What is the best way to spend a week in Rome?

Start your Roman adventure with a dive into the ancient world. On Day 1, head to the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill. A combined ticket costs between €16 and €18, and you'll need about 4-5 hours to fully appreciate these sites. After immersing yourself in history, grab lunch in Monti, a pleasant neighborhood nearby.

In the afternoon, take a leisurely walk to Piazza Venezia. The Vittoriano has a rooftop terrace view for €7, a perfect spot to see the cityscape. On Day 2, visit the Capitoline Museums (€15), which house impressive collections from ancient Rome. Afterward, wander past the Theatre of Marcellus and head into the Jewish Ghetto for lunch. Try the carciofi alla giudia, a local specialty, for €8-12.

Spend your afternoon exploring Circus Maximus and peeking through the Aventine Hill keyhole for a distinctive view of St. Peter's Basilica. As evening falls, head to Testaccio for an aperitivo, the perfect way to unwind after a day full of history.

Dedicate Day 3 to Vatican City, starting bright and early at 8:30 am. Begin with the Vatican Museums (link) — pre-book your ticket for €17 to avoid long lines. Allow 3-4 hours to wander through the museum's vast galleries, culminating in the Sistine Chapel's splendor.

Exit through the chapel into St. Peter's Basilica, which is free to enter. For a remarkable view, climb the dome for €8-10, though be prepared for 551 steps. Afterward, enjoy lunch in the Prati neighborhood, steering clear of the touristy Via della Conciliazione.

Spend your afternoon in St. Peter's Square, people-watching or perhaps joining a Vatican Gardens tour for €32. As the day winds down, take a scenic stroll to Castel Sant'Angelo. From here, the sunset over the Tiber River is a sight to behold, especially from the Ponte Sant'Angelo.

Day 4 is all about leisurely wandering through Rome's centro Storico. Start at Piazza Navona, a lively square with its beautiful fountains and lively atmosphere. Head to the Pantheon next; it's free to enter and opens at 9 am. For a mid-morning pick-me-up, try the gran caffè at Sant'Eustachio for €3.50.

Continue your stroll to Campo de' Fiori, best visited in the morning to catch the market in full swing. From there, make your way to Piazza Farnese and then to Largo Argentina, notable as the site of Julius Caesar's assassination and now a cat sanctuary.

In the afternoon, visit the well-known Trevi Fountain. For the best photos, go early at 7 am or return at 10 pm to enjoy the night-time ambiance. Finish your day with a visit to the Spanish Steps and some window shopping along Via Condotti, home to some of the world's most luxurious brands.

On Day 5, take a more relaxed pace. Sleep in and then head to Piazza Trilussa for a late morning coffee. Spend some time wandering the pleasant streets of Trastevere. Visit Santa Maria in Trastevere, a impressive church known for its 5th-century mosaics, which you can enjoy for free.

For lunch, choose a traditional trattoria and enjoy a classic Roman dish like cacio e pepe, costing between €10-14. In the afternoon, make your way up Janiculum Hill. The panoramic view from the top is worth the climb.

After taking in the scenery, visit the nearby Botanical Garden (€8) for a peaceful stroll among its varied plant collections. Descend back into Trastevere for an aperitivo and a leisurely dinner, soaking up the local atmosphere and ending your day on a delicious note.

Start your morning at the Borghese Gallery where you can marvel at masterpieces by Caravaggio, Raphael, and Bernini. Tickets cost €15, and it's crucial to pre-book your two-hour slot due to its popularity. After your gallery visit, take a leisurely walk through the sprawling Villa Borghese gardens. Consider renting a rowboat on the scenic lake for €5 per 30 minutes. Whether you pack a picnic or choose to dine nearby in Parioli, the morning sets a relaxed pace.

In the afternoon, head over to the Monti neighborhood. This area is famous for its vintage shops and pleasant wine bars, particularly along Via del Boschetto. Alternatively, visit Testaccio, a hub for contemporary art lovers with the MACRO museum, and enjoy a casual lunch at the Testaccio Market.

Cap off the day with an aperitivo at a rooftop bar, watching the sun set over Rome. This evening ritual is a wonderful way to unwind and reflect on the day’s adventures.

For your final day, consider taking a day trip to Ostia Antica, an ancient port city that's just a 30-minute train ride from Rome. The entry fee is €12, and it's a peaceful alternative to the crowds of Pompeii. Wander through the remarkably preserved ruins and ancient streets.

If you prefer to stay closer to Rome, rent a bike for €15 a day and cycle along the historic Via Appia Antica. This route takes you past ancient catacombs and tombs, providing a distinctive view of Rome's history.

Alternatively, dedicate the day to deepening your connection to the city by revisiting your favorite spots. Perhaps there's a museum you missed or a neighborhood that piqued your interest. Another option is to enjoy a culinary journey through the city with our comprehensive Rome food guide.

Planning for a week in Rome can vary greatly depending on your budget. For those on a budget (€600-800), expect to pay €35-60 per night for hostels or budget hotels. Eating at street stalls and trattorie will cost around €25-35 per day. Many attractions like churches and parks are free, but budget for 2-3 paid attractions.

If you have a mid-range budget (€1,200-1,800), stay in 3-star hotels for €80-120 per night. Enjoy meals at sit-down restaurants for €40-60 per day, and include major attractions in your plans. For a luxury experience (€2,500+), consider staying in boutique hotels costing €200+ per night, indulging in fine dining, and hiring private guides.

To save money, invest in a Rome Tourist Card for €86.50, which includes skip-the-line access to the Colosseum and Vatican. Don’t forget that Rome’s nasoni (drinking fountains) offer free water, helping you save on bottled water.

Navigating Rome is easiest with a 7-day Metrebus pass for €24, covering buses, trams, and metro. Make sure to wear comfortable shoes; cobblestones are notorious for ruining footwear.

Book your visits to the Vatican Museums and Borghese Gallery well in advance to avoid disappointment.

Opt for lunch over dinner for better value, as pranzo menus cost around €10-15. Rome’s tap water is safe, and you can fill your bottle at over 2,500 nasoni.

Avoid dining in places with picture menus in English, as these are often tourist traps. For the best gelato, look for "produzione artigianale" signs. Finally, carry some cash since many trattorias prefer it over cards.