Rome Travel Guide
There’s no city in the world quite like Rome. It’s chaotic, majestic, ancient, and alive all at once. Founded more than 2,500 years ago, Rome has shaped the world through art, politics, and culture, yet still hums with a rhythm that’s uniquely Italian.
The Rome You’ll Never Forget
This isn’t a city to rush through or tick off a list. Rome is a city where curiosity and patience are rewarded. One moment you’re gazing at the Colosseum and Roman Forum, the next you’re sipping espresso beside a crumbling temple while vespas hum by. It’s where history meets daily life, and every piazza, trattoria, and quiet side street tells its own story.
This guide brings together everything we’ve learned from decades of exploring the Eternal City – what to see, how to plan your trip, and where to find those small discoveries that make Rome unforgettable.
Why Visit Rome
Rome isn’t only the capital of Italy – it’s one of the most historically and culturally significant cities on the planet. More than 10 million visitors come each year to walk its ancient streets, explore 900 churches, and admire masterpieces that span millennia.
The historic center of Rome is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized for its extraordinary layering of civilizations – from the Roman Empire and the Catholic Church to the Renaissance and Baroque eras. Within a few kilometers, you can stand inside the Colosseum, admire Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel, and wander through piazzas designed by Bernini.
But Rome’s appeal goes far beyond monuments. What keeps travelers coming back is the way daily life unfolds among the ruins – morning caffè rituals, late-night dinners that stretch into laughter, and locals chatting around centuries-old fountains. It’s not just about sightseeing. It’s about feeling the city.
What to See in Rome
Rome’s sights are timeless, yet it’s impossible to see them all in one visit. Think of the city as a living museum layered with neighborhoods, art, and stories. Here’s how to plan your must-sees without losing that sense of wonder.
Ancient Rome
Start with the icons. The Colosseum remains Rome’s most famous landmark, an awe-inspiring arena that once held 50,000 spectators. Nearby, the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill reveal the ruins of temples and palaces that once defined an empire. Exploring them together gives you a vivid glimpse into ancient life. In the city center, marvel at the Pantheon, nearly two thousand years old and still an architectural wonder.
Related guides: Rome's amazing Pantheon | Ancient Sites in Rome for History Lovers
Renaissance and Baroque Rome
Cross the river or climb the steps to the Vatican to visit St. Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican Museums, home to the Sistine Chapel and Raphael Rooms. Then wander toward the Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps and Piazza Navona, symbols of Rome’s exuberant Baroque period.
Related guides: 15 Beautiful Fountains in Rome | 7 Churches to Visit in Rome
Living Rome
Beyond the monuments, immerse yourself in the neighborhoods where Romans live, eat, and gather. Stroll through Trastevere with its ivy-draped alleys, browse market stalls in Campo de’ Fiori, and linger in Testaccio, a hub of local food culture.
Untold Rome: Beyond the Classics
Once you’ve visited the famous landmarks, Rome begins to open up in more intimate ways. Wander without a plan and you’ll stumble upon quiet courtyards, artisan workshops, and anciet frescoed churches hidden in plain sight.
One of our favorite places is the Galleria Borghese, a jewel box of Renaissance art set in the green expanse of Villa Borghese. The Aventine Hill offers sweeping views of the city, and if you peek through the famous keyhole at the Knights of Malta gate, you’ll frame St. Peter’s perfectly.
By evening, discover Rome after dark – when locals gather for aperitivo in Monti or Trastevere, and the monuments are bathed in light. Try a food tour or a pasta-making class to meet local chefs and taste Roman specialties like cacio e pepe, carbonara, and supplì.
Read next: Hidden Secrets in Rome | Rome After Dark
Where to Stay in Rome
Choosing where to stay in Rome shapes your experience more than in almost any other Italian city. Each Roman neighborhood offers a different perspective.
- Centro Storico (Historic Center): Ideal for first-timers who want to be surrounded by Rome’s most iconic sights. You’ll be within walking distance of the Pantheon, Piazza Navona, and the Trevi Fountain.
- Trastevere: Across the Tiber, this romantic district feels both timeless and vibrant. It’s filled with cobblestones, trattorias, and night-time energy — perfect for couples or those who love authentic charm.
- Monti: Close to the Colosseum yet less touristy, Monti balances creative flair with quiet corners and boutique hotels. Great for design lovers.
- Prati and Vatican Area: Spacious and elegant, Prati suits families and travelers who prefer a calmer pace. It’s close to Vatican City and well-connected by metro.
- Luxury Stays: For classic elegance and views, look near the Spanish Steps or Via Veneto, home to some of the city’s grandest hotels.
Discover more: Rome Accommodation Guide | Rome Neighborhoods for First Timers | Hotels near the Colosseum | Hotels near the Vatican | Hotels near the Pantheon | Best Family Hotels in Rome | Most Romantic Neighborhoods in Rome | Luxury Hotels in Rome | Hotels in Trastevere | Rome Airport Hotels
Eating and Drinking in Rome
Food in Rome isn’t a side attraction – it’s the heart of the city. Meals here are about simplicity, tradition, and community, built around recipes that haven’t changed for generations.
Start your day like a local with a quick caffè at the counter and Rome's favorite breakfast maritozzo – a brioche bun filled with cream. Lunch often means a plate of pasta alla carbonara or cacio e pepe, both born in Rome’s humble trattorias. In the evening, join the buzz of aperitivo hour – a glass of wine or spritz paired with small plates and conversation.
The city’s food scene mixes old and new. In Testaccio, you’ll find traditional butchers and bakeries alongside modern street food stalls. Trastevere overflows with lively osterie, while Monti and Pigneto have become creative dining hubs with chefs reimagining local classics.
Don’t miss: supplì (fried rice balls with mozzarella), artichokes cooked Jewish-style, and gelato made with fresh seasonal fruit.
If you want to skip tourist traps and find where Romans actually eat, open the Untold Italy App. You’ll find curated food and wine recommendations – from family-run trattorias to late-night gelaterie – all tried and loved by our team (several who are based in Rome).
Further reading: Famous Roman Dishes
Planning Your Trip to Rome
When to Visit
Rome is a year-round destination, but each season offers something distinct.
- Spring (March to May): Warmer days, blooming gardens, and lively streets make this the most popular time to visit. Expect building crowds and ideal sightseeing weather.
- Summer (June to August): Long, hot days bring peak tourism. Early mornings and late evenings are best for exploring, while locals escape to the coast.
- Fall / Autumn (September to November): Very busy with tourists from September to mid October but cooler temperatures later in the season make it one of our favorite times to visit. Locals return to the city center, and markets overflow with seasonal produce.
- Winter (December to February): Quieter streets, festive lights, and lower prices. Pack for crisp air and cozy meals. It’s a wonderful season for museums and hearty Roman dishes.
Best tip: Avoid August if possible, when heat and closures can affect your plans.
How Many Days to Stay
To see Rome well during your first visit, plan at least three full days. That allows time for the Colosseum, Vatican, and historic center without feeling rushed. If you can stay five days, even better – you’ll have time for neighborhoods, markets, and maybe a day trip.
Further reading: How Many Days Should I Spend in Rome? | Itinerary Suggestions for 3 Days in Rome
Getting Around Rome
Walking is the best way to experience Rome’s historic center, but the city’s public transport can be useful for longer journeys. The metro has three main lines, buses cover much of the city, and taxis are easy to find at official ranks. Consider the FreeNow taxi app. Find local transit information in the Untold Italy App.
Pro tip: Don’t rent a car until you plan to leave the city – traffic, parking, and ZTL (restricted zones) make driving impractical.
Read next: Arriving in Rome – Airport transfers
Travel Essentials
- Dress codes: Modest attire is required for churches – cover shoulders and knees.
- Language: Basic Italian greetings go a long way, though English is widely understood in tourist areas.
- Tipping: Service is usually included; small rounding up is appreciated.
- Safety: Rome is generally safe, but keep an eye on belongings in crowded areas.
- Connectivity: The Untold Italy App helps you discover hidden gems, restaurant tips, and curated neighborhood highlights.
Learn more: Is Rome Safe? | Basic Italian phrases for travel | Tipping in Italy
Rome Tours and Experiences
A local led tour can bring Rome’s stories to life in ways a guidebook never could. Choose experiences that match your interests and travel style.
Must Pre-Book Sights
For top sights like the Colosseum and Vatican Museums, pre-booking is essential even outside peak months. Tours are recommended to make the most of your experience.
Explore more: How to buy tickets for the Colosseum | How to Buy Tickets for the Vatican Museums | Best Vatican Tours | Review: VIP Vatican Key Master’s Tour
Ancient Rome Tours
Explore with an archaeologist or historian to understand the city’s layers – from the underground tunnels of the Colosseum to the ruins of the Roman Forum and the magnificent Pantheon. For your second or third visit, the ancient catacombs, Baths of Caracalla and Domus Aurea will deepen your understanding of Ancient Roman culture.
Discover: How to Buy Tickets for the Pantheon
Art and Culture Experiences
Inside the Vatican Museums, guides can help you navigate vast collections and uncover details most visitors miss. For a smaller-scale experience, the Borghese Gallery offers masterpieces without the crowds.
Top tip: Borghese Gallery tickets must be pre-purchased and sell out well in advance
Food and Wine Tours
Join an evening food walk through Trastevere or Testaccio to taste traditional Roman dishes like amatriciana and carciofi alla giudia. These tours often lead to local trattorias and family-run bakeries.
Explore more: Best Rome Tours
Day Trips from Rome
Rome makes an ideal base for exploring central Italy. Trains and organized tours make day trips easy and rewarding.
- Tivoli: Visit the lush gardens of Villa d’Este and the ruins of Hadrian’s Villa, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
- Frascati: A short train ride away, this hilltown is known for wine tastings and countryside views.
- Orvieto: Perched on volcanic rock in Umbria, it’s a feast of Gothic architecture and quiet charm.
- Florence: Reachable in 90 minutes by high-speed train, it’s perfect for art lovers.
- Pompeii: Long but doable – choose a guided tour for efficiency and context.
Read next: Day Trips from Rome | Pompeii from Rome Guide | Review: Pompeii Day trip from Rome Tour
Beyond Rome
Ready to explore further? From Rome, Italy unfolds easily by train or car.
- Rome to Florence: A seamless 90-minute ride to Tuscany’s capital of art and culture.
- Rome to Venice: Direct high-speed trains connect these two icons in under four hours.
- Rome to Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast: Combine coastal scenery with history and food.
Continue planning: From Rome to Florence | From Rome to Venice | From Rome to Sorrento | From Rome to Amalfi Coast
Plan Your Trip with Untold Italy
You can explore Rome and Italy confidently with the right tools and support and the Untold Italy team.
The Untold Italy App
Your personal travel companion filled with curated hotel picks, restaurant recommendations, self-guided walks, and insider tips. Plan, map, and explore without the noise of generic advice.
Rome and Italy Trip Planning Services
If you want expert help creating a seamless itinerary, our team can design one tailored to your interests and pace.
- Quick Fix Chat: 30-minute Zoom call for trip questions and itinerary tweaks.
- Trip Consultation: 1-hour session with personalized recommendations and email follow-up.
- Complete Italy Itinerary Planning: A fully structured 14-day plan with detailed routes, activities, and emergency support in Italy.
About Untold Italy
At Untold Italy, our team has spent decades exploring Italy’s regions, from the major cities to the smallest hilltowns. We’ve built a trusted network of local experts, artisans, and guides who share our values of authenticity, respect, and curiosity.
Since 2017, we’ve helped thousands of travelers plan meaningful trips through our 5-million-download travel podcast, community of 60,000+ subscribers, and hands-on travel services. Our mission is simple: to help you experience the Italy you’ve always dreamed of with confidence, depth, and joy.
Sources and References
- UNESCO World Heritage: Historic Centre of Rome
- Italia.it – Official Italian Tourism Website
- Statista – Visitor Statistics for Rome
- BBC Travel – Exploring the Eternal City
- ENIT – Italian National Tourist Board
Italy City Guides
Latest Podcasts About Rome
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