TRAVEL GUIDE
Rome
Welcome to Rome
Rome is a city of immense history, culture and cuisine. Alongside spectacular religious buildings lies buzzy Renaissance palazzos with iconic Baroque flourishes. Rome brings together a melting pot of fashionistas, jet-setters and foodies. When you consider all that this charming “Eternal City” has to offer, it’s no wonder that Rome is the third most visited city in Europe.
As an ancient city with a rich history, a visit to Rome transports you back in time. It feels like you’re in one big open-air museum. Around every corner lies a breathtaking monument or significant archaeological site. It’s not just about the history though. There is also a vibrant art scene that draws in art admirers from across the globe. Some of history’s most famous artists have left their marks across the city, from Michelangelo to Bernini.
Despite its historical and cultural significance, Rome also manages to be a modern metropolis with a thriving social scene and fashionable edge. Indulge in renowned Italian cuisine and immerse yourself in the sociable aperitivo scene. Discover welcoming hospitality and lap up the dolce vita lifestyle.
Contents
Top things to do in Rome

Iconic landmarks
🎭 Colosseum
🇻🇦 Vatican City
🏛️ Pantheon
⛲ Trevi Fountain
👣 Spanish Steps

Places to visit
⛪ Santa Maria Maggiore
🇮🇹 Piazza Navona
🍃 Palatine Hill
🏛️ Villa Borghese
✨ Castel Sant’Angelo

Hidden gems
🍃 Villa Doria Pamphili
🏡 Coppedè District
⛲ Villa Torlonia
🌳 Quartiere Garbatella
✨ Palazzo Colonna

Day trips
🦐 Civitavecchia
⛰️ Orvieto
🎨 Florence
🎭 Ostia Antica
🏖️ Amalfi Coast

Iconic landmarks
🎭 Colosseum
🇻🇦 Vatican City
🏛️ Pantheon
⛲ Trevi Fountain
👣 Spanish Steps

Places to visit
⛪ Santa Maria Maggiore
🇮🇹 Piazza Navona
🍃 Palatine Hill
🏛️ Villa Borghese
✨ Castel Sant’Angelo

Hidden gems
🍃 Villa Doria Pamphili
🏡 Coppedè District
⛲ Villa Torlonia
🌳 Quartiere Garbatella
✨ Palazzo Colonna

Day trips
🦐 Civitavecchia
⛰️ Orvieto
🎨 Florence
🎭 Ostia Antica
🏖️ Amalfi Coast
Where to eat and drink in Rome
My top picks
⭐ Michelin star
🥦 Vegan friendly
🌾 Gluten free options
Restaurants
La Pergola ⭐🥦🌾
Caramella
Oro Bistrot
Bars
La Botticella
Il Goccetto
Bar San Calisto
My top picks
⭐ Michelin star
🥦 Vegan friendly
🌾 Gluten free options
Restaurants
La Pergola ⭐🥦🌾
Caramella
Oro Bistrot
Bars
La Botticella
Il Goccetto
Bar San Calisto
Where to stay in Rome
My top picks
💧 Swimming pool
🧖♀️ Spa facilities
£££
Villa Spalletti 🧖♀️
Hassler Roma 🧖♀️
Rome Cavalieri 💧🧖♀️
My top picks
💧 Swimming pool
🧖♀️ Spa facilities
£££
Villa Spalletti 🧖♀️
Hassler Roma 🧖♀️
Rome Cavalieri 💧🧖♀️
Best time to visit Rome

Spring: March – May
As with many European cities, spring is a beautiful time to visit Rome. The spring flowers blossom, the city looks utterly charming, and it’s warm enough to dine alfresco. Easter brings a number of memorable events, although it is a busy time to visit since it coincides with the school holidays. Aim for May to make the most of warmer weather.

Summer: June – August
Summer is the season of hot weather, big festivals and lively atmospheres. It’s by far the most popular time of the year to visit Rome, which does mean it’s overrun with tourists. So if you prefer quieter crowds then avoid June-August. But if you love the hustle and bustle, and don’t mind the heat, then summer is a great time to visit Rome.

Autumn: September – November
Autumn is another wonderful time to visit Rome, as the crowds start to dissipate following the summer months. Note that September is still quite a busy month, so October or November may be a better option to avoid the crowds. As the golden leaves appear, Rome looks gorgeous in the autumn. Plus, there are a number of events and shows throughout these months.

Winter: December – February
Winter is the most affordable time to visit Rome, as it’s considered to be the low-season. The temperature is cool and rain is more likely, but you benefit from few crowds – a welcome attraction from the hordes of tourists in the more popular months. Christmas and New Year is of course an exception, as visitors flock to the city for the festivities.
Rome map
Know before you go
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Frequently asked questions
How to get around Rome?
You can get to most key places relatively easily by walking. The main forms of public transport are the metro, bus, tram and train. If you think you’ll be using public transport a lot, then it’s worth getting a 24-hour (€7), 48-hour (€12.50) or 72-hour (€18) ticket, which gives you unlimited use of the metro, bus and train.
Where is the best place to stay in Rome?
Those visiting Rome for the first time may like to be right in the heart of the key Rome attractions. Look for hotels around the Piazza Navona or Campo de’ Fiori. Trastevere is another popular place to stay, as it’s where a lot of the restaurants are – this does make it a lively area.
For luxury hotels and a more high-end experience, stay near the Piazza di Spagna. For a more budget-friendly area, consider staying in the Esquilino neighbourhood, which is where the Roma Termini station is.
Do I need to pre-book attractions in Rome?
Yes, I highly recommend pre-booking attractions in Rome. You can still visit without a booking, but you will likely have to wait in excruciatingly long queues. This is particularly the case if you’re travelling during the peak summer months. It’s best to book either a guided tour or a ‘skip the line’ ticket.
Are there any beaches near Rome?
Yes there are lots of beautiful beaches close to Rome. Have a read of my post on the best beaches near Rome for the ones worth visiting.
Is Rome a good destination for solo travellers?
Rome is an excellent destination for solo travellers. So much so that I included it as the number one spot in my guide to the best European cities for solo travel.
The locals and the hospitality staff are all wonderfully friendly and chatty, plus the vibrant energy of the city will ensure you never feel alone. As with any European city, just be wary of pickpockets and scammers, as they tend to target tourists.
Is Rome expensive?
Rome is one of the more expensive cities to visit in Europe, primarily due to its popularity. Hotels can come with a premium, as can the more popular tourist attractions.
As with any trip, it’s possible to tailor your itinerary to your own budget. But there are some things you won’t want to miss out on, including the iconic landmarks and mouth-watering Italian cuisine.
Are there Christmas markets in Rome?
Yes, there are a number of Christmas markets in Rome, making it a magical place to visit during the festive season. The most famous is the Roman Christmas market at Piazza Navona.












