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Salve!
Salve!
Welcome to Rome
Welcome to Rome
Timeless Eternal City Charm
Timeless Eternal City Charm
Rome, Italy’s vibrant capital, is a living museum where 2.8 million residents weave daily life into a tapestry stretching over 2,000 years. Dubbed the Eternal City, it’s a sprawl where ancient echoes meet modern bustle—the Colosseum’s weathered arches loom over honking Vespas, their gladiatorial ghosts whispering through the stones. Baroque fountains, like Bernini’s exuberant creations in Piazza Navona, splash amid the chatter of street vendors hawking roasted chestnuts, while trattorias spill the scent of simmering ragù onto cobblestones.
Picture tossing a coin into the Trevi Fountain, its marble nymphs glistening under a Roman sun, the water’s plink promising your return. Or sipping a sharp espresso in a sunlit piazza, the clatter of cups blending with church bells tolling from domes that crown the skyline, St. Peter’s ever-watchful in the distance.
Then there’s Rome’s sacred and artistic soul, marveling at the Sistine Chapel, where Michelangelo’s frescoes blaze across the ceiling, angels and prophets frozen in divine fury, the air thick with awe. Maybe it’s wandering the Roman Forum’s crumbled columns, once the heart of an empire, or savoring cacio e pepe in Trastevere, twirling pasta as accordion tunes drift through lantern-lit alleys. From the Pantheon’s oculus to Campo de’ Fiori’s morning market, Rome fuses past and present into an adventure—unforgettable, bold, and endlessly alive.
Finding All The Right Places
Finding All The Right Places
We've compiled a helpful map showing all of the attractions we've detailed throughout the guide.
Click on the icon at the top left of the map to open the Attractions menu.
Click on one of the numbered waypoints to open details about that attraction.
You can also expand the map using the icon at the top right of the map.
You can also click the icon at the top right of the details pane for directions when you're there.
Best Flights to Rome This Year
Best Flights to Rome This Year
Rome’s main gateways are Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport (FCO), 30 km southwest of the city, and Ciampino Airport (CIA), 15 km southeast. Here’s how to get there:
Malaysian Airlines: Fly with Malaysian Airlines for a seamless, affordable experience. Their Rome-bound flights offer top-tier service and competitive pricing. Book your flights now!
Expedia: Are a great option for searching for the perfect flights from practically any location on earth. Search for your flights now!
See our Flights page for more options.
Popular Airlines and Routes
From Europe: London, Paris, or Berlin flights range €30–€150 ($32–$160 USD, 2–3 hours) with Ryanair, easyJet, or ITA Airways—direct options galore.
From the U.S.: New York or L.A. to Rome costs $400–$1,000 (9–12 hours) via Delta, United, or ITA Airways—direct from major hubs.
From Asia: Tokyo or Singapore flights run $600–$1,200 (15–18 hours) with Singapore Airlines or Turkish Airlines—typically one stop.
From Australia: Sydney or Melbourne to Rome is $1,000–$1,600 (22–26 hours) via Qantas, Emirates, or Qatar Airways—one or two stops.
When to Book for the Best Deals
Summer (Jun–Aug) peaks with tourists—book 3–4 months ahead. Mid-week flights (Tuesday/Wednesday) can save €50–$150. Shoulder seasons (Apr–May, Sep–Oct) offer mild weather and better fares—watch for spring sales!Rome Travel Tips
Airport Transfers: From FCO, the Leonardo Express train to Termini Station is €14/$15 USD (32 minutes). CIA’s shuttle buses to Termini cost €6/$6.50 USD (40 minutes). Taxis run €40–€60 ($43–$64 USD)—pre-book via Expedia.
Visa Requirements: U.S., UK, and Aussie citizens get 90 days visa-free (Schengen Area); others need a Schengen Visa (€80/$85 USD, apply at vfsglobal.com).
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Top Places to Stay in Rome
Top Places to Stay in Rome
Whether you’re traveling on a shoestring budget or looking for high-end luxury, Rome offers accommodation to suit every type of traveler. From city center luxury hotels to historic apartments, here are our top recommendations:
Sometimes the easiest way to book a hotel or resort is to see all the options available on a handy map. Choose your dates, choose your preferred location and see a myriad of options. Book your place in Rome now!
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See our Accomodation page for more options.
Where to Stay: Hotels in Rome
Rome’s neighborhoods cater to every vibe.
Budget travelers can bunk at The Yellow in Termini (€30–€70/$32–$75 USD/night) or Generator Rome (€40–€80/$43–$85 USD/night).
Mid-range gems like Hotel Artemide near Termini (€120–€200/$128–$213 USD/night) offer elegance
Luxury shines at Hotel de Russie near Piazza del Popolo (€500–€1,000/$533–$1,065 USD/night) or Hassler Roma above the Spanish Steps (€600–€1,200/$640–$1,280 USD/night).
Find your ideal place to stay with Expedia.
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Best Local Food in Rome
Best Local Food in Rome
Rome’s cuisine is rustic, bold, and soul-warming—a celebration of simple ingredients turned sublime.
Cacio e Pepe: Tonnarelli pasta with pecorino cheese and black pepper—sharp and silky. Try it at Roscioli near Campo de’ Fiori (€15/$16 USD).
Carbonara: Spaghetti with guanciale, egg, and pecorino—creamy, no cream needed. Felice a Testaccio perfects it (€14/$15 USD).
Pizza al Taglio: Thick, square-cut pizza by weight. Pizzarium Bonci in Prati (€5–€10/$5–$11 USD) is a must.
Traditional Roman Dishes to Try
Traditional Roman Dishes to Try
Saltimbocca: Veal with prosciutto and sage—tender and savory. Nonna Betta in the Jewish Ghetto has the best around (€18/$19 USD).
Supplì: Fried rice balls with mozzarella—street food gold. Head to Supplizio in Centro Storico (€3/$3.20 USD each).
Artichokes alla Giudia: Crispy, golden artichokes flattened and deep-fried—a Jewish-Roman classic. Head on over to Piperno (€12/$13 USD).
Tiramisù: Espresso-soaked ladyfingers layered with a creamy mascarpone mixture and dusted with cocoa powder. Head to Pompi near Spanish Steps (€5/$5.30 USD).
Best Restaurants in Rome
Best Restaurants in Rome
Ristorante Alla Rampa (Trastevere): Roman classics with charm (€25/$27 USD mains).
Armando al Pantheon (Centro Storico): Cozy, authentic vibes (€20/$21 USD mains).
Osteria Barberini (Trevi): Truffle-rich dishes (€30/$32 USD mains).
Il Pagliaccio (Centro Storico): Michelin-starred creativity (€80+/$85+ USD mains).
Vegan and Vegetarian Options
Ops! (Trastevere): Plant-based Roman fare (€12/$13 USD).
Buddy (Monti): Veggie comfort food (€15/$16 USD).
Staying Connected in Rome
Staying Connected in Rome
Best eSIM Providers for Rome
Stay online with an eSIM—TIM, Vodafone, and WindTre provide solid 4G/5G across Rome, though rural Lazio dips. Airalo’s “Italy” plan (5GB for $15, 10 days) fits short trips; Ubigi’s options (500MB for $2, 10GB for $25) flex for longer stays. Public Wi-Fi’s patchy—don’t bank on it!
iRoamly eSIMs: iRoamly offers eSIM data packages tailored to Italy, with fast and affordable plans. You can activate it before departure and start using it as soon as you arrive. Get your iRoamly eSIM here!
easySim: For frequent travelers, easySim offers global coverage and flexible data plans perfect for staying connected no matter where you go. Purchase your eSIM now!
See our Travel eSIMs page for more options.
Best Attractions in Rome
Best Attractions in Rome
Must-Do in Rome: Unmissable Experiences
Rome’s a treasure chest of history and la dolce vita—here’s your must-see list, packed with details.
Tour the Colosseum
Why: Ancient Rome’s gladiator arena—raw and iconic.
Details: Entry €16/$17 USD, 9 AM–7 PM (book online to skip lines). Allow 1–2 hours.
Tip: Add the underground tour (€9/$10 USD extra)—goosebumps guaranteed.
Visit the Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel
Why: Michelangelo’s masterpiece and art galore.
Details: €20/$21 USD, 8:30 AM–6:30 PM (closed Sundays). Takes 3–4 hours.
Tip: Early entry beats crowds—book via Vatican Museums.
Wander the Roman Forum
Why: Heart of ancient Rome’s political life.
Details: €12/$13 USD (or Colosseum combo), 9 AM–7 PM. Needs 1–2 hours.
Tip: Climb Palatine Hill for panoramic views.
Toss a Coin in the Trevi Fountain
Why: Baroque beauty and a return-to-Rome ritual.
Details: Free, 24/7. Quick 15-minute stop.
Tip: Dawn visits dodge the throngs.
Marvel at the Pantheon
Why: Perfectly preserved Roman temple—roof oculus included.
Details: Free (church donation optional), 9 AM–7 PM. Takes 30–60 minutes.
Tip: Rainy days make the oculus a spectacle.
Stroll Trastevere
Why: Cobblestone charm and bohemian nightlife.
Details: Free to roam; dinner €15–€30/$16–$32 USD. Allow 2–3 hours.
Tip: Sunset at Piazza Santa Maria sets the mood.
Climb the Spanish Steps
Why: Elegant steps with Piazza di Spagna buzz.
Details: Free, 24/7. Quick 30-minute visit.
Tip: Spring blooms here are Instagram gold.
Check out our Rome collection on Viator for all the best Traveler rated experiences!
Travel Doctor
Travel Doctor
We hope you'll never find yourself in the intrepid position of needing a doctor whilst you're on the other side of the planet. But life happens! And so does the need for quality medical care.
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See our Travel Doctor page for more options.
Protecting Your Trip to Rome
Protecting Your Trip to Rome
From cobblestone slips to pickpockets, Rome’s charm has risks—minor care starts at €100/$107 USD. Insurance covering cancellations, health, and lost luggage costs 5–8% of your trip—$50–$100 for a $1,000 adventure. Check out the opions below for some straightforward options.
Faye Travel Insurance: Whether you’re planning adventurous activities like diving or trekking, Faye Travel Insurance offers comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, trip cancellations and even has add-ons for adventure & extreme sports. Get a free quote here.
OnshoreKare Travel Insurance: For those seeking a range of coverage options, OnshareKare offers affordable plans that include trip cancellations, lost luggage, and emergency medical assistance. Protect your trip today!
Freely Travel Insurance: Need specialized coverage? Freely offers essential travel insurance that is customizable with the add-ons you need to suit the needs of families, solo travelers and adventurers alike. You can even add daily boosts to suit those last minute trips. See your insurance options.
See our Travel Insurance page for more options.
Practical Tips for Rome
Practical Tips for Rome
Best Time to Visit: Spring (Apr–May) or autumn (Sep–Oct)—warm, less crowded; summer’s hot, winter’s quiet.
Getting Around: Metro tickets €1.50/$1.60 USD (100 minutes); Roma Pass (€38/$41 USD, 72 hours) covers transport and sights. Walk Centro Storico!
Currency: Euro (€); $1 USD = ~€0.95. Cards common, cash for small spots.
Pack: Comfy shoes—cobblestones rule.
Rome Off-the-Beaten-Path Suggestions
Rome Off-the-Beaten-Path Suggestions
Testaccio’s Monte dei Cocci: Skip the Colosseum for this ancient hill of broken amphorae—locals jog here, views stun. Free, best at sunrise—1 hour; metro to Piramide. Pair with Testaccio’s food market (€3/$3.15 USD supplì).
Day Trip to Ostia Antica: A 30-minute train from Piramide (€3/$3.15 USD round-trip) unveils this Roman port’s ruins—mosaics and theaters rival Pompeii, sans crowds. €12/$12.60 USD entry—half-day; bring water.
Trapizzino in Trastevere: Forget Pantheon cafés—this street-food spot stuffs pizza pockets with meatballs (€4/$4.20 USD). Locals queue till 11 PM—grab a Peroni (€3/$3.15 USD) and chat calcio. Near Piazza Trilussa.
Why It’s Worth It: Testaccio’s quirky history, Ostia’s silent stones, and Trastevere’s pizza dive swap Rome’s icons for local flavor.
Rome Cultural Insights and Etiquette
Rome Cultural Insights and Etiquette
Customs
Greetings: A warm handshake or two cheek kisses—use “Ciao” casually, “Buongiorno” for elders or shops. Romans are expressive; match their energy.
Dress: Stylish yet modest—jeans, nice shirts for trattorias; cover shoulders and knees at Vatican sites (scarves handy). Comfy shoes for cobblestones.
Do’s and Don’ts
Do: Greet with “Buongiorno” at markets—it sparks smiles. Eat pasta with a fork—no spoon for spaghetti carbonara.
Don’t: Tip heavily—round up (€10 to €12) or skip it; waiters don’t rely on tips. Don’t touch produce at Campo de’ Fiori—vendors pick for you.
Respect: Avoid sitting on monument steps (e.g., Spanish Steps)—fines hit €250/$263 USD. Keep Colosseum lines orderly; Romans dislike chaos.
Festival Highlights
Festa de’ Noantri (July, Trastevere): Street processions—join feasts for Madonna to feel neighborhood love.
Carnevale (February): Costumes and confetti—toss sweets with kids in Piazza Navona for laughs.
Blend In: Say “Grazie mille” for thanks—it’s Roman exuberance. Sip espresso standing at bars (€1/$1.05 USD)—it’s cheaper and local.
Let the Good Times Roll in Rome
Let the Good Times Roll in Rome
Rome is a dazzling destination for travelers craving history, art, and la dolce vita. Whether you’re exploring ancient ruins, savoring pasta in a hidden osteria, or soaking in the city’s golden glow, Rome delivers moments that echo through time. By booking smart flights, picking the perfect stay, tasting local flavors, and diving into its iconic and offbeat gems, you’ll unlock the magic of the Eternal City.
Planning your Roman escape is seamless with the right resources. Whether securing flights, choosing a hotel, or staying connected with an eSIM, this guide has you covered. Don’t forget travel insurance for that extra peace of mind. Get ready to immerse yourself in the timeless wonder of Rome this season!
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