History buffs will have a field day at Ostia Antica. A thriving port from the 1st through 3rd century AD, today Ostia Antica is an open-air museum. You can easily spend an entire day walking through the remains of docks, warehouses, apartment flats, mansions, shopping arcades, and baths that once served the 60,000 people who lived here. When the Roman Empire fell, this antique treasure soon became forgotten. It wasn’t until after the Second World War that it was rediscovered—large excavations took place and today it is now referred to as the “Pompeii of the North.” Getting to Ostia Antica from downtown Rome is easy — it's a 45-minute combination Metro/train ride to Ostia Antica. Take Metro Line B to Piramide and then hop on the train to Lido, stopping in Ostia Antica.
The Janiculum (Italian: Gianicolo) is a long ridge that rises above Trastevere and runs parallel to the Tiber River. Give yourself about 90 minutes from Trastevere to reach the top. Once there, you'll be rewarded with an awesome panoramic view of Rome—you’ll see Villa Borghese on the left, the domes in the middle, and the Colosseum on the right.
Don’t miss: San Pietro in Montorio—the courtyard of this church houses Bramante’s Tempietto, the epitome of classically-inspired Renaissance architecture in miniature, as well as a small Doric temple built over the spot where St. Peter is said to have been crucified.
Most tourists think of Roman history as being thousands of years old. Yet you can discover more recent history at this folklore museum in Trastevere. Housed in a former convent, the focus here is on Rome of the 1950s and ‘60s. The photo exhibit highlighting “La Dolce Vita” and move-making during this era is great. You’ll learn about “spaghetti Westerns” and their legendary godfather, Italian filmmaker Sergio Leone, here as well.
If you feel like getting out of Rome—even if just for a half day—we recommend the town of Nemi, about 18 miles southeast of the city. Not only does Nemi provide a breather from the hustle and bustle of Rome, but it’s also incredibly scenic and of interesting historical significance. It is the site where Caligula, third emperor of the Roman Empire, had two luxurious boats built so he could cruise on Lake Nemi. They sank during the reign of Claudius, but were re-discovered when Mussolini drained the lake in the late 1920s and early 1930s. The boats were destroyed by fire by retreating Germans at the end of the Second World War, but remnants survived the flames and their remains are now housed in Museo delle Navi Romane in Nemi. Replicas of these boats are on display at Museo Nazionale Romano in Rome.
Restaurant Recommendations
Via Alberto Cadlolo 101
Rome’s only three-star Michelin-rated restaurant is La Pergola in the Rome Cavalieri Waldorf Astoria Hotel. The panoramic view from inside is impressive enough – but we assure you that the menu will knock your socks off. Order the nine-course tasting menu for the best of unique takes on classic Roman dishes. The wine cellar is 53,000 bottles strong and they serve 29 different Italian mineral waters, so you won’t go thirsty, either.
Via delle Coppelle 5
Love seafood? You’ll love Quinzi Gabrieli. Renowned for its quality, this cozy and intimate restaurant near the Pantheon is the ideal setting for a romantic meal out on the town. The fish served is same-day caught and from local waters. French and Italian wines are on the menu, too. This little place is a favorite of European stars and VIPS, so keep your eyes peeled. Closed Mondays.
Via di Porta Pinciana 14
This fabulous find is on the seventh floor of Hotel Splendide and nearly every table boasts an incredible view. Reserve a terrace table for the best view to take in the beauty of the setting sun, the city lights, and the dome of St. Peter’s. Meals are multi-course at Mirabelle, but definite “musts” include the foie gras, blue lobster, and the chocolate soufflé for dessert.
Accommodations
You'll need a place to stay that matches the trip you're on. Our team recommends these hotels for this experience.
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Calendar shows total price for entire stay for 2 adults.
Please Select Number of Nights
Calendar shows total price for entire stay for 2 adults.
Please Select Number of Nights
Calendar shows total price for entire stay for 2 adults.
Rome’s 10 Classic Sights
- The Pantheon
- The Colosseum
- St. Peter’s
- The Roman Forum and Palantine Hill
- San Clemente
- Piazza Navona
- Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps
- Capitoline Museums
- Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel
- St. John the Lateran
Tips for When in Rome:
- Public transportation is a great way to get around Rome and rental cars should be avoided – unless you are seeing more than the city. If traveling with bus line 64—which runs between Roma Termini (the central train station) and the Vatican, be vigilant of your belongings at all times as it’s a heavily-traveled route.
- Traffic is chaotic in Rome (hence the tip above to avoid renting a car, if possible), even as a pedestrian. Remain alert when traversing the city’s streets on foot. Traffic lights and cross-walks are largely ignored, so be extremely cautious when crossing the street.
- Upon arrival at Rome’s airport, there are three different options for getting to the center of the Eternal City—bus, train, or taxi. Public transportation is affordable and comfortable.
- Bars (where you can order both coffee specialty drinks and alcohol), restaurants, and gelato shops are delightful in Rome. Not sure where to go? Ask a local—Italians have a love of food practically built into their DNA and are terrific sources for where to go and what to choose from the menu. Like most European countries, it is customary to list menu items and prices on signboards outside so you know what you’ll be paying upfront. One custom that is uniquely Italian is how the majority of people enjoy beverages and gelato at the counter—standing. The reason is simple: it costs less to stand. Whenever you dine out in Italy, remember the words “coperto” and “servizio.” “Coperto" is a cover charge—a flat fee—that each person is charged at restaurants in Italy. “Servizio” is the charge for wait staff service and won’t always be present on a check, but if it is—there is no need to pay a tip. Otherwise, it’s customary to simply round up the bill as a tip – not the standard 15-20 percent as is the norm in the U.S. For example, if your bill comes to €23.50, you’d simply round up to €25.
- DO NOT arrange to meet anyone at the Spanish Steps in high tourist season; day or night, you’ll never find them. Instead, meet at Babington’s at the bottom of the steps, or, for a more refined meeting place, such as the bar in The Hotel Hassler at the top of the Steps.
- If you make it to Nemi, try some strawberries with Cannelino – a dessert wine derived from Frascati. Nemi is the fruit capital of the area and its strawberries are considered to be the best in Europe.
Attractions
Skip the Line: Vatican in One Day
With this tour, you get put to the front of the line to see all of the Vatican City’s museums and basilicas in one day. Highlights on this guided tour include Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel, the Gallery of Maps, Raphael’s Rooms, St. Peter’s Basilica, Santa Maria Maggiore, Saint John Lateran, and St. Paul (a UNESCO World Heritage site).
Skip the Line: Ancient Rome and Colosseum Half-Day Walking Tour
If you are a first-time visitor to Rome, this tour was made for you. This three-hour morning walking tour introduces you to the Eternal City’s major sites and provides a brief historical overview, too. The tour kicks off atop Colle Oppio before heading on to the Colosseum, Arch of Constantine, and Palatine Hill.
Best of Rome Afternoon Walking Tour
If you’re not a morning person, but still want a comprehensive tour of Rome’s historical sites, this afternoon guided walking tour has your name on it. See the Pantheon, Piazza Navona, Trevi Fountain, and the Spanish Steps.
Rome Angels and Demons Half-Day Tour
Inspired by the novel by Dan Brown, this tour has you unraveling the secret messages of the Illuminati, one of the most influential secret societies in history. This four-hour guided walking tour leads you to scenes mentioned in the book, including Bernini’s beautiful statues and ancient churches.
Rome City Bike Tour
For a look at Rome’s main attractions, plus some hidden gems that most tourists don’t see, book this four-hour guided bike tour. Limited to 12 people, this tour also includes a self-guided visit to the Pantheon. Highlights may include stops at the following: Trevi Fountain, Fagutal Hill, Imperial Forums, Venezia Square, Via dei Condotti, Spanish Steps, Via Margutta, Piazza del Popolo, S. Lorenzo in Lucina, Column Square, S. Ignazio Square, Navona Square, Camp de’Fiori and Farnese Square, Trastevere, Tiber Island, Portico di Ottavia, Theater of Marcellus, Capitoline Hill, Circus Maximus, and Castel San Angelo.
Private Tour: Borghese Gallery and Baroque Rome Art History Walking Tour
Explore the art history of Baroque Rome in style on a private walking tour of the Galleria Borghese with your own private, English-speaking guide who specializes in art history. This tour departs mornings and afternoons, lasts three hours, and is customizable according to what you want to see.