Rome

Vintage markets, Monti backstreets & Trastevere evenings

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Rome is one of the most rewarding places to explore, and this local guide brings together the best things to do, where to eat and where to stay in one place. Highlights include Panthéon, Mercato Monti and Colosseum. Food lovers should not miss Da Enzo al 29 and Roscioli. Below you will find 51 hand-picked local recommendations across sights, restaurants, hotels and tours, which you can filter by category and budget to plan the perfect trip, whether you have a weekend or a week.

Rome at a glance

Ideal stay: 2 to 3 days
Best time to visit: spring and autumn
Highlights: Panthéon and Mercato Monti
Where to stay: Trastevere and Pantheon
Local picks: 51 hand-chosen recommendations
Getting around: walkable, plus easy public transport

Local tips for Rome

Stories and neighbourhood know-how from our local guides.

Local tipsWhere to Stay in Rome: Best Neighborhoods (by a Local)Where to stay in Rome? A local ranks the best neighbourhoods for first-timers, from the Centro Storico and Monti to…

Local tipsHow Many Days Do You Need in Rome? A Local’s Honest AnswerHow many days do you need in Rome? A local breaks down the ideal trip length, from a rushed one…

Local tipsHipster Shopping in Rome: Monti, Vintage and Indie DesignSkip the souvenir stalls. Where stylish Romans really shop, from Monti boutiques to weekend vintage at Mercato Monti.

Where to stay in Rome

Compare live hotel prices and availability on the map. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Appia Antica

Rome E-Bike Tour: Appian Way

Swap the traffic for the cypress-lined Appian Way on an easy electric bike, rolling past ancient tombs, catacombs and ruined aqueducts in the green Parco dell’Appia Antica. A refreshing half-day away from the crowds.

★ 4.6

Campo de' Fiori

Roscioli

A famous deli, wine bar and restaurant crammed into one narrow space off Campo de’ Fiori, its shelves heavy with aged cheeses, cured meats and wine. The kitchen turns out refined Roman staples – tables are hard to get, so reserve early.

★ 4.6

$$$

Piazza di Spagna

Spanish Steps

A grand sweep of 135 travertine steps rising from Piazza di Spagna to the Trinità dei Monti church – a classic spot for people-watching and photos. Note that sitting or eating on the steps is now prohibited.

★ 4.5

Centro Storico

Sunset Vespa Tour

See Rome the Dolce Vita way – riding pillion on a classic Vespa (or in a little electric cart) as a local driver loops the floodlit monuments at golden hour. Pure romance, and a lot of fun.

★ 4.7

Centro Storico

Supplizio

A stylish little counter dedicated to the supplì – Rome’s beloved fried rice croquette – done to a gourmet standard alongside other classic fritti. The perfect cheap, delicious bite between sights.

★ 4.5

Testaccio

Testaccio Food & Market Tour

Explore the working-class neighbourhood that gave birth to Roman cuisine, tasting your way around the Testaccio market and old-school delis and bakeries with a local guide. Come hungry.

★ 4.7

Via del Corso

The First Roma Arte

A sleek five-star boutique dotted with contemporary art, moments from Piazza del Popolo, with an excellent restaurant and a rooftop terrace for aperitivo above the rooftops. Chic and central.

★ 4.7

$$$

Salario

The Hoxton, Rome

A stylish, sociable outpost of the design-led Hoxton brand just north of the centre, with a lively lobby, good in-house dining and that easy, hang-out-all-day feel. A great base if you value atmosphere over a bullseye-central address.

★ 4.5

Trastevere

Tonnarello

A buzzy, great-value Trastevere spot doing all the Roman pasta hits in generous portions, often with a strolling musician. No reservations and always busy – put your name down and wait with a spritz.

★ 4.4

Trastevere

Rome’s most atmospheric neighbourhood – a maze of ivy-draped cobbled lanes, medieval churches and buzzing piazzas that fill with locals and students come evening. Perfect for an aimless wander and a long dinner.

★ 4.7

Trastevere

Trastevere Food Tour

A guided evening graze through Trastevere’s cobbled lanes, stopping for supplì, pizza, cured meats, cheese, wine and gelato while a local shares the neighbourhood’s stories. A delicious introduction to Roman food and life.

★ 4.7

Trevi

Trevi Fountain

Rome’s most theatrical fountain, a cascade of baroque sea-gods filling a tiny piazza. Toss a coin over your shoulder to ensure your return to Rome – and come at dawn or late night to see it without the crush.

★ 4.8

Vatican City

Vatican Early-Access Tour

Beat the notorious queues with an early-access guided tour of the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel – walking the galleries before the general public arrives, with an expert bringing the art to life. Easily booked online.

★ 4.7

Vatican City

Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel

Miles of galleries packed with the papacy’s art treasures, ending in the Sistine Chapel and Michelangelo’s ceiling. It gets famously busy, so a timed skip-the-line ticket (or an early-access tour) is well worth it.

★ 4.7

Pinciano

Villa Borghese Gardens

Rome’s beloved central park – landscaped gardens, umbrella pines, a little boating lake and the Pincio terrace overlooking Piazza del Popolo. Rent a bike or just escape the city bustle for an hour.

★ 4.6

Before you go

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Rome travel FAQ

How many days do you need in Rome?

Two to three days is enough to enjoy the highlights of Rome at a relaxed pace. See our Rome itinerary guide for a day-by-day plan.

Where is the best area to stay in Rome?

Stay central and walkable to the main sights for a first visit. Our where to stay in Rome guide breaks down the best neighbourhoods.

What are the best things to do in Rome?

Browse the local picks above, from top sights and museums to where to eat and stay.

What is the best time to visit Rome?

Spring and autumn usually bring the most comfortable weather and thinner crowds, though Rome is worth visiting year-round.