Rome, Italy Travel Guide 2026: Top Things to See, Eat & Do

Rome, Italy is a city where history, culture, and everyday life exist side by side in the most beautiful way. Often referred to as the Eternal City, Rome is filled with ancient ruins, grand piazzas, world-class cuisine, and timeless architecture that tells the story of thousands of years of civilization. We visited Rome in December, and it was the perfect time to explore the city without peak summer crowds while enjoying festive lights, cooler temperatures, and a more relaxed pace.

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From iconic landmarks like the Colosseum and Vatican City to cozy wine bars and neighborhood trattorias, Rome offers an unforgettable blend of old-world charm and modern Italian life. This Rome, Italy travel guide will help you plan your trip with must-see attractions, where to eat and drink, cultural events, accommodations, local experiences, and tips for getting around the city with ease.

Learn More: Rome, Italy in December: What & How I Packed

Skip to the section you're most interested in: Top Attractions - Where to Eat - Where to Drink - Cultural Events & Festivals - Historic Sites - Accommodations - Local Experiences - How to Get Around

Top Attractions and Experiences in Our Rome, Italy Travel Guide 2026

Top Attractions

• Colosseum – One of the most recognizable landmarks in the world and a symbol of ancient Rome.

• Roman Forum – Ruins of temples, arches, and government buildings from ancient Roman life.

• Palatine Hill – One of the oldest parts of Rome and one of the Seven Hills of Rome, offering incredible panoramic views of the Colosseum and Forum.

• Capitoline Hill – One of Rome’s Seven Hills, home to historic piazzas, museums, and stunning city views designed by Michelangelo.

• Vatican City – Home to St. Peter’s Basilica, Vatican Museums, and the Sistine Chapel.

• Trevi Fountain – Toss a coin to ensure your return to Rome.

• Pantheon – Exceptionally preserved ancient Roman temple with a stunning domed ceiling.

• Spanish Steps – Famous staircase connecting Piazza di Spagna and Trinità dei Monti.

• Piazza Navona – Iconic Baroque square known for its fountains, cafés, and lively atmosphere.

• Villa Borghese – Expansive public park featuring gardens, museums, walking paths, and scenic viewpoints.

• Via del Corso – Major shopping street connecting Piazza Venezia and Piazza del Popolo.

• Monti District – Trendy neighborhood near the Colosseum filled with boutiques, wine bars, and cafés.

Where to Eat in Rome

Pasta, Pizza & Roman Cuisine

• Gino Sorbillo – Popular pizzeria known for authentic Neapolitan-style pizza

• Pastificio Guerra – Casual takeaway spot famous for freshly made pasta served daily

• Trapizzino – Modern Roman street food combining pizza dough and classic fillings

• Osteria da Fortunata – Beloved for handmade pasta prepared fresh in the window

• Osteria Da Zi Umberto – Classic Roman osteria serving traditional comfort dishes

• Pasta e Vino – Cozy spot pairing classic pasta dishes with Italian wines

• L’Antica Enoteca – Traditional Roman food and wine bar with a cozy, authentic feel

• L’Antico Forno – Bakery offering pizza, focaccia, and classic Roman baked goods

Gelato & Desserts

• Two Sizes – Famous for high-quality tiramisu in multiple flavors

• Giolitti – One of Rome’s most historic and well-known gelaterias

• Gelato Romano – Creamy, flavorful gelato with classic Italian options

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Where to Drink in Rome

Rooftop Bars

• Ora Bistrot – Rooftop bar with beautiful city views and a relaxed atmosphere

• Terrazza Borromini – Elegant rooftop overlooking Piazza Navona, perfect for sunset cocktails

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Wine Bars, Cocktail Bars, Nightlife, & Coffee

• Pepy’s Bar – Casual bar popular for drinks and a laid-back vibe

• L’Incontro Piano Bar – Classic piano bar known for live music and an intimate setting

• La Casa del Caffè al Pantheon – Considered one of the best coffee spots in Rome and located steps from the Pantheon

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Neighborhoods for Dining & Drinks

• Trastevere – One of the best neighborhoods in Rome for food, wine, and nightlife

• Casette di Trastevere – Charming streets lined with trattorias and local bars

Cultural Events & Festivals

• Christmas & Holiday Markets (December) – Festive decorations, lights, and markets throughout the city

• Christmas Eve & Christmas Day at the Vatican – Special Masses and celebrations

• Epiphany (La Befana) – January 6 – Celebrated with markets and festivities in Piazza Navona

• Rome Birthday (Natale di Roma) – April 21 – Parades and historical reenactments

• Estate Romana (Summer in Rome) – Outdoor concerts, cinema, and cultural events

Historic Sites

• Chiesa di Sant’Ignazio di Loyola – Baroque church famous for its stunning trompe-l'œil ceiling and optical illusion dome

• Trastevere – One of Rome’s oldest neighborhoods known for cobblestone streets, medieval churches, and vibrant local culture

• Piazza Trilussa – Popular gathering spot in Trastevere named after the Roman poet Trilussa

• St. Peter’s Basilica – One of the most important churches in the world and a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture

• Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel – Home to priceless art and history

• Castel Sant’Angelo – Historic fortress, papal residence, and museum

• Baths of Caracalla – Massive ancient Roman bath complex

Accommodations

Where We Stayed

InterContinental Rome Ambasciatori Palace: A luxury hotel located on Via Veneto offering elegant rooms, excellent service, and a prime location near major attractions and shopping. The hotel blends classic Roman style with modern comfort and was a great base for exploring the city.

Other Accommodation Options

Rome has several large international hotel brands, boutique hotels, and a wide selection of Airbnbs throughout the city.

• Best neighborhoods to stay in:

  • Centro Storico – Close to major landmarks and ideal for sightseeing

  • Trastevere – Charming neighborhood with great food and nightlife

  • Via Veneto – Upscale area with luxury hotels and easy access to attractions

  • Monti – Trendy area near the Colosseum with boutiques and cafes

    
    

Local Experiences

• Vatican Museums Guided Tour – Skip-the-line access and expert insights

  • Check Tour Options Here >>

• Colosseum, Palatine Hill, & Roman Forum Guided Tour – Unique perspective of ancient Rome

  • Book Tour Here >>

• Pasta or Pizza Cooking Class – Learn how to make classic Italian dishes

  • Check Class Options Here >>

• Food Tour in Trastevere – Taste Roman specialties while exploring local streets

  • Check Tour Options Here >>

• Day Trip to Tivoli – Visit Villa d’Este and Villa Adriana

  • Check Tour Options Here >>

• Wine Tasting Experience – Sample Italian wines with local experts

  • Check Class Options Here >>

How to Get Around Rome

• Walking

  • Many major attractions are close together and best explored on foot

• Public Transportation

  • Metro is fast but limited in coverage

  • Buses and trams reach most areas but can be crowded

• Uber

  • Uber operates differently in Rome

  • The taxi service is listed as the first option inside the Uber app, which is confusing

  • The taxi option is often more expensive than Uber

  • Rome does not have UberX, Uber Share, or Uber Comfort

• Taxis

  • Official white taxis are available at stands or by phone

  • Prices vary and can be higher late at night

• Trains

  • Great option for day trips to nearby cities like Florence or Naples

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Rome is a city that stays with you long after you leave. Visiting in December allowed us to experience its beauty at a slower pace, with fewer crowds and a cozy holiday atmosphere. Whether you are standing in awe of ancient ruins, enjoying a plate of fresh pasta, or wandering through historic streets at night, Rome offers a timeless experience unlike anywhere else in the world. No matter when you visit, the Eternal City invites you to slow down, savor every moment, and fall in love with its history, culture, and unforgettable charm.

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Pro Tip: Jubilee Year in Rome

Rome experiences increased visitors during Jubilee Years, which are special Holy Years declared by the Catholic Church and typically occur every 25 years or during extraordinary jubilees. During this time, millions of pilgrims travel to Rome to visit the Vatican and pass through the Holy Doors at major basilicas, making the city busier than usual, even outside of peak travel months.

We visited Rome in December, and while it was a little more crowded than we expected due to the Jubilee, it was still far less crowded than the summer or traditional high season. Attractions were manageable, lines were shorter than peak months, and the cooler weather made sightseeing much more comfortable. If you’re visiting during a Jubilee Year, plan major attractions early in the day, book tickets in advance, and expect slightly higher foot traffic around the Vatican area.