Rome city breaks & holidays

What to do in Rome

It’s impossible to see all of Rome in one trip, but there are some sights you’ll probably want to make a beeline to. Given that you’re likely to walk past the Spanish Steps and Trevi Fountain at some stage, we’ve chosen five other jewels in Rome’s crown to see.

Colosseum

The world-famous Colosseum amphitheatre welcomed more than 50,000 baying, bloodthirsty spectators in 80AD. The arena was a gory place to be with its line-up of executions, violent battle re-enactments and gladiators fighting each other or wild animals to the death.

Centuries later, the daily queues to enter this ancient sight can be just as terrifying, so buy your tickets in advance to skip the line. Also book ahead to see the top three floors on a guided ‘Belvedere’ tour.

The Vatican

Vatican City, the independent city-state home of the Pope, has two major highlights: Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel frescoes and St Peter's Basilica, the world's largest church. See Michelangelo’s Pietà and Bernini’s grand bronze canopy over the altar, then climb the 551 steps to St Peter’s cupola (the dome) for magnificent city views.

Beat the crowds by visiting out of season and pre-booking online. Arrive first thing in the morning or late afternoon with shoulders, midriffs and upper thighs covered up.

Galleria Borghese

This is one of the world's great art galleries, curated by Cardinal Scipione Borghese in the early 17th century. He commissioned Bernini's Apollo and Daphne sculpture, bought Titian's Sacred and Profane Love and procured Caravaggio’s Boy with a Basket of Fruit – all still in the collection. To visit, book timed-entry tickets and arrive promptly.

Beyond the 17th-century villa, the stunning Villa Borghese gardens – are the perfect spot to reflect on all you’ve seen.

MAXXI

In such a classical, history-heavy city, you may find a dose of modernity refreshing. The National Museum of 21st-Century Art (MAXXI), designed by the late multi-award-winning British–Iraqi architect, Zaha Hadid, is especially eye catching due to its concrete-and-steel exterior.

Inside, permanent collections exhibit works by William Kentridge, Anish Kapoor and Kiki Smith, among others. There’s also an architecture museum in the same building exploring such greats as Aldo Rossi and Carlo Scarpa.

Monti

Take a break from major tourist attractions with a wander through cool, charming Monti – one of Rome’s oldest residential areas. Once the red-light district, this gentrified neighbourhood is now something of a hipster hangout. Along the cobbled streets are vintage shops, bakeries, wine bars and independent restaurants.

Monti is now a locals’ favourite, so it’s the perfect antidote to the most touristy parts of Rome – but still right in the heart of the city.

Where to stay in Rome

For families

To keep walking to a minimum, find a base close to Rome’s major tourism attractions. The Trevi Fountain and the Pantheon are in Centro Storico, and high-end hotels are nearby around the Spanish Steps.

For a cheaper option, try Testaccio to get a taste of residential Rome and its more traditional trattorias. The eastern side of Trastevere is quieter and suitable for families, too – it’s a charming neighbourhood with lots of restaurants. Its western side, meanwhile, has quite a lively nightlife.

For travellers on a budget

There are lots of budget hotels around Stazione Termini, the city’s main railway station. It’s not the most hip and happening area, but it’s only a short ride on the metro into the city centre and convenient for exploring beyond Rome. The station is close to budget-friendly Monti, one of the coolest neighbourhoods in Rome and a great place to take a wander, browse the vintage stores and people-watch. Esquilino, the neighbourhood around the station, also has some great international restaurants and food stalls – try the Mercato Centrale food hall.

For food and drink

Testaccio and Trastevere have some of the best restaurants in the city, and Celio, near the Colosseum, has some brilliant pizzerias.

The areas around Stazione Termini and Esquilino are also great for foodies. In Esquilino, dine on international food that won’t blow the bank. For excellent Italian fare, head to the three-storey Mercato Centrale in Stazione Termini, where stalls sell fresh pasta, wine, truffles and gelato; renowned chef Oliver Glowig’s La Tavola is on the first floor.

In the old Jewish Ghetto enjoy traditional Roman–Jewish dishes: fried salted cod, deep-fried artichokes, sweet ‘pizza’.

For nightlife

Together, Testaccio and the west side of Trastevere have some of the liveliest nightlife in Rome – and as they’re geared to locals and students, prices and accommodation are generally cheaper.

Monti also makes a perfect base close to Rome’s major attractions, and has plenty of cool wine bars in the area. For the swankiest cocktail bars and clubs, stay around the Spanish Steps, or head to the sleek bars in the high-end neighbourhoods of Flaminio and Parioli.

For culture

Staying around the Spanish Steps will put you in the heart of historic Rome – you won’t need to go far to see many of its major sights. Monti is also a great option that isn’t as expensive, but still within walking distance of some of the biggest attractions, such as the Colosseum and the Forum.

Prati, a quiet residential area with some great traditional restaurants, is handily close to the Vatican. It’s a good choice if you want to spend a lot of time exploring Vatican City. The old Jewish Ghetto, meanwhile, is right next to Centro Storico – another top place to stay if you want culture on your doorstep.