Things to Do in Rome: Top Attractions, Hidden Gems & Local Experiences

Three years ago, I landed in Rome, Italy for what was supposed to be a quick weekend business trip. Fast forward to today, and I’ve returned to Italy’s capital city more times than I can count. There’s something magnetic about this ancient city that keeps pulling me back—maybe it’s the way morning light hits the Trevi Fountain before the crowds arrive, or how a simple plate of cacio e pepe can make you forget you’re checking work emails between bites.

Planning things to do in this sprawling metropolis can feel overwhelming. With over 2,000 years of history packed into every cobblestone street, Rome offers an almost ridiculous wealth of things to do. From the iconic Colosseum to hidden neighborhood trattorias where locals actually eat, this eternal city deserves more than just a cursory glance while you’re rushing between major attractions.

In this guide, I’ll share the experiences that transformed my understanding of Rome—from the tourist attractions you genuinely shouldn’t miss to the lesser-known spots that give you a taste of authentic Roman life. Whether you’re planning your first visit to this European city or returning for another round, here’s everything you need to make the most of your time in one of the world’s most captivating destinations.

Understanding Rome, Italy: What Makes This City Special

Rome isn’t just another pretty European city with old buildings. This is where Western civilization as we know it took shape. Walking through the Roman Forum isn’t just sightseeing—you’re literally strolling through what was once the center of an empire that controlled most of the known world. The city’s rich history spans over 2,700 years, with layers of civilization stacked on top of each other like archaeological lasagna.

The city operates on multiple layers, functioning as a living open air museum. Beneath your feet lie ancient Roman ruins. At street level, Renaissance and Baroque architecture dominates—magnificent structures from the sixteenth century and beyond. And threading through it all is modern Roman life—scooters zipping past 2,000-year-old monuments, cafes serving espresso in buildings that predate most countries.

What struck me most during my visits is how Rome doesn’t feel like a museum. Despite being home to some of the entire world’s most significant historic sites, it’s still a living, breathing capital city of over 4 million people. This creates a unique tension between preservation and progress that defines the modern Roman experience.

When to Visit Rome: Timing Your Trip

Before diving into specific things to do in Rome, let’s talk timing. I’ve experienced this city in blazing August heat and crisp November drizzle, and the difference is substantial.

Spring (March-May) offers the sweet spot that most travel experts recommend. The weather hovers in the comfortable 60-70°F range, perfect for the extensive walking you’ll inevitably do. Early spring brings blooming gardens throughout Villa Borghese and other green spaces. Just be aware that Easter transforms the city center into an absolute madhouse, especially around Vatican City.

Fall (September-October) rivals spring as the best time for things to do in Rome. September still carries summer warmth without the oppressive crowds. October brings gorgeous golden light perfect for photography and slightly cooler temperatures ideal for exploring outdoor archaeological sites.

Summer (June-August) means long days and vibrant energy, but prepare for intense heat and maximum tourist density. I once waited 90 minutes to enter the Colosseum in July despite having a “skip the line” ticket. The long lines during peak summer can eat into your sightseeing time significantly.

Winter (November-February) is when you’ll find the most authentic Rome. Locals reclaim their city, prices drop, and those long lines evaporate. I particularly love visiting in January—sure, you’ll need a jacket, but experiencing the Sistine Chapel without being shoulder-to-shoulder with hundreds of others is worth packing layers.

The Essential Rome Experience: Major Attractions You Can’t Skip

Colosseum: Rome’s Iconic Amphitheatre and a Symbol of Ancient Power

Let’s start with the obvious: the Colosseum absolutely deserves its reputation as one of Rome’s top attractions. This 2,000-year-old amphitheater stands as a testament to Roman engineering genius and brutal entertainment history.

Here’s what you need to know: a basic ticket grants access to the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill—all part of one archaeological park. This is probably the best value in Rome when it comes to historic sites. The ticket is valid for 24 hours, meaning you can tackle these three major attractions across two days if you want to avoid museum fatigue.

The Colosseum itself takes about 75-90 minutes to explore properly. Walking through the passages where gladiators once prepared for combat gives you chills, especially when you climb to the upper levels and see the arena floor layout from above. If you upgrade to an arena floor tour, you’ll stand exactly where mock naval battles and gladiatorial contests once entertained up to 50,000 spectators.

Roman Forum: Exploring the Heart of Ancient Rome

The Roman Forum, right next door, was ancient Rome’s commercial and political hub—the beating heart of the Roman Empire. Honestly, without context, it looks like a pile of photogenic ruins. This is where booking a guided tour pays dividends. A knowledgeable tour guide transforms crumbling columns into Senate chambers where Caesar walked, Roman temples where sacrifices were made, and marketplaces where ordinary Romans conducted daily business.

Palatine Hill completes the trio. This is where Rome’s founding legend begins—supposedly where Romulus and Remus were discovered. More importantly, Palatine Hill became the neighborhood of choice for emperors building increasingly lavish palaces. The views from up here stretch across the entire city, offering perfect photo opportunities of the Roman Forum below and the Colosseum beyond. Take your time on Palatine Hill—most tourists rush through, but the gardens and ruins reward slower exploration.

Pro tip: Enter through Palatine Hill’s entrance near the Circus Maximus. This entrance typically has shorter lines than the main Colosseum entrance, and you can make your way through the three sites ending at the Colosseum when energy levels are still high.

Vatican City: A Country Within a City

Technically not part of Rome but absolutely essential to any visit, Vatican City packs an overwhelming amount of priceless artwork into the world’s smallest country. The Vatican Museums house what might be the single greatest collection of Renaissance art on the planet.

The museums sprawl across 7 kilometers of galleries—yes, kilometers. You could literally spend days here and still not see everything. Most visitors focus on the highlights: the Gallery of Maps with its stunning 16th-century frescoes, Raphael’s Rooms showcasing the Renaissance master’s work, and of course, the Sistine Chapel.

Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel ceiling remains one of those rare experiences that exceeds the hype. Standing beneath the Creation of Adam, surrounded by hundreds of other awestruck visitors, you understand why this place draws millions annually. The chapel serves as both artistic masterpiece and functioning Catholic Church space where papal conclaves convene.

Here’s the thing about Vatican Museums: they require strategy. I’ve done both guided tours and independent visits. For first-timers, I strongly recommend booking an early morning tour. These typically start at 7:30 AM, getting you inside before the general public stampede begins. Your tour guide provides essential context for what you’re seeing and navigates you efficiently through the maze of galleries.

If you go solo, book your timed entry ticket online weeks in advance. Day-of tickets exist but good luck getting a reasonable time slot during peak season. Once inside, the museums follow a semi-one-way flow toward the Sistine Chapel. Fight the urge to rush—the Gallery of Maps, Raphael’s School of Athens, and the ancient sculpture collections deserve attention.

Vatican dress code warning: Shoulders and knees must be covered. They enforce this strictly. I’ve watched security turn away frustrated visitors who didn’t get the memo. Bring a light scarf if you’re wearing a tank top—problem solved.

St. Peter’s Basilica: Renaissance Architecture at Its Finest

Entry to St. Peter’s Basilica is free, which still amazes me given its grandeur. This is the largest church in the Catholic Church and arguably Christianity’s most important site. The basilica took 120 years to build, employing the talents of Michelangelo, Bernini, and other Renaissance/Baroque masters.

The dome climb is worth the 551 steps (or elevator to the halfway point, then 320 steps). The panoramic views of Rome from the top rank among the city’s best vantage points. You’ll also get an up-close look at the dome’s incredible interior mosaics.

Inside the basilica, don’t miss Michelangelo’s Pietà—created when he was just 24 years old—and Bernini’s baroque bronze baldachin over the papal altar. The sheer scale of this place defies description. The nave alone could swallow most cathedrals whole.

Insider tip: If you’re doing a Vatican Museums tour, book one that includes direct access to St. Peter’s from the Sistine Chapel. There’s a restricted passage that tour groups can use, bypassing the separate security line outside. This saves easily 30-45 minutes of waiting.

Rome’s Iconic Piazzas and Fountains

Trevi Fountain: More Than Just a Photo Op

The Trevi Fountain draws massive crowds for good reason. This baroque masterpiece, completed in the 18th century, remains the most famous fountain in Rome—possibly in the entire world. The tradition says throwing one coin ensures your return to Rome, two coins brings romance, three coins leads to marriage.

I’ve visited at various times trying to beat the crowds. Early morning (around 7 AM) offers your best shot at enjoying the fountain without being part of a human sardine can. Late evening, when the fountain is illuminated, creates magical atmosphere despite the crowds.

Recent changes mean you might encounter a queuing system during peak hours (6-10 PM). Rome officials implemented this to manage the overwhelming visitor numbers. If you hit these controlled entry periods, don’t wait—come back early the next morning instead.

Note for planners: There’s been talk of introducing a small entry fee to the fountain area. This hadn’t been implemented as of early 2025, but check current status when planning your trip.

Spanish Steps: An Instagram Favorite With Historical Roots

The famous Spanish Steps connecting Piazza di Spagna below with the Trinità dei Monti church above have become one of those quintessential Rome photo locations. These 135 steps, built in the 1720s, got their name from the nearby Spanish Embassy. The Spanish Steps area offers a distinct vibe from other parts of the historic center—more polished, more fashion-forward, with luxury shopping along Via Condotti.

Sitting on the steps for a rest is no longer allowed—Rome enacted this rule to preserve the monument and reduce congestion. But the area around Piazza di Spagna offers excellent people-watching and shopping opportunities. This neighborhood houses luxury boutiques and the fashionable Via Condotti.

Spring brings a special treat: pink azaleas decorating the steps create a stunning floral display that’s worth planning around if you’re visiting in April.

Piazza Navona: Baroque Beauty in the City Center

Piazza Navona ranks among my favorite spots in the city center. Built on the footprint of an ancient Roman stadium (you can still see the oval shape), this baroque square features three fountains, the most famous being Bernini’s Fountain of the Four Rivers. This is Piazza Navona at its best—art, history, and contemporary Roman life converging in one stunning space.

The piazza buzzes with life—street performers, artists, outdoor cafes serving overpriced but atmospheric dining. I love grabbing a table at one of the surrounding restaurants for an aperitivo as the sun sets, watching the square transform from day to evening energy. Piazza Navona deserves to be on every Rome bucket list, not because guidebooks say so, but because it captures something essential about why this city has been called the Eternal City for centuries. The blend of ancient foundations (the stadium below), baroque artistry (Bernini’s fountains), and modern vitality creates that distinctly Roman magic that no other European city quite replicates.

Historical context: The piazza’s oval shape comes from the Stadium of Domitian, built in the 1st century AD for athletic competitions. Emperor Domitian had this space constructed for actual sporting events, and you can still visit ruins of the ancient stadium underneath nearby buildings.

Not far from here stands Piazza Venezia, dominated by the massive Victor Emmanuel II Monument. This gleaming white marble structure honors the first king of unified Italy. Some Romans call it overly dramatic, but it remains an impossible-to-miss landmark that marks the transition from ancient Rome to the modern city center.

Piazza del Popolo and Villa Borghese Connection

Piazza del Popolo marks one of Rome’s main northern entrances, a grand baroque square with Egyptian obelisk centerpiece. From here, three streets (the “Tridente”) radiate into the city center. But the real treasure lies just beyond: the park entrance to Villa Borghese.

Villa Borghese Gardens provide 200 acres of green escape from urban intensity. I’ve spent entire afternoons wandering these landscaped grounds, rowing on the small lake, or just finding a shady bench to decompress between sightseeing marathons. The park also houses several museums, with the Borghese Gallery being the crown jewel.

Hidden Gems and Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences

Beyond the iconic sites that dominate every Rome itinerary, the city hides countless lesser-known treasures. These off the beaten path spots reveal a different side of Rome—quieter, more authentic, often more rewarding than fighting crowds at major attractions. Here are the things to do in Rome that transformed my understanding of the city beyond its greatest hits.

Campo de’ Fiori: Market Energy and Nightlife Hub

Campo de’ Fiori operates as a split-personality square. Mornings bring a vibrant market selling produce, flowers, and local products—this is where Romans actually shop. The market wraps up around 2 PM, and by evening, the square transforms into a nightlife hub popular with locals and visitors alike.

The central statue honors Giordano Bruno, a philosopher burned at the stake here in 1600 for heresy. This darker historical element adds gravitas to what otherwise feels like a party square at night.

Food tip: Hit the market in the morning for incredible fresh produce and porchetta sandwiches from vendors who’ve held the same spots for generations. Don’t buy souvenirs here though—prices are inflated for tourists.

Trastevere: Where Rome Feels Like a Village

Cross the Tiber River into Trastevere and you’ll discover narrow cobblestone streets, ivy-covered buildings, and a neighborhood that still retains authentic Roman character. This used to be the working-class district; now it’s trendy but hasn’t completely sold its soul to tourism.

Trastevere shines in the evening. The streets fill with locals meeting for aperitivo, restaurant tables spill onto every available piazza, and a distinctly bohemian energy emerges. This is where I point people looking to escape the tourist-heavy city center without leaving Rome entirely.

The neighborhood also offers historical treasures. The Basilica of Santa Maria in Trastevere, one of Rome’s oldest churches, features stunning gold mosaics. The quieter streets away from the main piazza reveal genuine neighborhood life—families walking to dinner, corner shops, cafes where locals actually gather.

The Food Experience: Tours and Trattorias

Rome’s culinary scene deserves serious attention. The city’s four classic pasta dishes—carbonara, cacio e pepe, amatriciana, and gricia—represent simplicity elevated to art. But beyond pasta, Rome offers deep food culture spanning markets, street food, traditional trattorias, and Michelin-starred innovations.

Why Take a Rome Food Tour

I initially resisted food tours as tourist gimmicks. Then I took one through Trastevere and immediately understood their value. A knowledgeable guide introduces you to restaurants, markets, and specialty shops you’d never find independently—favorite restaurants where locals have eaten for generations. More importantly, food tours provide cultural context—why suppli (fried rice balls) became street food staple, how cacio e pepe must be prepared, where actual Romans buy their groceries. A Rome food tour transforms eating from simple necessity into cultural education.

The best food tours limit group size (10-12 people max) and focus on specific neighborhoods. Testaccio, Trastevere, and the Jewish Ghetto each offer distinct culinary traditions. Food tours typically run 3-4 hours and include enough tastings to constitute a full meal. Some even incorporate visits to Michelin starred restaurants where you can sample high-end interpretations of traditional dishes.

Recommendation: Book food tours early in your visit. Guides often provide restaurant recommendations you can pursue later. They’ll also explain ordering etiquette, tipping norms, and other cultural basics that enhance the rest of your trip.

Essential Roman Dishes to Try

Carbonara: Eggs, guanciale (cured pork jowl), Pecorino Romano, black pepper. That’s it. No cream, never cream. When done right, it’s silky, rich perfection.

Cacio e Pepe: Even simpler—pasta, Pecorino Romano, black pepper. The challenge lies in technique, creating a creamy sauce from just cheese and pasta water.

Jewish Artichokes (Carciofi alla Giudia): Deep-fried whole artichokes, crispy outside and tender within. This dish originated in Rome’s Jewish Ghetto and remains a local specialty.

Supplì: Rome’s answer to arancini—fried rice balls with tomato sauce and mozzarella center that stretches when you bite in.

Pizza al Taglio: Rome-style pizza by the slice, sold by weight. Look for places displaying multiple varieties, cut from large rectangular pans.

Amazing Italian food isn’t hard to find in Rome, but quality varies dramatically. Avoid restaurants with picture menus and aggressive corner hawkers. Look for places filled with Italians, handwritten daily menus, and simple preparations highlighting quality ingredients.

Practical Planning: Making the Most of Your Time

Is 3 Days Enough to Visit Rome?

Three days lets you hit the major attractions and get a taste of Roman life. You won’t see everything, but you can experience a satisfying overview. Here’s how I’d structure it:

Day 1: Colosseum and Roman Forum in the morning (book earliest entry possible), lunch in Monti neighborhood, afternoon in the Jewish Ghetto and Trastevere, evening walking tour through the historic center hitting Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, and Spanish Steps.

Day 2: Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel early morning tour, St. Peter’s Basilica, lunch nearby, afternoon at Castel Sant’Angelo or Villa Borghese gardens, evening food tour in Testaccio or Trastevere.

Day 3: Borghese Gallery (requires advance reservation), Piazza Navona and surrounding streets, Campo de’ Fiori market, afternoon at leisure for shopping or revisiting favorite spots, final dinner at a special restaurant.

This schedule is ambitious but doable. The key is booking timed tickets and tours in advance. Long lines can derail even the best plans during peak season.

Rome Do’s and Don’ts: Essential Etiquette

DO:

• Book major attractions (Colosseum, Vatican Museums, Borghese Gallery) weeks in advance
• Dress appropriately for religious sites—shoulders and knees covered
• Carry a reusable water bottle—Rome’s public fountains provide free, safe drinking water
• Validate public transport tickets before boarding
• Learn basic Italian pleasantries—Romans appreciate the effort
• Eat dinner later (8-9 PM is normal for locals)
• Walk everywhere possible—Rome reveals itself on foot

DON’T:

• Eat breakfast at your hotel if they’re charging €20+—find a local café for €5 cappuccino and cornetto
• Order cappuccino after 11 AM (locals only drink milk-based coffee at breakfast)
• Tip like in America—5-10% is generous, often not expected for casual meals
• Touch monuments and ruins—seems obvious but guards constantly remind tourists
• Fall for street vendors selling “authentic” gladiator photos
• Rush through the Sistine Chapel—you can’t re-enter once you exit
• Skip the less-famous churches—Rome contains hundreds of beautiful, free-entry churches worth exploring

Getting Around Rome

From the Airport: Leonardo Express train connects Fiumicino Airport to Roma Termini station in 32 minutes, departing every 15-30 minutes. This is the quickest, most reliable option for reaching the city center. Cost is around €14 each way.

Taxis from Fiumicino to central Rome run a fixed €48 fare (€55 to areas beyond the historic center). Split among multiple travelers, this becomes competitive with the train.

Within Rome: The city operates two metro lines (A and B) that cover major areas, though the historic center has limited underground access due to archaeological constraints. The metro is cheap (€1.50 single ride) and useful for longer distances.

Most visitors find walking their primary transportation method. Rome’s compact historic center puts major attractions within 20-30 minute walks of each other. This is actually ideal—you’ll stumble upon incredible architecture, charming streets, and neighborhood life between destinations.

For trips to outlying areas like the Amalfi Coast or day trips to nearby towns, regional trains from Roma Termini provide easy access. The Italian rail system is efficient and affordable when booked in advance.

Day Trips from Rome Worth Considering

Ostia Antica: Ancient Rome Without the Crowds

Just 30 minutes from central Rome, Ostia Antica offers remarkably well-preserved ancient ruins with a fraction of the Forum’s crowds. This was Rome’s ancient port city, buried by sand and river sediment which ironically preserved the ruins beautifully.

Walking through Ostia Antica feels like exploring Pompeii but more accessible. You can wander through ancient apartments, public baths, theaters, and temples while actually imagining daily life 2,000 years ago. The site is vast—budget 3-4 hours minimum.

Getting there: Regional train from Piramide metro station to Ostia Antica station, then 5-minute walk to the archaeological park. The whole trip costs just a few euros with a regular Rome transit ticket.

The Amalfi Coast: Worth the Hype (and Journey)

The Amalfi Coast sits about 3 hours south of Rome, making it a long but doable day trip. The coastal drive between Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello ranks among Europe’s most scenic routes. Honestly though, the journey deserves more than one day—consider staying overnight if your schedule allows.

For day-trippers, organized tours handle transportation logistics, typically leaving Rome around 7 AM and returning by 8 PM. You’ll hit the major towns, enjoy coastal views, and get a taste of Southern Italian culture distinct from Rome’s energy.

Alternative: Take the train to Naples, ferry to Capri for the day. This provides easier logistics while still delivering that Mediterranean island experience.

Where to Stay: Neighborhood Considerations

Historic Center (Centro Storico): Walking distance to everything, vibrant atmosphere, highest prices. Perfect for first-time visitors who want maximum convenience and don’t mind paying premium rates.

Trastevere: Charming neighborhood feel, excellent restaurants, slight distance from major sites. Best for repeat visitors or those who want more authentic local flavor.

Monti: Hip, trendy neighborhood with boutiques and wine bars, close to Colosseum. Good middle ground between tourist convenience and local character.

Prati (Near Vatican): Quieter residential area, easy Vatican access, more affordable than historic center. Great option for families or those prioritizing the Vatican over other sites.

Hotel de Russie: If budget allows, this luxury property near Piazza del Popolo combines historic elegance with modern amenities. The rooftop terrace offers spectacular views, and the location puts you within walking distance of Villa Borghese and the Spanish Steps.

Boutique Hotel Options: Rome has exploded with stylish boutique hotels in recent years. Properties in Monti and Trastevere offer character and location without the corporate feel of larger hotels.

Activities Beyond Standard Sightseeing

Villa Borghese Gardens: Rome’s Central Park

These sprawling gardens provide essential breathing room. Beyond simply walking the grounds, you can rent bicycles, row boats on the lake, visit the small temples and follies scattered throughout, or explore the excellent museums housed within the park.

The Borghese Gallery requires advance reservation but absolutely merits planning around. This small museum houses Bernini sculptures and Caravaggio paintings in an intimate setting that contrasts beautifully with the Vatican’s overwhelming scale. The gallery limits visitors to 2-hour slots, enforcing a civilized viewing pace.

Walking Tours of Specific Neighborhoods

Self-guided walking tours through Rome’s neighborhoods at your own pace reveals layers that rushed tours miss. The Jewish Ghetto, with its synagogue and kosher bakeries, tells the story of a community present since ancient Rome. Monti’s artisan workshops and wine bars showcase contemporary creativity. Testaccio’s working-class roots and food markets illustrate daily Roman life away from tourist spectacle.

These off the beaten path explorations often deliver the most memorable things to do in Rome—unexpected discoveries that you’ll remember long after the major attractions blur together in memory.

Tip: Download offline maps before wandering. Rome’s winding streets confuse even the best sense of direction, and data isn’t always reliable in older buildings.

Making Connections in the Modern Age

One practical consideration I learned through repeated visits: international connectivity matters more than you might expect. Finding reliable WiFi while navigating an unfamiliar city, looking up restaurant reviews, or coordinating with travel companions gets frustrating when you’re constantly hunting for connections.

For my last few Rome trips, I’ve been using mobile eSIM solutions that activate immediately upon landing. No hunting for SIM card shops, no dealing with language barriers during setup, just instant data connectivity that makes the entire trip smoother. Being able to pull up Google Maps while walking from Roma Termini to my hotel, or looking up last-minute restaurant reservations, removes a layer of travel stress I didn’t realize I’d been carrying on earlier trips.

This isn’t specific to Rome—staying connected matters anywhere you travel. But in a sprawling ancient city where streets follow no logical grid and “lost in translation” is an actual possibility, having reliable data access transforms the experience from occasional frustration to seamless exploration.

What Should You Not Miss in Rome?

If you take nothing else from this guide, prioritize these experiences:

The Colosseum and Roman Forum – Together they tell the story of Rome’s rise to world dominance. Seeing these historic sites in person connects you to 2,000 years of human history in a way no textbook can match.

Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel – Michelangelo’s ceiling remains one of humanity’s greatest artistic achievements. The Vatican Museums house treasures that shaped Western art history.

At Least One Great Meal – Whether it’s a white-tablecloth restaurant or a neighborhood trattoria, dedicate one dinner to really excellent Roman cuisine. Seek out authentic carbonara or cacio e pepe prepared by someone who learned the techniques from their grandmother.

Wandering Without a Plan – Schedule at least one afternoon for aimless walking. Duck down side streets, peek into small churches, follow intriguing sounds or smells. Rome rewards spontaneous exploration.

A Sunset Spot – Whether from Palatine Hill overlooking the Roman Forum, Pincio Terrace above Piazza del Popolo, or Orange Garden on Aventine Hill, catch one sunset over this ancient city. The moment crystallizes why Rome has captivated humans for millennia.

Final Thoughts: Rome Calls You Back

I mentioned at the start that Rome keeps pulling me back. That wasn’t exaggeration—I’ve now visited eight times and I’m already planning number nine. Each trip reveals new layers. A church I previously walked past turns out to house Caravaggio masterworks. A street I’d dismissed as tourist-trap-heavy becomes magical at 7 AM before the crowds arrive. A neighborhood I’d never explored introduces me to the best carbonara I’ve ever eaten.

This is what makes Rome special among European cities. It’s simultaneously iconic and undiscovered, ancient and modern, overwhelming and intimate. Three days lets you see the major attractions. A week lets you dig deeper. A lifetime of returns might start to scratch the surface of this place’s depth.

Whatever your timeframe, approach Rome with curiosity over checklist mentality. Yes, visit the Colosseum and Vatican Museums—they’ve earned their UNESCO World Heritage Site status. But also let yourself get lost in Trastevere’s narrow streets. Linger over coffee watching Romans go about their daily lives. Take the long way between major attractions and see what you discover.

Rome rewards those who look beyond the obvious, who invest time learning context and history, who embrace the organized chaos of Italian urban life. It’s messy, loud, crowded, frustrating, beautiful, moving, delicious, and ultimately unforgettable.

The Eternal City earns its nickname by remaining eternally fascinating, no matter how many times you return. Your own Roman holiday awaits—go create some memories that will call you back again and again.