Rome Travel Guide: The best things to do, see, and eat
Epic ancient sights, world-class cuisine, and fabulous shopping make Rome an iconic destination. Find out when to go, what to do, and what to eat with our Travel Guide.
One of the world’s most beloved cities, Rome tops countless travel bucket lists. Between the inspiring ancient monuments and the tasty culinary offerings, it’s easy to understand why everyone—from history buffs to solo travelers—wants to go on a trip to Rome. Here’s the ultimate Rome Travel Guide, which covers everything you need to know to have an unforgettable experience in the Eternal City.
Rome travel basics
Currency: The euro is Italy’s official currency. You should have an easy time everywhere, though, as most places accept credit cards and ATMs are widely available. Have bills handy for tips and for some smaller purchases, like cups of gelato.
Language: Italian is the official language, but English is widely spoken, especially in popular tourist areas, hotels, and restaurants.
Best way to get around: On foot—many of the top Rome attractions are near each other. Plus, there’s a metro system, which is helpful when traveling around central Rome.
Phrases to know: You certainly don’t need to be fluent in Italian to visit Rome, but knowing a few greetings will impress any local.
- Ciao is used to say both “hello” and “goodbye.”
- Grazie means “thank you.”
- Prego means “you’re welcome.”
Here are more Italian phrases to know before you go →
The best time to visit Rome
We think spring or fall are the best times to visit Rome. These are the seasons when the weather is at its most comfortable. Plus, with fewer crowds, a shoulder-season trip to Rome will be amazing. That being said, Italy’s capital is a city with so much to offer that there’s no wrong time to take our A Week in Rome tour.
Visit Rome in the spring for pleasant weather and moderate crowds
We love spring in Rome—it’s sunny, warm, the flowers are blooming, and crowds aren’t as overwhelming, making sightseeing more enjoyable. That is, unless you come for Easter, when Catholics from all over come to celebrate in Vatican City, making Rome notably buzzing.
Visit Rome in the summer for long days and outdoor festivals
A summertime Rome tour is perfect for special events, like the Caracalla Festival, which hosts ballet and opera in the ruins of the Baths of Caracalla—the perfect day trip from Rome! Bonus: Going for daily gelato and late-night al fresco dinners among locals are some of our other favorite summer things to do in Rome.
Visit in the fall for seasonal cuisine and comfortable temperatures
A Rome trip from September to November can be near perfect thanks to mild weather and thinning crowds, letting you fill up your Rome itinerary with all the sights. It’s also harvest season in Italy, which means it’s the perfect time to sample seasonal dishes that use tasty local ingredients, like pumpkin and mushrooms.
Visit in the winter for lower prices and an authentic local atmosphere
The temperature definitely drops from December to February, but a wintertime Rome tour is great for unbeatable travel deals and a more intimate local experience. Plus, around the holidays, the city takes on a celebratory mood, which you can look forward to if you’re up for a New Year’s Eve trip.
Discover our most popular Rome tours
The best things to see in Rome
When you visit Rome, historic attractions will dominate your time. However, a Rome itinerary can have it all: architecture, food, shopping, and renowned art, too. Where else do ancient ruins sit next to modern cafes? Here are a few bucket list attractions to see on your trip to Rome.
The Colosseum
Constructed around 70 B.C., this soaring symbol of ancient and modern Rome was once a stage for gladiators and entertainment. No photograph can prepare you for the awe of touring this grand monument on our best-selling A Week in Italy: Venice, Florence & Rome tour.
The Spanish Steps
Built by the French in the 1720s as a gift to Rome, this magnificent staircase links the Piazza di Spagna to the Trinita dei Monti church at the top. On our Venice, Florence & Rome for Solo Travelers tour, climb the 135 stairs with your new friends for a great photo op.
The Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel
The headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church and its museums are treasure troves of history and art—including the Sistine Chapel—and are regarded as must-dos in any Rome Travel Guide. If your free day in Rome on our A Week in Italy: Venice, Florence & Rome tour falls on a Wednesday morning, you just might see the Pope!
St. Peter’s Basilica
One of Christianity’s holiest sites and an architectural masterpiece, this enormous church is famous for its massive dome, which dominates Rome’s skyline. When you step inside during our Paris & Rome tour, marvel at Michelangelo’s Pieta, Bernini’s bronze baldachin, and ornate chapels.
The Pantheon
Located in the Piazza della Rotonda, this is one of the most well-preserved structures of the Ancient Roman Empire and is now a church. We recommend popping in during your free time on our London & Rome tour. Standing under the oculus is one of the best things to do in Rome.
Check off your Rome bucket list like a true travel pro
What to eat and drink in Rome
Wondering what to eat in Rome? Any guide to Italy will tell you to start with pizza and pasta! One of the world’s great food cities, Rome is home to authentic regional dishes you simply must try during your trip, from suppli to carbonara. Here are a few to keep an eye on during your Rome tour.
Suppli
These fried rice balls are stuffed with gooey mozzarella, and they make the perfect on-the-go snack during a long day of exploring. Dig into a few at Pizzarium, located right outside the Vatican Museum exit.
Cacio e pepe
Made with local pecorino cheese (cacio) and freshly ground black pepper (pepe), this iconic Roman pasta beats traditional spaghetti and meatballs any day. Try it at Armando al Pantheon, but remember that you’ll need a reservation (luckily, your expert Tour Director can help you with that).
Carbonara
This beloved dish, which combines guanciale (cured pork jowl), egg yolks, Pecorino Romano, black pepper, and pasta, remains a staple of Roman kitchens. Order it at trattorias rather than touristy restaurants for the most authentic preparation.
Deep-fried artichokes
There are few vegetables more beloved in the Eternal City than the artichoke. Be sure to order carciofi alla giudia (or deep-fried artichokes) on menus around the Jewish Quarter to get a taste of the hype. Nonna Betta is especially famous for them.
Fun things to do in Rome
Whether you love history, food, art, or everything in between, Rome has a lot to offer every type of traveler—and the best Rome itinerary covers more than just historic sightseeing. Here are a few more activities that will make you feel like a true local.
Explore Trastevere
Wondering where to stay in Rome? This bohemian neighborhood, which translates to “cross the Tiber,” has fantastic restaurants, fun bars, and charming boutiques. On our A Week in Rome tour, the Food of Rome: Walking Tour of Trastevere excursion offers an immersive visit, so you can experience it all.
Stroll through the gardens of Villa Borghese
Escape the hustle and bustle of the city at this serene stretch of greenery that perfectly balances nature and art. Peruse Galleria Borghese’s collection of works by Bernini and Caravaggio during a free afternoon on our London, Paris & Rome tour.
Take a walk through the Jewish Quarter
In the heart of the city, this historic neighborhood is one of Rome’s most under-the-radar attractions. During free time on the A Week in Rome tour, stroll down Via del Portico d’Ottavia for restaurants specializing in Jewish cooking, like carciofi alla giudia (deep-fried artichokes) and baccala (dried salt cod).
Descend into the catacombs
Ever wonder what’s under the Eternal City? Find out on the Ancient Rome: St. Paul’s Basilica & the Catacombs excursion on our A Week in Italy: Venice, Florence & Rome tour. These ancient burial sites might be spooky, but they also act as an art gallery due to their ancient frescoes.
Shop at the local markets
You’ll find everything from clothes and vintage prints to local meats as you chat with vendors of the Borghetto Flaminio Market or the Fontanella Borghese Market. What better way to fill free time on our London, Paris & Rome tour than by finding a unique souvenir?
Best souvenirs to buy in Rome
Memories from your trip to Rome will be priceless, but if you want to take home some physical mementoes of your experience, this Rome Travel Guide has you covered. From buying Italian leather to picking up handmade ceramics, shopping in Rome is a lot of fun, so don’t forget to leave room in your suitcase.
Genuine Italian leather goods
A timeless leather souvenir, like a leather-bound notebook or a wallet made by local artisans, can be personalized. Whether you’re looking for goods from smaller makers or big-name Italian brands, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to pick up something leather during your Rome tour.
Italian silk
Lightweight and easy to pack, something silk can add Italian flair to any outfit. Plus, if you focus on smaller items, like a scarf or a tie, these silk pieces won’t break the bank.
Italian ceramics
While Italian ceramics are usually made in Southern Italy and Tuscany, you can find colorful pieces in many Roman shops, like Flake’s Design & Arredo in the Trastevere neighborhood. Consider shipping larger items home to avoid breakage—especially unique, hand-painted ceramics.
Italian food
During your Rome tour, you might start wondering, “What food can I bring home from Italy?” The answer is: more than you think! Wine, olive oil, chocolate, and dried pasta can all travel back with you. Just make sure they’re packed properly and that you declare them at customs.
What to pack for a trip to Rome
When you visit Rome, we always recommend packing layers. Regardless of the season, clothing that can be easily mixed and matched allows you to travel in comfort and style. If you want to fit in with the locals, don’t forget a couple of chic accessories for your trip to Rome, too!
Comfortable walking shoes
Any trip to Rome includes a fair amount of walking on cobblestone streets. Whether you spend the day roaming around Vatican City or taking a self-guided walking tour of the Jewish Quarter, make sure you have comfortable shoes.
Modest clothing for churches
Religious sites, like the Vatican, require visitors to cover their knees and shoulders. We suggest a lightweight scarf to cover shoulders in the summer, but a long-sleeve shirt or cardigan will be fine for off-season travel to Rome.
A light jacket
During a fall or spring Rome tour, temperatures can vary a lot between day and evening, so it’s wise to bring a packable jacket to stay comfortable throughout the day.
Sun protection
Pack sunscreen (SPF 30+), sunglasses, and a hat with a brim to combat the sun’s rays. A refillable water bottle is essential, too—especially in summer heat. Rome has hundreds of free drinking fountains (called nasoni) throughout the city.
A small day bag
Wondering, “Is Rome safe?” It is, but like any major city, it pays to be cautious. We suggest bringing a crossbody bag to secure important items and daily necessities, like a portable charger.
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