Rome Travel Guide

The eternal city is a vibrant cosmopolis, with more than 2,500 year-old history. The challenge is deciding what not to do: there are so many churches, archaeological sites, piazzas and paintings to see, that a lifetime is hardly enough. Archaeological remains from ancient Rome, art-stuffed churches and the treasures of Vatican City will attract your attention, but Rome is also a wonderful place to practice the Italian-perfected il dolce far niente, the sweet art of idleness.

Colosseum in Rome Travel Guide

Colosseum in Rome

Best Time to visit Rome

Best time to visit Rome is in from April till May and from September till October, when the weather is mild, with bright and sunny days, and the crowds are fewer, thus sightseeing becomes a wonderful experience.

Summer is the high season, especially in July and August, so be prepared for large crowds, long lines at popular attractions, a hot and humid weather and high prices.

If you want to see the ancient city on a budget, the best period is from November till March (not during Christmas though). There are hotel deals everywhere, not many tourists around, but the weather gets chilly.

Accommodation in Rome

The city is expensive throughout the year, with the city centre being extremely pricey for budget travellers. Choosing a hotel in the suburbs can save you money, but bear in mind that rooms in most hotel categories are relatively small.

The Roman Metro and Bus lines system is fantastic and a €6.00 day pass is an excellent bargain, allowing you to move freely all around the city. Another good choice for budget is the area near Colosseum, also known as Ancient Rome.

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Things to do in Rome

When in Rome, be prepared to step into the world’s biggest open air museum. Visit the Pantheon, the Colosseum, the Vatican and the Basilica di San Pedro, the Musei Capitolini, the magnificent Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel and toss a coin for your wishes in Fontana di Trevi.

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Shopping in Rome

Rome has excellent shopping opportunities of all kinds, from clothing and jewellery to art and antiques. Main shopping areas include Via del Corso, Via Condotti, and the surrounding streets.

Via Condotti is Rome’s top haute couture fashion street, equivalent of Fifth Avenue in New York City, or Bond Street in London. Here, you can find big brand names such as Gucci, Armani, Dior, Valentino and Hermès, and several other high-class shops.

The streets around the Via Condotti, such as Via Frattina, Via del Babuino, Via Borgognona and the Piazza di Spagna also offer some excellent high fashion boutiques, including Roberto Cavalli, Dolce & Gabbana, Versace, Prada and Givenchy.

Via del Corso has more affordable clothing and for cheaper items visit Via Cola di Rienzo, and the surroundings of Via del Tritone, Campo de’Fiori. If you want to buy souvenirs or gifts there are many stalls along the streets of touristic areas, that offer reasonable prices. It is likely, that the same item in the gift shop of any museum will cost much more.

If you want to spend a day in a large shopping mall, there’s the Euroma2 Mall near the EUR district, with more than 230 shops, mainly clothes and accessories.

Dolce & Gabbana shop in Rome

Where to eat in Rome

Rome is full of great restaurants and some of the best places to eat are in the most unpromising locations, while well-situated restaurants can often live on their reputation rather than the quality of their food.

Many of the good restaurants in Rome are hard to find, but a good tip is to go where Italians live and eat. On the top of the green, old mountain (Monte Verde Vecchio) there are some trattorias with authentic Italian cuisine at an affordable price.

Rome also has many beautiful spots to eat, so buying some delicacies to make up a picnic can be a great experience. In Via Marmorata you find Volpetti’s which is known for its amazing selection of cheese, prosciutto and delicious pastries.

Visit some of the top restaurants in Rome from the list below:

Bono Bottega Nostrana
Italian, Mediterranean

StuPisci
Italian, Seafood

That’s Amore Barbecue
American, Barbecue

CiPASSO Vineria Bistrot
Italian, International

RIONE XIV bistrot
Italian, Mediterranean

Virgilio Restaurant
Italian, Grill

Mimì e Coco
Italian, Romana

Sesamo Pizza e Cucina
Italian, Pizza

Ristorante Sandalia
Italian, Seafood

Nannarella
Italian, Mediterranean

Nightlife in Rome

Rome is filled with great clubs and keep in mind Romans go out late and they love to dance. Below are some of the most popular Nightclubs in Rome:

GOA

A great alternative and electronic club, with a brilliant sound system

Program

Visit Goa Club Official

NEO

A small, dark two-level club, featuring a mix techno and old-school house.

Program

Visit Neo Club Official

RASHOMON

A glamour club, that hosts DJs of house and techno music

Program

Visit  Rashomon Club Official

ROOM 26

Amazing DJ’s playing techno music every Friday

Program

Visit Room 26 Official

LIAN

A floating club, Known for their live shows and performances

Program

Visit Lian Club Official

PIPER

With techno and electronic music during the weekends

Program

Visit Piper Club Official

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