A week in Rome: what to do and see in 7 days?
Have you decided to go to Rome for a week? Want to know what to do in 7 days in the Italian capital?
You are in the right place!
In this 1 week Rome itinerary you will find:
- My top tips for avoiding queuing and saving time!
- Visits to do every day with a map to find your way around
- My selection of the best hotels to stay during these 7 days in Rome.
And if you are going with your family, I even give you ideas of activities suitable for a stay with children.
You will know exactly how to organize your days to make the most of your vacation!
So, what to do and see in Rome in 1 week?
Tips for avoiding the queue in Rome and not wasting time
Whether you’re planning this week-long Rome itinerary in the summer, winter, or any other time, expect to have to contend with the long queues that stretch out in front of the Colosseum or Saint Peter’s Basilica, the emblematic monuments of the city.
You will quickly realize that the city does not usurp its status as one of the most touristic cities in the world and that there are crowds everywhere!
But don’t panic: by following my advice, you will be one of the people who don’t have to wait and you will be able to optimize your visit to Rome.
Here are the 2 solutions that I advise you to avoid queuing and save a lot of time:
1. Rome City Pass
For this 7 days Rome itinerary, one of the best solutions is to buy the “Rome City Pass” or “Roma Tourist Card”.
The visit to all the tourist sites of Rome is included in it with direct access to avoid you having to queue. All skip-the-line tickets are sent by email in the form of a 100% digital pass that you will not therefore have to collect from a collection office.
It really is the most practical solution to avoid the queues and visit Rome in 7 days!
Here is what is included in the Rome Pass:
- Ticket for the Colosseum with audio guide + Roman Forum + Palatine Hill
- Skip-the-line ticket for St. Peter’s Basilica + audio guide
- Visit of the Vatican Museum and the Sistine Chapel
- 10% discounts on museums (Castle of Sant’Angelo, Borghese Gallery), guided tours (Tour of the catacombs, Rome by bike) and excursions in the surrounding area if you continue your 7-day stay in Rome in another major city from Italy ( Florence, Venice, etc.)
Buy your Rome City Pass/Roma Tourist Card here.
2. Omnia Card
Another solution that I propose to you to visit Rome in a week: buy the Omnia Card.
Skip-the-line access to tourist attractions is also included but this card is only valid for 3 days. It is therefore necessary to concentrate the visits included in it during the first days of your 1 week tour in Rome.
The program that I suggest to you a little below is organized in such a way as to make your purchase of the Omnia Card profitable, which is also called the “Vatican and Rome Pass”:
- 3 days for the sites included in the Omnia
- The rest of the week mostly spent on free things to see or excursions around Rome.
Here are the places of interest that you can access with your Omnia Card:
- Skip-the-line entry to the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel
- Skip-the-line ticket to visit St. Peter’s Basilica + audioguide
- Visit of Saint-Pierre prison with audio guide
- Admission to the Basilica of Saint John in Lateran and the cloister + audio guide
- 2 free entrances of your choice between the following tourist sites
- The Colosseum, The Palatine Hill and the Roman Forum
- Castel Sant’Angelo
- The Borghese Gallery
- The Capitoline Museums
- Free access to all public transport for 3 days in Rome
- Discounts for certain activities and museums
- 1 ticket for a Rome hop-on hop-off bus tour
- 1 city map
Tips for your Rome itinerary:
Are you hesitating between the Omnia Card and the Rome City Pass?
Everything will be played mainly on public transport and on what you want to visit:
- Don’t want to take public transport or visit the entire Vatican? Then the Rome City Pass will be cheaper for your 7 days in Rome.
- Are you thinking of taking the bus and do you want to visit as many things as possible in the Vatican? The Omnia Card remains the best choice.
Do you need help planning your stay?
Ask me for personalized advice in the comments section at the bottom of this guide.
Here we come to the main thing: my 7-day Rome itinerary!
Day 1: Ancient Rome
The visits of day 1:
A. The Colosseum
B. The Roman Forum
C. The Palatine Hill
D. The Piazza del Campidoglio / The Capitoline Museums
E. The Piazza Venezia / The monument to Victor Emmanuel II
A. Visit the Colosseum
Impossible to miss the Colosseum without visiting it when you leave for a week in Rome.
This extremely famous monument is an unmissable first stop in the Italian capital and allows you to start your stay with a bang.
These impressive arenas are the largest amphitheater in ancient Rome. Despite a few missing pieces, the Colosseum is still standing and just as majestic.
It could once accommodate more than 50,000 spectators who came to watch the cruel and bloody combats of the gladiators. But the Colosseum not only shed blood, it also served as a stage for many plays.
It is possible to visit the first two floors, the central arena as well as the underground passages where the animals were locked up.
The queue at the entrance is always very long, so of course remember to book your skip-the-line ticket! This ticket also includes access to the next two stages of the visit: the Roman Forum and the Palatine Hill.
Clarification: if you have purchased the Rome City Pass or the Omnia Card, entrance to the Colosseum is included.
Of course, if you already know your travel dates, book quickly to be sure you can visit the monument.
To sum up, there is still one that I find better than the others, in terms of price/performance ratio: the Colosseum + Arena + Roman Forum + Palatine Hill
If you are interested in the history of the Colosseum, do not hesitate to opt for a guided tour.
B. Visiting the Palatine Hill
Leaving the Colosseum, take a few steps towards Palatine Hill to continue the visit (with the same ticket).
According to legend, it was on this hill that Romulus and Remus were born, from which they then founded the city.
Wander freely among the ruins without missing the great view from the top of Mt. You will also have the opportunity to admire what remains of the residence of Augustus, the first Roman emperor.
C. Discover the Roman Forum
Then continue the visit to the Roman Forum located just next door.
It is the old city center of the time and it contains in particular the ruins of the old market, the administrative buildings of the time and several temples.
Here too the guided tour is recommended for a more interesting and interactive visit .
D. The Piazza del Campidoglio / The museums of the Capitol
I suggest you continue this day in the historic center of Rome by going to Piazza del Campidoglio or Capitoline Square.
It is just a 15-minute walk from the Roman Forum.
This is where the ancient political and religious heart of Rome is located. This superb square, which we owe to Michelangelo, is surrounded by the Palais des Senators, the Palais des Conservateurs and the Palais Neuf.
They are commonly referred to as the “Capitoline Museums”. They house several famous works including paintings by Tintoretto and Caravaggio but also the famous statue of the Wolf nursing Romulus and Remus.
Tickets can be purchased by clicking here!
E. The Piazza Venezia / The monument to Victor Emmanuel II
End the first day of this 1-week Rome itinerary with a stroll through Piazza Venezia.
It is 5 minutes from Place du Capitole.
It is immediately recognizable thanks to the huge Victor Emmanuel II Monument in white marble erected in its center. Also admire Trajan’s Column and its engraved scenes of military exploits.
Day 2: Discovery of the Vatican
The visits of day 2:
A. Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel
B. St. Peter’s Basilica
C. Castel Sant’Angelo
A. Visit the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel
For this 7-day stay in Rome, I recommend devoting an entire day to visiting the Vatican.
The smallest country in the world, the Vatican is landlocked in the Italian capital and has several essential works.
The Vatican Museums to begin with: there are 13 in all and several tour routes are possible depending on your desires and the time you have in front of you (the tour routes last from 1h20 to 5h). Of course, you don’t have to see everything (at the risk of overdosing!).
Whichever route you choose, they all end with the highlight of the show: the famous Sistine Chapel.
Tips for your Rome itinerary:
I strongly advise you to take a skip-the-line ticket before going to the Vatican Museums to avoid wasting hours in the queue.
B. St. Peter’s Basilica
After the museums, regain your strength with lunch in one of the many restaurants around the Vatican, then continue the visit to Saint Peter’s Basilica.
It is erected on the square of the same name and impossible to miss. It is one of the most visited monuments in the world.
The entrance to the basilica is free but I advise you once again to opt for a skip-the-line ticket to avoid the queue.
The interior of this basilica is huge. In particular, you will be able to admire the Baroque decorations, the immense dome of Michelangelo, the vaults of the Popes and the statue of Saint Peter.
At the top of the dome (access to which is subject to a charge), you can enjoy a superb view of the surroundings.
Skip-the-line ticket to St. Peter’s Basilica + Audio guide
Guided tour of Saint Peter’s Basilica (skip the line) + dome + crypt (the most complete!)
Tips for your Rome itinerary:
In St. Peter’s Square, don’t miss the impressive columns surmounted by statues of Saints, the Egyptian obelisk and the two fountains.
C. Castel Sant’Angelo
End your day in the Vatican with a leisurely walk down Via della Conciliazione which brings you back to Rome.
In about 10 minutes you will arrive in front of Castel Sant’Angelo. This castle was built under the orders of Emperor Hadrian and notably served as a refuge for the popes during certain attacks.
By visiting the castle, you can discover the former apartments of the popes, some tombs and the walkway with very beautiful views of the city.
Leaving the castle after 1 to 2 hours maximum, cross the Saint-Ange bridge located just opposite. It passes over the Tiber and allows you to enjoy a beautiful view of the river and the city at sunset.
Skip-the-line tickets for your visit to the castle.
Day 3: The historic center of Rome
The visits of day 3:
A. Piazza Navona
B. Pantheon
C. Trevi Fountain
D. Via del Corso / Via Condotti E. Spanish
Steps
F. Villa Borghese
Your one-week tour of Rome continues on this third day with a visit to the historic center.
I suggest you as a starting point, the superb Piazza Navona and its 3 fountains. Like straight out of a romantic movie, it’s one of the most beautiful squares in the Italian capital with its cobblestone floor, quaint cafes and street performers.
I advise you to enjoy breakfast on one of the terraces that surround the square and then take the time to walk around it.
B. The Pantheon
Then head to the Pantheon, another must-see monument in Rome.
It is just a few meters from Piazza Navona.
Built during ancient Rome, it houses the tombs of Emperor Victor Emmanuel II, the painter Rafael and many other historical figures that you can discover inside.
Free entry.
Tips for your Rome itinerary:
The audio-guide will make the visit much more interesting since it will allow you to benefit from valuable explanations on the history of the monument.
You can book it in advance right here.
C. The Trevi Fountain
Absolutely unmissable during a week-long Rome itinerary, the Trevi Fountain is undoubtedly one of the most famous in Europe. Just that!
It attracts millions of tourists every year and is just a 10-minute walk from the Pantheon.
It is a highly touristic place so be prepared for a rather dense crowd around this small fountain. Visitors like to take part in photo games and coin tossing, but the Trevi Fountain is above all a very beautiful work of art.
Its basin is dominated by a statue of the God Neptune, enhanced by the Baroque monument located just behind.
D. The Via Condotti
Leaving 1 week in Rome leaves you time for a short shopping spree in the historic center!
Starting from the fountain, take Via del Corso and take the time, if you feel like it, to stroll through the many ready-to-wear shops.
If you prefer to window shop in front of Italian luxury brands like Prada or Gucci, they all concentrate on Via Condotti a little further.
If you don’t feel like shopping, you can still take these streets which will take you directly to the next stop.
E. The Spanish Steps in Rome
Rome’s Piazza di Spagna (not to be confused with Seville‘s Spanish Steps of course!) is a pretty , picturesque cobbled square .
It is at the foot of a large staircase that leads to the church of La Trinité-des-Monts.
On this square you will taste the authentic atmosphere of the Italian “dolce vita”. You can rest and enjoy a good snack while enjoying the street entertainment.
F. Villa Borghese
Just a few steps from the Spanish Steps, you will arrive at Villa Borghese and its gardens to end this day in peace.
It’s time for a stroll in the fresh air in the beautiful gardens of the villa, reputed to be the most beautiful public gardens in Rome.
To do here:
- Walk the aisles
- Admire the multiple fountains and statues
- A boat trip on the lake
- Visit the botanical garden
- Visit the Bioparc, a zoological park with more than 1000 animals
- Visit one or more museums:
Day 4: What to do and see in Rome?
The visits of day 4:
A. The Campo di Fiori market
B. The Trastevere district
C. The Aventine hill
D. The catacombs of Rome
A. The marches of Campo di Fiori
For this fourth day of your week-long stay in Rome, I suggest you think a little off the beaten track.
Head to the Campo di Fiori market to immerse yourself in the local culture and do some shopping. It is located in the historic center and is open every morning (except Sundays). It is a very authentic old market and it is also the cheapest in Rome.
Tips for your Rome itinerary:
I also recommend the gastronomic guided tour organized in the market and which allows you to taste the best local products of Campo di Fiori with a guide.
It is so good that a full refund is offered if you are not satisfied!
B. The District of Trastevere
Located on the right bank of the Tiber, this small , quiet and popular district is still little known to tourists (which will not last because it is becoming more and more frequented).
Here you will not find imposing historical monuments but simply small cobbled streets, flower gardens, convivial squares, cafés and artisan shops. A nice walk in perspective.
Tips for your Rome itinerary:
Climb the Gianicolo hill to the north to admire the magnificent panoramic view of Rome.
C. The Aventine Hill
We continue the visit, this time towards the Aventine hill which is about a 20-minute walk from Trastevere (or 10 minutes by bus).
This peaceful district also has many gardens and pretty alleys in which to stroll in the sun. It is located in the heights and offers a breathtaking view of Rome.
Also to do on the Aventine Hill:
- Visit the Basilica of Santa Sabina
- Unraveling the mystery of the Piazza dei Cavalieri di Malta: people line up to look through the keyhole of this door… Why? I let you find the answer by going there!
D. The Catacombs of Rome
And to end this fourth day on an original note, I suggest you visit the catacombs of Rome.
The largest are the catacombs of Saint Calixte (15 hectares in area!). They once served as a cemetery for Jews and Christians. You can see several tombs there but also scenes of life engraved on the walls.
You cannot visit them independently but only with a guide. The guided tour lasts approximately 30 minutes.
Book your guided tour by clicking here!
The other catacombs to visit:
- The Catacombs of San Sebastian
- The Catacombs of Domitilla
- Priscilla’s Catacombs
- The Capuchin Crypt (the easiest to access, right next to the Trevi Fountain).
You can buy your tickets directly here.
Day 5: Visit of Tivoli
In 4 full days in Rome, you will have had an excellent overview of the city. That’s why I suggest, for the remaining 3 days, excursions in the Roman suburbs to expand your horizons.
For this fifth day of your week in Rome, I therefore suggest a day-trip to Tivoli.
Tivoli is about thirty kilometers from Rome. It is a Roman suburban town that is home to two of the finest Italian Renaissance residences: the Villa d’Este and the Villa of Emperor Hadrian (the largest complex in Imperial Rome).
Not to mention the superb Villa Gregoriana, also a must in Tivoli.
On this day, you can therefore visit the old town as well as these palaces and their gardens thanks to an organized excursion that includes round-trip transport, lunch, a guide and headphones for French translation.
Day 6: Visit Pompeii or Day at the Beach
For this sixth day in Rome, I offer you 3 options to choose from:
Option 1. Visit Pompeii
Visiting Rome in 1 week will give you the opportunity to go through Pompeii, the famous ancient city emblematic of the Naples region.
Pompeii is one of the most beautiful visits to do in the vicinity of Rome. As you surely know, this ancient Roman city was suddenly engulfed in lava in 79 AD during the eruption of Vesuvius, and then rediscovered in the 17th century.
The miracle is that the whole city was miraculously frozen and preserved. The ruins of Pompeii therefore still testify today to the ancient Roman civilization and allow you to take an incredible journey through time.
You will be able to admire the streets, the almost intact buildings and even some bodies extremely well preserved by the volcanic sediments.
Pompeii is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is about 250 km from Rome.
To get there you can book a return shuttle from Rome. Departure is at 7:15 a.m. and return at 7 p.m. This shuttle will allow you to easily reach Pompeii and then organize your visit itinerary independently.
The skip-the-line ticket for the archaeological site of Pompeii is also included in the price.
And if you prefer to book an all-inclusive guided tour (bus trip + lunch + guided tour of Pompeii), it’s here.
Option 2. Visit to Pompeii and Vesuvius
The second possibility to visit Pompeii on this sixth day is to book a day trip including, in addition to the round trip by bus and the guided tour of Pompeii, the visit of Mount Vesuvius.
After exploring Pompeii, you will be guided to the crater of the volcano (bring good shoes!) and will be able to enjoy a superb view of the region.
In this offer you also have lunch included, consisting of an authentic Neapolitan pizza.
Book the guided tour of Pompeii and Vesuvius here.
Option 3. Beach day Lido di Ostia
If you prefer to opt for a lazy day at the beach, then I offer you as a third option to spend this sixth day in Ostia.
This small coastal town is only 15 km south of Rome and has beautiful beaches including Lido di Ostia beach.
You can get there by car, taxi or by train to avoid the heavy traffic in Rome. What to spend a rejuvenating day away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Day 7: Castel Gandolfo
I suggest you end your 7-day Rome itinerary with a day at Castel Gandolfo.
This small tourist town in the Roman suburbs (40 minutes’ drive) is one of the most beautiful villages in Italy. It is also the place of retirement of the popes for several centuries. The village is built high up and surrounded by an exceptional natural landscape.
Things to see in Castel Gandolfo:
- The Palace of the Popes and the pontifical residences
- The Church of Saint Thomas of Villanova
- Villa Barberini and its antiquities
- Lake Albano
- The archaeological site of the Doric Nymphaeum.
You now have (almost) all my tips for your 1 week Rome itinerary!
All you need to do is fix a few details and you’ll be ready to go on vacation. Here are some additional good tips!
Accommodation in Rome
It is very useful to know how to visit Rome in 1 week but you will also have to think about booking your accommodation.
As it is not necessarily easy to find cheap accommodation in Rome, I have prepared a selection of 5 favorite hotels for you , in various price categories.
I really advise you to go there as soon as possible for reservations. The best accommodations go very quickly due to high demand.
So where to stay in Rome?
- Biancaluna: B&B located near Termini Station, 1.5 km from the Colosseum. Modern, comfortable and very clean room from 70€. Most: the reception and the advice of visit, the location. An excellent choice for cheap accommodation in Rome!
- Hotel Balilla: Located 1.6 km from the Colosseum and near a metro station. Well-equipped and quiet double room, impeccably clean, from €99, breakfast €5. Most: the friendly staff, the comfort of the beds, the location 10 minutes walk from the Colosseum. It is our favorite for its price/performance ratio in Rome!
- Chez Alice Vatican : Located 450 meters from St. Peter’s Square. Contemporary room with neat decoration from €100 per night, breakfast included. Most: ideal location, terrace with a view of the Vatican, warm welcome.
- MZ Hotel: Located towards the Campo di Fiori and not far from the Pantheon. Modern and welcoming double room from €150, breakfast at €12. Most: the location close to the historic center, the warm welcome, good bedding, new hotel.
- Roma Luxus Hotel: Luxury hotel located just 400 meters from Piazza Venezia. Elegant, contemporary and chic double room from €300 per night, breakfast at €20. The pluses: the design of the rooms, the 5* service, the quality of the breakfast, the spa, the top staff. This is our recommendation for an upscale stay in Rome!
- NH Collection Roma Fori Imperiali: This 5* hotel located right next to the Roman Forum offers sublime rooms with neat decoration from €580, breakfast included. The pluses: the exceptional location, the caring staff, the view, the comfort. This is our recommendation for a luxury stay in Rome!
Tips for your Rome itinerary:
If you want to save a little, you also have the option of choosing to stay around Rome.
I recommend that you opt for the comfortable camping option with one night in a bungalow. Camping Village Rome is located just 15 minutes by car from the Vatican and offers chalets and bungalows from €30 a night.
Comfortable, clean, air-conditioned and modern, it’s the ideal solution for cheap accommodation in Rome.
Visit Rome in 7 days with the family
Visiting Rome with the family in a week is quite possible. The city offers many activities and tours that can suit all ages. It is a pleasant city that can easily be visited on foot.
Here are some of the best visits if you plan to go to Rome for 1 week with your family:
- The awe-inspiring Colosseum is a must-do fun tour that will especially appeal to children
- The gardens of Villa Borghese allow you to have a good time with your family thanks to the picnic and play areas, but also to the bike paths, boat trips and visits to the Bioparc (tickets on sale here! ).
- The Explora museum is a very well done fun museum with many manual and electronic activities for the youngest. This is an activity that can for example be included in the third day
- Pompeii and its unique history are also sure to please the whole family
- The school of gladiators offers them outright to put on the traditional outfit of fighters and train them in combat. A truly original activity for your week-long family stay in Rome. Click here to book this activity.
If you are looking for an original family activity, I can suggest this Italian cooking class near the Trevi Fountain.
You will learn together how to prepare an authentic Italian pizza under the guidance of a real Italian chef. And then you can of course taste it during the dinner included in the offer.
This pizza making class + dinner must be booked by clicking here.
Map of your one-week Rome itinerary
To help you visualize your itineraries during this week in Rome, I have made a map listing the places to visit day by day. You can display the map legend by clicking on the top left button with a small arrow. You will then be able to view the routes for each day.
Now you know how to visit Rome in 7 days!
Need help planning your 7 day Rome itinerary? Do not hesitate to ask me your questions in the comments.
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