Rome

Eternal City of ancient ruins, art, and la dolce vita.

Rome is one of the world's great historic capitals, where nearly 3,000 years of civilization layer atop one another in a single city. Ancient forums, medieval churches, Renaissance palaces, and Baroque fountains share the same cobblestone streets, making every neighborhood a living museum.

Beyond the monuments, Rome thrives as a modern Italian capital full of neighborhood markets, street-side espresso bars, and lively piazzas. Visitors can easily spend a week here without running out of things to discover, from world-class Vatican museums to hidden Trastevere alleyways.

• •Colosseum — iconic 2,000-year-old amphitheater and symbol of the Roman Empire.
• •Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel — unrivaled art collection capped by Michelangelo's ceiling.
• •Roman Forum — the ruined heart of ancient Rome's political and civic life.
• •Pantheon — remarkably preserved ancient temple with a breathtaking domed oculus.
• •Trevi Fountain — stunning Baroque masterpiece where tradition calls for tossing a coin.
• •Borghese Gallery — intimate museum housing Bernini sculptures and Caravaggio paintings.

Getting around: Rome's metro has two main lines (A and B) useful for reaching major sights, while buses and trams cover the rest of the city. Walking is the best way to explore the historic center, as many key attractions are close together. Taxis are metered and widely available; rideshare apps like FREE NOW and Uber operate with licensed drivers. Avoid driving a personal car, as ZTL restricted traffic zones cover much of the old city.

Best time: April through June and September through October offer mild temperatures, manageable crowds, and ideal sightseeing weather.

Local food: Do not miss cacio e pepe pasta, supplì rice balls, wood-fired pizza al taglio, artichokes alla romana, and a traditional gelato from a quality gelateria.

This guide is provided for general information only. Verify details locally before making travel decisions.