Things to do in Rome

Experience Rome your way: Hop On Hop Off itinerary for 24, 48, 72 hours

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Rome, a city brimming with landmarks at every turn, feels like a giant open-air museum. From ancient ruins to beautiful parks, Rome offers a rich tapestry of history and culture. Once the heart of Western Civilization, this city is steeped in stories from the past. With so many things to see and do, planning your visit can be overwhelming. A Rome hop on hop off bus tour can simplify your travel plans, making it easier to explore the city's many attractions. Here are some itineraries you can follow using a hop on hop off bus in Rome.

Rome HOHO

Red route:

  1. Termini Railway Station
  2. Basilica Santa Maria Maggiore
  3. Colosseum
  4. Circo Massimo
  5. Piazza Venezia
  6. Vatican
  7. Spanish Steps
  8. Piazza Barberini

Purple route:

  1. Termini Railway Station
  2. Colosseum
  3. Caffarella Park
  4. Catacombs & Church of San Sebastiano
  5. Fosse Ardeatine
  6. Vatican
  7. Baths of Caracalla
  8. Circo Massimo
Rome HOHO
Rome HOHO
  1. Termini Railway Station
  2. Santa Maria Maggiore
  3. Colosseum
  4. Circo Massimo
  5. Piazza Venezia
  6. Vatican
  7. Ludovisi / Spanish Steps
  8. Piazza Barberini
Rome HOHO

Green line:

  1. Termini Railway Station
  2. Santa Maria Maggiore
  3. Colosseum
  4. Circo Massimo
  5. Piazza Venezia
  6. Vatican
  7. Villa Borghese
  8. Piazza Barberini

Orange line:

  1. Termini Railway Station 1B
  2. Santa Maria Maggiore
  3. Colosseum
  4. Circo Massimo
  5. Piazza Venezia
  6. Vatican
  7. Villa Borghese
  8. Piazza Barberini
  9. Pyramid of Cestius
  10. Destination Eataly

Blue line:

  1. Termini Railway Station 1B
  2. Colosseum
  3. Circo Massimo
  4. Piazza Venezia
  5. Vatican
  6. Villa Borghese
  7. Piazza Barberini
  8. Borghese Gallery
  9. Bioparco Zoo
  10. Villa Giulia
  11. Parco Della Musica
  12. Maxxi Museum

24 hours itinerary


Choose between Big Bus (red route), I love Rome, City Sightseeing, or Green Line Tours (Green route)

1

Stop name: Termini Railway Station


📍What to visit: Terme di Diocleziano

Rome HOHO  Termini Railway Station

The Terme di Diocleziano, capable of accommodating 3,000 people, was ancient Rome's largest bath complex. Now an epigraphic museum, it offers insights into ancient Roman life, with a notable upstairs exhibition on cults. The massive baths hall hosts temporary exhibits, and the 16th-century cloister, designed based on Michelangelo's drawings, was part of the charterhouse of Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri.

Time: 9:30am to 11am

🏛️Landmarks between the two stops: Obelisk of Dogali, St. Paul's Within the Walls

2

Stop name: Basilica Santa Maria Maggiore


📍What to visit: Basilica Santa Maria Maggiore

 Rome HOHO Basilica Santa Maria Maggiore

Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore is a remarkable basilica, showcasing centuries of history, devotion, and architectural beauty. It is one of the four major Papal Basilicas in Rome and a famous pilgrimage site. Dating back to the 5th century, this basilica is one of Rome's oldest and most significant, making it a top destination for history enthusiasts.

Time: 11:30am to 12:30am

🏛️Landmarks between the two stops: Chiesa Rettoria di San Francesco di Paola ai Monti, Torre degli Annibaldi

🍴Grab a quick bite at a cafe before jumping onto the bus. Head to Caffè Farin, located just 80 meters away.

3

Stop name: Colosseum


📍What to visit: Colosseum

Rome HOHO Colosseum

Visiting the Colosseum, you can explore the ancient amphitheater, marvel at its impressive architecture, and learn about its history through guided tours. Walk through the arena floor, visit the underground chambers, and view the exhibits detailing gladiator battles and Roman engineering. Since you’re on a time crunch for this 24-hour itinerary, you can opt for an Express Guided Tour which will last only an hour.

Time: 1:30pm to 2:30pm

🏛️Landmarks between the two stops: Circo Massimo, Altare della Patria, Piazza Venezia, Chiesa del Gesù, River Tiber

🍴Grab lunch near the Vatican stop at Ristorante Mister Boom

4

Stop name: Vatican


📍What to visit: The Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, St. Peter’s Basilica

Rome HOHO Vatican

Visiting the Vatican Museums, you can admire an extensive collection of art and historical artifacts. Your tour will include the Sistine Chapel, where you can check out Michelangelo's stunning ceiling frescoes. St. Peter's Basilica, the world's largest church, offers breathtaking architecture, impressive sculptures, and the chance to visit St. Peter's tomb.

Time: 4pm to 6:30pm

🏛️Landmarks between the two stops: City courthouse, Castel Sant'Angelo, Villa Borghese

5

Stop name: Ludovisi / Spanish Steps


📍What to visit: The Spanish Steps

Rome HOHO Spanish Steps

From Via Ludovisi 73, it's just a 10-minute walk to the Spanish Steps, an ideal place to conclude your one-day itinerary. Relax here, enjoy some snacks, and rest your legs after a day of walking around. From the Spanish Steps, you can also stroll up to the Trevi Fountain and explore the nearby shopping streets.

Time: 7:30pm onward

You can follow a similar 24-hour itinerary as mentioned above.

Day 1:

Terme di Diocleziano > Colosseum > The Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, St. Peter’s Basilica > Spanish Steps

Day 2:

Choose Green Line Tours (Blue route).

You can have a quick breakfast at Gran Caffè Giuliani, located just opposite your first stop.

1

Stop name: Termini Railway 1B


📍What to visit: Palazzo Massimo

Rome HOHO Termini Railway 1B

Before you start your day, make a quick visit to Palazzo Massimo. This museum offers an educational experience like no other, where you can delve into ancient Rome's art, history, and daily life through its informative exhibits and displays. It's a perfect opportunity to learn about and appreciate the rich legacy of this magnificent civilization.

Time: 9:30am to 10:30am

🏛️Landmarks between the stops: Santa Maria Maggiore, Colosseum, Palatine Hill

2

Stop name: Circo Massimo


📍What to visit: Circo Massimo

Rome HOHO Circo Massimo

Visiting Circo Massimo offers a glimpse into ancient Rome's grandeur. Once a massive chariot racing stadium, it now serves as a sprawling park where you can stroll and imagine the thrilling races that captivated Roman citizens. Its vast expanse and historical significance make it a must-see attraction.

Time: 11:30am to 12:30pm

🏛️Landmarks between the stops: Casa dei Crescenzi, Tempio di Portuno, Santa Maria in Cosmedin

3

Stop name: Piazza Venezia


📍What to visit: Altare della Patria Glass Elevator

Rome HOHO Piazza Venezia

Visiting the Altare della Patria Glass Elevator provides stunning panoramic views of Rome. This modern addition to the historic monument lifts you to a terrace where you can admire the city's iconic landmarks from above. It's a unique blend of history and modernity, offering an unforgettable perspective of the Eternal City.

Time: 1pm to 2pm

🏛️Landmarks between the stops: Castel Sant'Angelo, Mausoleum of Augustus, Piazza del Popolo, Villa Borghese

🍴Grab some lunch at ViVi - Piazza Venezia, located right opposite the Monumento a Vittorio Emanuele II

4

Stop name: Villa Giulia


📍What to visit: National Etruscan Museum of Villa Giulia

Rome HOHO Villa Giulia

The National Etruscan Museum of Villa Giulia is a premier destination for exploring the art and culture of the ancient Etruscan civilization. Housed in the exquisite Renaissance villa built for Pope Julius III in the 16th century, the museum combines historical architecture with rich archaeological collections.

Time: 4:30pm to 5:30pm

🏛️Landmarks between the stops: Auditorium Parco della Musica, Bioparco di Roma

5

Stop name: Maxxi Museum


📍What to visit: MAXXI - National Museum of 21st Century Art

 Italian vacation amidst the Jubilee Pilgrimage 2025

Visiting MAXXI - National Museum of 21st Century Art in Rome offers a cutting-edge experience of contemporary art and architecture. Designed by Zaha Hadid, the museum showcases innovative exhibitions, installations, and performances by leading modern artists. Its dynamic spaces and bold designs make it a must-visit for art enthusiasts

Time: 6pm to 7pm

You can follow a similar 48-hour itinerary as mentioned above.

Day 1:

Terme di Diocleziano > Colosseum > The Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, St. Peter’s Basilica > Spanish Steps

Day 2:

Palazzo Massimo > Circo Massimo > Altare della Patria > National Etruscan Museum of Villa Giulia > MAXXI - National Museum of 21st Century Art

Day 3:

Choose Green Line Tours (Orange route).
Make your way to any of the stops close to you and hop off at the Vatican stop.

1

Stop name: Vatican


📍What to visit: Castel Sant'Angelo

Rome HOHO Castel Sant'Angelo

Visiting Castel Sant'Angelo in Rome is a journey through history. Originally built as Emperor Hadrian's mausoleum, it later served as a fortress and papal residence. The museum offers stunning views of the city, richly decorated rooms, and fascinating exhibits on its diverse past. It's a must-see historical landmark. You can either take an express guided tour that lasts an hour, or a regular 2-hour long guided tour.

Time: 10am to 11am

🏛️Landmark between the stops: Ara Pacis Museum, Mausoleum of Augustus, Piazza del Popolo

2

Stop name: Villa Borghese


📍What to visit: Villa Borghese and Borghese Gallery

Rome HOHO Villa Borghese

Visiting Villa Borghese and the Borghese Gallery in Rome offers a perfect blend of art and nature. The gallery showcases masterpieces by Bernini, Caravaggio, and Raphael, while the expansive gardens provide a serene escape with picturesque landscapes, fountains, and sculptures. To plan your visit to Borghese Gallery, make sure that you book your tickets and time slot much in advance. These tickets tend to sell out very quickly. In case you don’t get the tickets you wanted, you can just explore Villa Borghese. There’s loads to do in there! You can also grab some lunch and set up a tiny picnic at the parks.

Time: 1pm to 3:30pm

🏛️Landmark between the stops: Barberini Square, Circo Massimo, Colosseum

3

Stop name: Pyramid of Cestius


📍What to visit: Non-Catholic Cemetery and Pyramid of Cestius

Rome HOHO  Pyramid of Cestius

Visiting the Non-Catholic Cemetery and Pyramid of Cestius in Rome is a unique experience in itself. The cemetery, a peaceful resting place for notable artists and poets, has a serene atmosphere. Adjacent to it stands the Pyramid of Cestius, an ancient Roman pyramid built as a tomb for Gaius Cestius. Together, they offer a fascinating glimpse into Rome's diverse cultural and historical tapestry.

Time: 4pm to 5:30pm

4

Stop name: Circus Maximus


📍What to visit: Garden of Oranges

Rome HOHO Circus Maximus

The Garden of Oranges, also known as Giardino degli Aranci, is one of the most serene and picturesque spots in Rome. It’s a perfect way to end your day among beautiful trees with a lovely view of Rome from above. The gardens also feature the popular Buco della Serratura dell’Ordine di Malta, a keyhole with a perfect view of St. Peter’s Basilica’s dome.

Time: 6pm to closing

Rome HOHO Itinerary