ROME & VATICAN CITY
Rome, the Eternal City, is a living masterpiece where three millennia of art, architecture, and culture converge. It is the historic heart of Italy and the spiritual home of the Catholic Church.
A monumental nexus of ancient ruins, majestic churches, and lively piazze. This single region offers an unparalleled journey from the height of the Roman Empire to the magnificence of the Renaissance.
Most Popular Attractions
Ancient Roman Core:
- Colosseum: The iconic amphitheater, the largest ever built, famous for gladiator contests and public spectacles.
- Roman Forum: The heart of ancient Roman life, a sprawling area of vital government buildings and temples.
- Palatine Hill: The centremost of the Seven Hills of Rome, offering sweeping views and the site of Rome’s legendary founding.
- Pantheon: The best-preserved ancient Roman building, known for its massive unreinforced concrete dome and central oculus.
- Circus Maximus: The ancient chariot-racing stadium, now a vast public park space.
- Baths of Caracalla: Impressive ruins of a public bath complex, a social and recreational hub of ancient Rome.
- Trajan’s Column: A monumental column detailing the military victories of Roman Emperor Trajan in the Dacian Wars.
Vatican City:
- St. Peter’s Basilica: The largest church in the world, an architectural masterpiece and the focal point of the Catholic faith.
- Sistine Chapel: The chapel in the Apostolic Palace famous for its frescoes, especially Michelangelo’s ceiling and The Last Judgment.
- Vatican Museums: An immense complex housing the vast art and antiquities collection of the Catholic Church.
- St. Peter’s Square (Piazza San Pietro): The grand plaza in front of the Basilica, famous for Bernini’s colonnades and the central obelisk.
- Castel Sant’Angelo: A cylindrical fortress on the Tiber River, originally built as Emperor Hadrian’s mausoleum, later used by Popes.
Baroque Fountains & Piazzas:
- Trevi Fountain (Fontana di Trevi): The largest Baroque fountain in the city, renowned for its dramatic design and the coin-tossing tradition.
- Piazza Navona: A beautiful Baroque square featuring Bernini’s Fountain of Four Rivers.
- Spanish Steps (Piazza di Spagna): A monumental stairway connecting the Piazza di Spagna to the Trinità dei Monti church.
- Piazza del Popolo: A large urban square with an Egyptian obelisk and twin churches.
Museums & Galleries:
- Borghese Gallery and Museum: An art gallery in the former Villa Borghese, housing works by Bernini and Caravaggio.
- Capitoline Museums: Considered the oldest public museum in the world, located on the Capitoline Hill, featuring classical sculpture.
- Palazzo Massimo alle Terme: Part of the National Roman Museum, with an exceptional collection of Roman statues, frescoes, and mosaics.
Charming Neighbourhoods & Churches:
- Trastevere: A charming, historic neighbourhood with narrow cobbled streets, traditional restaurants, and lively nightlife.
- Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore: One of Rome’s four major Papal basilicas, known for its beautiful mosaics.
- Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano: Rome’s official cathedral and the seat of the Bishop of Rome (the Pope).
- Campo de’ Fiori: A bustling square famous for its daily market and lively atmosphere.
Activities & Experiences
Tour the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill: Immerse yourself in Ancient Rome by exploring the Colosseum’s grand amphitheater, the political and social center of the Roman Forum, and the legendary birthplace of the city on Palatine Hill.
Visit the Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel: Cross the border into the world’s smallest country to see one of the globe’s most extensive art collections and stand beneath Michelangelo’s breathtaking ceiling frescoes.
Marvel at St. Peter’s Basilica: Explore the heart of the Catholic Church, an architectural masterpiece, and admire treasures like Michelangelo’s Pietà and Bernini’s bronze Baldacchino.
Throw a Coin into the Trevi Fountain: Participate in the classic ritual of tossing a coin over your shoulder into this magnificent Baroque fountain to ensure your return to the Eternal City.
Explore the Roman Catacombs: Descend into the mysterious underground burial tunnels, a fascinating look into early Christian history outside the city walls.
Take a Pasta Making or Pizza Making Class: Learn the secrets of authentic Italian cuisine from a local chef, an essential hands-on experience in a trattoria or cooking school.
Climb St. Peter’s Dome (Cupola): Ascend the dome for unparalleled panoramic views of St. Peter’s Square and the entire city of Rome.
Wander through the Trastevere Neighborhood: Get lost in the winding, cobblestone alleys of this charming, historic quarter, famous for its traditional trattorias and vibrant nightlife.
Discover the Pantheon: Step inside the awe-inspiring, best-preserved Ancient Roman building, now a church, famous for its magnificent dome with a central oculus.
Stroll the Borghese Gallery and Gardens: Reserve tickets in advance to see masterpieces by Bernini and Caravaggio in the stunning former villa, then relax in the surrounding vast, tranquil gardens.
Go on a Roman Food Tour: Sample local delicacies like supplì, cacio e pepe, and gelato on a guided culinary crawl, especially popular in neighborhoods like Trastevere or Testaccio.
Local Tips & Transport
Walking is Recommended: Rome’s historic center is compact and best explored on foot. Many major sights, from the Pantheon to the Trevi Fountain, are within a comfortable walking distance, allowing you to discover hidden fountains and piazzas.
The Metro System: Rome’s metro is limited (Lines A, B, and C) but is the quickest way to cover longer distances and avoid city traffic.
- Metro A (Orange Line): Directly serves the Vatican area (Ottaviano station) and the Spanish Steps (Spagna station).
- Metro B (Blue Line): Connects to the Colosseum (Colosseo station) and Circo Massimo.
- Tickets: A standard B.I.T. (Integrated Time Ticket) is valid for 100 minutes on buses, trams, and one metro ride. Purchase them at tabaccherie (tobacconists), newsstands, or metro stations. Always validate your ticket upon boarding.
Buses and Trams: The bus and tram network is extensive, but vehicles can be crowded and routes affected by heavy traffic. Central hubs are Roma Termini and Piazza Venezia.
Taxis & Ride-Sharing: Use authorized white taxis from official ranks (found at major squares or outside attractions) or book through an official app. Be cautious of unofficial taxis or drivers refusing to use the meter. Fixed fares exist for airport transfers.
From the Airport:
- Fiumicino (FCO): The Leonardo Express train is the fastest direct connection to Roma Termini station.
- Ciampino (CIA): Shuttle buses are the most common and direct way to connect to Roma Termini.
Dress Code for Religious Sites: When visiting St. Peter’s Basilica, the Vatican Museums (including the Sistine Chapel), and most churches, a strict dress code is enforced: shoulders and knees must be covered. Carry a light scarf or sarong, especially in summer, to avoid being turned away.
The Nasoni (Big Noses): Rome has over 2,000 public drinking fountains, affectionately called nasoni (big noses) for their shape. The water is cool, safe, and free—carry a reusable bottle and refill it often to stay hydrated.
Dining Times & Italian Meals: Lunch is typically later (around 1:30 PM–3:00 PM), and dinner starts late, generally after 8:00 PM. Many restaurants catering to locals may be closed or empty if you show up for dinner at 7:00 PM. Expect a multi-course meal (antipasto, primo, secondo) rather than just a main course.
The Caffè Culture: Don’t ask for a “latte” unless you want a glass of milk. Order a caffè (espresso) and drink it quickly, standing at the bar, which is often cheaper than sitting at a table (servizio al tavolo). Cappuccino is generally considered a morning drink.
Hidden Gems
Quartiere Coppedè: A magical, unexpected architectural complex near the Parioli neighborhood, featuring whimsical Art Nouveau and Baroque-inspired buildings.
- The Keyhole of the Knights of Malta: Located on Aventine Hill, peer through the keyhole on the large wooden door for a perfectly framed view of St. Peter’s Basilica dome.
- Centrale Montemartini: An off-the-beaten-path museum where magnificent classical Roman statues and mosaics are displayed alongside and within the machinery of a decommissioned early 20th-century power plant.
- The Appian Way (Via Appia Antica): Rent a bike and cycle down this ancient Roman road, a peaceful escape from the city, passing historic tombs and pine trees.
Top Restaurants
Trattoria Da Teo [$30-$50] – Tucked away in Trastevere, this local favorite offers classic Roman dishes like Cacio e Pepe and Saltimbocca in a casual, buzzing atmosphere. Reservations are essential.
Flavio al Velavevodetto [$30-$50] – Located in the Testaccio neighborhood, partially built into the Monte Testaccio (ancient broken amphorae hill), this trattoria is known for Roman staples and a rustic, relaxed setting.
Da Armando al Pantheon [$30-$50] – Since 1961, this family-owned gem near the Pantheon has served classic Roman specialties like amatriciana and coratella at moderate prices. Book well in advance.
Sora Margherita [$25-$40] – A culinary sanctuary in the Jewish district, this spot has been serving authentic Roman delicacies, like the classic carciofi alla giudia (fried artichoke), since 1927. Cash only.
Trattoria Vecchia Roma [$25-$40] – A favorite with locals in the Esquilino neighborhood, famous for its Roman classics, including the bucatini all’amatriciana prepared in a skillet at your table.
Osteria dell’Angelo [$20-$35] – An authentic, family-run restaurant in the Prati neighborhood near the Vatican, known for its fixed, well-priced three-course menu of traditional Roman recipes.
Pizzeria Nuovo Mondo [$15-$30] – Located off the beaten path in Testaccio, this local favorite is known for its budget-friendly, traditional Roman-style thin-crust pizzas baked in a wood-fired oven.
Alfredo e Ada [$25-$40] – A tiny, no-menu, family-run spot just across the river from Castel Sant’Angelo, offering simple, homemade Roman cooking and a wonderfully authentic experience.
Checco Er Carettiere [$30-$50] – A timeless Trastevere trattoria beloved by locals, serving generous portions of authentic Roman fare, though its location near tourist areas means reservations are necessary.
Trattoria Lilli [$25-$40] – A cozy, old-school Roman spot near Piazza Navona, celebrated by locals for its authentic rigatoni alla gricia and classic Roman menu.
Roscioli Salumeria con Cucina [$40-$70] – More than just a restaurant, this deli/restaurant hybrid in the historic center is famous for its exceptional charcuterie, cheese, and a refined take on Roman pasta dishes. Reservations required.
Osteria Bonelli [$20-$35] – A truly local spot, known for its authentic Roman cooking, generous portions, and being far from the central tourist crowds, offering a genuine neighborhood feel.
Trattoria Monti [$35-$55] – Located in the less-touristed Esquilino neighborhood, this warmly-regarded trattoria is a local gem known for its classic Italian cuisine and hospitable service.
Osteria da Fortunata [$30-$50] – Though famous, this spot near Campo de’ Fiori remains popular for its fresh, hand-made pasta, which you can often watch being prepared in the window. Expect lines.
Taverna Trilussa [$35-$60] – Located in Trastevere, this classic restaurant is celebrated for serving its pasta dishes, particularly the Roman classics, in the pan they were cooked in.
Hostaria Farnese [$30-$50] – Despite its location between Campo de’ Fiori and Piazza Farnese, this family-run spot maintains an authentic local atmosphere, serving all the typical Roman dishes.
Luciano Cucina Italiana [$40-$70] – Chef Luciano Monosilio, known as the “King of Carbonara,” offers a modern take on Roman cuisine, focusing on technique and quality ingredients in the historic center.
Retrobottega [$40-$70] – A modern, small, and innovative eatery between Piazza Navona and the Pantheon, focusing on unconventional Italian dishes and a seasonal menu. Reservations are essential.
Zia Restaurant [$70-$120] – A Michelin-starred restaurant in Trastevere offering sophisticated, intimate, and creative dishes that draw on authentic Roman flavors with a modern technique.
Glass Hostaria [$70-$120] – A Michelin-starred restaurant in Trastevere, led by chef Cristina Bowerman, offering a blend of traditional Italian cuisine with contemporary flair in an ultramodern setting.
Il Sorpasso [$35-$60] – A popular all-day eatery and wine bar near the Vatican (in Prati) known for its young, vibrant atmosphere and menu of creative, contemporary Italian dishes and a great wine selection.
Romanè [$35-$60] – Located in the Prati neighborhood, this spot is a favorite for its excellent, modern Roman cuisine, particularly meat courses and delicious seasonal vegetarian sides.
La Pergola [$250+] – The only three-Michelin-starred restaurant in Rome, located in the Waldorf Astoria, offering an unparalleled fine dining experience with stunning views. This is an exception to the “non-touristic” rule due to its status.
Pulejo Ristorante [$80-$150] – A Michelin-starred restaurant near the Vatican offering a high-end dining experience with small, expertly crafted courses using unique and modern Italian cooking techniques.
Tradevo Centocelle [$35-$60] – An off-the-beaten-path restaurant in the Centocelle neighborhood known for its reinterpretation of traditional flavors with a contemporary, high-quality flair.
Marzapane [$80-$130] – A refined dining experience offering creative, playful, and contemporary Italian cuisine with a focus on high-quality ingredients.
Aroma [$150+] – A one-Michelin-starred restaurant on the rooftop of Palazzo Manfredi, offering stunning views of the Colosseum and a refined tasting menu of upscale Italian cuisine.
Secondo Tradizione [$50-$90] – Located in the Prati district, this restaurant focuses on high-quality, traditional Roman ingredients, offering a modern, elevated take on classic flavors.
Per Me Giulio Terrinoni [$100-$180] – A Michelin-starred restaurant by Chef Giulio Terrinoni, celebrated for its creative seafood-focused tasting menus and refined dining experience.
Enoteca La Torre [$150+] – Located in the beautiful Villa Aldobrandini, this two-Michelin-starred restaurant offers sophisticated cuisine with a focus on seasonal ingredients and an extensive wine list.
Pipero Roma [$100-$180] – A Michelin-starred restaurant near the Trevi Fountain known for its elegant ambiance and refined, contemporary Italian menu, particularly praised for its elevated pasta dishes.
Bonci Pizzarium [$15-$30] – Near the Vatican (Cipro Metro), this is a world-renowned, iconic spot for Pizza al Taglio (pizza by the cut/weight), famous for its creative toppings and high-quality dough. Mostly takeaway.
Trapizzino [$10-$20] – A local favorite with multiple locations, including Trastevere, offering the Trapizzino, a modern, triangular pocket of pizza dough filled with traditional Roman stewed dishes. Excellent street food.
Mercato Trionfale [$10-$25] – A massive local food market near the Vatican (Prati) where you can find numerous food stalls and small bars offering fresh, affordable, and authentic food for a casual lunch or snack.
Sciascia Caffè [$5-$15] – An elegant, historic coffee bar in the Prati neighborhood near the Vatican, famous for its artisanal coffee and its signature “chocolate coffee,” where a layer of dark chocolate lines the cup.
La Gatta Mangiona [$20-$40] – Located in the Monteverde neighborhood, this pizzeria is highly-regarded by Romans for its gourmet and unique pizzas, with a focus on quality, inventive toppings.
La Pratolina [$20-$40] – A popular, non-Neapolitan pizza spot in the Prati neighborhood, famous for pinsa, an oval-shaped crust made with a mix of flours, lighter than traditional pizza.
Mezé [$20-$35] – A Middle-Eastern bistro near the Vatican (Prati) offering a diverse menu of affordable, high-quality dishes like hummus, baba ganoush, and couscous.
Panificio Bonci [$10-$25] – Located near the Vatican (Via Trionfale), this forno (bakery) by the same owner as Pizzarium is a local institution known for its excellent bread, pastries, and Roman street food.
Pinsa’mpò [$15-$25] – Near St. Peter’s Square, this small eatery offers delicious Roman pinsa, perfect for a casual lunch or dinner to eat on the go or at one of their outdoor tables.
Dar Pallaro [$30-$50] – A traditional, old-school Roman fraschetta style restaurant, known for its fixed, no-menu experience where the owner brings out daily Roman specialties.
Da Enzo al 29 [$25-$40] – A highly-regarded, small, and popular Trastevere trattoria that keeps things simple, authentic, and high-quality, attracting a strong local following. Expect a wait.
Enoteca L’Antidoto [$35-$55] – A charming wine bar and kitchen tucked away in Trastevere, offering an excellent selection of wine paired with delicious, high-quality Italian food.
Pergamino Caffè [$5-$15] – A great spot in the Prati neighborhood near the Vatican for craft coffee lovers looking for something beyond the traditional Italian espresso.
Culatello e Ciccia [$30-$50] – A deli/restaurant in the Trastevere area focusing on high-quality cured meats (salumi) and cheese platters, alongside simple Italian dishes.
Top Cocktail Bars and Clubs
The Jerry Thomas Project: A luxurious Italian speakeasy located in the heart of Rome near the Pantheon. Reservations are highly recommended for this world-renowned bar known for its vintage decor, classic cocktails, and focus on the art of mixology.
Freni e Frizioni: Found in the lively Trastevere district, this popular spot, whose name translates to “Brakes & Clutches,” has a laid-back, “punk is not dead” vibe and is famous for its creative cocktails and generous aperitivo buffet.
Drink Kong: Located near the central Monti district, this bar is celebrated for its sleek, neon-touched, and velvet-booth aesthetic, offering inventive, quality cocktails and a cool atmosphere with a 70s/80s pop and funk soundtrack.
The Court: Offering stunning views of the Colosseum, this elegant cocktail bar is situated on the terrace of a luxury hotel near the Roman Forum and is a perfect choice for sophisticated sunset drinks.
Blackmarket Hall: Tucked away in a basement in the charming Monti neighborhood, this cozy, eccentric bar doubles as an art gallery and offers a ‘mixology’ menu with delicious cocktails and live music on some evenings.
Foyer Bar at Hotel de Russie: Found in the sophisticated Hotel de Russie near the Spanish Steps, this elegant bar and its lush Secret Garden are ideal for a refined cocktail in an upscale, serene setting.
La Punta Expendio de Agave: Situated in Trastevere, this colorful bar specializes in Mexican spirits, particularly Tequila and Mezcal, offering unique cocktails and a cultural vibe inspired by a journey through Mexico.
Mùn Rooftop Cocktail Bar: Located on the eighth floor of a hotel in the Monti area, this panoramic terrace offers an enchanting location to enjoy signature cocktails with breathtaking views of the Eternal City.
Rooftop Spritzeria Monti: A casual but stylish rooftop bar near the Colosseum in the Monti district, it focuses on various types of Spritz cocktails (including non-alcoholic) and small plates, offering suggestive views.
Bar San Calisto: A classic, no-frills, iconic Roman bar located in the heart of Trastevere, popular with locals for its cheap drinks, coffee, and lively, authentic atmosphere, especially in the evening.
Coffee Pot Trastevere: Located in Trastevere, this trendy and cool spot blends Mexican-inspired tapas with traditional Japanese cuisine and offers a unique range of cocktails in a collective space.
Analemma: Situated in the Monti neighborhood, this cozy, informal bar is known for having one of the best and most central aperitivo selections in the city, with a cocktail menu by a local mixologist.
Treefolk’s Cask Bar: Found in Trastevere, this venue offers a 1920s England public house feel, specializing in a vast selection of whiskies and featuring a cask bar with several craft beers on tap.
Terrazza Les Etoiles: A stunning rooftop bar near the Vatican (Prati district) with a breathtaking view of St. Peter’s Basilica, making it a spectacular spot for a sophisticated cocktail or an appetizer at sunset.
NODO: Located in the Prati neighborhood near the Vatican, this cocktail bar features a creative list of signature cocktails and classics, with a lovely lounge area and a popular patio space for nice weather.
Room 26: A snazzy, large, and high-end nightclub located in the EUR (Esposizione Universale Roma) business district, attracting a sophisticated crowd, mainly on weekends, to dance to electronic and house music.
Goa Club: A long-standing staple of Rome’s underground electronic music scene, this club in the Ostiense district is known for promoting innovative genres like techno and experimental sounds in an industrial-goth styled space.
Shari Vari: Conveniently located in the historic center near the Pantheon, this popular, three-tiered nightclub is loved by both locals and tourists for its diverse music (hip hop, dance, house, retro) across multiple dance floors.
Qube: A renowned, massive three-story nightclub in east Rome (Casal Bertone neighborhood), famous for hosting the iconic LGBTQ+ party ‘Muccassassina,’ with different dance floors and music styles.
Alibi: One of the most popular gay-friendly discos in Rome, situated in the lively Testaccio district. It features resident DJs, international guests, and special events, including parties on its terrace.
Spazio 900: Considered one of the most elegant venues in the EUR neighborhood, this club is situated in a historic building and is very large, fit to host thousands of people for large-scale events and parties.
Caffè Latino: Located on Via di Monte Testaccio, this venue is hugely popular for its Latin American dance vibes, featuring salsa and merengue, as well as good quality live music in a colorful atmosphere.
Caruso Cafe de Oriente: Found on Via di Monte Testaccio, this is a consistent spot for those who enjoy the sounds of Central and South America, known particularly for late-night salsa and merengue dancing.
Micca Club: A venue that hosts live variety shows, café chantant performances, music, and burlesque entertainment with a retro, theatrical feel, having transformed from a popular club in the San Giovanni area.
The Sanctuary Eco Retreat: A trendy and hip spot located near Colle Oppio (close to the Colosseum), featuring a design that blends tropical and tribal elements, perfect for aperitivo, dinner, and late-night socializing.