The Eternal City – Rome has been drawing crowds for over 3,000 years! Where else can you chuck a coin in the Trevi Fountain, gawp at gladiator arenas, and gleefully say “when in Rome” for the tenth time that day as you scoff the best carbonara you’ve ever tried?

Destination Highlights

• Ancient wonders galore – from the Colosseum to the Pantheon, you're literally stepping back in time

• Vatican spectacular – home to the Sistine Chapel, St. Peter's Basilica, and enough Renaissance art to make your head spin

• Pasta paradise – this is where carbonara, amatriciana, and cacio e pepe were born (and they taste better than your local fave)

• Neighborhood vibes – each district has its own personality, from hipster Trastevere to posh Prati

• Budget brilliance – loads of free attractions, cheap public transport, and proper Italian street food for pennies

What are the best sights to see on your holidays to Rome?

When in Rome… you do everything! This ancient city is basically one giant open-air museum, sprinkled with espresso bars, gelato stands and gladiator selfies waiting to happen. Whether you’re here to toss a coin in the Trevi or channel your inner Russell Crowe, these sights are a must-see on your city break to Rome.

• The Colosseum – the big one, the icon, the “I came, I saw, I took 300 photos” landmark. Once home to gladiators and emperors, it’s now one of the most jaw-dropping historical sites on the planet. Bonus tip: book a skip-the-line ticket unless you really fancy queuing in the Italian sun.

• The Vatican City – technically its own country, but we’ll let that slide. Home to St Peter’s Basilica, the Sistine Chapel, and enough art to make your camera battery weep. Even if you’re not into art, that ceiling is worth the neck ache.

• Trevi Fountain – grab a gelato, make a wish and toss a coin (right hand over left shoulder, of course). Legend says one coin means a return to Rome, two means love, and three… means you’re moving there. Ciao, bella!

• Pantheon – it’s over 2,000 years old and still standing strong - not bad, right? This temple-turned-church has one of the largest domes in the world and a hole in the roof (on purpose), so if it rains, you’re in for a magical moment.

• Piazza Navona – a lively square filled with street performers, fountains, and that Italian energy that makes you want to linger with a spritz in hand. Perfect for people-watching and soaking up la dolce vita.

🏨 Where to Stay on your Rome Holidays

For City Centre Convenience - Historic Heart

• Capo d'Africa, Near Colosseum - talk about location, location, location! You're literally a stone's throw from the Colosseum and Roman Forum. This might be your number if you want to wake up with gladiator views and be in the thick of ancient Rome.

• Hotel Colosseum, Monti - right in the heart of trendy Monti district, this boutique gem puts you walking distance from the Colosseum but in a neighborhood that's got proper local vibes. Great nightlife and authentic trattorias on your doorstep!

For Budget-Conscious Travelers - Great Value

• Best Roma, Termini - perfect for those who want central Rome without the eye-watering price tag. Near the main train station so you're connected to everything, plus the area's got loads of affordable eateries and it's walking distance to all the major sights.

• Fragrance St Peter Hotel, Prati - brilliant for Vatican explorers! You're in the Prati neighborhood near St. Peter's but away from the tourist chaos. This area's got excellent restaurants that locals actually use, plus metro connections to the rest of Rome.

For Luxury Lovers - Pure Indulgence

• Palazzo Manfredi - Small Luxury Hotels of the World, Colosseum - if you're going to splash out, this is where you do it! With direct views of the Colosseum from some rooms and a Michelin-starred rooftop restaurant, this is peak Roman luxury. You'll be living like a modern-day emperor (and probably spending like one too, but hey – you're in Rome!).

💰 How to Have a Very Cheap Rome Holiday (that's still brilliant)

🗓️ When to Go

Experience the beautiful city of Rome in fall and winter months – the Roman winter (November to March) is considered off-season when you can score cheap holidays to satisfy every kind of traveller! You'll dodge the summer crowds and still get brilliant weather for exploring. Plus, January and February offer the lowest airfares and hotel prices. Also, make sure to book your tickets to the attractions you want to see in advance and online, to make sure you get the best prices.

Of course, one way to save money (even if you spend more up front) is to try booking an All-Inclusive holiday to Italy - thank us later.

💡 Smart Savings

• Public transport passes – public transportation in Rome is cheap... the tickets currently cost €1.50, but the price will go up to €2 over the summer. It's still a very good deal. Get a day pass for €7 and you're sorted!

• Free museum Sundays – visit the state-owned attractions of the city for free on the first Sunday of every month. That's the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and loads more for absolutely nothing!

• Water fountain magic – water fountains are ALL over Rome, and they are drinkable. So refill your bottles of water frequently to enjoy a free drink! No need to spend €3 on bottled water like a mug.

🎉 Free Fun

• The Pantheon is completely free and mind-blowing!

• Piazza Navona people-watching costs nothing but entertainment value is through the roof.

• Trevi Fountain looks stunning day or night – just bring coins for wishes!

• Spanish Steps are perfect for a free sit-down and people spotting.

• Roman Forum views from Monument to Victor Emmanuel II – Take in the view of the Roman Forum and the Colosseum from the cafe... Take a quick look or order a shockingly affordable drink to stay longer.

🚌 Getting About on your Rome holidays

Getting around Rome is easier than finding a good pizza spot (and that’s saying something). The city’s public transport includes buses, trams and a metro system that’ll zip you between major sights faster than you can say “ciao bella”. But honestly, the best way to explore is on foot - half the fun is stumbling across hidden piazzas, ancient ruins and cosy cafés down cobbled lanes.

If your feet need a break, grab a Vespa like a true Roman – just watch out for those fearless locals weaving through traffic. For something more relaxed, hop on a sightseeing bus or join a guided walking tour to make sure you don’t miss a single fresco or fountain. Oh, and taxis and Ubers are handy for late-night gelato runs – you’re on holiday, after all!

Rome holidays 2025/2026 Travel Guide

Things to do for Families

• The Colosseum – step back in time and let the kids play mini-gladiators in Rome’s most iconic landmark. Don’t forget the photo op!

• Explora Children’s Museum – a hands-on science and discovery centre where curious little ones can build, play, and learn – ideal for rainy days.

• Villa Borghese Gardens – Rome’s biggest park, perfect for cycling, puppet shows, picnics, and even a mini zoo – fun for all ages.

• Gelateria del Teatro – a family holidays favourite for creamy, dreamy gelato after a busy day sightseeing. Try the strawberry and basil flavour!

• Ostia Antica – bake a day trip to this ancient Roman port town. Kids can explore real ruins without the crowds – it’s like a time-travelling treasure hunt.

Things to do for Couples

• Trastevere – get lost together in this bohemian neighbourhood of cobbled streets, twinkling lights, and romantic trattorias. La dolce vita at its finest.

• Trevi Fountain – toss a coin over your shoulder and make a wish – one for love, two for a return trip to Rome.

• Pincio Terrace & Orange Garden – watch the sunset melt over the city’s rooftops – it’s pure movie-scene magic.

• Dinner with a View – dine under the stars at Aroma or Rooftop Terrace 45, with the Colosseum glowing in the background.

• Spanish Steps by Night – end the evening with a moonlit stroll and a shared gelato. It doesn’t get more romantic than that on a couples holiday.

Things to do for Food Lovers & Street Wanderers

• Campo de' Fiori Market – by day, this piazza is a fresh food market but by night, it transforms into a lively place to grab a drink. Perfect for picking up ingredients for a picnic or just soaking up the atmosphere.

• Jewish Quarter – the Jewish Ghetto was where all of the Jewish residents of Rome were once forced to live... It's a small area but home to some of the best food in Rome. Try the carciofi alla giudia (Jewish-style artichokes.)

• Trastevere Food Scene – cross the river for proper Roman trattorias where locals actually eat. The portions are massive, the prices are reasonable, and the atmosphere is pure la dolce vita.

• For cheap eats, avoid touristy areas – local restaurants never put pictures on their menu so know that a menu full of pictures is geared to tourists, not locals. Supplì (fried rice balls) and pizza al taglio (pizza by the slice) are proper Roman street food that'll fill you up for under €5!

Things to do for Adventure Seekers & Hidden Gem Hunters

• Aventine Hill – if you need a break, head for the hills (literally) and check out Aventine Hill, a leafy-green suburb with peaceful gardens and some of the best views of the city. Plus, there's a secret keyhole view of St. Peter's dome!

• Underground Rome – in the 1990s, an entire apartment complex, dating to the first century, and a still-working aqueduct were discovered beneath the neighborhood surrounding the Trevi Fountain. Proper archaeological gold!

• San Lorenzo Street Art – hit San Lorenzo—a student neighborhood with an edgy-but-charming vibe—for trendy shops, galleries, and street art. It's like Rome's answer to Shoreditch, but with better pasta.