Should You Visit Rome?

Is Rome worth visiting?

Yes, it's worth visiting this city for three to seven days because of the many great activities. Rome is the capital city of Italy, and for many visitors it serves as the entry and departure point of their trip. Rome is filled with ancient ruins hidden next to modern development. It's a history enthusiasts dream. The city is also filled with cafes and Italian restaurants where you can sip wine and dine on Italian pasta dishes. We first visited in the summer of 2008 and have returned several times. During our time here, we fell in love with the iconic archeological sites such as the Roman Forum and the Colosseum as well as the rich history, amazing food, and colorful neighborhoods. Rome is loved by visitors for many reasons, and is routinely on national "best of" lists, including U.S. News World's Best Places to Go in 2023.

The Spanish Steps, Rome, Italy

Reasons to Visit Rome

Museums
The historical sights around the city are among the most impressive in the world. Almost anywhere you look you'll find a notable landmark but some of the most famous include the Colosseum, the Pantheon, the Trevi Fountain, the Vatican, and the Roman Forum.

Food
Homemade pasta, fresh sauces, and fine wine all make the food scene among the best. Also make sure you try the gelato.

Nightlife
You'll find a huge concentration of bars and clubs in the Testaccio area. There are late night clubs with salsa dancing, merengue, and live DJ's spinning every type of music.

Music
Popular music venues include Live Alcazar, Atlantico Live, and Beba do Samba.

Shopping
For the biggest brand names, head to Via del Corso, which is near the Spanish Steps. Popular items to buy include Italian ceramics, shoes, leather goods, and jewelry.

Is Rome worth visiting in the Summer?

Summer is the high season for travel in Rome, so expect more visitors and higher prices. This destination is very popular with tourists, and in the high season it's even busier than usual as this is when most people like to visit. Expect tourist crowds to be very large, and prices to be higher than normal. However, there's plenty to do here this time of year, too.

The warm weather in summer is one of the reasons people visit at this time of year. Temperatures average around 25°C (77°F) with daily high temperatures often more than 31°C (88°F).

The activities of the city are numerous, and this is a great time of year to explore all of them. From family-friendly attractions to romantic getaways, as well as budget-friendly things to do, there's something for everyone. Famous landmarks, museums, tours, and more are all available. You'll also find it quite easy to get around on foot, because this is a very walkable city, especially in the nice weather. You'll find plenty to do during summer, as you'll be able to spend time at the museums, discover the big city activities, and enjoy the evening activities.

Is Rome worth visiting in the Autumn?

This is the shoulder season for travel in Rome. This is an extremely touristy destination, so in the shoulder season you'll still see plenty of other tourists when you visit. However, good prices and deals are to be found on hotels and tours.

You'll find the weather to be very nice here during autumn with average temperatures around 17°C (63°F).

Autumn is a great time of year to explore the numerous museums and landmarks around town. They are fun for the whole family as well great for couples. During this season it's fun to experience the beautiful scenery, the museums and landmarks, and the big city activities. Also, you can experience the live music.

Is Rome worth visiting in the Winter?

The weather in Rome can be quite cold during winter, and averages around 8°C (47°F). But be prepared for much lower temperatures, too.

The low season for travel in Rome is during the winter. This is an extremely touristy destination, so in the low season you'll still see plenty of other travelers when you visit, but less than other times of the year. Good deals are to be found on hotels and tours because it's not the best time of year to visit.

You'll like that you can take public transit easily in the winter, too. You can get around quickly while avoiding bad weather if needed. This is a great time of year to wander through the museums, dine out at amazing restaurants, and enjoy an evening out. Also, you can listen to some live music and enjoy the city's energy.

Is Rome worth visiting in the Spring?

Spring is the shoulder season for travel in Rome. This is an extremely touristy destination, so in the shoulder season you'll still see plenty of other tourists when you visit. However, good prices and deals are to be found on hotels and tours.

You'll find the weather to be very nice here during spring with average temperatures around 14°C (57°F).

The city this time of year is absolutely beautiful. Admire the gardens, parks, and fantastic architecture, too. You'll find plenty to do during spring, as you'll be able to find the best deals at the shops, browse through museums, and admire the wonderful scenery. Also, you can check out the live music scene and the nightlife.

Things to Consider Before Visiting Rome

Lots of Tourists
Rome sees a high number of visitors every year, which means you might have to wait in line and deal with large crowds during your visit.

The Cost
Depending on your budget, schedule, and travel style, Rome might be an expensive destination for you. You can find out the travel costs for Rome here or see if Rome is expensive here.

Related

What is Rome most famous for?

Rome is most famous for its iconic archaeological sites such as the Colosseum and the Roman Forum, as well as its gelato, Italian cuisine, and strong religious roots. The city is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, music, and shopping. It is often described as ancient, archeological, bustling, fun-filled, and popular.

What is the most famous sight in Rome?

The most popular sight in Rome is The Colosseum. You can see prices and costs for this and other sights in Rome on our travel costs page.

Or, see tickets, activities, and tours for The Colosseum and other attractions here.

How touristy is Rome? Is it a popular city to visit?

Rome is a very touristy city that attracts travelers from around the globe. Here are some of the most popular activities and tours. (Prices in US Dollars)

• Private Tour - City Center: $109
• Rome Day Tour with Private Driver: $273
• City Center Highlights of Rome Tour with Top E-Bike: $82
• Games & Treasures Hunts Tour in Rome: $60
• Private Tour - Capitoline Museums: $131
• Tivoli Italian Gardens Tour from Rome: $273
• Roma's Night Segway Tour: $98
• Colosseum & Ancient Rome - Private Tour: $173

How long should I spend in Rome?

The ideal length of time for a trip to Rome is at least three or as many as seven days. Since Rome has a variety of activities such as museums, dining, nightlife, and music, most people need this much time to see and do everything here.

If you have a specific amount of time for your trip, see our advice about how much time to spend here: Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Rome?, Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Rome?, and Should I spend 1 or 2 weeks in Rome?.

More Things to Do in Rome

• Is The Colosseum Worth Visiting?
• Is St. Peter's Basilica Worth Visiting?
• Is Trevi Fountain Worth Visiting?
• Are The Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel Worth Visiting?
• Are The Spanish Steps Worth Visiting?
• Is MAXXI Worth Visiting?
• Is Palatine Hill Worth Visiting?
• Is Mercato di Campagna Amica Worth Visiting?
• Is The Roman Forum Worth Visiting?
• Is Galleria Borghese Worth Visiting?
• Is The Pantheon Worth Visiting?
• Is Castel Sant'Angelo Worth Visiting?
• Is Piazza Navona Worth Visiting?
• Is The Basilica Papale di Santa Maria Maggiore Worth Visiting?
• Are The Capitoline Museums Worth Visiting?