Rome is the most fascinating city in Italy. You could easily spend a month here and still only scratch the surface. It’s an ancient place packed with the relics of over 2,000 years of inhabitation, yet it’s so much more than an open-air museum: its culture, its food, its people make up a modern, vibrant city that would be worthy of a visit irrespective of its past. As a historic centre, it is special enough; as a contemporary European capital, it is utterly unique.
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Once the heart of the mighty Roman Empire, and still the home of the papacy, Rome is made up of layers of history. It's the most visited city in Italy, and there's a reason for that.
There are its ancient Roman features, of course, but beyond these, there’s an almost uninterrupted sequence of monuments – from early Christian basilicas and Romanesque churches to Renaissance palaces and the fountains and churches of the Baroque period, which perhaps more than any other era has determined the look of the city today.
The modern epoch has left its mark too, from the ponderous Neoclassical architecture of the post-Unification period to prestige projects like Zaha Hadid’s MAXXI exhibition space. These various eras crowd in on one another to an almost overwhelming degree: medieval churches sit atop ancient basilicas above Roman palaces; houses and apartment blocks incorporate fragments of eroded Roman columns; and roads and piazzas follow the lines of ancient amphitheatres and stadiums.
You won’t enjoy Rome if you spend your time trying to tick off sights. However, there are some places that it would be a pity to miss, namely the Vatican and its incredible museums, the star attractions of the ancient city – the Forum and Palatine, the Colosseum – and the signature Baroque churches, fountains and art, in particular the works of Borromini and Bernini.
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Piazza Mincio, Quartiere Coppede, Rome © Vinicio Tullio/Shutterstock
From iconic landmarks like the Colosseum and the Vatican to hidden gems found in quaint neighbourhoods, Rome seamlessly blends its storied past with a vibrant present. Whether you're a history buff, an art enthusiast, a food lover, or simply a curious traveller, Rome's captivating charm is bound to leave an indelible mark on your heart.
These are the best things to do in Rome. For a more detailed version, please read our article about the best things to do in Rome.
The Pantheon is easily the most complete ancient structure in Rome and, along with the Colosseum, visually the most impressive. It was originally a temple that formed part of Marcus Agrippa’s redesign of the Campus Martius in around 27 BCE, but was entirely rebuilt by Emperor Hadrian in 125 AD.
It’s a formidable architectural achievement even now, with a diameter precisely equal to its height (43.3m). The oculus – from which shafts of sunlight illuminate the musty interior – is a full 8.7m across. Most impressively, there are no visible arches or vaults to hold the whole thing up; instead, they’re sunk into the walls.
In its heyday, it would have been richly decorated, the coffered ceiling heavily stuccoed and the niches filled with the statues of gods. Now, apart from its sheer size, the main points of interest are the tombs of two Italian kings and the tomb of Raphael.
Pantheon, Rome, Italy © Shutterstock
There are remnants of the Roman Empire all over the city, but the most concentrated grouping is the area that stretches southeast from the Capitoline Hill and hosts the Colosseum, Arch of Constantine, Forum and Palatine Hill.
Mussolini ploughed the Via dei Fori Imperiali road through here in the 1930s, with the intention of turning it into one giant archaeological park, and this to some extent is what it is. Although its glories are hard to glimpse now, the five or so acres that make up the Roman Forum have a symbolic allure that make it one of the most compelling sets of ruins anywhere in the world.
Rising above the Forum, the Palatine Hill is supposedly where the city of Rome was founded and is home to some of its most ancient remains. In a way, it’s a greener, more pleasant site to tour than the Forum.
Roman Forum and the Colosseum © Calin Stan/Shutterstock
Trastevere, a district nestled on the west bank of the Tiber River, beckons travellers seeking a genuine Roman experience. Its labyrinthine narrow streets, charming squares, and bohemian atmosphere make it a must-visit. Roam these picturesque lanes adorned with vibrant street art and stumble upon cosy trattorias serving time-honoured Roman dishes. As the sun sets, Trastevere transforms into a lively nocturnal hub.
Immerse yourself in the vibrant pulse of Rome by exploring its markets. Campo de' Fiori, a bustling square during the day, unveils a vibrant market scene offering fresh produce, fragrant flowers, and artisanal goods. But it's at night that Campo de' Fiori truly comes alive, becoming a focal point for dining and socializing.
The Colosseum, an emblem of Rome's illustrious past, invites you to step back in time.
This colossal amphitheatre, once a stage for gladiatorial battles and grand spectacles, embodies the city's ancient magnificence. Traverse its corridors, and envision the roars of the crowd and the valour of gladiators. To delve deeper into its history, consider a guided tour that unravels the tales concealed within these mighty walls.
Beneath Rome's bustling streets lies a clandestine realm of history and spirituality – the Roman Catacombs. Here, intricate networks of burial chambers, tunnels, and crypts reveal the city's early Christian heritage. Among the most notable are the Catacombs of St. Callixtus and Catacombs of Domitilla, where you'll encounter not only sacred traditions but also the architectural marvels hidden beneath the surface.
The Spanish Steps (Scalinata di Spagna) sweep down in a cascade of balustrades and balconies to Piazza di Spagna, whose distinctive boat-shaped Barcaccia fountain is the last work of Bernini’s father. At their top, the 16th-century, rose-coloured Trinità dei Monti church looks out over Rome.
In the nineteenth century, the steps were the hangout of young hopefuls waiting to be chosen as artists’ models, and nowadays they provide the venue for international posing and flirting late into the summer nights. The only Spanish thing about them, incidentally, is the fact that they lead down to the Spanish Embassy, which also gave the piazza its name.
Facing directly onto Piazza di Spagna, opposite the fountain, is the house where poet John Keats died in 1821. It now serves as the Keats-Shelley House, an archive of English-language literary and historical works and a museum of manuscripts and literary memorabilia relating to the Keats circle of the early 19th century.
Spanish Steps Piazza di Spagna, Rome © Shutterstock
It’s hard to miss the Fontana di Trevi: a Baroque gush of water over sprawling statues and rocks built onto the backside of a Renaissance palace.
There was once a more modest version around the corner, but in the 16th-century Urban VIII decided to upgrade it and employed Bernini, among others, to design an alternative. Work didn’t begin, however, until 1732, when Niccolò Salvi won a competition to design the fountain, and even then it took 30 years to finish. Salvi died in the process, his lungs destroyed by the dank waterworks of his construction.
The fountain was restored by the fashion house Fendi in 2015 at a cost of €2.2 million and is now a popular hangout and, of course, the place you come to chuck in a coin if you want to guarantee your return to Rome.
You might remember Anita Ekberg frolicking in it in La Dolce Vita, however, any attempt at re-creating the scene would be met with an immediate reaction by the police.
Night view over Fountain di Trevi in Rome © trabantos/Shutterstock
Some of the areas immediately north of Rome’s city centre are taken up by its most central park, Villa Borghese, which serves as valuable outdoor space for both Romans and tourists as well as hosting some of the city’s best museums.
The wonderful Galleria Borghese was built in the early 17th century by Cardinal Scipione Borghese and turned over to the state in 1902. Today it’s one of Rome’s great treasure houses of art and should not be missed; be sure to book in advance.
The Villa Borghese’s two other major museums are the Galleria Nazionale d’Arte Moderna and the Museo Nazionale Etrusco di Villa Giulia, which holds the world’s primary collection of Etruscan treasures.
A 10-minute tram journey north of Piazza del Popolo, MAXXI is a museum of 21st-century art and architecture. Opened to much fanfare in 2010 in a landmark building by the Anglo-Iraqi architect Zaha Hadid, it’s primarily a venue for temporary exhibitions of contemporary art and architecture (though it does have small collections of its own).
The building, a simultaneously jagged and curvy affair, is worth a visit in its own right, with its long, unravelling galleries and a towering lobby encompassing the inevitable café and bookstore.
The Vatican City, the headquarters of the Catholic Church, was established as a sovereign state in 1929 and today has around 1,000 inhabitants.
The Basilica di San Pietro, better known to many as St Peter’s, was built here on the site of St Peter’s tomb. It was worked on by the greatest Italian architects of the 16th and 17th centuries. On entering, the first thing you see is Michelangelo’s graceful Pietà, completed when he was just 24.
Stretching north, the Renaissance papal palaces are now home to the Vatican Museums. So much booty from Rome’s history has ended up here, from both classical and later times, and so many of the Renaissance’s finest artists were in the employ of the pope, that it really is quite simply the largest, most compelling museum complex in the world.
There’s no point trying to see everything in one visit, but don’t miss the Raphael Rooms and the Sistine Chapel.
Vatican at night @ Shutterstock
Roman cooking is traditionally dominated by the earthy cuisine of the working classes, with influence from the city’s Jewish population.
You’ll find all sorts of pasta, but spaghetti and the local speciality, bucatini, are the most common. The most famous local pasta dishes are cacio e pepe, alla carbonara, alla gricia and all’amatriciana.
Fish features most frequently as salt cod – baccalà – best eaten Jewish-style, deep-fried. Look out, too, for roasted milk-fed lamb, grilled lamb chops, and saltimbocca alla Romana, thin slices of veal cooked with a slice of prosciutto and sage on top. Offal is also key, and although it has been ousted from many of the more refined restaurants, you’ll still find it at more traditional places.
Artichokes are the quintessential Roman vegetable and fiori di zucca – batter-fried stuffed courgette blossom – is another unmissable side dish.
Roman pizza has a thin crust and is best when baked in a wood-fired oven, but you can also find lots of great pizza by the slice.
Italian pizza, Rome @ Shutterstock
Indulge your taste buds in one of Italy's greatest pleasures. Treat yourself to authentic Italian gelato, a velvety delight that comes in a myriad of flavours. Pair it with a freshly brewed espresso or cappuccino for the perfect culinary experience. Rome's numerous gelaterias and quaint cafes provide the ideal backdrop for this sweet and caffeinated rendezvous.
Embark on a scenic adventure along the historic Appian Way, one of Rome's ancient roads. Rent a bicycle and pedal your way through picturesque countryside landscapes, passing by ancient ruins, catacombs, and Roman tombs.
Feel the echoes of history as you explore this well-preserved pathway that once connected Rome to the southern regions of Italy. It's a journey back in time like no other.
Escape the captivating chaos of Rome for a day and uncover the hidden treasures that surround the city. From the ancient ruins of Pompeii to the enchanting streets of Florence, a plethora of remarkable day trips awaits.
Delve into the mystique of history as you explore the ruins of Ostia Antica, or bask in the elegance of the Renaissance in Tivoli's Villa d'Este. The scenic Amalfi Coast beckons with its breathtaking coastline, while the medieval charm of Siena offers a glimpse into Tuscany's past.
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Santa Maria del Fiore Duomo in Florence @ Shutterstock
Whether you want to be at the centre of the action or prefer somewhere quieter, there will be a place to stay in Rome that meets your needs.
These central areas are within walking distance of many of Rome’s key sites, but while there’s plenty of moderately priced accommodation you’ll need to book well in advance to nab cheaper places.
This artsy neighbourhood near the Colosseum is known for great vintage and indie shopping, alfresco coffee spots and lively nightlife.
Located on the west bank of the Tiber River, Trastevere is away from the busy tourist areas but still within walking distance. The winding cobblestone streets, colourful buildings and flower-filled balconies make it one of Rome’s prettiest neighbourhoods. It can be noisy at night, particularly in summer, so look for the quieter streets.
Browse the best hotels in Rome.
Piazza di Santa Maria in Trastevere, Rome © Catarina Belova/Shutterstock
Rome is a great place to eat. Romans know a good deal about freshness and authenticity and can be demanding when it comes to the quality of the dishes they’re served.
There are lots of good restaurants in the centro storico, and it’s surprisingly easy to find places that are not tourist traps – prices in all but the really swanky restaurants remain pretty uniform throughout the city.
The small streets that surround Campo de’ Fiori square are filled with restaurants, wine bars and cafes while the square itself hosts a produce market.
The area around Via Cavour and Termini is packed with inexpensive places, but you’ll do even better heading to the nearby student area of San Lorenzo, where you can often eat superior food for the same money.
South of the centre, Testaccio is well endowed with good, inexpensive trattorias. The Testaccio Market is a major highlight but the whole neighbourhood is generally great for traditional Roman food.
The best way to get around the centre of Rome is to walk. However, the public transport system is cheap, reliable and as quick as the clogged streets allow.
The atac.roma.it website has information in English and a route planner; and the Muoversi a Roma website (and its free app, Roma Mobilità) have a journey planner that uses real-time data to find the quickest route.
Buses run till around midnight, when a network of night buses comes into service, accessing most parts of the city and operating until about 5.30 am.
The metro operates from 5.30 am to 11.30 pm (till 1.30 am on Fri and Sat). Its two main lines, A (red) and B (blue), crossing at Termini, only have a few stops in the city centre.
The most useful on metro line A are Ottaviano (for the Vatican), Flaminio (near Piazza del Popolo), Spagna (by the Spanish Steps), Barberini (at Piazza Barberini), Repubblica (at Piazza Repubblica) and San Giovanni (near the Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano).
On line B, useful stops include Piramide (near Testaccio); Circo Massimo (by the Circus Maximus and Palatine Hill); Colosseo (by the Colosseum) and Cavour (near the Monti district).
A new line, C, some of which is still under construction, crosses line A at San Giovanni, and – archaeological finds permitting, will have stations at Piazza Venezia and the Colosseum.
The easiest way to get a taxi is to find the nearest taxi rank (fermata dei taxi) – central ones include Termini, Piazza Venezia, Largo Argentina, Piazza di Spagna, Piazza del Popolo and Piazza Barberini.
Alternatively, you can call a taxi, but bear in mind that this cost more – €3.50 for the call, plus the meter starts ticking the moment the taxi is dispatched to collect you.
Women travelling alone get a 10% discount between 10 pm and 6 am. All taxis carry a rate card in English giving the current tariff.
Renting a bike or scooter is an efficient way of nipping around Rome’s clogged streets. You’ll need to have a full driving licence.
Rome Metro sign © Shutterstock
Rome is busy all year round, but generally, the best times to visit are just before or just after the peak summer months: between Easter and June, and September to November.
Christmas is also a special time in Rome, especially if you’re able to wrangle your way into Vatican City on Christmas Day when the atmosphere is rather carnival-like.
Avoid July and August: the summer heat is at its fiercest, the streets are most congested and many Romans will be taking their holidays elsewhere.
Find out more about the best time to visit Italy.
The number of days you should spend in Rome depends on your interests, the pace at which you prefer to explore, and how much you'd like to see. Generally, to experience the major highlights of Rome without feeling rushed, a recommended itinerary might look like this:
With 3 days in Rome, you can cover the iconic attractions like the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Vatican City (including St. Peter's Basilica and the Vatican Museums), Trevi Fountain, Pantheon, and Piazza Navona. You'll have a chance to immerse yourself in the history, art, and architecture that Rome is renowned for.
4 to 5 days in Roma gives you a bit more flexibility to explore at a leisurely pace. You can delve deeper into the above-mentioned sites, perhaps taking guided tours to gain richer insights. Additionally, you can explore some of the city's charming neighbourhoods, visit more museums and galleries, and enjoy more leisurely meals at local trattorias.
With a week in Rome, you can truly immerse yourself in the city's culture and lifestyle. You can consider day trips to nearby attractions like Ostia Antica or Tivoli's Villa d'Este and Hadrian's Villa. This extended stay also allows for more spontaneous exploration and relaxation, wandering through different districts, and taking in the local ambience.
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Piazza Navona during Christmas time © Shutterstock
Rome has two airports: Leonardo da Vinci, better known as Fiumicino, which handles the majority of scheduled flights, including easyJet’s; and Ciampino, where you’ll arrive if you’re travelling with Ryanair.
Fiumicino airport is linked to the centre of Rome by a direct train, the Leonardo Express, which takes 32min to get to Termini. Services begin at 6.23 am, leaving every 15–30min until 11.23 pm.
From Ciampino airport there are buses roughly every 30min–1hr to Termini and the journey takes 30–45 min. Alternatively, the cheapest way is Atral’s Ciampino Airlink comprising a bus to Ciampino train station and a train into Termini.
Travelling by train from most places in Italy, or indeed Europe, you arrive at Termini station, centrally placed for all parts of the city and meeting point of the two metro lines and many city bus routes.
Selected routes around Lazio are handled by the Regionali platforms of Termini station (a 5min walk beyond the end of the regular platforms).
The main station for buses from outside the Rome area is Tiburtina; from here, take metro line B to Termini for buses, trains and metro line A.
Coming into the city by car can be confusing and isn’t advisable unless you’re used to driving in Italy and know where you are going to park.
If you are coming from the north on the A1 autostrada take the exit “Roma Nord”; from the south, take the “Roma Est” exit. Both lead to the Grande Raccordo Anulare (GRA), which circles the city and is connected with all of its major arteries.
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written by
Rough Guides Editors
updated 17.07.2023
