Rome Tourist Card
See the Sistine Chapel, Colosseum, and more with one easy pass
- Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill: Entry Ticket
- St. Peter's Basilica OR Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel: Entry Ticket
- Pantheon OR Castel Sant'Angelo
- Rome: City Audio Guide App for Your Smartphone
- 10% Discount
Enjoy some of the best of Rome with our Rome Tourist Card
Rome Tourist Card
What's Included
- Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill Entry Ticket (with additional options of a guided tour of the Colosseum & Mamertine Prison Entry)
- Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel: Skip The Line Entry Ticket (with additional option of Guided Tour) OR St Peter's Basilica: Entry Ticket
- Pantheon OR Castel Sant'Angelo Entry Ticket
- Rome: City Audio Guide App for Your Smartphone
- 10% Bonus Discount
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Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill - Entry Tickets
Visit the world famous UNESCO World Heritage Site that is a MUST when visiting Rome - the mighty Colosseum! We also include access to its neighbours, the Roman Forum & Palatine Hill on a self-guided tour.
The Colosseum
The Colosseum, originally known as the "Flavian Amphitheatre," was an iconic symbol of ancient Rome. If you had asked for directions to the Colosseum back in its day, the locals might not have known what you were referring to! Imagine the arena filled with chanting crowds, witnessing the intense battles that took place there. Visualise the gladiators preparing for combat in the underground chambers.
Spectators were seated based on their wealth and social status, with the best views reserved for the elite, much like modern concerts where the best seats come with the highest price tags.
The Roman Forum
The Roman Forum was the bustling heart of political, commercial, and social life in Rome. It was a vibrant marketplace full of shops, stalls, and significant events, such as the funeral of Julius Caesar. Buried for centuries, the Forum was not uncovered until the 18th century through extensive excavation efforts.
Palatine Hill
Palatine Hill was the desirable neighbourhood of ancient Rome and home to the area’s aristocrats and emperors. As one of the seven hills of Rome, it holds immense historical and archaeological significance and is believed to have been the birthplace of Rome itself, when it was founded by the mythical Romulus in 753 BC.
The ruins on Palatine Hill are fascinating remnants of grand imperial palaces with lavish gardens, adorned with statues and symbols of wealth and power. Imagine the opulent lifestyle of the emperors and aristocrats who once resided there.
The Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel
The Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel are among Rome's most popular landmarks, which attract around 5 million visitors annually. Due to visitor numbers, it’s always sensible to book tickets in advance and queuing times at the ticket office can be hours, especially during peak summer tourist periods and often regularly sell out weeks if not months in advance due to limited numbers.
The Vatican Museums house one of the world's largest and most impressive art collections, featuring pieces from ancient Rome, Egyptian artefacts, and religious objects. The collection includes classic masterpieces and modern works.
The Sistine Chapel, part of the Vatican Museums, is renowned for its ceiling painted by Michelangelo in the 16th century. His depiction of the story of creation and the great flood, along with "The Last Judgement" behind the altar, are highlights. The chapel also features works by artists such as Ghirlandaio, Botticelli, Perugino, and Pinturicchio. It is the site where cardinals meet for conclave to elect a new pope, signalled by white smoke from the chimney. The Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel are located in Vatican City, the smallest country in the world.
St. Peter's Basilica
St. Peter's Basilica is home to crypts, chapels, and tombs of historical figures. Constructed between 1506 and 1626, is an important example of Renaissance architecture and was designed by luminaries such as Bramante, Michelangelo, Maderno, and Bernini. Renowned for its vast dome, its grand facade, and lavish interior, it houses Michelangelo’s Pietà, Bernini’s Baldachin, and the Papal Altar above St. Peter's believed burial site. A major pilgrimage site and a symbol of the Catholic Church's unity and papal authority, it hosts significant religious ceremonies and attracts millions of visitors annually.
Castel Sant'Angelo
Castel Sant'Angelo, also known as the Mausoleum of Hadrian, was originally commissioned by Emperor Hadrian as a mausoleum for him and his family. Completed in 139 AD, it went on to be used for various purposes over the centuries, including a papal residence, a prison and a fortress. Today, it houses an extensive collection of ancient artefacts and is one of Rome's most popular attractions. Its imposing presence on the right bank of the Tiber River, near the Vatican City, is marked by its massive, cylindrical design and the angel statue that crowns its summit, which symbolises the Archangel Michael. Today, Castel Sant'Angelo is a museum and offers visitors a glimpse into its storied past through its preserved artefacts and architecture, while also providing panoramic views of Rome from its upper terraces.
Rome: City Audio Guide App for Your Smartphone
One of our bestsellers, the downloadable audio guide app, features over 130 points of interest in Rome. It offers high-quality visuals, descriptions, and audio commentaries by local experts. The app also includes an offline digital map for easy navigation, making it an invaluable tool for exploring the city.
Popular Tickets
Popular Attractions
Fun and Interesting Facts About Rome
- The Eternal City: Rome is often called "The Eternal City" because the ancient Romans believed that no matter what happened to the world or how many empires rose and fell, Rome would live on forever!
- The Roman Forum: The Roman Forum was the heart of ancient Rome. It was the centre of political, commercial, and social activities and is home to some of the city's most important ruins, including temples, markets, and government buildings.
- Birthplace of Julius Caesar: Rome is the birthplace of one of history's most famous figures, Julius Caesar. His assassination in 44 B.C. marked the end of the Roman Republic and the rise of the Roman Empire.
- The Colosseum's Capacity: The Colosseum, which is one of Rome’s most famous landmarks, could hold between 50,000 to 80,000 spectators. At the time it was the largest amphitheatre ever built and hosted gladiatorial contests, public spectacles, and even mock naval battles.
- Aqueducts: Ancient Rome was a pioneer in engineering, particularly in the construction of aqueducts. The aqueducts brought fresh water from distant sources into the city which supported the population and the public baths. Some Roman aqueducts are still in use today!
- The Vatican City: Although an independent city-state, Vatican City is located entirely within the boundaries of Rome. It is the smallest country in the world and the spiritual centre for Catholics worldwide, housing St. Peter's Basilica and the Vatican Museums.
- Trevi Fountain Legend: One of Rome’s most iconic landmarks is the Trevi Fountain. Legend has it that if you throw a coin into the fountain over your left shoulder with your right hand, you will return to Rome one day. An estimated 3,000 euros are thrown into the fountain daily!
- Pantheon’s Dome: The Pantheon in Rome has the world’s largest unreinforced concrete dome. Built around 126 A.D., the dome remains an architectural marvel. The 'oculus' at its centre is the only source of natural light and also serves as a cooling and ventilation system.
- Rome’s Seven Hills: Rome was traditionally built on seven hills: Aventine, Caelian, Capitoline, Esquiline, Palatine, Quirinal, and Viminal. The hills were the foundation of ancient Rome and are still a significant part of the city’s geography and culture!
- Birthplace of the Julian Calendar: The Julian calendar, which is the predecessor of the Gregorian calendar we use today, was introduced by Julius Caesar in 45 B.C. The calendar was used throughout the Roman Empire and many parts of Europe for over 1600 years.
Tips For Visiting Rome
- Book Tickets in Advance for Major Attractions
- Avoid long queues at places like the Colosseum, the Vatican Museums, and St. Peter’s Basilica by purchasing tickets online in advance. Some sites offer skip-the-line options or guided tours that give faster access. Popular sites like the Vatican can sell out quickly (weeks in advance) so we suggest if you know when you are visiting, book tickets early to guarantee your place.
- Dress Appropriately for Churches
- Many of Rome’s churches, including St. Peter’s Basilica, have a strict dress code. Ensure your shoulders and knees are covered as a sign of respect. They may be tourist attractions, but they are still religious, so it should be respected.
- Use Public Transport or Walk
- Rome is a compact city, and many of its key sights are quite close to each other. You can easily walk between attractions. However, for longer distances, Rome's buses, trams, and metro are affordable and efficient.
- Beware of Pickpockets
- Like many major cities, tourist hotspots can attract pickpockets so be mindful of your belongings, especially in crowded areas like public transport, markets, and busy attractions.
- Explore Beyond the Main Attractions
- While the Colosseum and Vatican are must-see landmarks, there are many lesser-known gems in the city. Visit the Aventine Hill for stunning views, or the Trastevere district for charming streets and local dining experiences.
- Have Some Cash on Hand
- Though cards are widely accepted, some smaller shops, restaurants, or gelato stands may prefer cash. ATMs are plentiful, but it’s good to have some euros for small purchases. But be wary of pickpockets when holding cash.
- Time Your Visits to Avoid Crowds
- Going early in the morning or later in the afternoon can help to avoid the biggest crowds, especially at major attractions like the Pantheon, the Trevi Fountain, and Piazza Navona.
- Try Authentic Roman Cuisine
- Don’t leave without trying classic dishes like carbonara, cacio e pepe, and Roman-style artichokes! Head to local trattorias instead of touristy spots for more authentic dining experiences.
- Don’t Forget About Siesta Time
- Many shops and smaller restaurants close in the afternoon (around 1-4 PM) for a break. Plan your day accordingly to avoid disappointment when you find places shut during siesta hours.
Useful Information For Rome
Tips for Visiting Rome
- Plan Your Visits to Major Attractions
- Colosseum and Vatican: Both are incredibly popular and can have long lines at the ticket office. We suggest booking tickets in advance online to help save some time. The Vatican regularly sells out weeks in advance, so if you know when you want to visit, do book in advance to avoid disappointment.
- Off-Peak Hours: Visit major sites early in the morning or late in the afternoon as they can sometimes have smaller crowds at those times.
Explore Beyond the Main Sites
- Lesser Known Areas: Wander through neighbourhoods like 'Trastevere', 'Monti', and 'Testaccio' to experience local life, find charming streets, and discover lesser-known historical sites.
- Local Markets: Visit markets like 'Campo de' Fiori' or 'Mercato Testaccio' for fresh produce, local delicacies, and a glimpse into everyday Roman life.
Use Public Transport and Walk
- Metro and Buses: Rome's metro and bus systems are efficient and can help you get around the city easily. Our Roma Pass or a transport pass can save you money if you plan to use public transport frequently.
- Walking: Rome is a city best explored on foot, with many attractions close to each other. Wear comfortable shoes and be prepared to walk a lot.
Stay Hydrated and Enjoy Italian Cuisine
- Water Fountains: Rome has numerous public drinking fountains (nasoni) with clean, freshwater. Carry a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated, especially during the summer when it does get hot.
- Food: Enjoy Roman specialties like pasta carbonara, cacio e pepe, and supplì. Look for trattorias and osterias where locals dine to get authentic and delicious meals.
Respect Local Customs and Etiquette
- Dress Code: When visiting sites such as St. Peter's Basilica, remember they are religious sites as well as tourist attractions so dress modestly with shoulders and knees covered.
- Siesta Time: Be aware that some shops and restaurants may close in the afternoon for a few hours. Plan your day accordingly to avoid inconvenience.
