cool as you go.

The tram system plays an important role in the history of modern Rome and it’s worth getting to know a bit of the background (for all of our transit history fans out there). However, an ongoing improvement project on the number 3 tram line means that you’ll need to take a bus replacement service if you want to get across the Tiber, so some of the convenience, and thus the charm of the trams, might escape you. 

Rome's bus network is extensive

But consider that replacement bus service a good way to dip your toe in the vast bus network, which covers the most ground of any part of Rome’s mass transit system. Riding the bus is one of the best ways to immerse yourself in the cacophony of the city and though the sheer size of the network might feel intimidating, it’s worth doing.

The Atac signage at almost every bus stop can help you go in the right direction, and the Moovit app has up-to-the-minute timetables that will tell you which direction to look. And as always, don’t be afraid to ask people waiting at the same stop: you may get a few grumbles but you’re much more likely to get someone who will not only tell you whether you’re in the right place but will also make sure you actually get on the right bus.

Tickets are valid on buses, trams and metro lines

Travelers can purchase daily or weekly farecards from machines or kiosks located at the entrance to nearly every metro station, and the Tap and Go system is available to anyone with a contactless card as well as smartphones and smartwatches. You’ll be charged for single rides and each is valid for 100 minutes, as with a standard travel card. While the Tap and Go system has become quite reliable in the past year, it still has its share of hiccups and is occasionally out of service for maintenance. It doesn’t hurt to have a ticket in reserve for just such an occasion. Oh and, the ticket machines don’t give more than €6 in change so be aware before you use a €20 note to pay for a €1.50 ticket! 

Walking is the best way to see some of Rome's key sites

Walking through Rome is as frenetic and romantic as you think it will be, and you’ll see icons at every turn. Much of the ancient center of Rome, which includes sites like the the Colosseum , the Forum  and the Pantheon , is easily within walking distance, and on a nice day, you could cover all of these and much more.

There is always something going on and if you slow down a bit, you’ll find yourself soaking up the ambiance that makes Rome so singular. After all, it’s only by walking that you’d catch the Rose Garden hiding above the Circo Massimo , or the path that winds along the Tiber River. If you want to see Rome for what it truly can be, stop and walk for a while.

Of course, for all its magic, the center of Rome can be extraordinarily congested with foot and car traffic, so navigating these areas sometimes takes a lot of time and even more patience.

Try to avoid peak hours at places that you’re not necessarily going to enter: if you only want to walk around the Colosseum, wait until after it closes at 6pm and the crowds largely dissipate. After all, that’s the magic hour, when the light hits it just right and everything is illuminated with pink and gold hues.

Driving in Rome is best avoided

Here’s the thing. Driving in Italy is an art form, and if you can drive in cities like Rome, you've reached a new level of mastery. Romans drive with an urgency and a logic that will escape everyone else, and while it may seem that they’re aggressive (and they can be) often they’re just moving into openings in traffic that only they can see. Do not attempt to mix in this, as it will inevitably result in confusion on your part and frustration on the part of everyone around you.

Taxis are easy to find

Leave the driving to the professionals, in this case the Romans. Taxis are proliferate, and can be easily ordered via the Free Now app , which will give you fixed rates and allows you to pay through it as well. Uber is also quite reliable around the city and will give you the option of both a taxi or private hire car called an NCC, which stands for Noleggio con Conducente (hire car with driver).

Bikes and scooters are popular, but not always wise

Exercise caution with bikes and scooters in Rome. These have become a popular mode of transportation here just as in other cities around the world. Tours guides are often skilled at helping riders navigate the streets on bikes and scooters, but if you’re not used to riding in busy lanes with uneven sidewalks, you could put yourself (and others) at risk.

Rome is not very accessible

Both the national and municipal governments have been working on improving the city’s infrastructure for people with disabilities, and the ATAC website offers a comprehensive overview of the metro, tram, train and bus services for people with disabilities. According to the ATAC website, 98% of buses are equipped with boarding platforms, 70% of trams have platform level flooring, and the vast majority of metro stations have elevators as well as tactile paths and maps for visually impaired passengers, displays for those with hearing impairments, and Braille messaging. The website also has a handy search function to check whether your station has these services available, and is updated in real time for any service interruptions.

Major sites around the city offer special access to visitors with limited mobility: it’s possible to reserve a wheelchair at the Vatican museums , and the Colosseum has both ramps and elevators to facilitate movement around the monument (that said, the underground parts of the Colosseum are not wheelchair accessible). But there’s no doubt that it’s still slow going on those picturesque cobblestone streets for those with any mobility challenges, including those who might be traveling with small children and strollers. Keep it in mind as you plan your day, and if you’ve got precious cargo in hand try to schedule your iconic visits for off peak hours.

This article was first published Apr 7, 2021 and updated Jun 29, 2023.

Explore related stories

Destination Practicalities

May 30, 2023 • 14 min read

Your guide to traveling independently across Italy, from the Alps to the islands.

May 23, 2024 • 17 min read

Apr 19, 2024 • 7 min read

Apr 8, 2024 • 7 min read

Apr 7, 2024 • 11 min read

Mar 21, 2024 • 6 min read

Mar 15, 2024 • 10 min read

Feb 27, 2024 • 9 min read

Feb 27, 2024 • 6 min read