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Rome vacations: Plan your ultimate trip to the Eternal City
Stroll along ancient paths, wander through medieval streets and magnificent squares, and admire world-famous buildings. No matter where you're headed in Italy's capital city, it feels like a well-known sight is never too far away.
Nicknamed the Eternal City, the 2.8 million-strong Mediterranean metropolis of Rome is an incomparable destination. Nowhere else in the world will you be able to find so many impressive buildings from different eras.
But a visit to this city isn't just about its ancient past. On the contrary, Rome features layers of history, with new things built upon the old as time marches on. No matter what sort of trip you have planned for Rome, don't forget to while away a few hours at a cafe in one of the beautiful squares or perhaps indulge in a long lunch in one of the city's many trattorias.
Travel tips for Rome
Whether it's your first trip to the Italian capital or your tenth, we've collected the very best travel tips for Rome. So, if you're not sure which season you should aim for or the type of adapter you should bring along, you'll find these answers and more below.
Rome at a glance
Flight duration (from New York): 10 hours
Main airports: Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport and Ciampino International Airport
Population: 2.8 million
Languages: Italian
Currency: Euro (€)
Socket type: Type C and F (adapter required)
Time zone: Central European Time (CET); 6 hours behind New York (EST)
When is the best time to visit Rome?
As with many of the major European cities, there's no wrong time to visit Rome. In fact, judging by some of the waiting lines, the city's major attractions seem to be bustling with tourists all year round. But if you have a particular month in mind, here's our breakdown of what to expect.
☀ ️ June, July and August: These are the city's peak summer months. Expect temperatures to soar, especially in August (this also happens to be when locals go on vacation to beat the heat).
🌸🍁 April, May, September, and October: With warm, pleasant weather and sunny days, these are the most popular months for traveling to Rome. Expect crowds and book flights to Rome and hotels in advance.
❄ ️ November, December, January, February, and March: Thanks to Rome's Mediterranean climate, you can expect mild temperatures during these months, making the city an ideal choice for a winter sun vacation.
Where to stay in Rome
Rome is a large capital city, filled with neighborhoods that are home to their own distinct flavor and with the city's attractions spread out over a large area. It can be difficult to know where to start your search for where you'd like to stay in Rome.
That's where we can help. A first-time visitor to Rome may, after all, want to stay in a different area compared to a family with kids or a couple wanting a quiet, romantic getaway. Discover the best areas for a Rome vacation below.
For first-time visitors
If you're off to Rome for the very first time, fast-track yourself into the heart of the action by booking a trip to Centro Storico. This historical quarter is home to key attractions, including the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain and the Colosseum. The streets surrounding Piazza di Spagna are another top option, bringing you within walking distance of the renowned Spanish Steps.
Centro Storico is filled with everything a vacationer might need: restaurants, attractions and convenient public transport links. What's more, you'll find a decent range of accommodation, but book early to get the best prices on hotels in Rome, especially during spring and summer.
For couples and families
Quieter neighborhoods have their appeal for a Rome vacation, too. Prati is a great option for those seeking a more peaceful stay. If you're looking for a neighborhood that has more atmosphere, Monti, Trastevere and Testaccio won't disappoint.
Rome neighborhood guide
Centro Storico: the Rome that everyone dreams of – winding streets, fantastic piazzas and sights on every corner.
Ghetto Ebraico: still in Centro Storico, but quieter with lower prices.
The Tridente: a shopper's dream – splurge in the area's designer stores or grab a bite to eat by the Spanish Steps.
Testaccio: a top choice for foodies, you'll find plenty of trattorias and coffee shops here, both traditional and with a modern twist.
Monti: this village-like district is the place to be in Rome – expect to find cafes, vintage shops and art.
Garbatella: off the beaten track, Garbatella is in the south and is known for being more idyllic and greener than other parts of the city.
Things to do in Rome
A city where ancient monuments and a modern sense of 'la dolce vita' merge together, a Rome vacation offers endless possibilities for those who love plenty of things to do on vacation.
And it's not just the famous sights either. Whether you're into the latest food trends, love shopping, or can't get enough of art, it feels like Rome has something for everyone. Here are some of the top things to do in Rome.
Things to do in Rome
Marvel at the Colosseum
Spend an afternoon in the Vatican City
Do some people-watching at the Trevi Fountain
Go on a guided tour of the Roman Forum
Join the crowd at the Spanish Steps
Have a picnic in Villa Borghese
Visit the Pantheon
Visit the market stalls of Campo de' Fiori
Take in the view from the top of Gianicolo Hill
A three-day itinerary for Rome
Can you really see the best of Rome during a short weekend trip? While you could easily spend a week or longer here, you can still get a real glimpse of what Rome has to offer during a shorter trip, too.
If a weekend is all you have to work with, here are our recommendations for a three-day Rome vacation.
Day 1
Start your day at the Trevi Fountain–the world's largest Baroque fountain–and don't forget to throw some coins in the fountain for some extra luck!
The most well-preserved historical building in Rome, the Pantheon, is a short 10-minute walk away. Here, you'll discover how this temple, which was built for the Roman gods, eventually turned into a church.
After some lunch in a picturesque piazza, let Rome's winding streets lead you to the Spanish Steps. This stairway opened in 1735 and has since become the top spot for taking photos in Rome. Keep in mind: since 2019, visitors can't sit on the stairs, so you'll need to snap your Instagram photos standing up.
While it may be tempting to eat near the city's tourist spots, you'll find affordable and delicious lunch and dinner options in Rome’s side streets and up-and-coming neighborhoods, like Monti and Testaccio.
Day 2
After breakfast in Centro Storico, travel back in time by heading to the monumental Colosseum. Built during the Roman Empire for public events and the famous gladiator games, the largest amphitheater in the world takes you back to ancient times and into your favorite Hollywood movies. Buy your tickets online to save time lining up, and consider adding on a guided tour of this incomparable place.
Your Colosseum ticket conveniently includes entry to the nearby Roman Forum and Palatine Hill (same-day pass only), enabling you to extend your ancient time-traveling experience.
Day 3
Your third day in Rome should be spent exploring the Vatican City, which is home to its own set of attractions. These include the Museum of the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica. Make sure that you arrive early to avoid crowds and give yourself ample time to enjoy these magnificent sites. Visiting Vatican City means that you'll have actually visited two countries in one day, as this city-state is independent of the city of Rome surrounding it!
During your getaway to Rome, don't forget to enjoy crusty pizzas, sumptuous pasta and mouth-watering Italian gelato in the city's piazzas.
Top events in Rome
Whether you're heading to Rome with a big group of friends or exploring on a solo trip, it's always a good idea to time your visit with one of the city's big events, which will make your Rome vacation even more special.
From the city's big music festivals to more traditional occasions, here are some top events in Rome that should be on your radar.
Rome's biggest events
January 6: Day of Epiphany (expect to see costumes and parades between Castel Sant'Angelo and St. Peter's Basilica).
February: Carnevale Romano.
April 21: Natale di Roma (a birthday celebration for Rome itself).
June to September: Roma Summer Fest (a full roster of local and international musical performances)
September: Taste of Roma (a foodie festival held in Parco della Musica).
December: Christmas markets in the city, as well as a nativity scene in front of St. Peter's Basilica
December: New Year's Eve in Rome.
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