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Rome
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Rome, Italy blends ancient ruins, Renaissance art, grand piazzas and lively neighbourhoods, offering unforgettable history, culture and sightseeing.

Layers of History

Rome is a city where the past remains part of the daily landscape. Around the Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, the scale of ancient imperial power is still apparent in fragments of temples, arches and paved streets. Elsewhere, medieval lanes, Renaissance palaces and Baroque fountains reveal successive chapters of the capital’s development. The historic centre is best understood on foot, with grand set pieces such as Piazza Navona and the Pantheon appearing between quieter streets, churches and courtyards.
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Art, Faith and City Life

Rome’s cultural identity extends beyond its archaeological monuments. Vatican City brings St Peter’s Basilica, the Vatican Museums and Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel into the city’s artistic and religious story, while neighbourhoods such as Trastevere and Monti offer a more informal view of Roman life through artisan shops, cafés, trattorias and evening passeggiata. Testaccio is associated with food traditions and the former slaughterhouse district, now an important cultural quarter, while Villa Borghese provides gardens and museums amid the urban fabric.

The Roman Setting

The Tiber, the umbrella-pine-lined avenues and the seven hills give Rome a distinctive physical character. Views across terracotta rooftops open towards domes, bell towers and monumental ruins, while the Appian Way and the catacombs extend the city’s historical reach beyond the centre. Seasonal light, lively squares and the enduring presence of antiquity make Rome less a collection of isolated sights than an urban environment in which history, religion, art and contemporary Italian life continually overlap.

When is the best time to visit Rome?

Best: May–June, September · 25–31°C
Average daytime high and rainfall by month
MonthHigh (°C)Rainfall (mm)
January1486
February1570
March1778
April2169
May (best)2545
June (best)3122
July3513
August3516
September (best)3052
October24111
November18133
December14117

Getting to and around Rome

How to get there

Rome is served primarily by Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport, southwest of the city in Fiumicino, and by Ciampino Airport, which is closer to the south-east of the urban area. Both connect with Rome by public transport, taxis and private transfers, with journey times affected by traffic. Roma Termini is the principal railway station for high-speed and long-distance trains, while Roma Tiburtina also handles important services. High-speed rail links connect Rome with cities including Florence, Bologna, Milan and Naples. Long-distance coaches and major roads provide additional access, although driving into the historic centre can be inconvenient because of traffic and restricted zones.

Transportation

Rome’s historic core is compact enough for walking between many major sights, although distances can be deceptive and paving is often uneven. The city has metro lines A, B and C, an extensive bus network and trams, with services operated within the metropolitan transport system. Metro stations are particularly useful for reaching areas such as the Colosseum, Spanish Steps and Vatican vicinity, but buses may be needed for districts beyond the central routes. Taxis are available at ranks and through official booking channels. Visitors driving should understand restricted traffic zones, known as ZTLs, and the scarcity of convenient parking in central neighbourhoods.

Best attractions in Rome

Rome’s principal attractions range from the Colosseum and the archaeological complex of the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill to the Pantheon, whose ancient dome remains one of the city’s great architectural experiences. The Vatican Museums lead through collections spanning classical sculpture, Renaissance painting and the Sistine Chapel, while St Peter’s Basilica provides a vast interior shaped by centuries of Christian patronage. Piazza Navona, with Bernini’s Fountain of the Four Rivers, and the Trevi Fountain bring Baroque spectacle into everyday urban life. The Borghese Gallery, set within Villa Borghese, is prized for its sculpture and painting collection, while the Capitoline Museums overlook the historic centre from Michelangelo’s redesigned piazza. For a different atmosphere, visitors can follow the Appian Way, explore the catacombs or wander through the lanes of Trastevere and Monti, where archaeology, neighbourhood life and independent businesses meet.

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Best landmarks in Rome

Rome’s landmarks express the overlapping authority of empire, Christianity, papal government and the modern Italian state. The Colosseum remains the clearest symbol of imperial spectacle, while the nearby Arch of Constantine records the political language of late antiquity. The Pantheon, with its well-preserved ancient structure and vast oculus, demonstrates Roman engineering adapted to later religious use. St Peter’s Basilica dominates the Vatican landscape, its dome and interior reflecting the work of Michelangelo, Bernini and other architects across several centuries. In the civic centre, the Capitoline Museums and Michelangelo’s Piazza del Campidoglio represent Renaissance urban design, while the Trevi Fountain and Piazza Navona exemplify the theatrical character of Baroque Rome. The Monument to Vittorio Emanuele II, built after unification, adds a nineteenth-century national statement to the city’s much older architectural vocabulary.

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Explore Rome on the map

Plan your Rome trip on one map. See where the top attractions, landmarks, restaurants, bars and hotels are, find what's near where you're staying, and book hotels and experiences in a few clicks.

Neighbourhoods in Rome

Best restaurants in Rome

Roman cooking is direct, distinctive and closely tied to the city’s working-class traditions. Pasta dishes such as carbonara, amatriciana, cacio e pepe and gricia rely on a small number of carefully handled ingredients, while saltimbocca, coda alla vaccinara and thin, crisp Roman-style pizza reflect broader local habits. Artichokes are prepared alla romana or alla giudia, the latter associated with Rome’s historic Jewish quarter, and supplì—fried rice croquettes with mozzarella—are a familiar casual snack. Trattorias and osterias remain central to the dining scene, particularly in Testaccio, Trastevere and the Jewish Ghetto, while bakeries, pizza al taglio counters and food markets suit quick meals. Campo de’ Fiori is strongly associated with food shopping and tourist trade, whereas Testaccio’s market and neighbourhood restaurants offer a more grounded view of Roman culinary life.

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Best bars in Rome

Rome’s evenings tend to unfold through aperitivo, dinner, conversation and passeggiata rather than a single concentrated club district. Trastevere is known for busy piazzas, casual bars and late socialising, while Monti mixes small wine bars, craft-beer venues and relaxed streets near the Colosseum. Testaccio has a longer association with clubs and dancing, though the city’s nightlife changes continually and is less uniform than that of some European capitals. Campo de’ Fiori and the streets around Piazza Navona attract a strong visitor crowd, whereas Prati and San Lorenzo offer different local rhythms, including live music and student-oriented venues. Rome also supports opera, classical concerts, theatre and summer cultural programmes, giving evenings an important cultural dimension beyond drinking and nightclubs.

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Best nightclubs in Rome

Rome’s evenings tend to unfold through aperitivo, dinner, conversation and passeggiata rather than a single concentrated club district. Trastevere is known for busy piazzas, casual bars and late socialising, while Monti mixes small wine bars, craft-beer venues and relaxed streets near the Colosseum. Testaccio has a longer association with clubs and dancing, though the city’s nightlife changes continually and is less uniform than that of some European capitals. Campo de’ Fiori and the streets around Piazza Navona attract a strong visitor crowd, whereas Prati and San Lorenzo offer different local rhythms, including live music and student-oriented venues. Rome also supports opera, classical concerts, theatre and summer cultural programmes, giving evenings an important cultural dimension beyond drinking and nightclubs.

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Best shops in Rome

Rome’s shopping landscape moves from historic markets and artisan workshops to international fashion streets and contemporary independent boutiques. Via del Corso provides a central chain-store artery, while Via dei Condotti, Via Borgognona and the surrounding streets near Piazza di Spagna are associated with established Italian and international luxury brands. For a less formal experience, Monti has vintage shops, small design retailers and makers’ studios, and Via Cola di Rienzo in Prati combines everyday shopping with specialist stores. Food remains an important purchase: visitors can look for Roman pasta, olive oil, wine, coffee and packaged regional products, while leather goods, stationery, ceramics and religious souvenirs appear throughout the centre. Markets such as Porta Portese and Mercato Testaccio offer different atmospheres, but stock and trading patterns can vary, so shopping is best approached as part of neighbourhood exploration rather than a fixed itinerary.

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Rome essentials

Currency and Payment
Italy uses the euro, with the international code EUR. Cards and contactless payments are widely accepted in hotels, museums, supermarkets and many restaurants, although small cafés, market stalls and independent businesses may still prefer cash or impose a minimum card payment. ATMs are common, but using machines operated by established banks can help avoid confusing conversion offers and excessive fees. International visitors should notify their bank before travelling and check whether foreign transaction charges apply. Carrying a modest amount of euros remains useful for small purchases, public conveniences, informal food counters and situations where card terminals are temporarily unavailable.
Safety
Rome requires the ordinary precautions appropriate to a major European capital, particularly around crowded monuments, public transport, railway stations and busy restaurant terraces. Keep phones, wallets and bags secure, avoid displaying valuables and be especially attentive in queues and congested metro carriages. The historic centre is generally active into the evening, but quieter streets and poorly lit areas deserve greater awareness after dark. Take official taxis or established booking services and check belongings before leaving vehicles. Summer heat can be a practical hazard around exposed archaeological sites, so water, shade and sensible pacing are important during long sightseeing days.
Emergency Situations
In Italy, call 112 for the European emergency service, which can coordinate police, fire and medical assistance; operators may be able to provide help in languages other than Italian. Give the exact location, describe the situation clearly and remain available for further questions. For urgent medical care, emergency departments are known as pronto soccorso. Pharmacies display a green cross and can advise on routine health needs, while travel insurance details and essential medication information should be kept accessible. Visitors should carry identification and record their accommodation address, particularly when navigating a large city with similar-looking streets and piazzas.
Do's and Don'ts
Dress modestly when entering churches and religious sites, covering shoulders and knees where requested, and keep voices low during services. Do not sit on or climb monuments, fountains or archaeological remains; Rome’s public artworks and heritage sites are protected and may be subject to specific rules. In restaurants, service and cover charges can appear separately on the bill, so check it before deciding whether to leave a small additional tip. Queue patiently at attractions and allow passengers to leave buses or trains before boarding. Avoid eating, drinking or swimming in historic fountains, and follow local signs around restricted traffic and pedestrian areas.
Local Tips
The historic centre, Monti, Trastevere, Testaccio and the Vatican area offer distinctly different perspectives on Rome, so choosing one walking route per day is often more rewarding than crossing the city repeatedly. The city’s public nasoni fountains are useful for refilling a bottle, provided the water is marked as suitable for drinking. Visit major museums and archaeological sites with a planned time slot where required, while independent churches can provide quieter encounters with art. Early morning is particularly effective for popular squares and monuments, and neighbourhood markets such as Campo de’ Fiori are best understood as working local spaces as well as visitor stops.
Eve, your Evendo local guide

From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics
EnglishLocalSay it
HelloCiao[chow]
GoodbyeArrivederci[ah-ree-veh-dehr-chee]
YesSì[see]
NoNo[no]
Please/You're welcomePer favore/Prego[pehr fah-voh-reh/preh-goh]
Thank youGrazie[grah-tsyeh]
Excuse me/SorryMi scusi/Scusa[mee skoo-zee/skoo-sah]
How are you?Come stai?[koh-meh stah-ee]
Fine. And you?Bene. E tu?[beh-neh. eh too]
Do you speak English?Parli inglese?[pahr-lee een-gleh-zeh]
I don't understandNon capisco[nohn kah-pee-skoh]
Eating & Drinking
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to see the menu, pleaseVorrei vedere il menu, per favore[vohr-ray veh-deh-reh eel meh-noo, pehr fah-voh-reh]
I don't eat meatNon mangio carne[nohn mahn-joh kahr-neh]
Cheers!Salute![sah-loo-teh]
I would like to pay, pleaseVorrei pagare, per favore[vohr-ray pah-gah-reh, pehr fah-voh-reh]
Emergencies
EnglishLocalSay it
Help!Aiuto![ah-yoo-toh]
Go away!Vai via![vah-ee vee-ah]
Call the Police!Chiama la polizia![kyah-mah lah poh-lee-tsya]
Call a doctor!Chiama un dottore![kyah-mah oon doh-toh-reh]
I'm lostMi sono perso[mee soh-noh pehr-soh]
I'm illSono malato[soh-noh mah-lah-toh]
Shopping
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to buy...Vorrei comprare...[vohr-ray kohm-prah-reh]
I'm just lookingSto solo guardando[stoh soh-loh gwahr-dahn-doh]
How much is it?Quanto costa?[kwahn-toh koh-stah]
That's too expensiveÈ troppo caro[eh troh-poh kah-roh]
Can you lower the price?Puoi abbassare il prezzo?[pwah-ee ahb-bahs-sah-reh eel preh-tsoh]
Time & Numbers
EnglishLocalSay it
What time is it?Che ora è?[keh oh-rah eh]
It's one o'clockÈ l'una[eh loo-nah]
Half past (10)Sono le dieci e mezza[soh-noh leh dyeh-chee eh meht-sah]
MorningMattina[maht-tee-nah]
AfternoonPomeriggio[poh-meh-ree-joh]
EveningSera[seh-rah]
YesterdayIeri[yeh-ree]
TodayOggi[oh-jee]
TomorrowDomani[doh-mah-nee]
1Uno[oo-noh]
2Due[doo-eh]
3Tre[treh]
4Quattro[kwah-troh]
5Cinque[cheen-kweh]
6Sei[say]
7Sette[seht-teh]
8Otto[oh-ttoh]
9Nove[noh-veh]
10Dieci[dyeh-chee]
Transport & Directions
EnglishLocalSay it
Where's a/the...?Dov'è...?[doh-veh]
What's the address?Qual è l'indirizzo?[kwahl eh leen-dee-reet-soh]
Can you show me (on the map)?Puoi mostrarmi (nella mappa)?[pwah-ee mohs-trar-mee (neh-lah mahp-pah)]
When's the next (bus)?Quando passa il prossimo (bus)?[kwahn-doh pahs-sah eel prohs-see-moh (boos)]
A ticket (to ....)Un biglietto (per ....)[oon beel-yet-toh (pehr)]

History of Rome

Origins on the Tiber

Rome’s traditional foundation date is 753 BC, though archaeological evidence points to earlier settlements on and around the Palatine Hill. The city developed beside the Tiber at an important crossing and inherited influences from neighbouring Latin, Sabine and Etruscan communities. Under the Roman monarchy, central institutions and religious practices began to take shape; after the establishment of the Republic, Rome expanded through alliances, military campaigns and political integration across Italy. The Forum became the civic centre of this growing state, while roads, temples and public buildings gave physical form to Roman power. The familiar foundation story of Romulus and Remus belongs to Rome’s mythology rather than verifiable early history, but it has profoundly influenced the city’s identity and later artistic representations.

Republican Expansion and Imperial Rome

Between the third and first centuries BC, Rome transformed from an Italian power into the centre of a Mediterranean empire. Victories over Carthage and the Hellenistic kingdoms brought wealth, artworks, enslaved people and new cultural influences into the capital. Political tensions produced civil wars, ending with Augustus’s rise and the beginning of the imperial period in 27 BC. Under the emperors, Rome acquired monumental forums, baths, temples, roads, aqueducts and theatres, many financed through imperial patronage. The Colosseum, completed under the Flavian dynasty in AD 80, embodied the state’s capacity to stage mass spectacles. At its height, Rome governed a vast and diverse empire, although inequality, overcrowding and dependence on imported grain shaped everyday life as strongly as monumental architecture did.

Christianity and Late Antiquity

Christianity gradually changed Rome’s religious and architectural landscape. After centuries in which Christians could face persecution, Constantine’s conversion and the legalisation of Christianity in the early fourth century allowed basilicas to be built openly. Rome became a major centre of the western Church, and churches such as San Giovanni in Laterano and the original St Peter’s Basilica connected Christian authority with the city’s imperial inheritance. The western Roman Empire’s political power weakened during the fifth century, and Rome was affected by invasions, population decline and the loss of administrative prominence. Yet its episcopal institutions, pilgrimage traditions and surviving monuments preserved an international significance. Ancient structures were reused, quarried or incorporated into later buildings, creating the layered city visible today.

Medieval Rome and Papal Power

During the Middle Ages, Rome remained smaller and less densely populated than its imperial predecessor, with settlement concentrated around the Tiber, the Vatican and fortified centres belonging to powerful families. The papacy increasingly shaped the city’s politics, economy and built environment, although popes and nobles competed for authority. In the eighth century, the Donation of Pepin helped establish the Papal States, territories governed by the papacy for more than a thousand years. The transfer of the papal court to Avignon from 1309 to 1377 weakened Rome’s population and institutions, but the return of the papacy encouraged rebuilding. Pilgrims, churches, monasteries and charitable foundations sustained the city’s religious role, while medieval towers and irregular street patterns still survive in districts such as Trastevere.

Renaissance and Baroque Renewal

From the fifteenth century, popes used architecture, urban planning and the arts to restore Rome’s prestige and express the authority of the Catholic Church. Humanist interest in antiquity encouraged the study and collection of Roman remains, while artists and architects including Bramante, Raphael, Michelangelo and Bernini reshaped the city. The rebuilding of St Peter’s Basilica extended across generations, and the Vatican Museums grew through papal patronage. After the Reformation, the Catholic Reformation brought renewed emphasis on churches, ceremony and public religious imagery. In the seventeenth century, Baroque Rome acquired theatrical fountains, facades and piazzas, notably through the work of Bernini and Borromini. This period established much of the monumental city encountered between Piazza Navona, the Pantheon and the Vatican.

Unification and the Modern Capital

Rome became the capital of the Kingdom of Italy in 1871, after Italian unification and the end of papal temporal rule. The new state expanded streets, government buildings, railway connections and residential districts, often placing modern infrastructure beside archaeological remains. The Lateran Treaty of 1929 created Vatican City as an independent state and formalised relations between Italy and the Holy See. During the twentieth century, Rome experienced major population growth, fascist-era construction and post-war redevelopment, while its monuments increasingly became the focus of conservation and tourism. The historic centre, Vatican properties and ancient sites now form a complex cultural landscape in which national institutions, municipal life, religious authority and international visitors coexist.

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Evendo: Your Ultimate Travel Guide to Rome

100% free app-based travel guide to Rome covering attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, experiences, and activities.

  • Detailed information on attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, experiences, and activities
  • Rich content including images, descriptions, local tips, maps, and contact details
  • Easy booking of hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences
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Discover the best of Rome with Evendo, the ultimate free travel guide app. Navigate the Eternal City with ease, explore iconic landmarks, and access local tips for an unforgettable journey.

  • History of Rome and travel essentials
  • Curated local tips for an authentic experience
  • User-friendly navigation and 'Near me' feature
  • 100% free with no in-app purchases or hidden costs
  • Global coverage with information on over 7,000 destinations

Planning your trip to Rome has never been easier with Evendo, your ultimate travel companion. This 100% free app-based travel guide is designed to help you uncover the magic of the Eternal City. Whether you're wandering through the ancient ruins of the Colosseum, marveling at the beauty of the Vatican Museums, or tossing a coin into the iconic Trevi Fountain, Evendo has you covered.

Discover detailed information on Rome's top attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, experiences, and activities. Each location is enriched with images, descriptions, local tips, maps, and contact details, ensuring you have everything you need to plan and enjoy your trip.

Savor the flavors of Rome at renowned restaurants like Trattoria Da Enzo al 29 or enjoy a cocktail at the chic Jerry Thomas Speakeasy. With Evendo, you can easily book hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences directly through the app. Say goodbye to the hassle of searching for what to see or do and figuring out logistics—Evendo has it all in one place.

Explore the rich history of Rome with our curated content, packed with local advice to make the most out of your visit. Use the 'Near me' feature to find hidden gems around you, no matter where you are in the city. With easy navigation and comprehensive travel essentials, Evendo ensures you experience Rome like a local.

And the best part? Evendo is completely free. No in-app purchases, no hidden costs—free forever. Plus, it covers over 7,000 other destinations worldwide, so once you download Evendo, you'll have the world in your pocket.

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