Rome Travel Guide: Everything You Need to Know Before Visiting the Eternal City
- Jul 12
- 10 min read
Rome is one of those rare destinations that exceeds even the highest expectations. No matter how many photos you've seen or stories you've heard, nothing compares to standing among 2,000 years of history where ancient ruins, Renaissance masterpieces, bustling piazzas, and some of the best food in the world all coexist within a few walkable miles.
Known as the Eternal City, Rome is a place that rewards curiosity. One moment you're wandering through the Colosseum imagining the gladiators who once filled its arena, and the next you're tucked away in a neighborhood trattoria enjoying handmade pasta and a glass of Italian wine that you'll still be thinking about long after your trip ends.
After visiting Rome twice, I've learned that this isn't a city to rush through. It's a destination best experienced slowly. Start your mornings lingering over espresso, wandering without an itinerary in the afternoon, and ending each evening with an unforgettable meal. Whether you're visiting for the first time or returning to discover more, here's everything I recommend before planning your own Roman holiday.
Why Visit Rome?
Rome isn't simply another stop on an Italian itinerary. It’s a destination that deserves to be experienced in its own right.
Whether you're planning the ultimate Euro summer or a two-week journey through Italy, Rome is the perfect place to begin or end your adventure. As one of Europe's best-connected cities, it's easy to continue on to Florence, Venice, Milan, Naples, or the Amalfi Coast thanks to Italy's excellent high-speed rail network.
But don't make the mistake of treating Rome as just an arrival city. Give yourself at least three or four days to truly experience everything the Eternal City has to offer. Wander beyond the iconic landmarks, linger over long lunches in sun-drenched piazzas, enjoy dinners that stretch late into the evening, and embrace the slower pace that makes Rome so unforgettable. It's the kind of city that leaves you planning your next visit before you've even boarded your flight home.
The Best Time to Visit Rome
Rome is beautiful year-round, but every season offers a different experience.
Spring (March–May) is one of the most popular times to visit, with mild temperatures, blooming flowers, and comfortable sightseeing weather. End of May was my sweet-spot because it wasn’t hot and you could explore some of the other beach destinations before the Summer Crowds arrived.
Summer (June–August) brings long days and vibrant energy, but also larger crowds and higher temperatures. If you visit during the summer, plan outdoor sightseeing early in the morning and enjoy museums or leisurely lunches during the hottest part of the day.
Fall (September–November) combines pleasant weather with slightly smaller crowds, making it another excellent time to explore the city.
Winter (December–February) offers fewer tourists, festive holiday markets, and easier access to popular attractions.
We visited at the end of May, and it felt like the perfect balance. The weather was warm enough for rooftop aperitivos and outdoor dining without the intense summer heat, and many of Italy's coastal destinations were just beginning to come alive before peak season crowds arrived.
Luxury hotels in Rome can be surprisingly expensive even when redeeming hotel points or free night certificates. Traveling during the shoulder season not only provides more comfortable weather but can also significantly improve availability and value at some of the city's best hotels like the St. Regis Rome or Rome EDITION.
Must-See Attractions
No visit to Rome is complete without experiencing all of its iconic landmarks. Don't miss:
The Colosseum
Roman Forum
Palatine Hill
Trevi Fountain
Pantheon
Spanish Steps
Piazza Navona
Vatican Museums
Sistine Chapel
St. Peter's Basilica
Castel Sant'Angelo
Villa Borghese Gardens
While these attractions deserve their reputation, some of our favorite memories and best photos came simply from wandering without a destination and discovering hidden piazzas, alleyways, neighborhood bakeries, and quiet streets away from the crowds.
Steal my perfect 3 Day Itinerary for your trip to Rome
Where to Stay in Rome
Choosing the right neighborhood can completely shape your experience. Map the main areas and attractions that you want to see and that will help guide you on which neighborhood to choose.
Piazza della Repubblica
This area offers an excellent balance of convenience and luxury. It's within walking distance of many of Rome's major attractions while remaining quieter than some of the city's busiest districts.
We stayed at Anantara Palazzo Naiadi Rome Hotel, and it proved to be an outstanding base for exploring the city as well as close to the Train Station to help us in and out of Rome and on to our other destinations in Italy.
Historic Center
If being steps from the Pantheon, Piazza Navona, and Campo de' Fiori is your priority, the Historic Center places you right in the heart of the action. The Six Senses Rome Hotel was a great luxury option in the center of all the action.
Trastevere
Known for its cobblestone streets, ivy-covered buildings, and lively nightlife, Trastevere offers a more local atmosphere with incredible restaurants and wine bars.
Spanish Steps
Perfect for luxury shopping and elegant cafés, this neighborhood puts visitors close to Via Condotti and Villa Borghese.
Hotels to Book in Rome
Planning where to stay in Rome took almost as much time as planning the trip itself. As someone who enjoys maximizing hotel points and elite loyalty benefits, I spent weeks comparing luxury properties before making my final decision.
These were the hotels that made my shortlist.
Hilton Options
Rome Cavalieri, a Waldorf Astoria Hotel - The Rome Cavalieri was one of my top contenders because it offers excellent value for Hilton Honors points and free night certificates. The property is beautiful, with expansive grounds, multiple pools, and panoramic views overlooking the city. Ultimately, I decided against staying here because it sits outside Rome's historic center. Since we only had three nights, I wanted to maximize our time by walking to the city's major attractions instead of relying on taxis throughout the day.
Double Tree Rome by Hilton - This was another hotel I was going to use as I could book a clean and modern home (no luxury thrills) with Hilton Honors Points. This looked like a great choice for a hotel that wasn’t going to break the bank, looked nice, and was walkable to all the major attractions. I ultimately didn’t want to book it because there was a minimal luxury factor and I wanted a more memorable experience for this trip.
Palazzo Manfredi, an SLH Hotel - I have never booked an SLH (Small Luxury Hotel Collection bought by Hilton) so this wasn’t my first choice. This hotel’s location overlooked the iconic Colosseum and looked like a great choice to book with my Hilton Free Night Certificates and/or Points but the standard rooms were much less exciting than the suites and I knew the chance of getting upgraded, even as a Diamond Elite Member, would be very minimal. Because Rome in the Summer is such a popular destination, I wanted to make sure my booking was memorable and didn’t want to rely on the potential of an upgrade.
Marriott Options
St Regis Rome - The St. Regis never disappoints and the entire lobby looked like a Museum. This was an iconic classic luxury stay in the city but the nightly rates with points or cash redemptions was outrageous.
The Rome EDITION - the modern and EDITION brand is a property I always look to book in destinations as they have mastered the modern luxury property. The rooms looked small and the points and cash redemptions were even more outrageous so I elected to not book here.
The W Rome and Westin Excelsior looked like decent options but I wasn’t crazy about the W property and the Excelsior property looked outdated.
In the end, I ended up staying at the Anantara and Six Senses properties. Both properties were brands that I have had on my travel bucket list for some time.
The Anantara Palazzo Naiadi was a beautiful and spacious hotel that looked bigger than most of the properties on the list above. The hotel perfectly blended classic architecture and modern luxury and was a perfect stay. See my full hotel review for a complete breakdown.
The Six Senses Rome was another amazing property that did not disappoint. The minimalist and chic luxury property was another perfect stay. The entire property was gorgeous and their spa on property was mind blowing. See my full hotel review for a complete breakdown.
What to Eat in Rome
If there's one thing Rome rivals its incredible history with, it's the food.
Every meal feels like an experience, whether you're enjoying handmade pasta at a family-run trattoria that's been serving the same recipes for generations or indulging in a Michelin-starred tasting menu that reimagines classic Italian cuisine. One of my favorite parts of visiting Rome was discovering that even the simplest dishes, made with just a handful of fresh ingredients, were often the most memorable.
While it's hard to have a bad meal in the Eternal City, these are the Roman specialties every visitor should try at least once:
Cacio e Pepe – Rome's signature pasta dish made with Pecorino Romano cheese, freshly cracked black pepper, and perfectly cooked pasta. Simple, creamy, and absolutely delicious.
Carbonara – An authentic Roman classic made with guanciale, eggs, Pecorino Romano, and black pepper. Forget the cream—traditional carbonara doesn't need it.
Amatriciana – A rich tomato-based pasta featuring guanciale, Pecorino Romano, and just the right amount of spice. Another Roman staple you can't miss.
Supplì – Crispy fried rice balls filled with gooey mozzarella, making the perfect appetizer or afternoon snack.
Roman-Style Pizza – Thin, crispy, and incredibly flavorful. You'll quickly understand why ordering "just one slice" is nearly impossible.
Gelato – Whether it's pistachio, stracciatella, or a seasonal fruit flavor, no day in Rome is complete without stopping for authentic Italian gelato.
Maritozzo – A soft, lightly sweet brioche bun generously filled with fresh whipped cream. It's one of Rome's most iconic pastries and the perfect way to start your morning alongside a cappuccino.
While traditional Roman cuisine should absolutely be at the top of your list, Rome's dining scene extends far beyond classic pasta and pizza. The city is home to exceptional contemporary restaurants, innovative chefs, and several outstanding Michelin-starred dining experiences, making it one of Europe's premier culinary destinations.
My Favorite Restaurants in Rome
Rome is filled with incredible restaurants, from quick deli foccia quick grab sandwiches, cozy neighborhood osterias, to world-class Michelin-starred dining. While it's nearly impossible to have a bad meal in the Eternal City, these were the standout dining experiences from our trip.
Osteria Delle Coppelle
Recommended by the concierge at Six Senses Rome, Osteria Delle Coppelle was the perfect introduction to Roman cuisine after a long day of travel. Tucked away on a charming side street, the restaurant offered exactly what we were looking for. It had an authentic atmosphere, warm hospitality, and perfect classic Roman dishes.
We ordered the cacio e pepe, carbonara, meatballs, and a Caprese salad, all paired with a few glasses of Italian wine. It was the ideal first meal in Rome and set the tone for an unforgettable week of eating our way through the city.
One thing to keep in mind is that dinner service in Italy is intentionally slow. Meals are meant to be enjoyed, so don't expect to be in and out within an hour. Sit back, order another glass of wine, and embrace the experience.
My Rating: ★★★★☆ (9/10)
Venchi
No trip to Rome is complete without stopping for gelato, and Venchi is one of the city's most iconic spots.
Pro Tip - beat the line and buy some candy from the other side of the store and they can get you gelato without the wait!
We wandered in on our walk back to Six Senses Rome and couldn't resist grabbing a cone. The gelato was incredibly creamy, rich, and full of flavor, making it the perfect afternoon treat after hours of sightseeing.
My Rating: ★★★★★ (10/10: A must-visit)
Osteria Da Fortunata
If you've spent any time researching restaurants in Rome, you've probably come across Osteria Da Fortunata on TikTok or Instagram. Thankfully, it's one of those rare places that truly lives up to the hype.
Watching the fresh pasta being made in the front window is part of the experience, but it's the food that keeps people coming back.
Despite already having several incredible pasta dishes during our trip, we happily ordered cacio e pepe and carbonara again and they were even better than the night prior. We also shared a Caprese salad, crispy supplì, and a perfectly cooked veal Milanese, all of which were outstanding.
With several locations throughout Rome, it's an easy restaurant to fit into almost any itinerary, and one I would gladly return to on every future visit.
My Rating: ★★★★★ (10/10)
Without question, the culinary highlight of our entire trip was dinner at INEO, the Michelin-starred restaurant located inside the Anantara Palazzo Naiadi Rome Hotel.
Everything about the evening exceeded our expectations. We chose the full tasting menu with the wine pairing, and from the first course to the final dessert, every dish was beautifully presented, incredibly creative, and bursting with flavor.
Whether you're staying at Anantara Palazzo Naiadi or simply looking for one unforgettable meal in Rome, I cannot recommend INEO highly enough. It's worth planning your itinerary around.
My Rating: ★★★★★+ (11/10)
Want to know more? Read my full review of INEO, where I dive into every course, the wine pairing, and why it became one of the most memorable meals of my life.
How to Get Around
One of Rome's greatest strengths is its walkability.
Many of the city's most famous attractions are within walking distance of one another, making it easy to spend an entire day exploring on foot.
Comfortable walking shoes are absolutely essential, as cobblestone streets can be uneven and you'll likely walk more than expected.
For longer distances, taxis and the Metro provide convenient transportation throughout the city.
Tips for First-Time Visitors
A few things we learned during our stay:
Start sightseeing early to enjoy popular landmarks before the crowds arrive. Use your first few days to your advantage as you’re most likely going to be up early and jet lagged
Reserve major attractions and restaurants in advance.
Carry a reusable water bottle. Rome's public drinking fountains provide fresh, cold water throughout the city.
Leave time in your itinerary to simply wander. Some of Rome's greatest discoveries happen when you aren't following a schedule.
Pack comfortable shoes. Walking 20,000 steps in a day is surprisingly common.
Our Favorite Experiences
Looking back, it wasn't just Rome's famous landmarks that made the trip unforgettable.
It was wandering nearly empty streets before sunrise while the city slowly came to life.
It was lingering over espresso in quiet piazzas, getting wonderfully lost in neighborhoods we hadn't planned to explore, and discovering hidden cafés tucked down cobblestone alleyways.
It was sharing some of the best meals of our lives, watching the sun set over centuries-old rooftops, and returning each evening to beautiful hotels that felt like destinations in themselves.
This was my second visit to Rome, and it certainly won't be my last. If anything, this trip reminded me just how much there is still left to discover.
Final Thoughts
Rome is a city that effortlessly blends history, culture, food, and luxury into one unforgettable destination.
Yes, you'll visit iconic landmarks like the Colosseum and the Trevi Fountain. But the moments you'll remember most are often the ones you never planned. The quiet morning walks, the family-run restaurants discovered by chance, and the feeling of stumbling upon another beautiful piazza just around the next corner.
Don't try to see everything in one trip.
Choose a great hotel, make a few memorable restaurant reservations, leave plenty of time to wander, and allow Rome to surprise you.
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