Curator’s statement
Rome is an unforgettable city where history, culture, and incredible food come together at every turn. No two streets are the same, each offering its own charm, hidden piazzas, and centuries of stories. Pause for an Aperol spritz as you admire iconic landmarks like the Colosseum and the Trevi Fountain. Then, make your way to Vatican City, an independent city-state nestled within Rome, where world-renowned art, architecture, and history await. From ancient ruins to vibrant neighborhoods and authentic Italian cuisine, Rome invites you to immerse yourself in a culture that has captivated travelers for centuries.
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Things to do in Rome
The Colosseum
Take a Colosseum & Roman Forum tour
If you can, grab underground tickets and see underneath the Colosseum floor. Walk where gladiators walked to enter their next challenge. Get these tickets well in advance!
Stop by & throw a coin in the Trevi Fountain
Go early in the morning to avoid crowds. You now have to pay 2 euros to go near the fountain starting around 9 a.m. The fountain is also neat late at night! Plan accordingly so you can get your optimal photo.
Visit the Vatican & St. Peter’s Basilica
Make sure your ticket includes a stop in St. Peter’s. Grab tickets in advance to save yourself hours in line. It’s closed on most Sundays, though the last Sunday of the month may be free!
Check out the Pantheon
It was easy to grab a ticket at the kiosk after a short wait in line. No need to try to schedule in advance!
Walk up the iconic Spanish Steps
Just make sure not to sit!
Check out Castel Sant’Angelo for amazing views of Rome
Walking by the River Tiber and seeing the Ponte Sant’Angelo bridge is an amazing experience itself! Grab tickets when you get there; we had no wait.
Grab a gelato & hang out at Piazza Navona
Check out the architecture and fountains while taking a rest.
Take a golf cart tour
If you are interested in getting your bearings in Rome, take a golf cart tour to see many things at one time.
Book a cooking class in Rome
Make pizza or pasta and other traditional dishes. Many are priced reasonably!
Book a food tour in Trastevere
This area is known for its vibrant neighborhood and food scene.
Walk by Largo di Torre Argentina
A current cat sanctuary sits on the ruins where Caesar was killed.
Visit Villa Borghese
Stroll through the picturesque grounds.
Places to eat & drink in Rome
Regoli Bakery
Alfredo e Ada
This amazing traditional Italian restaurant only has a few tables and does not take reservations. It also has shared seating. It is so authentic and amazing. Get there early to get in line!
Regoli Pasticceria
Grab a traditional Italian treat called maritozzo and a cappuccino. This was our favorite spot to grab breakfast as it is very authentic and yummy!
E Passeta Le Loreta
This restaurant is very traditional, and the bolognese is to die for! They paired a nice wine with our lunch and we were very surprised with how authentic it was.
Mimi e Coco
This restaurant is slightly Americanized, but was a great stop for lunch as everything was good! If you’re trying to find the most authentic restaurants though, you may want to skip.
Mr. 100 Tiramisu
This chain of dessert restaurants was neat as it had a ton of tiramisu flavors to try. We loved the original and Nutella, but they also offer unique flavors, including their “boozy” flavors!
Magnifico
Grab a big sandwich and chow down at Magnifico. This highly rated spot is great for a sandwich on the go as you explore.
Gelateria del Viale
The best gelato we had in Rome! The line was a bit long, but it was very worth it! We especially loved the stracciatella.
Tonnarello
A very popular restaurant in Rome. Worth it? You decide! We missed this popular spot, but would love to try it next time.
Da Enzo
Another popular spot in Trastevere. Get in line super early to grab a table here! Another spot we missed, but it’s on our list for next time we visit.
Need to know
Try not to eat at restaurants right beside big tourist attractions (like the Colosseum or Trevi Fountain). Most places won’t have spaghetti and meatballs, fettuccini alfredo, or other Americanized dishes if they are authentic!
Do not eat gelato that is piled high. That is not authentic! Look for gelato in silver tins covered with a silver lid.
If you know for sure you want a certain restaurant, book in advance, especially in summer!
Tipping is not necessary in Italy.
Transportation options: Metro (easy to use), Uber BLACK only (not regular), or taxi. Your hotel front desk can always call you a taxi.
Get a credit card with no foreign transaction fees and obtain some euros at your local bank before you leave. Getting euros at exchange centers or the airport may get you a worse rate.
If you use the train system, make sure you understand the difference between a regional and a high-speed train! (Ask me how I know!)
Travel Advisor
Booked by Betsy
Elizabeth Trainham
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