THE DESTINATION
OVERVIEW
KNOWN FOR:
ARCHITEC-TURE
HISTORY
ART
CULINARY
DELIGHTS
CULTURE
RELIGION
Rome is nicknamed the Eternal City, and for good reason. It's obviously one of the oldest cities in the world, which is reason enough for a visit. But, Rome is unique in that it has renewed itself consistently throughout its extensive life, always finding a starring role in the historical narrative. Rome has been center stage at some of history's biggest moments: the ancient world, the rise of Papal power, the Renaissance, World War II, and more. This makes Rome one of the best tourist cities in the world. There's the sheer magnitude of history to soak in, but that history has great breadth. Whether you like art, architecture, war, politics, or religion there is something here for you. Such a rich past also lends to a rich culture, most notoriously enjoyed at the table. Ultimately, eating may be my favorite thing to do in the Italian capital. Italian food anywhere is top-notch, but Rome offers some of the crown jewels. You'll find uniquely Roman dishes in classic trattorias as well as gastronomic twists at metropolitan eateries. Come hungry and save room for gelato. I don't have to sell Rome too much because if you are visiting Italy, chances are Rome will be your gateway. That said, try to give the culture and history here their due attention. If you plan to stay for a day or two before dashing off to other parts of the country, you'll only have time to scratch the surface. I'm a firm believer that Rome can be a standalone trip, but I realize that may not be realistic for most people! If you are tight on time, you have all the more reason to plan carefully. In some ways, planning a trip to Rome is really easy - there are famous monuments and fantastic restaurants everywhere you turn. But, those same things can make it difficult to tackle this city at a reasonable pace. Keep reading to start building your perfect itinerary!
PS: My parents have also been to been to Italy many more times than I have, so their wisdom is included in these pages
VISITS: 2019, 2016, 2013, 2007, 2004 & more
THE BOTTOM LINE
So what's the big deal? Here's why Rome is worthy of a stop on your itinerary:
IF THIS IS YOUR FIRST TIME TO ITALY
There are a lot of awesome cities in Italy. It's great to get beyond the mainstream tourist spots, but Rome is still a must-see. There's so much here, and it's a great introduction to the country.
IF YOU LIKE REALLY AWESOME FOOD
Authentic Italian food is worth a trip across the Atlantic on its own, but Roman classics are some of my favorite dishes and are distinct from other regional foods.
IF YOU ARE INTRIGUED BY THE ANCIENT WORLD
Rome is filled with ancient ruins that remind visitors it was once the center of a dominant empire. Of course these include the Forum & Colosseum, but there are ruins scattered throughout the city giving a glimpse into its ancient past.
IF YOU LIKE TO MARVEL AT ARTISTIC MASTERPIECES
All of the Renaissance stars worked here, often brought to Rome by the pull of the Church. Like the ancient ruins, there are the famous monuments and museums to go see, but even random street corners can be home to masterpieces.
IF YOU ARE CATHOLIC
Rome is home to the Vatican and the only four churches designated as Major Basilicas in the world. There's a rich history told through art and architecture, important relics, and ongoing traditions that make Rome a must-do pilgrimage for the Faithful.
HOSPITALITY ATLAS
WHERE TO STAY
Trying to decide where to stay or looking on-the-fly for your next stop nearby? This guide gives an overview of the key neighborhoods in Rome, plus a selection of hotels, restaurants, and things to do for each. It then provides more detail for select hotels across the region.
Rome has a variety of accommodation options ranging from palatial hotels (literally) for those who want to lean into the city's glamorous side to small-scale boutiques for those looking to feel more like a local. Depending on what you're looking for (and what you're looking to spend), there's something for everyone. Click on the guide to learn more!
COMING SOON
CULINARY CONCIERGE
WHERE TO DINE & DRINK
When in Rome, do as the Romans do - eat excellent food! Italian food is universally known for pizza, pasta, and gelato, but be sure to try some of the distinctly Roman dishes while you are here. The good news is that it's somewhat difficult to find a bad meal while you're here, but all the options can make the city's food scene difficult to navigate.
This guide will break things down so you can check off your Roman cuisine bucket list and find the right place for the right occasion, from brunch to date night. Click on the guide to learn more!
PS: If you are looking for restaurants by location, click on the neighborhood guide to learn more.
COMING SOON
ACTIVITY PORTFOLIO
TOP THINGS TO DO
QUICK GUIDES
CLICK TO LEARN MORE
FULL GUIDE ON THE GO
TRAVEL TIP:
OVERALL, I DON'T THINK THE CITY PASSES IN ROME HAVE AS STRONG A VALUE PROPOSITION AS OTHERS I'VE SEEN & USED (LIKE PARIS), BUT THERE ARE TWO MAJOR PASSES THAT MAY MAKE SENSE FOR YOU TO HELP SAVE MONEY & TIME.
ROMA PASS
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72-hour pass is 52 Euros
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Includes free entry to 2 first two sites and after that, the pass grants discounts
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Gives free access to public transport within railway ring (Zone A) for duration of pass
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Sites include: Appia Antica, 4D VR at Baths of Caracalla, Borghese, Capitoline Museums, Castel Sant'Angelo, Circus Maximus, Forum Super Pass, National Roman Museum, Ostia Antica, and more
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Note: Some sites require reservations
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COVID Note: Direct access privileges and some sites are temporarily suspended
OMNIA PASS
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72-hour pass is 113 Euros
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Includes: access to the Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel, priority access to St. Peter's with an audio guide, and an audio guide for St. John Lateran and the cloisters
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Also includes a Roma Pass, so everything to the left applies here as well!
ITINERARY
7 DAY ITINERARY
01
Start your trip off with a classic walking tour through the historic center. Piazza Navona, the Pantheon, and the Trevi Fountain are quick stops & closer than you think. After lunch, head to Santa Maria della Vittoria and the Baths of Diocletian to see works by Bernini & Michelangelo.
05
Escape the city with a day trip! Head to Herculaneum & Pompeii to see how Vesuvius caused instant destruction, freezing the ancient towns in time. Alternatively, head to Tivoli to see the impressive gardens & gravity-fed fountains at Villa d'Este and the elaborate ruin of Hadrian's Villa.
02
Today your jaw will drop - no joke. Book an early-entry or exclusive after-hours tour to see the Sistine Chapel with few(er) crowds. Spend the rest of your time gawking in the museums and Basilica. Be sure to climb the dome! Start or end with a walk around Castel Sant'Angelo - it'll be plenty for one day!
06
Start your day off at Borghese. The collection belonged to one of Bernini's first sponsors, the avid collector Cardinal Borghese. After, stroll through through the expansive gardens. Later on, check out the Spanish Steps, explore the nearby fashion district, and take part in the Italian passeggiata tradition.
03
Take a guided tour to bring the excitement & history of Ancient Rome alive at the Forum and Colosseum. You'll be ready for lunch after walking in the sun, but there aren't great options nearby, so head to Trastevere for a relaxing afternoon stroll with a stop at the kid-friendly Bocca della Verite.
07
Venture a little outside the walls to see a different part of Rome. Start at the Baths of Caracalla to see the extensive infrastructure Romans built to relax. In the afternoon, walk along Via Appia Antica to see the origin of "all roads lead to Rome." Then, beat the heat with an under-ground tour of the Catacombs.
04
Rise early to climb the Scala Sancta & visit St. John Lateran. After lunch, take advantage of the 2-day forum pass to return to Palatine Hill, which overlooks the Circus Maximus. Another option - check out the nearby Capitoline Museums, home of the famous she-wolf statue, Caravaggios, Rubens, & more.
OTHER ITINERARIES
ITALIAN HIGHLIGHTS
Photo: Unsplash*
A 2-week intro to the highlights of Italy from the Big 3 to smaller stops along the way.
JOURNEY BUILDER
ITINERARY ADD-ONS
Get away for the day with a day-trip nearby, or if you're not quite ready to cut your trip short, extend your itinerary and hop to another destination. To see how a multi-stop itinerary might come together check out the OTHER ITINERARIES section above.
Photo: PTO Travel Pro*
VILLA D'ESTE
(TIVOLI)
Situated in the beautiful hills of Tivoli, the Villa was commissioned by Cardinal d'Este as an instrument of influence in his lifelong campaign to become Pope. The villa itself is beautiful, but the real star here is the garden. The dramatic landscape, elaborate detailing, and hundreds of gravity-fed fountains are truly dazzling.
Photo: Unsplash*
OSTIA
ANTICA
Sitting at the mouth of the Tiber, Ostia was once a bustling seaport. Though it later became a destination for the rich, Ostia is a good example of a functional Roman city. Eventually the river that brought Ostia its success silted up the city but also aided in its preservation. Much of the marble was sacked, but there are still impressive mosaics & frescoes.
Photo: PTO Travel Pro*
FLORENCE & TUSCANY
It's perhaps the most famous region of Italy and for good reason. Florence was the cradle of the Renaissance and is still swimming in world-famous art. The Tuscan hills meanwhile are dotted with medieval towns seemingly frozen in time. Many come here to visit wineries producing Chianti and Brunello, but you'll also find some of the finest olive oil here. Bottom line: it's a foodie's delight.
Photo: Unsplash*
POMPEII & HERCULANEUM
Tragedy struck in the year 79 AD when Vesuvius erupted in explosive fashion, burying the cities under ash. The plight of Pompeii froze the city in time, providing an extraordinary glimpse into what Roman life was like. Herculaneum was impacted by the volcano differently leading to amazing preservation (there are also lower crowds).
Photo: PTO Travel Pro*
ORVIETO &
UMBRIAN HILLS
This hilly land-locked region is home to Perugia and Assisi, but the picturesque medieval town of Orvieto makes for an easy trip from Rome. Its Cathedral's Gothic façade will impress you, but inside you'll find beautiful frescoes. Signorelli's dramatically depict the end of the world and are said to have inspired Michelangelo's Last Judgement.
Photo: Unsplash*
NAPLES & THE AMALFI COAST
Here in Campania you'll find good views and good food. Naples is known for its Neapolitan pizza, but it's also home to the most Michelin-starred restaurants in Italy. The Amalfi coast oozes romance from its pastel-colored buildings stacked along oceanside cliffs - try a glass of local limoncello here! Dive in (literally) to the city of Baiae to see Rome's version of Vegas.
Photo: Unsplash*
HADRIAN'S VILLA (TIVOLI)
Emperor Hadrian was not a fan of his Palatine Hill palace, and instead sought refuge at this complex he built in the cooler hills of Tivoli. The "villa" is actually an extensive complex with baths, auditoriums, banquet halls, and more - all built in a fabulous style with fountains, canals, and stylistic nods to Hadrian's travels.
Photo: Unsplash*
NETTUNO &
ANZIO
If you're a WWII buff, you will know these were critical landing sites during Operation Shingle that led to the Battle of Anzio. Today, there are multiple military cemeteries including the stately Sicily-Rome American Cemetery & Memorial. The history extends from WWII to ancient times, but we also come here to live like locals and enjoy the beach!
MATCH MAKER
WHO SHOULD GO
SHOULD ROME BE AT THE TOP OF YOUR BUCKET LIST?
BEST FOR:
COUPLES
FAMILIES W/
KIDS 10+
MULTI-GEN
FAMILIES
GROUPS
EVERYONE
PRIORITY
TOP OF THE LIST
SPEED
ON-THE-GO
PHYSICALITY
MINIMAL
COST
MODERATELY EXPENSIVE
33rd percentile of major cities
ACTIVITY LEVEL
You'll be on the move while you're here, but there's not much that's truly physically taxing. You'll do a LOT of walking and standing as you explore ancient sites and museums. Bring comfortable shoes, but Rome can be a good balance of being on-the-go and relaxing.
COSTS
According to THIS STUDY Rome hotels are in the 33rd most expensive percentile. I'd say Rome is comparable to other large US / European cities. Expect to spend a few hundred dollars a night for a 4-star hotel and $500-1,000 for a typical 5-star. The rest is up to you. If you like Michelin stars and haute couture, you could spend A LOT here. But, hole-in-the-wall food is often awesome and attractions aren't overly expensive.
DATE SELECTOR
WHEN TO GO
WHEN SHOULD YOU PLAN TO EXPLORE AND FOR HOW LONG?
IDEAL STAY
5-7 DAYS
IDEAL SEASON
SPRING OR FALL
PLANNING TIME
3 MONTHS OR MORE
IDEAL STAY
There's a lot to see, so you could spend a whole trip here. Like a lot of people, I like to visit Rome on a multi-stop trip, but make sure you give the city enough time & don't rush to your next stop! I suggest 5 to 7 days. I'd only spend less if you've been to Rome before and are looking to fit in the confines of a multi-destination trip
IDEAL SEASON
Summer is far and away the most popular season because of vacations, but it is busy, and it is hot! I would opt for a trip in the late spring or early fall when the crowds are a little lighter and the temperatures more forgiving. In the spring, you have the opportunity to experience Easter or Pentecost in Rome where special services are held at not only the most famous churches but Christian sites like the Colosseum and Pantheon as well.
PLANNING
If you want to stay at a specific boutique hotel, book one of the hottest restaurants in Rome, or find the best deal on airfare, I'd say start planning at least 3-6 months out, earlier if targeting peak season. That said, there are plenty of wonderful hotels and restaurants, and something will always have availability, so Rome is a trip that can be planned somewhat last minute!
LOGISTICS PLANNER
WHAT TO BOOK
WHAT PESKY DETAILS SHOULD YOU TACKLE BEFORE YOU ARRIVE?
AIRPORT
FCO
~18 miles from city
TRAVEL TIME
8 HOURS
FROM NYC >> FCO
WALKABILITY
MOSTLY WALKABLE
CAR NEEDS
SITUATIONAL
GETTING THERE
Leonardo Da Vinci airport is a major airport with plenty of direct international flights. Once you land it's really easy to get to the city. You can of course take a cab or rent a car, but I highly recommend the train (Leonardo Express). It's faster and cheaper than a taxi (€14 vs €48, and 30m vs. 45-60). It'll drop you off at a station in the East-central part of Rome, and we were able to walk to our hotel.
GETTING AROUND
WALKABILITY
Rome is more walkable than you might think. You'll have to catch a ride to some places, but some parts of the city don't allow cars, so you'll have to walk.
PUBLIC TRANSIT
Rome has a limited under-ground metro, since archeo-logical history has ham-strung its development. For public transit, the bus is probably your best bet. The routes can be somewhat complicated, so plan ahead and build in enough time for all the stops.
You can buy a pass that grants access to the metro, bus, and tram routes within the city for the time length that you choose (a week is €24). This is also included in a Roma pass.
OTHER TRANSIT
Since public transportation isn't the most extensive in Rome, we usually walk most places and fill in the gaps with Taxis where we can't. There are plenty in the city, especially around tourist sites. Ubers are also available, but only the higher-end options like Uber Black or Uber Van.
RENTAL CARS
Between Rome's walkability and transit options, the only reason you need a car is if you're headed out of town to some of the smaller towns like Tivoli or Orvieto. Even if you're headed onto another major city, the train system is great and you might not need a car.
TICKETS & TOURS
TICKETS
As much as I love the idea of a carefree, no-reservations trip, you might end up disappointed or stressed if you don't book at least some stops in advance. There are, of course, free things like churches and open-air sites that could fill your trip. On the flip side, many museums and even some of the more popular sightseeing stops will require a ticket. Post-COVID, some places (like the Pantheon) that were once free and open now require reservations. For really popular sites, the best time slots might fill up. You'll also want to consider going beyond a basic ticket and purchasing a skip-the-line ticket (or tour) to not waste your day waiting outside the Colosseum, Sistine Chapel, etc.
TOURS
There's almost nothing in Rome that truly requires a tour, but there are several places where I highly recommend one. For places where the history doesn't immediately jump out at you without some storytelling or visualization (e.g., the Forum, Circus Maximus, Caracalla), a guide can be incredibly valuable. Additionally, at some of the busiest locations (Colosseum, Sistine Chapel, St. Peter's Basilica), a skip-the-line ticket will still have a line, but a tour guide will help you get right in.
LANDING GEAR
WHAT TO KNOW
WHAT CAN YOU DO TO HIT THE GROUND RUNNING & AVOID AN UNNECESSARY HICCUP?
LOCAL CURRENCY
EURO
SAFETY
LOW RISK
PHONE
Country code (39)
Ambulance (118)
Police (112, 113)
Fire (115)
NEED FOR LOCAL CASH
MINIMAL
LOCAL CUSTOMS
FEW CONSIDERATIONS
TIME ZONE
UTC +2
6h ahead of ET (NYC)
OFFICIAL LANGUAGE
ITALIAN
VISAS & MORE
NOT REQUIRED
PLUG TYPE
TYPES F & L
ENGLISH PREVALANCE
COMMONLY SPOKEN
MEDICAL PREP
NONE
See below for COVID
ELECTRICITY
230V / 50 Hz
US uses 110V / 60 Hz
SPENDING
CASH NEEDS
Credit card use is pretty widespread, but cash is always good to have (ATMs are abundant). Carry some small denominations for the occasional restroom that charges or to light up art in some churches.
TIPPING
Service charges are usually included so there isn't a huge tipping culture. Round up for cabs or bars and add ~10% in restaurants. Tip a few Euros for other services like maids or porters.
SPEAKING
You'll likely find English speakers since it's a major tourist city, but it's always good to prep some Italian and try to use it! At the very least, familiarize yourself with the names of common dishes. Generally, an all-Italian menu is a good sign, so come prepared to read it!
SAFETY
Rome feels pretty safe for a major city - just be careful of pick-pockets or scams like you'll find in any tourist city. Always check official travel advisories on the U.S. State Dept.'s page for Italy International Travel Information (or your country's equivalent.)
LOCAL CUSTOMS
Rome is a deeply Catholic city. Be aware of holidays & masses, dress appropriately, and be respectful when entering a church.
VISAS & MORE
No visa is required (unless your passport is from certain countries). For U.S. citizens, A valid passport is required and must be valid for at least three months after your planned departure from Italy / the Schengen Area.
Sherpa has a handy Travel requirements map that details key requirements for travel no matter your country. Always be sure to double-check the latest requirements with IATA, the U.S. State Department (Italy International Travel Information), the Italian Embassy, or an equivalent before heading out on your trip.
MEDICAL PREP
Generally, no medical prep is required to visit Italy. Always check official Italian entry requirements as well as the U.S. State Dept.'s page for Italy International Travel Information (or your country's equivalent.)
At the time of writing, no proof of COVID vaccination nor a negative test was required to enter Italy. The situation is always changing, so make sure to check a site like Sherpa, which has a handy Travel requirements map along with the Embassy (COVID-19 Information) to stay up to date with the latest requirements.
ELECTRICITY
Types F & L (230V / 50Hz)
US uses 110V / 60Hz
If your device is not dual-voltage (usually phones & laptops are - but hair tools are problematic), make sure to use a converter / transformer, NOT just an adapter. AND make sure your converter has a high enough power rating for your device. An adapter just makes the plug fit in the wall, but doesn't change the voltage.
TRANSLATOR
WHAT TO SAY
WHAT BASIC ITALIAN PHRASES CAN YOU TRY WITH LOCALS?
Hello
Ciao
Chow
Yes // No
Si // No
See // Noh
Thank you (very much)
Grazie (mille)
Grah-tsee-eh (mee-lay)
Cheers!
Salute!
Sah-loo-tay!
When is ... ?
A che ora è … ?
Ah kay ohr-ra ay …?
Goodbye
Ciao or Arrivederci
Ahr-ree-veh-dehr-chee
Please
Per favore
Pehr fah-voh-ray
You're welcome
Prego
Preh-goh
I don't understand
Non capisco
Non kah-pee-skoh
Where is ... ?
Dov'è … ?
Doh-veh …?
For more helpful Italian phrases, check out the Italy guide!
SUITCASE PACKER
WHAT TO BRING
TOP TIPS
-
Dress up a little more than you would in the States | It's not to say you can't balance style with comfort, but I opt for a smart casual look and leave the athleisure behind. This also includes graphic tees, baseball hats, short shorts, and most (non-dressy) tennis shoes - these will make you look like a tourist!
-
It gets very hot in the summer | Dress in lightweight, breathable clothes and bring an extra layer for when you need to cover up. Don't forget sunglasses and sunscreen. Rome has water fountains around the city (just check it's potable), so consider a packable bottle!
DON'T FORGET
-
Good walking shoes | You'll spend a lot of time on your feet walking on cobble stone streets. Don't let bad shoes to get in the way!
-
Modest clothes for the Vatican and other churches | The Vatican requires shoulders & knees to be covered for women & men. Other churches are less strict, but it's still good to respect the sacred space.
-
Wide angle lens | You'll want a wide angle to capture the interior grandeur of churches or the scale of the Colosseum. I use Nikon's 10-20mm lens extensively around Rome. A GoPro is another great option that's wonderfully compact.
LEAVE BEHIND
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Bulky or flashy day bags | If your bag is small you won't have to worry about museums not letting you in with it. I also opt for a bag that doesn't scream "Camera bag!," so I'm less worried about standing out as a tourist carrying around a bag full of valuables.
-
Blowdryer (and maybe other hair tools) | It's easy to accidentally destroy these when abroad. Most hotels will have a blow dryer for you to use. If you have to bring your curling iron or straightener try to find one that is dual-voltage. Make sure you are using a converter not just an adapter!
WHAT'S IN MY BAG
All photos in "What's in my Bag" Gallery: PTO Travel Pro*
REQUIRED READING
REFERENCES & RECOMMENDATIONS
IN PRINT
FACT
-
SPQR: A History of Ancient Rome by Mary Beard (2015)
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The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire by Edward Gibbon (1776)
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The Lives of the Artists by Giorgio Vasari (1550)
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The Genius in the Design: Bernini, Borromini, and the Rivalry that Transformed Rome by Jake Morrissey (2005)
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The Gallery Companion: Understanding Western Art by Marcus Lodwick (2002)
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Rome and Environs: An Archaeological Guide by Filippo Coarelli (2008)
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Rome: An Oxford Archaeological Guide by Claridge, Toms, and Cubberley (2010)
FICTION
-
Angels & Demons by Dan Brown (2000)
ON THE WEB
ON SCREEN
FACT
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Stanley Tucci: Searching for Italy (2021-22 CNN series)
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Lost Treasures of Rome (2022 NatGeo series)
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Inside the Vatican's Vault (2015 Discovery film)
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Caesar's Doomsday War (2021 Sci film)
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Last Days of Pompeii (2020 Sci film)
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Pompeii: Secrets of the Dead (2019 NatGeo series)
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Unearthed (2016-present Sci series)
FICTION
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Roman Holiday (1953 film)
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Spartacus (1960 film)
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Gladiator (2000 film)
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Angels & Demons (2009 film)
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The Talented Mr. Ripley (1999 film)
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The Lizzie McGuire Movie (2003 film)
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I, Claudius (1976 BBC series)
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The Borgias (2011-13 Showtime series)
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Rome (2005-07 HBO / BBC / Rai series)
MORE TO SEE
Rome Dining & Drinking Guide: Unsplash* | Florence Destination Guide: PTO Travel Pro* | Rome Neighborhood & Hotel Guide: Unsplash* | Italy Destination Guide: Unsplash* | Amalfi Destination Guide: Unsplash*
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