Senior travel: Rome
An easier pace for an older traveller: how many stops fit in a day, which places are step-free, and what the guide says about getting around, medicines and stairs.
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Pace for a day
About 2 stops a day. 5 h out − 45 min rest, divided by an average visit of 75 min (from this city’s guide) + 30 min to move.
Places, easiest access first
- PantheonStep-free: yes · about 35 minA shallow step at the door.
- Piazza NavonaStep-free: yes · about 45 minNone in the square.
- St Peter's BasilicaStep-free: yes · about 60 minThe dome's final section is 320 steps.
- Vatican Museums and Sistine ChapelStep-free: yes · about 180 minSome stairs bypassed by lifts.
- Trevi FountainStep-free: partial (check before you go) · about 25 minAround 10 steps down to the basin.
- Roman Forum and Palatine HillStep-free: partial (check before you go) · about 100 minUneven paths and stairs on the Palatine.
- ColosseumStep-free: partial (check before you go) · about 120 minSeveral stairs between tiers where the lift does not reach.
- Spanish StepsStep-free: no (check before you go) · about 35 min135 steps.
Getting around in Rome
Rome is hard going for wheels: cobbles, kerbs and steps in the centre, few step-free metro stations and crowded buses. The big sights (Colosseum, Vatican Museums, St Peter's) have step-free routes that you should book in advance.
- Pavements:
- Uneven cobbles (sampietrini) and narrow or missing pavements in the historic centre; wider and smoother in Prati and around the Vatican.
- Metro:
- Line C and parts of lines A and B have lifts; many stations do not, and some lifts are out of service (check the operator before you plan).
- Taxis and buses:
- Accessible taxis can be booked in advance (check operators); most buses have a ramp but are often full.
- Toilets:
- Accessible toilets in museums and stations; few in the street.
Stairs at the hotel areas
- Historic centre (Pantheon and Navona): 1 flights up, 0 down, 200 m walk from the stop
- Monti and the Colosseum: 1 flights up, 0 down, 80 m walk from the stop
Medicines and health on the ground
The Italy guide lists no medicine paperwork. Check the official customs page for your medicines.
- Heat:
- Summer afternoons reach 35 °C: drink water, wear a hat and rest from 13:00 to 16:00.
- Water:
- Tap water and the public fountains (nasoni) are safe to drink; carry a refillable bottle.
- Pharmacies:
- Look for the green cross; a rota of pharmacies stays open at night and on Sundays (check).
- Insurance and EU card:
- EU visitors carry the EHIC or GHIC; others should buy travel insurance with medical cover.
- Hospitals:
- Public emergency departments are busy; an international private hospital is an option (check, ask your insurer).
- Feet and cobbles:
- Cobbles wear out shoes and feet: wear sturdy shoes and break for a seat.
- Food safety:
- Standards are high; the usual care with raw foods in summer applies.
More: how much medicine to pack, medicine times across time zones.
Ask your insurer
Age limits and prices differ by policy and the guides do not hold them, so put these to the insurer before you buy.
- What is the oldest age the policy covers, at purchase and on the last day of the trip?
- Does the price or the cover change after a certain age?
- Are existing conditions covered, and what must be declared?
- Does the cover include medical evacuation and trip interruption?
Not medical advice. This page does not know anyone’s health. Ask a doctor before the trip, and carry a list of medicines and conditions.