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Rome

Rome

An eternal city where every street tells a story, Rome captivates with layers of history written in stone and marble. Ancient ruins emerge around every corner, while Renaissance fountains sing in baroque piazzas, and the dome of St. Peter's floats above the Tiber like a dream. Here, life flows at its own pace – as locals linger over espresso at century-old cafes, evening light gilds cobblestone lanes, and the art of la dolce vita is perfected in neighborhood trattorias. This is a city where past and present dance together, where emperors and popes have left their mark, and where the simple pleasure of the perfect pasta is elevated to art.

The Eternal City

Rome, Italy's magnificent capital, is a living museum where three millennia of history, art, and culture converge. Founded according to legend in 753 BC, the city evolved from a small settlement into the center of the mighty Roman Empire, whose architectural legacy includes the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Pantheon. After the empire's fall, Rome became the heart of Western Christianity, with Vatican City emerging as the spiritual center of the Catholic world, housing St. Peter's Basilica and the Sistine Chapel adorned with Michelangelo's masterpieces.

The city's landscape was further transformed during the Renaissance and Baroque periods when artists and architects like Bernini and Borromini created spectacular fountains, piazzas, and churches that define Rome's character today. The Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps, and Piazza Navona exemplify this artistic flourishing.

Modern Rome is a vibrant metropolis of approximately 2.8 million people, where historic neighborhoods like medieval Trastevere contrast with elegant shopping districts and contemporary developments. The city's distinctive character extends to its cuisine, with traditional Roman dishes like carbonara, amatriciana, and cacio e pepe are served in countless trattorias alongside innovative modern restaurants.

As both Italy's political center and a global tourist destination, Rome balances preservation of its unparalleled heritage with the demands of a modern European capital. The city's Mediterranean climate, café culture, and the Italian concept of "la dolce vita" (the sweet life) enhance its appeal, offering visitors and residents alike a unique blend of historical immersion and contemporary urban experience.

Getting to Rome is convenient via two international airports: Fiumicino (primary, with direct train service to the city center) and Ciampino (serving budget airlines). The city is also well-connected to major European destinations by high-speed trains arriving at Termini Station. Within Rome, the public transportation network includes a limited metro system (three lines), extensive bus routes, and trams. Taxis are readily available but should be taken from official stands or booked through apps. Despite excellent public transit, walking remains the best way to experience Rome's historic center, where most major attractions are within a reasonable distance of each other. Comfortable shoes are essential for navigating cobblestone streets. For longer stays, consider the Roma Pass, which combines museum admission with unlimited public transport.

Neighborhood Guide

When deciding which neighborhoods to explore in Rome, consider your interests and the experience you seek from the Eternal City. History enthusiasts should prioritize Centro Storico and Ancient Rome for iconic landmarks, while those seeking authentic local culture might prefer Trastevere or Testaccio with their traditional restaurants and vibrant atmosphere. For a glimpse of upscale Roman life, elegant Prati near the Vatican offers refined shopping and dining, while art lovers might appreciate Monti's galleries and boutiques. Base your choices on a balance between major attractions and less-visited areas to experience both Rome's monumental grandeur and its everyday charm. The list of neighborhoods below is in no way all encompassing, but more of an overview for the essential stops. 

Centro Storico Historic Center neighborhood in rome, italy
piazza madonna dei monti neighborhood in rome, italy
Vatican city neighborhood in rome, italy
Piazza Testaccio neighborhood in rome, italy
Trastevere neighborhood in Rome, Italy
Quartiere Coppede  neighborhood in Rome, Italy
Neighborhood Guide

Click here to purchase the Rome Google map with the above recommendations included.

Things To Do

Things To Do

Rome offers an unparalleled range of experiences spanning over two millennia of civilization. Ancient history comes alive in the historic city center, while Renaissance and Baroque masterpieces await at the countless museums and churches throughout the city. Beyond the major monuments, Rome rewards visitors who explore its distinctive neighborhoods, where pleasures include lingering in picturesque piazzas, sampling traditional cuisine in local trattorias, and joining evening passeggiata (strolls). Essential Roman experiences include tossing a coin in the Trevi Fountain, climbing the Spanish Steps at sunset, and simply wandering the cobblestone streets to discover hidden courtyards, unexpected viewpoints, and the vibrant rhythm of contemporary Roman life. While the list below couldn't include everything we'd love to do in this amazing city, we've listed many of the classics, but also some off-the-beaten path treasures. 

Colosseum in Rome, Italy

This iconic ancient complex showcases the heart of Imperial Rome, where gladiators once battled in the massive amphitheater and citizens conducted daily business in the adjoining forum. The well-preserved ruins allow visitors to walk in the footsteps of emperors and commoners alike, offering unparalleled insights into daily life in the ancient world. Combined tickets provide access to both sites, with Palatine Hill included for panoramic views over the archaeological area. I would highly recommend booking a tour to get the most out of visiting these historic sites. While there are many options, I would suggest the amazing small group tour of both sites with LivTours.

Pantheon in Rome, Italy

This architectural marvel stands as Rome's best-preserved ancient building, featuring a perfect hemispherical dome with its famous central oculus that allows sunlight to illuminate the interior. Originally built as a temple to all gods during Emperor Hadrian's reign, the structure's mathematical precision and engineering brilliance continue to inspire awe among visitors. Now functioning as a church, the Pantheon houses the tombs of significant figures including Renaissance artist Raphael and Italian kings. There are many ways to get tickets, however I found the easiest option was to buy directly from the website here. These tickets are more expensive as they include an audioguide, but allow you to skip the ticket line. 

Piazza Navona in Rome, Italy

This magnificent oval-shaped piazza built on the site of an ancient stadium features three stunning fountains, including Bernini's masterpiece Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi (Fountain of Four Rivers). Surrounded by Baroque palaces, outdoor cafes, and street artists, it embodies Rome's theatrical public spaces. The piazza comes alive throughout the day and evening as a social gathering place for both tourists and locals. When finished, walk over to nearby Biblioteca Angelica, a beautiful library (opening times are variable but worth the stop if possible). 

Altar of the Fatherland Monumento a Vittorio Emanuele II in Rome, Italy
Largo di Torre Argentina in Rome, Italy
Trevi Fountain in Rome, Italy
Campo de' Fiori in Rome, Italy

This lively square transforms from a bustling morning market selling fresh produce, flowers, and local specialties to an evening hub of restaurants and bars. At its center stands a brooding statue of philosopher Giordano Bruno, executed here for heresy in 1600. The square offers one of Rome's most authentic atmospheres, where daily Roman life continues amid historic surroundings. When finished at the market, walk to the nearby Arco degli Acetari, a charming and picturesque courtyard. 

Vatican City and St. Peter's Basilica in Rome, Italy

This sovereign city-state contains St. Peter's Basilica with Michelangelo's Pietà and Bernini's bronze baldachin, crowned by the world's largest dome designed by Michelangelo. The adjoining Vatican Museums house one of the world's greatest art collections culminating in the Sistine Chapel with Michelangelo's renowned ceiling frescoes. Early morning or late afternoon visits are recommended to avoid the largest crowds at this essential pilgrimage site. I would highly recommend booking a tour as The Vatican is huge and can be overwhelming. We had an amazing private tour that included the Sistine Chapel with Dino from To Rome with Dino

Spanish Steps and Piazza di Spagna in Rome, Italy

This elegant staircase of 135 steps connects Piazza di Spagna with the French church Trinità dei Monti, creating one of Rome's most iconic gathering spaces. The surrounding area features luxury shopping along Via Condotti and the romantic Keats-Shelley House where English poet John Keats died. The recently restored steps are especially beautiful in spring when decorated with azaleas, though beware, sitting on them is now prohibited. After climbing the steps, make sure to stop by Pallazzetto Zuccari to view its awesome doorways. 

Necropolis in Vatican City in Rome, Italy

This ancient Roman cemetery beneath St. Peter's Basilica contains pagan and early Christian tombs, including what the Vatican identifies as St. Peter's original burial site. Limited daily tours take small groups through the underground excavations, revealing how the current church was built directly above Emperor Constantine's original 4th-century basilica. Advance reservations are mandatory (and can be made here) for this unique archaeological experience that connects Roman, early Christian, and Renaissance history.

Borghese Museum and Gardens in Rome, Italy

This exquisite art collection housed in the former Villa Borghese Pinciana showcases masterpieces by Bernini, Caravaggio, Titian, and Raphael in intimate, opulently decorated rooms. The surrounding gardens provide Rome's most beloved public park, with tree-lined paths, a lake, and panoramic viewpoints (must visit spots include the Orologio ad Acqua del Pincio and Tempio di Esculapio). Timed entry tickets are essential for the museum (click here to purchase), while the gardens offer a peaceful retreat from the urban bustle.

Aventine Hill  Orange Garden (Giardino degli Aranci) in Rome, Italy

This elegant residential district offers peaceful respites from tourist crowds, including the lovely Orange Garden (Giardino degli Aranci) with sweeping views across Rome's domes and bell towers. The hill is also famous for the Aventine Keyhole at the Priory of the Knights of Malta, where visitors line up to peer through a small keyhole perfectly framing St. Peter's dome in the distance. The area also contains important early Christian basilicas, including Santa Sabina with its 5th-century wooden doors depicting biblical scenes. On the way to the hill, make a quick pitstop at Santa Maria in Cosmedin to see the Mouth of Truth, a legendary Roman lie detector (if a liar places their hand inside the all-knowing mouth, it will bite it off).

Galleria Doria Pamphilj in Rome, Italy
Castel Sant’Angelo in Rome, Italy

Originally built as Emperor Hadrian's mausoleum, this fortress beside the Tiber evolved through centuries into a papal stronghold connected to the Vatican by a secret elevated passageway. Its circular design contains Renaissance papal apartments with frescoed walls, a military museum, and prison cells where enemies of the church were once held. The panoramic terrace crowned by a statue of Archangel Michael (who supposedly appeared here during a plague) offers spectacular views of St. Peter's and the river. If coming from the historic center, stop by Arco dei Banchi before heading across Ponte Sant'Angelo.

Belvedere del Gianicolo at Janiculum Hill in Rome, Italy
Galleria Sciarra in Rome, Italy
Baths of Caracalla in Rome, Italy

These massive ruins of ancient Rome's second-largest public baths complex illustrate the grandeur of imperial leisure facilities that once accommodated 1,600 bathers simultaneously. The remarkably preserved brick structures, complete with fragments of mosaics and soaring arches, hosted not just bathing but libraries, gymnasiums, shops, and gardens. During summer, the atmospheric site transforms into a dramatic open-air venue for opera performances under the stars. Tickets for entry can be purchased in advance here

Domus Aurea in Rome, Italy

Emperor Nero's partially excavated "Golden House" offers visitors rare access to an ongoing archaeological project where conservators work to preserve elaborate frescoes that inspired Renaissance artists. Located beneath a public park near the Colosseum, the underground chambers maintain cool temperatures that provide welcome relief during summer heat. Booking tickets in advance is recommended and can be purchased here.

Tesstacio market in Rome, Italy

This vibrant covered market in Rome's authentic Testaccio neighborhood showcases the best of Roman cuisine with stalls selling fresh produce, artisanal cheeses, and traditional street food (don't miss Food Box at Box 66). Visitors can sample local specialties like trapizzino (stuffed pizza pockets) and supplì (fried rice balls) while mingling with neighborhood residents doing their daily shopping. The market represents the perfect blend of old and new Rome, housed in a modern structure but maintaining the culinary traditions that make this working-class district a food lover's paradise. 

Jewish Ghetto/quarter and great synagogue in Rome, Italy

Rome's historic Jewish Ghetto, established in 1555, contains distinctive architecture including the iconic Turtle Fountain, the magnificent Great Synagogue, and restaurants serving unique Roman-Jewish cuisine like carciofi alla giudia (Jewish-style fried artichokes). The area's narrow streets reveal layers of history, from ancient Roman ruins like the Teatro Marcello to memorials commemorating the 1943 Nazi deportation of local Jewish residents. Despite its painful history, the quarter today thrives as one of Rome's most atmospheric neighborhoods, where kosher bakeries and traditional restaurants preserve Europe's oldest continuous Jewish community.

Appian Way in Rome, Italy

Click here to purchase the Rome Google map with the above recommendations included.

Where To Have a Coffee Break

Where To Have a Coffee Break

Roman coffee culture is defined by swift, precise rituals centered around the counter experience. Locals typically stand at the bar for a quick espresso (caffè) consumed in seconds, often accompanied by a brief conversation with the barista, rather than lingering for hours as in other European capitals. The city observes strict coffee customs—cappuccino is exclusively a morning drink never ordered after meals, while variations like caffè corretto (spiked with liquor) and granita di caffè (coffee slush topped with cream) appear throughout the day. Rome's historic cafes like Antico Caffè Greco near the Spanish Steps have served literary figures and artists for centuries, offering glimpses into the social importance of coffee in Roman daily life. 

Antico caffe greco in Rome, Italy
Chiostro del Bramante in Rome, Italy
La Casa del Caffè Tazza d'Oro in rome, italy
Sant' Eustachio Il Caffè in rome, italy
Canova Tadolini in rome, italy
Barnum cafe in rome, italy

Click here to purchase the Rome Google map with the above recommendations included.

Where To Have Aperitivo

Where To Have Aperitivo

Aperitivo is Italy's beloved pre-dinner ritual combining drinks with complimentary snacks, designed to stimulate the appetite while fostering social connection. The tradition typically involves enjoying bitter-sweet cocktails like Aperol Spritz or Campari with soda (or my personal favorite, the Hugo spritz) alongside small bites that range from simple olives and chips to elaborate buffets of pasta, cheeses, and local specialties. Beyond its culinary purpose, aperitivo represents a cultural cornerstone where Italians transition from workday to evening, gathering with friends to unwind and socialize in the golden hours before dinner. Popular aperitivo spots are found throughout the city, from historic center wine bars to rooftop venues offering sunset views over the eternal city.

La Grande Bellezza at Eitch Borromini in rome, italy
Il Goccetto in rome, italy
The Court Bar in rome, italy
Ristorante Bar Del Fico in rome, italy
Oro Bistrot in rome, italy
salotto42 in rome, italy
Freni e frizioni in rome, italy
Terrazza Les Étoiles in Rome, Italy
Stravinskij Bar  in Rome, Italy

Click here to purchase the Rome Google map with the above recommendations included.

Where To Eat

Where To Eat

Rome's culinary landscape balances reverence for tradition with subtle innovation, built around seasonal ingredients prepared simply to highlight their natural flavors. Classic dishes define the city's gastronomy: carbonara (pasta with egg yolk, pecorino, guanciale, and black pepper), cacio e pepe (pasta with pecorino and black pepper), amatriciana (pasta with tomato, guanciale, and pecorino), and suppli (fried rice balls with mozzarella). The dining scene ranges from historic trattorias serving unchanged recipes for generations to contemporary interpretations at innovative restaurants, alongside vibrant markets and street food that make Roman cuisine accessible at every price point. Meals follow the Italian rhythm of multiple courses, ideally enjoyed slowly with local wine and concluded with espresso—never cappuccino—after dinner.

Suppi and pizza bianca Antico Forno Roscioli in Rome, Italy
Roscioli Salumeria con Cucina in Rome, Italy
L'Orso 80 in Rome, Italy
Suppli Roma in Rome, Italy
Armando al Pantheon in Rome, Italy
carciofi alla giudia (Jewish-style deep-fried artichokes) from Nonna Betta in Rome, Italy
Pizza bianca  Forno Campo de 'Fiori in Rome, Italy
Felice a Testaccio | ROMA in Rome, Italy
Trattoria Da Enzo al 29 in Rome, Italy
trapizzino roma trastevere  in Rome, Italy
La Taverna dei Fori Imperiali in Rome, Italy
Colline Emiliane in Rome, Italy

Click here to purchase the Rome Google map with the above recommendations included.

Where To Get Gelato

Where To Get Gelato

Rome offers some of the world's finest gelato, distinguished from industrial ice cream by its dense texture, intense flavor, and artisanal production methods using fresh seasonal ingredients. Traditional gelaterie focus on perfecting classics like pistachio, hazelnut, and various chocolates, while innovative shops experiment with unexpected flavor combinations and dietary-inclusive options. Quality indicators include natural colors (pistachio should be muted green, not bright), seasonal offerings (fresh fruit flavors that change with availability), and texture that's elastic rather than airy. Romans themselves debate the city's best gelato spots, creating an informal cultural tour as visitors sample from historic establishments near monuments to neighborhood artisans crafting small batches daily.

giolitti  in Rome, Italy
Fatamorgana Chiavari in rome, italy
venchi in Rome, Italy
Otaleg in Rome, Italy
Gelateria La Romana in rome, Italy
Gelateria Della Palma in Rome, Italy

Click here to purchase the Rome Google map with the above recommendations included.

Where To Stay

Where To Stay

Rome offers diverse accommodation options catering to every budget and preference across its distinctive neighborhoods. The historic center contains luxury hotels housed in converted palaces and boutique properties tucked into centuries-old buildings, providing immediate access to major attractions but commanding premium prices. More affordable options can be found in residential districts like Prati near the Vatican, Testaccio, or San Lorenzo, where apartment rentals and mid-range hotels provide authentic neighborhood experiences with excellent transport connections. The city also features international chain hotels concentrated around Termini Station and unique accommodations like converted convents or religious guesthouses offering simple rooms at reasonable rates with the added atmosphere of historic surroundings. While there are a multitude of accommodations available online, listed below are a range of options that we guarantee will feel like home away from home.

Hotel Hassler Roma in Rome, Italy
Hotel de Russie in Rome, Italy
Villa Agrippina Gran Meliá in Rome, Italy
The Fifteen Keys Hotel in Rome, Italy
Hotel Campo de' Fiori in Rome, Italy
hotel santa maria in Rome, Italy

Hotel Santa Maria

(Affordable)

The Inn at the Roman Forum in Rome, Italy
MyNavona in Rome, Italy

MyNavona

(Affordable)

Hotel Damaso in Rome, Italy

Hotel Damaso

(Mid-Range)

Click here to purchase the Rome Google map with the above recommendations included.

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