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
- 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 - DoubleTree by Hilton Rome Monti$ | Italy, Rome, P.za dell'Esquilino, 1Read full reviewAll the comforts of the hotel chain stalwart, with fresh Italian interior design.Powered 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
- 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.
- Cinecittà Studios: VIP TourItaly, Rome, Via Tuscolana, 1055Read full reviewGo behind the scenes at the studio Fellini graced.
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
- Pizzeria I Quintili$$ | Italy, Rome, Via Francesco Cangiullo, 20Pizzas here come out hot and fast, and are served with a smile.
- A Rota Pizzeria Romanesca$ | Italy, Rome, Via di Tor Pignattara, 190A little off the tourist track, this pizza place's crowd is Roman—through and through.
- Emma$$ | Italy, Rome, Via del Monte della Farina, 28
- Pinsere$ | Italy, Rome, Via Flavia, 98It's not on any natural tourist path, but this take-away spot is worth it for the pinse, pizza's beloved ancestor.
- Trieste Pizza$ | Italy, Rome, Via Urbana, 112A serviceable standout in an area otherwise lacking in quality restaurants, this humble pizzeria delivers solid, affordable pies.
- Ivo a Trastevere$$ | Italy, Rome, Via di S. Francesco a Ripa, 158This no-frills pizzeria, which is often packed with college kids, excels where it really matters: thin crusts and cold beers.
- Cesare al Casaletto$$ | Italy, Rome, Via del Casaletto, 45A trattoria specializing in Roman cuisine aces the classics, but whatever you do, don't overlook the terrific pizzas.
- La Pratolina$$ | Italy, Rome, Via Rialto, 16There's no better place to try pinse romane, multi-flour flatbreads that are gaining popularity in Rome.
- La Gatta Mangiona$$ | Italy, Rome, Via Federico Ozanam, 30-32Buzzy, oft-packed pizzeria turns out classic and creative pies that pair well with an extensive drinks list.
- Sbanco$$ | Italy, Rome, Via Siria, 1With solid classic and creative pies, this pizzeria makes one thing clear: There's absolutely no need to pick favorites.
- Pizzeria Ostiense$ | Italy, Rome, Via Ostiense, 56The size and design of this classic pizzeria are fairly standard for Rome, but the pizza is anything but.
- Trapizzino Trastevere$ | Italy, Rome, Piazza Trilussa, 46Half pizza, half sandwich and all delicious, the trapizzino has become a fast-food icon in Rome and beyond.
- Forno Campo de' Fiori$ | Italy, Rome, Campo de' Fiori, 22Pay no attention to the brusque service at this tiny bakery; after all, you're here for the pizza by the slice.
- Antico Forno Roscioli$ | Italy, Rome, Via dei Chiavari, 34Long knives thwack five-foot-long slabs of pizza into slices in this no-frills, if brusque, bakery.
- Pro Loco DOL$$ | Italy, Rome, Via Domenico Panaroli, 35The 30-minute cab ride is worth it for this love letter to Lazio, a food-industry favorite that sources ingredients locally.
'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
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
15 Best Airbnbs in Rome, From Apartments Overlooking the Colosseum to Designer Villas
Start planning your trip to the Italian capital with these top vacation rentals.
By Julia Buckley
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
News & Advice
You Could Be Fined $450 for Sitting on Rome's Spanish Steps
Travelers can no longer rest their legs at this popular meeting spot.
By Louis Cheslaw
Destinations
What to Do in Rome This Spring
Here's what's happening in the city in April and May 2019.
By Erin Florio
More Destinations
- Cape Town Travel GuideAt the edge of the earth—and the cultural cutting edge
- Venice Travel GuideTrust us, you'll want to get lost
- Our Ultimate Italy Travel GuideAll of our best hotel, restaurant, and activity recommendations in one place.
By CNT Editors
- Bangkok Travel GuideHow to do it right
- Tokyo Travel GuideSushi is just the beginning
- Hong Kong Travel GuideThat skyline though...
- Singapore Travel GuideThe Lion City is roaring these days
- Madrid Travel GuideBarcelona’s big rival has its mojo back
- Lisbon Travel GuideTiles, tiles, tiles
- Florence Travel GuideGet to know your Davids
- Edinburgh Travel GuideMore than just Fringe
- Dublin Travel GuideThe Irish capital is calling
- Copenhagen Travel GuideA Michelin-starred fairytale