Rome

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Rome

Rome, known as the Eternal City, has attracted visitors for over 2,000 years. It is one of the most magnificent and romantic cities in the world, boasting an attractive mix of grandiose sights — the likes of the Colosseum, Roman Pantheon and Forum — and bustling city life. Life is sweet: the cake is there for eating. Italian designer shopping, smooth ice cream, frothy cappuccino, tasty pasta and pizza, and exquisite wines to name but a few things that draw in over 4.2 million tourists in search of a taste of the Italian "dolce vita" every year.

The City Top 12 5 Secret Spots in Rome

The City

Where should one begin to summarise the history of the Eternal City? A good date might be 21 April 753 B.C., when Romulus founded the city after murdering his twin brother Remus. During the following centuries, Rome grew into a powerful empire, peaking during the rule of Marcus Aurelius in 161-180 A.D. Like the ancient city, today's Rome is built on seven hills: Capitolino, Palatino, Quirinale, Viminale, Esquilino, Celio, and Aventino. The central area is called Campo Marzio, named after the Roman God of war, and was the ancient army’s training grounds. This is where many of the famous sights are located. Other well-known areas are Trastevere, on the other side of the Tiber river, and Monti. Little Pigneto is considered to be the most typically Roman neighbourhood. Download our free, in-depth pdf guide for up-to-date tourist and general information on Rome, including the best places to stay, where to eat, drink, and party, as well as main attractions and must-have experiences in the Eternal City.

Top 12

Top 12 represents the list of must-see attractions when planning your trip to glorious Rome. Here you will find not only iconic landmarks, ancient ruins, and elegant squares, but also fun and unforgettable experiences like a cooking class and an evening Vespa tour around Rome. Without further ado, here's our list of the Top 12 attractions in Rome:

5 Secret Spots in Rome

The vibrant capital of Italy is a unique fusion of rich history, culture, natural beauty, and monuments. It goes much further than the usual tourist sites: delve into Rome's hidden gems that are just a few steps away from the well-trodden paths and monuments. Here's a shortlist of Rome's tucked-away treasures that will leave you taken with the city's seemingly endless offerings.

Do & See Dining Cafes Bars & Nightlife Shopping Tourist Information

Do & See

Rome is one of a kind. No other city – not even Athens, Istanbul, London or New York – has as many world-class sites as the Eternal City. Walking down Via del Fori Imperiali towards the Colosseum will impress even the most spoiled and shopping-crazed teenager. The city has so much to offer: besides the Roman heritage, there are also medieval neighbourhoods, well-designed squares, colourful markets, and the Vatican City with St. Peter’s Basilica and its incredible museums. To help you make the most out of your visit to the city, our travel experts have created a list of the top-rated tourist attractions you simply cannot miss in Rome:

Colosseum

Built under Emperor Vespasian in A.D. 70-72 and completed by his son Titus 10 years later, the Flavian Amphitheatre or the Colosseum is a massive stone arena, which at its peak, could accommodate 80,000 spectators. As in the movie "Gladiator", it has hosted violent and brutal displays of gladiatorial combats and wild animal fights, all…

Fontana di Trevi

Designed by Salvi and completed by Pannini in 1762, the striking Trevi Fountain amazes onlookers with its 26.3-metre (86 ft) height and 49.15-metre (161.3 ft) width, making it the largest Baroque fountain in the city and the most famous one in the world. Several movies, including Roman Holiday and Fellini's La Dolce Vita, have contributed…

Roman Forum

Sandwiched between the Palatine and Capitoline hills, the Forum Romanum (Roman Forum) is an open-air forum that was once the commercial, political, social, and religious hub of Ancient Rome. Throughout the Imperial period, Emperors like Julius Caesar and Augusts expanded the Forum to include temples, statues, monuments, a senate house, and low courts. Today, the…

Pantheon

An astonishing 2,000-year-old temple, now a church, the Pantheon is a remarkable building to see when in Rome. The Pantheon, built as a temple to all gods, is the best-preserved marvel from Ancient Rome. Its main and most fascinating feature is the design of the dome and open oculus, the only source of natural light.…

The Vatican City

Headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church and home to the Pope, the Vatican City is an ecclesiastical state and the smallest state in Europe, both in dimension and population. Though teeny tiny, the state holds 11 noteworthy museums, including the Michelangelo-decorated Sistine Chapel (perhaps the greatest gem), St. Peter's Basilica, and St. Peter's Square. Marvel…

St. Peter's Basilica

The late Renaissance St. Peter's Basilica is an iconic landmark of the Vatican City, a monumental structure that the likes of Michelangelo helped bring into existence. Today, the basilica is open to visitors wishing to explore its inside naves and chapels and see works of art by great masters such as Raphael and Bernini. While…

Castel Sant'Angelo

Located on the right bank of the Tiber River, guarding one of Rome's oldest bridges, the Castel Sant'Angelo is an imposing cylindrical building, initially commissioned by Emperor Hadrian as a mausoleum for himself and his family. It was later converted into a fortress, a papal residence, and a prison. Now, it's a museum offering beautiful…

Piazza Navona

The elongated Piazza Navona with its three impressive fountains, including the Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi with the Egyptian obelisk at its centre, is Rome's most famous and vibrant square. Built in the 1st century AD, the square used to be a stadium for athletic competitions and could accommodate over 20,000 spectators. The backdrop of Baroque…

Day trip to Mount Vesuvius & Pompeii from Rome

Explore one of the world's most fascinating archaeological sites on a day trip to Pompeii from Rome. Gain interesting insight from your expert guide into the eruption of Mount Vesuvius that buried the city of Pompeii and the surrounding area. Walk through the cobblestone streets to see the ruins of the forum, bathhouse, individual homes,…

Pasta Cooking Class in Rome

Italy does not only attract tourists with the beauty of its landscapes and mesmerising ancient sites: Italy's exquisite cuisine and passion for all things culinary is, arguably, an even more powerful draw. And for a truly memorable experience in Rome, consider joining a cooking class. This one, in particular, will teach you how to make…

Vespa Tour By Night

Hop on a vintage Vespa and explore the wonders of Rome, just like Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck in the film Roman Holiday, in this fun and memorable evening tour. It's a 3-hour sightseeing tour with a professional guide, which will take you around the Eternal City's most famous landmarks, including the Colosseum, the Mouth…

Baths of Caracalla

Built under the reigns of Emperors Septimius Severus and his son Caracalla, the Terme di Caracalla is what remains of once functioning ancient public baths. It is, as of today, one of the best (and largest) remaining examples of a similar structure.

Galleria Borghese

Rome falls short of Venice and Florence when it comes to art, but this gallery is an exception. The bi-level art gallery, housed in the former Villa Borghese Pinciana, displays masterpieces by renowned artists such as Botticelli, Raphael, Caravaggio, Rubens, and Tiziano. The adjacent gardens are as breathtaking as the artwork showcased in the gallery.…

Spanish Steps

Named after the nearby Embassy of Spain, the Spanish Steps link Piazza di Spagna with Piazza di Trinità dei Monti. The monumental stairway is famous for being a gathering point for both tourists and locals who grab a front-row seat to the spectacle of Rome's street life after an exhausting day of shopping or sightseeing.…

Hadrian's Villa (Villa Adriana)

Once the temporary retreat and later home to decorated Roman Emperor Hadrian, Villa Adriana dates back millennia when it was conceived as an "ideal city" with baths, pools, fountains, and lush gardens. The structure combined elements of Greek, Roman, and Egyptian influences. Since 1999, Villa Adriana belongs to the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites.

Villa d'Este

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Villa d’Este is an unparalleled example of Renaissance architecture, located just under an hour away from the city centre in Tivoli (next to Villa Adriana). Marvel at its fountains, terraces, and gardens, explore the building from the inside and feel like one of the many artworks featuring Villa d’Este has…

Domus Aurea – Nero’s Golden House

In the year 64 AD, Emperor Nero built a palace almost one mile long—stretching from the Palatine Hill all the way to the Oppio Hill. Some parts were covered in gold, precious stones and featured splendid decor. After Nero’s death, it was all filled in with earth to obliterate the tyrant’s memory. It was accidentally…

Teatro dell'Opera di Roma

Teatro dell'Opera di Roma is an Opera House that still preserves its distinctive features of the 19th century. Since its inauguration in 1880, major works have been staged here, including the premiere of Puccini's Tosca. With its red-and-gold interiors and absorbing history, the Teatro dell'Opera di Roma is worth a visit even if the Opera…

Museo di Roma

The Museum of Rome, housed in the neoclassical 18th century Palazzo Braschi—the former headquarters of the National Fascist Party—receives critical acclaim for its exclusive collection. The museum holds approximately 40,000 pieces of artwork, all depicting Rome's history from the Middle Ages until the 20th century. After the Second World War, 300 families were evacuated to…

Parco degli Acquedotti

Away from the city bustle of Rome, this park area is marked by what's left of two ancient aqueducts that once carried water. Both aqueducts were built by the Romans and are worth the ride out into Rome's suburbs.

Santa Costanza

Rome is home to many astonishing churches that boggle the mind, such as the Mausoleum of St. Costanza. Tucked away outside the Aurelian Walls, this 4th-century church is an example of Early Christian art and architecture. Its mosaics of natural elements, such as birds, palms, and plants, along with the dome and the unusual design…

National Etruscan Museum of Villa Giulia

Set in what used to be the country retreat for Pope Julius III, the Etruscan museum in Rome stores some impressive artefacts of the mysterious Etruscan and pre-Roman treasures. The Sarcophagus of the Spouses depicting a reclining man and woman on its lid is the masterpiece here and a true example of art from the…

San Clemente Basilica

The Basilica of San Clemente is more than a simple church; it is a real museum that houses layers and layers of history. Behind the humble doors of the 12th-century church lie the remnants of the original basilica dating back to the 4th century, the remains of a 1st-century Roman villa, and breathtaking Byzantine mosaics…

Ara Pacis Museum

Built in honour of Emperor Augustus after his triumphant return from the wars in Spain and Gaul, the Ara Pacis Augustae or the Altar of the Augustan Peace is dedicated to Pax Augusta. Originally in Campus Martius, the Altar was installed to its current position only in 1938.

Aventine Hill

The Aventine Hill is one of the Seven Hills on which ancient Rome was built. The real off-the-beaten-path gem offers magnificent views of the city and leads to fabulous rose gardens and impressive religious structures, including the Basilica of Santa Sabina – the oldest Roman Basilica in Rome. The highlight here is the keyhole of…

VIGAMUS - The Video Game Museum of Rome

If you love video games, you cannot miss the opportunity to visit VIGAMUS. Discover well-known characters, look back on history and explore the various fun areas the museum has to offer.

The National Roman Museum

Featuring one of the world's most important archaeological collections, The Museo Nazionale Romano, located across four different sites: Palazzo Massimo alle Terme, Palazzo Altemps, Therm di Diocleziano, and Crypta Balbi, displays exhibits from the pre-and early history of Rome, with a focus on archaeological findings from the period of Ancient Rome.

Sant'Agnese in Agone

Located in the beautiful Piazza Navona, Sant'Agnese in Agone is a stunning 17th-century Baroque church with frequent live music concerts. Marvel at its beautiful, fresco-adorned insides, and enjoy the sounds of 17th-century melodies.

The Keats–Shelley Memorial House

Dedicated to the Romantic poets — Keats, Shelley, and Byron — who each stayed in Rome and died tragically young, this charming period house contains a chain of rooms lined with rare books and relics, including Keats' last resting place. There's also a gift shop, introductory film, and a spacious terrace.

Goethe House

From 1786 to 1788, the great poet Johann Wolfgang Goethe (1749-1832) lived with other German artists in the centre of Rome. Today, the museum Casa di Goethe commemorates the famous guest and his Italian journey with exhibitions and cultural events.

Museo Delle Cere Di Roma (Wax Museum)

While a wax museum might not be among the Eternal City's top attractions, it will probably interest second- and third-time visitors with its curious collection of well-known Italian and international figures (from Pavarotti to Winston Churchill) and a waxworks laboratory open to guests.

Scuderie del Quirinale

Set atop Rome's tallest hill (Quirinale) are the Papal Stables used as an impressive exhibition space of nearly three thousand square meters. The complex is located right next to the Palazzo del Quirinale, where the Italian president currently resides.

MAXXI - National Museum of 21st Century Art

MAXXI, Italy's first national museum devoted to the arts of the XXI century and designed by Zaha Hadid, is a platform open to all forms of contemporary creativity, from art to architecture, from photography to design, from fashion to cinema. A place for meetings, exchange and collaboration.

Explora: The Children's Museum of Rome

A few hours of challenging entertainment for Rome's youngest visitors await at Explora: Il Museo dei Bambini di Roma (The Children's Museum of Rome). Here, kids will learn all about the workings of the adult world, including jobs, wages, and personal budgets. The interactive experience is both engaging and educational.

Raphael in the Villa Farnesina

Villa Farnesina, considered one of the most magnificent creations of the Italian Renaissance, was built by Baldassare Peruzzi for the rich Sienese banker Agostino Chigi, called the "magnifico". He lived the splendid life of a Renaissance merchant in a setting of pomp and splendour, entertaining artists, poets, and noblemen with sumptuous banquets. The interior is…

Palazzo delle Esposizioni

Roman Palazzo delle Esposizioni is an art and cultural event venue that frequently hosts various events, ranging from film screenings to book readings and exhibitions of modern art, along with musical and theatrical performances. There is a pleasant Italian restaurant on the rooftop.

Dining

Rome's restaurants cater to all tastes. There are American steakhouses, Lebanese meze restaurants, Vietnamese eateries, and several haute cuisine establishments celebrated in the Michelin guide. But when in Rome, do as the Romans do and choose the less extravagant restaurants and trattorias for a memorable dining experience. The Italian word for dinner, "cena", comes from the Latin convivium, which means "live together". Eating is a social get-together which consists of at least three courses — often even at lunchtime. The Romans do not eat dinner until nine in the evening. Rome is known for its Carbonara (made with egg, guanciale, hard cheese, and black pepper) and Amatriciana (made with guanciale, pecorino Romano and tomatoes). Below is a list of the best places to eat in Rome, Italy:

Felice a Testaccio

Felice a Testaccio is an esteemed trattoria, which has since 1936 been dedicated to serving tasty and original Roman cuisine. As you walk into this restaurant, you will notice many locals among the diners, which is always a good sign. Although all their pasta dishes, as well as meat courses, are delicious, most people come…

La Pergola

On top of the Rome Cavalieri Hotel, La Pergola – an award-winning restaurant with three Michelin stars – offers not only exquisite, gourmet Italian fare but also a breathtaking panoramic view over the city of Rome. The wine cellar contains over 50,000 bottles of wine, and as for the accompanying water, there are over 25…

Ad Hoc

Ristorante Ad Hoc, with its romantic setting, is the perfect restaurant to relax after a stroll in the city centre of Rome. Choose from a menu with typical Roman and Mediterranean dishes and well-reputed wines. Ad Hoc is also popular among locals and national celebrities.

Ristorante Tema

Experience fine dining in one of the most ancient districts of Rome. Whether you prefer fish or meat, Ristorante Tema offers your protein of choice of the best quality and prepares it to perfection. Even if the restaurant is known for fine dining, the service is warm and relaxing.

Sakana Sushi

If you are yearning for something other than Italian food, Sakana Sushi is the place to go. In a hip oriental setting, classic sushi, dumplings, and tempura are served from a conveyor belt. And if you feel like having your meal in a nearby park or just somewhere outside, Sakana Sushi also provides a takeaway…

Spirito di Vino

In the heart of Trastevere, Spirito di Vino serves the very true meaning of "slow food". In their cavernous wine cellar, they house over 800 bottles of wines, where you will surely find the perfect combination to every dish and take the culinary experience to another level.

Osteria Barberini

Taking advantage of its location—right in Piazza del Tritone—Osteria Barberini is a family-owned eatery that offers Italian fine cuisine. Jazz and swing music in the background, wooden tables, and a simple interior make the dining comfortable and a fave with locals and tourists alike. Refined dishes with black and white truffles made by chef Gabriel…

Pane e Salame

Pane e Salame ('bread and salami' in English) with its long and narrow dining room is a snug yet comfortable eatery. Made-to-measure taglieri (wooden chopping boards) come loaded with cold cuts, cheeses, roasted eggplants, zucchini and pates, and are usually combined with a glass of fine wine to be enjoyed to the fullest. It is…

Roma Sparita

Since the restaurant Roma Sparita blazed onto the Rome dining scene over ten years ago, it has been a power centre that bolsters the meaning of tradition and innovation with its original dishes. Its pièce de résistance is the outdoor terrace that comes to life, especially during the summer. The menu packs multiple Roman-style dishes,…

Canova

Overlooking the splendid Piazza del Popolo, Canova is one of Rome's most remarkable rendez-vous spots. Once the hang-out of personalities that have marked Italian history, including behemoths like Fellini and Canova, it is the perfect setting for coffee, afternoon tea, light lunches and snacks, or for a romantic date night with live music in the…

Trattoria Da Cesare al Casaletto

The menu of Trattoria Da Cesare al Casaletto stands out for its simplicity and Roman-style dishes. Far from the well-beaten tourist track, this trattoria—with its simple decor and a few tables—offers the best fritti (deep-fried food) in town, along with carbonara, rigatoni with oxtail sauce, and gricia. Paired with the extensive wine list, the trattoria…

Osteria Fernanda

Osteria Fernanda is tucked away in the outskirts of the tranquil Trastevere neighbourhood. Distinguished by a welcoming and warm service and simple decor, the eatery offers top-notch food worthy of a Michelin star at an affordable price. The cuisine is distinctively Roman, embodying a creative blend of modernity and tradition.

L'orso 80

The wide range of antipasti along with the house wine has drawn locals to L'orso 80 for over 40 years. An antipasti buffet, pizzas, freshly made pasta, and many more tantalising delights await you in this homey hideaway in Piazza Navona.

Supplì

Supplì is a take-out eatery acclaimed for its namesake supplì: deep-fried rice balls stuffed with tomato sauce, mozzarella, and your pick of favourite ingredients. Besides the crispy supplì, other ready-to-go specialities are calamari fritti (fried squid), mozzarella in carrozza (fried mozzarella), parmigiana di melanzane (eggplants parmigiana), and of course, pizza by the slice and pasta.

Ginger Sapori e Salute

Inaugurated in 2012, Ginger is truly special, serving healthy and tasty dishes made with locally sourced ingredients (although not exclusively so). A tuck into their vegan and vegetarian dishes or the organic quinoa salads regenerates body and soul. Meat and fish make an appearance here too.

Barnum Cafe

Digging into Barnum Cafe's healthy offerings will delight the eye and stir the heart. Barnum Cafè offers quality strong coffee, freshly baked pastries, aperitifs, and light lunches. After 6 pm, Barnum booms with life welcoming guests for dinner and cocktail time.

Ristorante Clotilde

The makers of upscale Clotilde restaurant respect the principles of the Slow Food movement. Their seasonal menu features specialities from the Ciociaria region in Italy. At night, Clotilde becomes a cocktail bar as well.

Va.Do al Pigneto

Following the vibe of its neighbourhood, Va.Do al Pigneto comes off as a hip, creative eatery featuring Italian cuisine, influenced by Thai, Indian and Japanese flavours. As an after-dinner walk, you can marvel at Pigneto’s murals or conclude the night in one of the lively district’s bars.

Reserva Restaurante y Cocteles

Opened in 2019, Reserva is one of Rome’s latest gems and serves Latin cuisine with a hint of Caribbean vibe. As a “transversal, informal but elegant place”, Reserva is a perfect place to enjoy an exotic dinner and finish with one of their wines and cocktails. The interior features brown, green and marble colours and…

Roscioli

Roscioli is one of the best establishments in Rome, where you can experience local specialities in a welcoming atmosphere. They have three locations within a block, which is split into a bakery, a deli counter, and a wine shop. From the varieties of cheeses, meats, and an outstanding wine selection to some unique takes on…

Hostaria Da Cesare

In Rome since 1965, Hostaria Da Cesare offers local fish from the coast of Lazio, seafood dishes, Chianina's beef certified, exquisite pizza, and an amazing selection of wines in an old-world, wood-panelled dining room. Seasonally, white and black truffle, boletus mushrooms, and royal agaric.

Harry’s Bar

Harry’s Bar is the unique place that evokes the “Dolce Vita” as if it was a clip from the film, creating a vivid flashback to the golden era of the Via Veneto. As in the roaring 60s, you can still sip an apéritif, enjoy the live piano bar every evening and dive into the magic…

BaGhetto Ristorante Kosher-Portico d'Ottavia

BaGhetto offers the best of the Roman-Jewish cuisine, with the capital’s best carciofi alla giudìa (Jewish style deep-fried artichokes). But they also offer an authentic cuisine that brings you back to ancient Rome with dishes like carbonara and amatriciana, brain with artichokes, and much more. And if you are a pizza lover, visit BaGhetto Milky.

Rinaldi Al Quirinale

Rinaldi Al Quirinale is a spot for fine dining, where you will be treated like royalty and feel at home at the same time. Excellent Italian cuisine, mainly seafood dishes (daily fresh fish), which are lovingly prepared by their chef. Rinaldi Al Quirinale blends sea and land in a great fusion based on fresh seasonal…

Ristorante Camponeschi

Piazza Farnese, one of Rome's most sophisticated and splendid squares, provides the setting for the restaurant Camponeschi. The secret of the restaurant's success lies in its cuisine, which is varied, creative, imaginative, and suited to all tastes: fish, meat, game, as well as national and international specialities in season.

Cafes

Italy is a Mecca when it comes to coffee and gelato (ice cream). The Romans know exactly which cafes to visit and don't mind going across town to reach the best.

Sant' Eustachio Il Caffè

Bags of coffee beans rest on the floor and images of plantations adorn the walls. Sant' Eustachio Il Caffè has looked the same for as long as anyone can remember. Steps away from Piazza Navona, this Roman institution is arguably Rome's most famous coffee shop, famed for its home-roast beans, which are blended with water…

La Casa Del Caffè Tazza D'oro

Tazza D'oro is another classic Roman cafe known for its exceptionally strong coffee. A much-admired "granita al caffè", flavoured ice with coffee and whipped cream, is also available.

Forno Campo de' Fiori

For over 30 years, this bakery in the heart of Rome has provided customers with delightful bread, pastries, pizzas, and pies. Pop in for a lunch, but be prepared that it might be crowded since Forno Campo de' Fiori is very popular among locals.

200 Gradi

Close to the Vatican, you will find this trendy cafe with over 60 different sandwiches to choose from. They bake their bread at 200 degrees, hence its name 200 Gradi. Besides sandwiches, they also serve salads, pastries, and a wide range of drinks, including bottled beers and customised soft drinks.

Giolitti

Founded in 1890, Giolitti is reportedly the oldest ice cream shop in Rome and where you will find the creamiest gelato in the city. Nestled between the Pantheon and the Italian Parliament, Giolitti offers a large selection of flavours that will please even the pickiest of ice-cream eaters. Soak up the atmosphere of Giolitti, watch…

Ciampini Cafè

Set in close proximity to the picturesque Spanish Stairs and the imposing Villa Borghese, Ciampini Cafè has been a local gathering point since 1941. Whether it's a sandwich, a morning espresso, or the famous Italian gelato, Ciampini Cafè will please every palate.

Sora Mirella

This little green kiosk may not seem like much at first glance, but rumour has it this is where some of Rome's best "grattachecca" (a shaved ice-based dessert, enhanced with many flavours) is served. Nothing beats grabbing one on a hot summer's day, then finding the perfect spot on the banks of Tiber to indulge.

Gelateria Della Palma

This ice cream parlour is not for the indecisive: around 150 gelato flavours await you at Gelateria Della Palma, one of Rome's most renowned ice cream shops. Flavours like champagne, pear & cheese, or Irish coffee are accompanied by its exquisite interior with marble and columns. Gelateria Della Palma is located in the heart of…

Sciascia Caffè 1919

The Italian espresso is served in the cosy, timeless setting of Sciascia Caffè 1919, complete with narrow wooden seats, on-the-counter delights, and vintage pictures adorning the walls. Thursday live music from 6 pm to 9 pm creates the perfect atmosphere for a romantic date night.

Faro - Caffè Specialty

Coffee seekers will enjoy this cosy cafeteria just a few minutes from Villa Borghese. Faro serves guests artisanal coffee with sustainable origins along with light snacks. The friendly and well-prepared staff will help you select the perfect brew that matches your taste.

Canova

Antico Caffè Greco

Antico Caffè Greco is not only the oldest cafeteria in Rome (and looks practically unchanged from its original state), but is also known for having had patrons like Goethe, Schopenhauer, Gogol, and even Casanova. Today, it continues to be the gathering point for many artists who come here to exchange their ideas. The place is…

Mizzica

Mizzica is a pastry shop and cafe in the district of Bologna. They serve affordable Sicilian specialities, including breakfast, dessert, and gelato. If you don't have a sweet tooth, try out their arancini, rice balls stuffed with cheese or other fillings.

Barnum Cafe

Caffetteria del Chiostro

Despite being located inside an old cloister (now an art museum), and only steps away from the immeasurably beautiful Piazza Navona, this charming cafe is a genuine spot perfectly fit for a light lunch (try the salads) or coffee and cake. Cafe guests are welcome to walk through the museum upon notifying the staff.

Bars & Nightlife

The Romans love to meet over aperitivo around 7:30 pm, after which they either go to a restaurant or home for dinner. The drinks need not be alcoholic. Many bars serve light snacks that are included in the price. After 11 pm most of those looking to party head over to the Testaccio area. Named after the mountain of discarded amphoras, the area is home to many establishments, ranging from small piano bars to equally small discos. Make sure you take at least a night out to experience the bar and club scene in Rome.

Bar San Calisto

Bar San Calisto is an authentic Italian dive bar, in the colourful and bohemian district of Trastevere, offering cheap drinks, live jazz music, and patio tables in an always lively atmosphere. Great place to grab a drink, meet some locals, and people watch.

Chorus Café

Chorus Café is a restaurant, cocktail bar and lounge all at once, and situated at the prestigious Auditorium della Conciliazione, close to the Vatican City. Enjoy their international and regional dishes, surrounded by marble floor and walls – and don’t miss out on their famous Martini. The atmosphere comes with a price that is justified…

La Conventicola Degli Ultramoderni

If you want to escape the usual bar scene, this club could be an alternative for you. La Conventicola offers burlesque and variety shows, vaudeville and theatre in a 1940s-inspired environment all night long. Many underground artists get their chance to perform here, and the cocktails are hugely popular, too.

Jerry Thomas Speakeasy

Jerry Thomas is an intimate and characterful speakeasy offering modern and classic cocktails in a wonderful prohibition-era ambience. To enter the bar, you will need to know a secret password, so make sure to visit their website to find out. Also, keep in mind that Jerry Thomas is a private club, so you will have…

Magazzino Scipioni

Magazzino Scipioni is an enoteca (wine bar), bottle shop and restaurant situated in an old warehouse. Here you can enjoy a choice of affordable Italian plates and unique wines from all around the world. Taste some of their wines with suitable cheese and enjoy the chic atmosphere.

Birreria Marconi

A laid-back birreria (beerhouse) with a relaxed atmosphere and uncomplicated food, which includes both Roman and international specialities. Outdoor seating available.

Qube Disco

Qube is a three-story disco providing themed parties and many different music genres. Muccassassina is one of Rome's biggest LGBT parties. If you feel like getting lost in the music and just dancing the night away, then this is the place to be. Note that Qube is closed during summer.

Pub Cuccagna

Pub Cuccagna is a cute little bar next to Piazza Navona. Besides affordable drinks, they serve burgers, homemade pasta, and pizza. On warm nights, you can sit outside and watch passers-by on the cobbled streets.

Canova

The Fiddler’s Elbow

The Fiddler's Elbow is a traditional Irish pub – the oldest one in Italy – offering a great variety of beers, live music, and sports on TV in a friendly and welcoming atmosphere.

Vinile

Come for the aperitifs and stay for the live bands and DJs spinning 80s and 90s dance tunes. Vinile offers that, plus food and a wide choice of cocktails in elegant surroundings.

Gregory's Jazz Club

Since 1996, Gregory's Jazz Club has been famous for three things: jazz, whiskey, and spectators. Located above an Italian restaurant, this jazz institution offers the most attentive service along with the best orchestras playing live, just a few metres from the audience.

Salotto42

Salotto42 is a posh cocktail lounge with plush sofas to chill on, fashion photography adorning the walls, and decorative chandeliers. The tiny bar reveals its sophisticated personality through its fashionable furniture, exclusive cocktails, and the signature Spritz. Quality music that ranges from breathy soul to jazz to upbeat swing wraps up the night.

Caruso Cafè

Dance the night away to the rhythms of Latin American and Caribbean music such as salsa, merengue, and reggaeton at this hip nightclub in the fashionable district of Testaccio, where the biggest concentration of nightclubs in Rome is found.

Shopping

High fashion shopping in Rome is concentrated on two streets running parallel to each other from the Spanish Steps. Via Condotti is home to Prada, Valentino, Gucci, Armani, and Max-Mara. Over on Via Borgognona, one can find the likes of Dolce & Gabbana, Versace, Gianfranco Ferré, Laura Biagiotti, and Gai Mattiolo. Closer to Piazza Navona is Via dei Giubbonari and its street fashion stores McQueen and Liquid. Also nearby is Via del Governo Vecchio with its elegant vintage fashion boutiques. When it comes to food, Rome has several notable spots. Volpetti, on Via Marmorata 47 in Testaccio, is as close to heaven as you can get. This bustling, high-paced place offers many deli options—Latini pasta from Osimo, salsiccia and spicy sandwich meats. Its speciality, however, is its cheeses, including the formaggio di fossa, matured underground. Two other delis to revel in are ancient Franchi and Castroni on Via Cola di Rienzo. Castroni offers a slightly international selection. Campo de' Fiori is the site of a daily food market that embodies the terms picturesque and colourful. Come early when the shadows are long and the morning is at its freshest. Another nice market, with more of a food hall atmosphere, is Mercato di Testaccio. Below is a list of the best places to shop in Rome: