Rome tours

Things to do in Rome

Welcome to Rome, where history seems to layer itself into every stone and street. It’s a place that effortlessly merges the splendour of its ancient past with the pulse of contemporary life. Wandering through Rome with your local guide transforms what might have been a typical tourist experience into a deeply personal exploration. Picture yourself moving at your own pace down narrow cobbled streets, the scent of espresso in the air, while musicians lend a soundtrack to your journey. With a guide, that long line at the Vatican becomes a mere footnote, allowing you to stand before Michelangelo's genius without the usual crowd's distraction. As evening draws in, a food and wine tour becomes an exploration of the city's culinary heart, tasting dishes that have been perfected over generations. Private tours reveal the city's secrets; those tucked-away eateries where the locals gather and the serene spots amidst the lively piazzas. In Rome, each moment becomes part of your own story of discovery. If you’re looking for more inspiration, take a look at our curated list of things to do in Rome. Explore Rome your way At ToursByLocals, we believe that how you explore is just as important as where you go. That’s why every Rome tour is private, flexible, and built around you: Move at your own pace, skip the crowds, make connections and follow your curiosity. Find local guides offering private tours in Rome for every interest, including: History tours: Step into the Colosseum with timed-entry arranged by your guide, then trace Caesar’s footsteps across the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill on a private tour that brings inscriptions and ruins to life. Or follow the ancient Appian Way by e-bike to the Catacombs of San Sebastiano, pausing at the Baths of Caracalla. Art and Culture tours: See Caravaggio’s canvases in San Luigi dei Francesi and Sant’Agostino, then compare them with masterpieces at the Galleria Borghese; your guide can pre-book tickets. You might explore the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel before an evening in a Trastevere neighbourhood studio meeting an artisan mosaicist. Architecture tours: Study the Pantheon’s coffered dome and oculus from the best vantage points, then walk through Piazza Navona to spot Bernini and Borromini’s rival creations. If contemporary design is your favourite, your tour could pair the rationalist EUR district with Zaha Hadid’s MAXXI and Renzo Piano’s Auditorium Parco della Musica. Rome’s historic centre is walkable, and Metro lines A and B plus frequent buses link major sights. For longer distances or to avoid hills and cobblestones, you can book a chauffeured tour or ask your local guide about tours with private transportation. This isn’t a one-size-fits-all itinerary, you can tailor your private tour to match your interests, pace and personality with a local who knows Rome inside and out. Walking tours & neighbourhoods Exploring Rome with a private walking tour gives you the chance to see both iconic and lesser-known neighborhoods, with a local guide making the experience truly special. Walking alongside someone who knows Rome inside and out offers an unmatched way to connect with the city's essence. - Trastevere: This lively area is perfect for those who love vibrant nightlife and authentic Italian dining. With its narrow cobblestone streets and bustling piazzas, it's great for both young travelers and families. - Monti: Cultural tourists will love Monti's artsy vibe, filled with vintage shops and hidden gems. It's a place where history meets modern creativity, offering a unique urban experience. - Testaccio: Foodies should not miss this neighborhood, known for its traditional Roman cuisine and bustling markets. It's the place to savor genuine flavors and connect with the local culinary scene. - Prati: Ideal for families and shoppers, this area is close to the Vatican and offers broad streets lined with boutiques and cafes. It's a more relaxed part of Rome with plenty of green spaces. - San Lorenzo: Great for those seeking a youthful, bohemian atmosphere. It's a hub for students and artists, with street art, lively bars, and a creative spirit that appeals to all ages. Day trip ideas from Rome Set your base in Rome, then stretch your legs with easy day trips to nearby towns, ruins, lakes, and hilltop centres that change the pace without burning a whole day on the road. - Tivoli, for grand gardens and ancient estates that sit side by side, where you can pair the cascades and symmetry of a Renaissance villa with sprawling Roman ruins, and shape your tour around engineering, architecture, or quiet lanes with gelato stops. - Ostia Antica, for a walkable ancient port that feels close to the city yet far from the crowds, where mosaics, bathhouses, and a theatre show everyday Roman life, and you can add a quick spin to the seaside at Ostia Lido if you want salt air and a simple lunch. - Orvieto, for a classic Umbrian hill town with a dramatic cliffside setting, a striped cathedral, and hand‑painted ceramics, where your tour can lean into underground tunnels, local wine, or narrow streets that photograph well in any light. - Castelli Romani, for volcanic lakes, small towns, and roasted pork in Ariccia, where Frascati pours crisp whites and viewpoints around Lake Albano give you fresh air, so a food‑first tour or a relaxed circuit of villages fits a slow day. - Pompeii and Naples, for a deep dive into archaeology paired with southern flavour, where streets frozen in time make the past easy to picture, and you can fold in a slice‑by‑the‑slice pizza lesson or a quick look at the waterfront before the train back to Rome. A private tour with a local guide is the best way to really get to know a place. Skip the crowds, follow your interests, and see a side of Rome most travellers miss.