Introduction
Rome, a city filled with history (and tourists), is one of the world’s most important and historic centers. According to Statista, approximately 7 million people visited this beautiful city for tourism last year. Whether because it hosts the Vatican, the center of the Catholic Church, or because it was the capital of historic empires, I believe everyone should see this city at least once. And, of course, let’s not forget the delicious Italian cuisine. Don’t worry, this Rome city guide includes all of this information.
I had the chance to explore Rome at the end of February 2024, during a rather rainy but mild period. Even though it wasn’t the peak summer season, the city was still quite crowded. In this article, I have compiled the information I gathered and the experiences I had during my two days in Rome to be helpful to you. Here is the Rome city guide. Enjoy reading!
Places to Visit in Rome
Even if you explored a different part of Rome every day for a month, you would still find a church, street, or monument you haven’t discovered by the end of the month. The city center of Rome has approximately 280 fountains and 900 churches. Some of these are quite well-known and attract thousands of tourists every day. Here are the places I visited over two days, averaging 22,500 steps per day.
Vatican
Vatican City is the smallest country in the world with an area of about half a square kilometer. It is also the center of the Catholic faith and the home of the Pope, the leader of the Catholic Church. Despite its small size, Vatican City holds a history that surpasses its dimensions. The country hosts a total of 54 museums and countless works of art. The most notable places to visit in Vatican City are St. Peter’s Square, St. Peter’s Basilica, the Vatican Museums, and the Sistine Chapel.
The ticket price for the Vatican Museums, which includes the Sistine Chapel, is €20 (or €25 if you buy it online—it’s worth purchasing online to avoid waiting in line). The museum complex is so vast that even a quick tour takes a few hours, and you still won’t see everything. I can’t even imagine how many months it would take to see it all.
St. Peter’s Basilica & St. Peter’s Square
There is no entrance fee to St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican. However, if you want to enjoy a stunning view of Vatican City and Rome from the basilica’s dome, the ticket without the elevator costs €8, and with the elevator, it costs €10. The elevator takes you only to the top of the basilica. To reach the dome, you will have to climb an additional 303 steps after exiting the elevator, which makes for an interesting ascent.
Vatican City was a place that captivated me in every way and inspired me to delve into its history. If you visit Rome, I highly recommend dedicating a day to exploring Vatican City.
Colosseum
You can explore the interior of the Colosseum, the world’s largest and most famous amphitheater, with an entrance ticket priced at €18. This ticket also grants access to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, which are mentioned later in the text. If you’re interested in visiting areas of the Colosseum that are not included with a standard ticket, such as the arena and underground sections, there are more comprehensive tickets available.
We recommend purchasing Colosseum tickets online as the Vatican Museums. These are the only attractions I recommend where you should purchase tickets online in advance to skip the line.
Inside the Colosseum, you’ll find exhibits detailing its history and artifacts unearthed from excavations in the area. However, I didn’t find the visiting experience particularly impressive. It was both crowded and poorly signposted. Considering the entrance fee, I personally would have been satisfied just viewing it from the outside. I can say that the exterior of the Colosseum is much more beautiful than the interior. However, this ticket also access you to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill without buying further ticket. As far as I know, exclusive tickets are not sold for accessing these two sites (the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill) without buying the Colosseum ticket. You should keep that in mind.
Pantheon
The Pantheon, one of Rome’s oldest structures, boasts a dome with a 43-meter diameter, making it the world’s largest unreinforced concrete dome. Considering that the building was completed in the 2nd century, this fact becomes even more impressive. At the top of the dome, there is an 8-meter-wide opening (shown on the left). Depending on the weather, sunlight or rain enters through this opening. It is believed that this hole was designed to facilitate communication between the Pantheon, built as a “temple of the gods,” and the gods themselves. Additionally, the temple receives daylight solely through this opening.
The term “Pantheon” is used for monuments where famous individuals are buried. One of those buried here is the Renaissance artist Raphael.
Entrance to the Pantheon costs €5, and you may need to wait in line to get in. From my research, it seems that buying tickets online does not provide any advantage in terms of skipping the line.
Trevi Fountain
The word “Trevi” means “three roads” in Italian. The fountain got its name because it is located at the intersection of three roads leading into Rome. Additionally, according to a belief, couples who drink from this fountain are believed to be in love and loyal forever. That explains why it is also known as the Fountain of Love.
As mentioned at the beginning of the article, there are approximately 280 fountains in Rome, and the most famous of them is, of course, this one. It is visited by thousands of tourists every day and thousands of photos are taken here.
One of the rituals performed by tourists at the fountain is to toss a coin into the fountain’s pool with their right hand over their left shoulder with their back turned to the fountain. This ritual gained popularity from the 1954 film “Three Coins in the Fountain,” and according to the most common belief, those who perform this ritual are said to ensure their return to Rome.
You can also take part in this tradition, snap plenty of photos, and enjoy some ice cream while seizing the moment. Who knows, you might find yourself back in Rome again someday.
Additionally, be aware of pickpockets, especially in crowded places like the Trevi Fountain.
Sant’Ignazio di Loyola Church
This church, famous for its ceiling frescoes (shown on the left), has an impressive atmosphere. To view the ceiling without tilting your head and perhaps to enhance its fame, a mirror has been placed inside the church to show the ceiling. This mirror, which you might have seen on social media, is typically used for video recordings.
There is no entrance fee to the church and it is located between the Pantheon and the Trevi Fountain. However, you will need to pay €1 to use the mirror to view the ceiling. Additionally, you might have to wait in line for a chance to look to the mirror.
Here’s a special recommendation for you readers from Açık Bilet: As an alternative to this church, where you need to pay for the mirror and might face some waiting time, we suggest visiting another church with a similar mirror experience—Chiesa del Gesù. We’ve mentioned and featured the interior of this church in our Rome stories. It’s also located quite close to St. Ignatius of Loyola Church and offers a similar experience without the additional mirror fee or long wait.
II. Vittorio Emanuele Monument
The Victor Emmanuel II Monument is a grand structure dedicated to Victor Emmanuel II, the first king of united and independent Italy, and considered the founder of the country. You can capture beautiful shots by climbing the monument’s steps, which overlook Piazza Venezia. Inside the monument, you’ll find a museum, a library, a basilica and even a café on the terrace.
Roman Forum & Palatine Hill
The places are included within the €18 Colosseum ticket. These sites provide a bit of respite within the city. The Roman Forum is an open-air museum that served as the center of political, commercial, legal, and religious life in ancient Rome. It is also includes Julius Caesar’s tomb.
Trastevere
The Trastevere district, located on the western side of the Tiber River that divides Rome vertically, is known for its vibrant streets, charming restaurants, and lively bars. After exploring the tourist attractions, you can head to Trastevere in the evenings to enjoy a meal, have a drink, and experience the local Roman life. In essence, the neighborhood is as fun as pronouncing its name.
Here are some of our recommendations: Trattoria Da Enzo al 29, Tonnarello, and Bar Meccanismo. We’ll get to the dining and drinking details later.
Bonus Places
I mentioned that there are countless places to visit in Rome. Honestly, there are many places I didn’t get to see as well as the ones I did. I’ve added to this list other places I visited, as well as some that I didn’t get to see but might interest you. You can include the places that catch your interest in your travel plans.
- Spanish Steps
- Villa Medici
- Borghese Gallery
- Sant’Angelo Castle
- Navona Square
- Sant’Agnese in Agone Church
- Testaccio Market
How Many Days Should You Spend in Rome
I stayed in Rome for two days and was able to visit the city’s main attractions by walking an average of 15 kilometers a day. If I were to make this plan again, I would spend one less night in Florence and add it in Rome. If you plan to visit several cities in Italy within a limited time like me and Rome is on your itinerary, you might consider spending a bit more time in Rome compared to the other cities, as there are many places to explore.
Where to Stay in Rome
Rome attracts a lot of tourists, so naturally, hotels are more expensive compared to other Italian cities. Even though I visited in February, which is not the high season, I found it difficult to find an affordable hotel. I chose to stay in the Monti district, which is within walking distance of the Colosseum. The location was good, and I was able to walk to everywhere except the Vatican. The place I stayed was called Piazzetta de’ Monti Suites. However, it wasn’t quite cheap. You can see the room as we pinned our Rome stories on Instagram. I’ve also included its location on the map for you to see.
If you’re looking for another hotel, I recommend choosing one within the circle in the visual below. This will likely be more convenient for you, as most of your time exploring Rome will be spent within this area.
Transportation from the Airport to the City Center in Rome
Rome has two international airports adn we used the Leonardo da Vinci – Fiumicino Airport. To travel between this airport and the city center, you can use trains, buses, or taxis. Let’s take a look at these options.
Train
The train that operates between the city center of Rome and the airport is called the Leonardo Express. Trains depart every 15 minutes from Rome’s main train station, Termini. The first train from Rome Termini is at 04:50, and the last train is at 23:50. This means that trains run continuously except for between approximately 23:00 and 05:00. The one-way fare is €14, and the journey takes 32 minutes. You can purchase train tickets at the station or on the Trenitalia website. Here’s a link for all the details about the train.
For reaching Rome’s airport from another city, taking the train is probably the easiest option. Italy’s intercity train network is well-developed. You can purchase a ticket from any city to Rome Termini station, where you can then transfer to the Leonardo Express train to reach Fiumicino Airport. This method is convenient for those traveling to or from Rome to other cities.
Bus
Buses mostly depart from Termini Station as well. There are many bus companies operating on this route, so you can frequently find a bus. A one-way ticket costs around €6-7. The travel time can vary depending on traffic. Since traffic can be heavy during rush hours, it is recommended to use the train instead of the bus during these times.
Taxi
The taxi fare between the airport and the city center is fixed at €48. Finding a taxi in Rome is easy. If you are traveling with more than two people, are far from Termini train station, or simply prefer convenience, you can use a taxi for transportation between the airport and the city center.
Especially if you are a group of 3-4 people, a taxi can be advantageous. For example, instead of paying €14 per person for the train, three people can opt for a taxi at €16 per person for a more comfortable ride. This way, you also avoid the hassle of getting from the train station to your accommodation. We did exactly that beacuse we were a group of three.
Things I Like to Do in Rome
- Strolling through the gardens of the Roman Forum and resting in the shade of a tree
- Listening to street performers and dancing to their Italian songs
- Trying different cocktails at Drink Kong and eating wasabi peanuts
- Having dinner at Da Enzo and chatting with foreigners at the neighboring table
- Watching the crowd around the Trevi Fountain
- Eating fried artichokes as an appetizer before a meal
- Observing the Colosseum’s exterior both during the day and at night
- Wandering the streets of Rome while enjoying gelato
Rome Food Guide
Yes, we’ve explored many places in Rome and offered numerous recommendations so far. Now, let’s get to the most delicious part. After the joy of being in Italy and discovering new places, what truly elevated my endorphin levels and enhanced my enjoyment were, of course, the Italian dishes.
The Lazio region, where Rome is located, practices agriculture and livestock farming, which has contributed to Rome’s unique flavors, just like the rest of Italy. Among the delicious dishes we tried and enjoyed are cacio e pepe, spaghetti carbonara, and Jewish-style fried artichokes.
Cacio e Pepe
The name of this dish, which translates to “cheese and pepper” in Italian, is as simple as the recipe itself. It consists of just a bit of oil, tonnarelli pasta (a thicker version of spaghetti), cheese, and black pepper. The traditional Roman recipe uses Pecorino Romano cheese produced in the region. I really enjoy this simple flavor as it suits my taste perfectly. I’m sure you’ll find a delicious cacio e pepe at many restaurants in Rome. I had at Da Enzo and was very pleased. The fact that everything is made fresh contributes to its deliciousness. I wrote restaurant recommendations further along in the article.
Spaghetti Carbonara
Another well-known and frequently enjoyed Italian dish. Carbonara is a dish that includes pork. The sauce is made by mixing Pecorino Romano cheese and egg yolks, then adding pieces of pork and spaghetti. While the description might not sound particularly appetizing, the taste is delicious.
Jewish-style Fried Artichokes
This traditional recipe from Rome’s Jewish neighborhoods has been appearing in cookbooks since the 16th century. The local artichokes grown in Rome are in season from February to April, making artichokes a popular choice in spring. Fried in deep olive oil, artichokes have become one of my preferred appetizers before meals. It seems that the same holds true for the locals in Rome.
I’ve introduced you to the dishes I’ve tried in Rome. Now, let’s move on to restaurant recommendations.
Breakfast & Snacks
- All’Antico Vinaio: This is a sandwich shop renowned across Italy. The original and most famous location is in Florence. However, if you are not going to Florence, you can still try it in Rome.
- Fuorinorma
- La Licata
La Licata and Fuorinorma were two places we discovered and enjoyed since they were on our hotel’s street. Fuorinorma makes great panini sandwiches in long, thin bread. At La Licata, you can find a variety of foods for breakfast. It can get a bit crowded in the mornings.
I recommend exploring places around your accommodation. You can try the spots I’ve mentioned, but also give your own instincts a chance to guide you.
Italian Restaurants
Many Italian restaurants operate with two service times a day, lunch and dinner. Also, they can be closed the hours between lunch and dinner. However, not all Italian restaurants follow this schedule; some stay open all day. These are some great Italian restaurants in Rome.
- Osteria Al Vicolo 9
- Da Francesco
- Il Corallo
- Tonnarello
Da Enzo al 29 (My favorite)
This place is a small, well-known establishment. Even in February, there was quite a line outside. We were so tired that we debated whether to wait or not, but eventually decided to stay. Once we sat down and had the food, our fatigue passed, and we felt it was worth the wait.
Lunch service runs from 12:15 PM to 3:00 PM, and dinner is from 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM. It’s a good idea to arrive about an hour before the service starts to get in the line and find place quickly.
I had the cacio e pepe here that I mentioned earlier. The other dishes in the adjacent photo are meatballs with tomato sauce and pasta with oxtail and tomato sauce.
Tiramisu
One of the most polarizing topics under our Rome guide on Instagram is tiramisu. There are two places famous for tiramisu in Rome: Two Sizes and Pompi. I tried both, and I preferred Pompi’s tiramisu more. While Two Sizes’ tiramisu isn’t bad, it tasted rather standard. However, many people in the comments prefer Two Sizes over Pompi. We naturally offer our recommendations based on our own preferences. I think the best option, if you have the chance, is to try both. After all, two tiramisus are always better than one, no matter where you eat them.
Bars
In the places to visit section of the article, I mentioned Trastevere. Trastevere is a lively area with restaurants and bars. In this district, you can find a bar like Freni e Frizioni, which is listed among the best bars in the world, as well as very casual and affordable bars (I couldn’t find the name of the place we sit). It all comes down to your own taste and preference, but as mentioned, there are plenty of options.
I tried Bar Meccanismo in Trastevere and can recommend it. Besides this, there’s another bar not located in this area but worth mentioning.
Drink Kong
This is a bar with a delightful ambiance and drinks, featuring Japanese influences. The interior design and menu give you a taste of Japanese culture. The bar has minimal lighting on the tables, creating a dimly lit atmosphere with tables spaced apart. This setup allows for easy conversation and minimizes external distractions. Naturally, the mood of the place influences yours, helping you relax. The menu design and cocktails are also impressive, with a well-organized selection that caters to various tastes. As a cocktail enthusiast, you should definitely visit this place if you find yourself in Rome.
The Cappuccino Rule
You may have heard of the cappuccino rule that applies throughout Italy. The rule is quite simple: cappuccino is not consumed after 11 a.m. (or 12 p.m. in some places). This is because Italians drink cappuccino and other milk-heavy coffees like latte macchiato to fill their stomachs at breakfast. Typically, they have a light pastry with a frothy, milk-heavy coffee to keep them full until lunch. These frothy coffees suppress the appetite, so they are not consumed after 11 a.m. or 12 p.m.
Coffee Culture
Coffee without milk, such as espresso, is still enjoyed in the afternoon. In fact, just like we have tea or Turkish coffee after meals in Türkiye, Italians also have a culture of drinking espresso after lunch and dinner to aid digestion.
A unique aspect of Italian café culture is the difference between sitting down for coffee and drinking it standing at the bar. You either need to sit at a table and place your order, or if you order at the bar, it’s served there and you drink it quickly while standing. You can’t move to a table with your coffee if you’ve ordered at the bar. Usually, there’s a price difference between these two ways of consuming coffee due to service charges. Adjusting to such different rules might take some time, so one of the most important things to do abroad is to observe. Observing and keeping an open mind helps you learn new things and adapt to the culture.
What I’ve mentioned is just a small part of the broad Italian coffee culture. Considering Italians’ strong attachment to their own culture, it’s normal for them to expect tourists to adhere to these customs as well. I also want to share a short blog post I found on the blog of the University of Delaware in the USA. It’s written from the perspective of a foreigner and covers these rules and more.
By the way, I should mention that I never tried ordering a cappuccino after 11 am. I’m curious about what might happen if you do. If you try it, please let me know the outcome!
Conclusion
We’re now at the end of the details and recommendations for my Rome trip. I’ve shared my two-day experiences in Rome. As mentioned in the article, there are so many places, restaurants, and cafes to explore in Rome. I’ve written about my own experiences and what I enjoyed. I hope you find it helpful, if you do please leave a comment down below. Have a great trip!
I wrote about my electronics shopping experience in Italy under Tax Free Shopping article.
To see our pinned Rome stories and guide on Instagram, be sure to visit our Instagram page and don’t forget to follow us! Also, you can find us on LinkedIn!
I’ve put the places mentioned in this guide onto a Google Maps. This way, you can view them on the map and easily use it during your trip. The Rome city guide is always at your fingertips when you need it.
You can see our other City Guides and more articles about Italy by clicking the links.
