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
Rome Tourist Card
Enjoy Some of The Best of Rome...
Rome Tourist Card
What's Included
- Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill: Entry Ticket
- Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel: Entry Ticket 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, one of the most recognisable symbols of Rome. Originally known as the "Flavian Amphitheatre," 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. Its also where significant events, such as the funeral of Julius Caesar took place. The Roman Forum was actually buried for centuries and wasn't uncovered again until the 18th century due to extensive excavation efforts at the time.
Palatine Hill
Palatine Hill was the most desirable neighbourhood to live in of ancient Rome and home to the aristocrats and emperors. Palatine Hill was one of the seven hills of Rome, and it holds immense historical and archaeological significance. It's also 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 have fascinating remnants of grand imperial palaces with lavish gardens that were covered 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 amongst Rome's most popular attractions and landmarks. Due to visitor numbers, it’s always sensible to book tickets in advance as queuing times at the ticket office can be hours, especially during peak summer tourist periods. It's also common for the tickets to actually sell out weeks if not months in advance due to the limited numbers. So we always suggest, if you know when you plan to visit, book ahead of time.
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 through to modern works.
The Sistine Chapel, which is part of the Vatican Museums, is renowned for its ceiling that was 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. The Sistine Chapel is where the cardinals meet for conclave to elect a new pope, which is signalled by white smoke from the chimney. Vatican City is the smallest independent state in the world!
St. Peter's Basilica
St. Peter's Basilica is home to crypts, chapels, and tombs of historical figures including over 100 popes. The church was constructed between 1506 and 1626, and is an important example of Renaissance architecture. It was designed by luminaries such as Bramante, Michelangelo, Maderno, and Bernini. Renowned for its vast dome, its grand facade, and lavish interior, it's home to 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 was originally commissioned by Emperor Hadrian as a mausoleum for him and his family. It was completed in 139 AD, and it went on to be used for various purposes over the centuries, including a papal residence, a prison and a fortress, as well as the emperor's final resting place. Today, it houses an extensive collection of ancient artefacts and is another 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 roof, which symbolises the Archangel Michael. Today, Castel Sant'Angelo is a museum and offers you a glimpse into its 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. We offer a great ticket which includes access to the city's transport system, the Roma Pass. Click HERE for ticket details.
- 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: A lot of the major attractions can book out weeks in advance, especially during the peak summer months.
- 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.
