Welcome to Rome, the Eternal City, where every corner holds a piece of history, a splash of culture, and a taste of culinary delight. Whether you’re wandering through ancient ruins, marvelling at artistic masterpieces, or indulging in mouth-watering Roman dishes, this city has something magical for everyone.
This ultimate Rome travel guide will take you through the must-see spots, from breathtaking viewpoints and iconic museums to charming historical sites and the best places to eat. Get ready to dive into Rome’s vibrant heartbeat, find the perfect place to stay, and learn how to navigate this enchanting city with ease.
In Rome for just one day? Check out my complete itinerary to see the best of Rome in one day here!
Rome Travel Map
The map below lists absolutely everything mentioned in this Rome travel guide, with each item catagorised so it’s easier to follow when you’re out and about! Be sure to save it into your Google my maps to make exploring Rome a breeze.
About Rome
Rome, the capital city of Italy, is one of the most historically and culturally rich cities in the world. Known as the Eternal City, Rome’s history spans more than 2,500 years. It was the heart of the Roman Empire, which influenced the culture, language, architecture, and politics of the ancient world. Today, Rome is a bustling metropolis that seamlessly blends its ancient past with modern life. Visitors can explore iconic landmarks such as the Colosseum, the Vatican, and the Pantheon, stroll through charming neighbourhoods like Trastevere, and indulge in world-renowned Italian cuisine. Rome’s vibrant street life, historical monuments, and artistic treasures make it a must-visit destination for travellers from around the globe.
How Long Do You Need to Visit Rome?
To fully appreciate the wonders of Rome, a stay of at least three to four days is recommended. This duration allows you to explore the major historical sites, such as the Colosseum, the Vatican, and the Roman Forum, while also enjoying the city’s vibrant neighbourhoods, foodie spots, and relaxed atmosphere. A three-day itinerary can cover the essential highlights, while a longer stay allows for a deeper dive into Rome’s rich history and culture, including visits to lesser-known attractions, local markets, and parks.
Suggested 3-Day Itinerary for Rome
Have a set time to visit Rome? Here’s a 3-day travel itinerary you can follow – otherwise, mix and match using the complete Rome travel guide below!
Day 1: Ancient Rome and Historic Center
- Morning: Start your day early at the Colosseum. Book a guided tour to skip the lines and learn about the history of this iconic amphitheatre. Afterwards, explore the nearby Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, where you can wander among the ruins of ancient temples and palaces.
- Lunch: Head to Trattoria Da Enzo al 29 in Trastevere for a traditional Roman lunch.
- Afternoon: Walk to the Pantheon, a marvel of ancient Roman engineering. Enjoy a coffee at one of the cafes in Piazza della Rotonda while admiring the view.
- Evening: Stroll to the Trevi Fountain. Toss a coin to ensure your return to Rome. End your day with dinner at Tonnarello in Trastevere, known for its lively atmosphere and delicious food.
Day 2: Vatican City and Surroundings
- Morning: Visit St. Peter’s Basilica and climb to the top of the dome for a panoramic view of the city. Then, explore the Vatican Museums, including the Sistine Chapel. Booking skip-the-line tickets in advance is highly recommended.
- Lunch: Enjoy a meal at Pasta Poke near the Vatican for a mix of Italian and Hawaiian flavours.
- Afternoon: Cross the Tiber River to visit Castel Sant’Angelo. From here, take a leisurely walk along Via della Conciliazione, leading back towards St. Peter’s Square.
- Evening: Discover the vibrant nightlife and restaurants in the Trastevere neighbourhood. Nannarella offers a great dining experience with local dishes.
Day 3: Art, Parks, and Local Flavors
- Morning: Start with a visit to the Capitoline Museums for a deep dive into Rome’s art and history. Don’t miss the stunning views of the Roman Forum from the museum terraces.
- Lunch: Have lunch at Osteria da Fortunata in Campo dei Fiori, famous for its handmade pasta.
- Afternoon: Spend the afternoon at Villa Borghese. Visit the Galleria Borghese (book tickets in advance) to see masterpieces by Bernini and Caravaggio. Afterwards, relax in the beautiful gardens or rent a bike to explore the park.
- Evening: Head to the Pincio Terrace for a picturesque sunset view over the city. Finish your trip with dinner at Pasta e Vino, where you can enjoy a variety of delicious pasta dishes.
Where to Stay in Rome
The Six Senses Hotel in Rome, located in the historic Palazzo Salviati Cesi Mellini, blends modern luxury with ancient Roman aesthetics, offering serene, minimalist rooms and an impressive Roman Baths-inspired spa. Situated in the heart of Rome near landmarks like the Pantheon and Trevi Fountain, this hotel features eco-friendly design elements, a rooftop bar, and the BIVIUM Restaurant-Café-Bar, creating a unique oasis in the bustling city
Nobildonne Relais in Rome is a luxurious boutique hotel set in a beautifully restored 19th-century palazzo, offering an intimate stay with just five suites. The hotel features high ceilings, long sash windows, Renaissance-style frescoes, and Venetian mosaic tile floors, blending historic charm with modern amenities. Located in the Spagna district, it is within walking distance of major attractions like the Spanish Steps, Ara Pacis, and Piazza del Popolo, as well as the city’s premier shopping streets.
Singer Palace Hotel in Rome is a luxurious boutique hotel housed in a 20th-century palace, perfectly situated between the Pantheon and the Trevi Fountain. With 30 elegantly designed rooms featuring modern Italian furnishings, the hotel offers a stylish and intimate atmosphere. Guests can enjoy dining at the rooftop restaurant, which provides stunning panoramic views of Rome, as well as access to major historical attractions and shopping areas within walking distance.
How to Get Around Rome
Public Transport: For longer distances, take buses, trams, and the metro. The Roma Pass offers unlimited access to public transport and entry to two museums.
Taxis and Uber: Available but can be expensive. Use them for convenience but be aware of higher costs compared to public transport.
Avoid driving: Traffic in Rome is chaotic, and parking can be difficult to find. It’s best to rely on public transport or walking to get around the city.
TRAVELLER TIP
Things to do in Rome
I’ve split this Rome travel guide into sections depending on your interests, from viewpoints to food! The map above details everything I’ve mentioned in this guide, so be sure to download it to your Google Maps before you depart to give you a helping hand when exploring the city!
Note the pricing and opening times are approximate, be sure to always check the respective website for up to date information!
Stunning Viewpoints in Rome
Dome of St Peter’s Basilica
Climbing to the top of St. Peter’s Basilica provides a breathtaking panoramic view of Vatican City and Rome. The climb involves 551 steps, though there is an elevator that can take you part of the way. The best time to visit is early morning to avoid crowds. Entry to the basilica is free, but the climb to the dome costs around €10 for the elevator and €8 for the stairs.
Gianicolo Terrace
Gianicolo Terrace is one of the best spots to get a panoramic view of Rome, especially beautiful at sunset. It’s a bit off the beaten path, providing a quieter spot compared to other tourist-heavy viewpoints. You can reach Gianicolo by taking bus number 115 or 870 from the city centre.
Giardino degli Aranci
Known as the Orange Garden, this serene park on Aventine Hill offers a peaceful escape with a stunning view over the city. It’s a small park, perfect for a quiet stroll and a picturesque view of Rome. It’s best visited during the day for the best light and fewer crowds.
Pincio Terrace
Located above Piazza del Popolo, Pincio Terrace offers a perfect spot for a picturesque view of the city. The terrace is accessible through the Pincio Gardens, which are lovely for a leisurely walk. It’s especially popular during the golden hour in the late afternoon.
Must-Visit Galleries and Museums
Palazzo Colonna
This hidden gem showcases a magnificent collection of Baroque art and furnishings. The gallery is only open on Saturdays from 9 AM to 1 PM, and tickets cost around €12. It’s located near Piazza Venezia and is a short walk from major attractions like the Roman Forum and Capitoline Hill.
Capitoline Museums
Situated on Capitoline Hill, these museums house an extensive collection of ancient Roman statues, inscriptions, and artefacts. The museums are open daily from 9:30 AM to 7:30 PM, and tickets cost around €15. They offer stunning views of the Roman Forum from the museum terraces.
Villa Borghese
Home to an incredible collection of art, including works by Bernini and Caravaggio, surrounded by beautiful gardens perfect for a leisurely stroll. The gallery is open from Tuesday to Sunday, and tickets must be booked in advance, costing upwards of €13 depending on normal/skip the line. The gardens are free to enter and are open daily.
Iconic Historical Sites
Discover Trastevere Neighbourhood
Explore the charming cobblestone streets and vibrant nightlife of this historic district. Known for its lively atmosphere, Trastevere offers plenty of bars, restaurants, and shops. It’s best explored on foot, especially in the evening when the neighbourhood comes alive.
Marvel at the Pantheon
A marvel of ancient Roman engineering, still standing after nearly 2000 years. The Pantheon is open daily from 9 AM to 7 PM, and entry is free. It’s advisable to visit early in the morning to avoid the crowds.
Visit the Colosseum
Rome’s most iconic symbol, offering a glimpse into the gladiatorial past of ancient Rome. The Colosseum is open daily, and tickets cost around €16, which also includes entry to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. Booking tickets in advance is recommended to avoid long queues.
See the Roman Forum
Walk through the ancient heart of Rome at the Roman Forum, where you can explore the ruins of important government buildings, temples, and marketplaces that were once the centre of daily life in the Roman Empire. This will often be included with your Colosseum ticket, if you’re interested in a guided tour of everything check out a great option here.
Visit San Pietro in Vincoli
The church houses Michelangelo’s famous statue of Moses. It is open daily from 8 AM to 12:30 PM and from 3 PM to 7 PM, and entry is free.
Explore Campo dei Fiori
A lively square known for its daily market and vibrant atmosphere. The market is open every morning except Sunday, and it’s a great place to buy fresh produce, flowers, and souvenirs.
Toss a Coin at Trevi Fountain
Toss a coin in the fountain to ensure your return to Rome. The fountain is always open and free to visit, but it’s best seen early in the morning or late at night to avoid the crowds.
Admire Chiesa di Sant’Ignazio di Loyola
The church is known for its stunning Baroque architecture and illusionistic ceiling frescoes. It is open daily, and entry is free. If you want to see the “insta famous” mirror, be prepared to queue and have a euro handy to light up the mirror!
Explore the Vatican
Technically not part of Rome but its own country, Vatican City is home to the Pope, St. Peter’s Basilica, and the Sistine Chapel with Michelangelo’s renowned ceiling. The Vatican Museums are open Monday to Saturday, and the entry fee is around €17. If you want to visit everything, I’d recommend booking this ticket to avoid the long queues and guarantee entry.
See the Pyramid of Rome
A unique ancient pyramid-shaped tomb located near the Protestant Cemetery. The pyramid is free to view from the outside and is close to the Piramide metro station.
Discover Teatro di Marcello
Often overlooked, this ancient theatre predates the Colosseum and is still partially intact. It’s free to visit and located near the Jewish Ghetto.
Unique Activities in Rome
Taste the Jewish Quarter on a Food Tour Taste your way through one of Rome’s most historic neighborhoods, known for its unique culinary heritage. We took this one which was so fascinating and included lots of delicious food to try! They also offer tours around the Trastevere neighbourhood if you’d prefer.
Experience a Vespa Tour Explore the city like a local by renting a Vespa and zipping through the streets. There are several companies offering guided Vespa tours, we took the one linked here which I’d really recommend as you get to sit in the cute little sidecar and be driven around!
Must-Try Foods in Rome
The Four Roman Pastas Rome is renowned for its iconic pasta dishes, each with its own unique flavour profile:
- Cacio e Pepe: A simple yet delicious pasta made with Pecorino Romano cheese and black pepper.
- Carbonara: Made with eggs, Pecorino Romano, guanciale (cured pork cheek), and black pepper. No cream is used, despite popular belief.
- Amatriciana: A slightly spicy pasta sauce made with tomatoes, guanciale, and Pecorino Romano.
- Gricia: Often considered the predecessor to Amatriciana, this pasta includes guanciale and Pecorino Romano but no tomatoes.
Roman Pizzas Roman pizza is known for its thin, crispy crust and simple, high-quality toppings. Unlike Neapolitan pizza, which has a soft and chewy crust, Roman pizza is rolled out thinner and cooked longer to achieve a crunchier texture.
Supplì A classic Roman street food, supplì are deep-fried rice balls typically filled with tomato sauce and mozzarella. They’re the perfect snack to grab on the go.
Artichokes Rome is famous for its artichokes, particularly two preparations: Carciofi alla Romana (Roman-style artichokes) and Carciofi alla Giudia (Jewish-style artichokes). The former is braised with garlic, mint, and parsley, while the latter is deep-fried to crispy perfection.
Porchetta A savoury, fatty, and moist boneless pork roast, porchetta is often seasoned with garlic, rosemary, and other herbs. It’s commonly served as a street food in sandwiches.
Gelato No trip to Rome is complete without indulging in gelato. Roman gelaterias are known for their high-quality ingredients and traditional methods. Try flavours like pistachio, stracciatella, and hazelnut for a true taste of Italian gelato.
Best Places to Eat
Osteria da Fortunata – Known for its handmade pasta. Located in Campo dei Fiori, it’s a popular spot so be prepared to wait a while (it’s worth it!).
Two Sizes Tiramisu – A must-visit for Tiramisu lovers. Located near Piazza Navona, it’s known for its variety of tiramisu flavours and I’d fully recommend the pistachio!
Tonnarello – Famous for its traditional Roman dishes. Located in Trastevere, it’s a great place to enjoy authentic Italian cuisine.
Pasta e Vino – Offers a variety of delicious pasta dishes. Located in the heart of Rome, it’s perfect for a casual meal and might just be my favourite carbonara in all of Rome.
Trattoria Da Enzo al 29 – A cosy spot with authentic Roman cuisine. Located in Trastevere, it’s known for its friendly atmosphere and delicious food.
Nannarella – Popular for its great food and lively atmosphere. Also located in Trastevere, it’s a favourite among locals and tourists alike and is a sister restaurant to previously mentioned Tonnarello.
Pasta Poke (now called Pastaeat) – The perfect street food option for pasta on the go. You can choose your shape and sauce and then wait for it to be freshly made and packaged ready for you to take away.
Rome is a city that promises unforgettable experiences. With this Rome travel guide, you’ll be well-prepared to explore its wonders, savour its flavours, and immerse yourself in its rich history and culture.
