Rome is one of the most visited and historic cities in Europe. The city is quite beautiful, intertwining the old ruins of the ancient city with modern buildings. No matter where you turn, you are immersed in history.
Home to Vatican City, the Trevi Fountain, and Coliseum, Rome has some of the most fascinating places to visit and learn about.
Between the cobblestone streets, beautiful architecture, ancient monuments, and delicious food, it is no wonder why Rome is one of the most well-known and visited cities in the world.
This travel guide offers all the information you need to plan the perfect trip to Rome. Learn about the top attractions, the best places to stay, and what delicious restaurants to try.
Make sure to check out the travel tips as well! They will be very helpful if you are visiting Rome for the first time.
How to Get Around Rome
When in Rome, the best way to get around is on foot. The majority of the main attractions are within a 30-minute walk of each other.
That being said, your feet do get tired after a full day of walking around the cobblestone streets. Rome has very inexpensive public transportation options that are easy to navigate if you get tired of walking.
They are also a better form of transportation if you are visiting sites outside of the city center, such as Vatican City and Castel Sant’Angelo.
Take the Bus
The bus is a popular travel option. A ticket only costs €1.50 and is good for 90 minutes of travel. Buses run from 6 am to midnight every day. Make sure to purchase your ticket before getting on the bus. Just like the Metro, tickets can be purchased at tobacco shops and newsstands.
Ride the Metro
The metro is an easy way to get around the city. There are three different lines that take you to various areas. The metro runs from 5:30 am to 11:30 pm with stations all around Rome. You can purchase tickets for about €1.50 at any tobacco shop, newsstand vending machines, or station. If you have the Roma Pass, you can use that for free entry as well.
Get a Taxi
This is a more expensive option, but also very convenient. There are taxi stations all around the city where you can jump into one already waiting for you.
Things to Do in Rome
Visit the Coloseum
This beautiful building was designed for the Flavian emperor Vespasian and inaugurated in 80AD.
Holding 50,000 spectators, it remains to this day the largest Amphitheater in the world. It first hosted gladiator games and other forms of entertainment. Eventually, it was used as an animal shelter, quarry, and even housed workshops.
The Colosseum is a spectacular sight to see, both for its history and ingenuity. Entry tickets are just €16 and include entry into Palatine Hill and the Forum as well.
These attractions also offer a variety of tours if you would like to learn more about their history. TIP: Make sure to buy your ticket online ahead of time and print it out. That way, you can skip the ticket queue.
Popular Tours
- Ancient Rome Walking Tour – This 3-hour tour includes the Colosseum, Palatine Hill, and the Roman Forum. This small group comes with an experienced tour guide, headsets, and skip-the-line access.
- Colosseum Underground – Unlike other tours, this particular one takes you to parts of the Colosseum most others cannot access. Your tour guide will take you underground, where the gladiators and animals were kept. Then, you will venture further up to the 3rd tier of the arena. The tour also covers the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill.
Vatican City
Vatican City spans 108 acres of the west side of the Tiber river, surrounded by stone walls. It is the smallest country in the world, with less than 1,000 residents.
Two of the top attractions when visiting the city are St. Peter’s Basilica, the Sistine Chapel, and the Vatican museum. You can either buy entry tickets to the Vatican or join a tour group.
TIP: Make sure to buy your ticket online ahead of time and print it out.
Popular Tours
- Vatican Tour – This tour allows you to skip the lines and give you guided tours of the Vatican, Sistine Chapel, St. Peter’s Basilica, and the Vatican Museums.
- Vatican Night Tour – For a more intimate and unique tour of the Vatican, Sistine Chapel, and Vatican museum, try this after-hours tour.
ST. PETER’S BASILICA: Located inside the Vatican, St. Peter’s Basilica is the largest church in the world. It took five of Italy’s best artists to create this impressive structure. The church is named after St. Peter, its first pope, and stands on top of his tomb. The Basilica is free to enter but is also part of most Vatican tour itineraries.
THE SISTINE CHAPEL: One of the greatest works of art in Vatican City. The building was built between 1473 and 1481 by Giovanni de Dolci. It is famous for the beautiful frescoes that decorate the walls and ceiling painted by Michelangelo. Other artists who contributed to the Sistine Chapel were Botticelli, Perugino, and Luca.
ST. PETER’S SQUARE: The beautiful square is located in Vatican City. It can hold as many as 300,000 people. Besides being the home of St. Peter’s Basilica, the square itself is quite impressive. It was designed by Bernini between 1656 and 1667 and includes 284 columns on the perimeter and a 24-meter obelisk in the center.
VATICAN MUSEUM: Since 1503, privileged families and popes have been donating their private collections to be displayed at the museum. The museum is extensive, and it may be hard to see everything in just one day. There are over 70,000 pieces displayed in the numerous rooms of the Vatican Museum and Palace of the Vatican. It is a good idea to plan your visit out before you go.
The Forum and Palatine Hill
The Roman Forum sits on what used to be marshland. In the 7th century, it was turned into the center of the city by Romulus, the founder of Rome.
For 900 years, the different dynasties added their own monuments to the area. The Forum is full of historical ruins of houses, temples, shops, and palaces and used to be the heart of Rome. It remains one of the most important archaeological sites in the world.
Overlooking the Forum is the oldest inhabited site and the beginnings of Rome, Palatine Hill. Home to many of Rome’s wealthy families, it is worth a trip to these ruins during your visit.
Palatine Hill is a vast expanse of ruins, and it would be very beneficial to visit as part of a tour group.
Piazza Novanna
This popular square is home to three famous fountains. First is the Fountain of the Four Rivers, designed by Bernini in 1651. The fountain represents the four important rivers connected to Christianity.
The second is Seashell Fountain on the south side of the square. The third and most famous fountain is the Fountain of Neptune, which remains to this day unfinished.
Many people come to enjoy the fountains, dine at the surrounding restaurants, or watch the many street performers around the square.
The Trevi Fountain
The Trevi Fountain is the largest and, in my opinion, the most beautiful fountain in the world. It measures 20 meters in width and 26 meters in height.
Most people come to see it because of the myth that if you throw coins into the water, you will return to Rome.
Like many other famous Roman attractions, the Trevi Fountain gets very busy. Try visiting it early in the morning or later at night when it is all lit up.
The Spanish Steps
These famous steps were built to connect the Piazza di Spagna to the Church of Trinità dei Monti. In 2015 they went through an extensive restoration that took around a year to complete.
At the bottom of the steps sits the Fontana della Barcaccia. The Spanish Steps are a popular location for visitors to sit down, relax, and people watch.
The Pantheon
One of the most well-preserved buildings in Rome, the Pantheon, is a must-see attraction during your visit. It was constructed in 125 AD and then given to Pope Boniface IV in the 7th century to use as a church.
The most fascinating aspect of the Pantheon is its dome. The dome has a 9-meter opening that allows natural light to come into the building. The Pantheon houses several artworks and the tombs of Italian kings, as well as the Renaissance painter Raphael.
Borghese Gallery and Gardens
The Borghese family was a well-known family in Rome. After the family lost their fortune in the late 1800s, their extensive art collection was made available for the public to see.
The Borghese Gallery is home to some of the world’s most famous pieces of art, including Bernini’s David. Tickets for the gallery are €15.00 and can be purchased online through their website.
The Villa also has the most stunning gardens in the city, which are free for everyone to enjoy.
Popular Tour
- Villa Borghese Guided Tour – This small-group tour allows you to skip the line. Enjoy a guided tour of the rooms and exquisite masterpieces within the gallery.
Castel Sant’Angelo
The Castel Sant’Angelo has had many uses since its construction in the year 135. The castle was first used as a mausoleum but then became a military building. In 1277 Castel Sant’Angelo was connected to Vatican City by a hidden corridor. The corridor’s purpose was to offer an escape route for the Pope. The castle is now a museum, with beautiful views of Rome from its rooftop.
Travel Tips:
- If you plan on doing a lot of sightseeing during your trip to Rome, make sure to get the Roma Pass. The pass includes entrance to Rome’s most popular attractions and free public transportation.
- Make sure to check the opening days and times for each attraction. Many are closed on either Sunday or Monday.
Popular Tour Companies
Many of the attractions in Rome are free to see or offer inexpensive entrance fees. To get the most out of your trip, I do recommend booking a tour group to some of the larger attractions in the city. The Vatican museums, Colosseum, and Roman Forum are three attractions that I recommend seeing as part of a tour.
- City Wonders – This tour group offers a variety of tours in and around Rome.
- Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is another popular tour group. They offer both guided tours, bus tours, and entry tickets to popular attractions within the city.
- Viator – For some unique tour experiences, check Viator out. They offer a range of top-rated tours within the city.
Rome Neighborhoods
Trastevere
Trastevere is my personal favorite place to stay when visiting Rome. This neighborhood is close to the city center but is also where many of the locals live.
It is one of the best-preserved neighborhoods in Rome with beautiful cobblestone alleyways and historic buildings. Trastevere is full of things to do and is known for its restaurants and nightlife.
At night the neighborhood comes alive with locals flooding to all the bars and restaurants in the area.
If you want to be close to all the amazing things Rome has to offer but not get overrun with tourists, this is the place to stay.
Centro Storico
The historical center or Centro Storico is right in the middle of Rome. Lots of people decide to stay here on their first visit to Rome because you are within walking distance of many of the top attractions.
Walk to Via Coronari for some fabulous shopping or venture around and enjoy Rome’s famous attractions just outside your hotel door. Due to its location except to pay higher prices and be around crowds.
Testaccio
The Testaccio neighborhood is another great place to stay if you want a more local experience. It is located south of Rome and has some of the best local restaurants for moderate prices.
Testaccio is a great place to stay if you are interested in Roman cuisine. The neighborhood is a little further out from the city center, however. If you stay here, you will have a little bit of a commute.
Monti
Monti is a historic neighborhood located near the Colosseum. It was known as the red light district but has been transformed into a youthful hip neighborhood with lots of nightlife.
The Monti neighborhood is very convenient. It is close to the train station and has several bus stops, making for easy commuting around the city.
Monti is a great neighborhood if you want to be close to the sites but not stay in the touristy parts of the city.
Prati
The Prati neighborhood is located near the Vatican. This neighborhood is located a little farther outside of Rome but offers some more affordable accommodations than if you stayed in the city center.
Although it is cheaper, the area is still known for its upscale restaurants and shopping. Prati is a great neighborhood to stay in if you want to stay away from the city center.
Where to Stay in Rome
Budget Hotels
- Palazzo Naiadi – The spectacular 19th-century marble hotel is within walking distance of some popular attractions like the Trevi Fountain and Piazza di Spagna. With over 200 rooms to choose from, there is a wide range of options to meet everyone’s needs. The rooms are elegantly decorated and offer stunning views of the Basilica of St. Mary, Diocletian Thermal Baths, and Naiasi Fountain. Guests can enjoy a variety of breakfast options, Mediterranean cuisine in the Tazio restaurant, and two world-class bars. For spectacular views of Rome, make sure to explore the rooftop terrace during your stay.
- The Fifteen Keys– This homey hotel offers 15 different rooms to choose from. The hotel is located in the charming Monti neighborhood, which is known for its nightlife, coffee shops, and antique shops. Fifteen Keys is also very close to the Colosseum and Roman Forum. The newly renovated hotel offers breakfast in the courtyard, a stylish bar area, and many other wonderful services for guests.
- Hotel Monte Cenci– Hotel Monte Cenci is just a 10-minute walk to Trastevere and right of the river Tiber. This charming hotel offers a variety of elegant and modern rooms for guests to choose from. Guests can take advantage of breakfast and drinks on the intimate terrace bar and lounge overlooking the historic city streets.
Mid-Range Hotels
- 47Hotel– This hotel offers a unique experience. Each of its five floors is themed and decorated with iconic art and eclectic furnishings. The hotel offers six types of rooms to meet every traveler’s needs and budget. The 47Hotel has a variety of amenities for guests. Enjoy the Bistrot, movie theater, billiard room, courtyard, gym, and wellness center. Make sure to take advantage of everything the hotel has to offer, including its rooftop garden terrace. Enjoy dinner and drinks while gazing at ancient Rome.
- Chapter Roma– Located near the Trastevere neighborhood, this hotel offers the perfect location if you are looking for a more authentic Roman experience. The Chapter Roma hotel has five different rooms to choose from, all offering a variety of amenities. Enjoy breakfast, lunch, and drinks in the beautiful industrial Lobby Bar.
- Palazzo Scanderbeg– The palace dates all the way back to the 15th century. Located right in the heart of the center, it is only a two-minute walk to the Trevi Fountain. Guests enjoy a continental breakfast buffet, beautiful contemporary rooms, laundry, and room service.
Luxury Hotels
- Boutique Hotel Campo de’ Fiori– This luxurious hotel is in the historic center of Rome. Stay in their classic, deluxe, or top floor rooms. All rooms are elegantly decorated with art and traditional furnishings. The hotel offers a luxury car service that will pick you up from the airport, as well as dry cleaning and babysitting services. Take advantage of the intimate rooftop terrace with the best views of the city’s historic landmarks.
- The H’All Tailor Suite– This 14 suite hotel offers spacious modern rooms, each with a unique design. Choose between two types of rooms and three types of suites. The H’All Tailor Suite offers room service and even babysitting services. During your stay, enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner at All’Oro restaurant and bar.
- Gran Meliá Rome– The Gran Meliá offers 14 different levels of rooms to choose from, as well as two pools, beautiful gardens, a fitness room, and a spa. During your stay, make sure to take advantage of the rooftop terrace with views of Vatican City and the Castel Sant’Angelo.
- Palazzo Montemartini Roma– This beautiful hotel is an elegant retreat in the heart of the city. The building offers 82 suites with nine levels of rooms to choose from. Enjoy a complimentary buffet breakfast in the hotel’s beautiful Infinity room, drinks at the cocktail lounge, and fitness center during your stay.
- Palazzo Dama– The palace was once the residence of a noble Italian family before being turned into a hotel. The contemporary rooms offer a quiet retreat from the noise and fast pace of the city. Guests can enjoy the Palazzo Dama’s tranquil gardens and swimming pool during their stay and get drinks at the intimate Pisco Bar.
- Palazzo Naiadi Hotel– This luxury hotel is only steps from Piazza Navona, making it a perfect base to explore Rome’s attractions. Choose from six elegant rooms ranging from an intimate double to a luxury two-bedroom suite. During your stay, enjoy dinner at the Tazio Restaurant, drinks at the champagne bar, or outside on the terrace. The best part of the hotel is the rooftop bar that offers panoramic views of the city center. Relax on the roof with a drink and enjoy the view!
Where to Eat in Rome
Rome is known for its delicious food, so no matter where you choose to eat, it is hard to go wrong. There are so many different types of restaurants in the city that it can be overwhelming to choose.
I’ve tried narrowing things down to some of the best restaurants for everyone’s needs. From cheap eats, gelato, and five-star dining, this list offers a little of everything.
Local Markets
- Testaccio Market – This local market is full of fresh local foods and has over 100 stalls. Open every day except Sunday, vendors are selling everything from fresh fish to desserts. For the best selection, try to come early in the morning.
Authentic Cuisine
- Armando al Pantheon – For a delicious home-cooked meal, Armando al Pantheon is an authentic restaurant in the heart of the city. For a delicious dinner for a moderate price, you will not be disappointed.
- Enoteca Trastevere – Open since 1936, this restaurant offers a delicious authentic menu. Choose from a variety of dishes and an assortment of wines.
- Nannarella – For some of the most authentic Italian food, this little restaurant is an absolute must-try.
Fine Dining
- La Pergola – This Michelin-star restaurant is a high-end and romantic option. The restaurant sits on top of the five-star Rome Cavalieri hotel and offers views of Rome. Make sure you make reservations well in advance, La Pergola can be booked solid for months at a time.
Dinner with a View
- Aroma – For dinner with a view, try the rooftop of Aromo. This restaurant offers delicious Mediterranean dishes with unbeatable views of the Colosseum and Forum. Make sure to reserve a table on the terrace at night.
Gelato
- Otaleg – For some fresh, high-quality gelato, you must take the trip to Trastevere. Otaleg offers a variety of flavors, from traditional chocolate and pistachio to their seasonal eggnog with Marsala wine. This gelateria has become well-known for its creamy ice cream and a great selection of flavors.
Quick Bites
- Bono Bottega Nostrana – Stop by this deli for some delicious sandwiches. Bono Bottega Nostrana has an extensive menu to choose from, with some very unique combinations. They even have dessert sandwiches to satisfy any sweet tooth. This deli is perfect if you want a quick bite while seeing the sites.
- Trapizzino – Try the famous Italian street food, trapizzino, which is almost like a sandwich and pizza in one. These are triangular shaped sandwiches filled with lots of different ingredients. For a quick, cheap meal you must try this palace out. This place is so popular they now have locations all over Italy and now New York.
- Suppli Roma – Suppli is some of the most delicious Italian food you can try. These balls of rice are stuffed with traditional Italian ingredients and then deep fried. Suppli Roma has some of the best ones I have ever tried. The tiny restaurant offers other delicious dishes for you to take with you as well. If you ever end up in Trastevere, you must try this place out.
- Pizzarium – For the best pizza in Rome, you have to try Pizzarium. This fast food restaurant offers simple pizza by the slice options, but with the freshest ingredients possible. Try their rice croquettes as well!
Travel Tips for Visiting Rome
Free Attractions in Rome
There are a lot of free things to see and do in Rome. Sights like the Forum, Pantheon, Trevi Fountain and Spanish Steps don’t charge any fee to enjoy.
Opening Hours Very
When planning your trip, pay special attention to opening times. All the attractions, shops, and restaurants have different time frames when they are open. Many will also close down for a few hours in the afternoon. Museums are also closed on either Mondays or Sundays.
Dining in Italy
If you sit down for a meal, make sure you have lots of time. Restaurants in Europe are a lot slower-paced than many tourists are used to. Make sure you give yourself plenty of time for lunch and dinner so that you are not rushed. Also, most waiters will not give you the check until you ask! Another tip for eating at a restaurant is that tipping is not expected. I will always leave a few extra euros for excellent service.
Wander the Streets
Carve out some time to get lost in Rome. Some of the best parts of our stay were spent wandering the streets and immersing ourselves in the wonderful culture. We really enjoyed the Trastevere area because it is where many of the locals live and close to one of Rome’s universities.
Dress Code
Many churches have a dress code. If you plan on visiting a church, make sure to look up the dress requirements before you go. Many require shorts/skirts that are past the knee and covered shoulders. A lot of people carry around a shawl with them to quickly put over their shoulders.
Safety
Be careful with all the street vendors around the touristy sites. You will find a lot of merchants trying to get you to buy their products, and many of them can be very pushy. There were many around the Colosseum, the Spanish Steps, and outside of St. Peter’s Square. It is easiest to stay away from them and make sure to keep your purse and wallet close to you.
Drinking Water
Rome offers free drinking fountains around the city. Don’t be scared to bring a bottle around to fill up throughout the day. The water is extremely clean!
Enjoyed this post? Here are some other Italian destinations!
Lake Como
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- Visit Villa del Balbianello – Lake Como’s Most Beautiful Villa
Rome
- Visit Rome on a Budget: Tips and Free Attractions
- Travel Guide – How to Spend Three Days in Rome
- Florence vs. Rome – A Detailed City Comparison
Florence
- Visit Florence Italy: Best Places to See, Stay, and Eat
- Travel Guide: How to Spend 3 Days in Florence
- The 10 Best Day Trips from Florence
Tuscany
- Palio of Siena: Guide to the City’s Historic Race
- Visit the Beautiful Medieval City of Siena, Italy
- Amazing Things to do in Montepulciano, Italy
Other Italian Destinations
Travel Planning Resources
BOOK YOUR FLIGHT
Skyscanner is one of the top search engines for finding and booking flights. They price check over 1,200 travel sites to help you find the best prices.
BOOK YOUR ACCOMMODATION
Booking.com is one of the best sites to book hotels and vacation rentals. They offer some of the cheapest rates and different payment options.
SCHEDULE YOUR TOURS
Get Your Guide is one of the top sites for tours, excursions, and activities. Viator is another terrific website for all types of experiences.
GET YOUR TRAVEL INSURANCE
World Nomads is one of the top travel insurance companies. It will cover you if you must cancel your trip or if something unexpected happens.
Check out the resource page for additional travel planning resources.
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