Rome’s skyline
Photograph: Shutterstock

Your essential Rome travel guide

Plan the perfect trip to Rome using our guide to the best places to stay, things to do and tips for getting around
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Whether you’re here for a long weekend or a lifetime, there’s so much to love about Rome: its colours, raking mid-season light and sunsets; its agelessness, artistic wealth and cocksure sense that it is the world’s most stunning city thanks to an endless array of beautiful buildings and Instagrammable spots. There’s quite a lot to rile you too: traffic chaos, stroppy shopkeepers and less-than-reliable public transport.

The Eternal City and its eternal contradictions can be challenging for first-time visitors. But Rome more than repays the effort of getting to know it, through its dazzling attractions, stunning restaurants, charming bars and more. Once you’ve got a handle on the place, you’ll find there’s so much to revel in. Take it as it is—rough, ready and infinitely fascinating—and enjoy this infuriating, fabulous city.

Get to grips with Rome

The best time to visit Rome
Things to do

The best time to visit Rome

The best things to do in Rome are a year-round draw, but how you enjoy them will be dictated by your choice of season.
Where to stay in Rome
Hotels

Where to stay in Rome

Do you blow the budget on a boutique hotel near the Forum, or cosy up with the Eternal City’s edgier residents?
Rome travel tips
Things to do

Rome travel tips

These tips will help you make the most of Rome’s iconic attractions, Mediterranean climate and delicious restaurants.
Public transportation in Rome
Things to do

Public transportation in Rome

Understanding public transportation in Rome is relatively straightforward, especially with this handy guide.