Rome is a city of layers: ancient temples beneath Baroque churches, Renaissance palaces above Roman streets, and three thousand years of history in a single walk from the Colosseum to the Pantheon. This page is our complete luxury travel guide to Rome and the starting point for all our detailed guides.
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All Our Rome Guides
Plan your trip
Where to stay
Sights and museums
Food, golf and tennis
Rome at a Glance
The heart of Rome lies on the east bank of the Tiber. Ancient Rome, with the Colosseum, the Roman Forum and the Palatine, sits to the south. The centro storico, with the Pantheon, Piazza Navona and Campo de’ Fiori, fills the bend of the river. To the north are the Spanish Steps, the shopping streets of the Tridente and the park of Villa Borghese. Across the river lie Trastevere, with its trattorias, and the Vatican, with St Peter’s and the Vatican Museums. Beyond the walls, the Appian Way, Tivoli and the hills of the Castelli Romani make wonderful excursions.
The Best Experiences in Rome
- The Colosseum at opening time, followed by a walk through the Forum and up the Palatine.
- The Sistine Chapel on an early entry, before the crowds fill the Vatican Museums.
- Bernini and Caravaggio at the Borghese Gallery, one of the finest small museums in the world.
- The Pantheon and Piazza Navona in the early morning or late evening.
- Sunset from the Pincio terrace or the rooftop of a grand hotel.
- A long dinner in Trastevere, with cacio e pepe and a bottle of Roman wine.
- A bike ride along the Appian Way past tombs, villas and aqueducts.
Where to Stay in Rome
The finest hotels are around the Spanish Steps, Via Veneto and the historic centre. See our full guide to where to stay in Rome.
Hotel de Russie
Between Piazza del Popolo and the Spanish Steps, with a terraced secret garden.
Best for: a first visit
Check rates at Hotel de Russie
Hotel Hassler Roma
At the top of the Spanish Steps, with a rooftop restaurant and views over the domes of Rome.
Best for: classic glamour
Check rates at Hotel Hassler Roma
Rome Cavalieri
A resort in a park on Monte Mario, with pools, a spa and the three Michelin starred La Pergola. Read our Rome Cavalieri review.
Best for: space and pools
Practical Information
Fly into Fiumicino and take the Leonardo Express to Termini or a taxi at a fixed fare to your hotel. Three to four nights are ideal for a first visit. See our guides to the Rome itinerary, getting around and the best time to visit.
Charlotte’s tip: slow down
Rome cannot be seen in a few days, and it should not be rushed. Choose two or three major sights a day, leave time for a long lunch, and let the city surprise you between them.
Find your hotel in Rome
The best hotels in Rome fill up early for spring and autumn. Check current rates for your dates.
FAQ
How many days do you need in Rome?
Three to four days for a first visit, enough for ancient Rome, the Vatican, the historic centre and the Borghese Gallery.
What is the best area to stay in Rome?
Around the Spanish Steps or in the historic centre near the Pantheon, where you can walk to most of the sights.
When is the best time to visit Rome?
April, May, late September and October, when the weather is warm but not too hot.
