Great Rome Travel Guide for First Time Visitors

Rome, the Eternal City, is a city that has so much to offer. From its timeless beauty to its mouthwatering cuisine, there is an endless list of reasons why Rome is one of the most popular cities in the world. Whether you’re a history buff, art fanatic, or just looking to experience the Italian lifestyle, a trip to Rome is sure to leave a lasting impression. In this Rome travel guide, I will be sharing tips on everything from getting to the city, where to stay, the best sights to visit, amazing restaurants and more!

Best time to go:

To be honest, unless you’re going in the winter months, expect long lines, crowds, and reservations needed. July and August are by far the busiest and hottest months, so I suggest trying to avoid summer months if you can. The last few times we went to Rome were at the end of September and the end of October and I loved it! Don’t get me wrong, everything was still packed, but the weather was perfect in my opinion! It was still fairly hot at the end of September, around 82°F / 28°C during the days. Around October time frame, it was cool enough for a light jacket in the mornings and warmed up to around 75°F / 25°C during the day.

Regardless of the time you’re going, I always suggest planning ahead by buying tickets and making reservations in advance. Now that we’ve explored the best time to visit, I’ll share the best options on getting there.

Getting there:

The great thing about Rome is that it has the biggest airport in Italy (FCO) and is located 16 miles southwest of Rome.

If you are flying into Fiumicino “Leonardo da Vinci” International Airport (FCO), you will have plenty of options to get into the city.

The easiest and least stressful option would be to take a taxi or Uber. A taxi / Uber will cost you roughly €50, depending on the time of day and your destination.

Alternatively, you can train into the city. The Leonardo Express runs every 15 minutes and will take you directly into the city center. From there you can catch a train, metro or bus to get to your final destination if needed. The Express will cost you €14 and takes about 30 minutes. You can purchase your ticket at the kiosk next to the platform. Don’t forget to validate your ticket at the machines by the platforms before your board. If you are traveling with a group, you may find a taxi to be cheaper.

Lastly, you could take a bus into the city. This will be the cheapest option, but also take you the longest. You can find the buses outside of Terminal 3 and the journey will take you around 50 minutes depending on traffic.

On the other hand, if you’re arriving at Ciampino Airport (CIA), your transportation choices are somewhat limited due to its smaller size. This airport predominantly serves low-cost airlines of Europe like RyanAir.

From here, a taxi / Uber will roughly cost you €30 to the city center. The bus will cost you €4 online and take you directly to Termini Station.

If you are already in Italy and Rome is next on your list, check here to book train tickets.

Where to stay:

Every time we visit Rome, we tend to choose Airbnb’s for our stay! Whether you opt for an Airbnb or Hotel, be sure to book your accommodations well in advance. Places book up very quickly – especially in the summer season. If you manage booking far enough in advance, I definitely recommend staying in the heart of the city. You can typically find several options in the city center for a fair price.

Here are just a few Airbnb’s with great reviews and amazing locations.

How to get around:

Meanwhile, navigating Rome’s busy streets can be an adventure in itself. Getting around the city will be based on where you decide to stay. During our last trip to Rome, we opted to stay near the Trevi Fountain. This allowed us to explore much of the city on foot.

If you are staying on the outskirts, you will find the ATAC public transportation to be the cheapest option and rather easy to navigate. This will include the metro, bus, and tram.

Additionally, there are also SO many electric scooters around the city and we found ourselves using them a few times when we wanted a break from walking!

What to do:

Most Iconic Landmarks in Rome:

Colosseum: Of course, the Colosseum had to be first on the list! No trip to Rome would be complete without a visit to the Colosseum. I highly recommend securing a ticket in advance to tour the inside. Tickets for the day of will likely be sold out. Furthermore, I suggest avoiding street vendors offering tickets, as they are often overpriced or fraudulent. You can purchase your tickets here ahead of time.

Trevi Fountain: The Trevi Fountain is a famous Baroque-style fountain that I’m sure you’ve seen in several movies and photos online. It really is as beautiful in real life and considered to be one of the most beautiful fountains in the world. According to myth, throwing a coin into the Trevi Fountain ensures your return to Rome. On average, about €3,000 gets thrown into the fountain every day, adding up to about €1.5 million every year! The money gets cleaned out weekly and gets donated to charity. I suggest visiting the fountain both night and day as it is breathtaking in both settings. Lastly, if you want to beat the crowd, be sure to go at sunrise, as you’ll notice it gets completely packed for the remainder of the day.

Pantheon: Ancient Romans originally built the Pantheon as a temple to all the gods. It was later converted into a church dedicated to St. Mary and the Martyrs. Today, tourists often visit the Pantheon, considering it a site of cultural significance. There is typically a long line to view the inside, so I suggest going first thing in the morning if you can. Check here to view opening hours.

Vatican City:

The Vatican: Vatican City is the smallest independent state in the world and serves as the headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church. Additionally, it is home to many of the world’s most famous architecture, including St. Peter’s Basilica, the Sistine Chapel, and the Vatican Museums. The Vatican is also the Pope’s official residence and serves as the center of the Catholic Church’s religious and administrative operations. I definitely suggest taking the time to view St. Peter’s Basilica and the Sistine Chapel, but you’ll want to go first thing in the morning as the lines get very, very long. You can purchase your tickets here ahead of time.

What to See in Vatican City:

St. Peter’s Basilica: Taking the time to climb to the top of St. Peter’s Dome (Cupola) is one of the most popular things to do in Rome, especially since it is the highest point in the city. Furthermore, you should also know that there are two ticket options when purchasing. Option 1 is climbing 551 steps on foot, and option 2 is taking an elevator to the roof level, saving you 320 steps and walking up the remainder. Again, I suggest going first thing in the morning when they open. You can purchase tickets here in advance.

Castel Sant’Angelo: Castel Sant’Angelo is a cylindrical shaped fortress that was originally built as a mausoleum for the Roman Emperor Hadrian. It was later converted into a military castle during the Middle Ages. The castle is situated on the banks of the Tiber River and is connected to the Vatican City by the ancient Passetto di Borgo, a fortified corridor. It is now a museum, open to the public. Visitors can explore the castle’s different levels, including the underground passages, ramparts, and the terrace, which offers stunning views of the city. If you’re interested in visiting, you can purchase tickets here in advance.

Squares / Areas to Visit:

Piazza Di Spagna: Piazza di Spagna, also known as the Spanish Steps, is one of Rome’s most famous and iconic squares. The square is also home to a number of high-end shops and restaurants, making it a popular destination for shopping and dining. Whether you’re looking to take in the views, do some shopping, or simply soak up the lively atmosphere, Piazza di Spagna is a must-visit destination in Rome. Be sure to also walk to the top of the stairs for a beautiful view from the top. Additionally, please know that you are not allowed to sit on the steps and officers will ask you to stand up.
Altare della Patria: Altare della Patria, also known as the Altar of the Fatherland, is a monument that was built as a memorial to King Victor Emmanuel II. It stands in the Piazza Venezia, one of Rome’s busiest squares. Visitors can climb to the top of the monument for panoramic views of Rome or tour the museum to learn about Italy’s history.

Campo de’ Fiori: Campo de’ Fiori means “Field of Flowers” in Italian, and it is a charming square located in the heart of the city. The square is most known for its daily outdoor market, where vendors sell a wide range of goods, including fresh produce, clothing, jewelry, and souvenirs.
Piazza Navona: Piazza Navona is a public square known for its beautiful Baroque fountains and architecture, including the Church of Sant’Agnese in Agone. You will find this Piazza a popular tourist destination and a lively hub, with street performers, outdoor cafes, and crowds filling the square throughout the day and night. Furthermore, I don’t suggest eating at these restaurants and cafes as they tend to be tourist traps and overpriced.

Gardens Worth Visiting in Rome:

Terrazza del Pincio: Terrazza del Pincio is a historic terrace situated on the Pincian Hill and offers panoramic views of the city, including the Vatican and St. Peter’s Basilica. The terrace is also known for its gardens, which have beautiful greenery, sculptures, and fountains. Additionally, it is a great spot to enjoy a coffee, gelato, or aperitivo while admiring the views of Rome.

Giardino degli Aranci (Orange Garden): The Giardino degli Aranci, or Orange Garden, is a public park famous for its orange trees. This park also offers stunning views of the city and its landmarks, such as the Basilica of St. Peter and the Castel Sant’Angelo. It is a peaceful oasis in the heart of the city if you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle of Rome’s busy streets.

More To Do / See:

Roman Forum: Ancient Romans used the Roman Forum as a public square, situating it between Capitoline Hill and Palatine Hill. It served as the center of public life and was surrounded by important buildings and monuments. Today, it is a popular tourist attraction, attracting more than 4.5 million visitors a year. We did not personally go into the Forum since we felt like we got a good grasp of it from the outside. But if you are a big history buff or interested in a tour of the Roman Forum, tickets can be purchased here in advance.
Isola Tiberina (Tiber Island): Isola Tiberina, also known as Tiber Island, is a small island in the Tiber River. You don’t need a lot of time to visit the island, but it is worth a visit if you are spending more than a couple of days in Rome. On the island you will find the ancient Colonna Infame, an old church, and a hospital that is actually still in use. Nowadays, there are a few restaurants on the island, which is great during the summertime. Sora Lella is a trattoria restaurant that is popular but be sure to book your reservation far in advance.
Food & Wine Walking Tour: I definitely suggest a food and wine walking tour in Rome! It was one of our favorite things we did during our trip. It’s a great way to try different foods, local wines, meet people, and see parts of the city you may not have otherwise. There are so many food tours to choose from, but here are just a few!

Where To Eat:

Now that we’ve explored the must-see attractions, I’ll share all of my recommendations on the best restaurants in Rome.

Cafes:

L’Antico Forno: We came here for a coffee and croissant after seeing the Trevi Fountain at sunrise and it was delicious! If you are one of the first guests when they open, you’ll be lucky enough to grab one of the end tables and have a view of the Trevi Fountain while you eat.

Dinner:

Osteria Da Fortunata: One of the most popular restaurants in Rome and a must while you’re visiting! Their pasta is made so fresh- they even have the women sitting in front of the window where you can watch them make the pasta from scratch! Unfortunately, they do not take reservations. If you go for dinner, anticipate a long wait time. We opted to go at lunchtime, and it was perfect- I think we only waited 5 minutes.
Tonnarello: This is another restaurant that does not take reservations but is also very popular and very delicious. Some say it is some of the best tiramisu in Rome!

Alfredo Alla Scrofa:Alfredo alla Scrofa is an absolute MUST on your trip to Rome. This is where fettuccine alfredo was actually invented in 1914 by Alfredo Di Lelio. It is hands down one of the best meals I’ve tried. The fettuccine literally melts in your mouth! Be sure to book a reservation a few weeks in advance.

Mariuccia Pizza: Some of the best pizza we’ve had! Mariuccia Pizza has a fun, lively atmosphere on the outdoor patio. Additionally, you don’t have the hustle & bustle of people walking by, which is nice of course. I highly recommend!
Aroma: If you’re looking for a Michelin star restaurant with an incredible view, Aroma is definitely the place. With a view of the Colosseum, you will definitely be in awe of this place- just except to pay a pretty penny 😉
Taverna Trilussa: Taverna Trilussa is located on the other side of the bridge, and a fun area if you’re looking to go out for some drinks afterwards. The pasta we had here was absolutely incredible.

Located on Tiberina Island:

Tiberino Roma: Tiberino Roma is one of the restaurants located on Tiberina island and a fun place to enjoy your meal outside with a lively atmosphere.

Sora Lella: Another restaurant located on Tiberina island. This one is definitely more popular between the two and reservations go quickly! You will need to book at least a month in advance if you’re going during busy months.

Sandwich Shops:

All’antico Vinaio: A delicious sandwich shop and probably one of the most popular. They have multiple locations throughout Italy, and we tried it in Florence. There is typically a line, but the sandwiches are worth it!
Ciavatta Dal 1956: Most people walk right past this little shop without paying it any attention. It is steps away from the Trevi Fountain, and perfect for a sandwich around lunchtime. We stumbled by it while looking for a quick bite to eat for lunch. It was one of the freshest and yummiest sandwiches we have had. There is no seating inside, but we took our sandwiches to the Trevi Fountain and enjoyed them there.

Gelato / Tiramisu:

Mancuso: You can see the gelato being made in the window, and they have some of the best pistachio gelato I’ve ever had!

Della Palma: Has 150 flavors to choose from!

Venchi: Along with gelato, they also have delicious chocolates.

Mr. 100 Tiramisu: 100 flavors of tiramisu! A must visit while in Rome.

Two Sizes: This place is considered to have the best tiramisu in Rome 😉 5 stars on Tripadvisor and over 4,000 reviews!

Bars:

The Court Cocktail Bar: The most stunning bar in all of Rome. The panoramic terrace overlooks the Colosseum and the drinks are phenomenal! Reservations are required in advance. I suggest going for drinks at sunset before dinner!

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

Beautiful architecture
Some of the most iconic landmarks in the world
Amazing restaurants and cafes
Filled with lots of history
International airport
A very walkable city

Cons:

Very crowded in the summer and even shoulder months
Long lines to get into museums, churches, and restaurants
Tickets are likely to sell out days in advance
Increase in prices of hotels and restaurants during busy months
Reservations needed at most places during busy months

Overall thoughts:

Overall, Rome is a must-visit city in Italy and one of my favorites worldwide. It is a breathtaking city that really does live up to all its hype. It has history, unbelievable architecture, amazing shopping and delicious cuisine. You definitely will not run out of things to do and places to eat while visiting Rome.

Heading anywhere else?

Are you heading anywhere else in Italy during your trip? Be sure to check out my other Italy travel guides in the Amalfi Coast, Cinque Terre and Florence!

If you’re like me and need help keeping all of your travel plans and itinerary organized, be sure to check out my travel journal that I designed for just this reason! It’s how I plan every single trip and keep organized. It has everything you need from a packing list, a page for your accommodation info, travel itinerary, budgeting on your trip, journaling each day and more!

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