Rome a week

The iconic amphitheater of the Roman Empire, where gladiatorial contests and public spectacles took place. Book the 'Full Experience' ticket to access the underground Hypogeum and the third tier for a comprehensive view.

• Book tickets online well in advance to avoid long queues.
• Consider a guided tour for deeper historical insights.

Explore the heart of ancient Roman public life in the Forum, with ruins of temples and government buildings. Adjacent Palatine Hill offers stunning views and the legendary birthplace of Rome.

• Wear comfortable shoes; the terrain is uneven.
• Allow ample time to wander and absorb the atmosphere.

Perched atop Capitoline Hill, these museums house a remarkable collection of Roman sculptures and artifacts, including the equestrian statue of Marcus Aurelius. The piazza itself, designed by Michelangelo, is a masterpiece.

• Don't miss the Tabularium viewpoint for a direct look over the Roman Forum.

A classic Roman trattoria near the Colosseum, known for its traditional dishes like Cacio e Pepe and Carbonara. It offers a bustling, authentic atmosphere.

• Expect a lively and sometimes noisy environment.
• Try the house wine.

Home to an immense collection of art and historical artifacts amassed by the popes, culminating in Michelangelo's breathtaking Sistine Chapel ceiling and Last Judgment.

• Book tickets online months in advance to secure a spot and skip the line.
• Dress code requires shoulders and knees to be covered.

The spiritual center of Catholicism, a monumental Renaissance church with Michelangelo's Pietà and Bernini's Baldacchino. Entry to the basilica is free, but there's a fee to climb the dome.

• The dress code (shoulders and knees covered) is strictly enforced.
• Consider climbing the dome for unparalleled views of St. Peter's Square and Rome.

The vast elliptical plaza designed by Bernini, featuring an Egyptian obelisk and grand colonnades. It's a gathering place for pilgrims and visitors.

• Take time to admire Bernini's statues and the fountains.

A charming medieval street near the Vatican, lined with artisan shops, cafes, and restaurants. It retains a quaint, old-world atmosphere.

• Enjoy a leisurely stroll and soak in the local ambiance.
• Look for small shops selling religious items and local crafts.

Rome's most famous Baroque fountain, a stunning spectacle of mythological figures and cascading water. Toss a coin to ensure your return to Rome.

• Visit early in the morning to avoid the largest crowds.
• The fountain was fully restored and cleaned in late 2024.

A marvel of Roman engineering, this former temple, now a church, boasts the world's largest unreinforced concrete dome with a striking oculus. It's remarkably preserved.

• Check opening hours as it is a functioning church.
• Stand directly under the oculus to appreciate its effect.

A vibrant elliptical piazza built on the site of an ancient Roman stadium, famous for Bernini's Fountain of Four Rivers. Street artists and cafes add to its lively atmosphere.

• Enjoy a gelato while people-watching.
• Admire the church of Sant'Agnese in Agone.

A highly-regarded trattoria offering authentic Roman cuisine in a cozy setting, located very close to the Pantheon. Reservations are essential.

• Book several weeks in advance, especially for dinner.
• Their classic Roman pasta dishes are exceptional.

Housing masterpieces by Bernini, Caravaggio, Raphael, and Titian, this elegant villa offers an intimate art experience. The collection is renowned for its Baroque sculptures.

• Timed entry slots must be booked well in advance.
• Photography is not allowed inside.

A vast and beautiful public park surrounding the Villa Borghese. Rent a rowboat on the small lake, enjoy the scenic paths, or visit the zoo.

• Rent bikes or a pedal cart to cover more ground.
• Find the Temple of Asclepius for a picturesque scene.

Located at the edge of the Borghese Gardens, this terrace offers a spectacular panoramic view over Piazza del Popolo and the city skyline.

• Ideal spot for sunset viewing.
• Enjoy the grandeur of the Piazza del Popolo below.

Cross the Tiber River to explore the charming, bohemian neighborhood of Trastevere, known for its narrow cobblestone streets, ivy-clad buildings, and vibrant nightlife.

• Get lost in its maze-like alleys.
• Visit the Basilica di Santa Maria in Trastevere.

The impressive ruins of one of ancient Rome's largest public bath complexes, offering a glimpse into Roman social life and engineering prowess. The scale is immense.

• Imagine the grandeur of the original structures.
• Audio guides can enhance the experience.

One of the earliest and most important Roman roads, now a scenic park dotted with ancient tombs, ruins, and catacombs. Renting bikes is a popular way to explore.

• Combine a visit with the Catacombs.
• Consider visiting on a Sunday when parts of the road are closed to traffic.

One of the largest and most important Christian burial sites in Rome, offering a fascinating underground journey through ancient tombs and early Christian art.

• Tours are guided and mandatory; join one upon arrival.
• The underground environment can be cool and damp.

A vibrant indoor market in the Testaccio neighborhood, offering a wide array of fresh produce, local delicacies, street food, and artisan products. It's a great spot for lunch or aperitivo.

• Sample various street food stalls for a diverse culinary experience.
• It's a popular spot with locals, offering an authentic taste of Rome.

A privately owned gallery housing an exceptional collection of paintings by masters like Velázquez, Caravaggio, and Raphael, displayed in opulent period rooms.

• The audio guide, narrated by a family member, is highly recommended.
• It offers a more intimate museum experience compared to larger institutions.

The monumental Baroque staircase connecting Piazza di Spagna to the Trinità dei Monti church. It's a popular gathering spot with designer shops nearby.

• Avoid sitting on the steps, as it's now prohibited.
• Explore the high-end boutiques along Via Condotti.

A massive monument dedicated to Victor Emmanuel II, the first king of unified Italy. It offers panoramic views of Rome from its terraces and rooftop.

• Take the glass elevator (optional fee) to the very top for the best views.
• The monument houses the Museum of Italian Unification.

A lively square that transforms from a bustling daytime market to a vibrant hub for evening drinks and dining. It's known for its statue of Giordano Bruno.

• Enjoy an aperitivo at one of the many bars.
• The atmosphere is particularly energetic on weekends.

Explore the historic Jewish Ghetto, a neighborhood rich in history and culinary traditions. A guided food tour offers tastings of Roman-Jewish specialties like Carciofi alla Giudia (fried artichokes).

• Book a tour that focuses on authentic local food experiences.
• Come hungry, as there will be multiple tastings.

Wander through the atmospheric streets of the Jewish Ghetto, visit the Great Synagogue, and discover its unique history and architecture.

• Visit the Portico d'Ottavia, an ancient Roman structure.
• Look for the 'stumbling stones' (stolpersteine) commemorating Holocaust victims.

Offering one of the most breathtaking panoramic views of Rome, this hill is a perfect spot for a final look at the city's skyline. A cannon fires daily at noon.

• Best visited in the late afternoon for golden hour light.
• See the Garibaldi monument and the Fontana dell'Acqua Paola.

Enjoy a final Roman dinner in the trendy Monti district, known for its bohemian vibe, artisan boutiques, and excellent restaurants offering both traditional and modern Italian cuisine.

• Monti offers a great selection of wine bars for a pre-dinner drink.
• Reservations are recommended for popular restaurants.