best walking tours in Rome

Explore the Eternal City’s timeless treasures with the best walking tours in Rome, ensuring you don’t miss any of its delights.

We’ve selected these top picks for their exceptional experiences and expert guides, providing unique insights into the city’s history and culture. More details on each tour can be found in the text. From personalized explorations to fascinating nighttime adventures, our favorite selections ensure an unforgettable journey through Rome’s streets.

ListActivityPriceHighlightsDuration
1Foodie Walking Tour of Roman NeighborhoodsFrom 97 €
  • Discover the best food shops and restaurants
3 h 30'
2Tour with a local private guideFrom 63 €
  • Customize itinerary to your preferences
1h 30'
3Rome by Night Walking Tour – Legends & CriminalsFrom 25 €
  • Tales of myths and legends told by expert guide
1 hour

Want to dive straight in? Browse our catalog now!

1 – Foodie Walking Tour of Roman Neighborhoods

Rome: Foodie Walking Tour of Roman Neighborhoods

Rating: ⭐️ 4.8/5 (390 reviews)

“Learned so many interesting facts about Rome’s food and history, and loved getting to ask questions to a local (our tour guide) as we walked.” april, get your guide

Gourmetaly food tours in Rome combine an exploration of the city with an introduction to Roman versions of Italian favorites as well as gustatory surprises. You’ll hit Trastevere and other top tourist attractions in Rome, discover some if its rich backstory and happily fill your belly.

Summary of the tour:

  • Tour includes neighborhoods of Campo de Fiori, the Jewish Ghetto, and Trastevere
  • Stops include markets, bakeries, gelaterias, and restaurants
  • Foods you’ll try: fruits and vegetables, gelatos, pizza bianca, mortadella, supplì, codfish, exotic spices
  • Children welcome!
Meet your guide and group in front of 105 Piazza Farnese.
Rome foodie neighborhood walking tours last about 3.5 hours.
You can choose either a small-group tour or a private one. For a tour in a group of no more than 15, adult tickets for people ages 9 and over cost €97 per person. Children ages 5 to 8 have reduced ticket prices for €60 per person. If you opt for a private tour, tickets range in cost according to your group size. For a group of two people, tickets are €150 per person. However the more participants in the group, the lower the individual ticket costs.
Starting at the Piazza Farnese, follow your guide a few blocks north to the Campo de' Fiori. Morning tours make their first stops here for samples at the farmers market. Afternoon tours a grocery shop and serve an aperitif due to the market only being open in the morning. Head east toward the Jewish Ghetto for some of Rome's best street food before crossing the Tiber to Trastevere. This neighborhood has built a reputation as a culinary hotspot, and here you'll taste fresh pasta and gourmet gelato.
Your tour will be led by an English-speaking guide who's enthusiastic about Rome's food scene.
Wheelchair accessible.
Groups no larger than 15 people.
This tour can't easily accommodate dietary restrictions, but dairy-eating vegetarians will still find plenty to eat. It's wise to let your tour provider know of your dietary needs at the time of booking.

Our review

With hundreds of five-star reviews, the guides are the tour’s high point followed by the food as a close second. This tour is a wonderful way to begin a vacation in Rome, as it will orient you to the city and exposed you to dishes you may want more of during your stay.

Hot tip: For the foodies, don’t miss our selection of the best food tours in Rome.

2 – Private Kickstart Tour With a Local

Rome Private 90 Minute Kickstart Tour With a Local

Rating: ⭐️ 5/5 (156 reviews)

“We had a terrific time and the tour was exceptionally planned.” MARK, VIATOR

“Kickoff” tours are aptly named. Intended to introduce you to Rome on your first day, these tours are brimming with facts, tips and fun. Withlocals tours’s private reservation can be whatever you like. Customize the tour to your interests, or trust the guide to show you the best sites in town. Leave with advice to make your stay in Rome unforgettable.

Summary of the tour:

  • Highlights included: Campo de’Fiori market, Trastevere neighborhood, and Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica
  • Private Tour – only you and your local guide
  • Children welcome.
Meet your guide in front of Meccanismo Bistrot at 34 Piazza Trilussa.
Private Rome kickstart tours last approximately 1.5 hours.
Tickets for participants of all ages are €63 per person.
Starting at Piazza Trilussa, get to know the trendy Trastevere neighborhood. Cross the Tiber to the river's only island, Isola Tiberina. Then, head toward Campo de' Fiori, the Jewish Quarter,  Piazza Navona and the Area Sacra di Largo Argentina. This is not a hard-set itinerary. You can request a route that includes things you don't want to miss.
You can take a private Rome kickstart tour in English, Italian, French or Spanish with a qualified guide.
Not wheelchair accessible.
This tour will have a maximum of 8 travelers.
This tour isn't wheelchair-friendly. Given that this is a private tour designed for the start of your Rome vacation, guides are extremely flexible and empathic about schedules and your energy levels after travel.

Our review

This tour has earned over 90% five-star reviews. Highlights are well-read and kind guides, the customizable itinerary and the helpful orientation to the city. The price is also very reasonable for a private jaunt.

3 – Rome by Night – Legends & Criminal Stories

Rome by Night Walking Tour - Legends & Criminal Stories

Rating: ⭐️ 4.5/5 (955 reviews)

“Excellent host and such an interesting tour!! Got to hear some interesting stories about the legends and ghosts of Rome!” ANDREA, viator

With Rome’s past spanning millennia, the city has had plenty of time to be marred by tragedy, evil and crime. On a City Wonders “Legends and Criminal Stories” walking tour, you’ll hear the darker side of some of the city’s most celebrated places. Even skeptics will be entranced by the guide’s deft storytelling and fascinating legends.

Summary of the tour:

  • Stops on this tour include: Campo de’ Fiori, Via Giulia, Via del governo Vecchio, Via del governo Vecchio, Piazza Farnese, Museo Nazionale di Castel Sant’Angelo all illuminated at night
  • Wander down winding alleyways with an expert guide and hear terrifying tales of myth and legend
  • Learn of the Corte Savella Prison, where late-Renaissance noblewoman Beatrice Cenci was unfairly put to death in the 16th century
Meet your guide on the steps of San Andrea della Valle Church on Corso Vittorio Emanuele II, just steps from the Largo di Torre Argentina.
These tours last approximately 1.5 hours.
Tickets for people ages 15 and up cost €29 per person. Children's tickets cost €24 per person between the ages of 4 and 14. Children under 4 can join for free.
Begin your chilling tour in the Area Sacra di Largo Argentina. Follow your guide to Campo de'Fiori, Via Giulia, Via del Governo Vecchio and Piazza Farnese. Conclude the tour at the Castel Sant'Angelo, the former home of Rome's most notorious murderer.
Legends and Criminal Stories tours are led in English by well-informed guides.
Not wheelchair accessible.
This tour will have a maximum of 20 travelers.
These tours take place after sunset in groups no larger than 20 participants. This may not be a suitable tour for younger children. Unfortunately, these tours are not wheelchair-friendly.

Our review

Among the many five-star reviews, our compliments go to the engaging guides as well as how they keep the material appropriate for older children.

4 – Trevi Fountain & Piazza Navona

Guided walking tour with Trevi Fountain & Piazza Navona

Rating: ⭐️ 4.5/5 (1520 reviews)

“Loved every minute of the experience! Good job guys” diana, headout

Kick off your stay in Rome with an affordable guided tour to some of the city’s top attractions as well as some locals’ secrets. Toss a coin into the Trevi Fountain, marvel at the Parthenon’s layers of history, and snap the perfect selfie at the Spanish steps. Guided walking tours with Trevi Fountain and Piazza Navona set you up for a great stay in Rome.

Summary of the tour:

  • Sights: Spanish Steps, Piazza Navona, Trevi Fountain, and the Pantheon
  • A gelato in summer / a hot chocolate or cappuccino in winter
  • Audio headsets included
  • Children of all ages welcome
Meet your guide in the Piazza di Spagnia. The closest metro station is Spagna, and the closest bus stop is Trinita dei Monti.
Guided walking tours with Trevi Fountain and Piazza Navona last 2.5 hours. With Rome's heavy traffic, plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before the start of the tour.
Adult tickets cost €29 per person 15 and older. Children's tickets are €25 per person for people ages 4 to 14.
Begin in the Piazza di Spagna, the square made famous by the Spanish Steps. You'll continue to other central Rome attractions such as Piazza Navona, the Pantheon and Trevi Fountain. On summer tours, pause for a refreshing gelato between stops, included in the price. Winter tours offer complimentary cappuccino or hot chocolate.
Your professional guide will conduct the tour in English with the aid of audio headsets.
There are points where you'll be climbing steps, so this tour is not appropriate for wheelchair users.
Groups no larger than 25 people.
There are not many opportunities to sit during the tour, so comfortable footwear is a must.

Our review

The guided walking tour with Trevi Fountain and Piazza Navona is a crowd-pleaser that hits the top spots in Rome. This economical tour regularly earns high ratings, citing the price and simplicity of accessing tickets via the Headout app and the quality of the guide.

5 – Rome Night Tour

Rome Night Tour

Rating: ⭐️ 4.3/5 (5544 reviews)

“Was a fantastic way to see the city all lit up. I didn’t expect such a great guide who gave us so much interesting and informative history and insights.” anne, civitatis

The golden glow of lights on ancient stone morphs busy Rome into a magical realm once the sun sets. Visitando Italia has crafted an enchanting tour of Rome after sunset that mixes walking and minibus travel. Take in Rome’s unmissable landmarks paired with your guide’s commentary that enriches what you encounter, all illuminated against the night sky.

Summary of the tour:

  • Stops included: The Vatican, Piazza Venezia, Piazza del Campidoglio and Piazza Navona
  • The tour will be in a closed-top minibus
  • English–speaking guide
  • Children of all ages welcome
You'll meet your group and guide at the Piazza della Republica.
Rome night tours last between 2.5 and 3 hours.
Tickets for the Rome night tour are €50 per person. Children ages 2 and under can accompany their guardians for free.
Board a Lux minibus at the Piazza della Republica for a combination walking and driving tour. You'll head toward the Baths of Diocletian, then past Circus Maximus and Palatine Hill to the Imperial Palaces.
Next, spy the Colluseum, views from Capitoline Hill, Teatro Marcello, the Roman Forum, Piazza Venezia and Piazza del Campidoglio. Hop back in the bus to Piazza Navona to take in the square's celebrated fountains. Conclude the tour at St Peter's Square and Trastevere. The tour ends at Trastevere, but the driver can also return you to the starting point.
This tour takes place with a guide who speaks English. Tours in Spanish are also available.
Not wheelchair accessible.
This activity requires a minimum of 6 participants.
Although this tour combines walking and driving, there is still considerable standing and walking for as long as 40 minutes. Sturdy footwear will make this outing more pleasant. Most visits to attractions last 5 to 10 minutes, but stops at St. Peter's Square and Piazza Navona last closer to 20 minutes.
Do note that during summer tours, you will be starting your tour before sunset due to extended daylight at that time of year, and some attractions will not be lit during the first part of the tour.

Our review

The beauty of the sites, the informative and affable guides and the convenience of both the minibus and the booking process earn this tour high reviews. We recommend this tour for people who want to see more of the city in a short period of time.

Read more: Unusual Rome Night Tours

6 – Fountains and Squares

Rome: Fountains and Squares Small-Group Walking Tour

Rating: ⭐️ 4.8/5 (330 reviews)

“Very good tour, my tour guide was an awesome bloke! He made Rome more amazing then what it already is and ended up having a beer !” jordan, get your guide

Roman Holiday Travel and Tours has put together an excursion to the city’s best-loved piazzas and fountains. You won’t be zipping around Rome on a scooter driven by Gregory Peck. However, your Roman holiday is sure to be filled with beauty and history with the help of a Fountains and Squares small-group walking tour.

Meet your guide and a group of no more than 20 travelers by the entrance to the Keats and Shelley Museum at the base of the Spanish Steps in the Piazza di Spagna. Tour providers ask that you arrive at least 10 minutes before your scheduled tour.
Rome fountains and squares walking tours last about 2.5 hours.
Tickets for all participants are €40 per person.
You'll start your walking tour at the Spanish Steps and finish at the Trevi Fountain. Along the way, spy the Piazza Navona that was built over the Stadium of Domitian. Next, take in the Pantheon and the Column of Marcus Aurelius. Enter the Church of St Ignatius, and as a finale, toss a coin - or three - in Trevi Fountain.
Your tour will be led in English by a fully-licensed guide.
This tour is not possible to wheelchair users or children under the age of 10. As you will be entering churches and other sacred places, the tour provider asks that you wear clothing that covers your knees and shoulders.

Our review

There are plentiful reasons to choose this tour, from small group sizes to the selection of sites you’ll visit. The prime feature of this five-star tour are the guides. Their knowledge and enthusiasm make the tour come alive.

7 – Walking Food Tour

Rome Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours

Rating: ⭐️ 5/5 (684 reviews)

“We enjoyed this tour! The food was plentiful! We especially loved the pizza, suppli, and pasta!” gillian, Viator

Rome walking food tours with secret food escort you to the city’s must-see attractions with delicious pauses for carefully-selected Roman dishes. Wander the well-trodden lanes between the Campo de’ Fiori, the Jewish Ghetto and Trastevere, some of Rome’s most picturesque neighborhoods that also serve up the city’s most delectable foods.

Summary of the tour:

  • Foods you’ll try: 3 different types of homemade Pizza, Supplí, Italian cheeses, Cannoli, gelato, 2 Roman pastas, delicious secret dish, espresso or cappuccino, finest Italian wines, water and non-alcoholic options
  • neighborhoods include Trastevere, Jewish ghetto, and Campo de’ Fiori
  • Children of all ages welcome
Meet your guide and small group of fellow travelers at 14 Piazza Navona in front of the Brazilian Embassy.
Rome food walking tours with secret food last 2.5 hours.
Tickets for adults cost €109 per person ages 18 and up. Youths between the ages of 13 and 17 can participate for around €99 per person. Tickets for children ages 10 to 12 cost €95 per person.
You'll begin your Rome walking food tour at Piazza Navona and finish at Largo di Torre Argentina. You'll get familiar with Campo de' Fiori, Palazzo Farnese and the Jewish Ghetto where you will find some of Rome's best fried street foods. Take in the famed Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi and the Portico of Octavia before your last stop at the Area Sacra di Largo Argentina. Your sightseeing will be interspersed with tastings at establishments near those landmarks.
Your local guide will conduct the tour in English.
Not wheelchair accessible.
This tour will have a maximum of 12 travelers.
This tour is not wheelchair friendly. The tour is broken up nicely between walking and chances to sit while tasting. Included in the tour is enough tasting to equal one meal. The route and menu are subject to change due to weather, availability and other external factors.

Our review

The guides for Rome walking food tours receive praises for their personality, knowledge and service. They’ve even been lauded as the best part of the trip! Other five-star-worthy points are the itinerary and the quality of the food.

Read more: Best food tours in Rome

8 – Private Walking Tour

Private Walking Tour of Rome

Rating: ⭐️ 4.5/5 (247 reviews)

“Exciting from the beginning to the end. The guide has transmitted in an excellent and profound way at the same time, from the most hidden detail to the one that gave it all its symbolic splendor.” emilio, civitatis

Private tours in Rome may seem like a costly indulgence, but they can be surprisingly affordable. With Rome Bites Tours, even couples or groups of up to 25 people can enjoy quality service at a reasonable price. Explore baroque buildings, medieval quarters, and relics from the Roman Empire with a knowledgeable guide who enhances each stop with fascinating facts.

Summary of the tour:

  • Stops along the tour: Piazza di Spagna + Spanish steps, Trevi Fountain, Agrippa’s Pantheon, Piazza Navona + Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi
  • Private guide and possiblility to modify the itinerary
  • Children of all ages welcome
Meet your private guide in the Piazza di Spagna.
You'll spend 2 hours on a private tour through Rome Bites.
Prices for the tour are by group. A couple can book a private tour for €65 per group, or less than €35 per person. Prices per individual go down as you add more people to your group. Tours for groups of between 21 to 25 people cost €375 which breaks down to around €15 per person to €20 per person.
While you can request a specific itinerary, most private Rome walking tours include the Spanish Steps, the Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon and Piazza Navona with its legendary Fontana dei Quattro Fiume.
Tours are conducted in English by a professional guide.
Not wheelchair accessible.
Up to 25 people.
Private walking tours of Rome are not wheelchair-friendly. If you have particular interests or places you want to include in your tour, notify the provider when you book. Private tours can be customized to fit your wants.

Our review

Over 95% of the reviews for this private tour rewarded it four or five stars. Guides are passionate, well-informed and kind, and you will come away with much more information than you would if you travel to the sites without a guide.

9 – Angels and Demons Tour with Private Transport

Angels and Demons Half-Day Guided Tour with Private Transport

Rating: ⭐️ 4.5/5 (1064 reviews)

“This was such a fun tour! (…) Highly recommend it to anyone who is a Dan Brown fan” cindy, viator

“Angels and Demons” tours in Rome are a unique twist on a typical city walking tour. There are plenty of visits to memorable sites and facts to add depth to what you observe. What sets this City Wonders Ltd tour apart is the addition of sites made famous in Dan Brown’s book and movie. Follow a well-informed guide on a half-day tour to Roman locales featured in both fact and fiction.

Summary of the tour:

  • Based on Dan Brown’s novel ‘Angels and Demons’
  • Stops include St Peter’s Square, Piazza Navona, and Castel Sant’Angelo
  • Admission fee to Castel Sant’Angelo included
  • Children welcome
Meet your guide and group of no more than 20 people at the Piazza del Popolo in front of the church Santa Maria del Popolo. Be sure to arrive well before the start of the tour. City traffic can be dense and cause unexpected delays.
"Angels and Demons" half-day tours last 4 hours.
Adult tickets cost €70 per person ages 15 and up. Children ages 4 to 14 can participate for €65 per person. Children ages 3 and under can accompany their guardians for free.
Beginning at Piazza del Popolo and concluding at Castel Sant'Angelo, this tour takes you to St Peter's Square in the Vatican, Santa Maria della Vittoria church, the Pantheon and Castel Sant'Angelo.Half-way through the excursion, take a break at Bar di Rienzo for a coffee or cold soft drink, included in the price of the tour. At the end of the tour,  the starting point on the coach will return you to the starting point at no additional cost.
Your expert guide will conduct the tour in English.
Not wheelchair accessible.
This tour will have a maximum of 20 travelers.
Be prepared for fast-paced walking between stops on the bus. This tour provides entrance tickets to the Castel Sant'Angelo but not the Pantheon. It's wise to book a tour on days other than Sunday, as you may not be able to enter some of the churches during mass. This tour isn't wheelchair-friendly or suggested for people with limited mobility. Some excursions consist of two tour groups traveling together with separate guides so that the groups can share coach transportation.

Our review

The engaging guides clearly are fans of Dan Brown, and reviewers endorse them for their storytelling and charisma. We recommend reading the book or seeing the movie before embarking on the tour.

10 – Free Walking Tour

Free Walking Tour of Rome

Rating: ⭐️ 4.6/5 (1562 reviews)

“The activity was very complete, our guide explained everything with details and anecdotes. We had a very good time!” LAURA, CIVITATIS

The word “free” makes a lot of things more attractive. Add it to a walking tour of Rome led by true aficionados and you can’t go wrong. Rome Bites Tours has created a free walking tour to places no tourist wants to pass over.

Passionate guides have a staggering amount of information to share. The inclusion of headsets to make sure you don’t miss one tidbit given by your guide makes it hard to believe this is a free tour.

Summary of the tour:

  • Stops included: Piazza di Spagna, Trevi Fountain, Agrippa’s Pantheon, Piazza Navona.
  • Headphones for participants over 10 years old.
  • Children welcome but must be accompanied by a parent.
Meet your guide and small group at the corner of Via di San Sebastianello in the Piazza di Spagna.
Free walking tours of Rome last 2 hours.
You can take this tour for free. However, considering the thought and effort made by the guide, it's suggested to tip anywhere between €10 per person and €50 per person at the end of the tour.
Start your free walking tour at the Piazza di Spagna where you'll find the Spanish Steps. Learn the history, from the times of the Roman Empire up to popular culture, as you walks between Trevi Fountain, Agrippa's Pantheon and Piazza Navona.
Your insightful guide will lead the tour in English.
Not wheelchair accessible.
This tour requires a minimum of 4 participants.
This tour is not wheelchair-friendly. Participants over the age of 10 will have access to headsets. If you are making a reservation for more than six people, Rome Bites requests that you book a private tour instead.

Our review

Rome Bites free walking tours consistently earn high reviews for their likable guides and ample information about the sites. We recommend taking this fact-filled tour in the cooler seasons for a more pleasant walk.

11 – Best of Rome Walking Tour

Best of Rome Walking Tour

Rating: ⭐️ 5/5 (347 reviews)

“Fantastic tour, super information, great host, really friendly and knowledgeable.” simon, viator

Seize that first day in the city on a Carpe Diem Best of Rome tour. In just two hours, get a feel for Rome’s layout, its countless monuments and buzzing piazzas. This affordable tour will set you up for a stay in Rome that’s filled with everything you want to witness and more.

Summary of the tour:

  • Stops on this tour include: Monumento a Vittorio Emanuele II, Trevi Fountain, Pantheon, Trajan’s Baths and Piazza Navona.
  • Time spent at each stop: 20-30 minutes.
  • Children of all ages welcome!
Meet your guide at Piazza d'Aracoeli at the top of the steps. Please arrive 10 minutes before the starting time.
Carpe Diem walking tours last 2 hours.
Tickets for participants ages 18 and over are €19 per person. Tickets for children between the ages of 3 and 17 cost €12 per person. Children under 3 can accompany their guardians for free.
Starting at Piazza d'Aracoeli, explore sites in the "centro storico" such as Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon, Trajan's Baths, the Colosseum and Roman Forum. Conclude at the lively Piazza Navona.
Your expert guide will perform the tour in English.
Wheelchair and stroller accessible.
This tour will have a maximum of 15 travelers.
Best of Rome tours are wheelchair-friendly and keep group sizes at 15 or fewer people. Tours end in Piazza Navona around dinner time. Guides will point out restaurants or street food in this culinary hotspot. You'll be led to a gelateria near Trevi Fountain that serves some of Rome's best ice cream. There will be time to taste some at your own expense.

Our review

Along with hundreds of five-star reviews, there are many reasons why this tour stands out among others. The cost, accessibility and route make it an attractive option. This is one of the only Rome tours that takes you inside the Pantheon.

12 – Jewish Ghetto

Rome: Jewish Ghetto Walking Tour

Rating: ⭐️ 4.6/5 (154 reviews)

“This was a very very inspirational tour. The guide was extremely knowledgeable and was able to tell the story of the Jewish people who lived in this area.” BONNIE, GET YOUR GUIDE

While Rome is famous for relics of the Roman Empire, its Jewish Quarter, or “Jewish Ghetto,” offers a captivating alternative. With a history spanning millennia, this neighborhood boasts both ancient antiquities and rich Jewish heritage. Roman Vacations’ tours provide an in-depth exploration of the quarter, covering historic sites, cultural gems, and the tantalizing food scene.

Summary of the tour:

  • Explore architecture and neighborhoods from 2000 years ago.
  • Includes headset and gelato or coffee
  • Tours will proceed in all weather conditions
  • Children welcome!
Meet your guide at Trajan's Column in Foro Traiano in the eastern part of the historical city center. Your guide will be holding a sign reading "Roman Vacations."
Opt for a 2- or 2.5-hour tour. Guides request that you arrive 10 minutes before your scheduled tour.
Adult tickets for the 2-hour tour cost €45 per person ages 18 and up. Youths ages 12 to 17 have reduced prices of €30 per person. Tickets for children ages 3 to 11 cost €20 per person, and children under 3 are admitted for free. Tours lasting 2.5 hours cost €55 per person ages 18 and up and €20 per person for all people under 18.
Starting at the Foro Traiano, make your way past the Theater of Marceullus and the Portico d'Ottacia, two classical structures still used today. Take a break with a complimentary gelato before a visit to Piazza Mattei to glimpse the Turtle Fountain. Nearby, marvel at the Great Synagogue as your guide narrates the harrowing past of Jewish Romans. Cross the city's oldest still-functioning bridge to explore Tiber Island. Here, spy a hospital that was invaluable during WWII and the remains of the Temple of Asclepius before ending your tour on the island.
Your insightful guide will conduct the tour in English.
As this tour will enter some sacred places, please wear clothing that covers both shoulders and knees. This tour is not ideal for people with limited mobility. Headsets are available for larger groups.

Our review

Rome Jewish Ghetto tours receive rave reviews for the knowledge and enthusiastic guides. Guides help make the tour inspirational despite the heaviness of the topic, and the gelato is a refreshing pick-me-up between sites!

13 – Domus Aurea

Rome: Domus Aurea Guided Walking Tour

Rating: ⭐️ 4.5/5 (369 reviews)

“Exceptional tour and our guide was amazing and really knowledgeable. Highly recommend!” dace eva, get your guide

Experience the opulence of Emperor Nero’s “Domus Aurea,” or “Golden House,” a nearly 2,000-year-old pleasure palace adorned with frescoes, baths, marble walls, and a rotating dining room. Book a guided tour through Ticketstation Srl to explore this historic site and imagine the golden and gem-encrusted decor amidst rich wildlife, trees, and vineyards, vividly depicted by your archaeologist guide.

Summary of the tour:

  • Explore Domus Aurea, the sumptuous home built at the behest of Roman Emperor Nero
  • Learn about its colorful history with an official guide
  • See intricate frescos and marble walls
  • 3D viewers, which will allow you to clearly see how the Domus was in the past.
At the gate of Via di Domus Aurea, look for a Touristation staff member with a red jacket and orange umbrella. The Domus Aurea is a short walk from the Colosseum.
Domus Aurea guided walking tours last 1.5 hours.
For people ages 6 and up, tickets cost €32 per person. Children ages 5 and under can enter for €5 per person.
Begin your visit with a 15-minute introductory video and a peek at the Domus of the past through 3D viewers. Follow your guide through the remains of the complex, from the still-standing walls to the surrounding grounds as you hear how this palace came to be.
Tours are led by archeologist guides in English, Italian or Spanish.
Not wheelchair accessible.
This tour isn't suitable for people with mobility impairments or wheelchair users. Year-round temperatures inside the Domus Aurea are around 10 degrees Celsius, so come prepared with a sweater or jacket.

Our review

The plethora of five-star reviews tout the information given by the guides as well as their engaging personalities. The video and 3D viewing will prep you to explore the structures and ruins, and the Domus’s cool interior temperatures are a lovely perk on hot summer days!

14 – Rome by Night Private Walking Tour

Rome by Night Private Walking Tour

Rating: ⭐️ 5/5 (168 reviews)

“We family of 4 have now been doing 4 tours in Rome. The other tours have also been good, though this was THE BEST.” jostein, viator

There are so many benefits to taking a private tour, especially if it’s affordable! Add the entrancing look that Rome takes on after sunset, and you have a winning combination. Rome by Night private walking tours by Rome Guides take you to the city’s most significant spots in the comfort of the company you choose.

Summary of the tour:

  • Stops on this tour include: Roman Forum, Foro di Traiano, Piazza del Campidoglio, Area Sacra di Largo Argentina, Pantheon, Piazza Navona
  • Beat the crowds and discover Rome’s quiet and illuminated side
  • Children welcome!
Meet your guide in the Piazza del Colosseo in front of the Metro Station Colosseo, line B, on the ground floor.
Rome by night walking tours last approximately 2.5 hours.
In smaller groups, tickets for people ages 18 and over cost €110 per person. Children ages 7 to 17 can participate for €50 per person, and children ages 6 and under can accompany their guardians for free. Rome by Night private tours can serve up to 15 people which significantly reduces the price per person. In a group of 15, adult tickets may be as low as €60 per person, and tickets for children of all ages can be as low as €50 per person.
Get your private nighttime tour underway with the sight of the UNESCO-listed Colosseum. Head to Trajan's Column, Piazza del Campidoglio, Area Sacra di Largo Argentina, the Pantheon, the Roman Forum and finally the Piazza Navona, all aglow against the night sky.
Licensed guides provide tours in both English and Italian.
Not wheelchair accessible.
This tour will have a maximum of 10 travelers.
These tours are stroller accessible and welcome service animals. However, they are not wheelchair-friendly. Private nighttime tours of Rome are not advisable for people with back problems.

Our review

This stellar tour is led by skillful guides who engage all participants in the group, including more reluctant members. Guides happily provide advice for dining and sightseeing after the tour. We recommend this tour for people who want to escape the crowds of the daytime and summer heat.

15 – City Walking Tour

Rome: City Walking Tour

Rating: ⭐️ 4.8/5 (193 reviews)

“Tour guide was excellent, knew his history from ancient to modern. Perfect way to start a trip to Rome!” steven, get your guide

With Rome’s twisty streets and tourist masses, finding your way around the city can be daunting. Hiring a guide for an affordable tour can save you a lot of stress and headache. Rome city walking tours by Carpe Diem Tours offer a lot of variety. Book a morning, evening or night group tour, or opt for a private outing.

Summary of the tour:

  • Guided walking tour of Rome’s city center
  • Learn about the history of Rome from the glory days of the Roman Empire through to today.
Your meeting point depends on which tour you select. Morning, evening and private tours meet at Ara Coeli in Piazza Venezia. Moonlight tours meet at Piazza Navona.
Group tours last 2 hours, and private tours last 2.5 hours.
Adult tickets for evening groups tours cost around €19 per person. Children between the ages of 5 and 17 can join for €9 per person. Children ages 4 and under can accompany their guardians for no cost on all group tours. Night group tours will save you a few Euros. Adult tickets are €19 per person, and children's tickets are €10 per person.
Routes vary slightly among the types of tour, especially private tours that can be personalized. You'll start either at the Piazza Venezia and end at Piazza Navona, or begin at Piazza Navona for private tours. Locales visited include Trajan's Column, the Pantheon, a selection of buzzing plazas and some off-the-radar spots.
Your savvy guide will lead the tour in English.
Wheelchair accessible.
You may have a chance to enter a church on your tour. Be prepared with clothing that covers your knees and shoulders.

Our review

If you’re starting out your visit to Rome and need to get the lay of the land, this is an optimal tour for you. We praise this tour for its guides and how helpful the tour is in orienting visitors to Rome. Another plus is the affordability of the tour.

How to book walking tours in Rome?

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Lindsay Donaldson (she/her) is a travel writer and adventurer based in the Colorado mountains. After two decades of trying to instill curiosity in high school students, she took a detour to honor her creative side. A high school trip to Mexico and a summer semester in France gave her the first tastes of the world beyond the US and Canada. Since then, her travel wishlist has been growing faster than she can keep up with. Being fluent in French and Spanish has come in handy living and traveling abroad. She studied in France and in England and has taught English in France and the Dominican Republic.