Things to do in Rome

Rome feels like one giant open-air museum—absolutely amazing! I managed to visit all the major tourist spots, and getting around was easy with the many hop-on hop-off buses available. Just make sure to wear comfortable shoes, because you’ll be doing a lot of walking!

I'd like to share my personal experience from a trip I took in June. It was incredibly difficult to book tickets for the Colosseum through the official website, so I spent a long time searching on a platform before I found this tour. Initially, I wanted a tour with a live guide, but the group fees were too expensive. So, I opted for a package that included an app-based audio guide instead (because my trip was planned at the last minute). This tour doesn't have a live guide. When you arrive at the site, you scan a QR code, and a Chinese-language tour guide (you need to download the POP guide app beforehand) will be available on your phone. The process involves arriving early at a shop near the Colosseum to exchange your voucher with a staff member. They will give you a physical ticket and the QR code for the audio guide. Once you have your ticket, you can head to the Colosseum. Since there's a scheduled entry time, you can arrive 15 minutes early, which is roughly your admission time. Look for staff members wearing yellow vests at the entrance, and after entering, you'll go through a security check. Although the platform mentioned skip-the-line access, I visited on a weekday and didn't have to wait long in line, only for the security check. (Customer service confirmed that this package does include skip-the-line service after the security check). After exploring the Colosseum, you can take a break outside before re-entering the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. (These have different entrances; there are three entrances to choose from here). It took me about 4-5 hours to walk through all three areas; they are truly vast. Overall, I think it was a good experience, and the customer service from the official platform was quite responsive when I communicated with them previously. Additionally, I've included my previous conversation with customer service below, where I had questions about this package. I didn't understand what "does not include the arena floor" meant at first, and customer service clarified it for me. You might find it helpful: "Does not include the arena floor" means you cannot walk to the very center of the arena, the ground level where gladiators used to fight. The main difference between the two options is the "viewing location": Your package (without the arena floor): You stand in the spectator stands (1st-2nd levels) and get a bird's-eye view of the entire interior of the arena and the underground area. This offers the most magnificent photo angles. Package with the arena floor: You can also walk onto the central wooden stage. So, even though my package didn't include walking onto the central stage (it was cheaper...), I could still see the entire Colosseum, which I thought was great. Just wanted to share that for your reference.

Eddy is the most amazing guide! He is equal parts of knowledgeable and humourous. His detailed explanations helped us to appreciate the centuries of history, culture and art that is preserved in the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel. I would definitely recommend paying more to get a guided experience! It's well worth it!

The Pantheon is a magnificent structure where you can find the Raphaelo’s tomb or remains, Emmanuel and many others. As always price is double what it cost at the entrance but you skip the line to buy the ticket that can be 30-45 min wait time plus time of entry. For this particular ticket you need to swap the voucher for papr tichets at Piazza Navona info center 8 min walk from the Pantheon.

I booked a different tour of the Vatican museums and Sistine Chapel for the morning, but my son really wanted to go up to the dome. I was unsure if adding this was going to be too much walking for me and my son after the morning tour. I am happy to say I am so glad I added this to our itinerary because it made us feel like our trip to the Vatican was now complete. What a special and unique way of looking down into the nave of the basilica, and a wonderful view of the city from above. My son said it was one of the best things we did on the whole trip! We met the guides outside the designated café, and they helped us with walking us to the start of the line. We only waited 5 minutes to get through security, and then we were free to roam around the inside of the basilica and up to the dome at our designated time slot.

We truly enjoyed this full day excursion even if it was short as the travel time was lenghtly. Our guide on that day was great and made sure that we are together even if it was such a big group. People stick with the timeline so it was timely in transitioning to the next area.

This was so worth the amount paid. I got the three attractions pass and was able to book the Vatican Museums, Colosseum, and the Castel Sant'Angelo with this pass. It was extremely convenient and easy to use.

The e-voucher provided by the Klook platform cannot be used directly. Please remember to refer to the email sent by the tour operator and go to the designated meeting point at the specified time to check in with the staff. After checking in, the tour guide will distribute tickets and audio guides to the group members (please keep your tickets safe, as they will be checked at least twice after entering the Vatican). Our tour guide was very responsible and knowledgeable, providing us with detailed explanations of the historical background and interesting facts about the Vatican and its architecture, which was very enriching. Please note that once you leave a building within the Vatican, you cannot re-enter it. If you wish to visit again, you will need to purchase another ticket (for example, once you leave the museum for the chapel, you cannot return to the museum). Also, this tour does not include Raphael's Rooms. Tickets to climb the dome must be purchased separately. The dome has two levels: the first level has 300 steps (with an elevator), and the second level to the very top has 200 steps (no elevator). From the highest building in Rome, you can overlook the entire city.

Great tour, Favio was such an amazing tour guide, full of stories and very knowledgeable. The only thing is the meeting spot can be a bit confusing, we got lost but did managed to turn up just in time. Otherwise, enjoyable tour.