Ciao Bella, and welcome to one of the most romantic cities in the world.
Reminders of Rome’s golden age as caput mundi (capital of the world) are everywhere, whether you’re squeezing against a Roman wall to let a Vespa buzz by or sipping an aperitivo in the shadow of St Peter’s Basilica. And don’t even get us started on the food … Below are our picks of the best things to see and do in Rome.
When to visit Rome
With so many world class attractions in Rome, there is no bad time to visit.
Summer is fantastic for a buzzing atmosphere and plenty of excuses to cool off with freshly-churned gelato. However, August is when the local schools are on holiday so some hotels, shops and restaurants close.
The weather in spring is warm and sunny and there are fewer crowds at the most popular tourist attractions in Rome. You can also expect plenty of traditional celebrations around the Vatican at Easter.
Autumn brings a host of cultural events and beautiful foliage to Borghese Park, while winter is one of the cheapest times to visit. Be aware that some attractions will be closed or operating reduced hours however.
Popular tourist attractions in Rome
With Renaissance frescoes and works of art by great masters seemingly in every courtyard, it can be hard to navigate Rome’s tourist attractions. Narrow it down with our curated guide.
Vatican city is the smallest independent state in the world, yet it’s a treasure trove of art by the likes of Michelangelo and Bernini, making it one of the top cultural attractions in Rome. Step inside the Roman Forum to feel as if you’ve travelled back in time 2,000 years and spot the oldest mosaics in the city at the Santa Maria Maggiore.
Other key attractions include the Pantheon, the Basilica of St. John Lateran and the Piazza Navona.
Tours in Rome
Rome may not have been built in a day, but you can get a decent sense of it in 24 hours with the right tour.There are countless walking tours in Rome, from food tours to street art and Roman history options. The best part? Many of them are free.
Alternately, cover more ground with a vespa or segway tour of Rome.Other unmissable options include delving into the Roman catacombs, the perfect place to escape extreme weather, and tours of the Colosseum, the scene of brutal gladiator fights in ancient times.
A tour of the lost city of Pompeii, frozen in time beneath a shroud of ash, is one of the top things to do in Italy and it’s doable on a day trip from Rome. If you don’t fancy braving the roads yourself, try Enjoy Rome’s round-trip shuttle bus.
Best things to do in Rome
So you’ve craned your neck at the Sistine Chapel and explored Palatine Hill. What should you do with the rest of your time in Rome?
As the saying goes, when in Rome make like the Romans do by starting your day with a coffee as strong as an ox in a traditional espresso bar such as Roscioli Caffe.
Does a stroll through the citrus groves of the Orto Botanico sound appealing? How about a tour of the Galleria Doria Pamphilj’s art collection?
Whether you’re looking to walk in the footsteps of the emperors or discover modern Rome’s stylish, fun-loving culture, you’ll never run out of exciting things to do in the Eternal City.
Best places to shop in Rome
Shopping is practically a religion in Rome. Whether you’re looking for typical sweets (panpepato and pangiallo romano are both tasty options) or a new outfit from the likes of Fendi and Moschino, Rome has the answer.
If your pockets are feeling deep and the word Fendi got your pulse racing, explore Via Condotti, the city’s home of labels. Alternately, head to San Lorenzo for thrift shop bargains (and cheap beers), or rise with the sun and join the city’s hippest shoppers at the La Soffitta Sotto I Portici vintage market.
Where to Stay in Rome
Rome’s hotels are as stylish as its residents and there are as many types of accommodation as there are tiles in the mosaics of the Santa Prassede Basilica. Take a look at our curated guide to Rome’s top places to stay.
Hotels
For a room with a view of the Pantheon, you can’t beat Hotel Abruzzi, which has an unbeatable location. Anyone who loves boutique hotels should check into The Hoxton, Rome or Vilòn Roma, while the Hotel Donna Camilla Savelli offers a quiet stay in Trastevere with a classical fit-out.
Airbnb
Buy your own delicious slice of the Roman dream by booking an Airbnb. Not only do they tend to be more budget friendly than hotels, they also offer an authentic glimpse into Roman homes and the chance to interact with locals.
You’ll find rooms for rent all over the city. Try romantic Aventine Hill for Art Nouveau villas and sweeping views, Monti for a cool, boho vibe and close proximity to the Colosseum and Trastevere to wake up in the midst of medieval Rome.
