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

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Via Appia / Centro

Catacombs & Crypts Tour

Descend into the eerie early-Christian catacombs carved beneath Rome, where the dead were buried in miles of tunnels. Guided tours explain the history and symbolism – some pair it with the bone-lined Capuchin crypt.

★ 4.6

Colosseo

Colosseum Underground & Arena Tour

Go beyond the standard ticket with a guided tour onto the reconstructed arena floor and down into the underground hypogeum where gladiators and animals once waited. The best way to grasp how the amphitheatre actually worked.

★ 4.8

Ostiense

Hummustown

Why it matters: Hummustown began in Shaza Saker’s kitchen and grew into a Rome nonprofit that gives Syrian refugees paid work and training while its proceeds help refugee families. You can join a hand

Central Rome

Local Aromas

Why it matters: Local Aromas is a woman-owned Italian family business, led by sommeliers Benedetta and Valeria, who have run food and wine experiences in Rome since 2016. Expect small-group food tours

Esquilino & Torpignattara

Migrantour Roma

Why it matters: Migrantour Roma is run by Viaggi Solidali, a responsible-tourism social cooperative, and every walk is led by a Roman who arrived here as a migrant. You explore multi-ethnic neighbourh

Centro Storico

Roman Pasta-Making Class

Roll up your sleeves and learn to make fresh Roman pasta from scratch – typically fettuccine or ravioli – then sit down to eat your handiwork with wine. A fun, hands-on break and a skill to take home.

★ 4.8

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

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

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

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

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

Before you go

Things we recommend sorting before any trip. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

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Book your trip to Rome

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Find hotels in Rome Book tours and experiences

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.