With centuries of history and a vibrant present, Rome is full of buzzing cafes, narrow alleyways, and quiet churches to discover. A walk through the city’s streets and piazzas is the best way to experience the Eternal City—here are your options.
Highlights
- Walking tours venture off the beaten tourist track to discover parts of the historic center that often go unnoticed.
- Many are led by art and history experts who add context to what is being seen.
- Guides have extensive knowledge of major sights such as the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and the Vatican Museums.
- Tours range from 1.5 hours to full-day excursions, with most running for about three hours.
Themed Walking Tours
Choosing a theme is a great way to frame your visit and fully experience the sights most important to you. A photography tour allows burgeoning shutterbugs to see Rome through their camera lens, leaving travelers with some great shots of the city's iconic and lesser-known sights, while a ghost tour presents the stories of Roman history after dark. On art and architecture walking tours, expert guides can point out specifics and offer additional information about famous sites.
Walking Tours with Priority Sightseeing Access
With long lines and often little time, many visitors to Rome opt for tours where they can skip the line at the Colosseum or thhe Vatican Museums, where wait times can reach up to three hours for entry. On a walking tour with priority attraction access, a local guide ushers the tour group past the crowds to maximize limited time in the city. Some even allow access to otherwise off-limits areas, such as the Sistine Chapel before it officially opens.