What to Book in Advance for Rome, Italy
Are you wondering what to book in advance for Rome, Italy?
Rome, nicknamed the Eternal City, is the capital of Italy and one of the country’s most popular destinations, famous for its ancient history and iconic landmarks. It’s a must-visit city if you haven’t been before, but it’s important to come prepared so you don’t end up being disappointed.
I’ve already written about common mistakes to avoid in Rome, and one of the biggest (and most consequential) mistakes that visitors make is neglecting to pre-book popular attractions in Rome.
This is important to do at any time of the year, but it’s especially critical if you are visiting in the peak season (June through September), when popular attractions can be fully booked weeks in advance.
When it comes to booking tourist attractions in Rome, you have two options:
- Buying tickets for an attraction in advance directly from its official website
- Booking third-party tours that include entry tickets to an attraction
Both are good options. Sometimes, if tickets appear sold out on the official website for a particular attraction, you will still be able to find tours that include entry tickets on websites like GetYourGuide or Viator. So this can be a good “hack” to use if you are getting tickets at the last minute.
Just be sure to double-check that the tour you’re booking does include entry tickets. I’ve included links below for the official websites to buy tickets for each attraction, as well as recommended tours.
1. The Colosseum
The Colosseum is one of the most famous ancient ruins in all of Rome, dating back to the 1st century AD. Admission to this historic site also includes access to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. Because of how popular the Colosseum is, you will want to book this at least four weeks in advance.
- Official tickets: Buy them here (€18)
- Recommended tour: Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill Small-Group Tour
Note: Free entry is available the first Sunday of each month with an advanced reservation.
This is one attraction in Rome where I definitely recommend booking a guided tour, even though it’s more expensive. You will get so much more out of the experience with a knowledgeable local guide there to explain all the history of the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill.
2. Vatican Museums
The Vatican Museums in Vatican City is another attraction you will want to book as far in advance as possible, ideally at least four weeks in advance. The collection here is very impressive, even if the means by which the Catholic Church “acquired” all of the Vatican’s many treasures are dubious.
One of the highlights of the Vatican Museums is the Sistine Chapel, with its beautiful frescoed ceiling painted by Michelangelo. Entry is included with your ticket to the Vatican Museums.
- Official tickets: Buy them here (€20 plus €5 skip-the-line fee) or book on GetYourGuide
- Recommended tour: Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica Tour
Note: Free entry is available the last Sunday of each month with an advanced reservation.
A tour can be a great option here too if you want to learn more about the history of the Vatican. I have done it both ways. On my most recent trip to Rome, I visited the Vatican Museums without a guide, and I preferred having more time to wander around on my own instead of being herded around in a big group.
3. St. Peter’s Basilica
St. Peter’s Basilica, which is also in Vatican City, is free to visit. You do not need a ticket to visit the inside of this impressive, important basilica. However, you may have to wait in line for a long time to enter.
If you want to skip the line to enter the basilica, you can book a ticket for a small fee that also includes an audio guide. If you want to climb the dome or visit the museum, you will also need to buy tickets.
- Official tickets: Buy them here (€7 for skip-the-line tickets)
- Recommended tour: St. Peter’s Basilica, Dome Climb, and Underground Tour
On my last trip to Rome, I just waited in line and entered the basilica for free, but I arrived early and it was not a very busy time of year for tourism (mid-November.) If you are visiting in the peak summer season, it might be worth it to book skip-the-line tickets in advance so you don’t have to wait out in the hot sun.
4. The Pantheon
The Pantheon is an amazing ancient structure in the heart of Rome that dates back to 25 BC. It was originally a Roman temple, before later being converted into a Christian church. It used to be free to visit, but unfortunately, there is now a small fee to enter the Pantheon — but it’s definitely worth it!
- Official tickets: Buy them here (€5) or book on GetYourGuide
- Recommended tour: Pantheon Small-Group Tour
Note: Free entry is available the first Sunday of each month with an advanced reservation.
I recommend buying your tickets on GetYourGuide because you’ll get a free audio guide via an app. If you’re really interested in the Pantheton, a guided tour is also an option, but not necessary. It’s a good idea to buy your Pantheon tickets at least several days in advance to avoid long lines or it selling out.
5. Borghese Gallery
The Borghese Gallery is the best art museum in Rome, located in a beautiful, historic palace, the Villa Borghese. There is a very limited amount of tickets sold each day, and a strict two-hour time slot is enforced. Because of this, you definitely want to book your tickets in advance as far as possible.
Unfortunately, I still haven’t been to the Borghese Gallery! On my last visit to Rome, I wanted to go, but I hadn’t bought tickets and they were already sold out for several days. Don’t make my mistake!
- Official tickets: Buy them here (€13 to €18)
- Recommended tour: Borghese Gallery Audio Guide or Guided Tour
Note: Free entry is available the first Sunday of each month with an advanced reservation.
Since I haven’t been to the Borghese Gallery yet, I can’t say whether or not a guided tour is worth it. Personally, I usually prefer to explore museums on my own and take my time. But since you only get two hours in the Borghese Gallery, it might be worth it to take a tour so you don’t miss any of the highlights!
Also Good to Book in Advance
These are the top attractions that I definitely recommend pre-booking before your trip to Rome. If you plan on doing any other tours or activities in Rome, it’s a good idea to book them in advance too.
Some of the most popular tours and activities on GetYourGuide or Viator can sell out (things like food tours, cooking classes, and bike tours), especially if you’re traveling in peak season.
These are some unique, popular tours that are worth booking in advance in Rome:
- Small-Group City Highlights Moonlight Walking Tour
- Pasta and Tiramisua Cooking Class with Fine Wine
- Trastevere and Campo de Fiori Street Food Walking Tour
- Appian Way, Catacombs, and Roman Aqueducts E-Bike Tour
While you might find last-minute availability, I wouldn’t leave it up to chance!
Things You Need to Book in Advance for Rome, Italy
This guide showed you what to book in advance for Rome.
For many people, Rome is a once-in-a-lifetime bucket list travel destination. It’s an amazing city with so much to see and do. And you don’t want to leave feeling disappointed becasue you missed out on getting to step into the ancient history of the Colosseum or marvel at the frescoes of the Sistine Chapel.
It’s a good idea to pre-book anything you want to do in Rome just to have the peace of mind. That way, you can focus on enjoying the Eternal City without worrying about last-minute logistics.
Enjoy your trip to Rome!
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