Rome

Roma

The Eternal City is Italy's capital and one of the world's great historic destinations, layering ancient ruins, Renaissance art, and vibrant modern life. Every corner reveals millennia of history.

Things to do

• Visit the Colosseum — Book tickets in advance to skip the long queues.
• Explore Vatican Museums — Arrive early or book a timed entry to avoid crowds.
• Toss a coin in Trevi Fountain — Visit at dawn for fewer tourists and better photos.
• Stroll through Trastevere — This charming neighborhood is best explored in the evening.
• Walk the Via Appia Antica — Rent a bike to cover more of the ancient road comfortably.
• Explore the Pantheon — Arrive early to avoid crowds and marvel at the 2000-year-old unreinforced concrete dome with its famous oculus.
• Visit Borghese Gallery — Book tickets well in advance as entry is timed and limited, but the Bernini sculptures inside are unmissable.
• Wander Campo de' Fiori — Visit in the morning for the lively local market, then return at night when it transforms into a buzzing social square.
• Climb the Janiculum Hill — Hike or take a short taxi ride to enjoy one of the best panoramic views over Rome's rooftops.
• Tour Castel Sant'Angelo — Walk the ramparts of this ancient mausoleum-turned-fortress for sweeping views of the Tiber River and St. Peter's Basilica.

Food to try

• Cacio e Pepe — A simple Roman pasta with pecorino cheese and black pepper.
• Supplì — Fried rice balls filled with tomato sauce and mozzarella, a Roman street food staple.
• Artichokes alla Romana — Tender whole artichokes braised with garlic, mint, and olive oil.
• Gelato — Look for shops labeled 'artigianale' for authentic handmade gelato.
• Carbonara — A rich pasta dish of eggs, Pecorino Romano, guanciale, and black pepper — avoid cream, the real version needs none.
• Porchetta — Slow-roasted herb-stuffed pork sliced into sandwiches; try it at Campo de' Fiori market for an authentic street-food experience.
• Trippa alla Romana — Tripe braised in tomato sauce with mint and Pecorino, a beloved Roman comfort dish best found in traditional trattorias.
• Maritozzo — A soft sweet bun split and filled with whipped cream, traditionally eaten for breakfast with a cappuccino.
• Frascati Wine — A crisp white wine from the nearby Castelli Romani hills, widely served by the carafe in Roman osterias.
• Bucatini all'Amatriciana — Thick hollow pasta in a rich tomato and guanciale sauce — a Roman trattoria staple.
• Coda alla Vaccinara — Slow-braised oxtail in a savory tomato and celery sauce, classic Roman offal cooking.
• Gricia — Often called the 'white Amatriciana,' made with guanciale, Pecorino Romano, and black pepper.
• Trapizzino — A crispy triangular pizza pocket stuffed with fillings like chicken cacciatore — a modern Roman street food.
• Sambuca — Rome's favorite anise-flavored digestivo, traditionally served 'con la mosca' with three coffee beans.

Local customs & good to know

• Dress for churches — Cover shoulders and knees when entering the Vatican and other churches.
• Avoid tourist-trap cafés — Espresso at the bar is cheaper and more authentic than table service.
• Respect the fountains — Swimming or sitting in Rome's fountains is illegal and fined heavily.
• Greet shopkeepers — Always say 'buongiorno' or 'buonasera' when entering a shop; ignoring staff is considered rude.
• No cappuccino after noon — Locals only drink cappuccino in the morning; ordering one after lunch marks you as a tourist.
• Eat standing at the bar — Drinking espresso at the counter is cheaper and more authentic than sitting at a table, which incurs a service charge.
• Avoid eating near monuments — Eating or sitting on steps of monuments like the Spanish Steps can result in heavy fines.
• Validate transit tickets — Always stamp your bus or tram ticket in the machine upon boarding; inspectors issue large fines on the spot.