It's been centuries since this gorgeous tumble of ancient and Renaissance buildings ruled the world, but Rome still captivates in a way few cities elsewhere can. Today, we come here as much for the cacio pepe in Testaccio and to wander the lanes of Monti, as we do the Pantheon which is as impressive on your first visit as it is your 30th. Doesn't hurt, either, that the cocktail bars now give Paris's a run for their Euro.
Gentl and Hyers
Rome Travel Guide
Plan Your Rome Trip
The 9 Best Places to Visit in Italy—According to You, Our Readers
The top Italian cities as voted in our 2022 Readers' Choice Awards.
What U.S. Travelers Should Know About Italy's New Airline
New York, Boston, and Miami will be among Italia Trasporto Aereo’s first long-haul destinations.
Top 10 Hotels in Rome: Readers’ Choice Awards 2022
Condé Nast Traveler readers rate their top hotels in the Eternal City.
Featured
The Joy of Seeing Rome Anew
Sometimes the only way to see a familiar place in a new light is through the eyes of someone else—like your child.
Actor Kiki Layne on Embracing Her Inner Tourist in Rome
On a work trip to the Eternal City, Layne makes time to see Rome's famous sights.
A Look Inside the Colosseum's Long-Hidden Gladiator Tunnels
The backstage area of the Roman arena has opened to the public for the first time in history.
38 Best Hotels in Rome
Our favorite places to stay in the Eternal City.
Editor Hotel Recommendations
- W Rome$$ | 26/36, Via Liguria, RomeRead full reviewFor the well-traveled, design-savvy crowd who know when they’re onto a good thing.
Readers Choice Awards
Hot List - Hassler Roma$$$ | Piazza della Trinità dei Monti, 6, Rome 00187Read full reviewAn old classic in a picture-perfect location at the top of the Spanish Steps.Readers Choice Awards
Gold List - Hotel de Russie, A Rocco Forte Hotel$$$ | Via del Babuino, 9, Rome 00187Read full reviewEverything a beautiful hotel should be, and filled with the most glamorous guests imaginable.Readers Choice Awards
Gold List - Rome Cavalieri, A Waldorf Astoria Hotel$$ | Via Alberto Cadlolo, 101, Rome 00136Read full reviewGrand and opulent, the famed Rome Cavalieri is a true urban resort with knockout views and a plethora of amenities.Readers Choice Awards
Gold List - The Fifteen Keys Hotel$ | Via Urbana, 6, Rome 00184Read full reviewSmart, stylish and right in one of Rome’s buzziest areas—what more could you want? It’s the ideal place to slink home to after a day exploring the city.Readers Choice Awards
Hot List - Hotel de la Ville, A Rocco Forte Hotel$$$ | Via Sistina, 69, Rome, Lazio 00187Read full reviewA sexy, sophisticated addition to Rome’s hotel scene, destined to become an instant classic.Readers Choice Awards
Hot List - Anantara Palazzo Naiadi Rome Hotel$$ | Piazza della Repubblica, 47, Rome 00184Read full reviewA a luxury retreat in the center of Rome.Readers Choice Awards
- Bulgari Hotel Roma: First InPiazza Augusto Imperatore, 17, Rome 00186Read full reviewThe luxury giant lands in its hometown with a new standard for high end craftsmanship, style and luxury.
- Palazzo Vilòn: First In$$$ | Via dell'Arancio, 69, Rome, Rome 00186 Roma RMRead full reviewA uniquely beautiful jewel in a city strewn with jewels
- Six Senses Rome: First In$$$ | P.za S. Marcello, Rome 00187Read full reviewKnown for their eco-friendly destination spas and tranquil lush locations, Six Senses takes their relax-and-recuperate ethos to the Eternal City—for their very first urban oasis, Italo-style.
- Umiltà 36$$ | Via dell'Umiltà, 36, Rome 00187Read full reviewThe vibe here is arty, cosmopolitan, and refined.
- Corso 281$$ | Via del Corso, 281, RomeRead full reviewNo request is too much for Gisonna’s team and they’ll happily use their pull around town to make sure you get the best Roman experience possible.
- The Pavilions Rome, The First Musica$$$ | Lungotevere dei Mellini, 26, RomeRead full reviewFor those who work hard and play hard–you'll appreciate both the big, modernist artworks in the rooms by day, and the DJ sets in the lobby by night.
- Sentho Roma$$ | Via Urbana, 158, RomaRead full reviewThis independent hotel sits in a restored palazzo in the heart of Rome’s Monti neighborhood, next to the Basilica of Santa Prudenziana, Rome’s oldest Christian church.
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The Best Things to Do in Rome
- 4 Best Day Trips from RomeThe Lazio and Umbria regions contain artistic and culinary treasures worthy of a day trip or long weekend.
- 22 Best Things to Do in RomeThe full spectrum of experiences the Italian capital has to offer.
- 19 Best Tours in RomeThe city's best tours bring history to life and offer insider access to the local scenes.
- 10 Best Things to Do in Rome with KidsIt's not all espressos and aperetivo hours. Rome has plenty to do with little ones.
- 14 Best Places for Shopping in RomeRome has everything for everyone, which means the streets are lined with store fronts of every kind and flavor. Whether made-to-measure or easy fix, we've got you covered.
Editor Recommendations
- Baths of CaracallaViale delle Terme di Caracalla, RomeRead full reviewThe Baths of Caracalla were a massive public bathing complex built in the 3rd century and now used as a performance space for Rome's Opera company.
- Jubilee ChurchPiazza Largo Terzo Millennio, 8, Via Francesco Tovaglieri, 194, RomeRead full reviewModern architecture lovers will find this church immensely interesting, as will people who have visited Rome many times and are eager to get outside the center to see less touristy neighborhoods.
- Capitoline MuseumsPiazza del Campidoglio, 1, RomeRead full reviewThanks to its collection of ancient sculpture and proximity to Rome's main archeological attractions, the Capitoline Museums are a logical place to stop after visiting the Roman Forum and Colosseum.
- Galleria Doria PamphiljVia del Corso 305, RomeRead full reviewThis museum houses Rome's largest private collection, a trove assembled by the Doria, Pamphilj, Landi, and Aldobrandini families and brought together through marriage.
- Ancient Pharmacy of Santa Maria della ScalaPiazza della Scala, 23, Rome 00153Read full reviewThe oldest pharmacy in Europe offers a great tour that's off the usual tourist track.
- Quartiere San LorenzoSan Lorenzo, RomeRead full reviewFor a cheap-ish night out in a gritty but very cool neighborhood.
- Vicus CaprariusVicolo del Puttarello, 25, RomeRead full reviewGo beneath the Trevi district to see how the richest Romans lived.
- MAXXI RomeVia Guido Reni, 4A , Rome 196Read full reviewA contemporary art museum where the building itself, designed by Zaha Hadid, is just as much on display as parts of the rotating collection.
- AricciaAriccia 00040Read full reviewFor centuries, Ariccia has been a refuge for artists who came to these hills for inspiration.
- FrascatiFrascati 00044Read full reviewA trip to this tiny town is a great (and easy) activity to escape the summer heat of Rome.
- Collegiata di San TommasoPiazza della Libertà, 12, Castel Gandolfo 00073Read full reviewA great spot for reflection and to appreciate the genius that is Bernini.
- Levante BeachSperlonga 04029Read full reviewThis is one of the nicest beaches on the Italian west coast.
- Cinecittà Studios: VIP TourVia Tuscolana, 1055, Rome 00173Read full reviewGo behind the scenes at the studio Fellini graced.
Cacio E Pepe Is the One Dish You Must Have in Rome, Italy
Cacio e Pepe means "cheese and pepper". The dish consists of pecorino - a hard, sheep's milk cheese - black pepper, and any of the long noodle pasta like tagliolini, bucatini, or spaghetti. You can find the specialty just about anywhere in Rome and it might even turn up in a parmesan cheese bowl.
The Best Places to Eat & Drink in Rome
- 42 Best Restaurants in RomeWe’ve got the lowdown on where to eat and drink in the Eternal City.
- 20 Best Bars in RomeIt's not just about getting a drink (or two, or...).
- 11 Best Gelato Shops in RomeIf you didn't get a cup or cone from this list, did you even really visit Rome?
- A Beginner's Guide to Italian Aperitivi Cocktails and Where to Try ThemFrom Campari in Turin to Select Aperitivo in Venice.
- 19 Best Spots for Aperitivo in RomeEarly evening cocktail with light pre-dinner bites? Si, grazie. From cozy wine bars to neighborhood locals, we’ve rounded up the best places in Rome for your 5pm pick-me-up.
- Best Pizza in RomeFrom rectangular slices for snacking to thin-crust personal pies.
Editor Restaurant and Bar Recommendations
- Pizzeria I Quintili$$ | Via Francesco Cangiullo, 20, RomePizzas here come out hot and fast, and are served with a smile.
- A Rota Pizzeria Romanesca$ | Via di Tor Pignattara, 190, Rome 00177A little off the tourist track, this pizza place's crowd is Roman—through and through.
- Emma$$ | Via del Monte della Farina, 28, Rome 00186
- Pinsere$ | Via Flavia, 98, Rome 00187It's not on any natural tourist path, but this take-away spot is worth it for the pinse, pizza's beloved ancestor.
- Trieste Pizza$ | Via Urbana, 112, Rome 00184A serviceable standout in an area otherwise lacking in quality restaurants, this humble pizzeria delivers solid, affordable pies.
- Ivo a Trastevere$$ | Via di S. Francesco a Ripa, 158, Rome 00153This no-frills pizzeria, which is often packed with college kids, excels where it really matters: thin crusts and cold beers.
- Cesare al Casaletto$$ | Via del Casaletto, 45, Rome 00151A trattoria specializing in Roman cuisine aces the classics, but whatever you do, don't overlook the terrific pizzas.
- La Pratolina$$ | Via Rialto, 16, Rome 00136There's no better place to try pinse romane, multi-flour flatbreads that are gaining popularity in Rome.
- La Gatta Mangiona$$ | Via Federico Ozanam, 30-32, Rome 152Buzzy, oft-packed pizzeria turns out classic and creative pies that pair well with an extensive drinks list.
- Sbanco$$ | Via Siria, 1, Rome 00179With solid classic and creative pies, this pizzeria makes one thing clear: There's absolutely no need to pick favorites.
- Pizzeria Ostiense$ | Via Ostiense, 56, Rome 00154The size and design of this classic pizzeria are fairly standard for Rome, but the pizza is anything but.
- Trapizzino Trastevere$ | Piazza Trilussa, 46, Rome 00153Half pizza, half sandwich and all delicious, the trapizzino has become a fast-food icon in Rome and beyond.
- Forno Campo de' Fiori$ | Campo de' Fiori, 22, Rome 00186Pay no attention to the brusque service at this tiny bakery; after all, you're here for the pizza by the slice.
- Antico Forno Roscioli$ | Via dei Chiavari, 34, Rome 00186Long knives thwack five-foot-long slabs of pizza into slices in this no-frills, if brusque, bakery.
- Pro Loco DOL$$ | Via Domenico Panaroli, 35, Rome 00172The 30-minute cab ride is worth it for this love letter to Lazio, a food-industry favorite that sources ingredients locally.
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'Italian Chic': The Pair Behind Chez Dédé, Rome's Hippest Shop, Share Their Italy
Daria Reina and Andrea Ferolla spent two years photographing and illustrating everything they love about their home.
More from Rome
Food & Drink
In ‘Portico,’ a New Cookbook, the Food of Rome’s Longstanding Jewish Community Gets Its Due
The latest selection of recipes by the culinary author Leah Koenig is out August 29.
Shopping
How One Italy-Obsessed Editor Packed for a Summer Trip to Rome
A Kodak point-and-shoot film camera and dangly disco ball earrings were at the top of her packing list.
Places to Stay
15 Best Airbnbs in Rome, From Apartments Overlooking the Colosseum to Designer Villas
Start planning your trip to the Italian capital with these top vacation rentals.
Places to Stay
How Rome's New Six Senses and Bulgari Properties Are Leveling Up the City's Hotel Scene
A pair of standout openings position the Eternal City as a luxury hotel town on par with London and Paris.
Destinations
Where to Eat, Stay, and Play in Prati—Rome's Most Underrated Neighborhood
Often ignored by travelers altogether, this area is a haven of under-the-radar treasures (and it's within walking distance of the Vatican).
Destinations
Some of the Best Rooftop Restaurants in Rome Are Perched Atop Hotels
Enjoy fine dining while taking in unparalleled views of the Eternal City.
Solo Travel
I Couldn’t Grieve My Mother at Home, So I Grieved Her in Rome
Writer Matt Ortile on a first return to the city he’d visited with his late mother.
Food & Drink
Rome’s Artisanal Food Shops Are Staging a Comeback—And They’re Cooler Than Ever
Once an endangered breed, botteghe are back in business in the Eternal City.
News & Advice
What It's Like to See the Vatican Museums, Minus the Crowds
At the newly reopened site, you can still view the Sistine Chapel in relative solitude.
Destinations
A Slice of the Real Rome in One of Its Most Touristed Neighborhoods
Trastevere's Via di Santa Cecilia is everything great about the city on one street.
News & Advice
Vintage Shops, Markets, and Home Goods Stores to Visit in Rome Right Now
This gilt-edged city is a stealth fashion capital, more extravagant than Milan and more laid-back than Paris. Today the big players are found in frescoed flagships that sit alongside quirky flea-market dens.
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News & Advice
The Hoxton Is Coming to Rome
It will have the trademark design expected of the brand, in a less-than-expected part of town.
News & Advice
You Could Be Fined $450 for Sitting on Rome's Spanish Steps
Travelers can no longer rest their legs at this popular meeting spot.
Destinations
What to Do in Rome This Spring
Here's what's happening in the city in April and May 2019.
News & Advice
What Travelers Need to Know About Italy's Free Museum Weeks
Visitors across Italy can get into the country's state museums for free—if they plan accordingly.
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