The Roma pass has become a mandatory buy these days. The pass comes in 48 and 72-hour formats, each serving a slightly different purpose. In its period of validity, the 48-hour pass includes one free entry, discount rates for the rest of the entries and free rides in public transports. The same goes for 72-hour pass except that it fetches you free entries to the first two attractions you visit.

If you’ve availed your free entries on the first day itself, you can only get a discount on attractions for the rest of your card’s validity. It doesn’t allow the same privilege each of the 2 or 3 days.

How to activate it?

➤ The Roma pass gets activated the first time you use it for entry or a ride.
➤ Note that the 48-hour pass is clock-based and 72-hour pass calendar-day based.
➤ So you have the Roma pass. Wondering what’s next? Here are a couple of detailed itineraries to exploit your pass to the fullest.

Itinerary for first-time visitors to Rome:

Top tip: Start by visiting the Colosseum, as your only free entry is better used for Colosseum. But remember, you need to prebook skip-the-line entry for 2 €. Don’t miss it as crowds are huge and queues eternal. To reserve, make a call to +39 0639967575 or reserve on the website ecm.coopculture.it.

8:00 AM: (After your first free entry, avail discounts for the rest of the attractions by paying whatever charge comes extra.)

Take the Metro Line B, reach Colosseo station(hard to miss, is it?) and walk for 260m. The Colosseum opens at 8:30 AM.

Start by visiting the Colosseum, the breathtaking proof of real life gladiators!

Spend an hour exploring this majestic ancient battlefield. Try not to get lost( 😉 ) as there’s more you can do here. Feast on loaded gelatos on every halt, visit souvenir shops and buy a miniature Colosseum to take home, and explore the Monti neighbourhood laden with millennial and bohemian components alike. Consider checking out Rome trip packages for more unforgettable experiences

11 AM:

Walk for 37m, the Roman Forum is right next to the Colosseum.

Visit the iconic Roman Forum and Palatine Hill which are just leaps away from the Colosseum.

The highlight is, the only free entry you’ve availed for the Colosseum is applicable for these two as well. Stop for breakfast at Trattoria Pennestri or Marigold for some classic Italian Lasagne or Pizza Margherita. After all, holiday weight doesn’t count 😉

2 PM:

Start from Fori Imperiali/Campidoglio stop and reach Corso/Ss. Apostoli by bus. Walk for 550m.

Check off the Pantheon, one of the most recognized icon in Rome, off your list.

People typically spend 30-40 mins here. Unravel the story of the Pantheon from cradle to now. And hey, hey, there are good cafes nearby such as La Casa Del Caffe Tazza D’oro to stop for some Iced Granita with whipped cream.

4 PM:

Walk for 650m through the streets of Via del Seminario and Via delle Muratte.

Visit the famous Trevi Fountain.

Make a wish at the Trevi Fountain, the largest Baroque fountain in Europe and one of the most famous fountains in the world. Meanwhile, stop at famous landmarks such as La Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi and Fontana del Moro.

6 PM:

Walk via Via della Stamperia street for 650m.

Take a break at the age-old Spanish Steps.

Climb past the steps, admire the view, but do not sit on the steps. Remember, the recent rules strictly prohibit sitting in the Spanish steps. And the fine could be hefty. After that halt for a picnic in the Pincio Promenade. The garden amphitheatre and the view from atop the Pincio hill are worth it!

8 PM:

Walk via Piazza della Trinita dei Monti street for 10 mins.

Escape into the lush green gardens of the Villa Borghese.

Chill out in the largest park in Rome. The Bioparco di Roma and Passeggiata del Pincio are two of the best places to halt there. It’s open 24*7, hence you can even stay late till night and leave when you feel like.

Offbeat itinerary for those who are (re)visiting Rome!

Halt in the fantastic neighbourhoods of Rome, to unwrap a part of Rome you never knew existed. Start at the Villa Borghese mentioned above, and continue your trip as follows: (This itinerary requires travelling here and there and hence the Roma pass is a good bet!)

9 AM:

Flaminio is the nearest station to the Villa Borghese, situated at about 400m away.

Villa Borghese

Visiting the Borghese gallery is probably not so offbeat, but isn’t mainstream either. After admiring the classic works of art in the Borghese gallery, spend a couple of hours discovering the gardens by a rickshaw or a golf cart. Now how does it sound?

12 PM:

Walk for 800m via Viale della Trinita dei Monti street.

Piazza di Spagna

This is one of the liveliest squares of Rome with so much to offer — the Spanish steps, the Trinita dei Monti Church and the La Barcaccia Fountain to name a few. Explore the place at your own, unhurried pace. Hey, there’s the restaurant Pompi nearby where you can have lunch.

3 PM:

Either take the Staz.ne Tiburtina train to travel from Ripetta to Zanardelli or walk to the Piazza Navona itself via Via dei Condotti street. Will be close to a kilometre.

Piazza Navona

Aromatically distinctive Italian food invite you for a bite as soon as you step in, street artists perform lively musicals, locals have just another hangout, the gothic monuments shine ever brighter. You feel the quaint vibes of the ‘eternal city’ and that’s when you know you’re doing your vacation right!

6 PM:

Take the Casaletto tramway to travel from Arenula/Cairoli stop to Trastevere/Min. P. Istruzione stop.

Trastevere

Visiting the Trastevere is your best “off-beat thing” to do in Rome. Explore its crafts beer taverns and the colourful, graffiti-stained walls, visit the Basilica di Santa Maria to soak up the mythical aura. Settle for whatever flavour of gelato at Gelateria del Viale and you will not regret it.

Have any suggestions? How did you spend your vacation in Rome? Write to us and get featured in Pickyourtrail’s blog.