Historic Center of Rome (Centro Storico di Roma) Tours
The exact borders of the Historic Center of Rome (Centro Storico di Roma) is the subject of much debate among Romans and visitors. Officially, however, it’s the area inside the ancient Aurelian Walls plus Vatican City, and it encompasses some of the city’s most famous sights.
The Basics
UNESCO designated the “Historic Center of Rome” a World Heritage Site in 1980, declaring the area inside the Aurelian Walls (plus Vatican City, just outside the walls) as the city's Centro Storico. Many consider the smaller area covering what was once the ancient Campus Martius (now the location of the Campo Marzio rione, or quarter) as the true Centro Storico, however. Regardless of how you measure it, the Centro Storico, home to the Pantheon, Temple of Hadrian, the Basilica of Santa Maria sopra Minerva, Piazza Navona, and Campo de' Fiori, is one of the most important neighborhoods in the Eternal City. The Trevi Fountain, Roman Forum and Colosseum, and Piazza di Spagna and the Spanish Steps are just outside the narrowest interpretation of the Centro Storico, as is Vatican City across the Tiber River.
Because of its narrow streets and pedestrian-only areas, the best way to visit the Centro Storico is on a walking or electric-bike tour that includes Rome’s most important sights. Many Ancient Rome tours also cover some or part of the Centro Storico, as do night tours.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Rome's Centro Storico is a great place to get a taste of Italian nightlife—the area is filled with restaurants, bars, and clubs.
- There’s a lot to cover during Centro Storico walking tours, so be sure to wear comfortable shoes and a sun hat.
- The cobblestone streets of the Centro Storico may be a challenge for wheelchairs and strollers, but the squares are wide and flat.
- The lion's share of Rome's most popular attractions are located inside the confines of the Centro Storico, so be sure to bring your camera.
How to Get There
The Centro Storico can loosely be defined as the area of Rome's city center that’s sandwiched between Piazza Venezia/Via del Corso and the Tiber River. Take the 64 bus from the Termini station to the Piazza Navona stop.
When to Get There
Rome is one of the most popular destinations in Italy, and the Centro Storico is where most visitors head. To escape the wall-to-wall crowds, visit the capital city during winter, or low season (excluding the December holidays).
Nearby Neighborhoods
The Centro Storico is situated close to a number of other interesting neighborhoods, including trendy Trastevere just across the river, bohemian Monti to the east, and elegant Prati to the north.
Address: Rome, Italy
22 Tours and Activities to Experience Historic Center of Rome (Centro Storico di Roma)
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Rome by Golf Cart Private Tour
Experience over 2,500 years of history on a private tour through one of the world’s most popular and influential regions—Rome’s beautiful historical district. Roam the streets of this city in a comfortable, covered, street-legal golf cart—providing access unavailable on foot. This family-friendly sightseeing tour offers a narrated journey of the palaces, monuments, churches, fountains, and statues that define the rich heritage of the capital and largest city in Italy.
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From
$154.86
Price varies by group size
From
$154.86
Price varies by group size
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Face masks provided for travelers
Transportation vehicles regularly sanitized
Haunted Rome Ghost Tour - The Original
Uncover the dark side of Eternal City and dowse for ghosts on this ghost tour of Rome. Explore the spooky streets, piazzas, and bridges still haunted by the souls of heretics and witches executed, murdered, and burned alive. Listen to the spine-chilling ghost stories and experience the eerie atmosphere of Rome after-dark. Learn about the ghosts of Julius Caesar and Emperor Nero and discover the truth about the crimes committed by the worst Popes Rome has ever seen. Your guide will provide you with a pair of divining or dowsing rods so you could experience ghost hunting first hand.
• True gore stories told by the guide
• Dowsing rods provided
• Small groups (10 people or less)
• 90-minute ghost tour of Rome
• Expert story-teller guides
• Explore the city after dark with an expert guide
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From
$32.27
From
$32.27
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Small-Group Full-Day Trip to Florence and Pisa from Rome
If you only have a limited amount of time to explore Italy’s highlights, this full-day tour from Rome offers a seamless way to sightsee. With just a small group for company, head out in the morning in a comfortable vehicle directly to Florence. See Brunelleschi’s Dome, visit the leather market, and more—you have the freedom to explore independently. Next, continue to Pisa and its UNESCO-listed Piazza dei Miracoli, where you can see the world-famous Leaning Tower among other attractions.
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From
$167.25
From
$167.25
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Best of Rome full day sightseeing tour by golf-cart with a delicious lunch break
Discover the top sights and hidden gems of the Italian capital on a private 7-hour tour. Travel by golf cart and get the best of both worlds: Discover the city’s charming streets too narrow for normal cars and cover a huge area of the city too far for feet. Pause for photos at the Colosseum, Spanish Steps, Piazza Navona, and more. Your Roman experience also includes lunch a traditional Italian restaurant.
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From
$278.75
Price varies by group size
From
$278.75
Price varies by group size
Face masks provided for travelers
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Transportation vehicles regularly sanitized
Rome by Night E-Bike Tour
Experience the warmth of a night in Rome during a 3-hour electric bike tour that departs in the evening. Watch the sunset and take in monuments such as the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Pantheon; famous plazas such as Piazza Venezia; and soak in the views from Capitoline Hill. Riding an electric bike makes it easy to cover more ground without getting tired, making this tour suitable for most people.
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From
$54.51
Price varies by group size
From
$54.51
Price varies by group size
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Gear/equipment sanitized between use
Rome Wine & Food Tasting Dinner
Don't worry about having to choose another restaurant for dinner, and instead book this food and wine experience in central Rome. Led by a sommelier, this wine-tasting session introduces you to Italian wine regions and varietals and how wine fits into the Italian way of life. Food pairings include cheese, pasta, salami, and dessert.
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From
$122.18
From
$122.18
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Rome Walking Tour
→ VENICE SQUARE
→ TREVI FOUNTAIN
→ SPANISH STEPS
→ PANTHEON
→ NAVONA SQUARE
This tour offers you the very best of
Rome’s most famous squares,
monuments, fountains and artists. Let the
Eternal City enchant you as you stroll
through its picturesque cobblestone
alleyways and discover some of the
world’s most famous sites, such as the
Pantheon, Piazza Navona, Trevi Fountain
and the Spanish Steps. Travel through
time and admire all of Rome city center
must-see art and architecture, all in a
single afternoon!
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From
$34.42
From
$34.42
Best of Rome
Cover all the main sights in Rome in a single day on this private "best of" tour. With private transportation and a guide dedicated to your group only, it will be easy to make your way around the city in an efficient way. The itinerary is flexible, but will typically include the Piazza Navona, the Trevi Fountain, the Roman Forum, the Colosseum, the Vatican Museums, and St. Peter's Basilica. This is a great option for those short on time in Rome.
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From
$432.32
Price varies by group size
From
$432.32
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Tour of Rome with photo shoot
Take our photo tour of Rome to photograph the beautiful historic center and have yourself photographed by our professional photographers. This is an excellent opportunity to bring home an unforgettable collection of photos of the real Rome by night.
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From
$205.20
From
$205.20
Rome: Private Full-Day with Private Transportation
See Rome in style—with a private guide and driver—on this customizable tour of the Eternal City. Your English-speaking guide takes you to some of the most-visited monuments and landmarks in Rome including the Colosseum, St. Peter's Basilica, and the Vatican Museums. Stop for lunch along the way and feel free to ask your dedicated driver/guide any questions you may have about the city. You’ll visit highlights including Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon, the Spanish Steps, and more.
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From
$653.51
Price varies by group size
From
$653.51
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Day trip to Tivoli from Rome
Head out of Rome for a day trip to Tivoli, located about 20 miles (30 km) east of the city. With skip-the-line admission, you'll visit the area's two villas—Villa d'Este and Hadrian's Villa—where you can admire their architecture and landscaping and hear about them from a guide.
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From
$700.09
Price varies by group size
From
$700.09
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Ask her to marry you in Rome
Have your ever dreamed to propose in marriage your fiancèe in a romantic city?
Now you can try this in the eternal city!
Take your opportunity to have the most exciting experience of your life, a propose in marriage in one of the most beautiful spots of Rome!
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From
$743.33
From
$743.33
Rome's Independent Boutiques & Chic Shops with a Local: Private & Personalized
Rome has something for all shoppers, from swanky designer boutiques to flea markets, but the city’s shopping areas can be overwhelming if you don’t know where to start. By booking this bespoke experience, you’ll shop with a Rome local who has all the insider knowledge you need to find the most stylish and unique finds around the capital. You’ll also get tips for the best coffee and aperitivo in town.
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From
$130.50
Price varies by group size
From
$130.50
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
VIP Eternal Tours Rome: Caravaggio's Dark Art & Borghese Gallery Ticket
Discover the artwork of Caravaggio during this private walking tour in Rome. Learn about the artist’s life and works including how he used light to define his signature style. Visit several city landmarks to see his work including the Church of San Luigi dei Francesi, the Doria Pamphili Gallery, and the Capitoline Museums.
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From
$865.97
Price varies by group size
From
$865.97
Price varies by group size
VIP Eternal Tours Rome: Raphael's Renaissance Rome & Borghese Gallery Ticket
Fully private and exclusive tour of Raphael's life and works in Rome. You will traverse the historic centre and see his finest creations in Rome's most renowned museums and galleries. Included are the Vatican Museums, Villa Farnesina, Doria Pamphilj Gallery, Borghese Gallery and Museum, the Pantheon and Chigi Chapel. Time spent with your local expert guide is approximately 4 hours. After the guided tour which covers the greater part of historic Rome, you will visit the Borghese Gallery (self-guided portion). Recommended time inside the Borghese Gallery and Museum at least 1.5 hours. Light lunch with craft beers or other refreshments is included.
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From
$865.97
Price varies by group size
From
$865.97
Price varies by group size
Squares of Rome Tour with Street Food, Tiramisu & Gelato
Explore Rome’s iconic piazzas on a walking tour with stops for tasty treats along the way. In addition to navigating for you, your guide offers little-known facts about the piazzas’ history, as well as inside tips on how to choose the best gelato. With a small group size and all food tastings included, this tour is a popular choice for visitors looking for an authentic taste of Rome.
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From
$56.79
From
$56.79
Food, Art and Motors: Rome, Bologna, Parma, Modena
This excursion allows to visit the main italian cities like Rome, Bologna, Parma and Modena, the cultural centre of the country. The guided trip offers the opportunity to explore with a walking tour the symbolic places in Rome: Colosseum, Roman Forum and Vatican City. Day by day you will also discover the reality of other cities through their tradition, like the visit to Ducati Museum in Bologna, then passing through the city town exploring Piazza Maggiore, Basilica di San Petronio, Basilica of Saint Stephen and the famous Asinelli Tower. Finally, you will know the italian cuisine, with some specialities like Lasagna and Tortellini and other typical plates produced in Parma: after visiting Piazza Duomo, the Cathedral and the Baptistery you can learn how ham and parmigiano cheese are prepared.
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From
$23,662.53
per group
From
$23,662.53
per group
Southern Italy Tour
This is a 11 days tour that will show you italian coast and islands. The itinerary starts from Rome and continues to Sicily, where it is possibile to enjoy landscapes and amazing panoramas: the archeological site of Pompeii, the island of Capri, the Amalfi Coast, and the island of Sicily with its main cities Agrigento, Palermo, Catania and Taormina; also Valle dei Templi in Agrigento and the visit to the Vesuvio Volcan are included in this excursion. The package offers hotel accommodation in 3-4* properties centrally located, transfer between the cities, train & ferry tickets, entrance tickets with skip the line service.
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From
$14,247.08
per group
From
$14,247.08
per group
Rome Night Photo Tour
Photogenic, charismatic, and ancient, Rome’s historic center is a photographer’s dream—and the ultimate location for a photography tour. Set out at twilight, also known as the "blue hour", and get off the beaten path with award-winning professional photographer Marco Bulgarelli. Under his guidance learn practical techniques, visual perception, move and interact with your subject, practice special effects and more. This is a small-group tour, with a maximum of four people to ensure personal tuition.
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From
$206.50
Price varies by group size
From
$206.50
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Transportation vehicles regularly sanitized
Ceramic Pottery Workshop in Rome
Bring home a unique souvenir from Rome, made with your own hands! Have fun while creating your very own masterpiece!
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From
$134.15
From
$134.15
Affresco Masterclass in Rome
You will learn how to make a fresco, and you will have a fabulous time! Take your masterpiece home! If parents do not participate they may take pictures!
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From
$134.15
From
$134.15
Rome by Night PRIVATE e-bike Tour
Explore Rome after dark, when the crowds have dispersed, on this nighttime electric bike tour. This family-friendly private tour is appropriate for kids of all ages and bike seats and trailers are included. Your guide will tailor the tour to your interests, stopping at top sights such as the Trevi Fountain, Capitoline Hill, Piazza Navona, the Pantheon, the Colosseum, and others.
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From
$109.02
Price varies by group size
From
$109.02
Price varies by group size
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Gear/equipment sanitized between use
Things to do near Rome
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