Holidays in Rome - Travel deals & our guide to the Eternal city
Walk on ancient paths, stroll through medieval streets and magnificent squares, admire world-famous buildings—no matter where you're headed in the capital of sunny Italy, a well-known sight is usually no more than a stone's throw away. The 2.8 million-strong Mediterranean metropolis is an exceptional city: nowhere else in the world are there so many impressive buildings from different epochs.
But the city does not just serve as a testament to the old. On the contrary, this capital explores layers of history, with new things built on old in a ceaseless cycle of time. In Rome, this time is enjoyed: a few hours at a café in one of the countless squares ,or perhaps a long lunch in one of the many trattorias or a nap in the shade of the large pine trees in one of the beautiful parks.
The best things to do in Rome
Without a doubt, Rome is one of the most popular destinations in Europe for an exciting city break. Its foundation dates back over 2,750 years, which is why it is particularly rich in treasures from various eras of humanity. Adults and children will both enjoy a getaway to the Eternal City on the Tiber.
The capital and largest city in Italy is a thriving business metropolis with a very interesting cultural side. Rome, the "Eternal City" or "City of the Seven Hills", has something to offer everyone with its numerous museums, exhibitions, and spectacular ruins from the Roman Empire. The "first city" of the European continent has impressed millions of visitors for centuries. Hardly anyone can get enough of the Italian capital. There are many attractions: the Colosseum, the Spanish Steps, St. Peter's Basilica, the Trevi Fountain, the Vatican and many more.
The capital of Italy holds numerous culinary highlights in addition to its many sights. Shopping fans will also get their money's worth. Be inspired by the spirit of La Dolce Vita and travel to this unique city.
Our highlights include:
Roman Forum
Palatino
Colosseum
Pantheon
St. Peter’s Basilica
Trevi Fountain
Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel
Piazza Navona
Spanish Steps
Villa Borghese
How do I plan a city break to Rome?
How much time should you spend in Rome?
Whether a weekend, a week, or a month - whenever you leave the Eternal City, you always feel that you still have not seen everything yet. Nevertheless, a weekend getaway to Rome is still worthwhile: you can enjoy the most important sights, a few culinary delights, and the mild weather in just one weekend in the city. The classic travel time for a city break to Rome, however, is about one week.
How to get around in Rome
In order to explore the ancient sites of Rome, the best way of getting around the Italian capital is by walking. Not only will you see all of the stunning fountains and buildings, you will also work up an appetite for a rewarding pizza or pasta dinner. If you need to get farther around the city, the public transport runs 24 hours and connects the whole city. Taking the metro might be useful sometimes, but it is quite basic compared to the London underground system.
Which neighbourhood should I stay in?
The eternal city has a suitable area for any taste:
Centro Storico: the Rome most people would imagine. Many small and winding streets, countless fantastic piazzas, and sights on every corner.
Ghetto Ebraico: Here you can have a similar experience to the Centro Storico (to which the district officially belongs), but with a little more peace and quiet and a lower price.
Tridente: A dream for every shopping guru who wants to plunge into the sea of designer shops and grab a bite by the Spanish Steps.
Testaccio: The right place for all gourmands. In this former workers' quarter around the old slaughterhouse you will find countless trattorias and cafes in the traditional style.
Monti: This somewhat village-like district is the new trendy district in the Eternal City. In this quieter cityscape full of cafes, vintage shops, and artists you can enjoy La Dolce Vita in its alternative form.
Garbatella: In the south of Rome you will find this quarter a little bit off the beaten track, which is particularly impressive given its idyllic, green character.
What's the best time to travel to Rome?
... it does not exist: In Rome, it is always beautiful and almost always busy! The most popular tourist attractions, such as the Colosseum, St. Peter's Square, and the Spanish Steps, are teeming with tourists year-round. Thanks to the mild Mediterranean climate, you can be tickled in the winter months by the sun and even go without your jacket from time to time.
The only month in which the city is a little emptier is August: it is the typical month for Italians to take a holiday, so many Romans flee the city. But bear in mind there is a reason behind this August flight—temperatures regularly climb into the mid-late 80s every day and can peak at more than 95 degrees. Anyone who dares to travel to Rome in August should book any outdoor tours in the early morning or evening and use the hottest hours for a long siesta.
Weekend break - Rome in just three days?
A three-hour flight away from London transports to you to the ancient ruins of Rome and to a perfect destination for a three-day getaway. With warm weather all year around, the historic city of Rome offers something to discover on every corner and ancient sites to explore. Here’s our suggestions for your Rome City Break.
Our Pirate tip If you want to dive into the local culture, you should book one of the walking tours for small groups. Some offer extra activities while you discover Rome such as pizza making or wine tasting.
Day 1
The Trevi Fountain, a sight not to miss, is the world’s largest Baroque fountain and is stunning at any time of the day. Its illuminated marble is especially beautiful at night. Don‘t forget to throw some coins in the fountain to ensure good luck!
The best-preserved historical building in Rome, the Pantheon, is just a short 10 minute walk from the Trevi fountain. Here, you can discover a story of a temple built for the Roman Gods, later turned into a Christian church and still standing today in its original form.
The ancient magical streets of Rome will lead you to the Spanish steps. The 135 steps were opened in 1735 and are not only an iconic monument but also a favourite spot for taking pictures. However, since 2019, visitors cannot sit on the stairs anymore - so remember to take your Audrey Hepburn “Rome city break” picture standing up.
For affordable lunch or dinner, explore Rome’s side streets for restaurants outside the tourist hotspots.
Day 2
After breakfast, travel back in time and head to the monumental Coliseum. Built during the Roman Empire for public events and the famous gladiator games, the largest amphitheatre in the world takes you back to ancient times and into your favourite Hollywood movies. Buy your tickets online to save time queuing and venture back in time.
The Colosseum ticket includes entry to the nearby Roman Forum and Palatine Hill (same day only), enabling you to extend your ancient time-travelling experience.
Day 3
On day 3 of your Rome city break, be sure to visit the Vatican city, the museum of the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica, plan to arrive early so as to avoid crowds and enjoy the magnificent sites. Depending on your personal interest in art and history, you can spend one or two hours here to discover and admire the historically important home of the Pope. Visiting the Vatican means that you have actually visited two countries within one day, as the city-state is independent from the city of Rome that surrounds it!
Throughout your visit, enjoy crusty pizzas, sumptuous pasta and a mouth-watering Italian gelato on one of the many terraces. Enjoy the Italian Dolce Vita in Rome!
- Packing list for every type of breakPacking list for a city breakPacking list for a beach holidayPacking list for a winter holidayPacking list for a hiking trip