Italy’s capital makes for an awesome city trip destination. Rome really has it all – from ancient sites and Renaissance fountains to fine-dining restaurants and deliciously messy street food. With this quick city guide to Rome, you’ll be able to plan a perfect trip to the Eternal City.
Cover image: Aerial view of Vatican City by Caleb Miller, Unsplash.
This article might contain affiliate links. Read the disclaimer about affiliate links & PR gifting here.
Colosseum photo on the left by Two in Rome; photo on the right by Spencer Davis, Unsplash.
Best things to do in Rome
You could spend a year in Rome and still discover new things to do every day – trust me, I have. Luckily, most of Rome’s popular attractions are pretty close to one another. Don’t miss the Trevi fountain, a baroque fountain almost 300 years old that draws in millions of visitors every year. Yes, it’s popular and it can get extremely busy here, but if you’re visiting Rome, it cannot be missed.
Tip: Go early in the morning to avoid the bigger crowds at the Trevi fountain.
Another iconic landmark nearby is the Pantheon. This ancient structure – it was built over 2000 years ago – is one of the best-preserved monuments in Rome. Piazza Navona is quite close to the Pantheon. It’s one of the most beautiful squares in Rome, and it’s home to Bernini’s Fontana dei Quatro Fiumi (Fountain of the Four Rivers). Another must-visit attraction in Rome’s historic center is Piazza di Spagna, which is where you’ll find the stunning Spanish Steps. This is one of my favourite places to visit in Rome – especially during sunset.
Tip: When visiting the Spanish Steps, go to Pompi. It’s essentially next door, and they make the absolute best tiramisu in Rome.
Photo on the left: Piazza Navona by Two in Rome; photo on the right: Spanish Steps by Neil Cartwright, Unsplash.
No city guide to Rome would be complete without mentioning the Colosseum. Visiting the ancient amphitheatre is a bucket-list experience for most travellers – and rightfully so. I’ve visited the Colosseum a couple of times already, and I still haven’t grown tired of it. To get the most out of your experience, purchase a ticket with access to multiple levels of the Colosseum, such as the underground or the attic. It’s also very much worth it to go on a tour. Note that most tickets to the Colosseum also allow you to enter the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. Both offer a glimpse into ancient life in Rome.
Tip: Buy your ticket to the Colosseum in advance to avoid disappointment as tickets sell out fast.
Photo on the left: St. Peter’s Basilica, Vatican City by Two in Rome. Photo on the right: Rome by Kenny Mark, Unsplash.
Another iconic place to visit is Vatican City. The world’s smallest country is a must-visit if you’re travelling to Rome. Include a visit to St. Peter’s Basilica (climb the dome for an amazing view) and the Vatican Museums. The Basilica is one of the most beautiful churches in the world, and the Vatican Museums house an incredible collection – Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel is a world-famous attraction. Do note that Vatican City gets quite busy. Show up early to be ahead of the larger crowds, and get your ticket to the museums well in advance.
For more activity ideas, visit Best things to do in Rome.
Food culture in Rome
Rome is an absolute paradise for foodies. I’ve tried and tested numerous restaurants and street food in Rome. In this city guide, I’ll share some of the best dishes and spots to try in the Eternal City based on my multiple visits over the years.
First, Rome is known for four traditional pasta dishes: cacio e pepe (pecorino cheese and pepper), carbonara (pecorino cheese, pepper, egg and pork cheek), gricia (pecorino cheese, pepper and pork cheek) and amatriciana (tomatoes, pecorino cheese, pepper and pork cheek). One of the best restaurants to try pasta in Rome is Armando al Pantheon.
For a classic Roman pizza (thin and crispy), go to Pizzeria Ai Marmi in Trastevere. If you want to try traditional Jewish Roman dishes, visit Nonna Betta in the Jewish Quarter. A must-try here is their fried artichoke, carciofi alla giudìa.
In terms of street food, you can’t go wrong with pizza al taglio (pizza sold by the slice) at Antico Forno Roscioli. Another must-try street food in Rome is supplì (fried rice balls filled with sauce and cheese). Supplì Roma in Trastevere makes the best ones. And don’t sleep on gelato in Rome, there are many to choose from, my recommendation is Giolitti.
Photo on the left: Roman pizza by Fatemeh Rz; photo on the right: typical restaurant by Marialaura Gionfriddo, Unsplash.
Where to stay in Rome
If you want to stay somewhere central in Rome, consider the neighborhoods Trevi, Colonna, Parione and Pigna. These areas are great if you want to stay near Rome’s most famous sights. If you want to stay a bit more off the beaten path, opt for a stay in Prati or Trastevere. Both neighbourhoods are aesthetic and fun to explore.
Recommended hotels in Rome:
- Flaminia Luxury Grand Suite: The rooms are spacious and clean, and the hotel is close to Prati as well as Piazza del Popolo.
- B&B Trastevere 66: A more budget-friendly option in Trastevere. The B&B has simple but nice and clean rooms.
- Il Monastero Collection: A unique luxury stay in an old monastery. The hotel is located near Palatine Hill.
On the left Prati neighbourhood, on the right, the Trastevere neighbourhood, both images by Two in Rome.
Getting to and around Rome
Rome has two airports: Fiumicino (FCO) and Ciampino (CIA). Both offer good connections to the city center.
From Fiumicino, the best way to reach Rome is by train. The Leonardo Express train takes about 30 minutes and runs very frequently. You can purchase your train ticket (€14) at the airport as well as at the train station (which is across from the airport).
From Ciampino, it is best to take the bus. It takes about 40 minutes and costs as little as €6.
If you arrive very early in the morning (before the trains and buses start running), the most efficient option might be a taxi. Taxis charge a fixed rate: from Fiumicino it costs €45, and from Ciampino €30.
Getting around in Rome is not difficult. The best way is to walk as the city isn’t too big to explore on foot. Moreover, walking is also the best way to experience Rome. Instead of hopping from highlight to highlight, take some time to appreciate the wonderful things between the famous landmarks – you’ll probably find some hidden gems too.
However, if you’re in a pinch, public transportation isn’t too bad in Rome. The metro is the most reliable and allows you to travel quickly from one side of the city to the other. The bus and tram offer better connections to certain spots within Rome. A fun alternative way to get around in Rome is by sharing bike or scooter. It allows you to travel faster while still experiencing a lot of the city.
Guest author: Amber from Two in Rome
On Two in Rome, avid Italy travellers Amber and Luke turn their authentic travel experiences into detailed guides to help you plan that perfect trip to Italy.
