On our first trip to Italy in 1999, the internet was still in its infancy. There was only a small amount of travel information online, so we headed to Rome, staying in a far off suburb away from the historic center. After three days, we thought we had seen all of Rome and departed early for Florence! Ahh, youth, for anyone who has visited Rome knows, it wasn’t built in a day but over centuries. To say one could spend years in Rome and not see it all, may not be an exaggeration. After many trips to Rome, we are happy to help others have an easy journey!

These 7 Rome, Italy travel tips will ensure that your holiday is spectacular, especially if you will be visiting in high season. Specifically, high season in Rome includes June, July, August & Catholic holy days. Therefore a little advance planning and knowing these local, insider travel tips will make your vacation stress free, fun and happily memorable! Whether you have visited Rome before, these places may not be on a typical Rome itinerary.

Rome, Italy Top 7 Insider Travel Tips

One of my very favorite cities in all the world – Rome! After helping many people plan their holidays to The Eternal City, Rome never disappoints. Legend and tradition, say Rome was founded in 753 BC. Yes, you read that right – BC! The history, art, architecture and Roman Catholic sites are spectacular! If you only have a few days to see Rome, plan ahead and have reserved entry for your must-see sites.

#1: Go Beneath St. Peter’s Basilica on the Scavi Tour

While 4.2 million people a year visit the Vatican Museums, only 250 people are admitted each day, to go below St. Peter’s Basilica to see the necropolis and bones of St. Peter on the Scavi Tour. It is the most exclusive tour in Rome! What is this Scavi Tour? A fantastic way to speak with the Swiss Guards and head into the behind the scenes area of Vatican City. The obelisk that you pass by, is said to be where the Apostle Peter was crucified upside down in the first century AD. In fact, St. Peter was believed to be buried a short distance away on Vatican Hill. Early on, a make-shift chapel was erected over Peter’s remains. Later, Emperor Constantine constructed a church over this site. In the 16th century, the beautiful current day Basilica of St. Peter’s was built, replacing the earlier church. Our Vatican guide told us that during WWII, archaeologists were secretly excavating and discovered a funerary box. There was an engraving on it written in Greek that said “Peter is here!” Hearing the history, clues and evidence that led to determining this was the final resting place of St. Peter is remarkable! We have been on this tour multiple times and our kids are fascinated seeing this ancient Christian site.

Know Before You Go –  Scavi Tour

Click the link below for Scavi tickets with the range of days that you are in Rome and available for the tour. Additionally, try and reserve the minute you know your dates. Also have the names of all participants, preferred language of tour, and email address for contact. All individuals must be 15 years or older and wear appropriate clothing with knees and shoulders covered at all times. Churches in Italy can be very strict with dress code. Also, no backpacks or large bags. The Scavi tours are very small – usually no more than 12 per group and a bargain at 13 euro a person, which includes a very knowledgeable guide. See the website for tour days and times. Make sure that you check in about 15 minutes prior to your tour time. There is no tour on Sunday, but mass in St. Peter’s Basilica!

Do not recommend for people with asthma, claustrophobia or walking issues.

See Scavi Tour Information & Tickets

#2: Climb the Dome of St. Peter’s

While it is obvious that St. Peter’s Basilica is a must-see, a highlight of our children is the climbing of Michelangelo’s Dome! While St. Peter’s is free, there is a small fee for the Dome climb – the highest point in Rome and a photo op you cannot miss! Great to do post-Scavi Tour, follow signs marked “Cupola” to the right of the entrance. This is a hidden gem as it has never been crowded when we have been there, even when St. Peter’s Basilica has a 2 hour line! Indeed, kids love this adventure of climbing around Michelangelo’s Dome and holding onto the rope handles. There is an option to take an elevator part way and walk 320 steps or hike up the 551 steps to the very top, giving your Fitbit something to cheer about!

#3: Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel

While the Vatican Museums are probably already on your list of things to see, always plan a skip the line, early entry or Friday night tour. This museum is one of the most widely visited in the entire world, showcasing vast amounts of priceless Christian artifacts, art and antiquities. On a guided tour, you can go straight into St. Peter’s from the Vatican Museums, saving you a 20 minute walk and probably an hour or two in another line! The early morning and Friday evening tours are magical. Without the vast crowds, it is very easy to really enjoy this magnificent art collection of the Popes! I mean, what other museum serves prosecco in their courtyard?

Remember, Rome gets very hot in Summer. The last thing you want to do is stand in a long queue with 3,000 people. I mean, how happy will you be to walk by a long line and not have to wait in it! Take only small bags as you go through a security screening prior to entry.

#4: Explore the Colosseum and Roman Forum

The first time we saw the Roman Forum was without a guide. It just looked like rocks…with an expert, it made perfect sense. If you have kids, the fascinating stories of Rome’s history holds their attention, with no realization that they are learning! Sshh…our little secret! Take a photo for a few euro, with the Gladiator’s outside the Colosseum – very fun and makes a great holiday card. The Colosseum is fascinating for children of all ages. Gives them a chance to expend some energy and appreciate the wonder of this magnificent architectural feat. Be careful of all Colosseum and Forum tour wording. While many say “skip the line tour” what they are really saying is that you are purchasing an entry ticket allowing only general admittance – meaning a long entrance line as over 4 million people a year visit! One of my favorite ways to see this amazing structure is with an after hours evening tour. Way less crowded and not as hot! This tour sells out very quickly. To book an after hours tour or for more info, contact us

#5: Go Underground at the Basilica of San Clemente

Time travel in an hour! Near the Colosseum? The Basilica of San Clemente is a great example of 2,000 years of Rome’s history. You enter into the 12th century church, which was built in 1108 and has beautiful mosaic frescoes. Then descend into a 4th century early Christian church and finally go down another level into a 1st century pagan temple. A cool, quiet must-see.  One of the significance of this Catholic Basilica is seeing how Rome is built in layers. Kids thought this was amazing. Cover shoulders and knees here as modest dress is necessary. Turn off cell phones and be respectful of the “no photo” areas. Cost is 10 euro for adults, free for children under 16 with parents.

Open Monday thru Saturday 9:00 – 12:30 and 15:00 – 18:00. Last entrance 30 minutes before closing.

Sundays and Holidays 12:15 – 18:00.  All dates and times are subject to change.

#6: Head to the Beach

I mean this is authentic holidays Italian style! Take a break and head to the beach. Visitors who go to the Lido, will meet other Romans enjoying the seaside. Rome has beaches that are easy to get to in under an hour by train, inexpensively. If your Italian Holiday does not allow another beach day, leave a few hours in your Rome itinerary and go to Santa Marinella or Santa Severa. The Italians have perfected the beach getaway with delicious food and wine, relaxing lounge chairs, games and lifeguards to watch the little ones.  The hours you spend splashing around the Mediterranean will be relaxing and forever spoil you in how a beach trip should be! Bring just a towel, Italian beach clubs have showers, changing rooms and reasonably priced cafes!

Train from Roma Termini to S. Marinella costs 4.60 euro each way, with trains about every 30 minutes.

#7: Stroll thru Campo dei Fiori

Especially local: Campo dei Fiori.  During the day, this beautiful piazza, named “Field of Flowers” is a wonderful outdoor market selling produce, pasta and Italian delights! In the afternoon, the market totally disappears into a lively area with artists painting and live musicians playing. There are delicious restaurants, bars, cafes and gelaterias lining the Campo. Let the kids run around while you enjoy a cool, refreshing aperitivo of beer or wine. In fact, if Italy is playing in the national sport of fut-ball (American soccer), the game will be on all the bar and restaurant TV’s. Locals will be singing and cheering, a lot of fun! If it is a World Cup soccer match, than huge screens will be in many piazzas throughout Rome, with locals and tourists alike, cheering on their team!

Experience La Dolce Vita – the Sweet Life

“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do.” – Mark Twain

After going to Europe many times, first single, then married and now with kids, I do not hesitate encouraging others to go. As a matter of fact, we waited until our children were 5 years old as I initially travel by myself with the kids. My husband follows a week or two later as he has less vacation time. That’s an 8 hour overnight flight, outnumbered! Our daughter also has severe, life-threatening food allergies.  After 8, month long trips to Europe, our kids cannot wait to go back. Our teenage son, after spending many weeks in Europe only a month ago, is asking “when is our next trip?” The fun memories will last a lifetime!

Family Goals – Memories

Most importantly, our goal when we started to take the kids to Europe, was not to check off every “must see” but to really enjoy being together. I mean we go to museums, churches, and historic places. Yet, we balance that with trips to the beach, boat rides, bicycling, hiking, concerts and gelato. A LOT of gelato! While all roads lead from Rome, we find ourselves heading to Italy’s capital often.

Have a great tip for Rome? Let us know.

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