Rome, the eternal city, home of the Colosseum, Gladiators, the Pope, countless churches (over 900, more than any other city in the world), fountains and historical sites built - you guessed it - not in a day, and renovated across millennia, much like a walk through the ups and downs of human history.
Did you know that Rome celebrates its birthday each year on 21st April? According to tradition, Rome was indeed founded on 21st April of 753 BCE, making it one of the oldest cities in the whole world.
Today Rome is a vibrant capital city home to roughly 2.9 million people. It is the city with the most fountains in the world, with over 3000 from very small ones to iconic and majestic ones. All have potable water and the small ones are nicknamed “nasone” (litt. big nose). Don’t be scared though, you only need to throw coins in the Trevi fountain ;)
Did you know that you don’t need to travel to Egypt to see the pyramids, and you can find one in Rome which is over 2000 years old? Did you know that Rome is the city with the most obelisks in the world? From ancient Egyptian obelisks to modern ones from the 1800s and even the 1900s, try to discover them all!
That the Italian cuisine is world class is no wonder, but this year Rome won the top spot in Taste Atlas ranking of the world's best cuisine (Best Food Cities & Regions - TasteAtlas Awards 23/24).
Being born and raised in Rome - I only moved abroad after 23 years spent in the city - I am nothing less than proud of my city. Although it now feels a long time I don't live in Rome anymore, I am often back home and don't miss a chance to explore it yet a bit more, experience the changes happened since I was last there and taste the good food I so much miss abroad.
Enough about me.
All roads lead to Rome, and whether this is your first time in Rome or you already gave yourself the chance to visit the allegedly most beautiful city in the world ;) let's organize your visit to take the most out of the city and make sure you don't miss the unmissable, discover some hidden gems and treat yourself with some truly mouthwatering roman food.
Before we start, a hint on the mini-guide: days 1-3 cover the unmissable, 4-5 have more hidden treasures for those who already got a taste of Rome, or are planning to spend more time there (lucky you, guys). Let's-a-go to explore eternal Rome!
Day 1: Vatican City and Artistic Gems (indoor and outdoor)
* Morning
Visit Vatican City and explore St. Peter's Basilica and see inside Michelangelo's Pietà (the entrance is for free!) Wanna have Rome at your feet? Get on top of the cuppolone, St.Peter’s dome. If you don’t wanna be bothered by too many steps (551 to be precise) you can pay a plus for the elevator - the tickets cannot be reserved in advance - which will bring you halfway through.
* Lunch time
avoiding the tons of touristic options, a very good restaurant is Pasteria where you can choose the fresh pasta and sauce you prefer, Il simposio is also a good option.
* Afternoon
Spend your afternoon in the Vatican Museums. Don't miss the renowned Sistine Chapel with its magnificent ceiling painted by Michelangelo. The entrance of the Museums are not too close to the St. Peter’s Basilica, so if you booked the entrance with a set entry time, make sure you check how long it takes to get to the museums. Reserve the ticket way in advance to avoid last minute issues! https://www.museivaticani.va/content/museivaticani/en/organizza-visita/tariffe-e-biglietti.html. Depending on when you are planning to go you may also have the chance to visit the museums at night.
Pro tip: On the day from the Vatican to the other side of the river make sure to have a walk around Castel Sant’Angelo, no need to go inside, but it is nice to see it from the other side of the river. But check out if the passetto di borgo - the elevated passage that links Vatican City to Castel Sant’Angelo - is open for visits, it’s truly a wonder.
* Evening
Before heading to Piazza Navona, a beautiful square with insanely historic and gorgeous fountains and street performers, stop for an espresso break at the famous Caffe’ Sant’Eustachio. Afterwards, you can enjoy a leisurely dinner at Luciano, Armando al Pantheon, or La pace del palato. Feeling like a more “street food style dinner” try I Supplì dei Coronari, Supplizio, Bona or Mami for some good pizza and supplì (a roman specialty, fried rice ball filled with mozzarella and tomato sauce).
* After dinner
In case you are not tired yet to explore eternal Rome yet… and you feel like continuing your night out. Go to Trastevere, the best nightlife area of the city… but if you have time make sure to come back also during the day and for some food, we talk about it on the day 5 in case you stay longer ;)
Day 2: Colosseum, Roman and Imperial Forum - as mainly outside, try to plan according to the weather
* Morning
Visit the Colosseum, Roman and Imperial Forum with a single ticket you have both covered. https://ecm.coopculture.it/index.php?option=com_snapp&view=event&id=3793660E-5E3F-9172-2F89-016CB3FAD609&catalogid=B79E95CA-090E-FDA8-2364-017448FF0FA0&lang=en).
* Lunch time
As the area is huge, try to either bring a sandwich with you or get one along the way and avoid the many tourist traps.
* Afternoon
After that, have a walk around the Capitoline Hill for stunning views of the city, you can see the Campidoglio and the Monument to King Vittorio Emanuele II that has a spectacular terrace on top (you can walk for free until a certain point, where there is an elevator and you need to pay for that one, but you can still enjoy a nice view also just going until that point).
On the way to the dinner, you should visit the church Sant’Ignazio di Loyola, don’t want to spoil it, but it’s worth it… just remember to look up!
* Evening
Dinner at the Jewish Quartier called Ghetto and Campo de’ Fiori. It is a really nice area to walk around, and famous for amazing restaurants of typical Roman and Jewish cuisine. I would recommend going to Sora Margherita, Piperno, BellaCarne or Su Ghetto. Also the bakery Boccione is worth a stop.
Pro tip: In case you have some extra time and you would like to visit something less known go to Santo Stefano Rotondo al Celio and villa Celimontana.
Day 3: Pantheon and Baroque Rome (mainly outdoor, check the weather forecast)
* Morning and Afternoon
Visit the Pantheon, you can buy the tickets ahead (Pantheon Rome | Basilica of Santa Maria ad Martyres (pantheonroma.com)), or expect some queue. Go to Trevi Fountain and then walk around Via Condotti the famous street with all the glamorous shops and Via del Corso for less luxurious brands and arrive at the other end of the street to Piazza del Popolo. Explore the beautiful Piazza di Spagna and the Spanish Steps. Climb the steps for a picturesque view of the city.
* Time for Gelato or Tiramisù: while going around so many shops, more energy might be required, so why don’t you try one of the best ice creams in Rome? Try Giolitti’s ice cream! Too cold for ice cream? Then you can have all kind of variety of tiramisù in Pompi
* Lunch or Dinner
Depending on the time you are taking exploring all the shopping opportunities you might want to stop for some food, either for lunch or for dinner… In the area I can recommend the restaurant La Locanda del Tempo, Retrobottega, Roscioli and Taverna Lucifero.
Pro tip: Aperitivo with a view? Go to La Rinascente (Via del Tritone, 61), it’s a rather fancy shopping mall, and on top there are some restaurants and a marvelous terrace.
Day 4: Villa Borghese and Borghese Gallery (Inside and Outside)
* Morning
Spend your morning in Villa Borghese, a vast park perfect for a leisurely stroll or a bike ride. Enjoy the lush greenery and serene surroundings.
* Lunch
The restaurants and cafes in the park and of the Gallery are not the ones we would recommend. Instead before going to the park, buy some typical supplì or pizza al taglio (sliced pizza). In Rome there is a really nice chain where you can find them almost everywhere in the city, look for “Alice” and then go and eat them in the park.
* Afternoon
Visit the Borghese Gallery, (you could buy the ticket in advance as well, it might get also quite crowded https://galleriaborghese.beniculturali.it/) a renowned art museum inside the park. Admire the impressive collection of sculptures and paintings by famous artists such as Bernini and Caravaggio.
* Evening
Go walking to Via Veneto the iconic street got famous for the movie “La Dolce Vita”, if you want some more fancy restaurant you definitely could find them in the area, but if you want some local food, you can easily walk again to the area around Fontana di Trevi where there are plenty of restaurants.
Pro tip: In case you are a Hard Rock Cafè collector, in Via Veneto is where you will find it.
Day 5: Trastevere, explore eternal Rome (Outside)
* Morning
Take in the breathtaking view of the city Janiculum Hill and go to the Fontana Dell’Acqua Paola, from there you can start walking down to Trastevere neighborhood.
* Lunch time
L’Elementare, Eggs, da Vittorio, Il maritozzo rosso, Impiccetta, but also Pianostrada (there are soooo many restaurants in the area, I would actually recommend to have both lunch and dinner here ;)). Be careful on the touristic traps, have a look at the reviews in google maps before entering restaurants too spontaneously.
* Afternoon
Explore the charming neighborhood of Trastevere. Wander through narrow streets filled with artisan shops, cafes, and ancient churches. Visit Santa Maria in Trastevere, one of the oldest churches in Rome, known for its stunning mosaics.
* Evening
have a nice drink at Bar San Callisto. It is an amazing area to stay for drinks and enjoy the night outside.
Pro tips: Romantic places for a perfect BYO wine and aperitivo: Pincio, Gianicolo (Acqua Paola Fountain), Giardino degli aranci.
Rome is a city where history and modernity intertwine, offering endless discoveries for every traveler. Whether it’s your first visit or your tenth, Rome’s blend of iconic landmarks, hidden gems, and world-class cuisine ensures that there’s always something new to experience. So, embrace the charm of the Eternal City, take your time to explore its wonders, and let every corner of Rome tell you a story that spans millennia. Enjoy your trip and buon appetito!
Do you know any other hidden gems to suggest? Like us your comments!
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