Rome Travel Guide: Getting The Most Out Of The Eternal City

All Roads Lead To Rome, Yours Should Too!

Nicknamed “The Eternal City,” Rome has an everlasting presence in both history and modern times. Despite the rise and fall of empires, the city of Rome has endured and lasted through it all. Rome was the capital of the Republic of Rome and the Roman Empire. Rome holds the papal seat and is where the Roman Catholic Church began. Visiting Rome has a special magic that will leave an imprint on your soul. This Rome Travel Guide will help you get the most out of the Eternal City. 

The key to taking on a big city is to spread out major activities and sprinkle each day with leisure. Then you can indulge while you explore (and hopefully ‘get lost’). Knowing where to stay, what to do, how to get around, and what to eat will elevate your experience.  

Full Disclosure – I Wasn’t a Big Fan On My First Trip to Rome

In 2019 I (Charlene) took a solo trip to Rome. I was between jobs and needed some ‘me time’, so I planned a solo trip. It was February and I wanted to go to a city with lots to do. On my first Rome trip (2013) I didn’t fall in love with it, I made up for that in 2019. I hope this RomeTravel Guide helps you to love Rome as much as I do. 

Skip to a section: Rome Travel Guide

• When to visit Rome
• Know before you go
• Getting around Rome
• Tips on visiting monuments and museums
• Dress codes
• Getting to Rome
• Where to stay
• What to see
• What and where to eat in Rome
• Nearby places to visit for the day or your next stop

Rome Travel Guide: Best Time of Year to Visit Rome

We read many articles about the best time to visit a place. The truth is that the best time is always when you can. Every part of the year has something different to offer and the ‘best time’ depends on your criteria. Is the best time based on the weather? Or certain things to see or do that may be seasonal? A special event? Or the size of the crowds? What is the cheapest time to be there? The good news about Rome is that it’s always a good time to go to Rome. 

Our top suggestion is to go in the shoulder months, April, May, September, and October are the months when you have nice weather and fewer people. If you must travel in the summer we recommend going as close to the beginning of the summer as possible. July/August tends to be crowded, hot, and humid in most of Italy. You’ve probably heard air conditioning is not as common in Europe as in the United States- it’s true. 

You may find lower rates on accommodations in January – March and occasionally in November. While these are colder months it’s still a great time to visit. There are fewer crowds and you will potentially see more of the authentic Roman culture. Some museums and historical sites may offer lower rates in the off-season and you may find cheaper airfare too. Food in Italy is rather affordable but you can definitely find some pricier areas for dining in Rome. We’ll get into that a little later.

Rome Travel Guide: What To Know About Rome Before You Go

Over the years we’ve heard several things about traveling to Europe and Italy that simply are no longer true, or are over-hyped and we want to clear the air. 
1. They don’t have/use ice in Italy. False. They absolutely have and use ice in Italy. You will see it in mixed drinks (especially your Aperol Spritz). However, there is less ice than in a typical American cocktail. If you want ice for your water you will have to ask for it. Pro tip– when you order your water ask for it ‘fresca’ (pronounced freska).  This means it will come cold and you can skip the ice. 

2. Italians won’t make you a cappuccino after 10 am. Also false. They may look at you funny but they will still give you what you ordered. Italian ‘rules’ for eating are centered around digestion and they don’t like to have heavy milk after the morning. If you want to be more like a local simply order a café (shot of espresso) or a macchiato. A macchiato is a shot of espresso with a little splash of milk. ‘Freddo’ will get you cold milk, otherwise, it will be warm and slightly foamy- like a mini cappuccino. Don’t order a latte, you will get a glass of milk.

3. Pizza restaurants won’t cut your pizza for you. True. Well mostly. If you ask they will probably do it, and likely be annoyed. Use a fork and knife and cut your pizza, it’s honestly not hard to do. In Rome, you will find ‘pizza in taglio’ which is cut for you, more on this later.

4. You have to pay to use the restrooms. True. If you are in a restaurant or other establishment you won’t have to pay to use it. If you are using a public WC you’ll likely pay anywhere from .50-2€ so keep some change on you. Generally speaking, the paid-for restrooms will be a little cleaner and have toilet paper. However, we always recommend carrying a small pack of tissues and some hand sanitizer.

5. Pickpocketing, scamming, and gypsies are everywhere. Yes but also no. Here is the thing, just like anywhere else in the world, you need to be aware of your surroundings. Watch your belongings. None of these thieves want a confrontation or to hurt you, but they prey on people who are easy targets. 

On our first trip to Italy, we came prepared. We had a passport holder to hide under our shirts, RFID sleeves for our credit cards, and theft-proof bags/purses. But more importantly, we focused and stayed alert in transportation hubs and busy areas. When standing on a bus/train we put our purses between us and faced each other (watching each others’ 6). We heard stories everywhere we went, of people being pickpocketed, the common thread was that they weren’t paying attention! We have never been pickpocketed… knock on wood (or tap metal with pinky and index finger 3 times, as they do in Italy).

Rome Travel Guide: Getting Around The Sprawling Ancient City of Rome

Rome has a robust public transportation system but we recommend walking whenever possible. Discovering cool side streets, stumbling into a piazza, or a great hidden restaurant is part of the magic. If you need to use public transportation (for further trips) you will find many options. 

You can buy multi-day passes that work for the busses, trams, urban rail, and metros. Buy tickets in tabacchi (similar to a convenience store- look for the large T on the sign), or at newsstands. Major transportation sites have kiosks to purchase tickets. AND there’s an app for that- ATAC. Multi-day passes are worth it if you will use public transportation multiple times each day. Otherwise, you may want to purchase individual ride tickets.

Metro Lines

3 metro lines stop near major attractions (this is the smallest metro network in Europe). The 2nd and 3rd lines were only built in the last decade and a half. The metro lines are a bit limited. Every time they dig new metro tunnels they find more ancient ruins and have to plan a new route.

Buses

Since the metro lines are limited you will use the bus more than the metro or a combination of the two. There are over 300 bus lines in Rome so it can be confusing. Buses are not the most comfortable or punctual way to travel either. Plan to go early in case your preferred route has tardy buses. The most popular types of bus lines in Rome are; Urban lines (starting at 5 am/6:30 am- midnight with varied frequency), Night buses (midnight – 5/6 am, little frequency but punctual), Express Lines (for the outskirts of Rome and long journeys), Exact E (links the center to surrounding neighborhoods, on a fixed time table).

While standing at the bus stop it can be hard to tell if your bus is late or if you missed it. Rome is adding electronic displays that will tell you the status of your bus. All bus route schedules are posted at the stops (for the buses that come to that stop). Be sure to pay attention to which direction the bus is going! It’s frustrating to hop on and then realize a stop or two later that you’re going the wrong way! The ATAC app will help you find routes including all types of public transportation. *you will need to be in Italy to install this app.

Don’t forget to validate your tickets! Push the ticket into the validation machines that are inside, near the doors, to validate. When in Rome you should do as the Romans do. However, if you notice that most people aren’t validating they probably have a monthly pass. Validate even if it seems like others aren’t, you’ll get a hefty fine if caught without validating your ticket. 

Trams

There are 6 tram lines in Rome. These are not in the center. You will only use these if you stay outside the historic center. You’ll switch to a bus or a metro once you are in the center. These run from 5:30 am to midnight. The most commonly used line by tourists is line 8 which connects Trastevere to Largo di Torre Argentina. Largo di Torre Argentina is the ruins of four temples dating back to the Republic of Rome. This is close to the Pantheon. Another line you might use is Line 3 which connects to the Colosseum. Again, don’t forget to validate your ticket!

Rome Tram Map, line 8 is the light green line, shaped like a J, the bright green is line 3.

Urban Rail

There are 3 urban rail lines, called Ferrovie Urbane (urban trains) in the center. These complement the metro lines (and cost the same amount, and use the same tickets). The Rome-Lido line is the most commonly used for tourists. Urban rail lines run from 5:30 am-10:30 pm, except the Rome-Lido line which runs until 11:30 pm. 

Taxis

Taxis are available and you will find many taxi stands around the city. You can’t hail a taxi on the side of the street, you must be at a taxi stand. Rome does not have Uber but the FreeNow app is available in Rome (to request a taxi). Ask your hotel, or host of your rental, for local taxi numbers, some will offer to arrange your taxi. You can also ask the restaurant where you are dining if they can call a taxi for you.

Pro tip: Use WhatsApp to make calls or send messages, it is encrypted and free. 

Taxi pricing is reasonable and standardized. Standard rates indicate an additional 1€ per suitcase and 3.50€ for calling and scheduling the ride. An average trip to the center should be 7-10€. From the train station (Roma Termini) to the center rates are an average of 8-15€, further neighborhoods will cost more. There are flat rates for traveling to or from the airport too. Leonardo Da Vinci, Fiumicino airport is 50€ and Ciampino is 30€. These rates are for four passengers and their luggage, refuse to pay if they try to charge you more.

Pro tip: ask the taxi driver for the cost of the ride before you get in. If you are taking a taxi from the train station do not let them charge you for an airport ride just because you have luggage.

Rome is famous for taxi drivers swindling both locals and tourists. Make sure the taxi you are using is white and has a taxi number on the side of it. Legit taxis will have a taxi sign on the roof and a phone number on the side of the taxi. If you have problems write down the taxi number and license plate (posted on the back of the front seat) and call the taxi company. Don’t let the driver force you to pay if you feel you are being swindled. Call the carabinieri (local police) for help. Get a receipt and complain to the taxi company if you are overcharged. Lastly, if you want to pay with a card you can. It is illegal for them not to accept a card. If they try to make you pay cash tell them you don’t have cash, only a card.

Rome Travel Guide: Visiting the Monuments and Museums

Purchasing tickets in advance for the monuments and museums is most efficient. There can be long and confusing lines if you try to purchase upon arrival. If there are any skip-the-line tickets available get them, the markup is not too high and it’s worth it. Avoid buying tickets from someone selling them on the street, even if they seem official you may be getting scammed.

While you may prefer to explore on your own some museums are so massive, that it may be worth it to have a guided tour. A guide will make sure you see the highlights and give you the historical context of what you are seeing. They will help you move through the site promptly allowing you to move on to other things. We strongly recommend small group tours. A small group tour will give you more attention (and it’s easier to hear the guide). Small group tours will also help cut down on overtourism versus large groups. Many cities are beginning to limit the size of groups but 25 is still a large group. We look for something around 10 or less when possible.

Rome Travel Guide: Dress to Impress but Also to Show Respect

If you’re traveling to Italy, you may want to show off your sense of fashion, be you. If you are the type that prefers to put comfort and function over fashion then you should do that too. However, you need to also consider where you plan to go while you are there. It may seem antiquated to you but there is still a dress code for entering a church. Regardless of what’s fashionable or if it is hot outside, we encourage you to respect the ancient tradition. 

Women should have their shoulders to their knees covered, this means no short skirts, dresses, or shorts, no mid-drifts, and no tank tops. Some churches offer disposable cover-ups, and we’ve seen people turned away who are showing too much skin. Men should remove hats when entering. Don’t wear anything with profanity on it, while it may not be the local language it is still disrespectful.

Rome Travel Guide: Getting to Rome

Rome is one of the best (if not THE best) cities to fly into in Italy. You will usually find lower-cost flights in and out of Rome (versus other Italian cities). There are more direct and frequent routes to Rome from the US (than other cities in Italy). Milan is the other city with the best flights. If you plan to see more of Italy you can fly into Rome and out of Milan or the opposite.

From Leonardo Da Vinci, Fiumicino Airport

Take the Leonardo Express to Roma Termini (Rome’s main station) From Leonardo Da Vinci Airport in Fiumicino. It takes 32 minutes and runs every 15 minutes. It is €14 and if you are traveling as a group you can get 4 tickets for 40 euros. You can buy these tickets in advance online or get them from a kiosk at the station inside the airport. They have also recently added a tap-to-pay option onboard. Note that tap-to-pay only works on one card per person, so if you’re traveling with kids this might not be your best option. This is because the first tap indicates a start, and the 2nd tap is an end, of your route. 

You can take a regular regional train, which is a few euros cheaper but has multiple stops and takes longer. It’s €8 and takes just over an hour, including one train change at Roma Ostiense. If you aren’t staying in the center compare the price/time of a regional ticket to the Leonardo Express and a taxi. For example, taking a regional for €8 is under 30 minutes and 7 stops (with one transfer) to Trastevere. This station is on the south side of the neighborhood so check to see how close it is to your accommodations. 

Another option is a bus (which will take a long time and won’t be very comfortable after your long flight). The bus takes just under an hour and is just under €7, runs every 40 minutes, and has no transfers. 

And of course, there is the option of taking a taxi. You can find these outside the airport, or schedule an airport transfer service. The airport transfer services will cost the most but can be the most comfortable after a long day of travel. Look on travel sites like Viator or Airbnb Experiences for transfer services, or search online for “airport transfers Rome.” Another idea is to ask your hotel or host for recommendations.

From Ciampino Airport

Ciampino Airport is a smaller airport near Rome and a great alternative to Fiumicino. Unfortunately, there are no train or metro lines that connect this airport to the center of Rome. You can take a bus, taxi, transfer service, or pick up a rental car. It’s possible to take a bus to the Ciampino train station (6-minute ride) and then a train to Roma Termini (11-minute ride). We flew into this airport and rented a car to drive to Tuscany, it didn’t matter that there was no train. Public transportation could take anywhere from 30 min to an hour. A Taxi will be at the mercy of traffic.

Rome Travel Guide: Where To Rest Your Head in The Eternal City

Rome is a sprawling city, although there is a central historic center,  the sights and monuments are spread out. Additionally, Rome is split by the Tiber River.

Rome Neighborhoods we discuss. Trastevere (Red), Testachio (Green), Campo Marzo/Colonna (Blue), Old Rome (Purple). Also outlined is Ancient Rome (Orange). Roma Termini is the gray lines converging to the right.

Trastevere – This neighborhood is our personal favorite. It is on the west side of the river, south of the Vatican. This neighborhood has the best food in Rome. It’s slightly less expensive than staying near major monuments like the Colosseum. Most importantly it encompasses the Roman charm you expect to find in Rome. This neighborhood is lively, if you are staying close to Piazza Trilussa it can be noisy at night. We stayed right behind this piazza once but with earplugs, we slept through the noise.

Trastevere Neighborhood at Night (September)

Testaccio – an up-and-coming neighborhood, that is still a bit of a secret, also known for the food. It is situated on the east side of the river and south of the main monuments. The Ponte Sublico (bridge) will get you from Testaccio across the river to the Trastevere neighborhood.

Campo Marzo/Colonna – These neighborhoods stretch through Piazza del Popolo and the Spanish Steps. This is where you will find higher-end shopping and luxury hotels. There are great restaurants in the area but also some more touristy spots that are overpriced and not so good. Stay here if you plan to do this type of shopping during your stay. 

Old Rome (Sant Eustaucio, Regola, and Perione) – Another up-and-coming area that is close to some really great piazzas and monuments. This is on the east side of the river, across from Vatican City. This is a little more centrally located for getting to all the monuments, than Trastevere and Testaccio.

Near Roma Termini – We do not recommend staying near the train station. It may seem convenient but it’s honestly not the most authentic experience.

Rome Travel Guide: What to See in The Eternal City

Rome is oozing with historical sites, museums, art, nightlife, parks, shopping, people watching (in the most breathtaking piazzas), and fabulous food. It will make you never want to leave, so how do you take it all in and feed your soul?

This Rome Travel Guide breaks down the top ‘must-see’ places and lesser-known (but equally interesting) things to see and do.

Discover Roman History First Hand At Il Colosseo (The Colosseum)

Go see the COLOSSEUM! You want to check this off your bucket list so jump in. We recommend using a tour for this. The lines can be long when you go on your own, tour groups have special lines/entrances. Consider smaller group tours anytime you take a tour for a more personalized experience. A guide will also provide you with a refresher on your Roman history without having to crack open a book.

There are tours in the day and the evening (evenings only offered during part of the year). Select the type of tour you want to take. Do you want to see the lower level, the arena floor, or only the upper part of the Colosseum? Some tours include Palatine Hill and/or the Ancient Forum Ruins. Don’t wait to book until you get there, tickets can sell out and it would be a shame if you went to Rome but didn’t get to go to the Colosseum.

Roman Colosseum (upper level, lower level, arena floor, and outside) and the Roman Forum Ruins

If you are going with children you may want a shorter tour. If it’s your first time you should see it in the daylight so you won’t miss anything, but evening tours can be equally cool. Walking onto the arena floor you’ll sense what it must have been like, as a gladiator, with thousands chanting. You can find ‘Rome in a Day’ tours that will whisk you to other monuments to see on the same day. Honestly, we recommend spreading it out if you have time. We did a Rome in a day tour on our first visit, it was exhausting. 

Near the Colosseum is the Roman Forum. The area was once the center of public life, it housed political, religious, and commercial buildings. Over the centuries the buildings were reclaimed and converted into churches. You can buy tickets that include various combinations of the Forum, Colosseum, and other nearby ruins. 

Pro tip (before we forget); keep an empty bottle (for water) with you in Rome. All of the drinking fountains are public and free. The water comes from the ancient aqueduct that still brings clean and refreshing water to the city, and it’s amazing! Don’t touch your lips or the lip of your bottle to the fountains and use your hand for a sip.

Submerge Yourself in Ancient Creed

The Vatican and St. Peters Basilica are some of the most famous places to visit in Rome (and the world.) Vatican City is its own country independent of Italy, so it is not in Rome but surrounded by Rome.

Do yourself a favor and buy your tickets ahead of time (again; ALWAYS DO SMALL GROUP TOURS). Vatican City/Vatican Museum can take quite some time to see and a guide can help get you through the highlights. Most if not all tours include a view of the breathtaking Sistine Chapel. Some of these tours include the Acropolis/crypt with St. Peter’s Tomb and/or the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica. Do these add-ons if you can (maybe too lengthy for children). Don’t forget to take in St. Peter’s Square when you exit the basilica.

Many admire Castello Sant’Angelo from the outside but I recommend going in. It is near The Vatican. Get there approximately 45-60 min before sunset and watch the sunset over St. Peter’s Basilica and Vatican City from the top. This was by far one of the most memorable views of my lifetime. The ticket office is open until 6:30 p.m. and the Castle is open until 7:30 pm. You should be able to catch the sunset most of the year.

Throughout the castle grounds, you will see paintings,  furniture, and armory from the Renaissance period. The ‘secret’ passage from the castle to The Vatican can be seen on a guided tour from The Vatican. Halfway up there is a caffé you can stop at for a break. If you are lucky you can get one of the tables with a view of the Vatican while you sip on a spritz or beer.

Take a Passeggiare and Enjoy Some Free Sightseeing

Sitting in a piazza in Rome is one of the most romantic experiences, even if you are alone, let the city romance you! Sitting in a piazza is free, but eating/picnicking in them has been prohibited in many. It is also prohibited to sit on, or picnic on monuments. Fountains are monuments, not seats, we’ve seen the police tell people to stop sitting on the edge of a fountain. Don’t be that guy!

The most iconic Piazzas to see include Piazza Navona, Piazza del Popolo, Piazza Rotunda, Piazza Trilussa, Piazza di Spagna, and Campo-de’ fiori. Most of these will have some fountains and or sculptures in them, great people-watching, and some street entertainment. In Campo-de’ Fiori there is a fantastic outdoor market. Piazza Rotunda is in front of The Pantheon, which has a fast-moving line and only costs €5 to get in. Climb the steps from Piazza di Spagna to Trinita dei Monti Church but don’t sit on the steps or eat on them, it’s prohibited.

Villa Borghese Park Up on the north side of Rome is the expansive Borghese Park. You can walk the paths, or rent multi-passenger bikes, electric bikes, and electric scooters to get around. You could easily spend hours walking around this park enjoying different foliage, fountains, and fresh air. This was the out-of-town getaway for the Medicis. The park is on a hill and can be accessed in a few ways.  Through the north gate by Piazza del Popolo,  from the street at the top of the Spanish steps, through the entrance at Porta Princiana, or the entrance at Viale dell’Uccelliera.

Fontana di Trevi – the famous fountain known as Trevi Fountain. This monument has been free to see, however visiting it will be different than it once was. Although it’s free you won’t be able to just walk up to it. Rome is limiting the number of visitors, to 400 at a time. The hours vary for coin collection and tank cleaning. Entrance after 9 pm is not monitored. Check here for hours. We recommend seeing it both in the day and at night. Guarantee your return to Rome one day by tossing a coin into the fountain (with your right hand over your left shoulder). To the right of the fountain is a small fountain, called The Fountain of Lovers. If young lovers drink from it, at the same time, they will stay in love forever and remain faithful.

Vittorio Emanuel  Monument – This monument is huge! It was dedicated to the first king of Italy, after his death (Vittorio Emanuel II). Over the years other monuments have been added. The complex represents the struggle of the Italian people to reach the Italy it is today; anti-fascist, democratic, and European. The lower level (the Vittoriano) is free to visit. View a changing of the guard of the unknown soldier every hour on the hour. There is a charge to climb the monument and go to the panoramic deck or into the museum.

Jewish Community – The Temple of Apollo, the Portico of Octavia, and Casina of Vallati are all a piece of Jewish Roman history. The ruins of this area represent the long-time Jewish culture that has existed in Rome.

Teatro Marcello – A Roman theater that was started by Julius Caesar. It’s free to see but houses concerts in the summer.

Rome Travel Guide: Mangia Mangia! What and Where to Eat in Rome

Italian food is some of the best in the world. I know I should say it IS THE best, but look I like variety and I love tacos… And Rome was just named The Top Food Destination In the World by TripAdvisor’s Travellers’ Choice Awards. A few things to note about Italian food;

1. It is regional, meaning that what is fantastic in one region may not be quite as good in another region.
2. Many Italian American dishes just don’t exist in Italy. It doesn’t mean they aren’t good but it does mean you won’t find them in Italy. Chicken parmesan, spaghetti and meatballs, spaghetti sauce, chicken alfredo, and pepperoni pizza are a few examples.
3. Dishes are seasonal. Italy does little importing and relies heavily on local and in-season ingredients. Consider what is in season before you go looking for the wrong color truffle for the season, or artichokes.
4. Family style as we see it in the United States (looking at you Bucca di Beppo) is not the same. In Italy, you will often see a group ordering a primi (first dish) or two to share, as well as a secondi (main dish) to share. You could easily fill up on a primi (usually pasta, risotto, or gnocchi) or a secondi (often meat, fish, or vegetarian main dish) alone. We like to order a primi to share and then get our own secondi, or vice versa.
5. Choose where you eat wisely. There is a certain charm to dining in a beautiful piazza, and you should do it. You will see many travel writers call these tourists traps, we don’t like those words. Tourist traps tend to be defined as something overpriced and not worth the money. In general, you will find higher (and sometimes outrageous) prices in the touristy piazzas/rooftops. It’s your vacation and if you want to enjoy a meal in one of these piazzas go for it. Our advice is to check them out, read some reviews, and make sure you know what to expect. It isn’t a trap if you enjoyed it and didn’t mind paying the premium for the location.

We strongly recommend doing food tours in each region of Italy. You’ll learn the local dishes and the history of the ingredients. You can learn about dining customs you’ve heard about, such as not tipping and not ordering a cappuccino after 10 am. Best of all, you might make some new friends. It’s helpful to do this on your first day so you don’t overlook some of the best dishes you’ll ever have. 

In Rome you should look for a food tour of the Trastevere neighborhood, it’s the best food in Rome. Longer (and a little pricier) tours are the best for savoring the food and the company. Don’t be afraid to ask your guide for recommendations on other restaurants to try while you are in town.

Roman Dishes Not To Miss

Pasta! There are 4 main pasta dishes that hail from Rome. If you already know them you will want to have them here, if you don’t you’ll still want to have them here. While these are actually famous all over Italy, being from Rome they are the best there.

Alla Gricia – much like cacio e pepe but with guanciale (pork jowl/cheek). 

Alfredo? What? NO- Alfredo is a cream-based sauce that was made up in the United States. In Rome, you will find pasta (usually fettuccine) with butter and parmesan. It is creamy (without cream) and quite delicious.

Artichokes – when in season you will see them on every menu. Get them fried, baked, stuffed in pasta, and more. 

Street Food

Trapizzino – a warm focaccia stuffed sandwich. The traditional has meatballs and tomato sauce. Variations like chicken cacciatore are equally tasty. 

Pizza In Taglio – this pizza is thin and made in a rectangular pan. You will find it displayed on the counters with many different options for toppings. It is cut to the size you would like, and quickly warmed up (if it isn’t already hot). You pay for pizza in taglio by the weight.  

Porchetta panini – sliced roasted pork placed in a thin piece of focaccia. It’s salty, crunchy and oh-so flavorful. You will see many panini shops and salumerie with a whole roasted pig in the window throughout Italy. This is the roasted pork that is stuffed with seasonings and each region has its own version of it. Our personal favorites are in Rome and Tuscany. 

Gelato – This one is not specific to Rome, it’s good everywhere so get one every day. Look for places that cover the gelato, it’s not as pretty but higher quality than those that are piled high. The covered ones don’t have preservatives in them and would melt faster if uncovered. If you are dairy-free you can try sorbetto, it’s just as good. Pistacchio should be a brownish green, not bright green, and banana should be an off-white color, not yellow. Looking for these colors will help you identify the places that don’t use artificial flavors.

Some of our favorite standard flavors are Pistacchio, hazelnut and chocolate, coconut, peach, cioccolato fondante (dark chocolate), and salted caramel. Some less common flavors we like are basil, pine nut, and cinnamon (with fiore di latte). Try some basics and try something different too. Get gelato outside the touristy areas and it won’t be too expensive. Splurge and get some every day- I promise you’ll walk it off.

Favorite Places To Experience Roman Cuisine

As previously stated Rome is huge, there are tons of restaurants but they are not all created equal. It is always fun to pick a restaurant as you walk by and see something interesting. More and more often you are going to need a reservation so you have to do some planning ahead. Most Italian restaurants have one or two seatings a night per table, and a limited number of tables. We recommend picking a few places to book in advance (sometimes you can book within a couple of days, or that day, and still get a table). Also, plan a few wild card times to just pick a place that looks nice. 

Most of these recommendations are in the Trastevere neighborhood. Trastevere is our favorite neighborhood to eat and stay in.

Taverna Trilussa – go here for all the famous pasta (cacio e pepe was my favorite). Book a table in advance- at least a week or two. It’s close to Piazza Trilussa where you can go enjoy the people after the meal. Maybe you’ll get a chance to dance off your pasta too.

Fiordiluna – a great place for gelato in Trastevere. This is the covered gelato I mentioned above. 

La Prezzemolina – Pizza in Taglio, a great place for a quick bite and it’s somewhat close to the Colosseum. Convenient if you need something to eat before you meet your tour group or if you are starving after!

Bonci Pizzarium – another great place to get pizza in taglio and supplì. This is close to the side of The Vatican that you enter through. Stop here for some food before spending an afternoon at The Vatican Museums.

Rome Travel Guide: Want to Continue Soaking Up All That is Italy After Seeing Rome?

If you want to explore outside of Rome there are many places you can go for a few days or just a day. There is so much to do in Rome that it’s worth it to spend all of your time there and go to another city after. 

Florence – honestly Florence deserves much more than a day trip. Check out our Florence Travel Guide if you’re planning to spend some time there. If you’ve already been and just want to go for the day the train ride is less than 2 hours each direction. Go for the day and see a museum you haven’t been to or a favorite spot that you want to repeat. 

Giardini di Villa D’Este in Tivoli – You can find day trip tours to the gardens or take a bus (a couple of hours in each direction). Many say the garden exceeds their expectations. It’s a large and beautiful garden with fountains and a 16th-century cardinal’s villa. 

Orvietto – a small town situated on top of a rocky cliff in the region of Umbria. This will give you all the small-town Italy vibes you need after being in a busy metropolitan city like Rome. It takes roughly 3 hours to get there with a combination of trains and buses. 

Civitavecchia – If you want some coastal vibes near Rome then this is where you want to go. It’s a 2nd-century port town that is just 1 hour away by regional train. 

Naples – The birthplace of pizza! Naples is a well-known coastal town south of Rome that sits on the bay of Naples. Eat some famous pizza Napoletana, hike Mt. Vesuvius, and visit the national museum that houses artifacts from Pompeii. Take a day trip tour to see Pompeii’s ruins. You can get to Naples in just over an hour from Rome, by train.

Ruins of Pompeii Italy

If you have the time to explore more of Italy check out The Perfect Italian Itinerary: Living La Dolce Vita. With ideas for traveling throughout Italy in one trip.

We hope this Rome Travel Guide gets you excited about your trip to the Eternal City. Still aren’t sure where to go after Rome? We’ve got some travel inspiration photos to help you with that! If you have any questions send us an email or put a comment below, so others can get that information too. We’re happy to share any insight we have.

-XO, The Twins

How can we help? We would love to hear your questions!
Contact us by email at [email protected]

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