One Week In Rome

7 Days in Rome ItineraryGreetings from One Week in Rome!

Thrilled?

You should, as there is a lot to explore.

We are excited to share with you our best insider tips to spend One Week in Rome.

In this article we introduce you to all the information about Rome and the unique experiences that the city offers.

Our full guide covers:

  1. Basic Introduction
  2. Where to stay in Rome
  3. How to get around
  4. What to see in Rome
  5. Things to do in Rome
  6. Tickets you have to buy before – must read
  7. Food and Restaurants
  8. Day Trips from Rome
  9. Itinerary for Rome
  10. Packing List
  11. City Map

Do you want to see Rome in 1 day?  Then you have to join a complete tour. The best tour to see Rome in one day is by Walks of Italy.

The tour includes the Vatican and its Sistine Chapel, the St. Peter’s Basilica, Pantheon, Trevi Fountain and of course the majestic Colosseum.

You will have privileged express entrances to the sights, free homemade gelato and a great guide with you. All that in a group of 15 people or less!

Find more information on Rome in 1 day here.

Rome, the eternal city.

It is one of the most popular spots in Europe and world wide.

Known for its pizza, and pasta. There is also a must do thing while in Rome: taste their coffee.

There is no place in the world with more options about ordering a coffee. Have a look at the video below and when in Rome, find your favorite way to taste your Italian coffee.

Joking aside, here are all articles for 7 days in Rome – or just 2-3 days.

Colosseum and our recommended Tour to Skip the Line at Colosseum in Rome

1. Basic Introduction

We want to start with a simple intro to the things you need to know before coming to Rome.

Currency: EUR (€)

Language Spoken: Italian

Population: 2.8 Million

Known for: History, the majestic Colosseum, Pantheon, Architecture, and culinary scene.

Best time to visit: The summer months are very hot to wander around Rome. Rome is like a live museum, so you will be walking a lot. We recommend going in Spring time (avoiding Easter if you are not interested in religious ceremonies) and September or October. In November it is not cold, but there is normally lot of rain.

Accommodation: You can find all sorts of accommodations in Rome: from budget to luxury options.

Bear in mind, many hotels consist of  just one floor in a building. That building can be shared with other hotels as well as offices, Airbnbs…

Find more details in our where to stay in Rome section below. Here is our handwritten guide on where to stay in Rome for first-time visitors.

Public Transport: In Rome, you will find train, metro and tram, as well as regular buses. The metro is very convenient. The buses are not very punctual but will take you to the places.

Bear in mind if you have to buy a ticket for the bus you must buy it before entering to it.

There is not possibility to buy a ticket on board on regular buses in the city.

Therefore, look for a “Tabacchi” sign. You will be able to buy tickets on that stores.

More under how to get around.

Safety: Rome is a safe city – except for pick-pocketing.  Likewise other big cities in Europe, there is a pick-pocket problem which can be really annoying.

You will find them especially in the metro and the main sights. Pay attention to your belongings and do not stay close to the doors in the metro, for instance.

As long as you are paying attention, you will be OK. There is no need to be paranoid, but being aware of the problem is already helping.

Electricity: 230V/50Hz (European plug). Remember to pack your travel plug adapter.

Walking in Rome

2. Where to stay in Rome (and what area to avoid)

If you want to live and experience Rome at the fullest, we recommend staying near to Piazza Spagna.

This is the most central and convenient location to all important monuments and sights.

If you stay in the city center, you will be able to go by walk to almost all the main sights.

That includes:

  • Pantheon
  • Spanish steps
  • Piazza del Poppolo
  • Fontana di Trevi
  • Colloseum
  • Villa Borghese
  • and more

We actually wrote a brand new guide on where to stay in Rome for first-time visitors.

You will find all the main sights in Rome below, put on a map. Staying at the city center is a bit more pricey; but totally worth it!

It will save you time when getting to see the main sights and will let you live the city at its fullest.

The most popular areas when staying in Rome are the city center and Termini.

Termini would be an option only for the lowest budget travelers, as it s not a really nice area. Termini is also an area for the party lovers, as it is the place where almost all night buses stop.

There are also other places to stay in Rome:

Trastevere and Vatican area

Trastevere is a very nice neighborhood to visit and live, as it is the place where many families live.

The Vatican is also an area with plenty of accommodations.

These areas are not central – keep this in mind! We prefer staying near Piazza Spagna.

You will need more time to arrive to many sights.

If you are not planning to see many things around these two areas, book your accommodation in the city center.

Here you have the shortcut to our recommendations:

Find all the detailed information of each accommodation below the map.

We modified the neighborhood areas on the map, adding only the interesting areas (please note, these are not the exact neighborhood limitations, it is simplified).

Here you have also our personal recommendations for the different travelers.

2.1 Luxury Hotel in Rome

Set at the top of the Spanish Steps, Hassler Roma is one of most popular hotels in Rome.

For a good reason!

Top location, elegant and charming suites, wellness facilities like Turkish bath and the roof top terrace restaurant.

Dining options at the Hassler include the Michelin-starred Imàgo on the 6th floor, the stylish Salone Eva, and the Palm Court restaurant with its ancient stone walls.

The cuisine is classic Italian, with international specialties. This hotel is a pure dream – perfect for a Luxury vacation!

For a complete overview of top luxury hotels, check out the best boutique hotels in Rome by LesBoutiqueHotels.com

Book Hassler Hotel here

Hassle Roma Hotel - best Luxury Hotel in Rome Hassle Roma Hotel - best Luxury Hotel in Rome

2.2 Best Family Hotel in Rome

Nice and cozy hotel in the center of the city, Parlamento Boutique Hotel is a real Rome traditional hotel with lovely and helpful staff.

I especially love the interior and their big roof top terrace for the breakfast.

Thanks to the top yet tranquil location, it is a great place to stay in Rome for Families and retirees.

The Boutique Hotel is also pet friendly!

Bear in mind the hotel is located at the fourth and fifth floor of a building. The elevator is relatively small. Anyways, worth it!

Book Parlamento Hotel here

Best Family Hotel in Rome; The Parlamento Boutique Hotel Best Family Hotel in Rome; The Parlamento Boutique Hotel

2.3 Romantic Couple Accommodation

Expect romantic facilities and a top location directly at Piazza Navona with Lifestyle Suites Rome.

Enjoy breakfast in the room or in the sun at the hotel terrace with gorgeous views to Piazza Navona.

A fantastic place which will be difficult to leave, really!

Lifestyle Suites is our top recommendation for couples visiting Rome.

Ask the reception as well for a romantic restaurant nearby. There’s plenty to choose from!

Book Lifestyle Suites here

Luxury Romantic Hotels in Rome

2.4 Apartment

Boschetto 124 is an excellent apartment for a family stay or two couples, sharing the apartment.

Beautifully decorated and homely, it is only 600 meters to the Coliseum.

We included it in the map too, for better orientation.

Book Boschetto 124 Apartment here

Apartments in Rome

2.5 Airbnb in Rome

This cute Airbnb in Rome is near the Trevi fountain – really near! Not only is a well decorated apartment, but the location will allow you to walk to many other places you want to visit in Rome by foot, such as:

  • Piazza di Spagna
  • Panteon
  • Navona square
  • Trevi fountain
  • Piazza del Popolo
  • Villa Borghese

Also, in the area you will find plenty of cafés and restaurants.

Book your Airbnb here

Airbnb Rome Fontana di Trevi

2.6 On a Budget – Hostels in Rome

Hostels are a cheap way to spend your holiday. They are especially popular for young backpackers.

  1. Generator Rome – best for Solo Travelers and groups
  2. New Generation – best for backpackers
  3. The Yellow Hostel – best Party Hostel in Rome

Find the 3 best hostels in Rome, all compared by location and facilities.

Book New Generation Hostel here

Generator Rome, budget accommodation for solo travlers

3. How to get around

So, we have your accommodation set, now let us get out and explore.

Best for sightseeing: Hop on – Hop off Bus is the easiest way to go around and visit the famous tourist sights in Rome at your own pace with a 48-hour ticket bus tour.

Check more in for Hop on – Hop off Bus here.

Public transport: Super well done! The metro is very well connected, and you can go from the Colosseum to Vatican in no time.

It is really well done! The metro comes every 5 minutes, and it is very efficient and cheap.

Note: The Metro line A is more convenient for the touristy staff that the Metro line B.

Bikes: Rome is also easy to explore by bike. The traffic is a bit dangerous, since Italians like to drive fast and hectic – at least that is what it always feels like.

Walking: Walking around Rome is easy. I loved it to put on my walking shoes and wander the city. It is such a beauty; and I think if you only stick to public transport like the metro, you could miss out beautiful buildings, tiny cafés, and more.

However, it can be tiring, as not all attractions are nearby each other.

Best for sightseeing: Hop on - Hop off Bus in Rome

4. What To See in Rome – The Must-Do’s

There are plenty of things to see in Rome, no surprise, right?! But fear not, it is less overwhelming than you might think.

Many attractions are actually very close to each other.

Important to know: Many sights require a ticket.

I recommend getting your ticket as soon as possible, since some of them can be sold out easily.

Below you find a list of the tickets you should purchase as soon as you have your travel dates fix.

Here is quick overview of what we consider important to visit in Rome.

The Must Do’s are:

Many of these must do’s are near each other.

Crowds at Colosseum

More great sights to see in CITY are:

There are also a couple of things you should do while in Rome:

  1. Eat
  2. Love
  3. Live

One of the best parts about visiting Rome is their food.

What about joining a Food and Wine tour? That way, you will meet other like-minded travelers.

Book your Food Tour here

Also, you should try an aperitif.

The Italian aperitif happens around 6-8 PM and it consists in having a drink and getting free food.

Enjoy the food in Rome

5. Things to do in Rome

Let’s have some fun. When you have 7 days in Rome, you have plenty of time to unwind, relax and take it slow. There is many things to do, but no need to rush now. Have a look on the guides below.

They are a great inspiration. Take notes and make a list of your favorite activities in Rome.

Here are our handpicked 32 fun things to do in Rome

Fodors introduces you to the 25 ultimate things to do in Rome.

Are you a night owl? Here is some handy info on night things to do.

Staying on a tight budget? National Geographic found a big list on free things to do in Rome.

Visiting during summer? Then check out the popular Lungo il Tevere Festival, a cultural festival with dances, music and lots of food.

Fiat 500 rental in Rome - unique things to do

6. Tickets you have to buy before (Must Read)

I sincerely hope you are reading this section carefully! It will make the difference.

This is important so you actually can enter the places you would love to see from the inside.

There is exactly 3 tickets you have to buy beforehand – if you want to visit:

  1. Colosseum- limited entrance per day – our guide to the best colosseum tours in Rome
  2. Roman Forum
  3. Vatican Museum & Sistine Chapel
  4. Optional: Catacombs

I recommend buying your tickets directly at Get Your Guide.com. It is a great, reliable website for buying entrances to sights and museums.

Read: my guide on how buy tickets with Get Your Guide.

For Piazza di Spagna (known as “Spanish Steps”) and Trevi fountain you won’t need any ticket. These are public.

That being said, I do totally recommend you to go early in the morning before the crowds get there. It is worth it and more magical.

That way you will avoid getting a selfie stick too near your face.

Okay, again, below we list the 3 tickets you have to prepare and pre-book. If you do not book them before online, there is 99% chance you cannot enter!

6.1 Colosseum and Roman Forum (Platinum included)

The largest roman amphitheater ever built deserves truly a visit.

Since 2019, a visitor cap has been imposed in the Colosseum. It can only accommodate up to 3.000 people at once.

If you don’t book your tickets online, you will probably not be able to visit it, even though you go when they do open the doors.

There are many kind of tickets, so it can be quite overwhelming.

You can choose between:

  • Normal entry ticket (you will have to queue)
  • Colosseum and Arena access Ticket
  • The Colosseum + Belvedere Ticket
  • Colosseum + Platinum (roman Forum) ticket
  • Skip the line ticket
  • Arena + Skip the line ticket
  • Skip the line Colosseum + Belvedere Ticket
  • 3 hour Tour Colosseum + Roman forum ( Platinum) – no queues

Be aware the Colosseum is included in the Roma Pass, but you must pre-book your entry time slot.

We totally recommend you join a tour. Here is our comparison of the best tours for the Colosseum.

We joined the VIP Underground Tour and while waiting for the security check we were already receiving good information from the guide.

If you find 3 hours is too long, once you are in the Platinum, you can give back the guide your headphones and say bye. I find it totally worth it even you skip the Platinum.

JCheck out the VIP Colosseum Tour here

Good to know: There is a security check that must be done, even if you have a skip the line ticket. This could lead to delays in access to the site, even with pre-booked tickets.

Colosseum Skip The Line Ticket

Bear in mind it is confirmed the prohibition of:

  • glass containers
  • big water bottles
  • alcoholic beverages
  • aerosols,
  • camping items,
  • bulky bags
  • luggage /trolley

Medium and small size backpacks to shoulder can be introduced.

Nevertheless, all bags must be checked with metal detectors. They must opened and visually inspected by the Security personnel responsible for the entrance inspection.

Inside Colosseum - you have to buy your ticket beforehand to actually enter the colosseum

6.2 Roman Forum

If you want to visit the Roman Forum, you must buy the Colosseum + Platinum ticket.

The Roman Forum is the area where Julius Cesar was killed and is buried, for instance. The Roman Forum is not free anymore, and requires a ticket that only comes in combo with the Colosseum.

We just covered all the available ticket options above. Scroll up again to have the overview.

Good to know: Personally I had no idea what the Roman Forum was. I only knew I wanted to enter the Colosseum. I bought the combined ticket with the Roman Forum. And i can tell you: it is worth it to pay and to see!

Again: You cannot buy a single ticket for the Roman Forum. It is always combined with the Colosseum.

Get your Colosseum + Roman Forum ticket here

Roman Forum in rome

6.3 Vatican Museum & Sistine Chapel

Inside the Vatican Museum you will find the world famous Sistine Chapel, one of Michelangelo’s masterpiece.

Again, the Sistine Chapel is INSIDE the Vatican Museum!

The chapel itself is just stunning. Seriously…stunning! The whole ceiling is covered in Frescoes.

The Sistine Chapel is amazing, but do not rush yourself into it. The Vatican Museum has many masterpieces.

The best tour to visit the Sistine Chapel is the “Pristine Sistine Early Entrance Small Group Vatican Tour“. You and a max of 13 more people step inside the Sistine Chapel 1 hour before it opens to the public!

Find more tours of the Vatican Museum with Get Your Guide here.

Don’t miss the Gregorian Egyptian area. As you might imagine, the queues in the Vatican Museum are very long.

Therefore, I totally recommend you to buy a Skip the line ticket or again, the special access guided tour. It costs a bit more but this goes a long way!

Here is the price comparison:

Important to know: Tickets are sold out usually 2-5 days in advance.

Buy the Skip the line Vatican Tickets

Vatican Museum, Rome

6.4 Optional: Catacombs

Same as in Paris, you can also find Catacombs in Rome.

These ancient underground burial places are under Rome and, most of them contain fresco and sculptures dated from before about 400AD.

There are more than 13 different underground catacombs in Rome, making it difficult to choose which one to visit.

For that reason, we preferred to join this tour of Walks of Italy.

This thrilling 3-hour tour enables you to visit different catacombs.

The visited catacombs will change depending on the day, but they assure you’ll be able to see ancient frescos, inscriptions carved into the walls, and the remains of mausoleums as you learn why these enormous cemeteries came to prominence for ancient Christians.

Join the Catacombs tour here

Rome Catacombs

7. Food and Restaurants in Rome

You cannot leave Rome without eating properly.

Here is an overview of cool articles related to food, and eat-outs in the Italian capital.

Wanna eat like a local?

The vogue discovered 5 Roman restaurants only locals know.

Again, their photos are too tasty to look at, be careful ;)

Do you want to eat more on a budget? Here is an ultimate list of cheap restaurants.

Pizza Tour in Rome

8. Day trips from Rome

A week in Rome is quite a lot of time; yet certainly enjoyable and worth it! Most people see the main sights in 2-3 days in Rome.

After all, there is so many things to explore, from sights to narrow streets and the culinary scene.

If you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city, here you have some day trips ideas:

  1. Tivoli
  2. Napoli
  3. Pompeii
  4. Florence and Venice
  5. Tuscany

8.1 Tivoli

Visit the magnificent Imperial Palace and Tivoli gardens.

Marvel at the opulence of Hadrian’s Villa and the gardens of Villa D’Este in Tivoli on a 7-hour tour from Rome.

Stroll the gardens of the Borgias, and see the imperial palaces of Emperor Hadrian to discover 2 of the finest Renaissance residences in Italy.

Book your Tivoli Trip here

Tivoli Day Trip from Rome

8.2 Napoli

In less than 2 hours by train, you will be able to get to Napoli.

For many people, Napoli is the real Italy.

Many people combines their trip to Napoli with the Amafli coast or with the world famous Pompeii ruins.

One thing is sure: The best pizza in Italy is in Napoli (and it is incredibly cheap too).

Napoli, Italy

8.3 Pompeii

Just a short 30 minutes train ride south of Napoli, you find the world famous Pompeii.

Ever heard of Pompeii?

It is one of the vast archeological sites in Italy – actually, the world.

Declared an UNESCO Site, it is the place where you can see how life in ancient Rome was like.

We recommend taking an organized day trip to Pompeii.

Explore the intact remains of the Roman town of Pompeii and climb the mountain that destroyed it.

Gaze into the volcanic crater of Mt. Vesuvius, and get panoramic views of the Bay of Naples and Amalfi Coast from its summit.

SUPER UNIQUE!

Book your trip to Pompeii here

Another option is to join this tour to Pompeii with a drive through the stunning Amalfi coast.

8.4 Florence and Venice

A bit further away but worth to visit, the cities of Florence and Venice pop in my mind.

Florence is only 1 hour and 30 minutes away from Rome, and train tickets are easy to get.

You can spend one full day in Florence, visit the David Statue and immerse in the culture. Make sure you bring your camera too.

Ever been to such a romantic city like Venice?

Believe me, you won’t forget it. Venice is 3 and a half hours away from Rome.

If you are not planning to go back to Italy in a while, take your chance and visit Florence or Venice.

Good to know: We do not recommend to visit Venice and Florence on the same day. It is too much hassle. You can visit 1 day in Florence and the next one Venice.

Read: One Week in Florence – and where to stay in Florence

Read: One Week in Venice – and where to stay in Venice

WE Crociferi Venice

8.5 Tuscany

I know I know, we all dream about a house in the Tuscany after the film Under the Tuscany sun.

What about visiting the Tuscany to see that wonderful place with your own eyes?

Florence is actually part of Tuscany region. You can combine both. And while you are on it, make sure you do not miss a wine tasting.

Book your Tuscany trip here

Beautiful Tuscany in Italy

9. Itinerary for 7 days

Roma, lovely (Amor = Love), Roma!

We are currently working on our perfect itinerary for one week in Rome.

Meanwhile, here you have some ideas.

All these itineraries are great options to visit if you have 7 days to spend in Rome and you want to visit somewhere else:

  1. Rome + Napoli + Pompei
  2. Pompei + Amalfi Coast + Rome
  3. Venice + Florence + Rome
  4. Rome + Tuscany

10. Packing List

There is a few things we recommend for your packing list for Rome.

Optional but always useful:

Packing List Europe

11. Printed Guides & Map

These guides are best for the ones looking for a printed version.

Once you come to Rome, you will also receive a paper map of the city.

Here is again our map of Rome with the recommended hotels and neighborhoods.

Questions? Contact us

I tried to make this guide as useful and complete as possible. However, chances are you still have questions left.

Therefore, any questions? Anything not clear?

Please get in touch with us, I would be very happy to help.

I want to make this guide as useful as possible for you.

You see, your question actually helps me as well.

Do not be shy and send me an email.

There’s more

All our articles on Rome and Italy

Last but not least, here are all our articles about the Eternal city and Italy as a country.

Just dig and get into the details.

We always keep this guide updated.

Whenever we come across new information we like, we’ll add more interesting links.

Safe travels!

All our handwritten articles