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What to Book Before Your Rome Trip: Attractions, Tours & Day Trips

Wondering what to book in advance in Rome? 

Why is it important to book activities in advance in Rome?

You can still visit Rome and see a lot without booking anything in advance.

But if you have a list of must-see attractions, such as the Colosseum, and Vatican Museums, and experiences, it’s worth planning ahead.

Popular sights and tours can sell out, and booking in advance can also help you skip the lines.

Here’s what to book ahead in Rome—and what to do if you’ve left it too late.

1. Book the Colosseum experience you really want

The Colosseum is one of the first things you should book in advance in Rome.

Colosseum tickets can sell out, particularly for popular time slots and special access such as the underground and arena.

Grab a morning ticket slot or an early morning tour to avoid the biggest crowds. This is especially important during hot summer days, when the Colosseum becomes crowded by midday.

Opening hours

  • Fall–Winter: 8:30 AM–4:30 PM every day
  • Spring–summer: 8:30 AM–7:15 PM every day

2. Book your Vatican Museums visit

The Vatican Museums are one of the sights we’d definitely book in advance.

They’re extremely popular, and waiting until you arrive can mean long lines or limited availability.

If you want to visit the Sistine Chapel and Vatican Museums, book your ticket ahead of time.

This is especially important in summer and around holidays, when popular time slots can fill up quickly.

3. Visit the Pantheon without the lines

We visited the Pantheon while it was still free to enter, but it now requires a ticket.

You can buy tickets at the door, but this can mean waiting in a long line, often with little or no shade.

To avoid the wait, book your ticket at least a few days in advance. You should still have plenty of options for your preferred time.

Opening hours

  • 9:00 AM–7:00PM every day

4. Escape the crowds underground at Rome’s catacombs

The Catacombs of Rome are a popular attraction, but visits are only possible with a guided tour, so places are limited and can sell out quickly.

I recommend booking at least two weeks ahead, especially if you want a tour in English. These are particularly popular during the high season.

The limited number of visitors means the catacombs don’t feel overly crowded. For a quieter experience, consider booking a late-afternoon tour, when it tends to be less busy.

Don's go to Rome without booking these experiences in advance

Things to Book in Rome 3+ Months Ahead

  • Colosseum special-access tours — underground, arena floor or small-group tours.
  • Vatican private or small-group tours — especially in peak season.
  • Popular food tours and cooking classes — the best-rated options can fill early.
  • Galleria Borghese — particularly for preferred dates and times.
  • Opera and major performances — especially popular shows and venues.
  • Day trips from Rome — such as the Amalfi Coast, Pompeii or Tuscany, particularly in summer.
  • Popular hotels — if you’re visiting during peak season or around major events.



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