It's been centuries since this gorgeous tumble of ancient and Renaissance buildings ruled the world, but Rome still captivates in a way few cities elsewhere can. Today, we come here as much for the cacio pepe in Testaccio and to wander the lanes of Monti, as we do the Pantheon which is as impressive on your first visit as it is your 30th. Doesn't hurt, either, that the cocktail bars now give Paris's a run for their Euro.
Rome Travel Guide
Plan Your Rome Trip
The 9 Best Places to Visit in Italy—According to You, Our Readers
The top Italian cities as voted in our 2022 Readers' Choice Awards.
By Maresa Manara
What U.S. Travelers Should Know About Italy's New Airline
New York, Boston, and Miami will be among Italia Trasporto Aereo’s first long-haul destinations.
By Jessica Puckett
Top 10 Hotels in Rome: Readers’ Choice Awards 2022
Condé Nast Traveler readers rate their top hotels in the Eternal City.
Featured
The Joy of Seeing Rome Anew
Sometimes the only way to see a familiar place in a new light is through the eyes of someone else—like your child.
By Stanley Stewart
Photography by Jenny Zarins
Actor Kiki Layne on Embracing Her Inner Tourist in Rome
On a work trip to the Eternal City, Layne makes time to see Rome's famous sights.
By Meredith Carey
A Look Inside the Colosseum's Long-Hidden Gladiator Tunnels
The backstage area of the Roman arena has opened to the public for the first time in history.
By Julia Buckley
Editor Hotel Recommendations
- Bulgari Hotel Roma: First In$$$ | Italy, Rome, Piazza Augusto Imperatore, 17Read full reviewThe luxury giant lands in its hometown with a new standard for high end craftsmanship, style, and luxuryHot ListPowered By: Booking.com
- Palazzo Ripetta$$$ | Italy, Rome, Via di Ripetta 231Read full reviewA visual treat of pattern and color—and one of Rome's few remaining independent five-star hotelsReaders Choice AwardsPowered By: Expedia
- The Rome EDITION$$$ | Italy, Rome, Salita di S. Nicola da Tolentino, 14Read full reviewLocations don’t get much better than this quiet block steps from Via VenetoPowered By: Expedia
- citizenM Roma Isola Tiberina Hotel$ | Italy, Rome, Lungotevere de' Cenci, 5-8Read full reviewA refreshingly smart, affordable hotel in RomePowered By: Expedia
- The Tribune Hotel, a JdV by Hyatt Hotel$ | Italy, Rome, Via Campania, 45Read full reviewThe first Italian JdV by Hyatt is shaking up the city’s straightlaced Villa BorghesePowered By: Expedia
- Palazzo Dama$ | Italy, Rome, Lungotevere Arnaldo da Brescia, 2Read full reviewLive like an Italian aristocrat, with your own rooftop patio, garden pool, and underground nightclub.Hot ListPowered By: Expedia
- The First Dolce by The Pavilions Hotels & Resorts$$$ | Italy, Rome, Via del Corso, 63Read full reviewThis futuristic hotel in the center of Via del Corso focuses on exactly what its name implies: sweets and pastries. Brace for eclairs, pralines, mignons, and even chocolate tastings.Readers Choice AwardsPowered By: Expedia
- The First Musica by The Pavilions Hotels & Resorts$$$ | Italy, Rome, Lungotevere dei Mellini, 26Read full reviewFor those who work hard and play hard–you'll appreciate both the big, modernist artworks in the rooms by day, and the DJ sets in the lobby by night.Powered By: Expedia
- W Rome$$ | Italy, Rome, 26/36, Via LiguriaRead full reviewFor the well-traveled, design-savvy crowd who know when they’re onto a good thing.Readers Choice Awards
Hot ListPowered By: Skylark - The Hoxton Rome$ | Italy, Rome, Largo Benedetto Marcello, 220Read full reviewRome's most stylish new hangout.Readers Choice AwardsPowered By: Expedia
- Anantara Palazzo Naiadi Rome Hotel$$ | Italy, Rome, Piazza della Repubblica, 47Read full reviewA luxury retreat in the center of Rome.Readers Choice AwardsPowered By: Expedia
- Sofitel Rome Villa Borghese$$ | Italy, Rome, Via Lombardia, 47Read full reviewAttracts the sophisticated, well-travelled, and big fans of art and design.Readers Choice AwardsPowered By: Expedia
- Corso 281$$ | Italy, Rome, Via del Corso, 281Read full reviewNo request is too much for Gisonna’s team and they’ll happily use their pull around town to make sure you get the best Roman experience possible.Powered By: Expedia
- The Fifteen Keys Hotel$ | Italy, Rome, Via Urbana, 6Read full reviewSmart, stylish and right in one of Rome’s buzziest areas—what more could you want? It’s the ideal place to slink home to after a day exploring the city.Readers Choice Awards
Hot ListPowered By: Expedia
The Best Things to Do in Rome
- 4 Best Day Trips from RomeThe Lazio and Umbria regions contain artistic and culinary treasures worthy of a day trip or long weekend.
By Arlene Gibbs and Laura Itzkowitz
- 22 Best Things to Do in RomeThe full spectrum of experiences the Italian capital has to offer.
By Maresa Manara and Katie Parla
- 19 Best Tours in RomeThe city's best tours bring history to life and offer insider access to the local scenes.
By Maresa Manara and Erica Firpo
- 10 Best Things to Do in Rome with KidsIt's not all espressos and aperetivo hours. Rome has plenty to do with little ones.
By Maresa Manara
- 14 Best Places for Shopping in RomeRome has everything for everyone, which means the streets are lined with store fronts of every kind and flavor. Whether made-to-measure or easy fix, we've got you covered.
By Erica Firpo
Editor Recommendations
- Palazzo SpadaItaly, Rome, Piazza Capo di Ferro, 13Read full reviewBlissfully uncrowded, and home to a rich art collection of Renaissance and Baroque masters
- Case Romane del Celio in RomeItaly, Rome, Clivo di ScauroRead full reviewUnderground beneath Rome's Basilica Santi Giovanni e Paolo
- Quartiere San LorenzoItaly, Rome, San LorenzoRead full reviewFor a cheap-ish night out in a gritty but very cool neighborhood.
- MAXXI RomeItaly, Rome, Via Guido Reni, 4ARead full reviewA contemporary art museum where the building itself, designed by Zaha Hadid, is just as much on display as parts of the rotating collection.
- Baths of CaracallaItaly, Rome, Viale delle Terme di CaracallaRead full reviewThe Baths of Caracalla were a massive public bathing complex built in the 3rd century and now used as a performance space for Rome's Opera company.
- Jubilee ChurchItaly, Rome, Piazza Largo Terzo Millennio, 8, Via Francesco Tovaglieri, 194Read full reviewModern architecture lovers will find this church immensely interesting, as will people who have visited Rome many times and are eager to get outside the center to see less touristy neighborhoods.
- Capitoline MuseumsItaly, Rome, Piazza del Campidoglio, 1Read full reviewThanks to its collection of ancient sculpture and proximity to Rome's main archeological attractions, the Capitoline Museums are a logical place to stop after visiting the Roman Forum and Colosseum.
- Galleria Doria PamphiljItaly, Rome, Via del Corso 305Read full reviewThis museum houses Rome's largest private collection, a trove assembled by the Doria, Pamphilj, Landi, and Aldobrandini families and brought together through marriage.
- Ancient Pharmacy of Santa Maria della ScalaItaly, Rome, Piazza della Scala, 23Read full reviewThe oldest pharmacy in Europe offers a great tour that's off the usual tourist track.
- Vicus CaprariusItaly, Rome, Vicolo del Puttarello, 25Read full reviewGo beneath the Trevi district to see how the richest Romans lived.
- AricciaItaly, Ariccia,Read full reviewFor centuries, Ariccia has been a refuge for artists who came to these hills for inspiration.
- FrascatiItaly, Frascati,Read full reviewA trip to this tiny town is a great (and easy) activity to escape the summer heat of Rome.
- Collegiata di San TommasoItaly, Castel Gandolfo, Piazza della Libertà, 12Read full reviewA great spot for reflection and to appreciate the genius that is Bernini.
- Levante BeachItaly , Sperlonga,Read full reviewThis is one of the nicest beaches on the Italian west coast.
Cacio E Pepe Is the One Dish You Must Have in Rome, Italy
Cacio e Pepe means "cheese and pepper". The dish consists of pecorino - a hard, sheep's milk cheese - black pepper, and any of the long noodle pasta like tagliolini, bucatini, or spaghetti. You can find the specialty just about anywhere in Rome and it might even turn up in a parmesan cheese bowl.
The Best Places to Eat & Drink in Rome
- 42 Best Restaurants in RomeWe’ve got the lowdown on where to eat and drink in the Eternal City.
By Maresa Manara
- 11 Best Gelato Shops in RomeIf you didn't get a cup or cone from this list, did you even really visit Rome?
By Maresa Manara
- A Beginner's Guide to Italian Aperitivi Cocktails and Where to Try ThemFrom Campari in Turin to Select Aperitivo in Venice.
By Tyler Zielinski
- 19 Best Spots for Aperitivo in RomeEarly evening cocktail with light pre-dinner bites? Si, grazie. From cozy wine bars to neighborhood locals, we’ve rounded up the best places in Rome for your 5pm pick-me-up.
By Maresa Manara
- Best Pizza in RomeFrom rectangular slices for snacking to thin-crust personal pies.
By Maresa Manara and Katie Parla
Editor Restaurant and Bar Recommendations
- Hotel Locarno BarItaly, Rome, Via della Penna, 22Promising the kind of iconic Roman afternoon you've been dreaming of since you bought your flights.
- Drink KongItaly, Rome, Piazza di S. Martino Ai Monti, 8An otherworldly experience of moody lighting, strong drinks and Mexican-Japanese culture… in Italy.
- Cielo BarItaly, Rome, Via Sistina, 69Beautiful cocktails, beautiful people, in a very beautiful place.
- Cul de Sac$ | Italy, Rome, Piazza di Pasquino, 73Wine, cheese, and people watching in a relaxed neighborhood spot.
- The Factory$$ | Italy, Rome, Piazza dei Condottieri, 40Cool-but-grungy craft beer hall that turns the charm—and the obsessiveness—up a notch.
- La Punta Expendio de Agave$$ | Italy, Rome, Via Santa Cecilia, 8La Punta's owner lives between Rome and Oaxaca, perfecting his list of Mexican cocktails—a feat he's clearly accomplished with this tequila and mezcal bar.
'Italian Chic': The Pair Behind Chez Dédé, Rome's Hippest Shop, Share Their Italy
Daria Reina and Andrea Ferolla spent two years photographing and illustrating everything they love about their home.
By Erin Florio
More from Rome
Destinations
Off Season Italy: Restaurateur Francesco Panella’s Guide to Eating Your Way Through Rome in Fall
Consider this your ultimate restaurant guide to the Eternal City.
By Maddalena Fossati
Places to Stay
16 Best Airbnbs in Rome, Including an Apartment Overlooking the Pantheon
Start planning your trip to the Italian capital with these top vacation rentals.
By Julia Buckley
Destinations
The Best Affordable Hotels in Rome
These budget-friendly hotels don’t skimp on comfort or style.
By Maresa Manara
Places to Stay
My Favorite Airbnb in Rome: A Two-Bedroom Near Campo de' Fiori With a Rooftop Terrace
The outdoor patio is the entire reason I booked this place—and it didn't disappoint.
By Taylor Eisenhauer
Food & Drink
In ‘Portico,’ a New Cookbook, the Food of Rome’s Longstanding Jewish Community Gets Its Due
The latest selection of recipes by the culinary author Leah Koenig is out August 29.
By Devorah Lev-Tov
Shopping
How One Italy-Obsessed Editor Packed for a Summer Trip to Rome
A Kodak point-and-shoot film camera and dangly disco ball earrings were at the top of her packing list.
By Alex Erdekian
Places to Stay
How Rome's New Six Senses and Bulgari Properties Are Leveling Up the City's Hotel Scene
A pair of standout openings position the Eternal City as a luxury hotel town on par with London and Paris.
By Ondine Cohane
Destinations
Where to Eat, Stay, and Play in Prati—Rome's Most Underrated Neighborhood
Often ignored by travelers altogether, this area is a haven of under-the-radar treasures (and it's within walking distance of the Vatican).
By Chadner Navarro
Destinations
Some of the Best Rooftop Restaurants in Rome Are Perched Atop Hotels
Enjoy fine dining while taking in unparalleled views of the Eternal City.
By Alessandra Tibollo
Solo Travel
I Couldn’t Grieve My Mother at Home, So I Grieved Her in Rome
Writer Matt Ortile on a first return to the city he’d visited with his late mother.
By Matt Ortile
Food & Drink
Rome’s Artisanal Food Shops Are Staging a Comeback—And They’re Cooler Than Ever
Once an endangered breed, botteghe are back in business in the Eternal City.
By Marianna Cerini
News & Advice
What It's Like to See the Vatican Museums, Minus the Crowds
At the newly reopened site, you can still view the Sistine Chapel in relative solitude.
By Erica Firpo
Destinations
A Slice of the Real Rome in One of Its Most Touristed Neighborhoods
Trastevere's Via di Santa Cecilia is everything great about the city on one street.
By Erin Florio
News & Advice
Vintage Shops, Markets, and Home Goods Stores to Visit in Rome Right Now
This gilt-edged city is a stealth fashion capital, more extravagant than Milan and more laid-back than Paris. Today the big players are found in frescoed flagships that sit alongside quirky flea-market dens.
By Andrea Whittle
News & Advice
The Hoxton Is Coming to Rome
It will have the trademark design expected of the brand, in a less-than-expected part of town.
By Erin Florio
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