Why Go to Rome
YOUR DESTINATION AT A GLANCE
Rome, the City of Seven Hills, began with a legend: twin brothers Romulus and Remus, raised by a she-wolf, are said to have founded the Eternal City. Historians may doubt the story, but almost every traveler agrees that Rome has a magic all its own, whether you're standing inside the Colosseum, sipping espresso in Piazza Navona or twirling pasta at a neighborhood trattoria.
Italy's capital carries more than 2,000 years of history, from the age of Julius Caesar, Augustus and Hadrian. Walk through the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, stand beneath the dome of the Pantheon, toss a coin into the Trevi Fountain and climb the Spanish Steps. Cross into Vatican City to see St. Peter's Basilica and the masterpieces of the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel. Then enjoy modern Rome, with stylish shops, sleek hotels, creative restaurants and, of course, plenty of gelato. Don't miss an evening stroll through Trastevere.
Rome's top sights require timed tickets and are busiest in summer, so planning ahead pays off. It's also the port city for many Mediterranean cruises from Civitavecchia. I'll book skip-the-line tickets and expert guides and plan days that flow.
BEST FOR
History lovers, art enthusiasts, couples and culinary travelers
BEST MONTHS
April to June and September to October
EXPLORE
- Centro Storico: The historic heart, with the Pantheon, Piazza Navona and the Trevi Fountain.
- Monti: A trendy neighborhood with boutiques and cafés near the Colosseum.
- Trastevere: Ivy-covered lanes, trattorias and lively nightlife across the Tiber.
- Vatican & Prati: St. Peter's, the Vatican Museums and elegant residential streets.
- Spanish Steps & Tridente: Luxury shopping, grand hotels and Piazza del Popolo.
SIX18 SIGNATURE DESTINATION GUIDE
Rome
Europe › Southern Europe › Italy › Lazio
Ancient wonders, Renaissance masterpieces and la dolce vita on every piazza.
Urban & Culture
Ancient
Architecture
Culinary
SIX18 INSIDER TIP
Book the earliest Vatican Museums entry and head straight to the Sistine Chapel first, then work your way back through the galleries as the crowds arrive.
Experiences Worth Exploring
THINGS TO DO
Book timed tickets well ahead, and consider a guided tour that includes the underground or arena floor.
Colosseum
The largest amphitheater ever built once held more than 50,000 spectators for gladiator games. Today it's one of the world's most awe-inspiring ancient monuments.
Your Colosseum ticket includes the Forum and Palatine Hill; climb the Palatine for the best views.
Roman Forum
The heart of ancient Rome, with ruins of temples, basilicas and triumphal arches where senators and emperors once walked.
Visit at midday when sunlight streams through the oculus; there's a small entry fee.
Pantheon
The best-preserved building of ancient Rome, with a massive dome and an open oculus that lets in sunlight and rain.
A €2 ticket is now required to go down to the basin; visit early morning or late evening for fewer crowds.
Trevi Fountain
Rome's most famous Baroque fountain, where tossing a coin over your shoulder promises a return to the Eternal City.
Book the earliest entry or a guided tour, and dress modestly with shoulders and knees covered.
Vatican Museums
One of the world's greatest art collections, with endless galleries of sculpture, tapestries, maps and Renaissance masterpieces.
An elegant hotel near Piazza del Popolo, famous for its secret garden courtyard and stylish bar.
Hotel de Russie
Piazza del Popolo / Via del Babuino
Hotel Tags
A refined luxury hotel near the Spanish Steps, with a rooftop restaurant and sweeping city views.
Hotel Eden
Via Ludovisi / Spanish Steps Area
Hotel Tags
A legendary hotel perched at the top of the Spanish Steps, with timeless style and panoramic views.
Hassler Roma
Trinità dei Monti / Spanish Steps
Hotel Tags
A chic, design-forward hotel steps from the Spanish Steps, with a rooftop bar and stylish rooms.
Hotel de la Ville
Via Sistina / Spanish Steps
Hotel Tags
A boutique hotel facing the Colosseum, with an acclaimed rooftop restaurant and amazing views.
Palazzo Manfredi
Monti / Colosseum
Hotel Tags
Curated Accommodations
WHERE TO STAY
November in Rome
High 62°F · Low 45°F · Rain 4.3 in
Cooler days bring chestnut season and fewer crowds at major sights.
The best times to visit Rome are April through June and September through October, when the weather is warm and pleasant for walking. Summer is hot and crowded, especially in July and August. Winter is mild and quieter, with lower rates and festive holiday decorations.
Best Times to Visit Rome
WHEN TO GO
Where to Dine
DINING
Rome's cooking is simple, rich and deeply satisfying. Look for classic pastas, crispy Roman-style pizza and seasonal vegetables, served in trattorias where nonna is still in the kitchen.
- Trastevere and Testaccio: These neighborhoods are home to some of the city's most authentic trattorias.
- Street food: Grab supplì (fried rice balls) and pizza al taglio by the slice for a quick, cheap lunch.
- Must-try: Cacio e pepe, carbonara, amatriciana, carciofi (artichokes) and gelato.
06
Walking
Rome's historic center is compact, and walking is the best way to discover its hidden piazzas and fountains.
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Trains
High-speed trains from Termini connect Rome to Florence, Naples and Venice, making day trips easy.
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Taxis
Official white taxis have set fares from the airports to central Rome. Hail them at taxi stands rather than on the street.
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Buses & Trams
Buses and trams fill the gaps in the metro system. Tap a contactless card to ride.
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Metro
Rome's metro has a few lines covering key sights like the Colosseum, Spanish Steps and Vatican, though much of the historic center is best on foot.
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Flying In
Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO) is the main international gateway, about 30 minutes from the center by the Leonardo Express train to Termini Station. Ciampino (CIA) serves budget airlines.
Most visitors fly into Fiumicino and take the Leonardo Express train or a fixed-fare taxi into the city. Once you're here, the historic center is best explored on foot, with the metro, buses and taxis for longer distances.
Getting Around Rome