Rome holidays

While there’s certainly plenty to do in the city, a holiday to Rome can also feature some easy day trips. Explore the Amalfi coast, Pompeii and the colourful cliffside village of Positano, all within a short drive. You can find plenty of group and private tours that will pick you up from a hotel in the city centre.

This city of flavours prizes traditional Roman fare over Michelin stars, but rest assured, your taste buds will be dazzled. Unwind with a pre-dinner negroni cocktail during ‘aperitivo’ hour, an almost sacred part of the Roman day. Then eat at a family-run trattoria. We love saltimbocca, which means ‘jumps in your mouth’ (one bite of this veal dish and you'll understand).

‘The sweet life’ is a mixture of many things: enjoying fun company, savouring scrumptious food and surrounding yourself with beauty. Whether you’re flying solo or travelling with friends, there’s no better place to experience life's sweetness than on a city break in Rome.

All taste buds lead to Testaccio, Rome’s foodie go-to area. If you want to feast on both traditional fare and modern dishes, and explore authentic food markets, Testaccio is the best neighbourhood to stay in. It also has impressive street art, so be sure to walk around.

Good for: Village vibes, Roman cuisine, markets

With its winding streets, bustling squares and ancient attractions, the UNESCO-listed Centro Storico is one of the best neighbourhoods to stay in Rome. People come from all over the world to marvel at iconic sights like the 1,900-year-old Pantheon and the Baroque Piazza Navona. And if you’re on the hunt for the city’s finest tiramisu, look no further than Pompi, near the Spanish Steps.

Good for: Ancient architecture, charming squares, tasty desserts

The bohemian enclave of Trastevere is where to stay in Rome when you need a breather from the city’s blockbuster attractions. Its cobblestone streets are filled with cocktail bars, pizzerias and charming squares where you can soak in the rhythms of Roman life. The neighbourhood is also home to some of the capital’s hottest nightclubs. And for killer views of St Peter’s Basilica, make the steep climb to Janiculum Hill.

Good for: Trendy bars, neighbourhood cafes, panoramic views

Looking for things to do with family in Rome? Rent a bike and pedal through the lush gardens at Villa Borghese and toss a coin into the Trevi Fountain. Let the kids explore the statues and fountains of Piazza Navona, then hit the Colosseum where tales of gladiator battles will have them wide-eyed.

The shopping in Rome promises the perfect medley of designer elegance, boutique treasures and vintage charm. Start in the cobblestone streets of the Monti district and pick out a stylish new piece from funky independent stores. Looking for big brands like Prada and Fendi? Opt for the area around the Spanish Steps. Or, for a mix of antiques, jewellery and affordable labels, stop by Via del Corso and Via dei Coronari. 

Fill your Rome adventure with cultural gems: gaze at the artistic marvels of the Sistine Chapel, explore the fortress of Castel Sant’Angelo and groove to live tunes at Casa del Jazz. Spice it up with a day trip to Hadrian’s Villa and retrace the footsteps of a mighty Roman emperor. From the best museums in Rome to its galleries and music havens, your itinerary will be a masterpiece.

The nightlife in Rome starts late, but it’s well worth waiting till midnight. Get social in the lively atmosphere of the Trastevere district and bar hop in the Rione Monti neighbourhood. Listen to live music at places like Largo Venue and MONK Roma. If sing-alongs are your thing, check out Jackie O’, a famous piano bar off Via Veneto.  

The best cafes and restaurants in Rome serve up a symphony of modern gastronomic delights and cherished traditional dishes.  Save your appetite for classics like carciofi alla Romana (Roman-style artichokes) and carbonara pasta. Dine at well-known spots like Trattoria da Teo and Perilli, or get happily lost and stumble into one of the hidden osterias (wine bars that serve up simple yet delicious meals). 

If you’re planning a trip to Italy, you may be surprised by the number of free things to do in Rome. See Michelangelo’s ‘Pieta’ in St Peter’s Basilica and sit by the fountains in Piazza Navona. Visit the Sistine Chapel and Vatican Museums for free on the last Sunday of each month.