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.
Vatican City and Prati
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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.
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.
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.
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).
Cascading water dramatizes this magnificent Baroque masterpiece, where Neptune's chariot emerges from an elaborate mythological scene carved in travertine limestone. It is good luck to toss 3 coins with your right hand over your left should into the fountain—one ensures a return to Rome, two promises love, and three guarantees marriage in the eternal city. Despite constant crowds, the fountain remains magical when illuminated at night, making an early morning or late evening visit ideal for appreciating its artistic details.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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.
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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.
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.
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.
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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.
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Click here to purchase the Rome Google map with the above recommendations included.