Last updated on February 21st, 2024
While Rome may be a big, loud, and busy city — with animated conversations, bustling cafes, and scooters zipping by — it is also a city best savored at a slower pace. A traveler who walks in Rome is someone who forges a kind of intimacy with this extraordinary place that has so much to offer the senses.
Part of why I love exploring Rome on foot has to do with the present. The deliberate pace makes you aware of the warm colors, the aromas of coffee and bread, the feel of cobblestone streets, the sounds of dishes clinking and the pleasant hum of conversation, and the glow of cafe lights as evening drifts down.
And part of it has to do with what’s long past: it’s a city where the ancient is always peeking through, where at any moment you feel like you could cross a stone threshold and slip back in time.
With a custom-designed Rome travel itinerary, I can map out any route, pre-purchase your entrance tickets, and make reservations for dinner — so all the guesswork is gone, and all you have to do is enjoy your passeggiata.
Here’s a sampling of my favorite walks in Rome.
Walking Rome’s Historic Center
Though this walk is relatively short in length, it is rich with things to do and see. It’s one of the walks in Rome I never miss.
You can begin at the Piazza Navona, with its Baroque fountains, lovely surrounding churches, and lively cafes. From there, head north on Corso del Rinascimento to make your way to the Pantheon, where you can duck inside (it’s usually free or just a couple of Euros to enter) and be awed by the towering dome that inspired both the Duomo and St. Peter’s.
From here, I always take a slight detour up the Via della Maddalena to get some of my favorite gelato at Giolitti, before heading east along Via delle Muratte to the legendary Trevi Fountain. Because there are no streets that directly approach the Trevi, you really do feel enveloped by that old-world wonder that this city is rightfully known for. So toss that coin over your shoulder, because by this time, you will do anything to come back to Rome.
Not far north of Piazza di Trevi, you’ll land at the Spanish Steps, one of the most iconic spots in Rome. Here you can channel your best Audrey Hepburn or Gregory Peck on the steps (you may need to replenish your gelato), drop Euros at high-end shops like Gucci or Versace, catch dinner, or take a break at Caffé Greco and feel the friendly lingering ghosts of famous artists and writers like John Keats, Goethe, and Lord Byron.
Length: 1.2 miles
Time: 1-3 hours, depending on how much you want to linger (I advocate for lingering!)
Cassie’s Tip: While there are wonderful small-group or private tours (affiliate links) available in the mornings, this is one of the walks in Rome I highly recommend doing in the evening, during the golden hour. The sunset turns everything to honey, and the romance of it all cannot be beat.
Ancient Rome Walking Route
If you want to catch the Greatest Hits of the Ancient Roman World, this is one of the walks in Rome you’ll absolutely love.
Starting from the Victor Emmanuel Monument (aka the “Alter to the Fatherland”), head southeast along the Via dei Fori Imperiali. Along the way, you will enjoy views of ancient Roman ruins as you pass. On the left, is the towering Trajan’s Column (take a moment to admire the relief) and some remarkably intact ruins that make up the market at Trajan’s Forum. On the right, the famous center Roman life, the Roman Forum. This is just a regular thoroughfare in Rome, but for most of us, it’s an opportunity to do some ticket-free sightseeing (to explore beyond the fence, you do need a ticket).
Soon, you’ll be standing in front of the Colosseum. Turn right from the Via dei Fori Imperiali onto a street called Via di San Gregorio, which will take you by and around the Arch of Constantine, a well-preserved arch commemorating Emperor Constantine’s recognition of Christianity by the Roman Empire. As you keep walking, Palatine Hill – the former home of emperors – will be on the right (take note, this entrance into the Roman Forum has the shortest line), and soon after, you’ll see an oblong-shaped field – the site of chariot races, Circus Maximus. There’s not much to see, but if you’ve seen Ben-Hur, you can definitely picture it taking place here.
At the intersection with Circus Maximus, take a slight left onto Viale delle Terme di Caracalla, which will lead to the magnificent ruins of Baths of Caracalla (in the summer, you could even catch a concert here).
Length: 2 miles.
Time: 40 minutes walking time, plus any stops you make at these incredible sites.
Cassie’s Tip: You’ll probably notice right away that even as a modern city, Rome has no skyscrapers. There are several reasons for this, but one of the biggest is the Roman appreciation of history and historical preservation. From any of the 7 Hills of Rome (Palatine Hill is one of them), you can look out and get sweeping views in all directions of the gorgeous Roman skyline — ancient ruins, golden domes, sculptures and obelisks. I highly recommend a rest or a picnic (I can help you find the closest trattoria for a great lunch) and a chance to just sit in silence and awe.
A Walk in Trastevere
The word trastavere translates as “across the Tiber” — and if you want a peek into the everyday lives of ordinary Romans, this walk on the other side of the river in the Trastavere neighborhood is perfect, especially in the cool mornings. It’s one of the best walks in Rome and offers a neighborhood feel — narrow, winding, cobblestone streets, laundry lines strung between apartment windows, school children playing, and proud residents whose families have resided here for generations.
Start at the Isola Tiberina, the island in the Tiber that is the 3,000-year-old birthplace of Rome itself. As a river port city, Rome connected all of Italy with the Mediterranean world. This area was a constant hub of activity.
There are plenty of things to take in, but I recommend strolling the Via dell’Arco de’ Tolomei or Vicolo dell’Atleta to see traditional apartment living up close. The unique doorways, the low arches, and the way Romans beautified small spaces with vines, potted trees, flowered terraces, and charming tiny courtyards.
Next, head towards the Piazza di Santa Cecilia, where you can duck into the marble cool of the church named for the beheaded saint, where people from all over Christendom worshiped as far back as the second century. Along the extremely narrow Via dei Genovesi, you can stop for some traditional baked goods at Biscottificio Artigiano Innocenti.
And don’t miss the piazza and Church of Santa Maria, with its long history and gorgeous mosaics throughout.
Length: about a mile, winding
Time: 1.5 – 2 hours
Classic Rome Walk
This is another walk that’s perfect in the evening, as Romans and tourists alike partake in the traditional passeggiata. I can map a course for you that emphasizes history, eating, or shopping (or all three!).
Along Via del Corso, you’ll start at the immense Piazza del Popolo. With its towering obelisk and lavish fountains, this square has long been the traditional north entrance to Rome. Inside the Church of Santa Maria del Popolo, you can find some of the finest art by Caravaggio and Bernini, and the domed Chigi Chapel designed by Raphael.
Just off the Piazza del Popolo is another favorite gelato spot, Gelateria del Gracchi. (And if you’re a gelato aficionado like I am, I’ve got a list of my faves here.)
If you want to window shop, hang a left at Via Condotti and head towards the Spanish Steps.
If history is your jam, stay on Via del Corso and head to Capitoline Hill, which has spectacular sunset views of the Forum below.
With shops, hotels, historical sites, and many wonderful restaurants, this is a marvelous walk to sample Rome’s delicious offerings.
Length: 2 miles (if you do both shopping and history)
Time: About an hour of walking, plus any stops
Make the most of all your walks in Rome
The best part about these walks in Rome is that random details will always jump out and stop you in your tracks. Linger in the little moments and enjoy la dolce vita (the sweet life)!
There are a million magical little nooks to explore in the Eternal City. With a custom travel itinerary, I can design a walk for you that highlights your interests, incorporates your schedule needs, and features the food and drink you want to sample. Best of all, you’ll have a map and a plan, with all your tickets and reservations taken care of, so you can make the most of your time in timeless Rome.
Cassie Tetro
Itinerary Designer
& Certified Travel Expert℠
(Paris, London & Rome)
WHO AM I?
I’m Cassie Tetro, an Itinerary Designer and Certified Travel Expert℠ for Paris, London, and Rome — my three favorite cities!
I help independent travelers like you save time and eliminate confusion with customized point-to-point itineraries crafted to your interests, preferences, travel pace, and style.
I take care of every aspect of your trip before you walk out your front door — tickets, reservations, tours, maps, transportation — so you can relax, soak in the magic, and enjoy a frustration-free vacation with a travel plan that’s as unique as you are.
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