Rome Travel Guide

The Eternal City, famous for its romantic atmosphere, stunning landmarks, and lip-smacking cuisine, Rome also has one of the longest and most fascinating cultural heritages of any city in Europe.

Step into the timeless beauty of the Italian capital as you explore the best places to visit in Rome. Steeped in 3,000 years of history, Rome’s ancient heart still beats at landmarks like the Colosseum and the Pantheon, but this city isn’t only for history buffs.

Rome, a city known for its enduring beauty, transforms in winter into a serene haven of rich cultural and festive charm. As the temperature drops, the Eternal City invites you to get to know its quieter, more intimate side.

When in Rome, do as the Romans do. That often means escaping the city for a weekend to explore the stunning landscapes, history, and cuisine that surrounds it. Italy’s heart beats not just in its famed capital but in the rolling hills of Tuscany, the cliffside villages of the Amalfi Coast, and the art museums of Florence. From sipping fine wines amidst the vineyards of Montepulciano to wandering through the ancient ruins of Pompeii, discover the 12 best weekend getaways from Rome below.

Your adventures in Rome don't have to stop when the sun sets. At night, you'll see a completely different side of the Eternal City. The most famous landmarks and monuments look completely different, dramatically lit up. Take a stroll around the city to make the most of seasonal holiday activities or head to a terrace to dine out for a romantic date.

Looking for romantic activities in Rome? We've put together a list of the best date ideas for adventurous couples. You'll find a wealth of great couples' activities in Rome, from amazing meals to secret corners to explore. Every night that you spend in the Italian capital with your love will be unforgettable, whether you choose to wine and dine, see the sights, or take a night tour.

When in Rome, you'd better eat as the Romans do, but what food is Rome known for? Many people think Italian cuisine is the best in the world, and now it's time to see if you agree. There's nothing quite like sitting on a terrace on a summer evening in Rome, enjoying some of Italy's most famous food.

You already know all about the great monuments, historical sites, and famous museums in Rome. Now it's time to go below the surface. We've searched the Eternal City for cool things to do, from gladiator classes to vespa tours.

When you think of Rome, what springs to mind? The Colosseum, with its ancient gladiatorial history? How about the Sistine Chapel, home to the world's finest ceiling fresco? Rome is just packed with places to visit, including some historic Rome landmarks that are among the most popular in the world.

Rome's major landmarks are known all over the world. There's more to the Eternal City than the Colosseum and the Vatican, as you'll see with this list. We've found the best hidden places in Rome. Most tourists have no idea about these hidden gems in Rome, so keep it to yourself!

Enjoy la dolce vita with a summer trip to Rome. When the sun is sizzling overhead, you'll find plenty of ways to keep busy. Cool off by wandering the halls of an art museum or dipping your toes in a fountain. Indulge in a refreshing tub of gelato as you wander the streets, or take advantage of the warm nights to dine out on a terrace.

Rain in Italy’s capital city can transform your experience of the Eternal City. Instead of strolling through sunlit piazzas, you’re now given an opportunity in disguise to explore Rome’s indoor treasures. This guide unveils the 12 best things to do in Rome when it rains. From world-class museums like the Vatican Museums brimming with art to cozy cafes for a well-deserved rest, there are many ways to experience the city’s charm even when it’s pouring. Here’s how to make your rainy day bellissimo.

Day 1

You’re familiar with Rome, you’ve seen the Colosseum, (you’re a big fan of the pizza), but how well do you really know Italy’s capital? You may have experienced some of what Rome has to offer, but here are 10 things you might not know about the “Eternal City”.

Visiting the Colosseum is a quintessential part of any trip to Rome, but marveling at this ancient landmark is not enough for those who crave stories and secrets. As a historical landmark of the Roman Empire, there are so many things to know about the Colosseum. Weather you are interested in the origins of this famous Roman Ampitheatre, the gladiator fights that took place in the arena, or the role of the Colosseum in modern history, there are plenty of Colosseum facts. To help quench your thirst for knowledge, here are 12 fun facts about the Colosseum you (probably) didn't know.

If you love art, Rome will be high on your list of destinations. In its spectacular Renaissance galleries, you can see works by Michelangelo, da Vinci, Raphael, Caravaggio, and more. Many of these artworks are among the most famous in the world, and there's nothing like seeing them up close and personal.

Art and elegance meet at the Borghese Gallery in Rome. Housed in the 17th-century Villa Borghese, it’s THE go-to spot for Renaissance and Baroque art. A visit to the Borghese Gallery is sure to enrich your experience of Rome, providing a comprehensive understanding of the development of art’s prominence in the age of Michaelangelo.

Ready to embark on a solo adventure in Rome, a city that's captivated travelers' hearts for centuries? Whether you're a history buff, a foodie, or just someone in search of a little me time, Rome has got you covered. In this guide, we'll delve into the best activities in Rome when traveling alone. We're talking about strolling through the Colosseum's echoing chambers, savoring carbonara in a tucked-away Trastevere trattoria, and peeking through the Aventine Keyhole for that perfect Instagram shot. From iconic landmarks to hidden culinary gems, solo travel in Rome offers an array of experiences that you can tailor to your own tastes. Intrigued? Read on to uncover activities and experiences that will let you craft a “Roman holiday” that's uniquely yours.

Your adventures in Rome don't have to stop when the sun sets. At night, you'll see a completely different side of the Eternal City. The most famous landmarks and monuments look completely different, dramatically lit up. Take a stroll around the city to make the most of seasonal holiday activities or head to a terrace to dine out for a romantic date.

The best things to do in Rome at night include great places to eat, fun night tours, and even some spooky options. Enjoy the glorious Colosseum all lit up, or head underground to spend the evening in a haunted crypt. The choice is yours.

What tips would you give to someone visiting Rome for the first time?

The most important thing first-timers should do is make a plan, a loose itinerary of what you most want to see, but don't fill every moment. Leave time free for shopping, wandering, napping, or whatever will allow you to absorb everything. Even sightseeing can feel like an extreme sport in a city as jam-packed with history as Rome. Take a water bottle and refill it with free clean water from the drinking fountains all over the city, and stay somewhere in the historic center — it might cost a little more, but you'll save time and money getting around.

Is there anything that should be avoided in Rome?

I definitely wouldn't say avoid it, as it's incredible, but don't stress too much about getting inside the Colosseum if time is limited or you didn't book in advance. It's amazing from the outside, especially if you walk (or jog) by it in the early morning or late evening when few people are around. Other unmissable landmarks in the city are a great way to experience the architecture and grandeur of Ancient Rome, such as Castel Sant'Angelo, the Pantheon, the Baths of Caracalla, and Ostia Antica.

What is one thing that surprised you about Rome?

Rome can be crowded, busy, and a little intense at times, but there's an abundance of green space in the city too. Most of the city's parks and gardens are free to explore, including right in the historic center and near the big sights. Quiet time, shade, and calm are always nearby when you need them.

What should I do on my first trip to Rome?

It's no wonder most first-time visitors to Rome will want to see some of the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel, St Peter's Basilica, the Colosseum, the Trevi Fountain, and the Pantheon. They're simply incredible and absolute must-sees. There are tons of hidden gems in Rome, but don't even think about them until you've ticked off the big deals.

What are some hidden gems to see in Rome?

Rome is packed with hidden gems. If you love art, don't miss the Galleria Doria Pamphilj or Palazzo Barberini. The Museo Barracco is a free museum worth a quick visit. If you love the ancient stuff, visit the Domus Romana at Palazzo Valentini, the Domus Aurea, and the Baths of Caracalla. Take a tour of Trastevere, a fascinating neighborhood full of history and ambiance, for even more hidden gems.

Rome may have been built thousands of years before the iPhone, but the city still has an abundance of Instagrammable spots that feel like they were made to be photographed. There are picturesque locations at every turn in the Italian capital, from unusual hidden gems to incredible landmarks like the Colosseum. But where are the best places in Rome for grid-worthy photos?

These popular travel creators have shared their favorite spots for taking photographs of the Eternal City, from the famous sights to off-the-beaten-path secrets. There are tips on how to beat the crowds, free museums that many visitors miss, and even the nearby gelato spots you shouldn’t miss. Worried about how you’ll find them all? Don’t. There’s a Google Maps link for all twelve locations.

Ready to boost your likes? Here are Rome’s most Instagrammable spots.

In Rome, you will find ancient ruins, grand cathedrals, historic sites, and delicious cuisine. But did you know that you can find some of the most beautiful vistas in Rome? Italy’s Eternal City has a gorgeous landscape that can only fully be appreciated from all the various angles possible.

As the heat of summer fades into the crisp, golden ambiance of fall, Rome transforms into a more relaxed, intimate setting. Imagine strolling through ancient ruins with a backdrop of autumn leaves, savoring seasonal flavors at a local osteria, or enjoying the serene beauty of Rome’s parks without the summer crowds.

Springtime in Rome is a time of tender reawakening, perfect for experiencing the city’s beauty and majesty without the crowds of summer. Mild weather ushers in a floral renaissance, and must-sees include the plentiful cherry blossoms around the city as well as the magnificent open-air market, Campo de’ Fiori, both of which make for unique photo opportunities in Rome.

Booked a dream trip to Rome but the budget is tight? Wondering how you can fill your days in the Italian capital without emptying your pockets? With so much culture and history at your fingertips, even a stroll through Rome is a history lesson in itself, but quite a few of its most famous highlights (and a few Roman hidden gems) are already free and open to the public.

There’s no more iconic and enduring symbol of Rome than the Colosseum. Once the site of legendary battles and audacious spectacles, the Roman landmark continues to captivate generations almost two millennia after it was built in the first century.

In Rome, a storied past and lively present live side by side, and each neighborhood showcases a unique chapter of the Eternal City. If you want to discover Italy’s capital city in a more manageable way, picking a few neighborhoods to focus on is a great way to do it.

You can’t go to Italy’s capital city and not visit the Vatican Museums. It’s one of the top museums in Rome. Exploring the Vatican Museums will take you through a time portal of living history, whether you’re appreciating the medieval tapestries while walking through the halls, or exploring the ancient maps, or admiring the Renaissance frescoes by Michelangelo in the Sistine Chapel. Find everything you need to know about visiting the Vatican Museums in this guide, including fun facts and tips.

Tucked away from Rome’s well-trodden tourist paths, Testaccio is a neighborhood that marches to the beat of its own drum, imbued with authentic Roman spirit. Known for its rich history and vibrant cultural scene, it’s loved by travelers who seek a deeper connection with the city.

Located on the west bank of the Tiber, Trastevere is the classic embodiment of Rome, with its narrow lanes, medieval charm, and vibrant street life setting it apart from the surrounding areas. Known for the Basilica di Santa Maria, its lively piazza, and an array of bars and artisan shops, this neighborhood is a haven for art lovers and foodies alike.

A visit to the Sistine Chapel is an absolute must when in Rome. After all, the Sistine Chapel, with its magnificent frescoes by Michelangelo, is a symbolic testament to how art and religion can merge to narrate stories that will inspire for centuries to come.

From the ancient ruins of the Colosseum to the stunning frescos of the Sistine Chapel, expect history, culture, and charm on your first time in Rome. There’s no shortage of things to do in Rome for first timers, whether you’re making a wish at the Trevi Fountain, meandering through history-filled streets, or savoring authentic Italian cuisine.

Rich in history, culture, and romance, with one of the best food scenes in the world, there’s so much to see and do in Rome.