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About this guide
Rome, Italy unfolds like a living museum where ancient ruins, Renaissance masterpieces, and modern Italian life exist in harmony. From the awe-inspiring Colosseum to the Vatican's artistic treasures, the city offers a rich history, world-renowned architecture, and classical Southern European culture. There are artisan farmers markets and award-winning cuisine that immerse visitors and locals in aperitivo culture. Additionally, Rome's commitment to celebrating global cultures ensures travelers find meaningful connections and unforgettable experiences.
- Best time to travel: June to August (peak season), November to March (off-season), April to May and September to October (shoulder season)
- Time zone: Central European Time (CET)
- Currency: Euro (€)
- Language: Italian, Romanesco, English
- Noteworthy: Carnevale Romano (February), Roma Summer Fest (June to August), Rome Film Fest (October), Rome Jazz Festival (November)
- Best for: Southern European History, ItalianFood and Wine, Art and Culture Festivals, Romantic Getaways
Parlé: Key Phrases
- Buongiorno — Good morning / polite daytime greeting
- Per favore — Please
- Grazie mille — Thank you very much
- Quanto costa? — How much does it cost?
- Dov’è il bagno? — Where is the bathroom?
- Un tavolo per due — A table for two
Get Away: Getting To and Around Rome, Italy
By Air
Most visitors to Rome arrive through Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport, the city’s primary international hub. They have direct connections from major global cities and plenty of transport options. For lower fares, consider Ciampino Airport, which caters mainly to budget airlines and regional routes.
By Car
Navigating Rome by car requires a bit of patience and strategy for most visitors.Tight streets, dense traffic, and restricted zones (ZTL) can complicate the experience so renting a compact vehicle is best. It’s also ideal to use parking garages and opt for a GPS or navigation app like Citymappers. Alternatively, renting a scooter can be a fun and efficient way to explore the city, too.
By Public Transit
Rome has an extensive metro, bus, and tram network for convenient and affordable travel. With its three lines (A, B, and C), the metro efficiently connects major attractions while buses and trams cover areas the metro doesn't reach. For a more economical option, purchase a Roma Pass for unlimited access to public transportation and discounted entry to numerous sites.
Explore Rome, Italy On Foot
Walking around Rome may arguably be the best way to experience the rich history, local culture, and fantastic cuisine. Many iconic landmarks, such as the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Trevi Fountain, are located close for easy walkable access. Always take safety seriously and wear comfortable shoes when wandering through charming neighborhoods like Trastevere and the historic center.
Quick facts
Good For
Southern European History
Italian Food and Wine
Art and Culture Festivals
Romantic Getaways
Keep in mind
- Carnevale Romano (February)
- Roma Summer Fest (June to August)
- Rome Film Fest (October)
- Rome Jazz Festival (November)
Gourmet
Gourmet: Places To Eat In Rome, Italy
Michelin-starred All’Oro respects Italian tradition with a modern twist showcased in their upscale à la carte and tasting menus. Dishes include Tiramisu of potatoes with salted cod, raviolini with marscapone and duck ragout, and Carbon’air with fruit-infused white chocolate.
Sant'Isidoro Pizza And Bolle serves authentic rustic Italian food like Burro e Limone, Sicilian Caponata, and spicy Diavola pasta. Their Italian classic dessert menu includes pistachio Zeppoline Fritte, panna cotta, and authentic tiramisu.
In Rome's historic Monti district, the Nordic cocktail bar Ice Club Roma has an ice-built interior with low -5°C temperatures. Guests can savor over 40 vodkas from around the world, including sweet and fruity variations like strawberry, peach, and chocolate.
The warm and elegant atmosphere at Qvinto complements their amazing Italian menu. The restaurant’s seasonal themed decor like the Lemon Room, Secret Garden, Jungle Garden, and Love rooms, deliver all the good vibes.
Dine at La Licata for a laid-back atmosphere and the best espresso in Rome’s Rione Monti district. Italian, American, and vegan breakfast and lunch options complement the coffee bar or a wine, beer, and cocktail list.
Curated by owner and Chef Katia Minniti Berard, Ristorante Coromandel serves artistically delicious breakfast and brunch menus. Dishes include handcrafted croissants, maritozzi, pancakes, classic burgers, and croque madame or monsieur.
Play
Play: Things To Do In Rome, Italy
This Cooking Class Near Navona teaches guests the art of Italy's globally-beloved cuisine with handcrafted pasta and dessert. After making fettuccine, ravioli, and tiramisù in a restaurant kitchen, guests enjoy their delicious feast with wine, limoncello, and coffee.
The award-winning Rome’s Dark Side Of Ghosts And Legends takes visitors on a haunted tour of the city’s history of ghosts, executions, true crime, and more. This after-dark stroll goes through the backstreets before ending with a nice drink and meal at a local restaurant.
The Coolest Underground Catacombs Tour takes visitors through the iconic underground tunnels surrounded by Roman architecture to learn about the history and culture of Rome. Led by an experienced guide, guests go down through the 4th Century Basilica above the tomb of historic martyrs and end near the Apopka Antica.
The Rome Twilight Trastevere Food Tour is one of the best ways to skip the line and taste the city as the Romans do. Gain exclusive access to Rome’s oldest wine cellar, popular street food spots, and gorge on the best organic gelato in the city.
This Ancient Mosaic-Making Workshop teaches different traditional and modern mosaic techniques to create a fun souvenir. The studio has a full set of original Roman Mosaic craft tools, sketches by famous Italian artists, and refreshments.
For an amazing day trip through the northern woods of Rome, The Truffle Experience teaches guests about different species of truffle in Italy. Led by a guide and his two trained truffle-hunting pups, Matteo cooks fresh truffle dishes from the ones picked during the tour.
No one leaves Rome without photos of the trip so this Vespa Tour With A Professional Photographer is the perfect way to keep those memories alive. This passenger-only experience rides to the iconic Colosseum, the beautiful Orange Garen, and stunning views on Aventine Hill.
To skip the line and have everything planned at some of Rome’s most popular tourist spots, book the Vatican, Sistine Chapel, Basilica, And Papal Tomb Group Tour. A Maya Tours guide leads visitors through the Vatican’s extraordinary collections, art galleries, and over 20,000 displays of iconic Roman artwork.
