The Essential Rome Travel Guide: Your Complete Travel Guide to Top Attractions & Hidden Gems
If you’re traveling to Italy, you’re most likely going to pass through Rome at one point or another. Many people breeze by Rome, not thinking it’s going to be a wonderful addition to their trip, but oh! How they wrong! To those people, I say they just haven’t had the proper Rome Travel Guide.
There are so many wonderful things about Rome, and it’s overwhelming! The best way to tackle Rome is to decide what’s important to you and what you want to see and do. If you’re going for the food, then maybe spending 8 hours on a fully immersive Vatican Museums tour isn’t the option for you. If you LOVE ancient Rome, then you’re absolutely going to want to do the Colosseum and possibly even some other cool underground tours, like the catacombs or other hidden parts of Rome.
What you DON’T want to do when you go to Rome, is to try and cram everything in. Take your time, enjoy the little things, and remember, when in Rome…
I hope this Rome Travel Guide gives you the confidence you need to plan your next trip to Rome!
THE BASICS
BEST TIME TO TRAVEL: April through May and September & October are the best time to visit Rome. If you aren’t a fan of big crowds, massive heat, and humidity, AVOID July & August.
CURRENCY: Italy uses the Euro. I have a Revolut Bank account to easily transfer currencies and see current exchange rates. It’s like an amazing version of Paypal & Venmo all at once! Sign up here!
WEATHER: July and August are the hottest months, averaging about 85F/29C (and extremely humid). January and February are the coldest, usually hovering around 54F/12C. October -January is the rainy season.
AVERAGE COST OF ACCOMMODATION: The average nightly cost for a hostel will start around €50 a night.Starting prices for hotels: 1* €100, 2* €150, 3* 200-250, 4* Hotels 250-400, 5* Hotels €400+
MORE ON ITALY
THE BEST THINGS TO DO IN ROME
CLASSIC ROME TOUR – SPANISH STEPS, TREVI FOUNTAIN, PANTHEON
THE BEST DAY TRIPS FROM ROME
Are you looking for help planning your dream getaway? If you’re feeling overwhelmed by all the options on the internet or just don’t have the time to get into planning your dream trip – I really encourage you to check out my travel planning services! You can download my “How We Work” guide here – or submit your inquiry here!
WHERE TO EAT IN ROME
Taverna Dei Fiori Imperiale
For one of Rome’s most romantic dinners around – head to Taverna Dei Fiori Imperiale. Tucked away in Ancient Rome, after your dinner, wander around the forum for an unforgettable Roman night.
Osteria Costanza
Not only does Osteria Costanza have AMAZING food, but the restaurant is literally a part of ancient Roman ruins. When you eat at Osteria Costanza, you are literally dining in the very place where Julius Ceasar was assassinated.
Enoteca Ferrara
For a traditional Roman meal that will not disappoint, head to Enoteca Ferrara for classic staples that will leave you happy and not even a little bit hungry.
WHAT DISHES SHOULD YOU TRY IN ROME?
These classic Roman dishes are a sure way to put a smile on your face! Any of these local staples are traditional and known in Rome…so as the Romans do!
CACIO E PEPE
CARBONARA
AMA TRICIANNA
GRECIA
FRIED ARTICHOKES
FRIED ZUCCHINI FLOWER
COUS COUS
SUPPLI
PIZZA AL TAGLIO
Exploring Rome: The Perfect 3-Day Itenitay
Rome Travel Guide: Day 1
Arrive in Rome in the morning, and drop your luggage off at your hotel. Visit the Trastevere neighborhood for a quick bite to eat and snapshots of picture-perfect Roma. Spend the afternoon on a guided tour of the Colosseum, including the underground and Arena. Your guide will then take you to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. Finish off with dinner at Osteria Costanza.
Rome Travel Guide: Day 2
Start your day off by exploring classic Rome – plan on getting up early so you can go and see the Trevi Fountain in the beautiful morning light without the hoards of crowds. In the same(ish) area, explore the Spanish Steps and the Pantheon.
Spend your lunchtime at a cooking class and learn how to make Roman Classics. Afternoon visit the EUR neighborhood and experience Mussolini’s strange architecture. Enjoy a traditional Roman dinner at Trattoria dei Fiori Imperiale.
Rome Travel Guide: Day 3
Your third and final day in Rome will commence with a guided tour of the Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Basilica. Plan on lots of walking and sensory overload as you are shown some of the most treasured art in the world. After your tour, head to Residenza Paolo VI for rooftop views and drinks. Before your train departs, be sure to grab a gelato at Fattamorgana and explore the Monti neighborhood before you head to your next destination.
Where to Stay in Rome
PORTRAIT ROMA
Portrait Roma is located on Via Condotti, with fabulous views of the Spanish steps.
The hospitality at Portrait Roma is exceptional. At this elegant hotel, you’ll find gray pinstriped carpeting over blond hardwood floors, heavy silk drapes with accents of acid green or cyclamen, and brightly colored cashmere throws. Start your day with breakfast on the rooftop, where the views sweep across the city to include the Piazza di Spagna and the Villa Medici.
Starting at $500 during the high season.
HOTEL DE LA VILLE – A ROCCO FORTE HOTEL
Tucked in at the top of the Spanish Steps, Hotel de la Ville is a new hotel designed by renowned architect Tommaso Ziffer. Enticing guests is the world-celebrated spa, steam and salt rooms, and wonderful culinary experiences. The suites have stunning views over classic Rome, and the rooftop terrace has scenic views to die for.
Starting at $350 per night during high season.
ST. REGIS ROME
The St. Regis Rome is a stunning blend of charm and elegance. Nestled in a great location for easy accessibility to all of Rome’s sights, it captures Rome’s timelessness and history.
The Butler Service enhances every stay, connecting guests to Rome’s hidden secrets.
Starting at $700 per night during the high season.
Rome Travel Tips
Expect lots of walking while you are in Rome! Practical shoes are an absolute must. Unless you are a local Roman woman, leave the stilettos behind. Cobblestones are NOT your friend.
SCIPERO! STRIKE! Sometimes, the Italian public transport system likes to go on strike. It’s cool, it’s normal, it’s a part of life, but expect the unexpected. If you think it’s going to take only 10 minutes to get somewhere, make it 30.
Italians eat late! If you can’t adjust to the culture, I suggest partaking in aperitivo before heading out for dinner. Aperitivo is light drinks and snacks from around 5-7 pm. Dinner traditionally takes place later, around 8-9:30.
TIPPING: Tipping is not the same as it is in America. For taxis – round up to the next dollar – don’t hesitate to ask for change! Try and carry smaller bills and coins if possible. At restaurants, if service was exceptional, a $5 tip would be outstanding. If there is a “coperto” charge on your bill, there’s no need to leave anything at all.
Dress codes: Women must cover their shoulders and knees when visiting churches, and the Vatican is the most strict about this. Tucking a light pashmina in your purse will save you a lot of grief! Light summer maxi dresses are also your best friend during a trip to Italy.
UNFORTUNATELY, AS RABBIE BURNS ONCE WROTE, EVEN THE BEST-LAID PLANS OF MICE AND MEN OFTEN GO AWRY. THAT IS WHY WE STRONGLY RECOMMEND TAKING OUT TRAVEL INSURANCE TO COVER ALL EVENTUALITIES. OUR PARTNER, TRAVEL INSURED, IS OUR PREFERRED VENDOR FOR OUR CLIENT AND PERSONAL TRAVELS.
