Rome Tour FAQ – Free, Paid & Private Walking Tours Explained

Facts & Questions

Most common questions answered before you have to mail or WhatsApp us!

📝 Booking a Tour – All You Need To Know!

5 Steps to make a booking with us :

Follow these quick steps to complete your booking.

  1. Click on “Book now” button.
  2. Choose the Date, how many persons and the time.
  3. Now there are 2 options:
    • You have already an account with us, then sign in and complete your booking.
    • You don’t have an account, then continue to fill in your details and “continue to checkout”.
  4. Read the Terms & Conditions, check the box below and press the “Continue” button.
  5. Make the payment required and your booking is complete.
  6. Automatically you will receive an email with all details in your email inbox.

Now you will be able to:

  • Login to your account.
  • Cancel your booking (min 72 hours before the tour take place).
  • Change your booking.
  • Write a review after the tour took place.

We offer different tours on different times. Immediately after you made your reservation you will receive an email from us with all details. Where to meet, how to get there, times, important notes, etc…

If you want to see the summary of the tours, you can access our booking engine here: Airoko**

**only in case you made and paid for a booking.

We use an automated booking system (called Airoko) for our walking tours, which means immediately after you have made your booking you should receive an email with all details.

Look for the e-mail from our reservation system: noreply@airoko.com

If you want to see the summary of the tours, you can access our booking engine here: Airoko

In case you did not receive any mail, two things could be happening:

  1. You did provide the wrong email address at the time you made your booking. (In this case write us by email or WhatsApp and we will solve the problem).
  2. It went to your spam-folder (it happens sometimes). If landed in your spam-folder, make sure you save the address as safe so the rest of the communication will arrive in your inbox.

YES, you are more than welcome to join all our free or paid tours offered. We offer different tours every day.

If you would like, you can join all of them in one day; there will be enough time in between to move to the next meeting point.

Of course, our tour guide will be more than happy to point you out where to go!

No, you can’t show up without a reservation. Our walking tours are free (based on tips only).

If you would like to join our tours, a small booking fee will be charged per person.

Please note that prices are subject to change based on demand, so we recommend booking early to secure a lower price.

Additionally, while our tours are available on multiple platforms, the price listed on our website is always guaranteed to be the lowest.

The small booking fee we charge covers the costs of maintaining our office staff, booking engine, website, and advertising expenses.

By charging this fee, we are able to better manage the size of our tour groups and schedule our guides accordingly.

Yes, this is no problem at all. We will always try to accommodate your needs, if they are reasonable.

You can even cancel and get your money back if you do it 72 hours in advance.

If you like to make changes to your booked tours, you can access our booking engine here: Airoko**

**only in case you made and paid for a booking.

No you don’t have to.

 

Options would be:

  • Print your booking.
  • Show your booking on any mobile device.
  • Give the tour guide your booking id.
  • Give the tour guide the email address you used to make your booking.

YES, our tours will be running if we have reservations. However, in case you like to cancel or reschedule, PLEASE do it in time (min 24 hours before the tour takes place).

If you are planning on taking a free tour in inclement weather, it’s also a good idea to come prepared with appropriate clothing and footwear. Wear comfortable shoes that can handle wet or slippery conditions, and bring along a raincoat or umbrella if necessary.

In the summer however it can be very hot in Rome so a hat and lots of water would be highly recommended.

📍Common Questions for First-Time Visitors

Is Rome a walkable city? How to Explore on Foot

Tips for Exploring the Eternal City on Foot

Rome is often described as an open-air museum — and for good reason. Its historic center is compact, therefore walking is the most rewarding way to explore. Yes, Rome is very walkable! Most major landmarks are within a short stroll: Colosseum, Piazza Navona, Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, and many more. In addition, walking allows you to notice details you would otherwise miss when using public transport.

Why Walking Is the Best Way to See Rome

Walk through history: cobbled alleys, fountains, piazzas, and cafés — all best appreciated on foot. For example, discover local charm and vibrant neighborhoods like Trastevere and Monti. Don’t miss Villa Borghese, Campo de’ Fiori, or the scenic walk from the Vatican to the Pantheon.

Terrain & Distances

Rome is mostly flat with gentle hills like the Spanish Steps and Palatine Hill. Consequently, distances are easy — for example, the Colosseum to Trevi Fountain is just a 20-minute walk.

Top Walkable Neighborhoods

  • Centro Storico: Famous squares, museums, and shopping streets.
  • Trastevere: Bohemian alleys, artisan workshops, and authentic trattorias.
  • Monti: Vintage shops, hipster cafés, and a lively local vibe.
  • Vatican Area: St. Peter’s Square, Castel Sant’Angelo, and riverside walks.

Practical Tips for Visitors

  • 👟 Wear comfortable shoes to handle cobblestones.
  • 💧 Refill bottles at free water fountains (nasoni), which are found all over the city.
  • 🌅 Start your walks early to avoid both heat and crowds.
  • 📱 Use maps or walking apps so you won’t get lost.
  • 🍦 Take breaks in piazzas for coffee or gelato.

When to Use Public Transport

While walking covers most of the historic center, there are times when public transport is more convenient. For example, visiting distant attractions such as the Catacombs or Via Appia Antica. Rome’s metro, buses, and trams connect these areas efficiently. One ticket lasts 100 minutes and works on both buses and metro, which makes combining transport with walking easy. 🚇 Read More About Public Transport in Rome

Walking Tours: A Unique Experience

Join our free walking tours and explore Rome with expert local guides. Learn fascinating stories and uncover hidden gems — pay what you want!

Must-See Spots on Foot

  • Piazza Navona: Stunning fountains and art.
  • Campo de’ Fiori: Daily market and nightlife.
  • Via Appia Antica: Ancient Roman road perfect for long walks.
  • Jewish Ghetto: Culture and cuisine.
  • Villa Borghese Gardens: Rome’s green oasis for relaxation.

Accessibility Tips

Although some areas have uneven cobblestones or stairs, many attractions are wheelchair accessible. Therefore, planning routes in advance will make the visit easier. Additionally, taxis and buses can help bypass challenging spots.

Final Thoughts

Ultimately, Rome rewards those who explore it on foot. Walk slowly, take in the views, and allow the city to surprise you. And of course, don’t forget to pause for a gelato — because in Rome, every step tells a story.

  • The distance between the Colosseum and the Vatican is approximately 4 kilometers (2.5 miles).
  • The quickest way to travel between the two sites is by taxi, which takes about 15 minutes in normal traffic conditions.
  • Public transportation, such as the metro or bus, is also an option and takes about 30 to 45 minutes, depending on the route and connections.
  • Walking between the two sites takes about an hour and is a great way to see some of Rome’s other famous landmarks along the way.
Rome has several options for getting around the city, including:
  • Public Transportation: Buses, trams, and metro lines. Metro is quick but limited; buses and trams are broader but slower.
  • Taxi: Widely available and can be hailed or pre-booked.
  • Bicycle: Bike-sharing and rentals available across the city.
  • Walking: Rome is compact and great for exploring by foot.
  • Scooter or Motorbike: Fast and convenient, especially during traffic hours.

Here are some of the most popular tourist attractions in Rome:

  • Colosseum: A symbol of Rome’s ancient history and one of the largest and best-preserved amphitheaters in the world.
  • Vatican City: The smallest independent state in the world and home to the Pope, with famous attractions such as St. Peter’s Basilica, the Sistine Chapel, and the Vatican Museums.
  • Roman Forum: The political and commercial center of ancient Rome and a site of many important historical buildings and monuments.
  • Pantheon: A well-preserved ancient temple dedicated to all the gods and an impressive example of Roman engineering and architecture.
  • Piazza Navona: A beautiful Baroque square in the heart of Rome, surrounded by cafes, restaurants, and three magnificent fountains.
  • Trevi Fountain: One of Rome’s most famous landmarks and a traditional spot for making a wish.
  • Castel Sant’Angelo: A castle and museum located on the banks of the Tiber River and once used as a papal residence.
  • Spanish Steps: A famous staircase in the heart of Rome, leading up to the Trinità dei Monti church and offering panoramic views of the city.
  • Campo de’ Fiori: A lively square in the heart of Rome, famous for its daily market and nightlife.
  • Borghese Gallery: A world-renowned art museum housed in the Villa Borghese and featuring an impressive collection of sculptures and paintings.
The Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel are considered a must-see for many travellers to Rome, as they offer a unique opportunity to see some of the world’s greatest works of art and architecture. The museums house a vast collection of art and artifacts from ancient times to the Renaissance, and the Sistine Chapel is famous for its magnificent ceiling painted by Michelangelo. If you are interested in art, history, and religion, a visit to the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel is definitely worth it. However, it can be crowded and busy, so it is recommended to book your tickets in advance to avoid long lines. Some visitors also choose to hire a guide to get a more in-depth understanding of the collections and history of the Vatican. In short, whether a visit to the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel is worth it or not depends on your personal interests and travel goals, but it is generally considered a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Here are some of the ways to get to the Colosseum and the Vatican:

Colosseum:

  • By metro: The nearest metro station to the Colosseum is Colosseo on Line B.
  • By bus: Several buses stop nearby, including #75, #81, #85, and #87.
  • On foot: It’s within walking distance of the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill.

Vatican Museums:

  • By metro: The nearest station is Ottaviano on Line A. Walk 10–15 minutes to the entrance.
  • By bus: Buses #40 and #64 stop nearby.
  • On foot: A short walk from St. Peter’s Basilica and other Vatican attractions.

Tip: Book your tickets in advance to skip lines—especially in high season!

Yes, you can drink the tap water in Rome. The tap water is safe and of high quality, supplied by a network of springs and aqueducts.

In general, the tap water in Italy is considered clean and safe, and many locals and tourists drink it without any problems.

However, if you’re unsure or have concerns, bottled water is readily available and a good alternative.

Check out our blog for more tips and articles

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