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Several years ago, my wife and I wanted to take a trip to somewhere we'd never been before, but we wanted it to be worthwhile. We wanted to push the boat out to somewhere that could keep us busy with endless entertainment, culture and, most importantly, the food to match, for a week long vacation. We scoured the globe looking for somewhere to head, and we landed on what became one of my favorite trips we've ever taken: Rome.
Welcome to the Eternal City, where history, culture, and cuisine come together in one of the most breathtaking destinations in the world. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, Rome offers an array of experiences that are both unforgettable and enriching. In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know, from the best places to visit and the main attractions to insider tips for navigating the city like a local. Let’s dive into the best Rome travel tips for your Italian adventure!
1. Explore the Main Attractions
As one of the world's greatest cities, Rome is brimming with historical landmarks and iconic sights. Here’s a list of the must-visit main attractions to include in your itinerary:
• The Colosseum: This ancient amphitheater is one of the most famous symbols of Rome. Booking a guided tour is the best way to skip the lines and learn the fascinating history behind this architectural marvel. When we visited, we coupled our guided tour of the Colosseum along with the Roman Forum and the Palatine Hill, which was the perfect combination of an ancient Roman's day-to-day life that let us put their priorities in perspective!
• The Vatican Museums: Located within Vatican City, the Vatican Museums house an extraordinary collection of art and artifacts, including Michelangelo’s masterpiece, the Sistine Chapel. Visiting early or opting for a tour guide can help you avoid the overwhelming crowds during high season. We'll cover this one more later.
• St. Peter’s Basilica: This iconic church is a beautiful place to admire Renaissance art and stunning views of the city from the dome.
• The Pantheon: An architectural wonder and a testament to ancient Roman engineering, the Pantheon is located in the city center and offers free entry.
• The Spanish Steps: One of Rome’s most photographed spots, the Spanish Steps are perfect for people-watching and soaking in the dolce vita lifestyle. It's also the place to be in Rome for high-end shopping, as you'll find designer shops to your heart's content at the Piazza del Popolo.
2. Visit During the Right Season
Rome is a popular destination year-round, but knowing when to go can make your trip more enjoyable:
• High Season (April–October): This is the busiest time in Rome, with pleasant weather and long days. While the city is lively, attractions can be crowded, and prices for accommodation tend to be higher.
• Low Season (November–March): Visiting during the off-season offers fewer crowds and lower prices, though the weather can be chilly and some outdoor attractions less accessible.
As any good travel tip guide should cover, the shoulder seasons are always the best for those that can swing it. For the best experience, consider visiting April, May, September, or October when the weather is ideal and crowds are manageable. We visited in early November and the weather was absolutely ideal. Pants and a light sweater for walking around Rome? Sign me up (again).
3. Stay Close to the City Center
If we made one mistake in our Rome trip, it was the part of the city in which we stayed. We were not too far from the Trevi Fountain, but getting to any public transit stop was tough, and we relied heavily on taxis, which really added up.
To maximize your time, book accommodation near the city center, where most main attractions are within walking distance. Popular neighborhoods include:
• Centro Storico: Perfect for those who want to immerse themselves in Rome’s historic charm.
• Trastevere: Known for its cobblestone streets, local markets, and vibrant nightlife.
• Monti: A trendy area with boutique shops, hidden piazzas, and excellent dining options.
4. Carry a Water Bottle
Rome is dotted with fountains dispensing fresh drinking water, a tradition dating back to ancient times. Carrying a reusable water bottle is a good idea to stay hydrated while exploring the city and save money on bottled water.
5. Take Advantage of Guided Tours
One of the highlights of our trip was a guided tour of different Roman cultural food centers, trying new and unique foods across our time on the tour (including a 75 year-old balsamic vinegar!)
Hiring a tour guide or booking a guided tour can enrich your experience in Rome. Experts provide in-depth knowledge about the city’s history, art, and culture while helping you navigate popular sites efficiently. Some top tours to consider include:
• Day Trips to nearby attractions such as Pompeii, Tivoli, or Florence.
6. Explore the Local Markets
For a taste of authentic Roman culture, visit the local markets scattered throughout the city. These markets are ideal for picking up fresh produce, souvenirs, or even a quick bite. Some of the best places to explore include:
• Campo de’ Fiori: A vibrant market offering fresh fruits, vegetables, and local delicacies.
• Testaccio Market: A hidden gem for food lovers, featuring traditional Roman dishes and artisanal products.
• Porta Portese: Rome’s largest flea market, held every Sunday, perfect for bargain hunters.
7. Use Credit Cards and Debit Cards Wisely
While cash is still widely used in Italy, most restaurants, shops, and attractions in Rome accept credit cards and debit cards. However, it’s a good idea to carry some euros for small purchases, tips, and transactions at local markets or smaller establishments. Notify your bank of your travel dates to avoid issues with card usage abroad.
This also applies to planning your trip to Rome. The way my wife and I got to Rome was via American Express Membership Rewards points, some of the most powerful points on the market thanks to their transferability to outside partners. For us, we moved points to Delta to fly Premium Economy out to Rome (a $2,400 value), and redeemed points on the American Express Fine Hotels and Resorts portal for a free hotel stay at the Hotel Baglioni Regina. This also got us room upgrades, free breakfasts and resort credits to cover a dinner at the hotel's restaurant
8. Take Day Trips from Rome
An unfamiliar concept for Americans visiting Rome, Rome has an excellent train station that connects you to the rest of Italy. Rome’s location makes it a great base for exploring nearby destinations across Southern Italy. My wife and I took two trips out of the city that were some of the highlights of our tour, including one to Pompeii and one to Florence. Some popular day trips include:
• Pompeii: A fascinating archaeological site preserved by volcanic ash. It's also a short trip from Naples, one of the most scenic vistas you can get on the Italian coast. We capped off our trip to Pompeii with a visit to a winery at the foot of Mt. Vesuvius, yielding one-of-a-kind wines from the grapes grown in volcanic ash.
• Tivoli: Home to the stunning Villa d’Este and Villa Adriana, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
• Florence: Just a short train ride away, Florence offers incredible art, architecture, and cuisine, as well as unique experiences like the Ponte Vecchio.
9. Embrace the Dolce Vita
The phrase dolce vita translates to “sweet life,” and Rome is the perfect place to embrace this philosophy. Take your time to enjoy long meals, savor gelato, and relax at outdoor cafes. The best way to truly experience Rome is to slow down and appreciate its beauty and charm.
10. Be Mindful of Pickpockets
Like any major tourist destination, Rome has its share of pickpockets, especially around crowded attractions like the Colosseum and the Spanish Steps. Keep your belongings secure, use a money belt if necessary, and be cautious of overly friendly strangers.
11. Plan Your Visit to the Vatican
The Vatican is one of the highlights of any trip to Rome. To make the most of your visit:
• Book tickets for the Vatican Museums in advance to avoid long lines.
• Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to beat the crowds.
• Dress modestly, as strict dress codes are enforced in religious sites like St. Peter’s Basilica and the Sistine Chapel. All visitors must have their shoulders and upper arms covered, so no sleeveless shirts will be permitted. You also must avoid see through clothing, or anything with rips or holes (even if they're fashionable).
I also have two Vatican City tips from our own travel:
Get breakfast here. It's not the best food you'll eat in Rome, but it's such a unique experience to eat at the cafe hidden within the walls of this secretive city. It's an early start to your day (we had to report to our tour group at 6:30am to make it to breakfast), but having a cup of coffee in the gardens of the Vatican is a spectacular way to start the day.
Get a guided tour. Yes, you can tour the Vatican on your own and still see the famous sites, but it's a different level with a guided tour. For example, when wandering through the halls of the Vatican Museum, our tour guide took us down a dimly lit hallway past the Borgia Apartments where we were able to see one of twenty casts of Auguste Rodin's "The Thinker," an experience we wouldn't have had if we guided ourselves.
12. Discover Hidden Gems
While Rome’s famous landmarks are a must-see, don’t overlook its lesser-known treasures:
• Aventine Keyhole: A small peephole offering a perfectly framed view of St. Peter’s Basilica.
• Villa Borghese Gardens: A peaceful escape from the bustling city, with beautiful landscapes and art museums.
• Jewish Ghetto: A historic neighborhood filled with unique architecture, kosher restaurants, and fascinating history.
13. Indulge in Roman Cuisine
No trip to Rome is complete without savoring its world-famous cuisine. However, a critical note for Americans traveling to Rome is that you must make reservations where you can. Walk-up culture really does not exist in Rome, so do not expect to walk up to a restaurant to just sit down for dinner.
Now, with that being said, don’t miss these dishes:
• Cacio e Pepe: My wife's favorite dish on the planet, Cacio e Pepe is a simple yet delicious pasta made with Pecorino Romano cheese and black pepper.
• Carbonara: Creamy pasta made with eggs, guanciale, Pecorino cheese, and pepper.
• Supplì: Fried rice balls filled with mozzarella, perfect for a quick snack. You can generally get these at local pizza places, and they're quite common mid-afternoon for a snack (think of this as the Roman equivalent of tea-time).
Pair your meals with a glass of Italian wine for the full Roman dining experience.
14. Use Public Transport
Not every city is perfect, and this is where Rome gets a mark down. Rome’s public transport system, despite including buses, trams, and the metro, is pretty bad. Due to the sheer age of the city, number of protected monuments and the pervasiveness of underground catacombs, building an underground metro station in the vein of London or Paris just isn't possible, so the metro system is pretty limited.
However, if you want to make your travel on Roman transportation as easy as possible, purchase a Roma Pass for unlimited access to public transport and discounts on main attractions. Alternatively, walking is often the best way to explore Rome’s compact city center.
Experience Sporting Culture!
You may not immediately consider going to a sporting event as a part of your total Rome experience, but Romans love their sports. My wife and I decided to head to an AS Roma soccer match, and it was one of the highlights of our (read: my) trip! We got a chance to experience the pre-match rituals, walk to the Stadio Olimpico and see the most well dressed sports crowd I've ever seen in my life. It was also the most affordable sporting event I've ever attended, paying ~$60 total for two tickets in the 10th row of the stadium.
16. Capture Memories
Rome is a beautiful place that deserves to be remembered. Bring a good camera or smartphone to capture its stunning architecture, bustling streets, and picturesque piazzas. Don’t forget to take breaks from photography to simply soak in the magic of the Eternal City.
By following these Rome travel tips, you’ll be well-prepared to make the most of your visit to this remarkable destination. Whether you’re marveling at the Sistine Chapel, enjoying a meal near the Spanish Steps, or browsing local markets, Rome is sure to leave you enchanted. Buon viaggio!
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