Rome is a city I didn’t just visit, I experienced in completely different ways, which is exactly why this Rome travel guide combines all my personal trips, tips, and recommendations in one place.
The first time I visited was during COVID with my family, when the city felt almost empty and incredibly calm. As a result, it felt surreal and almost like we had Rome completely to ourselves.
The second time I went with a friend, and the atmosphere was completely different. The city felt lively, chaotic, and deeply social. In addition, our days slowly turned into spontaneous nights filled with food, drinks, and long evenings in Irish pubs.
Because of these contrasting experiences, Rome feels like a city with many layers. This guide will help you explore it beyond the typical tourist path.
Activities & Sights in this Rome travel guide
Rome is basically one big open-air museum. Therefore, the best way to explore it is by walking and letting the city surprise you.
Must-sees (and actually worth it)
• Colosseum
→ Iconic landmark
→ Photo tip: walk up the small stairs at Via Nicola Salvi for a slightly elevated, less crowded view.
Looking for the most Instagrammable spots in Rome? Read THIS article.
• Pantheon
→ One of the most impressive buildings in Rome
→ Free entry and perfect lighting inside
• Trevi Fountain
→ Always busy, however still magical
→ Best visited early morning or late at night
• Spanish Steps
→ Lively atmosphere and great for people-watching
Historic area (underrated)
• Portico degli Dei Consenti
→ Near the Roman Forum
→ Includes several ancient ruins in one area
For example:
• Temple of Saturn
• Clivus Capitolinus
• Remains of the Roman Forum
As a result, it feels like stepping back into ancient Rome, but with fewer crowds.
Lively squares & atmosphere
• Piazza Navona
→ One of the nicest squares in Rome
→ Includes Fontana del Moro
→ Perfect for a drink and people-watching
• Campo de’ Fiori
→ Very lively in the evening
→ In addition, a great spot for nightlife
Parks & chill spots
• Monti District
→ Trendy area with a small square/park vibe
→ In the evenings: often street musicians → super cozy atmosphere
• Tempio di Esculapio
→ Hidden gem in Villa Borghese park
→ Calm, romantic, perfect break from the city
• Pincio (Pincian Terrace)
→ One of the best viewpoints in Rome
→ Overlooks Piazza del Popolo
→ Perfect for sunset
• Monte Sacro
→ More local, less touristy area
→ Nice if you want to escape the busy city center
The perfect walk (DO THIS)
Start at Piazza Navona →
walk towards the river →
cross Ponte Umberto I →
→ amazing view over the city
Continue via Via Ulpiano →
towards Castel Sant’Angelo →
pass Piazza Adriana →
then Piazza Pia →
finish at Ponte Sant’Angelo
→ Especially beautiful at sunset
Day trip / escape
• Ostia Antica Archaeological Park
→ Ancient Roman city
→ Much quieter than central Rome
• Lido di Ostia beach
→ Easy train from Porta San Paolo
→ Around 30–35 minutes travel time
→ Perfect escape from the city heat
Food & Drinks
Rome is also a food city, and therefore eating well is part of the experience.
Go-to area
• Campo de’ Fiori
→ Restaurants and bars everywhere
→ Always a good atmosphere
Extra spot (hidden gem)
• Shisha Roof Garden Café de Anatolia
→ Take the elevator up to the bar
→ Beautiful view over the city
→ Especially nice at sunset
Where to eat (local vibes)
• Tonnarello
→ Very popular for classic Roman pasta
→ Known for cacio e pepe
• Domus Locanda Conviviale
→ More refined but still very local
→ Great for a proper Italian dinner
👉 Tip: look for traditional osterias, as they often offer the most authentic food experience.
What to eat
• Cacio e pepe
• Carbonara
• Pizza
→ Best strategy: share everything (half-half)
Nightlife
Rome is very social, especially in the evenings.
• Irish pubs → easiest place to meet people
• Spontaneous nights are very common
• As a result, plans often change completely
Social & Connections
• Very social city → easy to meet people
• Mix of locals + travelers
• Irish pubs = easiest place to connect
• Nights often turn spontaneous
Tips & Tricks (Combined)
• Walk everywhere → Rome is best discovered accidentally
• Avoid restaurants right next to major attractions
• Look for slightly hidden streets → better food, better prices
• Combine sightseeing with wandering → don’t rush
• Sunset walks = must
• Rome can feel chaotic, but that’s part of the charm
Reflection
Rome is one of those cities that teaches you more through experience than through sightseeing.
What stayed with me most wasn’t just the landmarks, but the feeling of being there and how easily everyday moments turned into memories.
Some of my favourite experiences were surprisingly simple. Sharing pizza and pasta at almost every meal became a kind of ritual, especially when we’d order everything half-and-half just to try more. Evenings often turned into long nights in Irish pubs, where conversations, music, and beers stretched far longer than expected. At the same time, I was surprised by how well you can eat in Rome without spending much at all, especially when you step just slightly away from the main tourist areas.
Rome also feels like a city that never really runs out of layers. There is always more to discover, whether it’s hidden streets, small squares, or places you simply stumble upon while walking.
Because of that, the city never feels finished. It keeps revealing itself in small moments instead of big highlights.
In the end, Rome is not a “one-time visit” city. You go once for the main sights, but you return for the atmosphere, the lifestyle, and the feeling of simply being there.
That’s what makes it a place I would come back to again, not for the checklist, but for the experience.
! Want my honest rating of all of the Italian cities i’ve visited? Find them HERE.
! Also going to Northern Italy or Sicily, read those travel guides too!
