Rome Travel Guide

Rome is centrally located, making it an ideal starting point for your Italian adventure. For history enthusiasts, it's a living, breathing museum where ancient tales unfold. Culinary explorers will find a feast for the senses in charming local trattorias. Rome is also a city that thrives on community and socializing. The spirit of togetherness can be felt, inviting you to join in the joy of shared moments.

Rome is not just a destination; it's a promise—a promise that every moment spent in Rome is a moment well-lived and etched in the memories of those who embrace its magic.

Pro tip: Opt for October through April for the perfect weather—summers can be quite warm.

Rome is well-known as a city rich in history, but if you enjoy exploring beyond what is highlighted in the guide books, read on! This guide highlights the must-see historic sites of Rome with some of my favorite slower-paced wanderings, including neighborhoods to explore, and fountains to photograph. I've also included some local customs around evening habits and dining that are helpful to know for your visit to Rome.

Historical Sites:

I highly suggest signing up for a tour or, even better, hiring a personal tour guide to explore the historical sites. It’s so much more enjoyable to walk and observe the sites as you take in the vast and far more interesting knowledge a tour or a guide will share about each site, rather than reading up on it from a book or google search. A personal guide can also tailor the information to suit your group's age and interests. On my family's first trip to Rome, I hired a guide for three days and he tailored his talks in a way that kept my three sons (ages 12, 19 and 21 at the time) interested and engaged. I am 100% convinced my sons walked away from this time in Rome remembering so much more than any other place we’ve traveled. A personal guide is well worth it and is just as cost-efficient if you are a group of three or more. I am happy to help with both of these options.

Colosseum

Explore the iconic Colosseum, an ancient amphitheater where gladiatorial contests and public spectacles took place. Truly magnificent to see this site in person.

Vatican City

Is the smallest independent state in the world. Explore St. Peter's Basilica, home to Renaissance art and Michelangelo's iconic Pietà. The Vatican Museums house an extensive collection of art, including the Sistine Chapel with Michelangelo's famous frescoes.

Pantheon

Well-preserved Roman temple dedicated to all gods. The dome of the Pantheon is an architectural masterpiece and so beautiful to gaze up at from the inside.

Fountains:

No one does fountains like Rome. Rome has access to so much water and during the Renaissance and Baroque periods, Popes liked to outdo one another so Rome has the most beautiful fountains all across the city. Rome has fifty monumental fountains and over 2,000 smaller fountains throughout the city. More than any other city in the world. Here are five of my favorites.

Fontana di Trevi (Trevi Fountain)

Location: Piazza di Trevi

One of the most well-recognized fountains. Its design depicts Oceanus, the sea god, riding a chariot pulled by two sea horses and two Tritons representing Abundance and Salubrity. To ensure your return trip to Rome—superstition is that if you toss a coin into the fountain over the left shoulder with your right hand you're ensured to return to Rome.

• Travertine stone 86 feet high and 160 feet wide.

Fontana della Barcaccia (little boat)

Location: Piazza di Spagna

The fountain predates the Steps by about a century. Known as “little boat” the fountain depicts a partially sunken boat, and owes its genesis to a legendary event that took place during the 1598 Christmas day flood. The legendary story states that the Tiber’s flood waters rose so high that they carried a barge all the way from the river as far as Piazza di Spagna.

• At the base of the Spanish Steps is the Barcaccia Fountain, shaped like a sinking boat.

Fontana delle Tartarughe (Turtle Fountain)

Location: Piazza Mattei

The fountain was originally commissioned to provide water to the residents of the recently established Jewish Ghetto, but the Mattei Duke (who controlled the entrance gates to the quarter) quickly requisitioned the monument and had the planned fountain moved to his nearby property instead. The Ghetto would have to wait a decade before they finally got their water source via another fountain. The turtles were added in 1650 by Baroque master Gianlorenzo Bernini.

• The centerpiece of the Piazza Mattei is the Fontana delle Tartarughe.

Fontana del Tritone (Triton Fountain)

Location: Piazza Barberini

The Greek sea god Triton rises amidst a swirl of moving water, dolphins and shells, and blows a conch that sends a column of water into the sky above.

• What was originally an aristocratic suburb for the fountain is now one of Rome’s busiest thoroughfares.

• The first free-standing fountain.

Fontana dell’Acqua Paola (The Acqua Paola Fountain)

Location: Via Garibaldi

This fountain brought clean drinking water to the west side of the Tiber for the first time since antiquity. Five massive arches welcoming five torrents of rushing water into the huge basin

• High on the Janiculum hill with extraordinary views over the city.

• Constructed in 1612 to commemorate the restoration of the Aqua Paola.

Neighborhoods and Districts:

Trastevere Neighborhood

Known for its narrow cobblestone streets, colorful buildings and authentic Roman atmosphere. Enjoy traditional cuisine in one of its many local trattorias with charming outdoor seating.

Gianicolo Hill

A popular spot among locals to relax and enjoy breathtaking sunsets and panoramic views of the city.

Testaccio Market

A vibrant market where locals shop for fresh produce, meats and other delicacies. A great place to blend in among the locals doing their daily routines

Appian Way Park

Stroll or rent a bike on the Appian Way. This ancient Roman road is surrounded by greenery and archaeological sites, a peaceful escape from the bustle of the city.

Monti Neighborhood

Known for its bohemian atmosphere and trendy boutiques. Locals gather in the Piazza della Madonna dei Monti in the evening to enjoy a drink and socialize.

Dining Habits:

These customs reflect the importance of community, socializing and enjoying the simple pleasures of life for Romans. The evenings in Rome embody the blend of a vibrant social scene, strong cultural norms, history and of course, exceptional food!

Aperitivo Culture & Late Dinners

Before dinner, many Romans partake in the "aperitivo" tradition. This involves having a pre-dinner drink, accompanied by light snacks sometimes. It serves as a social gathering time and is a way to unwind after work and before the main meal, which traditionally takes place late in the evening. Most Romans typically sit for dinner around 8pm or later.

Long Meals

Italians appreciate the art of dining, and meals are often extended affairs with multiple courses. The emphasis is on savoring the food, enjoying the company of friends and family, and creating a relaxed atmosphere.

Evening Gatherings:

Piazzas and Squares

Romans love to gather in public spaces, especially in the evenings. Piazzas and squares become lively hubs of activity, with locals and tourists alike mingling, chatting and enjoying the ambiance that goes well into the night and early AM hours. Every neighborhood has at least one "square" and many have multiple. "Squares" are identified as so on local maps and also easily located on the map pulled up from your personal device.

Passeggiata

The "passeggiata" is a beloved Italian tradition. It's a leisurely evening stroll through the city streets. More than just a walk, it’s about socializing and being seen. Piazzas/Squares are popular starting and ending points for the passeggiata.

Trastevere Neighborhood:

Le Mani In Pasta

Via Dei Genovesi 37

• Translated as “Hands in the Pasta”

• Upscale | Local Seafood and Pasta | Friendly Atmosphere

Ristorante Osteria Sonnino

Piazza Sidney Sonnino 49

• Casual dining | Pasta and Pizza | Friendly Atmosphere

Trevi Fountain Area:

Pane E Salame

Via Santa Maria in Via, 19

• Aperitivo or Finger Food | Good Atmosphere

• Jewish Ghetto | Turtle Fountain Area

Beppe E I Suoi Formaggio

Via di S. Maria del Pianto, 9a/11

• Cheese Shop and Restaurant | Family-Friendly