Rome, the Eternal City, is a breathtaking tapestry of ancient history, art, and vibrant modern life. It’s a place where you can stand in awe of a 2,000-year-old monument like the Colosseum and then, just a few blocks away, find yourself in a bustling piazza enjoying a coffee.

The city’s main attractions, including the Roman Forum, Trevi Fountain, Pantheon, and the Spanish Steps, offer a glimpse into its glorious past. Beyond these famous landmarks, Rome’s various neighborhoods, each with its unique character, invite you to explore and discover a new facet of the city’s rich culture and heritage.

Gastronomy

Rome’s food culture is deeply rooted in tradition and simple, high-quality ingredients. Roman cuisine is known for iconic pasta dishes like Carbonara (eggs, guanciale, pecorino cheese), Cacio e Pepe (cheese and black pepper), and Amatriciana (guanciale, tomato, pecorino).

Beyond pasta, you can savor local delicacies such as Trippa alla Romana (tripe stew) and Carciofi alla Giudia (fried artichokes), a dish with roots in the city’s Jewish community. To experience authentic Roman food, seek out restaurants filled with locals in neighborhoods like Trastevere and Testaccio. Don’t forget to enjoy a glass of local wine with your meal; in Rome, it’s hard to find a bad one.

Shopping

Rome’s shopping scene caters to every taste, from high-end fashion to quirky local boutiques. The area around the Spanish Steps, particularly Via dei Condotti, is the city’s most exclusive district, home to luxury designer brands like Gucci and Prada. For more popular high-street brands, head to Via del Corso, which runs through the historic center.

The Monti neighborhood, a short walk from the Colosseum, is a haven for vintage and independent shops selling unique clothing, jewelry, and artisanal goods. For centuries, Via dei Cestari, located near the Pantheon, has been the main street for religious vestments, offering a unique shopping experience particularly unique to Rome.

Museums

Rome is an unparalleled destination for art and history lovers, with museums and galleries that house some of the world’s most significant collections. The Vatican Museums are an essential visit, home to over 50 galleries showcasing extensive collections of art, archaeology, and sculpture, culminating in the awe-inspiring frescoes of the Sistine Chapel.

Beyond the Vatican, you can explore the Capitoline Museums, considered the world’s oldest public museums, or the Galleria Borghese, which features masterpieces by Bernini, Canova, and other great artists. Other notable museums include the National Roman Museum, which is spread across four different locations, and the Galleria Doria Pamphilj, a well-known private gallery in a stunning palazzo.

Nightlife

As night falls, Rome transforms into a city full of energy and activity. The vibrant piazzas like Piazza Navona and Campo de’ Fiori become lively “urban living rooms” where locals and tourists alike gather for an aperitivo. As night falls, Rome transforms into a city full of energy and activity. The vibrant piazzas like Piazza Navona and Campo de’ Fiori become lively “urban living rooms” where locals and tourists alike gather for an aperitivo.

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For a more bohemian vibe, the Monti district, with its excellent wine bars and live music venues, offers a glimpse into authentic Roman nightlife. Whether you’re looking for a quiet dinner, a traditional pub, or a lively dance club, Rome has something to please every taste and budget after dark.

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Orientation

Navigating Rome can feel like an adventure in itself, with its winding, narrow streets and historic layout. While the city center is best explored on foot, allowing you to stumble upon hidden gems and picturesque alleys, a good map or a GPS-guided walking tour is highly recommended. The public transportation system, including the metro and buses, can be useful for covering longer distances, but be prepared for crowds.

The main sights of the historic center are relatively close to one another, making it easy to walk from the Trevi Fountain to the Pantheon and on to Piazza Navona. For the Vatican City and the ancient ruins of the Colosseum and Roman Forum, a combination of walking and public transport is often the most efficient way to get around.

Other Highlights

Beyond the well-trodden tourist path, Rome offers a wealth of hidden gems and unique experiences. You can explore the city’s charming countryside with a day trip to the historic villas of Tivoli, like Villa d’Este and Hadrian’s Villa, or venture further to the archaeological sites of Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius.

In the city itself, discover lesser-known treasures such as the Galleria Sciarra, a stunning Art Nouveau courtyard hidden in plain sight, or the Baths of Caracalla, a magnificent set of ancient Roman ruins. For a unique view, visit the Knights of Malta Keyhole on Aventine Hill, which offers a perfectly framed glimpse of St. Peter’s Basilica.

Additional days in Rome

Should you be able to spend additional days in Rome we recommend a day trip to explore the attractions in the beautiful countryside around the city. We recommend touring Tivoli: Villa d’Este and Hadrian’s Villa, to explore two World Heritage-listed historic villas, built as vacation homes for the Roman elite, as well as their beautiful gardens. An organized tour is a perfect way to explore these attractions, allowing a professional guide to find the way, as well as provide educational information as you discover this area.

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A full-day tour provides enough time to hike to the crater of Mt. Vesuvius (in summer) or visit the National Archeological Museum of Pompeii, as well as seeing the sights of Pompeii.