Things To Do
in Rome
Rome, Italy is a city where ancient ruins rise beside vibrant piazzas and modern life. Its streets weave a living timeline from the glory of the Empire to contemporary Italian culture, art, and cuisine. The Eternal City rewards in layers: you can stand in awe at a 2000-year-old monument, then linger over a plate of carbonara in a cozy trattoria.
With world-class museums, water-front walks along the Tiber, and the charm of its neighborhoods, Rome invites exploratory wandering and unforgettable discoveries.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start early at dawn to beat the crowds and wander through the shadowy corridors of the Colosseum’s arena floor. Feel the ancient stones underfoot as your guide recounts tales of gladiators and emperors in lively detail. Pause to admire the layered architecture and imagine roaring crowds in this massive amphitheater.
Meander through the Roman Forum’s sacred ruins, tracing the path of senators and citizens at the heart of the empire. Admire the towering columns of the Temple of Saturn and the Arch of Septimius Severus as your imagination transports you to antiquity. Climb to the Palatine Hill for leafy views over the city and whisper legends of Romulus and Remus.
Watch the sunset from the Capitoline Hill, where the orange glow bathes ancient stones in a magical light. Sip a glass of Frascati wine at a nearby café overlooking the Forum’s ruins. As dusk falls, wander down Via Sacra, letting the illuminated arches guide your path back to the modern city.
Enter St. Peter’s Basilica at opening time to marvel at Michelangelo’s Pietà and Bernini’s grand Baldachin. Climb up to the dome’s outer terrace for a sweeping panorama of St. Peter’s Square and the Tiber River. Gaze at the opulent marble floors and shimmering gold mosaics while the morning light filters through the stained glass.
Wander through the Vatican Museums, weaving between the Raphael Rooms and the Gallery of Maps. Stand beneath the Sistine Chapel’s painted ceiling, tracing Michelangelo’s frescoes and feeling the silence of visitors. Learn about the historical context of each masterpiece as you move toward the Gallery of Tapestries.
Cross the river to Borgo Pio for a leisurely stroll among trattorias and artisan shops. Enjoy a candlelit dinner of carbonara in a cosy osteria just steps from the fortress walls of Castel Sant’Angelo. Finish with a riverside gelateria visit, sampling creamy gelato as the castle lights shimmer across the water.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-18 |
| ☕Coffee and pastry | $3-5 |
| 🍝Pasta dish at mid-range restaurant | $15-25 |
| 🚆Public transit day pass | $7-8 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel per night | $120-200 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Iconic ancient ruins and art-filled museums at every turn
- Delicious regional cuisine with timeless trattorie
- Crowds in peak season and some areas can be touristy
- Traffic and limited car access in the historic center
- "Buongiorno" - Good morning
- "Per favore" - Please
- "Grazie" - Thank you
- "Dove si trova il Colosseo?" - Where is the Colosseum?
- "Quanto costa?" - How much does it cost?
- "Parla inglese?" - Do you speak English?
- "Mi scusi" - Excuse me
- "Un tavolo per due, per favore" - A table for two, please
Places to Visit in Rome
Visit one of these nice places.
Soft morning light highlights the ancient arches, with fewer crowds and dramatic silhouettes.
Iconic Baroque fountain; best shots are early morning or late at night to avoid crowds and glare.
Capture the perfect balance of ancient stone and light streaming through the oculus.
Panoramic city views from a raised vantage point above Vatican City.
Dynamic compositions with fountains, baroque architecture, and lively street life.
Sweeping views over the city as the sun sets beyond domes and rooftops.
Food in Rome
Rome Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A deceptively simple pasta with pecorino romano and black pepper, yielding a creamy, peppery sauce. Best found in traditional trattorie near the historic center.
Must-Try!
Pasta with guanciale, tomato, and pecorino. A Roman staple, often served with bucatini or spaghetti.
Pasta alla carbonara featuring guanciale, eggs, pecorino, and black pepper. Seek places that use authentic guanciale and proper technique.
Veal cutlets topped with prosciutto and sage, usually cooked in butter or white wine. A savory classic found in many trattorie.
Artichokes stuffed with herbs and garlic, often prepared in the spring and early summer.
Fried rice croquettes filled with mozzarella; a popular street-food snack near markets and piazzas.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A lively market by day and a hub of vibrant street life; grab fresh produce, prepared foods, and a quick bite from local vendors.
A foodie-friendly market known for authentic Roman ingredients, freshly made street food, and cooking stalls.
A beloved street-food concept offering triangular pockets of pizza bianca filled with classic Roman stews and toppings.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Dress modestly when visiting churches; shoulders and knees should be covered. Speak softly and be mindful around religious spaces.
A polite greeting like buongiorno or buonasera goes a long way; use formal address with strangers until a more casual rapport is established.
Meals are social; take your time, avoid rushing, and wait for everyone to be served before starting.
Safety
Tipping in Rome
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not obligatory in Italy, but appreciated for good service. In restaurants, a small round-up or 5–10% is common if service is not included; larger tips for exceptional service may occur in nicer establishments.
Cash and cards are widely accepted. Cards are common in restaurants and shops; ensure you have some cash for small vendors or markets. Look for contactless options (NFC) and verify if a service charge is already included.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Pleasant temperatures (often 60–70s °F / 15–25 °C) and blooming gardens; good for outdoor exploration and longer strolls through historic streets.
Hot days and heat rising in late afternoon; plan early-morning visits to major sites, stay hydrated, and enjoy late dinners and siestas.
Mild weather and golden light; ideal for photography and long walks through parks and ruined sites without peak crowds.
Cool but usually mild; occasional rain. Fewer crowds means easier access to top sights, with festive decorations around Christmas and New Year.
Rome at Night
Hiking in Rome
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A prominent hill northeast of Rome with scenic trails and viewpoints offering panoramic city and countryside views.
Ancient Etruscan ruins and wooded trails just outside Rome, suitable for day hikes and nature walks.
Airports
How to reach Rome by plane.
Rome's main international gateway; train, bus, and taxi connections to Termini Station and city center.
Smaller airport serving budget and regional flights; accessible by bus and taxi to central Rome.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Residents of Rome span generations, with strong family ties and a deep sense of local tradition.
A steady flow of visitors from around the world, drawn to ancient sites, art, and food culture.
International residents attracted by history, lifestyle, and opportunities in culture and education.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Italy's dominant sport with local clubs and strong regional rivalries; matches and broadcasts are a staple of Italian culture.
Popular among locals and visitors, with games held in various arenas and gyms around the city.
Road cycling and recreational cycling along river routes and parks are popular among residents and tourists alike.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Rome.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are widely available in Rome, especially in trattorie and markets. Look for dishes featuring pecorino, olive oil, vegetables, and egg-based pastas; when ordering, indicate no meat or fish and request parmesan on the side if needed.