Rome Travel Guide

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Updated: December 14, 2019

The 97 Best Hotels, Restaurants, Shops, Bars, Clubs, Cafes, Tours, and Things To Do in Rome, Italy.

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Rome Hotel

The St Regis Hotel in Rome.

Rome Hotels

1. Hotel Campo de’ Fiori • Historic Center & Jewish Ghetto • $$$

A great four-star in the heart of the action. Its good-looking interiors blend classical decor with quirky design touches, while up top there are fabulous views from a rooftop terrace. Just off Campo de’ Fiori. • Map • +39 06 6880 6865

2. Inn at the Roman Forum • Ancient Rome & Monti • $$$

A romantic retreat offering stylish rooms, a quiet back street location, and its own ancient ruins – it sits over a tunnel from the 1st century BC. The forums and Colosseum are an easy walk away. • Map • +39 06 6919 0970

3. JK Place • Historic Center & Jewish Ghetto • $$$$

Uber-stylish boutique hotel. Its magazine-worthy decor combines comfort with a contemporary design aesthetic, and it has an excellent location near the top shopping strip of Via dei Condotti. • Map • +39 06 982634

4. Hotel Eden • Villa Borghese, Barberini & the Quirinale • $$$$

One of Rome’s best historic five-star hotels. Elegant decor, excellent service, spa, and rooftop restaurant with fabulous views. • Map • +39 06 478121

5. Portrait Roma • Tridente & Trevi Fountain • $$$$

A luxury guesthouse with 14 suites in Rome’s swish shopping district. Owned by the Ferragamo fashion house, it’s a masterclass in discreet modern styling. • Map • +39 06 6938 0742

6. Villa Spalletti Trivelli • Villa Borghese, Barberini & the Quirinale • $$$$

A stately hotel housed in a grand villa near the presidential Quirinal Palace. It has traditionally furnished rooms and its own manicured gardens. • Map • +39 06 4890 7934

7. Hotel de Russie • Tridente & Trevi Fountain • $$$$

A historic five-star, much loved by visiting celebs. Alongside modern, understated rooms, it has a beautiful garden bar and one of Rome’s best spas. • Map • +39 06 328881

8. The St Regis Rome • Termini Area • $$$$

An opulent five-star luxury hotel housed in a 19th-century palazzo near Piazza della Repubblica. Popular with pop stars the hotel has classically styled interiors, butler service, and a wonderful in-house spa. • Map • +39 06 47091

9. Palm Gallery Hotel • Villa Borghese, Barberini & the Quirinale • $$

A brilliant hotel in an attractive residential district. Housed an attractive Liberty-style villa, it has beautifully fashioned interiors and even a small outdoor pool. • Map • +39 06 6478 1859

10. Hotel Lancelot • Ancient Rome & Monti • $$

A welcoming family-run hotel near the Colosseum. Its English-speaking staff are super-helpful and rates are excellent value given the location. • Map • +39 06 7045 0615

11. Nerva Boutique Hotel • Ancient Rome & Monti • $$$

A cozy boutique hotel squeezed into a tiny building behind the Imperial Forums. Facilities are limited but its modern styled rooms are comfortable, staff are welcoming, and there’s a good breakfast. • Map • +39 06 678 1835

12. Relais Le Clarisse • Trastevere • $$

A delightful hideaway in the vibrant Trastevere neighborhood. Rooms are set around a lovely courtyard with olive and orange trees. Loads of bars and restaurants nearby. • Map • +39 06 5833 4437

13. 9 Hotel Cesàri • Historic Center & Jewish Ghetto • $$$

One of Rome’s oldest hotels enjoys a superb central location. Traditional rooms are crowned by a panoramic rooftop terrace that’s perfect for early evening drinks. • Map • +39 06 674 9701

14. Residenza Cellini • Termini Area • $$

A romantic retreat housed in two gracious apartments. Spacious rooms are elegantly furnished with parquet floors and polished antique furniture. Close to the metro on Piazza Repubblica. • Map • +39 06 4782 5204

15. Palazzo Cardinal Cesi • Vatican & Prati • $$

Four-star comfort in a prime location near St Peter’s Basilica. It’s a traditional hotel with classically-styled rooms and a lovely internal cloister. • Map • +39 06 684 0390

Rome Restaurants

16. Salumeria Roscioli • Historic Center & Jewish Ghetto

Rome’s premier deli features a fabulous in-house restaurant. Space is limited but the food is consistently high level with a menu of traditional Italian fare and classic international dishes. Also serves a fantastic wine list. • Map • +39 06 687 5287

17. Emma Pizzeria • Historic Center & Jewish Ghetto

Excellent wood-fired pizzas in a smart, modern pizzeria. Toppings include southern Italian mozzarella, cured meats, and fresh seasonal veggies. It’s one of the few places that does pizza at lunchtime. • Map • +39 06 6476 0475

18. Colline Emiliane • Villa Borghese, Barberini & the Quirinale

A renowned restaurant specializing in regional food from Emilia-Romagna. That means cured Parma ham, parmesan cheese, and rich meat sauces paired with homemade egg pastas. A short walk from the Trevi Fountain. • Map • +39 06 481 7538

19. Giulietta Pizzeria • Testaccio & Ostiense

Designer pizzeria housed in an ex-car showroom. It serves fabulous wood-fired pizzas, both thin-cut Roman style and Neapolitan thick-crust, all capped with fresh, zingy toppings. In Testaccio. Closed for renovations in Fall 2019. • Map • +39 06 4522 9022

20. Armando al Pantheon • Historic Center & Jewish Ghetto

Traditional family-run trattoria in the touristy Pantheon area. Cozy and often crowded, it’s famous locally for its unswerving dedication to authentic Roman cuisine. Reservations recommended. • Map • +39 06 6880 3034

21. Da Felice • Testaccio & Ostiense

The best of the trattorias in the foodie Testaccio neighborhood. Hugely popular, it flies the flag for traditional Roman nose-to-tail cooking with dishes such as tripe and coda alla vaccinara (oxtail). • Map • +39 06 574 6800

22. Casa Coppelle • Historic Center & Jewish Ghetto

Sophisticated Italian-French cuisine, modern romantic decor, and a prime location near the Pantheon. • Map • +39 06 6889 1707

23. Glass Hostaria • Trastevere

Chic restaurant serving creative Michelin-starred food. With its contemporary decor and innovative cuisine, it stands out in the medieval Trastevere district. Bookings necessary. • Map • +39 06 5833 5903

24. Metamorfosi • Villa Borghese, Barberini & the Quirinale

Michelin-starred restaurant in the upmarket Parioli neighborhood. Food is modern and creative as per its signature dish, Uovo 65° carbonara, a contemporary deconstruction of the classic pasta dish. Book ahead. • Map • +39 06 807 6839

25. Ristorante L’Arcangelo • Vatican & Prati

A bistro/restaurant in the Prati district that’s much loved by local foodies. Particularly prized are its traditional Roman dishes such as carciofi alla romana (Roman-style artichokes made with white wine, garlic, anchovies, and mint). • Map • +39 06 321 0992

26. L’Asino d’Oro • Ancient Rome & Monti

Earthy regional food from Umbria is the hallmark of this popular Monti restaurant. Expect robust meat dishes, homemade pastas, and a delicious tiramisu. The €16 lunch menu is a steal. • Map • +39 06 4891 3832

Rome Street Food & Gelato

27. Pizzarium • Vatican & Prati

Legendary takeaway serving Rome’s best pizza al taglio (sliced pizza). Squares of feather-light dough are capped by artisanal cheeses, cured meats, and assorted veggies. It’s about 10 minutes’ walk from the Vatican Museums. • Map • +39 06 3974 5416

28. Mercato Centrale • Termini & Around

Termini station’s three-story food hall. Stalls are ranged under towering brick vaults serving everything from pizzas and pastas to veggie burgers, salads, sushi, and shakes. • Map • +39 06 4620 2900

29. Forno Campo de’ Fiori • Historic Center & Jewish Ghetto

A busy bakery famed for its sliced pizza. The house specialty is pizza bianca (white pizza): rectangles of unadorned pizza base seasoned with salt and olive oil. Ideal for a quick snack or cheap lunch. • Map • +39 06 6880 6662

30. Supplizio • Historic Center & Jewish Ghetto

A gourmet takeaway dedicated to supplì (fried rice croquettes). Go for the classic supplì, stuffed with rice, tomato, and cheese, or choose from a selection of clever variations. You can eat in the brick-clad interior or take away. • Map • +39 06 8916 0053

31. Mordi e Vai • Testaccio & Ostiense

A Testaccio market stall cooking up classic Roman street food. Best of all are their panini (bread rolls) filled with slow-cooked beef. It’s a local favorite so expect crowds most lunchtimes. • Map • +39 339 134 3344

32. Fatamorgana • Trastevere

Organic gelato from one of Rome’s best gelaterias. There isn’t a huge choice but the quality is high and you’ll find some unusual flavor combinations such as pineapple and ginger. There are several other branches across town. • Map • +39 06 580 3615

33. Venchi • Historic Center & Jewish Ghetto

The best of the gelaterias near the Pantheon. It specializes in chocolate which features in creamy ice creams, drinks, and dolci (sweets). Expect lines. • Map • +39 06 6992 5423

Shopping in Rome

34. Salumeria Roscioli • Historic Center & Jewish Ghetto

Three hundred varieties of cheese, 150 cured meats, conserves, pastas, wines, olive oils, and Balsamic vinegars – welcome to Rome’s most celebrated deli. • Map • +39 06 687 5287

35. Confetteria Moriondo & Gariglio • Historic Center & Jewish Ghetto

Rome’s oldest chocolate shop. Many of its wares, attractively displayed in the crimson and brick-vaulted interior, are handmade according to 19th-century recipes. • Map • +39 06 699 0856

36. Officina Profumo Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella • Historic Center & Jewish Ghetto

The Roman branch of a pharmacy chain founded in 17th-century Florence. Under a grand Murano chandelier are wooden display cabinets full of perfumes, cosmetics, natural remedies, and herbal infusions. Near Piazza Navona. • Map • +39 06 687 9608

37. Porta Portese Market • Trastevere

Rome’s colossal Sunday flea market. Stalls sell everything from vintage clothes and leather jackets to craft jewelry, antiques, posters, prints, books, and bikes. Located in and around Piazza di Porta Portese in Trastevere. • Map

38. Fendi • Tridente & Trevi Fountain

The flagship store of the Rome-based Fendi fashion house. Occupying a landmark 18th-century palazzo, it stocks ready-to-wear clothes, branded bags, leatherware, watches, and accessories. • Map • +39 06 3345 0890

39. Marta Ray • Historic Center & Jewish Ghetto

Small boutique selling ladies’ sandals and ballerina flats in a kaleidoscopic array of colors. Also has a selection of attractive leather bags. On Via dei Coronari, a charming cobbled street famous for its antique shops. • Map • +39 06 6880 2641

40. Ibiz Roma • Historic Center & Jewish Ghetto

Bags, wallets, purses, belts, and sandals; all handmade in soft, velvety leather. Near Campo de’ Fiori. • Map • +39 06 6830 7297

41. Eataly • Testaccio & Ostiense

A vast emporium dedicated to Italian food. Its four floors of shops, stalls, stands, snack bars, and restaurants stock all manner of gourmet delicacies. • Map • +39 06 9027 9201

42. SBU • Historic Center & Jewish Ghetto

Hip clothing store housed in a former draper’s shop. The Strategic Business Unit is best known for its jeans but also has a full range of men’s casual clothes, shoes, and accessories. Near great clothes shopping on Via del Governo Vecchio. • Map • +39 06 6880 2547

43. La Bottega del Marmoraro • Tridente & Trevi Fountain

Marble plaques, busts, and statues litter this tiny workroom where you can get inscriptions made to order. It’s on Via Margutta, a charming street where film director Federico Fellini once lived at No 110. • Map • +39 06 320 7660

44. Campo de’ Fiori Market • Historic Center & Jewish Ghetto

One of Rome’s best-known produce markets. Stalls laden with seasonal fruits, veggies, and flowers bring noise and color to this historic Roman piazza. As much for sightseeing as shopping. • Map

45. Bartolucci • Historic Center & Jewish Ghetto

Red-nosed Pinocchios, cuckoo clocks, rocking horses, model planes, games, and cute door signs, all handcrafted in wood. This cheerfully cluttered toy shop is something of a landmark in the Pantheon area. • Map • +39 06 6919 0894

46. Sermoneta • Tridente & Trevi Fountain

Rome’s most celebrated glove seller with a pair for every occasion. On Piazza di Spagna. • Map • +39 06 679 1960

Rome Bars & Clubs

47. Open Baladin • Historic Center & Jewish Ghetto

Great pub with a laid-back vibe and an excellent selection of craft beers, mostly from independent Italian microbreweries. Also does quality burgers. Very central near Campo de’ Fiori. • Map • +39 06 683 8989

48. Etablì • Historic Center & Jewish Ghetto

A fashionable bar-restaurant in a centuries-old palazzo near Piazza Navona. Wrought iron chandeliers, worn couches, and wooden tables create a rustic-chic setting for aperitifs, wine, and cocktails. It’s open throughout the day but best in the evenings. • Map • +39 06 9761 6694

49. Freni e Frizioni • Trastevere

Cool, unpretentious Trastevere bar housed in a former garage. A popular meeting place, it heaves in the evenings as crowds of young drinkers spill onto the piazza outside. Great for aperitifs and cocktails. • Map • +39 06 4549 7499

50. Stravinskij Bar • Tridente & Trevi Fountain

For a dose of dolce vita glamor. The bar of the Hotel de Russie exudes style, especially on sultry summer evenings when its refined courtyard is the place to be. Dress smart. • Map • +39 06 3288 8874

51. Co.So • Termini & Around

Hipster cocktail bar in the grungy-cool Pigneto district. Its signature drink is Carbonara Sour, a vodka-based homage to Rome’s famous pasta dish. • Map • +39 06 4543 5428

52. Jerry Thomas • Historic Center & Jewish Ghetto

Tiny Prohibition-styled speakeasy famous for its inventive cocktails. To get in you’ll need to book ahead and know the password (check the website). Charges a €5 membership fee. Cash only. • Map • +39 06 9684 5937

53. Salotto42 • Historic Center & Jewish Ghetto

A retro-chic lounge bar on a beautiful central piazza. Draws a glossy well-dressed crowd, particularly for its evening aperitif. • Map • +39 06 678 5804

54. Goa • Testaccio & Ostiense

Big-name DJs spin house and techno to packed dancefloors at this legendary Rome club. Open Thursday through Saturday in the post-industrial Ostiense district. • Map • +39 06 574 8277

55. Alexanderplatz • Vatican & Prati

Rome’s most famous jazz club. It boasts an intimate, basement vibe and regular gigs by top Italian and international musicians. Forget the food. • Map • +39 338 394 4110

Rome Cafes

56. Barnum Café • Historic Center & Jewish Ghetto

Cool all-day hangout with shabby-chic furniture and a relaxed vibe. Stop by for a breakfast cornetto (Italian croissant) and cappuccino, a light lunch, or cocktails and jazz in the evening. • Map • +39 06 6476 0483

57. Sciascia Caffè • Vatican & Prati

A model old-school cafe with wood-lined decor and waistcoated bar staff. The house specialty is caffè al cioccolato, an exquisite espresso served in a demitasse lined with melted chocolate. In Prati. • Map • +39 06 321 1580

58. Tazza d’Oro • Historic Center & Jewish Ghetto

Landmark cafe near the Pantheon. It serves superb coffee, best taken standing at the long wooden bar. In summer, go for a granita di caffè, a delicious blend of coffee, crushed ice, and whipped cream. • Map • +39 06 678 9792

59. Caffè Sant’Eustacchio • Historic Center & Jewish Ghetto

Famous for its espresso, reckoned by many to be the best in Rome. The cafe, situated between the Pantheon and Piazza Navona, is a workaday place, better for a quick stand-up coffee than a leisurely break. • Map • +39 06 6880 2048

60. Roscioli Caffè • Historic Center & Jewish Ghetto

Elegant cafe serving great coffee, indulgent sandwiches, and divine mini-pastries – try the maritozzi (sweet buns packed with whipped cream). It’s generally standing room only but there’s seating in a small back room. Near Campo de’ Fiori. • Map • +39 06 8916 5330

61. Caffetteria Musei Capitolini • Ancient Rome & Monti

For inspiring views with your coffee. The Capitoline Museums’ cafe is a stunning spot, offering memorable panoramas from its elegant terrace. Without a museum ticket, you can access the cafe through Palazzo Caffarelli just off Piazza del Campidoglio. • Map • +39 06 0608

62. Caffetteria Chiostro del Bramante • Historic Center & Jewish Ghetto

Even in Rome, few places can rival this cafe’s location. Set on the first floor of an elegant Renaissance cloister, it sets a memorable stage for a tranquil coffee or light lunch. Just behind Piazza Navona. • Map • +39 06 6880 9035

63. Antico Caffè Greco • Tridente & Trevi Fountain

Rome’s oldest cafe and the former haunt of Casanova, Goethe, Byron, Keats, et al. Nowadays, it’s touristy and pretty expensive, but it really does exude a sense of history. You’ll save a euro or two by drinking at the bar. • Map • +39 06 679 1700

64. Canova Tadolini • Tridente & Trevi Fountain

Only in Rome. The one-time studio of sculptor Antonio Canova is now a busy cafe with tables laid out between marble busts and figures. Good for drinks but avoid the overpriced food. • Map • +39 06 3211 0702

65. Libreria Caffe Bohemien • Ancient Rome & Monti

Books, bricks, mismatched furniture, and bold colors abound at this relaxed hangout. Stop by for wine, cocktails, or tea. In the village-like Monti neighborhood. • Map • +39 339 722 4622

66. Bar San Calisto • Trastevere

Scruffy San Calisto is an authentic neighborhood cafe. Don’t expect frills, just cheap beer, gruff service, and a mixed crowd of card-playing locals, foreign students, tourists, and tattooed travelers. • Map • +39 06 583 5869

Rome Tours

67. The Roman Guy

Professional outfit offering guided tours on foot or by car or electric bike. Packages include skip-the-line visits to the Vatican Museums and Colosseum, and foodie tours of Trastevere and Testaccio. • +39 342 876 1859

68. A Friend in Rome

Excellent private walking tours of the Vatican and historic center, as well as guided visits to museums and ancient sights. Also bike and scooter rides, food and wine tours, and excursions out of town. • +39 340 5019201

69. Context Travel

Very small group tours led by expert archaeologists, art historians, and chefs. Thier Ancient Rome and Vatican for Kids tours are great for families. • +1 800 691 6036

70. Open Bus Cristiana

An open-top bus running a circular route between Termini and the Vatican. It stops near big sights such as St Peter’s Basilica, the Pantheon, and Colosseum. Tickets €12 for a single non-stop loop; €20 for a day’s hop-on hop-off. • +39 06 698 961

71. Rome Boat Experience

Runs boat cruises up the river Tiber. Prices range from €15 for an 80-minute round trip to €65 for a dinner cruise with live music. • +39 06 560 00178

72. Bici e Baci

Tours on foot, by bike, on a Vespa scooter, in a Fiat 500, or on a Segway. Itineraries take in the historic center and sites across the city, including Via Appia Antica and Villa Borghese park. They also offer bike and scooter rental. • +39 06 482 8443

Things To Do in Rome

73. Colosseum • Ancient Rome & Monti

Rome’s iconic gladiatorial arena. This is Italy’s most popular tourist site, so expect lines, both for tickets and security checks. To cut waiting time, book your ticket online or buy it at the nearby Palatine (tickets cover the Colosseum, Palatine, and Roman Forum). • Map • +39 06 3996 7700

74. Roman Forum & Palatine • Ancient Rome & Monti

Rome’s most celebrated ancient ruins. The Forum, with its temples and basilicas, was the city’s political, commercial, and religious center, while above it, the Palatine was ancient Rome’s most exclusive neighborhood – home of the emperor and city elite. • Map • +39 06 3996 7700

75. St Peter’s Basilica • Vatican & Prati

The Vatican’s showpiece basilica. Majestic from the outside, it contains many priceless treasures including Michelangelo’s hallowed Pietà sculpture. Admission is free but there’s a €5 ticket to climb the dome (€8 if you use the lift). • Map • +39 06 6982

76. Vatican Museums • Vatican & Prati

One of the world’s great art museums. There’s too much to take in on a single visit but make sure to check out the Museo Pio-Clementino, the Raphael Rooms, and the Michelangelo-frescoed Sistine Chapel. Book tickets online to avoid long queues at the entrance. • Map • +39 06 6988 4676

77. Pantheon • Historic Center & Jewish Ghetto

This landmark temple (now officially a church) is Rome’s best preserved ancient building. Step inside to get the full measure of the place – its dome is the largest non-reinforced concrete dome ever built. • Map • +39 06 6830 0230

78. Piazza Navona • Historic Center & Jewish Ghetto

Central Rome’s most beautiful baroque piazza. At its center, the extravagant Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi (Fountain of the Four Rivers) is one of many Roman works by the 17th-century artist Gian Lorenzo Bernini. Try to visit first thing in the morning before the daily crowds arrive. • Map

79. Museo e Galleria Borghese • Villa Borghese, Barberini & the Quirinale

The best of the museums in Villa Borghese. Its collection of Renaissance and baroque art includes sculptures by Bernini and Antonio Canova, and paintings by Caravaggio. Entry is strictly regulated so you’ll need to reserve a ticket, either online or by phone. • Map • +39 06 841 3979

80. Victor Emmanuel Monument (aka. Altar of the Fatherland) • Ancient Rome & Monti

You can’t miss this colossal mass of white marble, actually a monument to Italy’s first king Vittorio Emanuele II. Inside you’ll find several museums and galleries but more exciting are the 360-degree views from the top of the structure. Take the panoramic lift to get to the viewing balcony. • Map • +39 06 0608

81. Capitoline Museums • Ancient Rome & Monti

One of the world’s oldest museums with a mesmerizing collection of classical art. Its signature piece is the Lupa Capitolina, an Etruscan bronze of a wolf standing over Romulus and Remus. It also has an important collection of Old Master paintings. • Map • +39 06 0608

82. Via Appia Antica • Southern Rome

The Appian Way, the most famous of Rome’s ancient roads. See where the early Christians buried their dead on a guided tour of the catacombs or stay above ground and enjoy the bucolic scenery. Bikes are available for hire at an info point at Via Appia Antica 58-60. • Map

83. Trevi Fountain • Tridente & Trevi Fountain

Rome’s largest and most flamboyant fountain. The custom here is to toss a coin into the water and so ensure you’ll return to Rome one day. About €3000 is thrown in per day. This is collected and donated to the Catholic charity Caritas. • Map

84. Spanish Steps • Tridente & Trevi Fountain

Rome’s most celebrated staircase. For the best photo ops, visit between mid-April and mid-May when the stairs are adorned with vases of colourful azaleas. • Map

85. Villa Borghese • Villa Borghese, Barberini & the Quirinale

Rome’s central park is an ideal spot to recharge your batteries. An 80-hectare oasis of greenery, it harbors several excellent museums and the city zoo, as well as romantic views from the Pincio balcony. You can also hire bikes at various points. • Map

86. Trastevere • Villa Borghese, Barberini & the Quirinale

One of Rome’s most photogenic neighborhoods. Its narrow lanes are a joy to wander and there are several fascinating churches to explore. Most spectacularly, the Basilica di Santa Maria in Trastevere is famous for its golden 12th-century mosaics. • Map

87. Bocca della Verità • Ancient Rome & Monti

Take a selfie at the Mouth of Truth. According to a popular Roman legend, the Mouth will slam shut on anyone who tells a lie with their hand in it. The Mouth resides at the Chiesa di Santa Maria in Cosmedin near the Circo Massimo. • Map

88. Castel Sant’Angelo • Vatican & Prati

Rome’s landmark castle. Explore its furnished, frescoed interiors and enjoy memorable views from the rooftop terrace. • Map • +39 06 681 9111

Rome Neighborhoods

89. Historic Center & Jewish Ghetto

The Pantheon, baroque piazzas, art-rich churches, fashion boutiques, designer bars, cafes, and neighborhood trattorias – this is the Rome you came to see.
Best stuff: Hotel Campo de’ Fiori • JK Place • Hotel Cesàri • Salumeria Roscioli (renowned deli) • Emma Pizzeria (excellent wood-fired pizzas) • Armando al Pantheon (traditional trattoria) • Casa Coppelle (upscale Italian-French restaurant) • Forno Campo de’ Fiori (famous sliced pizzas) • Supplizio (gourmet takeaway) • Venchi (excellent gelateria) • Confetteria Moriondo & Gariglio (Rome’s oldest chocolate shop) • Officina Profumo Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella (17th-century pharmacy chain outlet) • Marta Ray (stylish women’s boutique) • Ibiz (leather accessories and bags) • SBU (hip clothing store) • Campo de’ Fiori Market (great produce market) • Bartolucci (toy shop) • Open Baladin (excellent pub) • Etablì (fashionable bar-restaurant) • Jerry Thomas (popular speakeasy) • Salotto42 (retro-chic lounge bar) • Barnum Café (cool all-day hangout) • Tazza d’Oro (landmark cafe) • Caffè Sant’Eustacchio (cafe renowned for its espresso) • Roscioli Caffè (elegant cafe) • Caffetteria Chiostro del Bramante (cafe with excellent location) • Pantheon (landmark church) • Piazza Navona (beautiful piazza in central Rome).

90. Vatican & Prati

The Vatican, the world’s smallest country, sits northwest of the city center. Its main drawcards are St Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican Museums, home of the Sistine Chapel. Nearby, the elegant Prati district offers good shopping and a great choice of restaurants, takeaways, and bars.
Best stuff: Palazzo Cardinal Cesi • Ristorante L’Arcangelo (popular bistro) • Pizzarium (pizza takeaway) • Alexanderplatz (famous jazz club) • Sciascia Caffè (old-school cafe) • St Peter’s Basilica • Vatican Museums • Castel Sant’Angelo.

91. Ancient Rome & Monti

Southeast of the historic center, this is where you’ll find the Colosseum and the city’s most iconic ruins. A short walk from the forums, hip Monti has a village-vibe with its cool boutiques, cafes, and restaurants.
Best stuff: Inn at the Roman Forum • Hotel Lancelot • Nerva Boutique Hotel • L’Asino d’Oro (popular restaruant) • Caffetteria Musei Capitolini (cafe with a view) • Caffe Bohemien (relaxed cafe and bar) • Colosseum • Roman Forum & Palatine • Victor Emmanuel Monument • Capitoline Museums • Bocca della Verità (Mouth of Truth).

92. Tridente & Trevi Fountain

Rome’s premier shopping district. A swank, touristy part of town, it’s home to luxury hotels, smart cafes, flagship designer boutiques, and several major sights.
Best stuff: Portrait Roma • Hotel de Russie • Fendi (flagship store) • La Bottega del Marmoraro (inscriptions workshop) • Sermoneta (glove shop) • Stravinskij Bar (glamorous bar) • Antico Caffè Greco (Rome’s oldest cafe) • Canova Tadolini (studio cum cafe) • Trevi Fountain • Spanish Steps.

93. Trastevere

A beautiful medieval neighborhood with colorful buildings, cobbled lanes, and vibrant piazzas. Good-looking by day, it parties at night as tourists, expats, students, and locals flock to its many cafes, bars, restaurants, and pizzerias.
Best stuff: Relais Le Clarisse • Glass Hostaria (Michelin-starred restaurant) • Fatamorgana (organic gelato) • Porta Portese Market (Sunday flea market) • Freni e Frizioni (cool bar) • Bar San Calisto (authentic neighborhood cafe).

94. Villa Borghese, Barberini & the Quirinale

Less frenetic than other central neighborhoods. Villa Borghese, Rome’s central park, is the main focus but you can also visit Italy’s presidential palace and several excellent museums.
Best stuff: Hotel Eden • Villa Spalletti Trivelli • Palm Gallery Hotel • Colline Emiliane (renowned regional restaurant) • Metamorfosi (Michelin-starred restaurant) • Museo e Galleria Borghese (excellent museum) • Villa Borghese (Rome’s central park).

95. Termini & Around

This extensive and not obviously attractive area is centered on Termini Station, Rome’s principle transport hub. To the east, the studenty San Lorenzo neighborhood and boho district of Pigneto are packed with trendy restaurants, bars, and clubs.
Best stuff: Residenza Cellini • Mercato Centrale (station food hall) • Co.So (hipster cocktail bar).

96. Testaccio & Ostiense

Off the main tourist radar, Testaccio has few must-see sights but is a foodie hotspot with some excellent trattorias. To the south, the former industrial zone of Ostiense is a trendy nightlife zone, home to several top clubs.
Best stuff: Giulietta Pizzeria • Da Felice (excellent trattoria) • Mordi e Vai (street food stall) • Eataly (Italian food emporium) • Goa (popular nightclub).

97. Southern Rome

Rome’s southern reaches encompass Via Appia Antica, the legendary Appian Way, and the EUR district, famous for its 1930s rationalist architecture.
Best stuff: Via Appia Antica (ancient Roman road).

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