Rome: A Complete Travel Guide to Italy’s Eternal City

Rome, the Eternal City, is a living museum of history, art, and culture. Walking through its streets feels like stepping back in time, with ancient ruins, Renaissance palaces, Baroque fountains, and world-class cuisine at every turn. Whether you’re admiring the Colosseum, tossing a coin into the Trevi Fountain, or indulging in authentic pasta, Rome is a destination that captivates every traveler.

Why Visit Rome?

✅ Iconic Landmarks – The Colosseum, Vatican City, Pantheon, Trevi Fountain.
✅ Rich History – Explore 2,500+ years of Roman civilization.
✅ World-Class Art & Architecture – Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel, Bernini’s fountains, and Raphael’s frescoes.
✅ Delicious Italian Cuisine – Pasta, pizza, gelato, espresso, and fine wines.
✅ Vibrant Street Life – Bustling piazzas, charming cafes, and local markets.
✅ Romantic Atmosphere – Perfect for couples, history buffs, and food lovers.

Top Attractions in Rome

1. The Colosseum 🏛️

One of the New Seven Wonders of the World, this ancient amphitheater once hosted gladiator battles and epic spectacles.
🎟️ Tip: Book a skip-the-line ticket or a guided tour to explore the underground tunnels!

2. The Vatican City & St. Peter’s Basilica ⛪

The smallest country in the world, home to the Pope, Vatican Museums, and the Sistine Chapel.
🎨 Must-see: Michelangelo’s famous frescoes inside the Sistine Chapel.
📅 Tip: Visit early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds.

3. Trevi Fountain ⛲

A masterpiece of Baroque art, where tossing a coin over your left shoulder guarantees a return to Rome.
💰 Fun fact: Around €3,000 in coins are collected daily and donated to charity!

4. The Pantheon 🏛️

A remarkable Roman temple with an open-air dome, now a church and tomb for Italian kings.
🔎 Look for: The tomb of Raphael, the famous Renaissance artist.

5. Piazza Navona 🎭

A lively square with street artists, fountains, and outdoor cafes – perfect for people-watching.
🍷 Tip: Enjoy an aperitivo (pre-dinner drink) at a nearby bar.

6. The Roman Forum & Palatine Hill 🏟️

The heart of Ancient Rome, filled with ruins of temples, basilicas, and government buildings.
📸 Best view: Climb Palatine Hill for a panoramic view of the Forum and Colosseum.

7. The Spanish Steps 🌸

A scenic staircase leading to the Trinità dei Monti church, famous for its fashionable surroundings.
🛍️ Nearby: The luxury shopping street, Via Condotti, home to Gucci, Prada, and Louis Vuitton.

8. Campo de’ Fiori 🏺

A vibrant open-air market by day and a lively nightlife hotspot after sunset.
🍕 Try: A slice of Roman-style pizza from a local bakery.

9. Trastevere Neighborhood 🌿

A charming, bohemian district with cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, and authentic trattorias.
🎶 Evening idea: Enjoy live music, wine, and traditional Roman dishes in a cozy restaurant.

10. Castel Sant’Angelo 🏰

A historic fortress with secret tunnels, built as Emperor Hadrian’s tomb.
🌅 Best for: Stunning sunset views over the Tiber River.

Local Cuisine: What to Eat in Rome

Roman food is simple, flavorful, and deeply traditional.

🍝 Cacio e Pepe – A creamy pasta with pecorino cheese and black pepper.
🥓 Carbonara – Pasta with egg, guanciale (cured pork cheek), and pecorino.
🍅 Amatriciana – Pasta in a spicy tomato sauce with guanciale.
🥖 Supplì – Fried rice balls stuffed with mozzarella (similar to arancini).
🍕 Pizza al Taglio – Roman square-cut pizza, sold by weight.
🍨 Gelato – Authentic Italian ice cream, best enjoyed while strolling the streets.
☕ Espresso – A must-try, especially standing at a local café bar.

Best places to eat in Rome:

• Roscioli – Famous for carbonara and Italian cheeses.
• Pizzarium Bonci – Best pizza al taglio in the city.
• Trattoria da Enzo al 29 – A cozy spot in Trastevere for authentic pasta.
• Giolitti – One of the best gelato shops in Rome.
• Campo de’ Fiori Market – Perfect for fresh produce and street food.

Best Time to Visit Rome

🌸 Spring (March – May) – Pleasant weather and fewer tourists.
☀️ Summer (June – August) – Hot, crowded, and peak tourist season.
🍂 Fall (September – November) – Best time for mild weather and fewer crowds.
❄️ Winter (December – February) – Fewer tourists, great for a Christmas atmosphere.

💡 Pro Tip: Avoid August – locals go on vacation, and many small businesses close.

How to Get Around Rome

🚶 Walking – Best way to explore the historic center.
🚇 Metro & Buses – Budget-friendly, but crowded during rush hour.
🚖 Taxis & Uber – Expensive but convenient at night.
🛵 Vespa Rental – A fun way to experience Rome like a local.

⚠️ Safety Tip: Watch out for pickpockets, especially in crowded tourist spots.

Where to Stay in Rome

🏛️ Historic Center (Centro Storico) – Best for first-time visitors.
🎨 Trastevere – A charming, artistic neighborhood.
🛍️ Piazza di Spagna & Via Veneto – Best for luxury shopping and elegant hotels.
💎 Luxury: Hotel de Russie – Elegant and centrally located.
🏨 Mid-range: Albergo del Senato – A cozy hotel near the Pantheon.
🎒 Budget: The Beehive – A stylish and eco-friendly hostel.

Final Tips for Visiting Rome

✔️ Currency: Euro (€). Credit cards are widely accepted.
✔️ Tipping: Not mandatory, but leaving 5-10% for great service is appreciated.
✔️ Language: Italian. Learn basic phrases like grazie (thank you).
✔️ Dress Code: Cover shoulders & knees when visiting churches.
✔️ Free Entry: Many museums and attractions offer free entry on the first Sunday of the month.
✔️ Water Fountains: Rome has free public drinking fountains called nasoni.

Why You Should Visit Rome

Rome is a timeless city that combines ancient history, world-famous art, and mouthwatering cuisine. Whether you’re admiring the Colosseum, indulging in authentic pasta, or exploring hidden alleyways, Rome promises an unforgettable experience.

Start planning your Rome adventure today with Preparing Travel!