Dubbed the ‘Eternal City’, Italy’s capital is one of the most unique cities on the planet and, according to aesthetes the world over, it’s one of the most beautiful and visually striking. Thousands of years of history and culture meet modern amenities and attractions to create a destination that few who visit aren’t entirely captivated by. A pervading sense of chaos comes as part of the package but this only serves to enhance the city’s ambiance as opposed to diminishing it in any way.
What it is: The capital and largest city of Italy, an open-air museum where ancient ruins, Renaissance art, and modern Italian culture collide.
Affordability: Mid-range, with affordable pizza and pasta spots, but higher costs for hotels and major attractions.
Safety: Generally safe, though pickpocketing is common in tourist areas and on public transport.
Popularity: One of the most-visited cities in the world, attracting millions for its history, art, and cuisine.
Tourist Infrastructure: Well-developed, with extensive public transport, guided tours, and countless hotels and restaurants.
Accommodation Options: Budget hostels, boutique hotels, historic stays, and luxury accommodations near major landmarks.
Dining Scene: A paradise for Italian food lovers, with traditional trattorias, pizzerias, and fine dining.
Nightlife: Lively, with wine bars, late-night cafés, and buzzing piazzas, but fewer nightclubs than other European capitals.
Weather: Hot summers, mild winters, and comfortable spring and autumn seasons.
Best Time to Go: April to June and September to October, when the weather is pleasant and crowds are smaller.
Known For: Colosseum, Vatican City, Roman ruins, pasta, piazzas, Renaissance art, fountains, gelato.
Top Attractions: Colosseum • Vatican Museums • Pantheon • Trevi Fountain • Roman Forum • Piazza Navona • Spanish Steps • St. Peter’s Basilica.
- Population: Approximately 2.8 million in the city; around 4.3 million in the metropolitan area.
- Emergency Numbers: 112 for police, fire, and medical emergencies.
- Time Zone: Central European Time (CET), UTC +1; Central European Summer Time (CEST), UTC +2 (March to October).
- Currency: Euro (€ EUR); ATMs are widely available, and credit cards are accepted in most places.
- Language: Italian is the official language; English is widely understood in tourist areas.
- Electricity: Standard voltage is 230V; plugs are type C, F, and L (European two-pin and three-pin plugs).
- Internet: Widely available; free Wi-Fi is common in hotels, cafes, and many public spaces.
- Convenience stores: Found throughout the city, though smaller kiosks and tabacchi (tobacco shops) often serve similar purposes.
- Nearest International Airport: Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport (about 18 miles / 29 km southwest of the city center).
- Trivia: Rome contains an independent country within its borders, Vatican City, the smallest nation in the world.
- Iconic Local Foods: Must-try dishes include carbonara, cacio e pepe, supplì (fried rice balls), and gelato.
- Fun Fact: Rome has more fountains than any other city in the world, with over 1,500 spread across the city.
Rome is a city where history feels alive at every turn, whether you’re standing in the shadow of the Colosseum, tossing a coin in the Trevi Fountain, or wandering cobbled streets lined with Renaissance palaces. Most tourists come to immerse themselves in its ancient wonders, world-class art, and romantic piazzas, but the everyday life of Rome, sipping espresso at a café or sharing plates of pasta, can be just as memorable.
What makes Rome stand out is its incredible historical depth paired with a vibrant street life. Few places offer such a concentrated mix of ancient ruins, Baroque fountains, and majestic churches, all woven into the fabric of a modern European capital. It’s a place where the past and present sit comfortably side by side.
Top attractions include the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Pantheon, Vatican Museums, and St. Peter’s Basilica. Don’t miss exploring Piazza Navona, Campo de’ Fiori, and Trastevere’s charming backstreets. Day trips to sites like Ostia Antica or Tivoli’s Villa d’Este are great for extending your Roman holiday.
Such is the magnificence of downtown Rome that UNESCO saw fit to give it World Heritage site status, elevating its global reputation still further, as if that was at all necessary. The awesome structure that is the Forum presides over the area and tells tales of ancient Rome from the days of the Empire. Within the Forum are sights such as the Temple of Antoninus, the Temple of Saturn, the House of the Vestals and the Arch of Septimus Severus. The magnificent Coliseum, in which gladiators fought for the amusement of the masses, is also to be found here.
Elsewhere, historical sights are numerous and include the Baths of Caracalla, the Pantheon, the Trevi fountains and the Pont Sant’ Angelo bridge. When you’ve had your fill of culture and desire some more indulgent or hedonistic pleasures, then the city’s thriving entertainment scene with its multitude of fine restaurants, cafés, bars and nightclubs is sure to satisfy.
For lodging, staying in the Centro Storico (Historic Center) keeps you within walking distance of major sights, while areas like Trastevere offer a bohemian feel. Monti is a favorite for its mix of local life and hip cafes. Accommodation ranges from grand hotels and stylish boutique stays to affordable guesthouses and apartments.
Getting around is relatively easy: many sights are walkable from each other, but the metro, buses, and trams can help with longer distances. Taxis are available but often slow due to traffic, and driving is not recommended unless you’re familiar with Italy’s chaotic city driving.
Dining in Rome centers around simple, delicious food: think carbonara, cacio e pepe, and thin Roman-style pizza. The city is full of lively trattorias, gelaterias, and bakeries. Nightlife tends to be more about relaxed aperitivo hours and late-night dinners than loud clubs, though you’ll find bars and music venues in Trastevere and Testaccio. Shopping leans toward artisan boutiques, leather goods, and markets rather than high-end designer stores.
Rome is generally safe, but pickpocketing is a risk, especially around busy tourist spots and on public transit. Be aware of unofficial taxi drivers and tour scams, and keep your belongings secure.
Why Go to Rome?
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Ancient Landmarks: Walk through history at the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Pantheon, some of the world’s most iconic ruins.
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Vatican City: Explore the spiritual and artistic treasures of the Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Basilica, plus the Sistine Chapel.
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Roman Cuisine: Indulge in pasta classics like carbonara and amatriciana, and don’t miss out on Roman-style pizza and gelato.
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Beautiful Piazzas & Fountains: Relax in sunlit squares like Piazza Navona or visit the famous Trevi Fountain to make a wish.
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Atmospheric Streets: Wander Rome’s charming alleys and discover hidden churches, courtyards, and authentic local life.
Who Might Not Enjoy Rome?
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Those Wanting Peace & Quiet: Rome’s busy streets and tourist hubs can be noisy and crowded, especially in peak season.
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Visitors Uninterested in History: If ancient ruins, churches, and art don’t appeal, Rome’s main draws may feel repetitive.
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Heat-Averse Travelers: Summers in Rome can be sweltering, with high humidity and temperatures often exceeding 35°C (95°F).
What’s Cool
Colosseum and Roman Forum ruins, Vatican City and St. Peter’s Basilica, Sistine Chapel ceiling (Michelangelo), Trevi Fountain coin toss, Pantheon, pizza and pasta in trattorias, aperitivo culture, Renaissance and Baroque art everywhere, historic piazzas like Piazza Navona and Campo de’ Fiori, gelato stands on every corner, Vespa rides through cobbled streets, movie locations (Roman Holiday, La Dolce Vita), churches with Caravaggio masterpieces, views from Gianicolo Hill, ancient aqueducts, bustling markets like Campo de’ Fiori, day trips to Tivoli and Ostia Antica, sunset over the Tiber River.
What’s Not
Tourist crowds at major landmarks, long lines at Vatican Museums, street scammers and pickpockets, expensive central hotels and restaurants, aggressive street vendors, chaotic traffic and parking, spotty public transport reliability, summer heatwaves, frequent strikes affecting buses and metros, limited English in smaller shops, inflated tourist menus near attractions, restoration scaffolding on famous sites, uneven and slippery cobblestones, limited green spaces in city center, closures during August holidays, unpredictable restaurant hours.
Rome is located in central-western Italy, about 25 km (15 miles) inland from the Tyrrhenian Sea, and spans both banks of the Tiber River. As the country’s capital and largest city, it serves as a key transportation hub, with Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino and Ciampino airports and multiple train stations connecting it to other Italian and European cities. Its central location also makes it a prime base for exploring the Lazio region and beyond.
Covering around 1,285 km² (496 mi²), Rome is a sprawling city that blends ancient landmarks with modern urban life. For tourists, the city can be roughly divided into key areas: the Historic Center (Centro Storico), the Vatican, Trastevere, Monti, and outlying districts like Testaccio and EUR. Major geographic features include its iconic seven hills, such as Palatine, Aventine, and Capitoline, and the Tiber River, which curves through the city. Rome’s layout is a patchwork of archaeological ruins, Renaissance squares, and lively piazzas, often best explored on foot.
The most popular areas to stay include Centro Storico (around Piazza Navona and the Pantheon), Trastevere, Monti, the area around Termini Station, and the Vatican vicinity. These offer easy access to landmarks, public transport, and a range of accommodations.
Centro Storico
Centro Storico is the heart of historic Rome, packed with landmarks like the Pantheon, Piazza Navona, and Trevi Fountain. It’s the most walkable area, where every corner reveals ancient ruins, baroque churches, or charming piazzas. Tourists choose this area to be at the center of the action, though it can be crowded and pricey. Its location allows quick access to other major sights by foot or a short ride.
- Accommodations: (Mostly Mid-Range to High-End) - Boutique hotels, luxury stays, and some guesthouses in historic buildings.
- Nearby Attractions: Pantheon • Piazza Navona • Trevi Fountain • Campo de’ Fiori • Piazza Venezia
- Dining: (Classic) - Traditional trattorias and upscale Italian restaurants.
- Nightlife: (Relaxed) - Wine bars, aperitivo spots, and quiet piazzas.
- Shopping: (Touristy) - Souvenir shops and artisan boutiques.
Trastevere
Trastevere sits across the Tiber and is famous for its cobbled streets, medieval churches, and lively, local atmosphere. It’s less tourist-heavy than Centro Storico but still close to major landmarks. Visitors love its authentic vibe, especially in the evenings when the piazzas fill with diners and street performers.
- Accommodations: (Mostly Mid-Range) - Boutique hotels, guesthouses, and B&Bs.
- Nearby Attractions: Santa Maria in Trastevere • Ponte Sisto • Janiculum Hill • Villa Farnesina
- Dining: (Authentic) - Roman trattorias, pizzerias, and street food.
- Nightlife: (Lively) - Bars, pubs, and late-night cafés.
- Shopping: (Local) - Artisan crafts, vintage shops, and markets.
Monti
Monti is a trendy, slightly bohemian neighborhood near the Colosseum and Roman Forum. It’s quieter than Centro Storico but offers a mix of history, hip cafés, and indie boutiques. Its central location and character make it a favorite for travelers wanting a balance of sightseeing and relaxed urban life.
- Accommodations: (Budget to Mid-Range) - Boutique hotels, B&Bs, and a few hostels.
- Nearby Attractions: Colosseum • Roman Forum • Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore • Trajan’s Market
- Dining: (Trendy) - Modern Italian spots, wine bars, and cafés.
- Nightlife: (Hip) - Cocktail bars and lounges.
- Shopping: (Eclectic) - Indie boutiques, artisan goods, and vintage.
Vatican & Prati
This area covers the Vatican City and its surrounding Prati district, offering access to key religious and cultural landmarks. Prati is quieter and more residential, with elegant streets and fewer tourist crowds. It’s ideal for travelers focused on the Vatican and seeking a polished environment.
- Accommodations: (Mid-Range to High-End) - Modern hotels and guesthouses, with some budget choices.
- Nearby Attractions: St. Peter’s Basilica • Vatican Museums • Castel Sant’Angelo
- Dining: (Polished) - Sit-down restaurants and elegant cafés.
- Nightlife: (Quiet) - Low-key bars and hotel lounges.
- Shopping: (Smart) - Fashion boutiques and specialty food shops.
Termini & Esquilino
The area around Termini Station is practical for travelers arriving by train or seeking budget-friendly accommodations. It’s not the most scenic but offers good transport links and proximity to sights like the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore.
- Accommodations: (Budget to Mid-Range) - Hostels, budget hotels, and a few upscale chains.
- Nearby Attractions: Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore • National Roman Museum • Piazza della Repubblica
- Dining: (Basic) - Affordable pizzerias, fast food, and ethnic cuisine.
- Nightlife: (Sparse) - Mostly casual bars.
- Shopping: (Functional) - Convenience stores and basic retail.
Testaccio
Testaccio is a working-class district known for its authentic Roman food and off-the-beaten-path vibe. It’s less touristy but offers rich local culture, especially in its markets and traditional eateries. It’s a good choice for visitors seeking a slice of real Roman life.
- Accommodations: (Mostly Budget to Mid-Range) - Guesthouses and small hotels.
- Nearby Attractions: Testaccio Market • Pyramid of Cestius • Centrale Montemartini
- Dining: (Famous) - Classic Roman cuisine and food markets.
- Nightlife: (Authentic) - Clubs and traditional music venues.
- Shopping: (Local) - Food markets and small shops.
EUR
EUR is a modernist district built during Mussolini’s era, offering striking 20th-century architecture. It’s far from central Rome but appeals to architecture buffs and business travelers. Not typically a base for tourists, but worth a visit for its unique look.
- Accommodations: (Mid-Range to Business) - Modern hotels and business-class stays.
- Nearby Attractions: Palazzo della Civiltà Italiana • Museum of Roman Civilization • EUR Lake Park
- Dining: (Modern) - Business hotels and contemporary Italian.
- Nightlife: (Quiet) - Limited, with hotel bars and cafés.
- Shopping: (Average) - Local malls and chains.