Curator’s statement
Rome is one of my favorite cities in Europe, and I was fortunate enough to study there for a summer during college and have visited countless times since. Revisiting Rome feels like home, and on my latest trip to the Eternal City, I deep-dived into the best places to visit, eat, and stay. Here are my top recommendations for a fantastic trip to Rome—reach out for help planning your trip or to enhance your stay with VIP amenities.
The Fora Difference
Book with Megan to access exclusive perks and experiences on your trip.
Killer perks
Free upgrades, spa credits and more—we got you
Personalized recs
Customized travel planning for your style
Insider knowledge
Expert advice from people who’ve actually been there
Where to stay
Unlock perks by contacting Megan to book your trip.
Things to do
The Colosseum
Explore the top sites
Rome is full of history, art, and tremendous architecture. Visit sites like the Colosseum & Roman Forum, Vatican City (St. Peter’s Basilica and the Sistine Chapel), the Pantheon, the Spanish Steps, the Trevi Fountains, the Borghese Gardens, the Catacombs, and magnificent museums such as the National Roman Museum, Borghese Gallery, or MAXXI.
Note that most of these top sites require advanced ticketed entry, and it can be difficult to secure popular dates and times. As your travel advisor, I can take care of these reservations so you can maximize your time in Rome.
Wander the piazzas
One of my favorite activities in Rome is to get lost meandering the cobblestone streets and relax in a piazza. One of my favorite spots is Piazza Navona, located a short walk from the Pantheon with restaurants, fountains, churches, shops, and people bustling around. Another fantastic spot to stroll is in Trastevere, by the Piazza di Santa Maria. This neighborhood is full of restaurants, shops, and art, and is a more local alternative to the main sites of Rome.
Shop
From high-end shops along Via del Corso and Via dei Condotti to smaller shops scattered throughout the city, you can easily fill a day shopping in Rome. Be sure to look for Italian goods, such as leather or silk, or indulge in culinary staples like olive oil or fresh-made pasta.
Take a cooking class
There is no better place to learn the intricacies of Italian cuisine than in the heart of Rome. From food tours to cooking classes (or market tours that end in cooking classes!), I have several suggestions to have an amazing Italian food experience.
Venture on a vespa ride
Explore the city as the Romans do, by vespa. Riding on a vespa through the streets of Rome is a core memory of mine, and such a fun activity to mix in with sightseeing.
Places to eat & drink
Diavola pizza at Brucio—Coppelle
Giolitti: My personal favorite spot for gelato in Rome—I’d travel across the world just to get dessert here, it’s that good.
Brucio—Coppelle: Fantastic casual restaurant for Italian cuisine in a small square with great ambiance, just a few steps from the Pantheon. Try the diavola pizza here—it’s fantastic.
Tonnarello Scala: Located in Trastevere, the ambiance is magical, and the Italian cuisine is even better.
Hotel Minerva Rooftop Bar: For elegant cocktails with stunning views of Rome, this rooftop is the perfect spot for a night cap.
Roscioli Salumeria con Cucina: Casual deli and restaurant in an intimate setting, located near Campo de’ Fiori.
Need to know
There is so much to see and do in Rome, so be sure to plan for your preferred pace. If you’d like to comfortably see the main sites without feeling rushed, then spend several days there. If you’re on a shorter time frame, then bring your walking shoes to experience it all.
As your travel advisor, my job is to plan through all the details and logistics, and help you maximize your time in Rome. Reach out for support for your next trip to Italy.
Travel Advisor
Megan Freedman
Get in touch with Megan
Did you like this guide? Reach out to customize and book your own experience. Or, just to chat about travel in general.
You can expect a response from Megan within 1–2 business days. You’ll also be subscribed to our traveler newsletter (you can unsubscribe at any time).
For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Rome page.