Epic architecture, classic art and sunny piazzas set the scene in Italy’s revered capital.
Rome is home to more than 2.8 million residents, many of whom will happily tell you about the city’s best pizzeria or their favorite soccer team. The only time the pace here slows is in the early afternoon, when some locals still take the time for a post-lunch nap.
Rome, city of seven hills, is divided into neighborhoods often named for the key attractions in each area. It’s split by the Tiber River and linked by cobbled streets and boulevards. Grab a map while exploring, especially if you’re visiting some of the older districts where addresses and streets can be confusing. Walking is the best way to get around the narrow, windy roads at many of the historical sites. Buses are the most practical option for public transportation.
Losing your way, however, is part of Rome’s charm. You may wind up at a hidden treasure like an underground bakery with cornetti fresh from the oven, or an archeological dig taking place in the center of a busy street.
No visit to Rome is complete without experiencing its architectural and artistic landmarks. There are Renaissance wonders like the Palazzo Senatorio and the Sistine Chapel within Vatican City. Baroque masterpieces, including magnificent St. Peter's Basilica, the Spanish Steps and the Trevi Fountain are also must-see destinations. Step back further in time and stroll through the history of the Roman Empire at the Roman Forum, which ends at the awe-inspiring Colosseum. In between outings, sit back and enjoy a coffee in one of the old town squares like the Piazza Navona.
Along with opera and other music, soccer and architecture, Romans adore food and wine, and you can easily eat your way around the capital. All over Rome there is Italian cuisine and "vino" aplenty. Spaghetti carbonara is a classic dish, however true Roman cuisine is much more than pasta. It’s simple, delicious food based on what’s available that season.
Once you’ve ticked off the essential landmarks each day, make like the locals do. Find a spot with your gelato and watch the late afternoon skies turn pink as you embrace the Roman ideal of "il dolce far niente," or "the sweet doing nothing."
Rome Travel Guide Video
Where to stay in Rome
Prati
4.5/5Wonderful!(154 area reviews)
Listen to live music, try authentic Roman cuisine and stroll to Vatican City from this peaceful neighborhood in Rome.
Relax in wine bars and restaurants, take a walking tour and discover the famous Colosseum and other historic sites in one of Rome’s prominent districts.
Stay in this peaceful neighborhood, which still retains much of its authentic charm despite touching the edges of Rome’s biggest attraction, Vatican City.
Drive one of Italy’s most scenic roads, an ancient Roman route which leads past villages, cities, lakes and ruins, and through the famous Tuscan landscape.
Located in Repubblica, this family-friendly Rome hotel is steps away from Teatro dell'Opera di Roma, Via Nazionale and Via XX Settembre. Via Veneto and Basilica ...…Located in Repubblica, this family-friendly Rome hotel is steps away from Teatro dell'Opera di Roma, Via Nazionale and Via XX Settembre. Via Veneto and Basilica ...WWW…
4.2/5Very Good! (4,297 reviews)
"Very nice place, accesible great point of departure to access the city."…""Very nice place, accesible great point of departure to access the city."WWW…"
Located in Esquilino, this hotel is 2.1 mi (3.3 km) from Circus Maximus. Rome Termini Station is only a 3-minute walk and Repubblica - Opera House Station is ...…Located in Esquilino, this hotel is 2.1 mi (3.3 km) from Circus Maximus. Rome Termini Station is only a 3-minute walk and Repubblica - Opera House Station is ...WWW…
4.5/5Wonderful! (822 reviews)
"I liked almost everything about this hotel. The staff was friendly and efficient. The property was clean, comfortable and beautiful. It has a great location next door to the train station. The only thing that would have been better is if breakfast started earlier than 7 am. Although we booked a room ..."…""I liked almost everything about this hotel. The staff was friendly and efficient. The property was clean, comfortable and beautiful. It has a great location next door to the train station. The only thing that would have been better is if breakfast started earlier than 7 am. Although we booked a room ..."WWW…"
Located in Rome City Centre, this hotel is within a 10-minute walk of Baths of Diocletian, Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore and Palace of Expositions. Repubblica ...…Located in Rome City Centre, this hotel is within a 10-minute walk of Baths of Diocletian, Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore and Palace of Expositions. Repubblica ...WWW…
4.3/5Excellent! (1,252 reviews)
"Beautiful, very modern. Excellent breakfast. Close to all attractions. Staff was very accommodating. Reccomend highly."…""Beautiful, very modern. Excellent breakfast. Close to all attractions. Staff was very accommodating. Reccomend highly."WWW…"
Faster Than Skip-the-Line: Vatican, Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Tour
CA $98
You may wonder what it feels like to be a VIP in the Vatican. You'll ignore the lines and slip through our Private Partner Entrance, courtesy of our official partner status. Our VIP door allows us to shave hours off the usual waiting time during peak season.
Skip-the-line: Colosseum & Forum Tour with Special Gladiator’s Gate & Arena Floor Access
CA $91
Stand in the spot where gladiators once clashed swords and battles raged before throngs of spectators as you visit the mighty Colosseum and get special access to the arena floor. Afterward, learn what daily life was like in ancient Rome as you walk in the footsteps of everyday citizens among the ruins of the Roman Forum.
Explore all the major sights of Rome on a double-decker, hop-on hop-off bus that gives you 360-degree views of the Italian capital's ancient charms. Enjoy unlimited rides within the validity of your pass, stopping at world-famous attractions including the Colosseum, the Vatican, St Peter's Basilica, and the Trevi Fountain.
Skip the Line: Vatican Museums Tickets with Hosted Entry
CA $41
Get fast access to the most famous art and sculpture in the world with skip-the-line escorted entrance tickets to the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel. Meet the ticket coordinator at the meeting point 15 minutes before your scheduled entrance time to check in.
Skip-the-Line: Colosseum, Palatine Hill & Roman Forum Ticket
CA $32
Travel back to an era of violence and grandeur at the Colosseum, a symbol of the strength of the Roman Empire. Bypass the lines to save time, and then imagine what life was like in the Rome of 80 AD as you roam the once-bustling Forum and the palatial ruins atop Palatine Hill.
Itinerary This is a typical itinerary for this product Pass By: Vatican Museums, Viale Vaticano, 00120 Vatican City Italy Vatican Museum Pass By: Sistine Chapel, Citta del Vaticano 1, 00120 Vatican City Italy Sistine Chapel
I found Rome beautiful as always, with so much to offer, but this time just unsafer than i expected. I would just stick to some more central or frequented areas probably, next time.
5/5 - Excellent
Verified traveler
Dec 8, 2019
Can’t get enough of the eternal city
5/5 - Excellent
Jack
Dec 3, 2019
Rome is good. Finding a worthy Italian restaurant is too much of job when we have very limited time. Tried over priced cafe near Vantican , the result is bad.
5/5 - Excellent
Verified traveler
Dec 2, 2019
Lots to see and do. Very nice, will definitely come back.
5/5 - Excellent
Verified traveler
Dec 2, 2019
This place has huge historical past and nothing from present. Very dirty streets, expensive service, people not nice.
