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Visiting Dunnottar Castle, Scotland: The Ultimate Visitor Guide
One of the most beautiful castles I’ve laid my eyes on, Dunnottar Castle is easily one of the most spectacular castles in Scotland and visiting Dunnottar Castle is an absolute must! Located just outside the coastal town of Stonehaven in Aberdeenshire, this medieval castle is surrounded by towering cliffs, crashing waves, and breathtaking coastal scenery. Beyond the impressive scenery, Dunnottar Castle has a fascinating and somewhat brutal history. The fortress played a role in many important chapters in Scottish history. If you are planning a trip to Aberdeenshire, I highly recommend adding Dunnottar Castle to your Scotland itinerary. In this guide, I’ll share what to expect, getting here, ticket prices, other things to do, and so much more. Affiliate Disclosure This post contains affiliate links. If you click on one of the links or widgets throughout the page, I might receive commission at no extra cost to you. For more information, please visit my affiliate link page. Thanks for the support! Why Visit Dunnottar Castle? There are plenty of castles to visit in Scotland and I visited quite a few, but Dunnottar Castle was one that truly stood out to me. What made Dunnottar Castle so special to me was the location and incredible views. The castle is perched high on a rocky hill surrounded by waters of the North Sea. The dramatic coastal scenery, rugged cliffs, and historic ruins are all just as impressive as the castle itself. There are several reasons why I would recommend visiting Dunnottar Castle during a trip to Scotland. The spectacular coastal setting It’s hard not to beat the vis at Dunnottar Castle. The picturesque castle sitting above the North Sea is just incredible, easily one of the most unique and beautiful castles I’ve visited. Fascinating Scottish history Dunnottar Castle has witnessed centuries of conflict, royal visits, and important historical events. It is connected to William Wallace, Mary Queen of Scots, and the preservation of the Scottish Crown Jewels. Explore the historic castle ruins Walking through the remains of the castle really gives visitors a glimpse of what life was like within the walls. This site is larger then I expected and there was a lot of great information to read in each structure. A memorable experience After traveling around Scotland for two weeks, Dunnottar Castle was one of my favorite sites. The combination of the dramatic approach, castle ruins, and coastal views makes this more then just a another castle visit. Where is Dunnottar Castle? + Getting Here Dunnottar Castle is located on the northeastern coast of Scotland, in Aberdeenshire. It’s located just south of the seaside town of Stonehaven and roughly a 30-minute drive from Aberdeen. Dunnottar Castle is around 1.6 miles or 2.6 km south of Stonehaven, for those that are fit, there is a beautiful hike connecting the castle to Stonehaven. Getting to Dunnottar Castle is pretty easy, especially if you are staying in Aberdeen or exploring Scotland by car. The castle is located just off the A92 coastal road. From Aberdeen, the journey is roughly 30 minutes following the A90 south towards Stonehaven before taking the A92 toward Montrose. I drove a giant Renault Trafic Extra to Dunnottar Castle from Aberdeen and there was a parking lot at the entrance before the short trail to the castle. The lot was big enough to accommodate several cars and larger vehicles. A Brief History of Dunnottar Castle Dunnottar Castle has a rich history that stretches back centuries. The castles location makes it one of the most strategically important fortresses in Scotland. The castle we see today is mainly in ruins, this is the result of Viking invasions, battles for Scottish independence, and other battles and turmoil. The Earls Marischal The Castle was one the stronghold of the powerful Earls Marischal. It’s complicated but the Earls Marischal were a prominent Scottish family who controlled the castle and lands. History of the area go way back, archaeology evidence shows signs of Picts (Celtic tribes living in Scotland) occupying the land. William Wallace and the Wars of Scottish Independence Of course, my favorite historical figure (Thanks Braveheart!) that made an appearance at Dunnottar Castle was William Wallace. According to what I learned while visiting the castle, William Wallace led his forces to Dunnottar Castle in 1297 and attacked an English garrison occupying the castle during the Wars of Scottish Independence. According to legend, many of the English soldiers took refuge inside the chapel on the castle grounds, only to be trapped inside by Wallace’s forces and set on fire, killing those inside. Other soldiers were thrown off the cliffs. Mary Queen of Scots, Oliver Cromwell, & Crown Jewels Mary Queen of Scots visited Dunnottar Castle in 1562 and 1564 and spent some time here. Another important historical period was during the 1650’s when Oliver Cromwell’s army attempted to gain control of Scotland and capture royal symbols. The Honours of Scotland were kept at Dunnottar Castle for safekeeping. Cromwell’s forces surrounded the castle, but the Crown Jewels were secretly moved out of the castle safely. Whig’s Vault One more historical event, mainly because I read about this several times during my visit. There is a gruesome story of the “Whig’s Vault.” In 1685 the castle became a prison for Scottish Covenanters. These Covenanters refused to accept the religious changes imposed by King Charles II. More then 167 Covenanters were imprisoned in a small underground cellar, the “Whig’s Vault.” Conditions here were brutal and very harsh. By the 18th century, the fortunes of the Earls Marischal fell after George Keith, was involved in the unsuccessful Jacobite Rising. The Government seized the castle and it was left abandoned until 1925. Tickets & Opening Times Before visiting Dunnottar Castle, it is worth checking the admission prices and seasonal opening hours so you can plan accordingly. The castle is open year-round with longer visiting hours during summer months. You can purchase tickets online in advance or at the ticket kiosk when you arrive. Edit Ticket Type Price Adult £13.50 Concession (Over 65 / Students) £12.00 Child (ages 5-15) £6.25 Family (2 adults + 2 children) £36.00 Family (1 adult + 2 children) £24.00 Edit Season Opening Hours April – September 9:00 – 18:00 October 1 – 24 10:00 – 17:00 October 25 – January 10:00 – 15:00 Ferbruary 10:00 – 16:00 March 10:00 – 17:00 A few things to know before visiting Dunnottar Castle Dunnottar Castle is open year-round, weather permiting. The castle may close at short notice during high winds, snow, or icy conditions. It is closed on December 16, 25, and 26 of 2026 and January 1 and 2 of 2027. Last entry is 1-hour before closing time. Always check the official website before setting off. Exploring Dunnottar Castle: What to See Dunnottar Castle was much bigger then I anticipated. I’ve been to many ruined castles in my life, and a lot of them are small or just take a few minutes to explore. Dunnottar Castle is much different, allow plenty of time. Dunnottar Castle is spread across a rocky headland. There are historic buildings from different periods, many you can venture inside. Luckily, there are a lot of information signs at the castle, so you know exactly what you’re looking at. 1. The Views When visiting Dunnottar Castle, you have to appreciate the scenery, it’s magnificent. The castle sits about 160 feet above the water, surrounded by steep cliffs and rugged coastlines. There are a few great observation areas of the castle and surrounding area. Before making your way down the stairs, go right on the trail and visit the large platform for some incredible views, makes for great photos! 2. The Stairs Entering the castle is no walk in the park. It’s rests above a hill surrounded by ocean on three sides. The only way to visit Dunnottar Castle is on foot and there are about 180 stairs sitting between you and the castle. Overall, there are more then 200+ stairs in total you’ll walk. Honestly, the views leading down the stairs were so amazing, I barely noticed them. Trust me, the caste is well worth the effort! 3. Gatehouse and Entrance The Gatehouse is one of the first important structures you’ll encounter when entering Dunnottar Castle. This fortified entrance was designed to protect access to the castle. The approach is quite dramatic with the narrow entrance and stone walls. Don’t forget to look into the dark room at the entrance, I won’t spoil the surprise. Near the entrance, you’ll see the Lion’s Den. This is where the Earl Marischal kept a pet lion. That’s right, a pet lion! 4. The Keep The Keep or the Tower House is one of the most recognizable buildings at Dunnottar Castle. It dates back to the 14th century and was built by Sir William Keith. The Keep was designed to provide accommodation for the castle’s lord and his household. The Keep contained the living quarters, a great hall, kitchen, and other spaces. Today, much of the building is in ruins, but you can walk inside it and explore the different levels and see the various rooms. Try to imagine what it would have looked like back in the day. 5. The Chapel Religion played an important role in everyone’s life back in the medieval ages, having a chapel onside was an essential part of the castle community. According to a sign at the chapel, this is where William Wallace burned the English garrison. Yup, right inside the chapel. 6. The Whig’s Vault As mentioned in the castle’s history, this was the location of the underground prison that held more the 160 Covenanters. According to information at the castle, Two hundred people were marched to Dunnottar, 122 men and 45 women. They were thrown into the Whig’s Vault. For six weeks they stayed here in their own filth, with no sanitation. Visitors today can walk inside the Whig’s Vault. 7. Palace and Drawing Room The Drawing Room is a restored room so visitors can see what the castle’s interior would have looked like. The Palace buildings offer a glimpse into the more comfortable side of life at Dunnottar Castle. There is a ballroom and event space here too, unfortunately in ruins. It’s quite a contrast to the other buildings around Dunnottar. The castle was not simply a military stronghold, but was once an impressive residence for one of Scotland’s most powerful families. 8. Courtyard and Remaining Buildings There is so much more to explore at Dunnottar Castle. I kept finding random rooms to walk in, structures to explore, and interesting features like the historic water system. There are stables, kitchens, guard towers, a bakery, forge, and so much more to explore! There are even ghost sightings at Dunnottar Castle. One room had a sign that said visitors often see a woman in green plaid in the bakery looking for her lost children. Other sightings include seeing a large man dressed in military regalia staring out to sea and other people hear noises, but no one else is around. Hike to Stonehaven I traveled to Dunnottar Castle with a group, some of us wanted to walk to Stonehaven from the castle while others drove and met us in town. If you are capable, I highly recommend the hike to Stonehaven. The whole trail was beautiful, the path followed the scenic cliffside with views of the North Sea. It’s about a 1.5 mile or 2.6 km walk each way and takes around 30-40 minutes. Once in Stonehaven, there are plenty of places to sit down and have a local Scottish meal or refreshing beer. From the Stonehaven Harbor, we walked the coast into town. I saw a couple sitting down with a delcious looking Fish & Chips, so I copied what they did and headed to The Carron for Fish & Chips and their famous Deep Fried Mars Bar. The signs outside said world famous Fish & Chips, I think every place in Scotland claims the same. Honestly, their Fish &
The Marcliffe Hotel Review: Is This Luxury Scottish Hotel Worth It?
Looking for a luxury hotel in Aberdeen, Scotland? During my trip to the United Kingdom, I spent three nights at the Marcliffe Hotel, a five-star hotel, known for its elegant atmosphere, superb customer service, and relaxing surroundings. From enjoying a good Scottish breakfast in the mornings to sampling whiskey at the bar, I had the opportunity to experience several aspects of the property during my stay. I also really enjoyed the room, which made the hotel a comfortable place to return to after exploring the town of Aberdeen. In my Marcliffe Hotel Aberdeen review, I’ll share my personal experience of staying here for three nights. I’ll include what I thought of the room and amenities, breakfast, and overall atmosphere. I’ll help you decide whether the Marcliffe is worth considering for your next trip to Scotland. Affiliate Disclosure This post contains affiliate links. If you click on one of the links or widgets throughout the page, I might receive commission at no extra cost to you. For more information, please visit my affiliate link page. Thanks for the support! First Impressions of the Marcliffe Hotel Arriving at the Marcliffe Hotel was the beginning of my three-night stay in Aberdeen, Scotland. I actually rented a car and drove the 30-minute drive from Aberdeen Airport to the Marcliffe. The Marcliffe is located a bit further from town, but driving and taking the bus was easy from the hotel. Right from the start, I was impressed with the customer service from the door greeter to the staff at check-in. Everyone was friendly, helpful, and informative. Since I was in Aberdeen for a wedding, we had a fairly large group, so while waiting for others, a few of us had coffee, tea, and cake at the café. Everything at the café was high quality, so I knew right then that I was really going to enjoy my stay. Of course, one of the highlights of my stay at The Marcliffe was the room, which I really enjoyed returning to after a busy day exploring Scotland. After check in, seeing my room, and experiencing the friendly hospitality, my first impressions were amazing, I had high hopes and they did not disappoint. Marcliffe Hotel, Aberdeen Review In this Marcliffe Hotel review, I’ll share what I enjoyed about staying at the Marcliffe, what stood out during my visit, and whether I think this luxury hotel in Aberdeen is worth considering for your Scotland itinerary. Our Room: Comfort, Style, and Amenities We were a large party staying at the Marcliffe Hotel. Each of us were staying in different wings of the hotel and each and every room was completely different. From what I saw, not one room was alike. I stayed in the hotel wing where the rooms were named after famous castles in Scotland. I stayed in the Braemar room, which is named after Braemar Castle. The Braemar Room was comfortable with a large bed, couch, small table and chairs, and large television. I found the bed and bedding to be very comfortable. The bathroom was spacious and had an older antique feel to it, with a toilet, sink, and bathtub. The only negative aspect of the bathroom was the water pressure in the shower, it was low and the water took a minute to warm up. The Braemar Room at The Marcliffe did come with snacks, coffee, and tea. There was also a safe in the room and iron, which I did not use. Dining at the Marcliffe Breakfast was part of my daily routing during my three-night stay at The Marcliffe Hotel in Aberdeen. I loved waking up every morning and enjoying a wonderful spread and fantastic coffee. Breakfast at the Marcliffe included a continental buffet with fruits, meats & cheeses, pastries, yogurt, and a variety of smoothies and juice. There was also a regular breakfast menu that included a Full Scottish breakfast, vegetarian option, and other common Scottish breakfasts like Smoked Haddock, Grilled Kippers, Eggs Benedict, and Smoked Salmon. My first morning at the Marcliffe, I went with the Full Scottish Breakfast, which included sausage, bacon, haggis, black pudding, mushrooms, tomato, beans, a potato scone, and egg. A Scottish breakfast is filling and in my opinion, a great way to start the day. Even the haggis and black pudding was great. The Marcliffe had a very nice restaurant where I met family for lunch for afternoon tea, coffee, and dessert. The coffee and tea is of high quality and well made, as were the desserts. We tried cake and an apple crumble. One of my favorite places at the Marcliffe Hotel was the bar at the Drawing Room. We were here every night for hours. I got to sample local whisky, the bartenders were extremely knowledgeable about the whiskey and provided their recommendations, all were exceptional. We also had dinner and light snacks here at the bar. Included food items like haggis balls, french fries, soups, and various other small dishes to try. Hotel Facilities and Amenities One worth that describes the Marcliffe Hotel is “Comfortable.” I felt so comfortable here whether it was sitting near the fire place in the lobby or walking the grounds enjoying the exterior of the hotel. There were so many places to sit and relax at the hotel both during the day and night. I spent the mornings after breakfast, walking the grounds. They have some seating areas outside and nice gardens. Parking wise, there was plenty of parking at the Marcliffe Hotel. I Drove around a giant Renault Trafic Extra in Scotland, and there was plenty of room for this giant van at the parking lot. I did not use this service, but the Marcliffe does have a spa. At the spa, you can enjoy massages and Facials. For more information on the Spa making a reservation, you can book through the Marcliffe official website. Staff & Customer Service The staff at the Marcliffe Hotel made my stay memorable, especially the staff at the check-in counter and the bar area at the Drawing Room. The staff at the lobby were always super friendly, helpful, and informative. They answered every question we had in a professional manner. The bartenders at the Drawing Room were a blast to hang out with. The female bartender there really knew her drinks and shared so much information about Scottish whisky with me and the family. Location: Is the Marcliffe a Good Base for Exploring Aberdeen? The Marcliffe Hotel is located on N Deeside Road in the Pitfodels area, of Aberdeen. Unlike a hotel in Aberdeen’s city centre, the Marcliffe offers a quieter country setting while still be close to Aberdeen’s main attractions. The Marcliffe Hotel is about 10-15 minutes by car from downtown Aberdeen and around 20-30 minutes from the airport. If you are planning to explore Aberdeen’s historic streets, museums, shopping areas, and restaurants, it’s all a short drive away. There is also a convenient bus station down the road from the Marcliffe Hotel, less then a 10-minute walk. I used the bus several times to go downtown. Overall, I think for a luxury hotel outside the city centre, the Marcliffe Hotel is a great choice when staying in Aberdeen. Plan ahead, if you will have your own car, rely on taxis, or the bus, as this can influence how you can get around. Pros and Cons of Staying at the Marcliffe Comfortable Rooms The rooms at the Marcliffe hotel were comfortable. The bed was huge, there were enough pillows, and the bedding was cozy. Overall, the rooms were fabulous. Multiple Dining Options The Marcliffe Hotel had various restaurants and lounge areas to order food. They serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Luxury Experience I rarely stay at 5-star hotels and the Marcliffe hotel lived up to it. The hotel had a lot of charm, character, and really felt like an upscale accomodation. The Staff Outside of the room and food, the staff really made my stay at the Marcliffe memorable. The staff was so pleasant the entire time from check-in to check-out and everything in between. Convenience/Location The Marcliffe is farther from the city centre. Although there are ways to get to central Aberdeen, it can take time and you have o rely on public transportation if you do not have your own means of transport. Higher Prices You get what you pay for. Sure, you can stay at a cheap hotel in the city centre, but if you are looking for a nice hotel in Aberdeen and a one of a kind experience, I highly recommend the Marcliffe. FAQs About the Marcliffe Does the Marcliffe Hotel serve breakfast? Yes, breakfast is available at the Marcliffe. The hotel has a continental breakfast as well as a set menu with traditional options like a Full Scottish Breakfast. Is the Marcliffe Hotel in Aberdeen worth staying at? The Marcliffe Hotel is worth considering if you are looking for a luxurious stay in Aberdeen with comfortable rooms and an elegant atmosphere. Is parking available at the Marcliffe Hotel? Yes, there is plenty of parking at the Marcliffe Hotel. It’s free on-site parking. How many nights should you stay at the Marcliffe Hotel? The ideal length depends on your Scotland itinerary. I stayed here for three-nights which really gave me enough time to enjoy the hotel and explore Aberdeen. Given the price, I think even a one-night stay is worth it just to enjoy the comfort of the room and start your day off with a superb breakfast. Is the Marcliffe Hotel Worth Staying at? After spending three-nights at the Marcliffe Hotel in Aberdeen, I would recommend considering it if you are looking for a 5-star luxury hotel. I loved the rooms, amenities, dining options, and friendly staff. If you are planning a trip to Scotland and staying in Aberdeen, I do recommend staying at the Marcliffe Hotel. Although farther from town, it’s still a great option as a base to explore Aberdeen. Ultimately, if you are looking or a luxury experience or just want to stay somewhere nice, I’d put the Marcliffe on your shortlist and compare room rates with your travel budget before booking. Staying at the Marcliffe was one of my favorite experiences during my two-week trip to Scotland. Safe Travels! Enjoying my Photos and Want to See More? See and Get Exclusive Images at my Picfair Store, Here. Thanks for the Support! View Store Plan Your Trip: 🗺️ ✈️ 🏴 Everything You Need for Your Scotland Trip From where you sleep to what you do — these are the platforms I use and trust when planning every trip. Tours & Tickets Book your Scotland tour Through Get Your Guide, you can browse the many tours day trips to food tours. Get Your Guide Hotels in Aberdeen Find Your Stay on Booking.com Best rates in Aberdeen – stay close to the city centre or splurge elsewhere in the city. BOOKING Alternative Stays Search on Agoda Great for comparing boutique hotels, B&Bs, and apartments. Often uncovers deals Booking.com misses. AGODA Activities & Day Trips Book Day Trips and Tours Check out the tours offered on Viator for some of the best day trips and guided tours. VIATOR MORE Aberdeen TOURS Browse on Klook Find tours to nearby castles and other attractions on Klook. Klook Travel eSIM Travel esims to stay connected Airalo is an easy to use eSIM that has great coverage in Scotland. Airalo
Bled Castle, Slovenia: Visiting, History and Best Views of Lake Bled
When you think of Slovenia, you most likely picture Lake Bled and Bled Castle. Bled Castle is perched high on a cliff overlooking Lake Bled, it’s one of those spots that looks almost too perfect to be real. After visiting myself, I can confirm, it’s magical! During my trip through Slovenia, I made my way up to Bled Castle to get incredible views of Lake Bled, but I wasn’t prepared for stunning the view really was. From Bled Castle, you get sweeping panoramas of Lake Bled with the iconic island church and surrounding Julian Alps (on a clear day). But like many popular attractions in Slovenia, it raises the question, is Bled Castle worth visiting or is it just a good viewpoint of Lake Bled? In this guide, I’ll go over everything from booking tickets to what else Bled Castle offers. Affiliate Disclosure This post contains affiliate links. If you click on one of the links or widgets throughout the page, I might receive commission at no extra cost to you. For more information, please visit my affiliate link page. Thanks for the support! Where is Bled Castle? Bled Castle is located in northwestern Slovenia. The castle itself sits on top of a steep cliff 130 meters (430 ft) above Lake Bled. The castle is just above the small town of Bled, one of Slovenia’s most popular travel destinations. If traveling from Ljubljana, Bled Castle is only about a 45-minute drive away. It’s an easy day trip from Slovenia’s capital city. Distance from Major Destinations Distance from Ljubljana: 56 km (34.7 miles), 45 minute driveDistance from Predjama Castle: 114 km (70.8 miles), 1 hour 20 minute drive How to Get to Bled Castle Getting to Bled Castle is pretty straightforward and easy. The final stretch can get pretty steep though since Bled Castle is located on a cliffside. But don’t worry, there is a road leading up with parking. Walking If you are staying in the town of Bled, walking to Bled Castle is definitely an option. There are a few marked trails that lead up to the castle. The trails to the castle are quite short and only take about 10-20 minutes depending on your pace. 👉 Tip: If you plan to walk to Bled Castle, bring appropriate footwear, clothing, and water. Trust me, the views of Lake Bled are worth it. Driving ad Parking Since I was driving through Slovenia, I had a car at the time. There is a road that leads to a large parking area right at the base of Bled Castle. The parking lot is paid parking. Keep in mind, during peak season, the parking lot fills quickly. But there are parking alternatives that are unfortunately not as convenient as the parking at the castle. Day Tours Day tours are one of the best ways to see Bled Castle and Lake Bled, especially if you are staying in Ljubljana or just don’t want to drive/have a vehicle. Here are some recommended day tours to Bled Castle from Ljubljana that I recommend. ✅ Lake Bled, Postojna Cave, and Predjama Castle Day Tour✅ From Ljubljana: Lake Bled, Postojna Cave, and Predjama Castle✅Day Tour to Lake Bled from Ljubljana 👉 Tip: I do recommend visiting Predjama Castle and Postojna Cave. All three attractions can be done in a day. Visiting Bled Castle Most visitors that come to Bled, Slovenia come for Lake Bled, Bled Castle is a bonus and honestly well worth a visit. In reality, the castle itself is not that big, you can spend an hour here and call it good. Below you can find the current admission, hours, and things to do at Bled Castle. For the most up to date information, visit the official Bled Castle website. Admission and Hours Admission Adults: €19EUR Students: €11.50Children: €7 Parking at Bled Castle: €3 Hours April – October: 8:00 – 20:00November – March: 8:00 – 18:00 *Last entry is 30 minutes before closing. Enjoying my Photos and Want to See More? See and Get Exclusive Images at my Picfair Store, Here. Thanks for the Support! View Store Highlights and Must-See In my opinion, the main highlight at Bled Castle are the panoramic views of Lake Bled. It’s simply amazing. But that is not the only thing to do at Bled Castle. You can spend an hour here wandering the courtyard, visiting the museum, and browsing the couple of souvenir shops located directly within the castle walls. One thing I do wish Bled Castle had was more information on the castle itself. There wasn’t that much written about the history at the castle itself and the museum held artifacts that were unrelated to the castle. The experience is less about spending time in the museum and more about soaking in the atmosphere and enjoying the views. The Courtyards When entering Bled Castle, you’ll notice there are a few open courtyards which kind of give the castle an authentic medieval feel. The courtyards are great places for photos, both of the castle and Lake Bled. I visited in winter time and practically had the castle to myself, the courtyards were empty. Visit the Museum The castle museum provides more of a look into the history of the region and not necessarily about the castle itself. There were displays on early settlements to medieval life and some of the wildlife in the region. The museum had some interesting artifacts and displays, I didn’t spend to much time here. It is small but worth a quick look at, although I wish it had more about the castle. Souvenir Shops There are actually a few really cool Souvenir Shops at Bled Castle. Near the entrance, you can find the Castle Printing Works. Here you can grab a commemorative certificate as a souvenir and even assist with the printing using the replica of an old Gutenberg printing press. The Views Over Lake Bled If there’s one reason to visit Bled Castle, this is it. The views from the castle of Lake Bled and the surrounding area are incredible. I could have sat there for hours staring at the lake. I visited Bled Castle during the winter months and the day I was here, it was foggy, to the point I couldn’t see beyond the lake. But the eerie feeling of the fog made the experience that much better. Since Bled Castle is perched high above Lake Bled, the castle offers a beautiful panoramic perspective that you can’t get on ground level. On a clear day, you can see the emerald green water surrounded by forested hills and the Julian Alps. One thing I loved about Bled Castle, was that there were multiple vantage points and viewing terraces around the castle. As a photographer, it allowed me to get photos at different angles. At the end of the day, the interiors of Bled Castle are interesting but it’s the views that make the castle ticket worth the entrance price. The views make the walk up the hill worth it. Is Bled Castle Worth Visiting? If you are like me and deciding if a trip up to Bled Castle is worth the effort, the answer is yes. In my opinion, the views from Bled Castle overlooking Lake Bled are worth the entrance price alone. Bled Castle is easy to visit and shouldn’t be missed, especially if you are already in the area. The castle itself is small and honestly not as interesting as say Predjama Castle in Slovenia but the views make up for it. Remember, you don’t need but an hour to see the castle. In my opinion, I feel the entrance price is pretty steep for what you get at Bled Castle. But again, it’s all about the views. Conclusion Visiting Bled Castle was easily one of the highlights of my time in Slovenia. While the castle itself was not the most expansive or exciting, its setting more then made up for it. Whether you decide to walk up one of the trails or park nearby Bled Castle, soaking in the scenery of Lake Bled below is worth the trip. If you are planning a trip to Bled or anywhere else in Slovenia, I do recommend adding Bled Castle to your itinerary. Have you been to Bled, Slovenia or have any recommendations? Please share them below for others and myself to check out next time while in Slovenia. Safe Travels!! Enjoying my Photos and Want to See More? See and Get Exclusive Images at my Picfair Store, Here. Thanks for the Support! View Store Plan Your Trip: 🗺 ✈️ 🇸🇮 Booking Accommodations ⛺️ 🛖 For booking recommendations on the best deals and locations, check out Agoda or Booking.com Activities and Tours 🏖 🚁 Find fun activities and things to do through Tripadvisor. If you are looking for tours and day trips, Viator and Get Your Guide have a lot of great options. In need of a car rental? 🚗 🚘 I recommend checking with Rental Cars.
Is Postojna Cave Worth It? Everything You Need to Know
Visiting Postojna Cave was the main reason I visited Slovenia. A visit to Postojna Cave felt less like a typical sightseeing stop and more like stepping into another world. Postojna Cave is huge! imagine boarding a small underground train, taking it for fifteen minutes and beginning an hour walk in the cave. We passed limestone tunnels, towering columns, and giant chambers. If you are planning a trip to Slovenia and wondering whether Postojna Cave s worth adding to your itinerary, the short answer is yes, absolutely! In this guide to Postojna Cave, I’ll break down everything you need to know for a first-time visitor from booking tickets to what to expect. Whether your are visiting from Ljubljana or road-tripping through Slovenia, you can’t miss Postojna Cave. Affiliate Disclosure This post contains affiliate links. If you click on one of the links or widgets throughout the page, I might receive commission at no extra cost to you. For more information, please visit my affiliate link page. Thanks for the support! Where is Postojna Cave Postojna Cave is located in southwestern Slovenia near the small town which shares the same name, Postojna. Postojna Cave is in the heart of Slovenia’s Karst region, an area known for its limestone landscapes and extensive cave systems Postojna Cave is in a convenient location, so it’s easy to reach from places like Ljubljana and Lake Bled. It’s only about a 10 minute drive from Predjama Castle, which is also a must visit attraction in the area. Distance from Major Destinations Distance from Predjama Castle: 10 km (6.2 miles), 15 minute driveDistance from Lake Bled: 104 km (64.6 miles), 1 Hour 15 minute driveDistance from Ljubljana: 50 km (31 miles), 45 minute drive Postojna Cave Tickets & Tours Postojna Cave is open daily, even during holidays, and inclement weather. It is best to visit the official Park Postojnska Jama website for the latest tour times and ticket information. You can find the latest tour times and tickets here. You can book tickets through the official website. You can book a ticket just for Postojna Cave or a combined ticket that includes Predjama Castle, which I recommend doing and I’ll have more on Predjama Castle later in the post. If you would rather book a guided tour that includes transfer from Ljubljana I’d recommend booking a day tour from Ljubljana through Get Your Guide or Viator. Below are tours that I recommend: ✅ Ljubljana: Postojna Cave & Predjama Castle Tickets and Tour ✅ Ljubljana: Postojna Cave and Predjama Castle Tour ✅ Postojna Cave & Predjama Castle: Small Group Tour from Trieste ✅ Slovenia in One Day: Lake Bled Postojna Cave, and Predjama Castle Cave Terminology to Understand I figured since this post is on caves, I’d provide some useful and recognizable terms along with what it is to help you better understand caves and what you are looking at. Stalactite – An icicle like structure made of calcium salts deposited by dripping water in a cave that hangs from the ceiling. (“c” for ceiling or “tite” as in holds tight to the ceiling.) Stalagmite – The opposite of a stalactite. These form from the ground up. (“g” for ground or Might reach the ceiling) Column (Pillar) – When a stalactite and stalagmite meet and form as one. Chamber – A large open space inside a cave. Karst – A landscape formed from dissolving limestone. Karst landscapes are known for caves and sinkholes. What to Expect at Postojna Cave I found that everything from booking our tour to the actual visit of Postojna Cave was well organized. The experience included a somewhat thrilling underground train ride and walk through the giant cave systems. The train ride alone was about 10-15 minutes and we spent about an hour in the cave walking about 1.5 kilometers. Between the train ride and walking around Postojna Cave, here is exactly what you can expect. The Underground Train Ride One of the most iconic parts of visiting Postojna Cave in Slovenia is the train ride that takes visitors deep into the cave. Just to get a sense of how big Postojna Cave is, you take a 3.5 km train ride to the beginning of the 1.5 km walking trail. You basically see 5 km of the cave. Upon entering the cave, we sat on the open-air train, watch your head! Seriously, there are spot where you come close to the cave ceiling or walls. The train ride lasts about 10-15 minutes. The journey is 3.5 km. The train ride is exciting, it goes through narrow tunnels and giant openings, you’ll get your first glimpse of the cave’s scale. It almost feels like an amusement park but it’s entirely natural. Guided Walking Tour In order to visit Postojna Cave, you have to book a guided tour. But the tour was informative and our guide spoke clear English. They pointed out things within the cave we would otherwise miss. We ended up walking about 1.5 km within the cave, it’s kind of a loop. The trail is well maintained. It’s flat, paved, and easy to walk. But keep in mind it can be slippery or uneven in spots. Tour Duration: About 1 hour of walking. You don’t have to be an athlete to walk the cave, but at the same time, some physical demand is necessary. The guide did a great job explaining the caves history, formations, unique features, and shared interesting facts. Temperature & Conditions If you’ve toured the inside of a cave before, you could probably guess many of them have similar climates and features. The cave is cool, damp, and dark. Make sure you dress appropriately for the cave. Wear a light jacket or hoodie. Good and comfortable walking shoes. Photography Taking photos within Postojna Cave is allowed. I don’t think tripods are allowed though. You don’t want to hold up the group, so take your photos and move on. Flash photography might be restricted. Although dim, I got enough light in portions of the cave to get decent shots. Here are some manual camera settings that I use for cave photography. Lighting is important. Try and take photos in decently lighted areas or close to a light source. Use a low ISO, although for this experience, I set mine on Auto ISO because I didn’t want to hold up the group. Many of the photos were grainy, but good enough. Manual focus was key. Because of the dim lighting situation, my camera had a tough time focusing on subjects. A lot of the photos I took, I ended up making brighter using Lightroom. Postojna Cave Highlights With a 3.5 km train ride and 1.5 km walk, there were several highlights in Postojna Cave that I feel are not to be missed! Most of the major sites, the tour guide will point out. The whole time I was in the cave, I was amazed by the sheer scale of the cave. From the massive underground halls to the delicate formations, these highlights are what make Postojna Cave one of the most impressive caves I’ve visited. Brilliant: The Symbol of Postojna Cave Located toward the end of the cave tour is “Brilliant,” a giant white stalagmite. This famous formation is the symbol of Postojna Cave. Don’t forget to get your photo in front of the “Brilliant” formation. Concert Hall Concert Hall is a massive underground chamber. It’s called Concert Hall because its incredible acoustics. Symphonies, orchestras, and private events have been held here. Surprisingly the Concert Hall is big enough to support 10,000 people. Big Mountain Hall Big Mountain Hall was one of my favorite sections of Postojna Cave. It’s an open space with towering ceilings that is filled with massive columns and stunning formations. You can look down or up at the path to see the full scope of its mass. Spaghetti Hall Spaghetti Hall is a section of the cave that is famous for its thin and delicate formations hanging from the ceiling. I’ve heard this formation being called cave bacon as well. Olms (Baby Dragons) You can purchase a ticket that includes The Vivarium (Olm Exhibit). It’s an exhibit outside the main cave area and you can learn more about the Olms or Baby Dragons. I did not add the Vivarium to my ticket. Lucky for you though, at the end of the cave tour there is a large display with a few Olms for everyone to enjoy. Based on a sign at the cave, here are a few facts about these cute little Baby Dragons that I just found fascinating. Olms can live up to 100 years. They can survive without eating food for several years, up to 10 years! They are blind and live in complete darkness. They reproduce slowly and mate on average once every 12 years. When visiting their exhibit in the cave, please be very quiet and don’t tap on the glass. Tips for Visiting Postojna Cave A visit to Postojna Cave is pretty straightforward, but here are a few general tips that can help make your experience smoother and more enjoyable. ✅ Book tickets in advancePostojna Cave is one of Slovenia’s most popular attractions and it can be very busy especially during peak season. ✅ Wear a Jacket and Warmer Clothes Even during the summer, the cave temperatures staya round 8-10°C or 46-50°F. ✅ Wear Comfortable ShoesThe paths are well maintained, but the trail can be uneven and even slippery. ✅ Arrive Early for your TourTiming is important, arrive about 15-30 minutes early. If you are to early, there is a nice cafe and gift shop. ✅ Consider a Guided Tour from LjubljanaIf you don’t have a car then booking a day trip is one of the easiest ways to visit. Below are two recommended tours from Ljubljana. Ljubljana: Postojna Cave and Predjama Castle TourLjubljana: Postojna Cave & Predjama Castle Tickets and Tour ✅ Get a Combo Ticket that includes Predjama CastleSince you are already in the area, don’t miss out of Predjama Castle. It’s one of the most unique castle’s I’ve ever visited. Is Postojna Cave Worth it? In my opinion, Postojna Cave is a must-visit attraction in Slovenia and the main reason I visited this underrated country. Postojna Cave is one of the most unique experiences in Slovenia and it’s pretty accessible from other cities and towns around Slovenia. For most travelers, especially first-time visitors to Slovenia, Postojna Cave is 100% worth it! I promise you won’t regret it, so add the cave to your Slovenia itinerary. Conclusion Visiting Postojna Cave is one of those travel experiences and attractions that truly lives up to the hype. From the train ride at the very beginning and end to the walk through the amazing chambers, I absolutely loved my visit here. If you are traveling in Slovenia, it’s well worth adding to your itinerary and I highly recommend combining a visit to the cave with Predjama Castle. Have you visited Postojna Cave? If so, what did you think? Any recommendations to share in the area? Let me know! Safe Travels!! Enjoying my photos and want to see more? Check out my Picfair Store. 📸 Plan Your Trip: 🗺 ✈️ 🇸🇮 Booking Accommodations ⛺️ 🛖 For booking recommendations on the best deals and locations, check out Agoda or Booking.com Activities and Tours 🏖 🚁 Find fun activities and things to do through Tripadvisor. If you are looking for tours and day trips, Viator and Get Your Guide have a lot of great options. In need of a car rental? 🚗 🚘 I recommend checking with Rental Cars.
Visiting Predjama Castle: Guide to Slovenia’s Most Unique Castle
Tucked dramatically into the mouth of a towering cliff, Predjama Castle is one of the most unique castles in Slovenia. Predjama Castle is known as the world’s largest cave castle and still today is well preserved. Visiting Predjama Castle is accessible as it is a short drive from Postojna Cave and not far from places like Ljubljana or Lake Bled. It’s ease of access makes it a perfect destination for half-day trips or as part of a wider Slovenia itinerary. In this guide to Predjama Castle, I’ll share my visit to this unique castle, including how to get here, what to expect, tips, and information to help you make the most out of your trip to visiting Predjama Castle. Affiliate Disclosure This post contains affiliate links. If you click on one of the links or widgets throughout the page, I might receive commission at no extra cost to you. For more information, please visit my affiliate link page. Thanks for the support! Brief History About Predjama Castle Most, if not all the information in this post is from my personal experience visiting Predjama Castle and learning about the castle from information signs here and staff. Predjama Castle (Predjama, translates to “in front of cave”) is a castle located in a cave halfway up a 127 meter tall cliff, as you could imagine it’s a pretty strategic and secure location for the construction of a castle. Predjama Castle was not built for luxury. It’s location meant it was damp and cold most the time but worth it in terms of security. Predjama Castle, dates back to the 12th century perhaps even older. The current appearance of the castle dates back to 1583 when Count Ivan Kobenzl constructed the main portion of the castle and tower. Later the castle was owned by the Windischgratz Family and it was primarily used as a hunting lodge. In the cave behind the castle, there is archaeological evidence that dates back to the Neolithic period and the Roman era. Where is Predjama Castle Predjama Castle is located in southwestern Slovenia in the small village of Predjama. It’s located in the country’s karst region, an area known for its caves and limestone formations. Predjama Castle is just 10 km from the famous Postojna Cave, one of Slovenia’s most famous attractions. Predjama is located about 60 km from Slovenia’s capital city, Ljubljana and about 113 km from Lake Bled. Distance from Postojna Cave: 10 km (6.2 miles), 15 minute driveDistance from Lake Bled: 113 km (70.2 miles), 1 hour 20 minute driveDistance from Ljubljana: 62 km (38.5 miles), 50 minute drive Best Combined with Postojna Cave Combining both Predjama Castle and Postojna Cave are perfect for a Slovenia itinerary. READ MORE Admission Fees and Hours Admission Adults: €21Students (16-25): €16.90Children (6-15): €12.50Children (5 and under): €1 Hours January to April: 10:00 – 16:00May to June: 9:00 – 18:00July to August: 9:00 – 19:00September: 9:00 – 18:00October: 10:00 – 17:00November to December: 10:00 -16:00 The admission and hours are from the official Park Postojnska Jama website. For the most up to date entrance fees and hours to Predjama Castle, please visit the offical Park Postojnska Jama website. If you are interested in package tours that include Predjama Castle Postojna Cave and don’t want to navigate it on your own, you can look into tour packages offered through Get Your Guide or Viator. Below are a few recommended tours: ✅ Ljubljana: Postojna Cave and Predjama Castle Tour ✅ Postojna Cave and Predjama Castle: Entrance Tickets Included ✅ From Ljubljana: Lake Bled, Postojna Cave and Predjama Castle ✅ Tour to Postojna Cave and Predjama Castle from Ljubljana What to Expect at Predjama Castle When visiting Predjama Castle, I told myself so many times that it was the most unique castle I’ve ever seen in Europe. Because it is built directly into a cliff and connected to a cave system, the experience feels like you are visiting both a medieval fortress and natural wonder. Here s what you can expect during your visit to Predjama Castle. Castle Exterior The exterior of Predjama Castle is definitely the highlight, just because it is so unique. The cliffside setting, natural surroundings, and storybook appearance make it one of the most distinctive castles in all of Europe. Predjama Castle is perched halfway up a 127 meter high limestone cliff. Because of the color and design it blends into the rock. The surrounding area is full of lush greenery, rolling hills, and forested landscapes, making the castle look like something straight out of a fairytale. Some of the best photo spots of Predjama Castle include the main entrance area, the observation deck, lower viewpoints, and nearby walking trails. Castle Interior Once you pay the entrance fee, visitors are free to walk the interior of Predjama Castle. The interior consists of multiple levels with various rooms that serve different purposes. If you are an English speaker, there are great information signs for each room. Here are some of the more notable rooms to explore at Predjama Castle. Attic: This room was used as castle defense. It is located above the main gate. You can see the loopholes and murder holes. This is where soldiers threw boulders and boiling water or oil at approaching enemies. Courtroom: According to the castle, the courtroom had visuals of the torture chamber and the lord of the castle held judicial powers. Jail and Torture Chamber: Tortures and punishments were held directly within the castle. You can see the torture chamber below and imagine the pain and suffering people went through during those times. Castle Chapel: The Castle Chapel of St. Anna is a chapel within Predjama Castle with a gothic pointed ceiling. Mass was attended by the lord’s family. There was a living space for the priest and servants. Medieval Armory: The armory is where the guards stayed. Today, you can see replicas on display of the weapons used at the time. Best Combined with Postojna Cave Combining both Predjama Castle and Postojna Cave are perfect for a Slovenia itinerary. READ MORE The Cave System What makes Predjama Castle so unique is the cave system that is hidden behind the castle. It’s a natural cave and was used as a secret scape and supply line during sieges. From the interior of the castle, you can walk outside and cross a small bridge to access the cave. From here, there are a few steps to climb to reach the top. Honestly, there is not a ton to see within the cave, but looking outward through the cracks, you get incredible views of Predjama Castle and the outside. The Legend of Erasmus (Erazem) No visit to Predjama Castle is complete without hearing about the story of Erasmus of Predjama or Erazem of Predjama in Slovenian. Erasmus of Predjama is the castle’s most famous resident. He was a rebellious knight from the 15th century. He survived a long siege by using the cave system. You’ll hear stories about him being a Robin Hood of Predjama Castle, but he basically just hid in the cave system, received food and supplies through secret cave entrances and was betrayed by his own men when they killed him. FAQS About Visiting Predjama Castle Is Predjama Castle worth visiting? If you are visiting southwestern Slovenia, then Predjama Castle is a must visit. In my opinion, if you are spending anytime in Slovenia, it’s worth visiting. It’s the most unique castle I’ve ever visited. How Long do you need to visit Predjama Castle? The interior of the castle does not take to long to visit. Although large, there is not a ton to see in each room. You can technically see everything within an hour. But I’d recommend setting aside 2 hours for photos and reading. Can you visit Predjama Castle without a tour? Yes, we did. We booked tickets for Predjama Castle in advance. But we arrived there on our own and toured the castle on our own. Is it suitable for kids? Yes, Predjama Castle is suitable for kids. There is walking involved, sometimes on steep and uneven surfaces, so be mindful of that. I would say strollers are not suitable, as there are stairs and narrow passageways. Conclusion Visiting Predjama Castle in Slovenia was one of the highlights of my trip to Slovenia. Not only was in the most unique castle in Slovenia I saw but possible in all of Europe. The dramatic cliffside setting, hidden cave systems, and overall landscape of the area made this a one-of-a-kind castle. Its convenient location near Postojna Cave and easy access from Ljubljana make it an ideal addition to any Slovenia itinerary. I do recommend combining your visit with Postojna Cave as they are both in the same area. If you are visiting Slovenia, don’t miss the chance to see Predjama Castle. Have you been? Any other recommendations in the area? Let me and others know in the comments. Safe Travels! Enjoying my photos and want to see more? Check out my Picfair Store. 📸 Plan Your Trip: 🗺 ✈️ 🇸🇮 Booking Accommodations ⛺️ 🛖 For booking recommendations on the best deals and locations, check out Agoda or Booking.com Activities and Tours 🏖 🚁 Find fun activities and things to do through Tripadvisor. If you are looking for tours and day trips, Viator and Get Your Guide have a lot of great options. In need of a car rental? 🚗 🚘 I recommend checking with Rental Cars.
Visiting Rome: My Suggested 2-4 Day Rome Itinerary
Rome is a massive city with endless opportunities for exploration. With its ancient ruins and centuries of history around every corner, planning the perfect Rome itinerary can feel overwhelming, especially if you only have a few days to explore. During my visit to Rome, I spent several days wandering the historic streets, visiting known landmarks, and seeing as much of the city as I could. With so much to do and see in Rome, having a well planned itinerary makes all the difference. In this guide, I’ll share my suggested 2-4 day Rome itinerary based on my trip. Whether you are spending a long weekend in Rome or visiting for multiple days, this itinerary covers must-see attractions, hidden gems, food experiences, and tours. Affiliate Disclosure This post contains affiliate links. If you click on one of the links or widgets throughout the page, I might receive commission at no extra cost to you. For more information, please visit my affiliate link page. Thanks for the support! Quick Rome Itinerary (2-4 Days) Day 1: Ancient Rome Explore the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill The Colosseum and Underground Day 2: Vatican City Tour the Vatican Museums See the Sistine Chapel Visit St. Peter’s Basilica Day 3: Famous Landmarks Capuchin Friar Crypt Spanish Steps Piazza del Popolo Trevi Fountain The Pantheon Largo di Torre Argentina Day 4: Day Trip from Rome Hadrian’s Villa & Villa d’Este Tuscany Day Tour Tips for Planning Your Rome Itinerary ✅ Book Major Attractions Well in AdvanceRome is one of the most popular tourist destinations and its famous landmarks do sell out quickly, especially during peak travel seasons. If you plan to visit places like the Vatican or Colosseum, it’s best to book skip-the-line tickets in advance. Check available tours on Viator, Get Your Guide, or Klook. ✅ Start Sightseeing EarlyRome’s top attractions become extremely crowded as the day goes on. Arriving early at places like the Trevi Fountain or Colosseum allows you to enjoy the attractions before the crowds arrive. Plus, earlier in the day or in the evening are great times of day to take photos. ✅ Plan Your Attractions by AreaRome is huge and spread out. Many attractions are located in different parts of the city yet other attractions are grouped in specific areas. For instance, the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill can easily be seen in one day. The Vatican is in a different area and can be toured along with sites like Castel Sant’Angelo. ✅ Take a Day TourIf you are visiting Rome more for multiple days, don’t be afraid to get out and see more of Italy. I took a tour to see Hadrian’s Villa and learned even more about Roman history. ✅Wear Comfortable Shoes and ClothesExploring Rome means a lot of walking. Not just walking but the surface can consist of cobblestone streets and uneven surfaces. Some of the attractions like the Vatican involve a lot of walking around as well. Make sure to wear clothing that is suitable for the weather as well and is comfortable. ✅Keep Dress Codes in Mind for Religious AttractionsYour Rome Itinerary probably includes a day tour to the Vatican or possibly venturing into other churches. Always keep in mind that religious sites do require shoulders and knees to be covered. ✅ Allow Enough TimeIn all honesty, you won’t see all of Rome in one trip. Don’t underestimate how much there is to see and do in Rome. Major attractions can take several hours to explore and Rome is a massive city. Take your time and plan wisely without exhausting yourself. ✅ Beware of PickpocketsIt’s a thing! I saw several warning signs at businesses and popular attractions to be aware of petty crime including pickpockets. I had no issues and never felt in danger. But like anywhere else in the world, be mindful of your belongings and use common sense. Where to Stay in Rome Choosing the right area or neighborhood in Rome can make a big difference when planning your Rome itinerary. The best places to stay in Rome might depend on your travel style, budget, and what you want to see and do in Rome. For my personal Rome itinerary, I stayed in two separate locations based on what I wanted to in Rome and access to tours that I booked. I opted to stay near the Spanish steps because it was within walking distance to the Vatican City and Piazza del Popolo, where my Tuscany Day Tour started. The second location I stayed at was within walking distance to Ancient Rome, where the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill are located. Below are the hotels that I booked with in Rome and can recommend based on location, customer service, cleanliness, and breakfast. Hotel GregorianaVia Gregoriana, 18, 00187 Roma RM, Italy Aenea Superior InnVia Urbana, 156, 00184 Roma RM, Italy Feel free to scan the map below for your desired area and hotel. 2-4 Day Rome Itinerary We spent about 4 full days in Rome and had a jam-packed schedule each and every day. Rome is one of those cities where it’s impossible to see everything in a short period of time. There are must-see attractions and historical landmarks in Rome that are a must, especially for first time visitors. That is exactly what I was, a first-time visitor to Rome. Below you can find my Rome itinerary. I cover everything from what we did that day to places we ate and Rome tours we booked. Feel free to follow my Rome itinerary or mix and match based on your interests and time. Day 1 – Ancient Rome If you only have one day in Rome, I highly recommend spending the majority of the day in Ancient Rome. Here you can find the Roman Forum, Palatine Hill, and the Colosseum. Roman Forum and Palatine Hill When visiting Ancient Rome, I highly recommend booking a guided tour. A guided tour of Ancient Rome will usually include a package of the Roman Forum, Palatine Hill, and the Colosseum. If going this route, I highly recommend booking this Roman Forum and Colosseum Underground Tour. The guided tour started at the Roman Forum. The Roman Forum used to be the center of the political, social, and economic life of ancient Rome. We walked around the remnants of temples, government buildings, and famous arches. We then made our way up to Palatine Hill which was home to emperors and Roman elites, you get great views of Rome from Palatine Hill. Roman Colosseum One of the most famous landmarks in the world, the Roman Colosseum is as impressive in person as you could imagine. This massive amphitheater once hosted gladiator matches, public spectacles, and other events attended by thousands! Again, I highly recommend booking a skip-the-line tour of the Colosseum with underground access. I booked this Roman Forum and Colosseum Underground Tour. Seeing the Colosseum is amazing but the getting a chance to visit the underground portion really made visiting the Colosseum worth it. The Colosseum underground consisted of passageways, holding areas, and a lot of cool archaeological finds from artifacts left behind from the audience to unique animal bones. If you are short on time and only have a day in Rome, make the Colosseum priority, it truly is an amazing landmark that everyone should see at least once in their lifetime. 👉 To learn more about the Roman Colosseum and how I got tickets to the Colosseum Underground, feel free to read my post: Is the Colosseum Underground Tour Worth It. Day 2 – Vatican City I booked a Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and Basilica Tour months in advance prior to my trip to Rome. Reading online, I knew that the Vatican was one of the most popular attractions, therefore busy and tickets sell out quick. The Vatican is huge and deserves almost a full day to explore. If you want to get the most out of your day at the Vatican, I recommend booking a tour that covers the Museums, Sistine Chapel, and Basilica, most include skip the line options. Trapizzino Our guided tour of the Vatican started shortly before noon, so we were looking for somewhere to grab an early lunch. Nearby, I found a restaurant called Be.Re. + Trapizzino. This restaurant had great Italian craft beers on tap and a variety of Trapizzinos. Trapizzinos might be my favorite food, at least snack food in Italy. They are little triangular pockets of dough filled with classic Italian food like chicken cacciatore or meatballs. Do yourself a favor and stop at Be.Re. + Trapizzino for lunch or dinner when visiting the Vatican City. Be.Re. + TrapizzinoPiazza del Risorgimento, 7/A, 00192 Roma RM, Italy Vatican Museums The Vatican City is one of the most important religious sites in the world and no Rome itinerary is complete without a visit to the Vatican. I recommend booking tickets in advance and plan for crowds of people. Our Vatican City tour was a guided tour that included skip the line access to the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and Basilica. The Vatican Museums is home to one of the most impressive art collections. You can find beautiful artwork, sculptures, and artifacts here. Thankfully, our guide was able to explain everything to us. Sistine Chapel The Sistine Chapel was amazing to see in person. Seeing the famous ceiling painted by Michelangelo especially seeing the famous The Creation of Adam was a once in a lifetime experience for me. Remember, photos are not allowed in the Sistine Chapel. I watched so many people try to be sneaky and take a photo and were quickly yelled at. Don’t be that tourist! St. Peter’s Basilica St. Peter’s Basilica was the final attraction on my Vatican City tour. St. Peter’s Basilica is one if not the largest and most important churches in the world. Visitors can freely enter and walk around St. Peter’s Basilica. I was amazed by the stunning dome design and architecture. 👉 Planning your trip to the Vatican City? Feel free to read my post on visiting the Vatican City: best Tours, Tickets, and Tips. Day 3 – Rome’s Iconic Landmarks Outside of visiting the famous Colosseum and Vatican City, what else is there to do? No Rome itinerary is complete without visiting the following landmarks and attractions. You really do need an extra day to see these iconic landmarks. Or you can mix in one or two of these attractions with a day trip to Ancient Rome or the Vatican City. For instance, you can stop by Castel Sant’Angelo while on the way to the Vatican. Regardless, I think day 3 in Rome is best to just take your time and see as much of the other sites as possible. We walked from our hotel to the Spanish Steps to Trevi Fountain and everywhere in between. Santa Maria Della Concezione dei Cappuccini On day 3 of our Rome itinerary, we started the day off with a somewhat dark attraction, the Santa Maria Della Concezione dei Cappuccini. I’m drawn to dark tourism sites and learned about the catacombs with the remains of 4,000 Capuchin Friars. The Santa Maria Della Concezione dei Cappuccini has an interesting museum on the Capuchin Friars and allows visitors to see the crypt. Spanish Steps My hotel was near the Spanish Steps, so I ended up walking up and down this famous staircase at least a dozen times. For visitors, I highly recommend visiting the Spanish Steps early in the day before the crowds come. The best time to visit the Spanish Steps at least for us was early morning before one of our tours, it was still somewhat dark out but there were only a couple people at the bottom of the stairs. The Spanish Steps is simply a beautiful staircase that connects Piazza di Spagna with the Trinita dei Monti Church. You get incredible views of Rome with St. Peter’s Basilica off in the distance. 👉 For an in depth look into more of Rome’s top attractions,
The Best Things to do in Rome: Plan Your Eternal City Itinerary
Few cities in the world compare to the history, culture, and sights of Rome. From ancient ruins and Renaissance masterpieces to the lively piazzas and incredible food, the Eternal City is a must visit and deserves plenty of time to explore. While on my trip to Rome, I realized that while there are countless things to do, there are a few iconic attractions and landmarks that truly stand out. In this guide, I am sharing the must-see attractions and top things to do in Rome, including world-famous sites like the Colosseum but I’ll also cover food, tips, and so much more to help plan your Rome itinerary. ** This post contains affiliate links. If you click on one of the links or widgets throughout the page, whether it be Viator, Booking.com, Agoda, or any other affiliate, I might receive commission at no extra cost to you. For more information, you can visit my affiliate link page here. Thanks for the support! Quick Rome Travel Tips ✅ Book Major Attractions Well in AdvanceRome is one of the most popular tourist destinations and its famous landmarks do sell out quickly, especially during peak travel seasons. If you plan to visit places like the Vatican or Colosseum, it’s best to book skip-the-line tickets in advance. Check available tours on Viator, Get Your Guide, or Klook. ✅ Start Sightseeing EarlyRome’s top attractions become extremely crowded as the day goes on. Arriving early at places like the Trevi Fountain or Colosseum allows you to enjoy the attractions before the crowds arrive. Plus, earlier in the day or in the evening are great times of day to take photos. ✅ Plan Your Attractions by AreaRome is huge and spread out. Many attractions are located in different parts of the city yet other attractions are grouped in specific areas. For instance, the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill can easily be seen in one day. The Vatican is in a different area and can be toured along with sites like Castel Sant’Angelo. ✅ Take a Day TourIf you are visiting Rome more for multiple days, don’t be afraid to get out and see more of Italy. I took a tour to see Hadrian’s Villa and learned even more about Roman history. ✅Wear Comfortable Shoes and ClothesExploring Rome means a lot of walking. Not just walking but the surface can consist of cobblestone streets and uneven surfaces. Some of the attractions like the Vatican involve a lot of walking around as well. Make sure to wear clothing that is suitable for the weather as well and is comfortable. ✅Keep Dress Codes in Mind for Religious AttractionsYour Rome Itinerary probably includes a day tour to the Vatican or possibly venturing into other churches. Always keep in mind that religious sites do require shoulders and knees to be covered. ✅ Allow Enough TimeIn all honesty, you won’t see all of Rome in one trip. Don’t underestimate how much there is to see and do in Rome. Major attractions can take several hours to explore and Rome is a massive city. Take your time and plan wisely without exhausting yourself. ✅ Beware of PickpocketsIt’s a thing! I saw several warning signs at businesses and popular attractions to be aware of petty crime including pickpockets. I had no issues and never felt in danger. But like anywhere else in the world, be mindful of your belongings and use common sense. Must-See Attractions in Rome I spent about five days in Rome, including a few day trips. It’s safe to say that you can’t see all of Rome in a few days or even weeks. We all know or at least heard of famous landmarks like the Colosseum or the Vatican City in Rome. These are absolute must visit attractions in Rome but there is so much more to the Eternal City. To better help you plan your Rome itinerary, I have a few must-see attractions and things to do in Rome that I personally recommend. Below are in my opinion must-see attractions in Rome. The Colosseum No visit to Rome is complete without visiting the Colosseum. Built in 80AD, the Colosseum is a massive amphitheater that once hosted gladiator battles and public spectacles for tens of thousands of people. If you get a chance, I highly recommend visiting the Colosseum underground. Visiting the underground portion of the Colosseum is a guided experience that gives visitors exclusive access to restricted areas beneath the arena. 👉 If looking for tours of the Colosseum Underground, I highly recommend this Roman and Colosseum Underground Exclusive Tour. Roman Forum & Palatine Hill Located next to the famous Colosseum are the ruins of the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. Here you get a fascinating look into the political and social center of ancient Rome. You can spend an entire day at the Roman Forum, Palatine Hill, and Colosseum. Here you can explore ancient ruins of temples, basilicas, government buildings, all while enjoying panoramic views over the city. To get the most out of a trip to visiting the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, I recommend a guided tour. I booked this Roman Forum and Colosseum Underground Exclusive Tour, it combined the Forum, Palatine Hill, and the underground portion of the Colosseum. Vatican City Visiting the Vatican City is an obvious must when you are in Rome and honestly, I’d prepare for a fully day at the Vatican City. It’s small, but there is so much to see and learn here you really need to take your time. When visiting Vatican City, I highly recommend booking a tour that includes the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica. A lot of Vatican City tours include a skip-the-line option which really saves time where you can maximize your day in Rome. The Vatican Museums are full of galleries, famous sculptures and paintings, and historical artifacts. Visit the Sistine Chapel to see Michelangelo’s legendary ceiling, and St. Peter’s Basilica once of the most important religious sites in the world. 👉 Booking tours to the Vatican City in advanced is recommended. I booked this Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, & St. Peter’s Basilica Tour, and highly recommend it! The Pantheon The Pantheon is one of the best-preserved buildings from Ancient Rome and a highlight of any Rome bucket list itinerary. The Pantheon was originally built as a Roman temple, and the original dome and structure still stand nearly 2,000 years later. The Pantheon is located in Rome’s historic center, it’s an easy stop while exploring the city. I visited The Pantheon at night, although it was closed, the structure was lit up and looking stunning! 👉 If interested in visiting the interior of the Pantheon, I recommend booking this Guided Tour with Entry Ticket and Skip-the-Line access. Trevi Fountain The Trevi Fountain is one of the most beautiful fountains in the world and a must-visit attraction in Rome. Trevi Fountain is truly impressive measuring nearly 50 meters wide and 26 meters high. It was completed by the architect Giuseppe Pannini in 1762. Because of its popularity, this baroque masterpiece can be incredibly crowded. I visited the Trevi Fountain twice, once during the day and once at night, it was shoulder to shoulder traffic both times. It is recommended to visit the Trevi Fountain early in the morning or late at night. Perhaps start your Rome itinerary at the Trevi Fountain to avoid the crowds. Spanish Steps I read an article recently that said to skip the Spanish Steps, because you can’t eat here and it’s crowded but I highly disagree. I stayed near the Spanish Steps and went up and down the steps numerous times. The Spanish Steps connect Piazza di Spagna with the Trinita dei Monti Church and they are absolutely stunning not to mention the views are incredible from the top. Of course, the Spanish Steps can get crowded, but I never felt overwhelmed. I recommend visiting the Spanish Steps first thing in the morning to avoid the crowds. Castel Sant’Angelo I walked from the Spanish Steps to the Vatican City and passed the Castel Sant’Angelo along the way. Castel Sant’Angelo was originally built as a mausoleum or Emperor Hadrian but later became a fortress and papal residence. You can visit Castel Sant’Angelo but I just walked across Ponte Sant’Angelo (bridge build in 134 AD) and enjoyed Castel Sant’Angelo from the outside. Santa Maria Della Concezione dei Cappuccini If you like dark tourism sites and have a little bit of morbid curiosity like me, then I highly recommend visiting the Catacombs at Santa Maria Della Concezione dei Cappuccini. Santa Maria Della Concezione dei Cappuccini is the site of the Museum and Crypt of the Capuchin Friars. The crypt is decorated with the skeletal remains of 4,000 Capuchin Friars. Interestingly enough, the whole crypt is full of bones from the chandeliers hanging from the ceiling to the wall decorations. 👉 Interested in Dark Tourism? I have a whole post on Dark Tourist sites around the World. Piazza del Popolo Piazza del Popolo was my favorite Piazza in Rome. It’s located at the northern entrance to the historic center of Rome. Known for its grand architecture, twin churches, and Egyptian obelisk, Piazza del Popolo is often a gathering spot for day tours from Rome. Largo di Torre Argentina Largo di Torre Argentina is a sunken square that contains the ruins of Ancient Roman temples and is famous because it is the location where Julius Caesar was assassinated in 44BC. Today, visitors can view the ruins from above or walk along the designated paths amongst the ruins. Largo di Torre Argentina is also a cat sanctuary which is the main reason for our visit. We visited in the evening and unfortunately only saw one cat. Maybe you’ll have better luck then we did spotting kitties. Other Things to do in Rome I covered must-visit attractions in Rome. I stated earlier, Rome needs a lot of attention, you simply can’t do it all in one go. I spent about 5 days in Rome and want to share more things to do in Rome outside of the typical attractions and must-visit sites. Below you can find some of my recommended things to do in Rome from eating Gelato to day trips from Rome. Try Gelato In my opinion, no visit to Rome is complete without trying authentic Italian gelato. Gelato is abundant in Rome and you can find great gelaterias throughout the city. No matter what time of day or my mood, I am always down for gelato and I found a few good places in Rome that served great gelato. Here are a few of my recommended Gelaterias to try in Rome. ✅ Gelateria Della PalmaVia della Maddalena, 19-23, 00186 Roma RM, Italy ✅Gelateria MadamePiazza del Viminale, 18, 00184 Roma RM, Italy ✅ FrigidariumV. del Governo Vecchio, 112, 00186 Roma RM, Italy Trapizzino: Beloved Street Food I’d hate to say it, but the most memorable food I had in Rome was a Trapizzino. I mean, not like that is a bad thing because a Trapizzino is absolutely delicious! What is a Trapizzino? It’s known as a street food in Rome but served in specific restaurants so I am not sure how it related to street food but that is beside the point. It’s a Triangular pocket of thick dough filled with classic dishes like chicken cacciatore or meatballs. A Trapizzino is both cheap and delicious so it’s great if you are traveling Rome on a budget. I would usually order three at a time and it would be quite filling. The Chicken Cacciatore was my favorite but you can’t go wrong with any of the flavors. If you are looking to try an amazing Trapizzino and sample delicious local Italian beers, I highly recommend Be.Re. + Trapizzino, near the Vatican City. ✅ Be.Re. + TrapizzinoPiazza del Risorgimento, 7/A, 00192 Roma RM, Italy Roman Dishes For food lovers, trying authentic Roman cuisine is one of the top things to do in Rome. For beginners, try
Is the Colosseum Underground Tour Worth it? My Honest Review
Visiting the Colosseum is one of the top things to do in Rome, if you really want to experience the Colosseum on another level, the Colosseum underground tour brings you on a personal level with the gladiators that fell or stood champion at the arena. On my first time visiting Rome, it was a no brainer that I wanted to visit the Colosseum but I felt the tour wouldn’t be complete without exploring the underground portion beneath the sands of the arena. If you are wondering, “Is the Colosseum Underground Tour even worth it?” My short answer is yes! The underground portion offers access to restricted areas and the groups tend to be smaller. In this post, I’ll share my honest Underground tour review, what to expect, and why I believe it’s absolutely worth booking this tour in advance. Affiliate Disclosure This post contains affiliate links. If you click on one of the links or widgets throughout the page, I might receive commission at no extra cost to you. For more information, please visit my affiliate link page. Thanks for the support! Summary Why Visit the Colosseum Underground: Visiting the underground of the Colosseum lets you walk through the tunnels where gladiators and animals once waited before entering the arena. Booking an Underground Colosseum Tour: Booking a Colosseum Underground tour is a must but trying to do it through the official Archeologico Del Colosseo website is near impossible. I booked this Roman Forum and Colosseum Underground Tour and highly recommend it if wanting to explore beneath the sands of the arena. The tour can be booked through trusted sites like Get Your Guide, here. Edit ⚡ Quick Tour Summary — Everything You Need to Book Best Option Rome: Ancient History and Colosseum Underground Tour Official Price €32 on official site — but nearly impossible to secure. Third-party tours are the reliable alternative, but can be pricey. Book in Advance Tours sell out days, weeks, even months ahead. Do not wait until you arrive in Rome. What’s Included Underground hypogeum + Arena Floor + Roman Forum + Palatine Hill + Skip-the-line entry Important Bring your passport. Names on tickets are verified against ID at entry — this is enforced. 2026 Warning Only book through verified operators. Cancellations have been reported on unvetted sites. Is the Colosseum Underground Tour Worth it? The quick answer? Yes, absolutely! The Colosseum underground tour is a profound experience that gives visitors an entirely different perspective on the area. If the standard Colosseum tour is great, then the underground tour is the add-on that makes it truly unforgettable. Unlike the standard Colosseum ticket, the underground tour allows you t explore the hypogeum- the underground section of the arena where gladiators would have awaited their turn to perform. Visiting Rome’s Colosseum underground was genuinely one of the best investments I made during my trip to Rome, and I would recommend it to anyone planning to visit Rome. My Recommendation -If you’re visiting Rome and the Colosseum is on your list, I’d strongly recommend booking the underground tour instead of just the general admission. Yes, it costs more — but the experience is absolutely worth every Euro. Rome’s Colosseum Rome’s most popular attraction and perhaps one of the world’s most known historical sites, is the mighty Colosseum, also known as the Flavian Amphitheatre. Rome’s Colosseum was completed in 80 AD under Emperor Titus, although construction began earlier under his father, Emperor Vespasian. The Colosseum was built next to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. It was built as a grand symbol to show power and provide entertainment, such as gladiator contests, wild animal hunts, and even public executions. According to information learned while visiting the Colosseum, the original height of the Colosseum was 52 meters and was built out of travertine blocks. The interior of the Colosseum consists of 80 entrances, 76 were for the spectators and 4 were reserved for the Emperor and other ranking authorities. zimminaroundtheworld 🇺🇸🇩🇪 Instagram post 17921232900184907 Instagram post 17894889621541727 One of the reasons I love traveling in 🇯🇵 👋 Hydrangea Flowers in full bloom across Japan Load More Follow on Instagram The arena itself was a wooden platform that was covered in sand. The Colosseum could hold anywhere from 40,000 to 70,000 spectators. Throughout history the usage of the Colosseum changed. In the 6th century it was under the property of the Ecclesiastical Institutions. Portions or rooms of the Colosseum were used as warehouses or purposed for other needs. If you look at the Colosseum today, you’ll notice it’s not perfectly symmetrical anymore and portions of it lie in ruins. This is due to damage done by earthquakes and it’s materials being removed to use elsewhere. My Complete Rome 2-4 Day Itinerary Follow my Rome itinerary so you don’t miss out on main attractions, places to eat, and hidden gems. READ MORE What is the Colosseum Underground Tour? The Colosseum Underground Tour is a guided experience that gives visitors exclusive access to the restricted area beneath the arena floor of the Colosseum. Unlike the standard Colosseum ticket, the underground tour allows you to explore the hypogeum. The hypogeum is the underground network of tunnels, chambers, and passageways where gladiators awaited their brutal battles and wild animals were held before entering the arena. The underground portion is not open to general admission ticket holders, so booking a guided Colosseum underground tour is the only way to see this must visit attraction. The underground tours typically also include access to the arena floor, multiple levels of the Colosseum, and even the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. In my opinion, it’s highly recommended and you get so much more out of your Colosseum visit. The Hypogeum Is Closed to General Admission. Period. There is no workaround. No “sneaking a peek.” No last-minute ticket at the gate. The only way into the underground tunnels is with a pre-booked guided tour — and those spots go fast. Book the Underground Tour ⏰ Spots are strictly limited each day. Popular dates sell out weeks in advance — especially in summer and around holidays. Booking the Underground Tour Booking a Colosseum Underground Tour is actually kind of frustrating if you are trying to book through the Archeologico Del Colosseo website. The Archeologico Del Colosseo is the official website and they offer the perfect Full Experience – Underground and Arena tour for €32. It includes admission to the Colosseum, Underground Levels, Roman Forum, Palatine Hill, and all other Exhibits. The problem is, it’s almost impossible to get tickets through the website. Unless you are refreshing the page when they open for that day at lightning speeds, you’ll miss out. I did everything right, and still couldn’t get a ticket. I searched online hoping that I could at least get a tour booked through Get Your Guide and thankfully, I was able to book this Roman Forum and Colosseum Underground Exclusive Tour. The tour is more expensive then booking through the official website, but it guaranteed me a ticket to the underground portion of the Colosseum. Not only did I have access to the underground, but the tour included a guided tour of the Roman Forum, Palatine Hill, and access to the Colosseum where we could explore on our own once the tour concluded. Check Tour Availability Don’t miss out on the opportunity to visit the Colosseum. Check the availability here. READ MORE Important Update: I’ve seen a lot lately that bookings are being cancelled unless booked directly through the Colosseum website. Regulations are in place and the ticket has to have your exact name and time of entry. If booking a Colosseum Underground tour through a third-party site, make sure they are doing it properly or the tour might get cancelled. This is new as of 2026. Tired of Fighting the Official Site? I Was Too – Here’s the Fix. There is no workaround. No “sneaking a peek.” No last-minute ticket at the gate. The only way into the underground tunnels is with a pre-booked guided tour — and those spots go fast. Check Availability on Get Your Guide ✓ Free cancellation on most options | ✓ Instant confirmation | ✓ Small group sizes guaranteed My Experience: What It’s Like Beneath the Arena After taking the underground Colosseum tour, I am glad I was able to get access to the underground portion of the arena. I feel like general tickets to the Colosseum just are not complete without seeing the underground. For me, I am obsessed with the show Spartacus, so I was able to imagine Gladiators awaiting their turn beneath the arena, and being there in person was surreal. I could almost hear the crowds from the arena! The Colosseum is busy, so right when you enter, you feel like overwhelmed and honestly tired of people. But as soon as our guide led us down into the hypogeum, the atmosphere shifted. The underground was much quieter and felt more intimate. We watched a brief film about the underground which explained the Ludus Magnus and how gladiators would walk from there through a tunnel to the Colosseum. A Ludus is a gladiator training school and Ludus Magnus was the largest in the Republic. While touring the Colosseum’s underground we walked on boardwalks throughout the network of passage ways, tunnels, and entered rooms passing by stone corridors, reconstructed wooden lifts, and holding areas where gladiators waited. Instead of being a spectator in the crowd, I saw the arena through the eyes of a gladiator. The underground provided a lot more information then I would have gathered had I just done the general admission. I learned about artifacts found in the drain systems, that she light on the life of the spectators. Archaeologists found evidence of women weaving during the spectacles or men playing board games with dice. Fans also got board and would carve drawings in their seats. There are even displays of actual graffiti carved into the seat on display. We learned more about the hunts that would take place in the arena. It seems like the movies glorified the Beast vs. Man combat. In fact, most animals in the arena were slaughtered during wild animal hunts. Sometimes tens of thousands of animals were slaughtered at the arena in a single day. They found evidence of bones to suggest this. After getting a chance to explore the Colosseum’s underground, we then made our way to the arena floor. From this vantage point, looking up at the towering walls of the Colosseum, it was crazy to grasp the true scale of the Colosseum. The Colosseum Underground Tours include smaller group sizes, so the whole time, I was able to hear the guide, ask questions, and take photos without feeling rushed. The Colosseum Underground Tour truly felt like an exclusive tour and I wouldn’t book a tour to the Colosseum any other way. Standing in Those Tunnels is Something I Still Think About. No photo, no documentary, no general admission ticket prepares you for the feeling of being in the hypogeum. I took this exact tour — and it’s the part of Rome I’d go back for first. Book the Same Tour I Took 📅 Check your travel dates now. The best time slots disappear first — and there are no same-day underground tickets available at the gate. My Complete Rome 2-4 Day Itinerary Follow my Rome itinerary so you don’t miss out on main attractions, places to eat, and hidden gems. READ MORE Why the Underground Tour is Worth it If you are debating booking the general access Colosseum tour or the package that includes the underground tour, I’ve outlined a few reasons why I think spending the extra money on the underground tour is genuinely worth it. ✅ Exclusive Access That You Can’t Get with General AdmissionThe underground portion of the Colosseum is closed to those that have general admission. The only way to see beneath the arena is by booking a Colosseum Underground Tour. ✅ There is More Information You
How to Visit Vatican City: Best Tours, Tickets, & Insider Tips
When visiting Rome, a visit to Vatican City is an absolute must. The Vatican City is stunning, historical, and important but it also felt overwhelming. Between the crowds, long security lines, and sheer size of the Vatican Museums, I realized this isn’t an attraction you just “wing it,” if you want to appreciate the art, learn about the history, and get a sense of the iconic sites. Before my visit to the Vatican City, I debated whether to book a guided Vatican tour or to do it on my own. In the end, I am glad I decided to book a tour. The tour was a skip-the-line type tour and the guide explained everything thoroughly. In this post, I’m sharing what tours to book to get the most out of your Vatican City visit, whether it’s worth even booking a tour, the highlights included in the Vatican City tour, and some general tips and information. ** This post contains affiliate links. If you click on one of the links or widgets throughout the page, whether it be Viator, Booking.com, Agoda, or any other affiliate, I might receive commission at no extra cost to you. For more information, you can visit my affiliate link page here. Thanks for the support! Why I Chose to Take a Vatican Tour I visited Rome and right away, I wanted to visit the Vatican City. For several reasons, It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a sovereign city-state, and I’ve always been interested in the history of the Vatican and events that take place there. I spent some time researching, prior to my trip to Rome and decided it was best to take a guided tour. I figured I’d get more out of the tour then doing in on my own. Plus, the skip-the-line was a major selling point for me. In the end, I am glad I went with a Vatican tour. The tour guide was able to explain nearly everything and answer any questions I had. If I were to visit the Vatican on my own, I definitely would have missed a few important features and descriptions. After taking the Vatican City tour, I was amazed by how easy it was for us to enter the museums, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica. Reasons Booking a Vatican City Tour is Worth Considering You can certainly visit the Vatican City on your own. I was considering it but ended up booking a guided tour of the Vatican. I read online that lines can be long and you might miss out on important details. The Guided Tours I found and booked, claimed to skip-the-line (which they did) but also explained a lot of information and detail. I’d say, if you want to maximized your time at the Vatican without feeling overwhelmed, book a tour! If you are considering booking a Vatican City Tour, I’ve outline a few reasons below why a tour is well worth it. ✅ Skip the ticket line to access the Vatican Museums. ✅ Skip the line to access the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica. ✅ Tickets for certain sites can sell out. ✅ The Vatican Museum is overwhelming. A guided tour guarantees the most important details and information. ✅ The Vatican City guided tour includes the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica. 👉 Check availability for Vatican City tours here. The Tour I Booked My goal was to see as much of the Vatican as I could in a half day. This Vatican tour I booked online through Get Your Guide offered everything I had included on my Vatican itinerary with skip the line access. The Vatican City tour included a visit to the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica. The tour consisted of a knowledgeable guide, headsets, and skip the line access to the attractions and ticket line. Although some lines were unavoidable, due to the amount of visitors, we managed to save a lot of time with the skip the line access to the Sistine Chapel and ST. Peter’s Basilica. When booking this tour, just make sure to pay attention to the Meeting Point. Attractions and Sites Inside the Vatican Most tours that visit the Vatican will provide a similar itinerary, a visit to the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel, and finish at St. Peter’s Basilica. After taking a tour and visiting the main attractions within the Vatican City, these are must-see sites and I highly recommend not missing out on any of these sites. Below you can find more information on each site. The Vatican Museums I didn’t know what to expect when visiting the Vatican Museums but it was like stepping into one of the most impressive art collections I’ve ever been to. There were galleries, famous sculptures, beautiful rooms, and one of my favorites as a geographer, historical maps of the area. The Vatican Museums are definitely overwhelming. Having a guided tour helped navigate the highlights efficiently and I was able to understand and appreciate what I was looking at. The Sistine Chapel In my opinion, visiting the Sistine Chapel was the highlight just because how familiar I am with Michelangelo’s famous painted ceiling at the Sistine Chapel and seeing the Last Judgement and The Creation of Adam in person was powerful. The Sistine Chapel was very crowded and you cannot take photos inside. There are guards here and people monitoring the area. I saw quite a few visitors try and snap a photo and were quickly withheld from doing so. Don’t be that guy! St. Peter’s Basilica The grand finale of our Vatican City tour was going inside St. Peter’s Basilica. St. Peter’s Basilica is considered one of the largest churches in the world and it’s impressive. I felt like I walked around the inside with my jaw open in awe. Every corner within the Basilica reflects centuries of history and beautiful art. I spent easily an hour inside St. Peter’s Basilica. I even got to walk through the Holy Door at St. Peter’s Basilica as it was during a Jubilee year. Additional Tips and Information Below you can find a few helpful tips and additional information for visiting the Vatican City. ✅ Book Your Tickets or Tours in AdvanceVatican City is one of the most visited places in the world. Tickets to certain attractions within the Vatican can sell out. ✅ Book Skip-the-Line ToursLines at the Vatican can be very long, although you will still find yourself in some lines, a skip-the-line Vatican Tour will save a lot of time. ✅ Go EarlyI think morning is the best time to visit the Vatican. There will be less crowds and the experience will feel a bit more relaxed. ✅ Dress AppropiatelyRemember where you are. The Vatican City is a religious site. Cover up and make sure the shoulders and knees are covered. ✅ Expect Security ChecksThere was at least one airport-style security check I went through at the entrance. ✅ Plan at least 2-4 hours minimumThe Vatican City is huge, the Museums alone can take a few hours to cover. Between getting there and seeing the sites, plan for a half day. ✅ Sundays are LimitedParts of the Vatican are closed Sundays. St. Peter’s Basilica and the Square are open but the Vatican Museums are closed, except for the last Sunday of the month. ✅ Vatican Post OfficeDon’t forget to visit the Vatican Post Office and send out a post card to friends and family. It’s a unique experience, you can purchase a post card, get as stamp, and drop it in the yellow Poste Vaticane bins outside. Conclusion Visiting Vatican City was easily one of my highlights from my time in Rome, Italy. I am glad I went with booking a Vatican Highlights tour as it’s not a place you want to approach without a plan because of the crowds and sheer size of the Vatican. It was truly a once in a lifetime opportunity being able to stand inside the Sistine Chapel and see St. Peter’s Basilica, booking this tour definitely made all the difference for me. If you are looking to skip the long lines, better understand what you are seeing, and want to make the most of your limited time in Rome, I highly recommend reserving your Vatican tour in advance. If you’ve been to the Vatican City and have other tour recommendations or personal experiences, let me know so we can all learn on our next experience, safe travels! Enjoying my photos and want to see more? Check out my Picfair Store. 📸 Plan Your Trip: 🗺 ✈️ 🇮🇹 Booking Accommodations ⛺️ 🛖 For booking recommendations on the best deals and locations, check out Agoda or Booking.com Activities and Tours 🏖 🚁 Find fun activities and things to do through Tripadvisor. If you are looking for tours and day trips, Viator and Get Your Guide have a lot of great options. In need of a car rental? 🚗 🚘 I recommend checking with Rental Cars.
Visiting Hadrian’s Villa from Rome: Day Trip Guide to Tivoli
One of the easiest and best day trips from Rome is visiting Hadrian’s Villa. It’s the perfect opportunity to escape the tourists in Rome without sacrificing history and sightseeing. When I was deciding on day trips and attractions to book beyond the Colosseum and Vatican, Hadrian’s Villa in Tivoli stood out as one of the more interesting ancient sites near Rome. Hadrian’s Villa is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that offers visitors a peaceful, open-air experience with Roman baths, ruins, museums, and beautiful landscapes. I booked a guided tour from Rome paired with Villa d’Este and want to share my experience, what tour I booked, and if it’s worth a day trip from Rome. If you’re short on time, booking a guided day tour from Rome is the easiest way to visit Hadrian’s Villa without worrying about navigating on your own. ** This post contains affiliate links. If you click on one of the links or widgets throughout the page, whether it be Viator, Booking.com, Agoda, or any other affiliate, I might receive commission at no extra cost to you. For more information, you can visit my affiliate link page here. Thanks for the support! Why I Chose Hadrian’s Villa from Rome I was looking for day tours from Rome just to see as much of Italy as I could in the limited time I was there. I was looking for additional Roman sites around the city that were less crowded and touristy. I’ve heard of Hadrian, the Roman emperor. Honestly, I knew more about Hadrian’s Wall in England then I did his Villa just outside of Rome. I was curious and wanted to learn more about Hadrian’s life outside of Rome and visit the beautiful villa. Booking this full day tour to Hadrian’s Villa from Rome just made sense to me. It was close enough to Rome for an easy day trip and offered plenty of experiences, insights, and things to see. What is Hadrian’s Villa Hadrian’s Villa (Villa Adriana in Italian) is a vast ancient Roman Palace that was built as a retreat for Emperor Hadrian around the 2nd century AD. The Villa is located in the town of Tivoli, about 30 km (20 miles) from Rome. Hadrian’s Villa is the largest and most complex known to date. Although most of it lies in ruins today, at the time of Hadrian, it was expansive, at least a square kilometer big. The site has sprawling ruins, temples, baths, libraries, gardens, reflecting pools, and so much more. On our tour, I was told that Hadrian built this Villa because he grew tired of the palace at Palatine Hill, new the Colosseum in Rome. Meant for rest and leisure, Emperor Hadrian, most likely did a good amount of work at the Villa as well. Today, Hadrian’s Villa is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, inscribed in 1999. It is one of the most impressive ancient sites you can visit on a day trip from Rome. Booking a Tour to see Hadrian’s Villa After visiting Hadrian’s Villa, I can honestly say that booking a guided day tour from Rome made this trip much easier and informative. Especially because I didn’t have to figure out transport and I was short on time. While it is absolutely possible to visit Hadrian’s Villa in Tivoli independently, getting to Hadrian’s Villa from Rome does take longer then expected and a day tour did simplify everything. When booking a Hadrian’s Villa day trip from Rome, transportation, tickets, food, and times are all handled for you through the tour company. Why Book a Hadrian’s Villa Day Tour? Based on my experience, I found that a guided tour is ideal if you: ✅ Want direct transportation from Rome. ✅ Prefer skip-the-line entry. ✅ Are interested in learning as much as possible and asking questions. ✅ Are combining Hadrian’s Villa and Villa d’Este in one day (highly recommended) ✅ Don’t want to navigate Tivoli on your own. Hadrian’s Villa is massive, and having a tour guide who knows the area and its history makes for a more pleasant journey. Recommended Tours to Hadrian’s Villa from Rome If you are considering booking a day tour to Hadrian’s Villa from Rome, here are some of the more popular tours: ✅ Tivoli Full Day Trip from Rome: Hadrian’s Villa and Villa D’EsteThis is the tour I took and really enjoyed it. I highly recommend visiting Villa d’Este. ✅ From Rome: Villa D’Este and Hadrian’s Villa Tivoli Day TourThis tour covers both Hadrian’s Villa and Villa d’Este. Hadrian’s Villa Itinerary: What to See If you are visiting Hadrian’s Villa with a guided tour, you get anywhere from 1 to 2 hours to explore the Villa. I honestly think you could spend more time here just because the area is so massive. There is a little walking involved when visiting Hadrian’s Villa. After entering, you walk up a hill prior to entering the Villa. Our first stop on our itinerary included the Maritime Theatre, this was actually my favorite part of the tour. The Maritime Theatre is a circular shape with an island in the center surrounded by water. The island includes a domus (residence). We visited the Philosophers Hall which is a huge rectangular shape with columns. This Hall did house statues of seven philosophers. The Hundred Chambers, this was a section of the Villa that was potentially used to house the staff and storing goods. Smaller Baths, these were luxurious baths that were decorated with marble. Larger Baths, was another bath house that were used by a high number of users. The Canopus and Serapeum, this was one of my favorite areas to explore around Hadrian’s Villa. This was an elongated pool of water. Our guide mentioned this was created to honor his son who died. We then visited the Museum. The museum housed artifacts, a lot of which had to do with Egyptian artifacts and monuments. Other Must See Sites in Tivoli A day trip to Tivoli from Rome deserves a day trip. You could easily spend upwards to several hours at Hadrian’s Villa, but there is more to see in Tivoli that I feel you would not want to miss. Our Tivoli day tour, included a visit to Hadrian’s Villa, but we also had time for lunch, to walk around the historic city center, and visit Villa d’Este, another UNESCO World Heritage Site in Tivoli. Villa d’Este Villa d’Este is a beautiful Renaissance villa in Tivoli, famous for its spectacular fountains and terraced gardens. A visit to Villa d’Este is often combined with Hadrian’s Villa on a day trip from Rome. Villa d’Este is much different then Hadrian’s Villa. It’s elegant and feels more like a palace then anything. Make sure to stop and listed to the Fountain of the Organ, it’s rather underwhelming but it’s fun. While exploring the villa and gardens, make sure to get photos by Neptune’s Fountain, walk the terraces, and stop to enjoy the beautiful views. Explore Tivoli Our day tour to Tivoli gave us free time to explore the town of Tivoli and grab lunch. I think Tivoli itself is worth a quick walkthrough. I found the Piazza del Plebiscito to be nice and the narrow streets were fun to navigate. When in Italy, you have to visit a Gelateria for some amazing gelato. Right at the main Piazza, there was a place called Bar Gelateria da Maurizio, we were able to grab fresh gelato and enjoy being in the moment. Conclusion Taking a day trip to Hadrian’s Villa and Tivoli from Rome ended up being one of my most memorable experiences from my time spent in Italy. Walking through the impressive ruins of this UNESCO World Heritage Site in Tivoli felt completely different then Rome, it was quieter, more open, and I learned so much! Visiting Hadrian’s Villa is a must and booking a tour is a hassle free option. Enjoying my photos and want to see more? Check out my Picfair Store. 📸 Plan Your Trip: 🗺 ✈️ 🇮🇹 Booking Accommodations ⛺️ 🛖 For booking recommendations on the best deals and locations, check out Agoda or Booking.com Activities and Tours 🏖 🚁 Find fun activities and things to do through Tripadvisor. If you are looking for tours and day trips, Viator and Get Your Guide have a lot of great options. In need of a car rental? 🚗 🚘 I recommend checking with Rental Cars.
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