From the FCO Airport take the train to Roma Termini.
— Leonardo Express train (35 minutes) $20 or the slower, cheaper regional FL1 train. There is also a bus (SIT Bushuttle) for $10 (maybe 1 hour). More info.

— You can store your luggage safely in lockers by reserving online at LuggageHero.com, Stowyourbags.com, or others. There are plenty of lockers or drop spots near the train station. Reserve online and check map for specific locations.

— Keep in mind 2025 is the Jubilee (aka Holy Year for Catholics in Rome) and the Vatican has ordained a new Pope (Leo XIV) so Rome is likely very, very busy!

Below are two itineraries to choose from which you can combine if you have more time. Download Maps.me or get Google offline maps for Rome! Highly recommend walking as much as possible as time allows because in Rome you´ll likely find many hidden gems along the way!

You might also look into the City Pass.

Itinerary A – Ancient Rome

Walkable itinerary from Roma Centrale. Exit Station and head Left. It´s a nice walk of about 30 minutes.
***If you don´t want to walk as much, take the metro (Blue B Line) to Colosseo Station and walk from there. If doing in reverse take the metro (Orange A Line) to Baberini Station and walk.

Very close to Termini station is Basicilca Santa Maria Maggiore (where Pope Francis is resting)
*can skip if not your thing but church is stellar too!

Colosseum –Open 8:30 – 7 (April to Sept), 18 Euro (buy in advance – Individual ticket for Colosseum and Forum here) Timed entry, 20 minutes max.
***Tickets released a month prior, so if you missed that, it won´t be easy! Other option would be to look on Get Your Guide for tickets or visit in person ticket office at Piazza del Colosseo in case any open up. More info. Know that seeing it from outside is great too!

Forum (Foro) Romano — Open 9 – 7 (get combined Colosseum ticket or if sold out, just the Forum ticket for 18 Euro)

At the end of the Forum is the capitol building of Italy, the Capitolina! Yes, Rome is the capitol of Italy. There is a lot to see here so take in the details, sculptures, architecture and fountains slowly! (Capitoline Hill)

Trajan´s Column is right next to the capitol so don´t miss it!

Pantheon –Open 9-7, 5 Euro (buy in advance – tickets here)
***If time permits you can side step to Piazza Navona from here before heading the other direction!

Marcus Aurelius Column

Fountain of Trevi

Get Gelato!

Take bus 85 back to Roma Termini from Via del Tritone (25 minute ride, every 12 minutes, at Via del Tritone and just past Via della Panetteria on right side) walking Via della Stamperia takes you to bus stop (6 min). Bus tickets are sold at local bars or the newsstand. Stamp your ticket once onboard.

Itinerary B – Visit Vatican City

Walkable itinerary but first take the Metro (Orange A Line) to Ottaviano Station and start walk from there.

Visit Saint Peter´s Basilica — Generally open 7 to 7, Free to enter (Reserve Digital Audio Guide – 7 Euro)

Buy Tickets to Sistine Chapel – Open – 25 Euro (Buy in advance here)

Walk to Sant Angelo Castle (look back from there)

Walk across river via Ponte Sant Angelo or Victor Manuel to Piazza Navona

Pantheon — Open 9-7, 5 Euro (buy in advance – tickets here)

Get Gelato!

Take bus 85 back to Roma Termini from Via Corso (30 minute ride, every 12 minutes, at Via Marco Minghetti and Corso opposite side of street). Walking Via Seminario from Pantheon takes you to bus stop (7 min) Bus tickets are sold at local bars or the newsstand. Stamp your ticket once onboard.

***If time allows walk to Marcus Aurelius Column (3 minute walk from bus stop) and Fountain of Trevi (6 minute walk from bus stop)

***If at Fountain of Trevi you can catch the same bus closer – Take bus 85 back to Roma Termini from Via del Tritone (25 minute ride, every 12 minutes, at Via del Tritone and just past Via della Panetteria on right side) walking Via della Stamperia takes you to bus stop (6 min)

LOCAL TIPS

• First Sunday of the each month, many sites are free entry!
• Do lunch prior to 2 pm. Many restaurants and shops will be closed after this hour in Italy (less so in Rome).
• Women – be sure to have a scarf or something to cover your shoulders! You will need it to enter churches. Dress conservative (no short shorts!)
• Drink from the fountains, it is great water and one of the best things about Rome and Italy!
• Go to a bar and order a colazione – coffee and pastry (typical breakfast)
• Tabacci shop also have postcards, postage stamps, official government forms and other useful items
• Inner city bus tickets are sold at local bars or the newsstand
• Trains to Naples go few times an hour from Termini Roma, takes 1-2 hours, varies in price (best if bought in advance but not necessary). Buses go from a different station, not easiest to get to (Autostazione Tiburtina) and take 2-3 hours. I highly recommend the train if in Rome City Center.