A complete guide to Rome including must-see sights, where to stay, what to eat, what to buy, and my personal tips. All of this is based on my real travel experience with photos, insights, and recommendations to make your Italy trip unforgettable.
Sections
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Rome - Things to Do
Rome - Places to Eat
Rome - Shopping Tips
Places to Stay
Rome - What to Pack
Rome - Things to Do
These are my recommendations for places to see and things to do in Rome.
The Colosseum is a must-see for any first time visitor. If you have time, though, I suggest taking a tour with the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill to round out the experience with more history.
Rome: Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill Guided Tour
This was hands-down my favorite tour experience. Now, if you're not a morning person, just hear me out – the Vatican gets crowded. There was something so special about our experience, not just witnessing art and history that's so magnificent. But to ...
Rome Private or Small-Group Early Morning Vatican Tour ...
I can personally say that I have not gone inside the Pantheon; however, I've had the pleasure of staying nearby and walking around it numerous times during my last trip. It's worth at least noting outside and taking a photo.
Pantheon Rome | Basilica of Santa Maria ad Martyres
The incredible Trevi Fountain is worth visiting. It's amazing how huge it is in person. Whether you go in the daytime or at night, be sure to carry enough euros to make a wish in the fountain. People show up early to get a photo without the crowds. I...
Trevi Fountain
For my first visit to Rome, I had the pleasure of taking a cooking class that included shopping in the markets for ingredients before cooking as a group in the house Marlon Brando rented while he filmed The Godfather. I could no longer find that tour...
THE TOP 10 Rome Cooking & Pasta Making Classes (Prices from $34)
One of the most famous squares in Rome, Piazza Navona is home to the Baroque Church of Sant’Agnese in Agone and Palazzo Pamphili, both overlooking Gian Lorenzo Bernini’s famous Fountain of the Four Rivers. Check out the local cafes, enjoy walkking ar...
Piazza Navona, Rome | Book Now Tickets & Tours Online
Climbing from Piazza di Spagna to the Trinità dei Monti church, the Spanish Steps are one of Rome’s most recognizable landmarks, immortalized in countless postcards and films. Built between 1723 and 1725, the 138-step staircase is also one of the wid...
Spanish Steps (Piazza di Spagna), Rome | Book Now Tickets & Tours Online
Rome - Places to Eat
I enjoyed a delicious and creative tasting menu with incredible food and wine pairings. This modern restaurant put out all the stops with memorable dishes which we enjoyed from their Moma's signature menu. The cuttlefish tagliatelle still stands out ...
Moma – Rome - a MICHELIN Guide Restaurant
Anima was another gorgeous date night tucked inside The Rome EDITION hotel where we stayed on our last leg of the trip. Dinner was so delicious and the restaurant is gorgeous, particularly the outdoor oasis covered in lush greens and romantic modern ...
Anima The Rome EDITION Restaurant - Roma, Citta Metropolitana di Roma
Delicious Roman meal in this intimate restaurant decorated with frescos and serving mouth-watering dishes such as Amatriciana and carbonara with a delicious bottle of Brunello di Montalcino.
ANTONIO AL PANTHEON, Rome - Colonna - Restaurant Reviews, ...
Another Rome dining recommendation from hotel staff known for their delicious pasta.
Tonnarello Ristorante a Trastevere
If I wasn't traveling with family this time around, I would've done a food tour. It's a great opportunity to try various staples in a short amount of time, and that shyness really goes away when you have an experienced liaison showing you around. Whe...
Winner 2025 Rome Twilight Trastevere Food Tour by Eating Europe
My last night in Rome was spent at Lumen in the St. Regis. The elegant decor and live music was the perfect backdrop for table side caprese, steak, fish and red wine.
Lumen Cocktails & Cuisine | The St Regis Rome | Restaurant
Rome - Shopping Tips
Everything on this list concentrates on the best fashion shopping area in Rome, four intersecting streets: Via dei Condotti (known for famous Italian fashion houses), Via del Babuino (lesser-known luxury brands), Via del Corso (affordable shopping), ...
The Best Rome Shopping Itinerary - Where to Go
With so many options, here's a great list comprised of shopping malls and markets worth visiting in Rome.
THE 10 BEST Places to Go Shopping in Rome (Updated 2025)
We had the opportunity to claim our VAT tax early with special lounge access granted to us after purchasing at Saint Laurent. High-end stores that are tax-free will allow special Global Blue access to get assistance near the Spanish steps to help exp...
Shopping in Rome, Part II: Dealing with VAT
Places to Stay
Hotel recommendations in Rome.
I can't say enough great things about The Rome EDITION hotel. I love that it was in a different area from the Pantheon so we got to see a different side of the city. It's adjacent to one of my favorite culinary experiences, Moma. And its restaurant A...
The Rome EDITION
Situated close to the Pantheon and walking distance from the Trevi Fountain, The Pantheon Autograph Collection was a great stay. The rooftop had a lovely view and we were in a great location near amazing trattorias and gelato in every turn.
The Pantheon Iconic Rome Hotel Autograph Collection
If you're looking for a hotel with your own butler service, I recommend the St. Regis. I ate dinner at Lumen, the hotel's restaurant situated on the first place with stunning decor and a piano player to set the mood. The service was top-notch and onl...
5-Star Hotel in Central Rome | The St. Regis Rome
For more hotel recommendations in Rome, check out Trip Advisor's list.
Trip Advisor Top Hotel Deals in Rome, Italy
Bonvoy members, take advantage of great deals and collect points during your stay in Rome.
Hotels in Rome, Italy | Marriott Bonvoy
Need more Rome hotel options that are 4 and 5 star, look no further.
Rome Luxury Hotels
Rome - What to Pack
Make sure to bring an adapter for your electronics. This one worked great for my last trip.
LENCENT US to Europe Travel Plug Adapter
I love these packing cubes. They come in so many nice colors and give you a lot of pieces for the price. It’s such a great way to stay organized when traveling.
10/8 Set Packing Cubes Travel Organizer
Don't sleep on compression socks. Circulation is very important, especially if you're going to be sitting or standing for long periods of time. Buy a multi pack of different colors or the same, just made sure you take care of your legs.
CHARMKING Compression Socks 15-20 mmHg (3 Pairs)
Comfy travel pillow that travels well. Can also be used for lower back support.