Rome Guide

Colosseum

The eternal symbol of Rome and the largest amphitheatre ever built in the Roman Empire. Inaugurated in 80 AD, it could hold up to 80,000 spectators. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is Italy's most visited monument. Easily reached on foot from Casa Pallini via Via Merulana. Hours: 9am-7pm | Ticket: €16 (includes Forum & Palatine) | Tip: book online to skip the line

Piazza del Colosseo, 1

Trevi Fountain

Baroque masterpiece by Nicola Salvi (1762), Rome's largest and most famous fountain. 26 metres high and 50 wide, depicting the god Oceanus. Tradition says throwing a coin ensures your return to Rome. Open 24h | Free | Tip: visit at dawn or after 10pm to avoid crowds

Piazza di Trevi

Pantheon

The best-preserved Roman temple in the world, built by Emperor Hadrian around 125 AD. Its unreinforced concrete dome (43.3m diameter) was unsurpassed for nearly 2000 years. Houses the tombs of Raphael and the kings of Italy. Hours: 9am-7pm | Ticket: €5 | Tip: visit when it rains to see rain through the oculus

Piazza della Rotonda

Altar of the Fatherland

Imposing national monument in white marble dedicated to Victor Emmanuel II. The panoramic terrace offers the most spectacular 360° view of Rome. Terrace: €12 | Monument: free | Hours: 9:30am-7:30pm

Piazza Venezia

St. Peter's Basilica

The largest church in the world, the heart of Christianity. Michelangelo's dome dominates Rome's skyline. Inside, Michelangelo's Pietà and Bernini's Baldachin. Basilica entry: free | Dome: €8-10 | Dress code: shoulders and knees covered

Piazza San Pietro, Città del Vaticano

Castel Sant'Angelo

Originally Hadrian's mausoleum (139 AD), transformed into a papal fortress. The Angel's terrace offers breathtaking views of the Tiber and St. Peter's. Hours: 9am-7:30pm | Ticket: €15 | Tip: visit at sunset

Lungotevere Castello, 50

Roman Forum & Imperial Forums

The beating heart of ancient Rome for over a thousand years. The combined ticket with the Colosseum also includes the Palatine Hill. Included in Colosseum ticket (€16) | Hours: 9am-7pm

Via dei Fori Imperiali

Spanish Steps & Trinità dei Monti

The famous 135-step staircase connects Piazza di Spagna to the Trinità dei Monti church. Iconic meeting point surrounded by high-fashion boutiques. Open 24h | Free | Warning: sitting on the steps is forbidden (fine up to €400)

Piazza di Spagna

Piazza Navona

One of the most beautiful squares in the world, with Bernini's Fountain of the Four Rivers. Street artists, historic cafes and at Christmas the Epiphany market. Open 24h | Free | Tip: try a tartufo at Tre Scalini

Piazza Navona

Trastevere

Rome's most authentic and bohemian neighbourhood, with cobblestone alleys, traditional trattorias and nightlife. The Basilica of Santa Maria in Trastevere is one of the oldest. Tip: dine in a trattoria in the alleys

Trastevere

Circus Maximus & Mouth of Truth

The Circus Maximus was Rome's largest arena (250,000 spectators). Nearby, the Mouth of Truth: legend says it bites the hand of liars. Park: free | Mouth of Truth: €2

Via del Circo Massimo

Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel

One of the world's most important art collections with over 70,000 works. The route culminates in the Sistine Chapel with Michelangelo's Last Judgement. Ticket: €17 | Hours: Mon-Sat 8am-7pm | Booking required

Viale Vaticano

Borghese Gallery

Absolute masterpieces: Apollo and Daphne by Bernini, Sacred and Profane Love by Titian, David by Caravaggio. Ticket: €15 | Visits in 2h slots | Booking required

Piazzale Scipione Borghese, 5

Capitoline Museums

The oldest public museum in the world (1471). Houses the Capitoline Wolf, equestrian Marcus Aurelius and works by Caravaggio. Ticket: €15 | Hours: 9:30am-7:30pm

Piazza del Campidoglio, 1

Exhibition Palace

Rome's largest exhibition space, very close to Casa Pallini on Via Nazionale. Contemporary art, photography, cinema exhibitions. Ticket: €8-15 | Hours: Tue-Sun 10am-8pm | Closed Monday

Via Nazionale, 194

Villa Borghese

Rome's most beloved park (80 hectares). Gardens, rowing lake, Bioparco zoo. From the Pincio, Rome's most beautiful sunset. Entry: free | Rowing boats: €3/20min | Bike rental available

Piazzale Napoleone I

Colle Oppio Park

Panoramic park next to the Colosseum with a direct view of the amphitheatre. Beneath the park lies Nero's Domus Aurea. Park: free, open 24h | Domus Aurea: €14, booking required

Via delle Terme di Tito

Piazza Vittorio Gardens

Just 5 minutes from Casa Pallini. Roman ruins of the Nymphaeum of Alexander Severus and the alchemical Magic Door of 1680. Free | Metro stop: Vittorio Emanuele (line A)

Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II

Via del Corso & Via Condotti

Rome's premier shopping street. 1.5km from Piazza Venezia to Piazza del Popolo. For luxury, Via Condotti (Gucci, Prada, Bulgari). Shops: 10am-8pm | Sales: Jan-Feb and Jul-Aug

Via del Corso

Via Nazionale

Major commercial artery very close to Casa Pallini. Fashion, leather goods, electronics, crafts at affordable prices. Shops: 10am-8pm

Via Nazionale

New Esquilino Market

Rome's largest multicultural covered market, steps from the apartment. Exotic fruit, spices, products from around the world at unbeatable prices. Hours: Mon-Sat 5am-3pm | Closed Sunday

Via Filippo Turati, 160

Public Transport in Rome

2 metro lines (A and B), trams, buses. BIT ticket: €1.50 (100 min). Daily: €7. Roma Pass (48h/72h) includes transport and museums. Casa Pallini is between Termini and Vittorio Emanuele stops. Useful apps: Tabnet (tickets), Moovit (routes), Google Maps

Rome on Foot: Routes

Classic route (3h): Colosseum → Forums → Piazza Venezia → Pantheon → Piazza Navona → St. Peter's. Romantic (2h): Spanish Steps → Trevi Fountain → Pantheon → Piazza Navona. Comfortable shoes a must! Bring water in summer

Water, Food & Traditions

Rome has over 2,500 drinking fountains (nasoni) with free potable water. Breakfast: cornetto and cappuccino. Lunch: pizza al taglio. Dinner: carbonara, cacio e pepe, amatriciana. Never order cappuccino after lunch!

Skip the Lines & Save Money

ALWAYS book online for Colosseum, Vatican Museums and Borghese Gallery. Avoid 10am-2pm. Roma Pass: €32/48h or €52/72h. First Sunday of the month: free state museums. Sites: coopculture.it, museivaticani.va, galleriaborghese.beniculturali.it