Rome

Best City for Exploration

Rome, Unparalleled History and Exploration

You've probably heard the expression, "Rome wasn't built in a day," and the truth is that there is no way to explore it in a day either. From the Coliseum to the Vatican and the many little treasures in between, Rome is filled with more unique and beautiful sights than any other European destination. You'll need many days - if not a lifetime - to
explore this historic city!

Begin your adventure on the Spanish Steps, connected to the French church Trinita dei Monti, designed in the 17th century by architect Francisco de Sanctis. Looking at a map of the city, you can draw a line from there to the Station Termini, Aventine Hill and Piazza Navona. The area between these points makes up the major areas you will want to explore in the city. It doesn't seem very big, but it will take at least two days to see everything there. Touring the ruins of ancient Rome (including the Coliseum) could easily fill an entire day. Outside of that area there are several places worth exploring as well. The Vatican (another meaningful destination), Castel Sant'Angelo and the Villa Borghese are all must-sees.

The Roman Metro (subway system) is a good way to travel to these locations (there is a big red M at the entrance to each station) and a one-way ticket costs less than a dollar, but there are also tourist tickets called BIT or CIS, which give you unlimited rides. BIT "Biglietto Turistico Integrato" is a 3-day ticket, valid until midnight of the third
day; the CIS "Carta Integrata Settimanale" is a weekly one. You can also ride on Atac or Cotral buses, subways, and some local trains with these passes. Tickets are sold by tabacchi (tobacconists). Their stores are marked with a bold black T on white or dark blue signs.