Rome in a Week: A Complete Travel Guide

Rome, often referred to as the “Eternal City,” boasts numerous claims to fame that make it one of the world’s most fascinating and historically rich destinations. It’s rich tapestry of history, religion, art, and culture makes it a city like no other. So how do you go about experiencing the best of Rome in 7 days? There’s enough in Rome to keep you for two weeks! Stay tuned for our free itinerary to maximize your 7 days in Rome, plus travel tips, and more.

One of Rome’s many claims to fame is that it’s famously built on seven hills, each with its own unique history and attractions, including Palatine Hill, the legendary birthplace of Rome.

Download the map of Rome in .pdf format

UNESCO World Heritage Sites

The entire historic center of Rome, along with the Holy See and the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls, is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This designation includes many iconic landmarks such as the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and the Pantheon, among others. These sites are recognized for their outstanding cultural value and their significance in the history of human civilization.

ROME WEATHER

Best time to visit Rome
How Many Days?
Car, or No Car?

Love warm weather and don’t mind crowds? Head to Rome in spring (March to May) for pleasant temperatures and blooming gardens. Summer (June to August) is hot and sunny, perfect for outdoor dining, but expect lots of tourists.

Prefer cooler weather and fewer crowds? Autumn (September to November) is mild and comfortable, great for exploring without long lines. Winter (December to February) has the fewest tourists, but it can be chilly.

Travel tip: For the best of both worlds, visit in late spring (April to early June) or early autumn (September to October).

If you’re on a tight budget, plan a 4-day trip. However, with almost 300 fountains, more than 900 religious buildings, and 60 plus popular and well-established museums you need plenty more time in Rome.

Our 7-day complimentary itinerary covers the top sites and experiences. Stay on this page – the itinerary follows further below.

We made use of the public transport which was generally sufficient and far more convenient than driving.

Like in most large cities, Rome’s traffic can be very congested, especially during peak hours. And finding parking is difficult and I feel the parking fees are a bit on the expensive side. Particularly the parking garages.

Many areas in the city center are designated as ZTL (Zona a Traffico Limitato), restricted traffic zones. So tourists need a special permit to enter. If you enter without the permit, you can get fined.

Free things to do in Rome

All year long and across Italy you’ll enjoy free entrance to Italian state sites and monuments on the first Sunday of every month. Yes, you can visit the Uffizi Gallery in Florence, and walk around Pompeii without paying a dime! Great, don’t you think?

Rome is not the exception to the rule. The city has a Rome Free Sunday program allowing anyone to enjoy this fantastic budget-friendly opportunity.

Piazza Navona: Free to visit, but if you want to visit the museums or churches around the piazza, there may be fees.
Trevi Fountain: Free to visit.
St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican City: Free to enter, but if you want to climb to the dome, there’s a fee.
The Vatican City: Free to enter, but if you want to go inside the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel, there’s a fee. However, you can visit the Vatican Museums for free on the last Sunday of the month.
Jewish Ghetto: Free to walk around, but there’s an entrance fee to the Jewish Museum and the Great Synagogue.
Some of my favorite Roman museums that are always free, are for example, Villa di Massenzio (archaeology), Museo di Scultura Antica Giovanni Barracco (art), Museo delle Mura (ancient walls of Rome), and Museo Napoleonico (Napoleon Museum) (history). Also, the Accademia Nazionale di San Luca (art) next to the Trevi Fountain.

Rome in 7 Days: Free Travel Plan

Day 1: Arrival and Introduction

Morning: Arrive in Rome and check into your charming hotel near the historic center. Freshen up and get ready to explore.
Afternoon: Start with a leisurely stroll around the Piazza Navona, marvel at its Baroque fountains, and enjoy a gelato from a nearby café.
Evening: Head to the Trevi Fountain. Toss a coin to ensure your return to Rome. Treat (yes, it’s slightly expensive) yourself to a delightful Italian dinner at Casina Valadier about 1.8 km (1.1 miles) from the Trevi fountain.

Day 2: Ancient Rome

Morning: Visit the Colosseum. Walk through the ancient amphitheater and imagine the gladiatorial battles that once took place here.
Afternoon: Explore the Roman Forum. Wander through the ruins of temples, basilicas, and public spaces that were the heart of ancient Rome.
Evening: Climb the Palatine Hill for a breathtaking sunset view over the city.

Day 3: Vatican City

Morning: Visit St. Peter’s Basilica. Climb to the dome for a panoramic view of Rome.
Afternoon: Tour the Vatican Museums, including the Sistine Chapel with Michelangelo’s stunning frescoes.
Evening: Walk through the Borgo Pio neighborhood and enjoy a dinner with a view of St. Peter’s.

Day 4: Art and Culture

Morning: Visit the Galleria Borghese. Admire masterpieces by Bernini, Caravaggio, and Raphael.
Afternoon: Explore the Pantheon, an architectural marvel with its impressive dome and oculus.
Evening: Stroll through the Trastevere district. Enjoy the bohemian atmosphere and have dinner in one of the many charming restaurants.

Day 5: Local Experiences and Hidden Gems

Morning: Take a cooking class to learn how to make authentic Italian pasta or pizza.
Afternoon: Visit the Catacombs of San Callisto. Explore the ancient underground burial sites and learn about early Christian history.
Evening: Discover the hidden gems of the Jewish Ghetto. Taste traditional Roman-Jewish cuisine.

Award-Winning Hotels & Resorts

World Travel Awards 2023: The World and also Europe’s Leading City Family & Wellness Resort, the World’s Leading Green City Resort, also Europe and Italy’s Leading Luxury City Resort.

Day 6: Day Trip to Tivoli

Morning: Take a short trip to Tivoli. Visit the stunning Villa d’Este with its magnificent gardens and fountains.
Afternoon: Explore the ancient ruins of Hadrian’s Villa, an imperial retreat of the Roman Emperor.
Evening: Return to Rome and enjoy a farewell dinner at a rooftop restaurant overlooking the city.

Award-Winning Restaurants

You can’t get better than ending the week at the La Pergola, Italy’s Best Hotel Restaurant 2022, and 2023 (awarded by the prestigious World Culinary Awards) restaurant at Rome Cavalieri, A Waldorf Astoria Hotel.

Day 7: Departure

Morning: Enjoy a leisurely breakfast. Perhaps a final visit to a favorite spot or a last-minute shopping spree.
Afternoon: Transfer to the airport for your departure, taking with you unforgettable memories of Rome. And that’s it! Rome in 7 days.

But there’s more to planning your 7 days in Rome. Have a look at our following Travel Tips – keep your options open!

Travel Tip(s)

Imagine wandering through the charming streets of Rome, feeling confident with your DK Eyewitness Travel Guide in hand. It’s packed with all the insider info you need. You’ve also got the Eat Like A Local food guide, so you know exactly what delicious Roman dishes to try. Now, add a handy language tool for basic Italian phrases, and you’re set to sound like a local.

But here’s the cherry on top: consider a good map app that works offline. Rome’s narrow, winding streets can be a bit tricky to navigate, and having a reliable map can save you time and stress. Also, a portable phone charger is a lifesaver for long days out exploring.

With these tools, you’ll feel like a true Roman, ready to dive into the city’s vibrant culture and history. So, get those guides, learn a few phrases, grab a map, and pack a charger. You’ll be all set for an unforgettable adventure in Rome!

How to Download an Offline Map from Google Maps to Your Android:

1. Open Google Maps: Make sure you’re connected to the internet and signed into your Google account.

2. Search for Your Destination: Type in the city or area you want to download (e.g., “Rome”).

3. Open the Place’s Information: Tap on the name of the place at the bottom of the screen.

4. Download the Map: Tap the three dots in the upper right corner and select “Download offline map” or, in some cases, you might see “Download” directly in the menu.

5. Adjust the Area: Adjust the area you want to download by zooming in or out. The app will show you the size of the download.

6. Download: Tap “Download” and the map will be saved to your device.

Now you’ll be able to navigate around Rome even without an internet connection!
– For more support about “Download areas and navigate offline” click here.

After an amazing 7 days in Rome, it’s only natural to want to bring a piece of Italy back home with you.

I’ve got some fantastic suggestions for Italian and Italian-inspired products you can easily purchase online. These are perfect if you didn’t have enough time to shop during your trip.

Italian inspiration for your home

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Imagine savoring the rich flavors of Italy in your own kitchen or enjoying a touch of Italian fragrance. From delicious pantry staples to chic accessories, these products will help you relive your Roman holiday and keep the spirit of Italy alive in your daily life.

So, take a moment to explore these delightful items. They’re just a click away, ready to bring a little bit of Italy to you! Happy shopping, and here’s to keeping the magic of Rome with you wherever you go!