I’m heading back to Rome soon, but this time we’re bringing our teens. Instead of wandering the streets like I usually love doing in this city, we’ll be hitting the "must-see" sights with them: the Colosseum and the Vatican.
And that’s where it gets tricky—apparently, we need to book everything in advance. We’re getting lost among all the offers, official sites, GetYourGuide and the like, packages, with prices ranging from one to three times as much and different tour options...
Could you share your booking experiences for:
- Colosseum visit, including the underground level
- St. Peter’s Basilica, including the dome
- Vatican Museums
I always book on official websites, even if it’s sometimes complicated!
It’s cheaper, and if everyone did that, it’d avoid the insane speculation on entry tickets... I think three-quarters of tickets should be sold this way and one-quarter for groups.
---/---
For the Colosseum, finding a slot for the ticket that includes the underground visit is quite the feat. These tickets sell out as soon as the site opens (30 days in advance, I think—hour by hour, so 30 days before at 10:00 AM for a visit 30 days later at 10:00 AM...).
The official site is this one, and the ticket is called: FULL EXPERIENCE - UNDERGROUND LEVELS AND ARENA.
Personally, I didn’t manage to buy this ticket. I had to settle for the Full Arena ticket (sold 7 days in advance).
There are also guided tours on the official site. Another way to access the undergrounds, especially if you’re not picky about the language of the tour.
The ticket lets you skip the ticket office (that’s the "skip-the-line" concept...). Just show up at the entrance 30 minutes early.
It’s best to plan this visit on a Wednesday (since on Wednesdays, people tend to go to the Vatican hoping to see the pope...).
There weren’t many people when I went, but it was in December—a pretty quiet month outside the holiday season.
The ticket also gives access to the forums.
---/---
St. Peter’s is free. There’s a security check before entering the square, then you wait. Personally, I didn’t wait long—5 minutes, tops! (Not on a Wednesday...).
For the dome, I bought the ticket on the spot without any issues. It’s definitely worth it!
However, it’s not for claustrophobics, those afraid of heights, people who are significantly overweight (it’s narrow), or those who can’t climb 320 difficult steps.
During peak tourist season, it’s probably better to buy a ticket in advance.
It’s much more expensive but much more reliable...
More expensive because even on the official site, there isn’t a ticket that *only* includes the dome.
You have to buy a package. I assume the ticket lets you skip the line for the basilica.
---/---
I didn’t visit the Vatican Museums.
The official site is here, and the online ticket is skip-the-line (meaning, like at the Colosseum, direct entry without going through the ticket office) at a set time. It’s 5 € more than if you go through the physical ticket office and its line...
Thanks for this detailed feedback. I also tend to prefer going through official operators... but I don’t know which ones they are—there are way too many ticket-selling sites!
(Okay, it seems the first site is a fake—I keep running into the same kind of site, same layout with crazy-high prices when searching for the Colosseum.)
Thanks for the link for the Colosseum (though it doesn’t show up at all at the top of the list when you search "Colosseum ticket"). But there’s nothing available for April, and everything’s already booked for March no matter the option...
About St. Peter’s—yes, I remember it’s free, but with a *looong* potential queue. I get that paying to access the dome (which might interest the teens) acts as a skip-the-line ticket.
We haven’t even tackled the last hurdle yet: the Trevi Fountain, which is now regulated (which isn’t a bad thing, honestly).
It’s still wild how much of a jungle these ticket-selling sites are! !🤪
The sites I mentioned are normally the official ones.
It's true that it's becoming a jungle, and not just in Italy! Reselling something you bought for 10 at 50 is a lucrative business!
I found this site that explains everything and seems reliable.
When a site charges more than the price listed in a recent guide, there’s something fishy...
April is too early (30 to 7 days before, depending on the option).
The Arena ticket is currently on sale for the next 7 days, and the full experience for the next 30.
Yesterday, I found a full experience with an Italian-guided tour.
They need to offer all languages...
Your chances of getting the full experience are slim, even if you’re right on time when bookings open. They sell out fast!
For the Trevi Fountain, that’s where I saw the biggest crowds.
Access was still free but limited. Guards let tourists in periodically to avoid overcrowding.
The Pantheon is also worth a visit.
Expect a queue there too...
Early morning is best.
Groups arrive later! !
Afterwards, I feel like the internet distorts reality a bit.
I was worried about the crowds in December, but once there, everything went smoothly.
The place where I waited the longest was where the last pope is buried.
I went to Pisa and Tuscany a few years ago. In August, so right in the middle of the tourist season.
It was a bit tense in Florence, but ultimately nothing unbearable.
I had more trouble in Granada in March!
I went to Rome almost 40 years ago.
It was definitely easier back then! ;)
No internet, no resellers, just Westerners.
Back then, in summer, the crowds were like what we see in December today.
And even then...
Hi,
I’ll be in Barcelona at the end of October.
I can choose to be there over the weekend or during the week. Probably 4 nights.
Is there a big difference in terms of crowds in the city and in the museums?
Little or no difference would simplify my itinerary on the way.
Hi everyone,
We're heading to Madrid in November and looking for a centrally located hotel. I saw one on Calle de Alcalá.
Does anyone know this street, or do you have other suggestions?
Thanks in advance.
From January 1st to 4th, I’m heading to Barcelona for the first time. Beyond the tourist sites—which are going to cost me an arm and a leg!!—I’d love to spend a day off the beaten path and see some less touristy spots.
What do you recommend? I’ll be getting around on foot, by metro, or possibly by train if it’s not too far. I love both nature and cultural spots.
And one last thing—is Barcelona at night safe for a woman alone, or is it sketchy?
Hi,
We’d like to rent a small car (something like a Peugeot 208) when we arrive at Catania Airport.
... and we’d like to return it in Milazzo on a Sunday.
Could you recommend any rental companies for this kind of one-way rental—affordable and open on Sundays in Milazzo?
Thanks in advance!
Seb
My husband and I are spending 10 days in Extremadura next May. We’d like to hike, see beautiful landscapes and nature, and enjoy the lively atmosphere of towns and villages, especially in the evenings.
I was thinking of using 3 bases to explore the area: around Plasencia (to visit Monfragüe National Park, the Jerte Valley, etc.), around Guadalupe or Cáceres or Trujillo (though isn’t that quite close to Plasencia? We’d like to hike in the Villuercas Mountains), and finally the Montes de Toledo to ease our way back to Madrid (where we’re arriving and departing from). Could you help me decide on the 2 best home bases for northern Extremadura and then around Guadalupe? I don’t think we’ll go near Mérida. I’m not keen on spending hours in the car or on transport 😏
Hello,
We’ll be in York next week—one adult, a 17-year-old, and a 12-year-old. We’ll have a car. If you’ve got any fun activities (games, shows, etc.) or tips, we’re all ears!
We’re three adults planning a trip to Norway in May 2027.
What do you recommend for the Lofoten Islands? We’d prefer to group the places to visit (flights, rental car...??).
Hi there,
I’m heading to Lapland from November 12th to 19th.
I know it’s not the best time for snow cover… so I’ve opted for Saariselkä since it’s further north.
At this point, no activities—reindeer rides, snowmobiling, sledding, etc.—are available online yet, with just a few starting in early December.
My question: if snow arrives in early November 🤞, will it be possible to book things on-site? I’m guessing there aren’t dozens of providers.
Thanks for your feedback!
I'm probably going to spend a week in Naples, but I'd love to hear your thoughts! I've heard that the city is quite dangerous and crime-ridden? I've also heard that "Neapolitans" aren't very welcoming and have a bad temper?
Is this true or just rumors?😊
Hi there,
I’m looking for some great tips for a stay in Palma de Mallorca this summer.
I need cheap flights departing from Toulouse and affordable accommodation for 4 people.
What do you recommend?
Best regards,
We’re heading to Norway for the first time as a couple for 8 days in December
I’m really torn about how much time to spend at each stop (and how many stops to make)
We’d like to explore the cities, visit the Christmas market, see some beautiful landscapes, and if we have time, a stave church.
We arrive in Oslo on December 5th around 5 PM and leave from Bergen on December 12th around 11 AM.
Initially, we were thinking:
Oslo from the 5th to the 8th
Train to Bergen on the 8th, then stay until the 12th
But now we’d like to fit Flåm into the itinerary
Do you think it’s better to do:
From the 5th to the 8th: Oslo
On the 8th: train from Oslo to Flåm (arriving at 3 PM)
On the 9th: a short fjord cruise, then the 2 PM train to Bergen (but then the Myrdal–Bergen stretch will be in the dark)
From the 9th to the 12th: Bergen
Or should we adjust the number of nights in each place? Maybe shorten Oslo? Add a night in Flåm? Skip Flåm altogether? I’m not sure 😅
Hello,
We’ve booked our flights to Tromsø from January 9th to 16th, 2027.
Now it’s time to plan our stay, and I’ll admit I’m feeling a bit unsure...
We definitely intend to rent a car, but what route should we take?
Should we book accommodation for the entire stay (7 nights) in Tromsø and do day trips (Sommarøy, Kvaløya, Lyngen, a day in Tromsø, a boat excursion, and then... what else?)? Or spend 3–4 days in Tromsø and hit the road for another 3–4 days somewhere else—but where?
I’d also considered splitting it: 3 days in Tromsø and 3 days in Målselv, so we could explore a different region by car and maybe try some downhill or cross-country skiing.
Is this area interesting beyond skiing?
During a recent trip to Lapland, we already tried dog sledding and snowmobiling, so we’re not planning to repeat those activities. Instead, we’d love to discover the landscapes and Sami culture.
I’d love to hear about your experiences or suggestions to help us plan our trip.
Thanks,
We're heading to Genoa and the Cinque Terre in mid-October for a full week. We're planning to spend two and a half days—three nights—in the Cinque Terre. The idea is to hike between the villages and use the train (or boat) for the trip out (or back). We're thinking of staying overnight, and I was wondering which village to prioritize.
Hi there, after reading a well-known travel guide, it seems like there’s a lot to see and do in Valletta (I’m only talking about Valletta itself). That’s why I’m thinking of spending 2 days there. I don’t want to rush and would like to get a complete overview. However, I’ve noticed that some travelers only spend one day there. For those who know the city well, what do you think? (I’ve also planned the Three Cities for another day, by the way).
Thanks in advance for your thoughts!
Our accommodation for 5 days will be near a "Carrefour by Deliveroo Hop." There doesn’t seem to be anything else nearby (it’s a very residential area).
I can’t figure out if it’s delivery-only or if you can also do your grocery shopping there. Does anyone know this type of store and could help me out, please?
Thanks in advance!
PS: I called, but I don’t speak Italian and the store doesn’t speak English—so they hung up on me.
Hi,
I’ve found my upcoming trip for February, and now I’m looking for a one-week getaway in April—somewhere not too far with generally nice weather. Any tips?
Best,😉
Hi, who’s familiar with the Algarve?
Lagos—should I go for a rental or a hotel? How do I get from the airport to the seaside, and how do I get around the city? What’s there to see and do?
Thanks for your ideas and tips!
Hello, VoyageForum friends, and happy holidays!
I’m planning a trip with my 19-year-old grandson to Milan for Easter Saturday, Sunday, and Monday in 2025.
I’d love your insights on what we can visit in Milan that would interest both my grandson and me (I’m 75). Of course, I’m thinking of the must-sees, but not just those—cozy little restaurants, trendy neighborhoods, and anything else you’d recommend. I’m also looking for a comfortable hotel in the city center that isn’t too expensive!
I’m sure the VoyageForum community will help me uncover some hidden gems! Looking forward to your replies.
Summer 2027 is going to be Norwegian for us!
We’re heading to the Lofoten Islands first, then Senja, near Tromsø, and finally the North Cape.
We’ll likely start from northern Finland (flight tickets and car rentals are more affordable there).
I’d like to book accommodations early to have more options.
Good value-for-money places go fast in these pricey Nordic destinations...
But where should we book?
We’re planning to stay around ten nights in the Lofoten Islands.
What’s the best approach?
One place in the central part and explore from there?
One place in the south and another in the center?
Or one in the south, one in the center, and one in the north (3-4-3 nights)?
Hi there, my husband and I are planning a trip to Iceland in mid-October 2026.
Would you have any advice on the best places to visit for a first trip to this destination? Thanks
Hi, I'm heading to Italy soon and I wanted to know if Italian banks charge fees when you withdraw cash at an ATM, or if, like in Spain or Greece, it's better to avoid taking out money and bring cash instead. Looking forward to your replies... Thanks
We’re planning a short trip at the end of July to explore the legendary mountains and valleys of the Bernese Oberland: round trip from Nancy (Swiss highway vignette planned), 2 nights in a room with a small kitchen in Adelboden, then 2 nights in a hotel at the Gletscherblick in Grindelwald, both with half-board included.
Could you share some tips on the best road routes to take, as well as some walking hikes (we’re not as fit as we used to be, so nothing longer than 2-3 hours)? Maybe also 1 or 2 cable car rides—I was thinking of Oeschinensee Lake above Kandersteg and the First gondola above Grindelwald for better panoramic views of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau... all while keeping it doable with our schedule. We’ve ruled out the "premium" trip up to the Jungfraujoch for this time.
I’m also guessing that paying to access Wengen or Mürren only makes sense if we’re staying there for a few days, right?
- Is the road through the narrow valley of the White Lütschine toward Lauterbrunnen and beyond still worth it in terms of views and scenery?
On the way back, if we have a little time to explore Bern’s historic old town, what’s the best parking plan for a 1- or 2-hour stop?
Thanks in advance for your advice, fellow travelers familiar with this beautiful region! 😉
Hi there,
I’ll be in Rome from April 1st to 13th, 2026—it’s coming up fast!
I’ve been searching online for tickets to visit the Borghese Gallery, but either there’s no availability or the tickets offered are ridiculously expensive.
Could someone guide me to a website where I can book 2 skip-the-line tickets (I’ve heard you have to reserve in advance online)?
