Rome

Rome

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Written by Travel Guide Team

Experienced travel writers who have personally visited and explored this destination.

Last updated: December 27, 2025

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Rome Travel Guide 2025: The Eternal City

Target Audience: Perfect for history buffs, art lovers, food enthusiasts, and travelers seeking to experience one of the world's most historic and beautiful cities.

Rome, the capital of Italy, is a city where history comes alive. Known as the Eternal City, Rome has been a center of power, culture, and art for over 2,500 years. In 2025, Rome continues to captivate visitors with its ancient ruins, Renaissance art, Baroque architecture, and world-renowned cuisine. From the Colosseum to the Vatican, Rome offers an unparalleled journey through time.

Expert Insight: Avoid the tourist traps around the Colosseum and Trevi Fountain—instead, explore Trastevere for authentic Roman atmosphere, or visit the Appian Way (Via Appia Antica) for ancient ruins without the crowds. For the best gelato, avoid places with colorful mounds—look for natural-colored gelato in metal containers.

🏙️ Neighborhood Guide: Where to Explore

Rome is divided into distinct neighborhoods, each with its own character:

  • Centro Storico: The historic center with the Pantheon, Piazza Navona, and Trevi Fountain. Tourist-heavy but essential to visit.
  • Trastevere: The charming neighborhood across the Tiber River, with narrow cobblestone streets, authentic trattorias, and vibrant nightlife. Perfect for experiencing local Roman life.
  • Vatican City: The world's smallest independent state, home to St. Peter's Basilica, the Vatican Museums, and the Sistine Chapel. Allow a full day to explore.
  • Monti: Trendy neighborhood near the Colosseum with hip bars, boutiques, and excellent restaurants. Popular with young Romans and expats.
  • Testaccio: The foodie neighborhood known for traditional Roman cuisine, the Testaccio Market, and authentic trattorias.

🏰 Top Attractions for 2025

  1. Colosseum: The iconic symbol of Rome and the largest amphitheater ever built. A must-see, but book skip-the-line tickets online.
    • Pro Tip: Book tickets that include the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. Visit early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds. The underground and top tier require special tickets.
  2. Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel: Home to one of the world's greatest art collections, including Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel ceiling. Book tickets months in advance.
  3. St. Peter's Basilica: The largest church in the world, with stunning architecture and art. Free to enter, but expect long lines. Climb the dome for panoramic views.
  4. Pantheon: The best-preserved ancient Roman building, now a church. Free to enter. Marvel at the oculus and the engineering genius.
  5. Roman Forum & Palatine Hill: The heart of ancient Rome. Walk among ruins where emperors ruled and gladiators fought. Combined ticket with Colosseum.
  6. Trevi Fountain: The famous Baroque fountain. Visit early morning or late evening to avoid crowds. Throw a coin (right hand over left shoulder) to ensure your return to Rome.

🍝 Culinary Scene: From Carbonara to Gelato

Roman cuisine is simple, delicious, and based on fresh ingredients:

  • Classic Pasta Dishes: Try authentic carbonara (no cream!), cacio e pepe, amatriciana, or gricia in traditional trattorias.
  • Pizza: Roman pizza is thin and crispy. Try pizza al taglio (by the slice) or sit-down pizza in a pizzeria.
  • Gelato: Look for artisanal gelaterias with natural colors. Avoid places with colorful mounds—they're tourist traps.
  • Markets: Visit Campo de' Fiori market (mornings) or Testaccio Market for fresh produce and local specialties.
  • Trattorias: Traditional Roman restaurants serving authentic local cuisine. Look for places away from major tourist sites.
  • Aperitivo: Join locals for aperitivo hour (6-8 PM) for drinks and snacks. Popular in Trastevere and Monti.

🎨 Art & History

Rome is an open-air museum:

  • Ancient Ruins: Beyond the Colosseum, explore the Baths of Caracalla, the Catacombs, or the Appian Way.
  • Museums: Visit the Capitoline Museums, Borghese Gallery (requires advance booking), or smaller gems like the Doria Pamphilj Gallery.
  • Churches: Rome has over 900 churches, many with incredible art. Don't miss Santa Maria in Trastevere, San Clemente, or the Basilica of St. John Lateran.
  • Fountains & Squares: Explore Piazza Navona, Spanish Steps, and the many beautiful fountains throughout the city.

🚇 Practical Tips: Getting Around

  • Public Transport: Rome's metro (Metro A, B, C) and bus system cover the city. Get a Roma Pass for unlimited transport and skip-the-line access to attractions.
  • Walking: Rome's historic center is best explored on foot. Many attractions are within walking distance of each other.
  • Taxis & Rideshare: Official taxis are white with a 'TAXI' sign. Use apps like Uber or FreeNow. Agree on price or use meter.
  • Best Time to Visit: Spring (April-June) and fall (September-November) offer pleasant weather. Summer can be hot and crowded. Winter is mild but can be rainy.
  • Dress Code: Cover shoulders and knees when visiting churches and the Vatican. Comfortable walking shoes are essential.

❓ FAQ: Visiting Rome

How many days do I need in Rome?
At least 4-5 days to see the main attractions. A week allows for deeper exploration, day trips to nearby sites like Ostia Antica, and time to soak in the atmosphere.

Is Rome expensive?
Rome can be expensive, especially for accommodation and dining in tourist areas. However, there are budget options: trattorias away from tourist sites, free churches, and affordable public transport.

Do I need to book attractions in advance?
Yes, absolutely! Book the Colosseum, Vatican Museums, and Borghese Gallery weeks or months in advance. Many attractions have limited daily capacity.

Is it safe to walk around Rome?
Rome is generally safe, but beware of pickpockets in crowded areas, especially around major attractions and on public transport. Keep valuables secure.