Epic architecture, classic art and sunny piazzas set the scene in Italy’s revered capital.
Rome is home to more than 2.8 million residents, many of whom will happily tell you about the city’s best pizzeria or their favorite soccer team. The only time the pace here slows is in the early afternoon, when some locals still take the time for a post-lunch nap.
Rome, city of seven hills, is divided into neighborhoods often named for the key attractions in each area. It’s split by the Tiber River and linked by cobbled streets and boulevards. Grab a map while exploring, especially if you’re visiting some of the older districts where addresses and streets can be confusing. Walking is the best way to get around the narrow, windy roads at many of the historical sites. Buses are the most practical option for public transportation.
Losing your way, however, is part of Rome’s charm. You may wind up at a hidden treasure like an underground bakery with cornetti fresh from the oven, or an archeological dig taking place in the center of a busy street.
No visit to Rome is complete without experiencing its architectural and artistic landmarks. There are Renaissance wonders like the Palazzo Senatorio and the Sistine Chapel within Vatican City. Baroque masterpieces, including magnificent St. Peter's Basilica, the Spanish Steps and the Trevi Fountain are also must-see destinations. Step back further in time and stroll through the history of the Roman Empire at the Roman Forum, which ends at the awe-inspiring Colosseum. In between outings, sit back and enjoy a coffee in one of the old town squares like the Piazza Navona.
Along with opera and other music, soccer and architecture, Romans adore food and wine, and you can easily eat your way around the capital. All over Rome there is Italian cuisine and "vino" aplenty. Spaghetti carbonara is a classic dish, however true Roman cuisine is much more than pasta. It’s simple, delicious food based on what’s available that season.
Once you’ve ticked off the essential landmarks each day, make like the locals do. Find a spot with your gelato and watch the late afternoon skies turn pink as you embrace the Roman ideal of "il dolce far niente," or "the sweet doing nothing."
Rome Travel Guide Video
Where to stay in Rome
Prati
4.5/5Wonderful!(427 area reviews)
Listen to live music, try authentic Roman cuisine and stroll to Vatican City from this peaceful neighborhood in Rome.
Relax in wine bars and restaurants, take a walking tour and discover the famous Colosseum and other historic sites in one of Rome’s prominent districts.
Stay in this peaceful neighborhood, which still retains much of its authentic charm despite touching the edges of Rome’s biggest attraction, Vatican City.
Drive one of Italy’s most scenic roads, an ancient Roman route which leads past villages, cities, lakes and ruins, and through the famous Tuscan landscape.
Located in Repubblica, this family-friendly Rome hotel is steps away from Teatro dell'Opera di Roma, Via Nazionale and Via XX Settembre. Via Veneto and Basilica ...…Located in Repubblica, this family-friendly Rome hotel is steps away from Teatro dell'Opera di Roma, Via Nazionale and Via XX Settembre. Via Veneto and Basilica ...WWW…
4.2/5Very Good! (4,341 reviews)
"Loved this hotel, and so did my wife and two teenage children. Room was spacious and stylish. Great location and the staff were very friendly, helpful and professional. Our only gripe was that on Xmas Day morning, despite getting to the restaurant for 9am for breakfast, we were unable to find a table ..."…""Loved this hotel, and so did my wife and two teenage children. Room was spacious and stylish. Great location and the staff were very friendly, helpful and professional. Our only gripe was that on Xmas Day morning, despite getting to the restaurant for 9am for breakfast, we were unable to find a table ..."WWW…"
Located in Esquilino, this hotel is 2.1 mi (3.3 km) from Circus Maximus. Rome Termini Station is only a 3-minute walk and Repubblica - Opera House Station is ...…Located in Esquilino, this hotel is 2.1 mi (3.3 km) from Circus Maximus. Rome Termini Station is only a 3-minute walk and Repubblica - Opera House Station is ...WWW…
4.5/5Wonderful! (833 reviews)
"Excellent service, close to train station Spacious room Well equipped amenities"…""Excellent service, close to train station Spacious room Well equipped amenities"WWW…"
Located in Rome City Centre, this hotel is within a 10-minute walk of Baths of Diocletian, Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore and Palace of Expositions. Repubblica ...…Located in Rome City Centre, this hotel is within a 10-minute walk of Baths of Diocletian, Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore and Palace of Expositions. Repubblica ...WWW…
4.3/5Excellent! (1,252 reviews)
"Helpful friendly staff. Great location near Termini train station, and many sites within walking distance."…""Helpful friendly staff. Great location near Termini train station, and many sites within walking distance."WWW…"
Faster Than Skip-the-Line: Vatican, Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Tour
HK$553
You may wonder what it feels like to be a VIP in the Vatican. You'll ignore the lines and slip through our Private Partner Entrance, courtesy of our official partner status. Our VIP door allows us to shave hours off the usual waiting time during peak season.
Rome in 1 Day: Skip-the-Line Vatican, Colosseum & Ancient Rome Guided Tour
HK$849
Discover the Eternal City's major highlights on a full-day guided tour. In the morning, explore the Vatican Museums and admire the Sistine Chapel. After lunch, step into Rome's ancient past as you discover monuments such as the monumental Colosseum, the triumphal Arch of Constantine, and the ruins of the Roman Forum.
Skip the Line: Colosseum, Forum & Palatine Hill Guided Tour
HK$303
The ancient glory of Rome returns to life! Skip the Line at three of the most significant surviving remnants of the Eternal City: the Colosseum, Palatine Hill and Roman Forum. Your expert, English-speaking tour guide will share anecdotes and history, rebuilding the impressive ruins with tales of Ancient Rome’s heyday.
The Vatican & Rome Pass with Hop-on, Hop-off Bus Tour
HK$978
Access all that Rome has to offer over 3 days, including fast-track entry to The Colosseum, The Sistine Chapel and Vatican museums. Zip between sights like a local on the city's easy-to-use public transportation system with free unlimited travel for 72 hours.
Skip the Line: Vatican Museums Tickets with Hosted Entry
HK$242
Get fast access to the most famous art and sculpture in the world with skip-the-line escorted entrance tickets to the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel. Meet the ticket coordinator at the meeting point 15 minutes before your scheduled entrance time to check in.
Explore all the major sights of Rome on a double-decker, hop-on hop-off bus that gives you 360-degree views of the Italian capital's ancient charms. Enjoy unlimited rides within the validity of your pass, stopping at world-famous attractions including the Colosseum, the Vatican, St Peter's Basilica, and the Trevi Fountain.
Loved Rome one of the most beautiful cities I have ever visited. Amazing buildings food and churches. Visiting so close to Christmas was amazing to go tour church nativity around the city spectacular!
5/5 - Excellent
Verified traveler
Dec 28, 2019
Mesmerising city of history, religion & food
5/5 - Excellent
Verified traveler
Dec 27, 2019
Loved Rome. So much history to see and learn about.We visited the Trastevere area of Rome. Two tour guides recommended this area, separately from one another - one of them lived there. Great for stalls and a beer/wine/coffee!
4/5 - Good
Verified traveler
Dec 26, 2019
Needs public toilets around the city! Terrible time finding any! With Rome, especially the historical part of it, being such a msjor tourists spot, ir should be investing in public toilets!
5/5 - Excellent
Rachael
Dec 26, 2019
Absolutely Loved this place!! Will visit again!
One piece of advice though keep your bags and money safe as I was on the underground metro and almost got Robbed she managed to open my bag but I caught her out before she took anything
5/5 - Excellent
Verified traveler
Dec 21, 2019
Loved all the major attractions, Rome is a very busy town but in December it was fairly quiet... not as many tourists which was nice.
