Rome is an open-air museum where layers of imperial history, Renaissance art, and vibrant modern life collide. It is best visited in the shoulder seasons of spring or autumn to enjoy the Mediterranean climate while exploring its iconic cobblestone streets.
Top Things to Do in Rome
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Getting Around Rome
From the Airport
Train. The Leonardo Express train runs non-stop between Fiumicino Airport and Termini Station every 15-30 minutes, taking about 32 minutes. Rideshare. Uber operates in Rome using the 'Uber Black' service, which is a premium option, while the FreeNow app is the standard for hailing official city taxis.
Once You're There
Walking. Rome's historic center is highly walkable, and exploring on foot is the best way to discover hidden piazzas and local shops. Metro. The Rome Metro consists of three lines (A, B, and C) which are efficient for reaching major sites like the Colosseum or Vatican, though they do not cover every corner of the historic center.
Where to Stay in Rome
Hotel picks for Rome are coming soon. In the meantime, search directly, pre-filled with your dates:
Where to Eat in Rome
Gelateria La Romana★ 4.7 (11,921)Via Venti Settembre, 60, 00184 Roma RM, ItalyFamous for its rich, artisanal gelato and the option to have your cone filled with molten chocolate, it is a mandatory stop for dessert.
La Pergola★ 4.6 (1,456)Via Alberto Cadlolo, 101, 00136 Roma RM, ItalyAs Rome's only three-Michelin-starred restaurant, it offers an unparalleled fine-dining experience with breathtaking views over the city.
Antico Forno Roscioli★ 4.5 (7,871)Via dei Chiavari, 34, 00186 Roma RM, ItalyThis historic bakery is the perfect place to grab a slice of pizza bianca or a maritozzo with cream for a quick, authentic breakfast.
Piatto Romano★ 4.5 (1,345)Via Giovanni Battista Bodoni, 62, 00153 Roma RM, ItalyThis Testaccio neighborhood gem focuses on farm-to-table ingredients and seasonal specials that highlight the best of Lazio's produce.
Trattoria Da Cesare al Casaletto★ 4.4 (2,722)Via del Casaletto, 45, 00151 Roma RM, ItalyRenowned for its legendary fried appetizers and deep wine list, this trattoria is a pilgrimage site for food-loving locals.
Armando al Pantheon★ 4.4 (2,181)Salita de' Crescenzi, 31, 00186 Roma RM, ItalyAn institution located steps from the Pantheon, it is the go-to destination for perfectly executed traditional Roman dishes like saltimbocca.
Da Enzo al 29★ 4.3 (10,168)Via dei Vascellari, 29, 00153 Roma RM, ItalyTucked away in Trastevere, this tiny spot is famous for its crispy carciofo alla giudia and authentic Roman classics.
Felice a Testaccio★ 4.3 (9,328)Via Mastro Giorgio, 29, 00153 Roma RM, ItalyThis historic restaurant is famous for its Tonnarelli Cacio e Pepe, which is mixed tableside by the servers.
Roscioli Salumeria con Cucina★ 4.3 (6,540)Via dei Giubbonari, 21, 00186 Roma RM, ItalyThis legendary deli-restaurant serves what is widely considered the best Carbonara in the entire city.
Pizzarium Bonci★ 4.1 (14,394)Via della Meloria, 43, 00136 Roma RM, ItalyGabriele Bonci's world-famous pizza al taglio offers creative, seasonal toppings on an incredibly light, airy crust.
Tours & Activities
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3 Days in Rome
Ancient Wonders & Historic Heart
Morning. Start your journey at the Colosseum, the most iconic symbol of the Roman Empire, by booking a skip-the-line ticket well in advance to avoid the massive queues. After soaking in the scale of the arena, walk a few minutes to the Roman Forum to wander through the ruins of the ancient city’s political and social life. The path is uneven, so wear comfortable shoes as you climb up Palatine Hill for a panoramic view over the valley. Spend at least three hours here to truly appreciate the layers of history before heading toward the nearby Monti neighborhood. Grab a quick espresso at a local cafe to recharge before your next stop.
Afternoon. After a hearty Roman lunch, walk toward the Piazza Venezia to view the massive Altare della Patria, a white marble monument that anchors the city center. From there, head toward the Pantheon, the best-preserved building from Ancient Rome, and marvel at the massive unreinforced concrete dome. The surrounding area is a maze of narrow alleys and bustling squares, so keep your map handy as you navigate toward the nearby Largo di Torre Argentina. This site is famous for being the location of Julius Caesar's assassination and is now a sanctuary for the city's stray cats. It is a perfect spot to pause and watch the juxtaposition of modern street life against ancient stone.
Evening. As the sun begins to set, make your way to the Trevi Fountain, which is best viewed in the evening when the crowds thin slightly and the travertine stone glows under the floodlights. Toss your coin over your left shoulder to ensure a return trip to the Eternal City before walking toward the Spanish Steps. The atmosphere here is electric, with locals and tourists alike congregating on the iconic staircase to people-watch. End your night by wandering through the designer boutiques of Via dei Condotti. It is the perfect way to soak in the elegance of Rome before heading to a nearby trattoria for a late dinner.
Vatican Treasures & Riverside Views
Morning. Begin your day early at the Vatican Museums, where you should aim to arrive at least 30 minutes before your timed entry to avoid the initial rush. Walk through the endless galleries of tapestries and maps before reaching the breathtaking Sistine Chapel, where Michelangelo’s ceiling is best viewed in relative silence. After exiting the museums, step into the massive St. Peter's Basilica to witness the sheer scale of the world’s largest church. Don't forget to look up at the dome and visit the Pietà by Michelangelo. It is a transformative experience, but be mindful that a strict dress code is enforced, so ensure your shoulders and knees are covered.
Afternoon. After exploring the Vatican, walk down the Via della Conciliazione toward the imposing Castel Sant'Angelo. Originally built as a mausoleum for Emperor Hadrian, the fortress offers one of the best views of St. Peter’s dome from its upper terrace. Cross the Ponte Sant'Angelo, a bridge decorated with beautiful angel statues designed by Bernini, to reach the other side of the Tiber River. Stroll along the riverbanks to see the city from a lower perspective before heading into the charming streets of the Prati district. This area is less touristy and filled with excellent food shops and boutiques perfect for a mid-afternoon browse.
Evening. Wind down your day by visiting Piazza Navona, arguably Rome's most beautiful square, famous for Bernini's Fountain of the Four Rivers. The piazza is surrounded by outdoor cafes and street performers, creating a lively, quintessentially Roman atmosphere. As evening falls, walk toward Campo de' Fiori, which transitions from a bustling market in the morning to a vibrant social hub at night. The surrounding streets are packed with wine bars and small eateries where you can enjoy a glass of local Frascati wine. It is the perfect place to reflect on the grandeur of the Vatican while enjoying the city's more intimate, lived-in side.
Bohemian Streets & Park Escapes
Morning. Start your final day by escaping the city bustle in the sprawling Villa Borghese, Rome's most famous public park. Rent a bike or simply wander the shaded paths toward the Galleria Borghese, which houses an incredible collection of sculptures by Bernini and paintings by Caravaggio. Be sure to book your museum tickets weeks in advance, as entry is strictly limited. Afterward, walk to the Pincio Terrace for a sweeping view over the Piazza del Popolo. It is one of the most romantic spots in the city and provides a perfect vantage point to see the rooftops of Rome stretching toward the horizon.
Afternoon. Head south to the Trastevere neighborhood, a bohemian maze of ivy-clad buildings and narrow cobblestone alleys that feels like a village within the city. Spend your afternoon getting lost in the winding streets, stopping at small artisan shops and hidden courtyards. Visit the Basilica of Santa Maria in Trastevere to see its stunning golden mosaics, which are particularly beautiful when the afternoon light hits them. This neighborhood is the heart of Roman nightlife, but during the day, it is quiet and incredibly photogenic. Grab a gelato and sit on the steps of the fountain in the main piazza to soak up the local rhythm.
Evening. Conclude your Roman adventure by climbing the Janiculum Hill, which offers the most spectacular panoramic sunset view over the entire city. From this height, you can trace the path of your previous days, from the Vatican to the Colosseum, as the city lights begin to flicker on. Afterward, descend back into the heart of Trastevere for a final, memorable dinner at one of its many traditional trattorias. Seek out a spot that serves authentic Roman pasta dishes like Amatriciana or Carbonara. It is the perfect end to your three-day journey, leaving you with a deep appreciation for the history and spirit of Rome.
