Well, first of all why you are planning a trip to ROME?

My first advice is to think about what are your expectations very carefully, because from this derive the full satisfaction of your visit to Rome.

What Rome can offer is of course History, Archaeology, Art, as well as Food, Fashion, etc.

If you are and independant traveller best is to try to experience the REAL Rome, which means running off the beaten traks. Anyway let’s start from the very beginning:

WHEN:

Best season are from end of March to Middle June and from Mid September to Early November. But, these are also quite crowded, so also wintertime and summer can be a good option: in winter never gets too cold, it can be heavy rainy but as well there can be some lovely sunny days; summer is horribly warm and stiky, but August especially has less crowds as most of the locals are out on vacation.

FOR HOW LONG:

At least two nights and three full days, so if you want just to experience the highlights you can tour on day one Ancient Rome, day two the Vatican and part of Baroque Rome, day three some free time (shopping?!?) a cultural stroll or a visit to a museum, Galleria Borghese or the Capitoline Museums, or maybe  an excursion to Ostia or Tivoli.

Five days will be the best to experience most fo what Rome can offer.

ACCOMODATION

There is a specific section, whether you choose and hotel or a B&B or an Apartment best is a central location, there are many unexpensive options in the Vatican area and in Rione Monti.

WHAT TO BOOK IN ADVANCE

Entrances to Colosseum, Vatican Museums and Galleria Borghese can be booked in advance, and we recommend to do that, otherwise you will be waiting hours queuing. 

Booking a transfer from and to airport is as well strognly recommended.

No need to book restaurants