As landing on Ciampino or on Fiumicino Airport (Leonardo da Vinci International Airport), your new vacation to Italy begins, this time in the eternal city of Rome. This post is about transfer from Fiumicino airport to Rome Termini, Roma Pass, and then a full day of Rome sightseeing: famous piazzas, churches, Colosseum visit and many other Rome landmarks.
Arrival in the Eternal City of Rome, Italy
We advise you to get on a plane that lands early in the morning in order to have time to enjoy Rome from day 1.
As transfer options from Fiumicino Airport to Rome Termini you can take the train for 8 – 14 euros per person, a 1-hour trip. Check the Trenitalia website, or use the Trainline app.
Also, you can transfer from the airport to Rome with the Terravision shuttle bus which costs only 6 euros per person. In case of flight delays, tickets are valid for the following buses. Moreover, it is not necessary to print the tickets. You can buy online tickets ahead of time regardless of the time, because these can be used at any departure. At Fiumicino airport you can board the Terravision bus from Terminal 3, bus stop no. 14. And then in the city it arrives near Rome Termini on Via Giolitti.
Where to Stay in Rome, the Historic City of Italy
A very important aspect of your vacation in Rome is the hotel you book. Choose wise, a hotel near the train station is always the best option. Therefore, we found a nice hotel in a quiet area near Rome Termini train station, surrounded by embassies.
We booked 5 nights in a standard double room, breakfast excluded at 2-star Hotel Virginia for the small price of 175 euros. Yes, we booked very early. The city tax is 3 euros per person per night. Hotel Virginia Rome, is located in the historic center of Rome. In the same area, near Rome Termini train station, you can find plenty of bars, pubs and also restaurants.
Due to its location, Virginia Hotel is a favorite starting point for Rome walking tours to visit the main historical places of interest, for example, you can reach Piazza di Spagna within 20 minutes on foot. You can also visit most of the important archaeological sites: the Colosseum and Foro Romano are also just a 15-minute walk away. Furthermore, there are other places of interest in Rome easily reachable by means of transport and on foot, like Piazza Venezia, the Pantheon and Via Condotti.
Around the Accommodation in the Eternal City of Rome, Italy
From Rome Termini metro and train station to Virginia Hotel is a 10-minutes walk. From Rome Termini Train Station continue at Piazza dei Cinquecento, turn left and arrive at Rome Termini Metro station, and then turn right at Piazza dei cinquecento. Go right on Viale Enrico de Nicola and continue straight forward on Via Solferino. Then go right north east and cross the intersection on diagonal at Piazza dell’Indipendenza.
You can eat on the way to the hotel at Florian’s Cafe (pizza 8 – 15 euros), or otherwise you can buy something from CONAD supermarket.
Turn left on Via Goito and then at the second intersection turn right on Via Montebello and finally arrive at Hotel Virginia. Hope for an early check-in, or leave your luggage and start exploring Rome. But first, a few words about transportation in Rome and museums passes:
How to Get Around Rome, Capital City of Italy – Roma Pass
- One metro or bus 100 minutes ride ticket costs 1.50 euros.
- Roma 24H is a 1-day ticket. It’s valid for 24 hours of unlimited travel on the Metrebus network. The price is €7.
- Roma 48H is a 2-day ticket. It’s valid for 48 hours from the time you first use it. The price is €12.50.
- Roma 72H is a 3-day or 72-hour ticket. The price is €18.
- CIS is a 7-day ticket. It’s valid for one week from the time of stamping. The price is €24.
- A Roma Pass may be a good option. You can opt for a 72h or a 48h Roma Pass.
Roma Pass Options and Prices
- 72h Roma Pass: €52
- 48h Roma Pass: €32
- Tickets include different duration and can be used for public transport and museum access.
What’s Included in the Roma Pass
- Roma Pass includes museums and archaeological sites located in the area of the City of Rome and public transportation within Rome’s railway ring (zone A). The passes are valid for 48 or 72 hours from the first validation for ATAC public transport (trams, buses, metro A, B, B1 and C and railway lines Roma-Lido, Roma Flaminio Piazza del Popolo-Viterbo, Roma-Giardinetti), within the territory of the Municipality of Rome. Transfer from the airport is not included.
- Roma Pass 48 h / 72 h is valid for 48 / 72 hours from the moment of its first use (not from the moment of purchase) and allows free entry to the first 1 / 2 visited museums and / or archaeological sites of your choice. Free admission includes the exhibition held in the museum. From the 2nd / 3rd museum / site onward, you will apply to the ticket office to purchase a reduced price ticket.
Important Usage Information and Restrictions
- 72h and 48h Roma Pass holders can directly access Capitoline Museums and Saint Angel’s Castle security checks and avoid the ticket office by presenting their own cards. As for other museums/archaeological sites, visitors must go to the ticket office where, in general, waiting times are extremely reduced.
- For the Colosseum, the Borghese Gallery and Palazzo Valentini (Domus Romane) visits, ticket reservation is required. The pass offers a free visit of the Colosseum, the Palatine Hill and the Roman Forum, but a time slot needs to be reserved online. Last-minute availability might differ; the booking fee is €2. For the Borghese Gallery and for Domus Romane / Palazzo Valentini, the reservation is free of charge only if the Card is being used for one of the first two free admissions (Roma Pass 72 Hours).
- The Vatican Museums (including the Sistine Chapel) are not part of the circuit of museums that can be visited with the Roma Pass 72 Hours or the Roma Pass 48 Hours. With the Roma Pass you’ll be able to choose to buy the Vox Vatican Guide in order to discover the Vatican City and Rome. The Vox Vatican guide includes the official audio guide of the St. Peter’s Basilica (11 languages) and the Vatican Rome (6 languages).
How to Buy and Use the Roma Pass
- Purchased online or at Rome Tourist INFOPOINTS.
- All cards purchased online must be collected at one of Rome’s Tourist INFOPOINTS. When purchasing your card on http://www.romapass.it you will be able to choose a collection point within the list of Tourist INFOPOINTS and the date of collection. That choice is not bind, online purchased cards can be collected in any Tourist INFOPOINT of the City of Rome.
- Collect cards at any INFOPOINT within 6 months of purchase.
- First validation starts the clock on your 48h or 72h pass.
- Includes public transport on ATAC buses, trams, metro (A, B, B1, C), and local railways (Roma-Lido, Roma-Viterbo, Roma-Giardinetti).
- On the Roma Pass website you can see the list of the ordinary admission fees of all the museums included in the Roma Pass 72 Hours / Roma Pass 48 Hours.
Top Historic Landmarks in the Eternal City of Rome, Italy
Start your Rome itinerary! First head to the Colosseum – its visit is a must. It’s a 30-minutes walk from Rome Termini.
Rome Termini
Before starting sightseeing, on your way to visit the Colosseum, stop at Rome Termini to pick up the Roma Passes from the Tourist information center.
From Hotel Virginia, Rome turn left on Via Montebello, turn left on Via Goito, then right at Piazza dell’Indipendenza. Go forward on Via Solferino and continue straight forward on Viale Enrico de Nicola. Turn left at Piazza dei cinquecento and arrive at Rome Termini Metro station.
Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore and Basilica San Clemente
From Rome Termini turn right on Via Cavour, at the 4th intersection turn left on Piazza del Esquilino, and then turn right at Piazza di S. Maria Maggiore and visit Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore, Rome landmark papal basilica founded in the 5th century. Entry is free. It is a beautiful church, decorated with Roman mosaics and gilded ceiling.
Turn right on Via Merulana. At the 9th intersection turn right on Via Labicana. Via Labicana is a large street where trams operate. Continue on Via Labicana. At the third small intersection see Basilica San Clemente on the left. It is an unique 300s church built over a pagan temple, decorated with frescoes and mosaics.
Colosseum Visit
Continue forward on Via Labicana and arrive at the famous Colosseum – the Roman amphitheater once used for gladiatorial games, now visited by tourist from all over the world. Seeing the Colosseum from the outside it’s a must, and if you also want to visit it inside prepare for a queue. A good option would be the fast-track ticket which gives you access to visit the 1st and 2nd floors of the Colosseum, and also to the Roman Forum and the Palatine Hill. It also includes a downloadable map to help you visit the Colosseum.
Keep in mind that the mandatory security check can take 30 minutes or more during busy periods. Backpacks, suitcases, etc. aren’t allowed and there is no storage onsite. The ticket costs 18 euros. Or if you have a Roma Pass you get a free visit of the Colosseum, the Palatine Hill and the Roman Forum (for the Colosseum visit a timeslot needs to be reserved online, last minute availability might differ; the booking fee is €2).
The Roman Forum and the Palatine
From the famous Rome Colosseum, continue south west on Piazza del Colosseo. Then continue on Via Celio Vibenna. Just after the Colosseum, see the Arch of Constantine in the distance on the right. Continue forward south on Via di San Gregorio. See the Fontana Ninfeo del Palatino on the left. Aqua Claudia is on the right. The Palatine hill is in the distance on the right. This is a 2-minutes walk from the Colosseum, giving you plenty of photo opportunities.
Hidden Gems to Discover in the Eternal City of Rome, Italy
Lunch with a View of the Colosseum
Return all the way back to Piazza del Colosseo. Don’t walk along the Colosseum, but climb the higher street from where you can see the Colosseum down.
You can have lunch or a cocktail at Oppio Caffe – contemporary café, bar and grill – on their terrace and have a nice view of the Colosseum. Their food prices range between 11 and 23 euros.
Via dei Fori Imperiali to Piazza Venezia
From Piazza del Colosseo, turn right and head northwest on Via dei Fori Imperiali. Go all the way to the end of the street. You will arrive in Piazza Venezia. First, you can make some stops on the right side.
Photo Spot at the Colosseo Metro Station
Take a picture with the Colosseum in the background. You can do so by going to the metro station Colosseo and sit on the wall. This is one of the best spots you can find.
Forum of Augustus and Piazza del Grillo
Continue on Via dei Fori imperiali and go right at the first intersection – big one, on Largo Corrado Ricci. Then immediately go left and pass by a little park and go left north of Via Tor de’ Conti. You will see the Forum of Augustus and also Arco dei Pantani on the left. Afterwards, continue up north and arrive in Piazza del Grillo. See Palazzo del Grillo on the right, 17th-century palace with a medieval tower.
Military Cathedral and Trajan’s Forum
Continue up north on Salita del Grillo. At the end of the street see the Military Cathedral of Santa Caterina da Siena in Magnanapoli on the left and Tower of Milizie in the back.
Take pictures of the Trajan Forum. It is the remains of the Roman square, built in the 2nd-century. Also, visit the Trajan Market, a Roman shopping center with preserved forums and hall markets. Start your visit by going on Salita del Grillo street from the Palazzo del Grillo. Milizie Tower and Military Cathedral of Santa Caterina da Siena in Magnanapoli are up on the street at the intersection.
You can cross the intersection in order to be able to photograph the Milizie Tower. Then you can go down along the walls of Mercati di Traiano to Via Quattro Novembre and continue forward west on Magnanapoli.
Trajan’s Column and Nearby Churches
At the intersection, eventually you will see the Trajan’s Column, erected in Rome upon the victory in the Dacian wars, and you can climb down the stairs and then arrive in a piazza. On the right, you will first see Chiesa del Santissimo Nome di Maria al Foro Traiano and then Chiesa di Santa Maria di Loreto.
Altare della Patria and Panoramic Views of the Eternal City of Rome, Italy
Go ahead and arrive back in Via dei Fori Imperiali. Arrive in Piazza Venezia, famous town square in Rome, and see the Altare della Patria, classical marble temple honoring Italy’s first king, on the left. Visit the building. Moreover, you can climb the stairs to the terrace for free, and from there you can take panoramic pictures.
The Altar of the Fatherland is free to visit. Tickets are necessary only to access the terrace by the two panoramic elevators and to visit the museum and the other spaces hosting temporary exhibitions. But you can access the terrace through the staircase for free. The views are the same. Also, there isn’t that much to do or see inside. So, the focus is more about the architecture outside.
Fountains and Scenic Stairs
Eventually, climb down from the terrace and go to the left side of the building and see the Fountain of the Tyrrhenian. If you want, cross the street to also see Fontana della Pigna and then cross the street back to the Fountain of the Tyrrhenian and go south on Via del Teatro di Marcello. While at the intersection, see on the left Scalinata dell’Ara Coeli and then continue and climb the stairs of the Scalinata del Campidoglio – Cordonata Capitolina.
Piazza del Campidoglio and Roman Forum Viewpoint in Rome
Arrive in Piazza del Campidoglio. In the front, as climbing the stairs, you will see a statue and a fountain in the back, Fontana della Dea Roma. As facing the fountain, go left and find the Gemonian Stairs. Continue right and find Fontana dell’Acqua Marcia, from where you can drink fresh water. Then go back to Piazza del Campidoglio and, as facing the Fontana della Dea Roma, turn right on Via del Campidoglio and surpass the arch and get on a panoramic terrace called Terrazza sul Foro offering panoramic photo opportunities of Rome and of the Roman Forum.
Terrazza Caffarelli and Sunset Views of the Eternal City of Rome, Italy
Finally back in Piazza del Campidoglio, just at the top of the stairs of the Cordonata Capitolina, turn left on Via delle Tre Pile. Arrive in Piazzale Caffarelli at Terrazza Caffarelli, observation deck offering nice sunset views. If you can’t visit the terrazza for free, have a drink at the cafeteria there, for the view. Terrazza Caffarelli it’s situated at the top of the Capitoline Museums. They serve sandwiches, sweets, pastries, coffee at reasonable prices, 10 – 20 euros. The café can also be accessed without buying a ticket to the museum.
Fontana delle Tre Cannelle
Go back to Piazza Venezia and then head towards Palazzo Quirinale – a 12-minutes walk.
From Piazza Venezia go right on Via Cesare Battisti and continue forward on Via Quattro Novembre and, when arriving at the intersection, turn right continuing on the same Via Quattro Novembre and take the first street to the left, called Via delle Tre Cannelle. When the street turns right go straight instead and climb the stairs of the Via della Cordonata. See Fontana delle Tre Cannelle. The stairs end and you continue on the street Via della Cordonata.
Palazzo Quirinale
Arrive in a wide street called Via Ventiquattro Maggio and go left on this street. Go forward and finally arrive at Palazzo Quirinale, former royal and papal residence, now the presidential palace and museum. It costs 1,5 euro per person to visit. The visit takes 1 hour and 20 minutes. Unfortunately it is open Wednesday – Sunday between 9.30 am – 4 pm (2.30 pm last entrance). So, come back in the morning if you want to visit. Their beautiful gardens – Giardini del Quirinale unfortunately are open to the public only once a year, on the 2nd of June.
Fontana di Trevi and Città dell’Acqua
After Palazzo del Quirinale, the next stop would be Fontana di Trevi at just 10 minutes distance.
From the Obelisco del Quirinale, as facing the Palazzo Quirinale, go right on Salita di Montecavallo, climb down the stairs, then continue forward on the same street that turns left and it’s called Via della Dataria. At the second intersection, big crossroads, turn right north on Via di S. Vincenzo and then immediately turn right on Vicolo del Babuccio and then turn left on Vicolo del Puttarello. There is Città del Aqua, which represents the remains of a Roman house and aqueduct, 9 meters below modern street level. If you have time you can visit it one morning, after visiting Palazzo Quirinale. To visit Vicus Caprarius-the Water City/Vicus Caprarius – La Città dell’Acqua – without a guide tour – it costs 4 euros per person (and with the Roma Pass, only 2.5 euros per person). It is open Tuesday – Sunday, 11 am – 5 pm.
Turn left on Vicolo dei Modelli and then arrive in Via di S. Vincenzo. Then go right and arrive in Piazza di Trevi. See the famous Fontana di Trevi, always packed with tourists. It is a rococo style fountain, designed by Nicola Salvi in 1762, with sculpted figures.
Shopping and Street Life in the Eternal City of Rome, Italy
From Piazza di Trevi turn right on Via delle Muratte. Visit L’Antico Forno Di Fontana Di Trevi, a beautifully decorated pastries shop. You can grab a bite, they sell sandwiches, pizza by the slice, etc. Their prices are very good: 1 – 10 euros.
Via del Corso
Continue straight ahead, pass by a McDonalds, continue forward on Via delle Murate and arrive in Via del Corso, one of Rome’s famous shopping streets. See Venchi Cioccolato e Gelato, beautiful chocolate shop, just across the street. They have an unique chocolate fountain wall behind the service counter. Venchi has been in business since 1878, selling the finest chocolates and confections. They have a huge selection of chocolates and there is always a line at the entrance.
You can go north on Via del Corso and enter Galleria Alberto Sordi on the right. This beautiful arcade was designed in the early 1900s, and hosts designer stores and restaurants.
If you go back to Via del Corso and continue north you will eventually reach the famous shopping streets Via Frattina, Via Borgognona, Via dei Condotti around Piazza di Spagna, the refined 18th-century square.
Spanish Steps
At the sixth intersection (after passing Tezenis and Intimissimi shops on the right) turn right and go on Via Borgognona and go forward on this street all the way to Piazza di Spagna. Turn right to see the Column of the Immaculate Conception, also go a little left to visit Piazza Mignanelli. Return to the Column of the Immaculate Conception and go right at Piazza di Spagna and arrive at the Barcaccia Fountain, 17th-century baroque fountain shaped like a boat, located at the foot of the Spanish Steps. Moreover, if you continue forward you can climb the Spanish Steps, built in 18th century. See the Sallustiano obelisk and Trinità dei Monti, 16th-century church. Go back to Piazza di Spagna.
Go back to Via del Corso on the next street after Via Borgognona, on Via dei Condotti, starting just in front of Fontana della Barcaccia.
Evening Walks in the Eternal City of Rome, Italy
Return Options After a Day of Exploring in the Eternal City of Rome, Italy
You can take the metro to Rome Termini and then walk to the hotel. You will return another day to visit Piazza di Spagna and the shopping streets, preferably in the morning.
If not taking the metro from Piazza di Spagna to Rome Termini, then you can walk for 10 minutes from Via del Corso to Piazza Barberini. From Via del Corso go south in the direction of Piazza Venezia and then turn left after passing the Zara store, this would be the sixth street on the left, and arrive in Largo Chigi and then continue on Via del Tritone. Go all the way on Via del Tritone until arrive on Piazza Barberini, a medieval square with the Triton Fountain at its center, built by Bernini in the 17th-century.
Then, from Piazza Barberini to Virginia Hotel is another 20-minutes walk, so I advise taking the metro from Piazza di Spagna, as you walked enough for one day.
Walking Route from Piazza Barberini to the Hotel
Otherwise, the itinerary from Piazza Barberini to the hotel would be the following one: go right on Via Barberini, that is the first street to the east, the lower one. Then continue on Via Barberini and go right at the second intersection (big one) on Largo di Santa Susana and continue forward south on Via Vittorio Emanuele Orlando. See Fontana dell’Acqua Felice (or Fontana del Mosè) on the left, across the street as entering the intersection. It is a marble, stucco and travertine fountain built in 1590.
Turn left east on Via Parigi, the first one to the left. There is Aula ottagonale delle Terme di Diocleziano on the right, across the street. It is an octagonal structure built in the 4th century as part of the Baths of Diocletian. Continue on Via Parigi and then go slightly right on Via Pastrengo as crossing the street on diagonal and immediately go left east on Via Cernaia. At the 4th intersection turn right on Via Castelfidardo and then turn right on Via Montebello and arrive at Virginia Hotel.
Late Dinner Options Nearby
Finally, for a late dinner you can consider eating at Steak House cucina tipica romana dal 1932, open until late, until 11.30 pm. It is a nice place for a cheerful dinner. Or, if you return by metro, you can stop and eat in one of the many restaurants near Rome Termini station.
Read On
As your evening stroll winds down, planning ahead will set the tone for tomorrow’s adventures. Be sure to check out our Day 2 itinerary to continue exploring — from hidden corners to grand vistas, there’s much more to discover. You can find all our posts about Rome on this page. For more inspiration and practical tips on visiting Italy, grab our maps and travel guides and head over to our Italy Travel Hub and Italy Bucket List — your starting point for all things Italian! Want to discover more? Don’t miss our posts on Naples, and also our day trips to the Amalfi Coast, Capri and Pompeii.
Thanks for reading!
Table of contents
- Arrival in the Eternal City of Rome, Italy
- Where to Stay in Rome, the Historic City of Italy
- How to Get Around Rome, Capital City of Italy – Roma Pass
- Top Historic Landmarks in the Eternal City of Rome, Italy
- Hidden Gems to Discover in the Eternal City of Rome, Italy
- Lunch with a View of the Colosseum
- Via dei Fori Imperiali to Piazza Venezia
- Photo Spot at the Colosseo Metro Station
- Forum of Augustus and Piazza del Grillo
- Military Cathedral and Trajan’s Forum
- Trajan’s Column and Nearby Churches
- Altare della Patria and Panoramic Views of the Eternal City of Rome, Italy
- Fountains and Scenic Stairs
- Piazza del Campidoglio and Roman Forum Viewpoint in Rome
- Terrazza Caffarelli and Sunset Views of the Eternal City of Rome, Italy
- Fontana delle Tre Cannelle
- Palazzo Quirinale
- Fontana di Trevi and Città dell’Acqua
- Shopping and Street Life in the Eternal City of Rome, Italy
- Spanish Steps
- Evening Walks in the Eternal City of Rome, Italy
- Read On
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