Rome Travel Guide
When people think of visiting Italy, whether it’s the first time or the tenth, Rome is often part of the itinerary. It's an iconic city, filled with some of the world’s most fascinating ancient history, while also being a city full of modern touches. From the iconic Colosseum and the Trevi Fountain to the Vatican City and, of course, the food, this city has a little something for everyone and is never short on things to do.
Best time to visit
The best time to visit Rome is in the spring (April to June) or fall (September to October). During these months, you’ll avoid the heat of the summer with milder weather, and avoid the biggest crowds.
Top regions to visit
Centro Storico
Centro Storico is the historic center of the city, where you’ll find iconic landmarks like the Pantheon, the Roman Forum, and the Colosseum.
Vatican City
Vatican City is an independent city-state surrounded by Rome, and is the ecclesiastical home of Roman Catholicism. The main sites here are the Vatican grounds and Museums, Sistine Chapel, St. Peter’s Basilica, and St. Peter’s Square.
The Trastevere
The Trastevere neighborhood is a former ghetto chalk full of restaurants and bars on narrow, cobblestone streets. This is the perfect place for vibrant nightlife and entertainment.
Top activities in Rome
Bri’s Insider Tip: When visiting Rome, the temptation might be to race from one popular monument to the next. However, my advice to you is to slow down and appreciate what Italians call la dolce vita. For many first-time visitors, your time is spent seeing all the well known monuments. Do that—but add in some lesser known activities too. You’ll be glad you did.
Visit the Colosseum, Forum, and Pantheon
A tour of the Colosseum allows you to learn about the construction and history of one of the most famed structures of all time. Then, head to the Forum, where you will tour what was ancient Rome’s showpiece center. So much history was shaped here, and a guided or audio tour can give you fascinating information to enhance your experience. Finish your history day with a tour of the Pantheon, a Roman temple dedicated to all the gods of Pagan Rome. It’s the most preserved and influential building of ancient Rome.
Take a cooking class
There’s no better place for a cooking class in Rome than at Palazzo Taverna—one of the most beautiful historical buildings in Rome. Located in the city center, this palace was the former residence of the Orsini family, one of the most influential princely families in medieval times. It is now the property of the Taverna family.
Violante Guerrieri Gonzaga lives in her family house Palazzo Taverna, and her menus are the result of a long research about ancient recipes of her house and of the cooks of her family.
Vio’s Cooking is a unique Italian experience about lifestyle, Italian culture and passion for food.
You’ll go shopping for ingredients to make one of Vio’s recipes at a typical Roman fresh market. Once the meal is cooked, you’ll enjoy it on the magical rooftop terrace with one of the most stunning views in the heart of Rome.
Visit Villa Borghese
Villa Borghese is the largest public park in Rome and a pleasant reprise from the noise and heat of the city. The park is home to a lake, temples, fountains, statues, and several museums. Renting a bike is a fun and leisurely way to get around the park. While at the park, visit the Borghese Gallery (be sure to reserve tickets for a 2-hour visit ahead of time). Take in the mesmerizing paintings and ceiling frescoes, alongside beautiful sculptures by Bemini and many others.
Trevi Fountain
For many, throwing a penny in the Trevi Fountain is a must-do when visiting Rome for the first time. The Trevi Fountain is one of Rome’s most dramatic monuments, and the tradition of tossing a coin in is meant to symbolize your eventual return to Rome. This is also a great place to grab a gelato!
Best hotels in Rome
Hotel Raphael—This residence is a small museum itself, with works of art including sculptures, paintings, lithographs, antiques, and collections of Picasso ceramics and Mayan art. Ideally located right next to the lively Piazza Novana, where both locals and tourists flock to. The facade is covered in Ivy and the rooftop terrace gives you an amazing view of the eternal city.
Hotel de Russie—This hotel located near Piazza del Popolo offers elegant accommodations and a beautiful secret garden.
Palazzo Manfredi—Palazzo Manfredi is an upscale boutique hotel with stunning views of the Colosseum, luxurious rooms and suites, and refined dining experiences.
Hotel Hassler—This historic five-star hotel is located at the top of the Spanish Steps and known for its timeless aesthetic and panoramic city views.
G-Rough—G-Rough is a unique boutique hotel in the heart of Rome, featuring vintage Italian design with an artistic atmosphere.
Chapter Roma—This trendy, contemporary hotel is located in the Regola district and features stylish interiors and hip communal spaces.
What to eat in Rome
Cacio e Pepe—Italy is the capital of pasta, and there’s no better place than Rome to try the traditional dish of pasta with cheese and black pepper.
Gelato
Pizza alla Romana—This pizza style is very thin like a cracker, with a crunchy crust.
Suppli—Deep-fried rice balls filled with mozzarella.
Maritozzo—A typical breakfast served throughout Italy; Sweetened bready buns that are baked and filled with whipped cream.
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