Free walking tours in Rome and what to see

Must-sees

Rome packs almost three thousand years of history into a centre that is easy to explore on foot. The classic visit begins in ancient Rome: the Colosseum, the Roman Forum and the Palatine form a single archaeological site and can be seen in a morning. From there you can head down to the Pantheon, with its dome open to the sky, and carry on through Piazza Navona, the Trevi Fountain and Piazza di Spagna with the Spanish Steps.

The Vatican deserves half a day of its own. St Peter's Basilica and its square, embraced by Bernini's colonnade, are free to enter, while the Vatican Museums end in the Sistine Chapel, with Michelangelo's frescoes. Castel Sant'Angelo is close by, beside the Tiber. In the afternoon, cross the river to Trastevere, a district of cobbled streets full of trattorias, or stroll around Campo de' Fiori and the old Jewish Ghetto.

Free tours and guided visits

Rome has free walking tours of the historic centre, a good way to get your bearings on the first day and see how the squares, fountains and churches fit together. There are also guided tours of the Colosseum, the Forum and the Palatine, some with access to the arena floor, and tours of the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel, on their own or combined with St Peter's Basilica. Skip-the-line tickets for the museums are also available and come in handy in high season.

How long to spend

Three full days let you see the essentials without rushing: one for ancient Rome, another for the Vatican and a third for the historic centre and Trastevere. With four or five, add the Villa Borghese and its gallery, the major basilicas or a day trip to Ostia Antica or Tivoli. Get up early for the busiest sights and book tickets in advance.

Where to stay

To get around on foot, the most convenient area is the historic centre, between the Pantheon and Piazza Navona, although it tends to be expensive. Monti, next to the Colosseum, has a neighbourhood feel and the metro close by. Prati is next to the Vatican and quiet, and Trastevere is ideal if you are after dinners and nightlife. The Termini area is practical if you arrive by train.