Rome Travel Guide | TouristSecrets

12 places and guides from our Rome coverage, gathered into one page.

How To Take A Day Trip To Pompeii From Rome

Take a high-speed train from Roma Termini to Naples Centrale (about 70 minutes), then the Circumvesuviana local train to Pompei Scavi (another 30 minutes). Pompeii was buried under ash and pumice after the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD, and the excavated site offers a unique glimpse into daily Roman life. Allow at least three to four hours on site. Book train tickets in advance for the best fares, and consider a guided tour to skip the often-long entrance lines.

What Is A Good Souvenir From Rome Italy

A good souvenir from Rome is something small, local, and tied to the city's traditions: a bottle of olive oil from Lazio, a piece of hand-painted ceramics, or a miniature reproduction of a Roman landmark. Food items like pasta, dried porcini mushrooms, or balsamic vinegar travel well. For something wearable, look for leather goods from small workshops near the Colosseum or a silk scarf printed with ancient Roman motifs. Avoid generic mass-produced trinkets sold near major monuments.

Things To Do In Rome, Italy

Rome is rich in artistic heritage, has a divine culinary quotient, and an everlasting history. The Eternal City gave birth to artists like Michelangelo, Raphael, and Bernini. Its history spans over 3000 years. Visit the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill on a combined ticket. Explore the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel, then St. Peter's Basilica. Toss a coin into the Trevi Fountain to ensure your return. Wander Trastevere for authentic Roman cuisine. Climb the Spanish Steps for a view over the city. Each of these experiences is detailed in dedicated guides on this site.

Hidden Gems: The Most Beautiful Piazzas In Rome You Haven't Seen

Rome is famous for its history, art, and architecture, but some of its most charming spots are often overlooked. While many tourists flock to Piazza Navona or the Spanish Steps, lesser-known piazzas deserve attention. Piazza della Madonna dei Monti is a quiet local hangout near the Colosseum, with a central fountain and shaded benches. Piazza di San Cosimato in Trastevere hosts a morning market and is surrounded by family-run trattorias. Piazza dei Ponziani, also in Trastevere, offers a peaceful corner with ivy-covered buildings. Piazza di Santa Cecilia backs onto the church of the same name and is rarely crowded. These hidden gems provide a peaceful escape from the bustling city streets.

All You Need To Know About Visiting The Trevi Fountain In Rome

The Trevi Fountain is one of the biggest tourist attractions in Rome, partly because it is free and partly because it is one of the most iconic sights in the city. Many films have been shot here, and the baroque masterpiece draws huge crowds daily. Go early in the morning (before 8 a.m.) or late at night (after 10 p.m.) for a quieter experience. The fountain is under renovation periodically; check current access before visiting. Tossing a coin over your left shoulder with your right hand is said to guarantee your return to Rome.

The Best Hotels To Stay At In Rome

From the Colosseum to the Vatican City, the Eternal City offers a blend of antiquity and modernity. Rome has accommodation options for every style and budget. For a central location near the Trevi Fountain, consider the Hotel Pantheon or the Albergo del Senato. Near the Vatican, the Gran Meliá Rome offers luxury with a rooftop pool. For budget travelers, the YellowSquare Rome in Termini provides hostel-style dorms and private rooms. Trastevere has boutique B&Bs like the Santa Maria Trastevere. Each neighborhood has its own character: historic center for walkability, Trastevere for nightlife, Monti for hipster cafes.

Where To Go On A Day Trip From Rome

Sometimes it is nice to escape the city and explore the surrounding areas. One of the most popular day trip destinations from Rome is Tivoli, located just 30 kilometers east of the city. Tivoli is home to two UNESCO World Heritage sites: Villa d'Este, with its famous terraced fountains and gardens, and Hadrian's Villa, the sprawling retreat of Emperor Hadrian. Both are reachable by regional train from Roma Termini (about 30 minutes to Tivoli station, then a local bus). Other day trip options include Ostia Antica (Rome's ancient port, 30 minutes by train), Orvieto (1 hour by train, with a stunning cathedral), and the Castelli Romani wine towns (45 minutes by bus).

11 Hidden Gems: Must-Visit Markets In Rome

Rome is famous for its ancient ruins, stunning architecture, and delicious food. It also boasts some of the best markets in the world. From the bustling Campo de' Fiori (mornings, Monday to Saturday) to the charming Mercato Monti (weekends, vintage and design), these markets provide a glimpse into daily life in the Eternal City. Mercato di Testaccio is the go-to for fresh produce and street food, especially the trapizzino. Porta Portese is Rome's largest flea market, held every Sunday morning. Mercato delle Stampe in Largo della Fontanella Borghese specializes in antique prints and books. Exploring these markets can lead to unexpected treasures.

La Dolce Vita: 5 Ways To Enjoy Time In Rome, Italy

To fully experience Italian culture, you must understand "la dolce vita" and incorporate it into your holiday. It means "the sweet life," a style of living typical of post-World War 2 Italian culture, made famous in the 1960s by Federico Fellini's film starring Marcello Mastroianni and Anita Ekberg. To live la dolce vita in Rome: 1) Enjoy an aperitivo at sunset from a rooftop bar, like the one at the Hotel Minerva. 2) Take a passeggiata (evening stroll) through the historic center. 3) Eat gelato while sitting on the Spanish Steps. 4) Have a long, multi-course dinner with wine, starting no earlier than 8 p.m. 5) Spend a Sunday morning at the Porta Portese flea market.

Top 5 Tips For Visiting The Vatican In Rome, Italy

No visit to Rome would be complete without a trip to the Vatican. The Vatican is a sovereign city-state and the spiritual center of the Roman Catholic Church, home to St. Peter's Basilica, the Sistine Chapel, and the Vatican Museums. 1) Book tickets online in advance for the Vatican Museums to avoid queues that can exceed two hours. 2) Dress modestly: cover shoulders and knees for entry to the Basilica and the Sistine Chapel. 3) Visit on a Wednesday if you want to see the Papal Audience (tickets required). 4) The Vatican Museums are closed on Sundays except the last Sunday of each month, when entry is free but queues are longest. 5) Climb the dome of St. Peter's (551 steps to the top, or take a lift partway) for a panoramic view of Rome.

First Night In Rome

After a long flight, keep your first night simple and low-pressure. Drop your bags at your hotel, then head out for a walk. The historic center is compact and safe after dark. Start at the Colosseum, illuminated at night, then walk through the Roman Forum (viewable from the street) to Piazza Venezia. Have a casual dinner at a trattoria in the Jewish Ghetto, known for its fried artichokes (carciofi alla giudia). End with gelato from a proper gelateria (look for one where the gelato is stored in covered metal tins, not piled high in colorful mounds). With a history spanning over 2,500 years, Rome is an open-air museum where ancient ruins stand side by side with bustling streets and vibrant neighborhoods.

Where To Stay In Rome For Honeymoon

From luxurious hotels with breathtaking views to cozy bed and breakfasts tucked away in charming alleys, Rome has something for every couple seeking a romantic retreat. For a honeymoon, consider the historic streets of Trastevere, with its ivy-covered buildings and intimate restaurants. The area around the Spanish Steps offers elegant hotels like the Hassler Roma, with rooftop views of the city. Near the Pantheon, boutique hotels like the Pantheon Iconic Rome provide easy walking access to major sights. For a quieter stay, the Aventine Hill has luxury properties with gardens and a famous keyhole view of St. Peter's dome. Each neighborhood has its own distinct character, from the elegant ambiance of the Spanish Steps to the authentic charm of Trastevere.