Rome by wheelchair or with a stroller: accessibility of the sights

Rome at a glance: what is easy and what is less so

The cobblestones (sampietrini) of the historic centre shake wheelchair and stroller wheels, and some pavements are very narrow or taken up by scooters. The hills (Aventine, Janiculum, Capitoline) are steep. Ancient sites such as the Roman Forum and the Palatine have uneven paths. Modern museums and the large basilicas, on the other hand, are better equipped.

Several Italian state museums offer free entry to people with disabilities and one companion: ask for it at the entrance, with proof. The rules and the documents required change; check them on the venue's website.

Colosseum

The Colosseum offers adapted routes, with lifts to reach the visiting levels. The visit is still long and the surroundings are cobbled. Let them know of your visit in advance and check on the official website which levels are open on the day.

Vatican Museums and St Peter's Basilica

The Vatican Museums have accessible routes and wheelchairs lent on site; distances inside are long, so plan a long day. St Peter's Basilica is step-free for the nave and most chapels; the climb to the dome involves stairs and is not suitable for wheelchairs. Check the Vatican's official website for the entrances reserved for people with reduced mobility.

Pantheon

The Pantheon is accessible: the entrance is step-free or by a ramp, and the flat interior can be visited in a few minutes. The square in front is cobbled.

Ara Pacis and MAXXI

The Ara Pacis, in its modern pavilion, and the MAXXI, the contemporary art museum, are designed step-free or with lifts. They are among the easiest visits in the city.

Harder sights

The Roman Forum and the Palatine, the catacombs (many stairs) and the small churches of Trastevere are harder. For these sites, ask the venue about accessible routes, or choose alternatives.

Getting around: metro, buses, taxis

Narrow pavements and cobblestones make distances longer than they seem. The metro is not equipped everywhere, and lifts are sometimes out of order: check the state of the stations the day before. Low-floor buses exist, but frequency can vary. Adapted taxis must be booked in advance. See our guide to transport in Rome for tickets and lines.

Tips with a stroller

A lightweight stroller gets through narrow streets and museums more easily than a wide one. Bring a baby carrier as a backup for stairs. For more ideas for visiting with children, see our guide Rome with children.

Summary table

Going further

To organise your stay, read our guide where to stay in Rome, our guide Rome in 3 days and our guide what to do in Rome when it rains, useful for choosing indoor museums.