The Coolest Rome Travel Guide (2025)
Rome is on almost everyone's travel bucket list. The captivating city in Italy's Lazio region is home to some of the best food in the world, renowned museums, stunning architecture, and a fascinating past. Read on to discover our Rome Travel Guide!
Rome is the gateway to Italy and cannot be missed on a trip to the country in the heart of the Mediterranean. In Rome you will have the opportunity to sip on espresso, wander through hidden streets, see buildings that hold a plethora of history, and eat all the pasta you can fit in your belly. In this Rome travel guide we will go over the best hotels in Rome, must do things in Rome, the most amazing restaurants in Rome, along with need to know travel tips for Rome.
Map Of Rome, Italy
Best Hotels & Neighborhoods In Rome
Best Neighborhoods To Stay In Rome: Prati, Centro Storico, Trastevere, and Monti.
Prati is located in the northern area of Rome and is situated right next to the Vatican. This area of Rome is less expensive than other parts, but is still pretty central and safe. Prati is a great option for budget travelers or digital nomads in Rome! Our favorite hotel in Prati is Residenza Paolo VI. For a more affordable option checkout The Trianon Borgo Pio Aparthotel.
Centro Storico is the perfect area for first time visitors in Rome. It is basically the downtown area of the city and is in the vicinity of all the must see attractions! Our favorite hotel in Centro Storico is Palazzo delle Pietre.
Trastevere is located just south of the Vatican and west of Centro Storico. This neighborhood is more local. You will find traditional shops, bars, and restaurants in this area of town. Trastevere is the perfect neighborhood if you are looking for more of a local feel. Our favorite hotel in Trastevere is DOM Hotel.
Monti is a great spot for first time visitors in Rome that are also on a budget. Located just south west of Centro, Monte is located near some of the cities most popular attractions and is honestly just so charming! Our favorite hotel in Monti is Salotto Monti.
🛎️Best Luxury Hotel In Rome - St. Regis Rome
🛎️Best Middle Range Hotel In Rome - Residenza Paolo VI
🛎️Best Budget Hotel In Rome - Salotto Monti
Read Next - Where To Stay In Rome: The Best Neighborhoods & Hotels
What To Do In Rome
Marvel At The Spanish Steps
Built in the 1700s, The Spanish Steps are a must visit in Rome. Located in the Trevi district, the Spanish Steps are best known for being the largest staircase in Europe, being a prime example of Baroque architecture, and for being absolutely marvelous.
Here is a bit of history on the steps - The steps were built by two italian architects (Francesco de Sanctis and Alessandro Specchi) between 1723 and 1725. They were built to connect the Spanish Embassy to the Trinità dei Monti Church.
While the history on the Spanish Steps are a bit boring, you seriously can't miss them, they are truly captivating and inspiring!
⭐Quick Tip - The steps are always busy, but to have a lighter crowd visit in the early morning or later at night.
Stop By The Iconic Trevi Fountain
Located a short walks away from the Spanish Steps in the iconic Trevi Fountain. The Trevi Fountain is one of the most visited places in the world, and for good reason!
Built in the 1700s, the water that flows through the Trevi Fountain is part of Rome's water supply and marks the end of Aqua Virgo (one of Rome's ancient aqueducts).
The Trevi fountain is more then its aesthetically pleasing construct, it also serves as a place for myths and legends. Many say that if you are to throw a coin in the Trevi Fountain, you will return to Rome.
⭐Rome walking tour - Cheap and easy way to see all the main sights
Visit The Vatican
On any trip to Rome you must stop by the smallest country in the world, The Vatican City. It took me a while to wrap my head around the fact that The Vatican City is actually a country landlocked in Italy, but alas it is.
I know what you are thinking, "Do I need a passport to enter the Vatican?" and the answer is no, you do not!
The Vatican City is home to some of the most beautiful churches and museums in the world as it is home to all things Roman Catholic, even the Pope!
Okay on to the must see places with in the Vatican City. You must visit St. Peter's Basilica, Sistine Chapel, The Vatican Museums, and The Gardens of Vatican City.
The Vatican is open Monday - Saturday 9am - 6pm.
⭐Quick Tip - I recommend taking a tour of the Vatican because it gets very busy everyday, and with a tour you will surely see all the best sights without hassle. If you don't want to take a tour go in the early morning.
Explore The Roman Forum
Located just outside of the Colosseum is the jaw dropping Roman Forum. The Roman Forum was built around the 7th century BC by none other than Julius Caesar and is still standing.
This historic building was built to serve as a marketplace, but later became more versatile as events and gatherings where held at the Forum.
The Roman Forum is an easy sight to add to your Rome itinerary as you are probably already stopping by the Colosseum.
It is best to book your tickets to the Roman Forum in advance (especially in the summer) as it gets busy!
📜Roman Forum & Palatine Hill Guided Tour
Tour The Colosseum
You probably already have the Colosseum on your Rome itinerary, but if you don't, I am here to tell you to go. The Colosseum is non negotiable when it come to a first time trip to Rome because of its beauty and fascinating history.
Like many things in Rome, book your ticket in advance when visiting the Colosseum, it is visited by almost every other tourist.
⚔️Colosseum Arena Floor, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill Guided Tour
Stop By The Pantheon
Located in the heart of the Centro neighborhood, The Pantheon is a temple that dates back to AD 609. This impressive structure is definitely worth walking by, but if you are short on time, there is really no need to go inside.
⭐Pantheon Roma Skip-the-Line Tickets
Castel Sant'Angelo
Castel Sant'Angelo is an incredible castle located in the Brogo Neighborhood, and just south of the Vatican City. This enchanting castle is almost 2,000 years old and still stands! The Castle was once home to Roman Emperor Hadrian and was later used as a prison, a fortress for the popes, and more.
Inside of Castel Sant'Angelo you will find viewpoints, a museum, the final resting place of the Hadrian family, and much more. The Castle/museum should definitely be on your list of things to do in Rome.
🏰Skip the line Castel Sant'Angelo Tour tiered price
Piazza Navona
Piazza Navona is a stunning plaza in the Centro Neighborhood. I love this Plaza because it is free to visit, full of history, and is absolutely stunning!
The Piazza Navona was built in the 1st AD and is home to two beautiful fountains (the Fountain of the Four Rivers and the Fountain of Neptune) and colorful buildings. The captivating square is seriously like a dream!
Explore The Trastevere Neighborhood
I mentioned the Trastevere Neighborhood earlier in the best neighborhoods and hotels to stay in Rome section of this post, but it is a great area to explore in Rome when you have some down time.
The Trastevere Neighborhood is a local area full of hidden gems. You will find stunning historical churches, picturesque winding streets, hole in the wall restaurants, and more in Trastevere.
🥾Jewish Ghetto and Trastevere Tour Rome
Villa Borghese Gardens
The Villa Borghese Gardens is an enchanting park located in the northern area of Rome. In this stunning park you will find a pond (where you can rent row boats), an art gallery, incredible viewpoints, and more.
The Villa Borghese Gardens is a lovely thing to do if you are looking for free activities in Rome!
📸Villa Borghese and Posh Areas Private Photo Tour and Workshop
Go Shopping On Via del Corso
Via del Corso is long street that goes through the center of Rome and is perfect for shopping and exploring!
You will find popular shops like Zara and H&M alongside unique and authentic boutiques. Some shops that I loved were La Conceria and Edas Via del Corso.
See Stunning Views of Rome at Gianicolo Hill
Located just north of the Trastevere Neighborhood you will find the humble Gianicolo Hill. Gianicolo Hill is home to some of the best views in Rome. You can easily walk to the top of the hill. Visit during sunrise or sunsets for the most beautiful light!
Basilica of San Clemente
Located in the southeastern part of Rome you will find the picturesque Basilica of San Clemente. This beautiful church dates back to the 4th century and was built in honor of Pope Clement.
Now there are so many stunning churches in Rome, but what really puts the Basilica of San Clemente on the map is its mosaic that took 200 years to complete.
Experience Capitoline Hill and Museums
Just a few steps from the Roman Forum you will find Capitoline Hill and Museums. It is exactly as it sounds, a museum on top of a hill. The Capitoline Museum was built in the 1400s by Pope Sixtus IV and was made to preserve the Roman heritage.
Going to the Capitoline Hill is super interesting and a great spot for history lovers!
Catacombs of San Callisto
The Catacombs of San Callisto are located in the southern part of Rome (in the Appio-Latino neighborhood) and are one of the largest and most important underground cemeteries in Rome.
The Catacombs of San Callisto are the final resting place of some Popes and is truly fascinating to see, especially if you have never been in a catacomb before.
🕯️Rome Catacombs of San Callisto with Tour and Concert
Where To Dine In Rome
Best Coffee Shops In Rome
☕Caffè Greco (stunning cafe located in the Centro Neighborhood)
☕Danesi Caffè (amazing coffee & pastries)
☕La Casa del Caffè Tazza d’Oro (just a few steps from the Pantheon - amazing coffee)
Best Restaurants In Rome
🍴Tonnarello (lovely Roman restaurant in the Transverse Neighborhood)
🍴La Piccola Cuccagna (Located in Centro amazing pastas & desserts)
🍴Ambrosia Rooftop Restaurant & Bar (delectable food & stunning views of Rome)
Best Bars/Places To Go Out In Rome
🍷Drink Kong (trendy cocktail bar)
🍷Necci dal 1924 (low key restaurant & bar)
🍷Bar del Fico Ristorante (cute bar tucked away next to Piazza Navona)
How To Get To/Around Rome
There are two airports to fly into - Leonardo da Vinci International Airport (FCO) and Rome Ciampino International Airport (CIA). FCO has more flights and connection options, but it is farther away from the city, CIA is closer to get to the city, but smaller and has less flights.
✈️Checkout The Latest Fares To Rome here
Rome is massive, but also pretty walkable! Once you are in a certain neighborhood you can walk all around. To get from neighborhood to neighborhood take the metro.
Best Tours To Take In Rome
🚗Pompeii, Amalfi Coast and Positano Day Trip from Rome
🚗Early Morning Vatican, Sistine, St. Peter's Semi or Private Tour
⭐Read Next - 10 Best Tours To Take In Rome
Rome, Italy FAQS:
How many days do you really need in Rome?
Too see all of Rome's main attractions at a leisurely pace I would give yourself 5 days.
Is it okay to wear jeans in Rome?
Yes! People are so over the top with this. You will literally see locals wearing jeans.
What is the cheapest month to fly to Rome?
The winter time! But, statistically speaking, it's February.
Rome Travel Guide Wrap Up
Rome is a must visit city for every traveler! From the drool worthy pasta to the captivating architecture Rome is truly amazing. We hope that this Rome Travel Guide helps you plan the perfect trip to The Eternal City. If you liked this post checkout our Pisa Travel Guide and our Rome Packing List.
Happy Travels,
Daisy
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