Travel Rome: Ultimate Guide to Attractions, Food & Tips

Discover the Eternal City through the eyes of a seasoned traveler—your comprehensive resource for experiencing Rome’s timeless beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture.

Rome wasn’t built in a day, and it certainly can’t be experienced in one either. As the saying goes, “To understand Rome, you need a lifetime.” Yet many travelers find themselves with just a few precious days to explore this extraordinary city where ancient history, artistic masterpieces, and la dolce vita converge on every cobblestone street.

Whether you’re dreaming of tossing a coin into the Trevi Fountain, savoring authentic carbonara in a hidden trattoria, or standing in awe beneath Michelangelo’s ceiling in the Sistine Chapel, this comprehensive Travel Rome guide will help you make the most of your Italian adventure.

Why Travel to Rome?

Rome captivates visitors unlike any other destination. The Italian capital is a living museum where the past and present coexist in spectacular harmony. But what exactly makes Rome so irresistible to the 10+ million tourists who visit annually?

Rich History & Ancient Architecture

Few cities in the world can match Rome’s historical significance. As the heart of the Roman Empire and later the seat of the Catholic Church, Rome has accumulated layers of civilization spanning over 2,800 years. Walking through the city, you’ll encounter ancient ruins alongside Renaissance palaces and Baroque fountains—sometimes all within the same square.

The city’s architectural timeline tells the story of Western civilization: from the engineering marvels of the Colosseum and Pantheon to the Renaissance splendor of St. Peter’s Basilica and the dramatic Baroque theatricality of the Spanish Steps. In Rome, history isn’t confined to museums—it’s the foundation beneath your feet.

Vibrant Italian Culture

Rome embodies Italy’s passionate approach to life. The Roman lifestyle emphasizes pleasure in the everyday—lingering over espresso at a bustling piazza, the ritual of the evening passeggiata (stroll), animated conversations that feel like performances, and meals that stretch blissfully for hours.

The culture here revolves around food, family, and finding beauty in the ordinary. Romans take immense pride in their traditions while embracing contemporary life with style and confidence. The result is a city that feels simultaneously ancient and thoroughly modern.

Iconic Landmarks You’ve Seen in Movies

From “Roman Holiday” to “La Dolce Vita” to “Eat Pray Love,” Rome has served as a cinematic backdrop for decades. The thrill of recognizing places you’ve seen on screen—the Spanish Steps where Audrey Hepburn enjoyed her gelato, the Mouth of Truth featured in “Roman Holiday,” the Trevi Fountain where Anita Ekberg waded in “La Dolce Vita”—adds an extra dimension to exploring the city.

These iconic landmarks have become part of our collective cultural imagination, making a visit to Rome feel both familiar and magical.

Planning Your Rome Trip

Best Time to Visit Rome

Rome experiences distinct seasons, each offering different advantages for travelers:

• Spring (April-May): Perhaps the ideal time to visit, with comfortable temperatures (60-75°F/15-24°C), blooming flowers in the city’s parks and gardens, and fewer crowds than summer. Easter celebrations at the Vatican are spectacular if you don’t mind the associated crowds.
• Summer (June-August): Expect hot weather (80-95°F/27-35°C) and the year’s highest tourist numbers. Many Romans leave the city in August, meaning some local businesses close, but major attractions remain open. Summer evenings in Rome are magical, with outdoor dining and events throughout the city.
• Fall (September-November): Another excellent time to visit, with mild weather (55-75°F/13-24°C), fewer tourists, and beautiful autumn colors in the city’s parks. Food lovers should consider October and November when seasonal specialties like truffles and porcini mushrooms appear on menus.
• Winter (December-March): The quietest season (except for Christmas and New Year’s) with cool temperatures (40-55°F/4-13°C) and occasional rain. Hotel rates drop significantly, lines disappear at major attractions, and you’ll experience a more authentic, local Rome.

How to Get Around the City

Rome offers several transportation options, though many of the city’s treasures are best discovered on foot:

• Walking: The historic center is compact enough to explore by foot, and wandering is often the best way to discover hidden gems. Comfortable shoes are essential—Rome’s cobblestone streets are charming but unforgiving.
• Metro: Rome’s underground system is limited (just three lines) but efficient for longer distances. Line A (red) and Line B (blue) connect many major attractions. A single ticket (BIT) costs €1.50 and is valid for 100 minutes, including transfers to buses and trams.
• Buses: The extensive bus network reaches areas the metro doesn’t. Key tourist routes include #40 and #64, which connect the train station to the Vatican (though watch for pickpockets on these notorious “tourist buses”).
• Taxis: Official taxis are white with a “TAXI” sign on top and the city’s logo. Always use the meter or agree on a price beforehand. Ride-hailing apps like FreeNow operate in Rome, but Uber only offers premium services at higher rates than standard taxis.
• Rental Bicycles and E-Scooters: Various services offer rentals throughout the city, though Rome’s hills and traffic can make these challenging for inexperienced riders.

What to Know Before You Go

• Language: While English is widely spoken in tourist areas, learning a few Italian phrases will enhance your experience and is appreciated by locals.
• Currency: Italy uses the Euro (€). Credit cards are widely accepted, but carry some cash for smaller establishments and markets.
• Tipping: Not obligatory as service is typically included. Rounding up the bill or leaving a few euros for exceptional service is appreciated but not expected.
• Dress Code: When visiting religious sites like the Vatican, shoulders and knees must be covered (applies to all genders). In summer, bring a light scarf to cover up when needed.
• Safety: Rome is generally safe, but be vigilant about pickpockets, especially in crowded tourist areas and on public transportation. Keep valuables secure and be wary of common scams like fake petitions or “found” rings.
• Water: Rome’s public drinking fountains (nasoni) provide free, clean, and cold water. Bring a reusable bottle to refill throughout the day.
• Siesta: Many small shops and businesses close for a mid-afternoon break (typically 1:00-4:00 PM), though tourist-oriented businesses usually remain open.

Where to Stay in Rome

Luxury Hotels

• Hotel de Russie: A five-star oasis near Piazza del Popolo with a stunning terraced garden restaurant and exceptional service. Rooms from €550/night.
• Hassler Roma: Perched above the Spanish Steps, this iconic hotel offers panoramic city views and old-world elegance. Rooms from €600/night.
• Hotel Eden: Recently renovated to perfection, featuring a rooftop restaurant with breathtaking views and sumptuous rooms. Rooms from €500/night.

Mid-Range & Budget-Friendly Options

• Hotel Campo de’ Fiori: Charming boutique hotel with a rooftop terrace near one of Rome’s liveliest markets. Rooms from €150/night.
• The Beehive: Eco-friendly hotel/hostel hybrid with private rooms and dormitories, plus an organic vegetarian café. Beds from €30/night, private rooms from €80/night.
• Generator Rome: Stylish hostel near Termini Station with both private rooms and well-designed dormitories. Beds from €25/night, private rooms from €70/night.

Editor Recommendations

For the perfect balance of location, value, and authentic Roman character, these neighborhoods offer excellent accommodation options:

• Monti: Rome’s coolest district, with boutique hotels, vintage shops, and local wine bars. Perfect for those seeking atmosphere over proximity to major sights.
• Trastevere: The charming neighborhood across the Tiber offers a more authentic experience while still being walkable to major attractions.
• Prati: Near the Vatican with excellent dining options and more reasonable prices than the historic center.

What to Do in Rome

Must-See Attractions

• The Colosseum & Roman Forum: Ancient Rome’s grand amphitheater and political center. Purchase combined tickets online (€16) to skip long lines, or consider a guided tour for historical context.
• Vatican Museums & St. Peter’s Basilica: Home to Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel and countless masterpieces. Book tickets online (€17) and arrive early (or late afternoon) to avoid peak crowds. St. Peter’s Basilica is free but often has long security lines.
• Pantheon: The best-preserved ancient Roman building with its remarkable dome and oculus. Currently free to enter, though an entrance fee is being considered.
• Trevi Fountain: Rome’s most spectacular fountain where visitors toss coins to ensure their return to the Eternal City. Visit early morning or late evening to avoid crowds.
• Piazza Navona: Rome’s most elegant square, featuring Bernini’s Fountain of the Four Rivers and surrounded by cafés and street artists.
• Spanish Steps: The grand staircase connecting Piazza di Spagna with the Trinità dei Monti church. Sitting on the steps is no longer allowed, but the area remains a favorite gathering spot.

Day Trips from Rome

• Tivoli: Just 30km from Rome, Tivoli offers two UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Hadrian’s Villa (Emperor Hadrian’s country retreat) and Villa d’Este with its magnificent Renaissance gardens and fountains. Easily accessible by train from Tiburtina station (45 minutes, €3).
• Orvieto: This Umbrian hill town sits dramatically atop volcanic tufa cliffs and features one of Italy’s most beautiful cathedrals. The direct train from Termini takes about 75 minutes (€8-15).
• Pompeii: While ambitious as a day trip, it’s possible to visit the famous archaeological site by high-speed train to Naples (1 hour) and then the Circumvesuviana local train to Pompeii (30 minutes). Consider a guided tour to maximize your limited time.
• Ostia Antica: Rome’s ancient port city is just 30 minutes from the city center by train. Less crowded than Pompeii but equally fascinating, with well-preserved streets, mosaics, and buildings.

Unique Experiences

• Cooking Classes: Learn to make pasta from scratch, traditional Roman dishes, or Italian desserts. Schools like Cooking Classes in Rome offer half-day experiences from €75.
• Vespa Tours: Channel your inner Audrey Hepburn or Gregory Peck with a guided Vespa tour of the city. Companies like Scooteroma offer various itineraries with experienced drivers (from €150).
• Underground Rome: Explore layers of history beneath the city streets, from ancient mithraeums to early Christian catacombs. The Domus Aurea (Nero’s Golden House) and San Clemente Basilica offer fascinating underground tours.
• Food Tours: Sample your way through neighborhoods like Testaccio or Trastevere with expert guides who combine history, culture, and cuisine. Companies like Eating Europe offer 3-4 hour tours from €85.
• Aperitivo Experience: Join locals for the pre-dinner ritual of drinks and complimentary snacks. The Prati district near the Vatican offers some of Rome’s best aperitivo scenes.

Where to Eat & Drink in Rome

Best Pasta Places

• Roscioli: A Roman institution serving perfect cacio e pepe and carbonara in a sophisticated deli/restaurant hybrid.
• Da Danilo: Traditional trattoria where classic Roman pastas shine, particularly their gricia (carbonara without egg).
• Flavio al Velavevodetto: Built into Monte Testaccio (an ancient Roman trash heap), serving excellent tonnarelli cacio e pepe and rigatoni all’amatriciana.

Remember that authentic Roman pasta dishes are simpler than many expect—carbonara traditionally contains no cream, just eggs, pecorino, guanciale, and black pepper.

Authentic Roman Pizza Spots

Roman pizza comes in two distinct styles:

• Pizza al Taglio (by the slice): Try Pizzarium (Gabriele Bonci’s famous spot near the Vatican) or Antico Forno Roscioli for rectangular slices with creative toppings.
• Pizza Romana (thin, crispy round pizzas): Da Remo in Testaccio and Li Rioni near the Colosseum serve excellent versions of this local style with a cracker-thin crust.

Famous Gelato Shops

• Fatamorgana: Creative, all-natural flavors using seasonal ingredients across multiple locations.
• Gelateria dei Gracchi: Traditional excellence with pistachios from Bronte, Sicily and seasonal fruit flavors.
• Come il Latte: Rich, creamy gelato with 70% fresh cream and high-quality ingredients.

Pro tip: Real gelato doesn’t form mountainous colorful displays. Look for flat, sometimes covered containers and natural colors for the authentic article.

Local Bars & Wine Tastings

• Il Goccetto: Charming wine bar with 800+ labels and excellent aperitivo plates.
• Salumeria Roscioli: The wine cellar beneath this famous deli offers tastings paired with exceptional charcuterie.
• Ai Tre Scalini: Ancient Monti wine bar with a romantic atmosphere and excellent by-the-glass selection.
• Jerry Thomas Project: Pioneering speakeasy requiring a password (found on their website) for craft cocktails in a 1920s atmosphere.

Hidden Gems for Foodies

• Trappizzino: Innovative street food combining pizza pocket and sandwich, filled with traditional Roman braises and stews.
• Mercato Centrale: Modern food hall inside Termini Station with stands from Rome’s top producers and chefs.
• Mordi e Vai: Inside Testaccio Market, this sandwich counter stuffs crusty rolls with classic Roman slow-cooked meats.
• Cesare al Casaletto: Worth the tram ride to this residential area for what many Romans consider the city’s best traditional cuisine.

Travel Tips for Rome

Saving Money While Exploring

• Roma Pass: Consider the 48-hour (€32) or 72-hour (€52) pass for free entry to 1-2 museums, discounts at others, and unlimited public transportation.
• Free Museum Days: State museums offer free entry on the first Sunday of each month.
• Aperitivo Economics: For €10-15, many bars offer a drink and access to buffets substantial enough to replace dinner.
• Water Fountains: Refill water bottles at Rome’s 2,500+ public fountains rather than purchasing bottled water.
• Standing at Cafés: Coffee costs significantly less if you stand at the bar rather than sitting at a table.

Avoiding Tourist Traps

• Restaurant Red Flags: Avoid places with menus in multiple languages, “tourist menus,” or staff outside aggressively inviting you in.
• Dine Off the Main Squares: Restaurants even a block or two from major attractions often offer better quality at lower prices.
• Skip the Gelato Chains: Bright blue “Smurf” gelato or mountainous displays indicate inferior, artificial products.
• Taxi Precautions: Use only official white taxis, insist on the meter, and know that trips to/from airports have fixed rates.

Navigating Public Transport

• Validate Tickets: Always validate your ticket in the yellow machines before boarding buses, trams, or metro trains to avoid fines.
• Metro Closures: The last trains run around 11:30 PM Sunday-Thursday and 1:30 AM Friday-Saturday.
• Night Buses: After metro closure, night bus routes (identified by an “N” before the number) provide limited service.
• Strike Preparation: Public transport strikes (scioperi) are common and usually announced in advance. Have a backup plan, like walking or using taxi apps.

Culture, Customs, & Local Life

Italian Etiquette

• Greetings: A simple “Buongiorno” (good day) or “Buonasera” (good evening) before making a request goes a long way.
• Dining Customs: Cappuccino is considered a morning drink only; after lunch, drink espresso. The check will never arrive automatically—you must request it (“Il conto, per favore”).
• Volume Control: Romans are expressive, but yelling in public spaces is considered rude. Keep voices moderate, especially in churches and museums.
• Dress Code: Romans dress well even for casual occasions. Athleisure wear marks you as a tourist and might be inappropriate in nicer restaurants or churches.

Events & Festivals

• Easter Week: Elaborate processions and ceremonies, particularly around the Vatican.
• Estate Romana: Summer festival with outdoor concerts, films, and cultural events from June through September.
• Roma Europa Festival: Contemporary arts festival during October and November.
• Feast of Saints Peter and Paul: June 29th celebrates Rome’s patron saints with special masses and a fireworks display.
• Christmas Season: From early December through January 6th (Epiphany), featuring nativity scenes, markets, and festive decorations.

What Not to Do in Rome

• Don’t Order Cappuccino After Noon: Locals consider it a breakfast drink only.
• Don’t Expect Quick Service: The Roman dining experience is meant to be savored, not rushed.
• Don’t Touch Produce at Markets: Let vendors select and bag items for you.
• Don’t Visit Vatican City in Revealing Clothing: Shoulders and knees must be covered.
• Don’t Use Physically-Demanding Transportation in Summer Heat: Temperatures can reach 95°F/35°C, making walking or biking uncomfortable during midday hours.

Additional Resources & Inspiration

Curated Travel Stories from Rome

• “Seeking La Dolce Vita in the Eternal City”
• “A Photographer’s Guide to Rome’s Most Picturesque Spots”
• “Rome Through the Seasons: A Year-Round Guide”
• “Ancient Meets Modern: Rome’s Architectural Timeline”
• “Literary Rome: Following in the Footsteps of Keats, Shelley, and Henry James”

Travel with Locals – Insider Guides

Connect with local guides through services like WithLocals or Context Travel for specialized tours led by resident experts—archaeologists, food writers, architects, and art historians who bring deeper perspective to your explorations.

Rome & Beyond – Next Italian Destinations

After Rome, consider these complementary Italian destinations:

• Florence: The birthplace of the Renaissance, just 1.5 hours by high-speed train.
• Naples & Amalfi Coast: Southern Italy’s vibrant heart and breathtaking coastline, 1-2 hours south.
• Tuscany: Wine country with medieval hill towns, accessible as day trips or longer stays.
• Venice: The unique canal city, 3.5 hours by high-speed train.

Rome rewards the curious traveler who ventures beyond the checklist attractions to discover the city’s authentic character. Whether you’re sipping espresso alongside locals at a neighborhood bar, getting lost in the winding streets of Trastevere, or watching the sunset paint the city’s domes and monuments in golden light, Rome offers moments of beauty and discovery at every turn.

As the Romans say, “Roma, non basta una vita”—for Rome, one lifetime is not enough. Yet with this guide in hand, you can begin to uncover the many layers of the Eternal City and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Buon viaggio!