8 Easy Ways to Save Time When Travelling in Rome
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This post is all about how to save time when travelling in Rome
Rome is a city bursting with history, charm, and... crowds.
Whether you're wandering the ruins of the Roman Forum or sipping espresso near the Pantheon, there's one thing every traveller needs more of: time. The Eternal City deserves to be explored fully, not rushed through in frustration.
With over 2,000 years of history layered into every street corner, Rome is an open-air museum where every moment counts. But between long lines, tourist traps, and confusing transport, it’s easy to lose valuable hours if you’re not prepared. The good news? A few simple strategies can help you make the most of every minute.
To help you soak up the beauty, culture, and food (without burning out), I’ve rounded up eight easy, time-saving travel hacks that’ll keep your trip running smoothly — so you can experience more of what truly matters.
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This post is all about how to save time when visiting Rome, Italy
1. Skip the Line (Literally) with Online Tickets
Rome is one of the most visited cities in the world, which means lines. Lots of them. Avoid wasting precious hours by booking skip-the-line tickets in advance for popular attractions like the Colosseum, Vatican Museums, and St. Peter’s Basilica. Some tours even offer early access before public opening hours.
2. Stay Central, Walk More
Rome’s best sights are surprisingly walkable — if you’re staying in the right place. Opt for accommodations in neighbourhoods like Trastevere, Monti, or near Campo de’ Fiori. You’ll be able to walk to major landmarks and avoid spending time (and euros) navigating the bus or metro systems.
Fine your Rome accomodation by using this interactive map
3. Use the Roma Pass or Omnia Card
If you’re planning to hit multiple attractions, a city pass can save both time and money. The Roma Pass gives you free entry to select museums, discounts, and access to public transportation. The Omnia Card includes Vatican sites too. Less waiting, more exploring.
Learn more about the Roma Pass and the Omnia Card
4. Eat Like a Local – Fast and Delicious
Rome’s food scene is legendary, but you don’t always need to sit down for a three-course meal. Grab pizza al taglio (pizza by the slice), suppli (fried rice balls), or a quick panino from local bakeries and cafes. These fast bites are authentic, satisfying, and keep you moving.
5. Time Your Visits Wisely
Want to see the Trevi Fountain without a sea of selfie sticks? Go early in the morning or later in the evening. Major attractions are less crowded outside of peak hours — and Rome at sunrise or twilight is pure magic.
6. Use Google Maps Offline
Avoid getting lost (or wasting time searching for Wi-Fi) by downloading offline maps of Rome. You can navigate the winding streets, find restaurants, and locate attractions even without a signal. Just don’t forget to bring a portable charger.
7. Take a Guided Walking Tour
A local guide can turn a two-hour stroll into a crash course in Roman history — and help you skip some lines in the process. Whether it's a food tour in Trastevere or a deep dive into ancient ruins, guided tours offer more in less time.
I’ve been on a few guided walking tours of Rome and these are my favourite.
7. Take a Guided Walking Tour
A local guide can turn a two-hour stroll into a crash course in Roman history — and help you skip some lines in the process. Whether it's a food tour in Trastevere or a deep dive into ancient ruins, guided tours offer more in less time.
8. Avoid Mondays (and Plan for Closures)
Many museums and attractions are closed on Mondays, including the Borghese Gallery. On the flip side, the Vatican Museums are closed Sundays (except the last Sunday of the month, which is free — but crowded). A little planning prevents a lot of wasted steps.
Final Word: Go with the Flow (but Smartly)
Rome wasn't built in a day — and thankfully, your trip doesn’t have to be rushed like one either. This is a city meant to be savored, from its centuries-old cobblestones to its spontaneous piazza performances and hidden wine bars tucked behind ivy-covered walls.
With a bit of planning and a few smart time-saving strategies, you can turn a hectic itinerary into a leisurely adventure. Spend less time in lines and more time wandering through sunlit ruins, sipping cappuccinos on charming terraces, or getting wonderfully lost in the winding alleys of Trastevere.
Remember, it’s not about seeing everything — it’s about seeing the things that move you. Give yourself the space to be surprised. Linger at a street musician’s performance, duck into that unplanned art exhibit, or follow the scent of fresh pastries down a quiet street. Rome has a way of revealing its best moments when you're not in a hurry.
So pack smart, plan a little, and leave plenty of room for spontaneity. Because in Rome, the magic is in the moments you don’t see coming — and with these tips, you’ll have the time to truly enjoy them.
You’re travelling in Italy? These articles will help you
ITALY TRAVEL GUIDE The place to go for all your Italy travel information. This comprehensive guide will help you plan your trip to Italy wherever you are planning on visiting. If you’re visiting Italy as a solo traveller you’ll want to read the solo womens guide to travelling in Italy.
ROME : If you’re wondering on what the best things are to do in Rome you should check out how to spend your time in Rome.
CAMPANIA : Mount Vesuvius and Pompeii is an interesting day trip you can do from Rome to learn the history of the huge eruption and the consequences. Are you wondering if you should visit Naples? This 24 hours in Naples will help you decide. If you’re visiting Naples and Mount Vesuvius you’ll want to know how to get to Mount Vesuvius and Pompeii from Naples.
AMALFI COAST : Is Positano worth the hype? Amalfi is a great little town on the Amalfi Coast but is Amalfi Town worth visiting? Visiting the Blue Grotto is a great thing to do when in Capri so you can read about our experience for more information. Hidden treasures in Sorrento takes a look at one of the most beautiful areas in Italy. You can also read about my first impressions of Sorrento.
Read all of my articles about Italy in my Italy Travel Guide.
ITALY ESSENTIALS
Planning a trip to Italy? Here are some of the resources and tools I personally use to organise my travel plans to anywhere in the world.
FLIGHTS : Find the best deals on flights to Italy using Skyscanner.
VISAS : Use iVisa to check if you need a tourist visa for Italy and apply for an expedited visa online. Use OneWayFly to obtain proof of onward travel/hotel reservation for your visa application if needed.
TRAVEL INSURANCE : Insure your trip with my preferred insurance for single trip and annual cover HeyMondo
AIRPORT TRANSFER : Pre-book your hotel transfer from the airport.
ACCOMMODATION : Find the best hotel deals in Italy on Booking.com.
DAY TRIPS : Find the best city tours and day excursions in Italy on Viator or Get Your Guide.
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