About the destination
Rome rewards travellers happy to mix ancient history with long lunches and evenings spent in a lively piazza. Its historic centre is compact enough to explore mostly on foot, with something worth stopping for around almost every corner.
Ancient ruins, Renaissance churches and everyday city life sit layered on top of each other, sometimes within the same city block.
Meals are unhurried here, and it's worth building extra time into the day for a proper lunch or evening aperitivo rather than rushing between sights.
Why go?
- 01Ancient history visible throughout the city
- 02World-class art and architecture from multiple eras
- 03A food culture built around fresh, simple ingredients
- 04A compact historic centre that's easy to explore on foot
When to visit
Spring and autumn bring comfortable temperatures for walking and sightseeing. Summer can be very hot, especially around midday, while winter is mild with far fewer crowds.
Where to stay
Centro Storico
The heart of the historic centre, walkable to most major landmarks.
Trastevere
A charming, lively neighbourhood known for restaurants and evening atmosphere.
Vatican area
Convenient for visiting the Vatican Museums and St Peter's Basilica early in the day.
What to see
- 01The Colosseum and the Roman Forum
- 02The Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel
- 03The Pantheon and the surrounding piazzas
- 04The Trevi Fountain
- 05Trastevere's streets in the evening
Travel planning tips
- 01Book skip-the-line tickets for the Colosseum and Vatican in advance
- 02Visit major sights early in the day to avoid both heat and crowds
- 03Wear comfortable shoes for cobblestones and hills
- 04Carry water, especially in the summer months
Who it suits best
History and art lovers, food enthusiasts, couples and first-time visitors to Italy.