The Complete Guide to Rome, Rome, and a Little More Rome

Rome has long been a top destination on my travel wish list, but somehow, I never got the chance to visit until now. There's no need to elaborate on its rich history and countless heritage sites—Rome has been a cultural and trading center in Europe since the days of the Roman Empire. After the empire's collapse, it continued as the heart of Catholicism and remains a global cultural, economic, and tourist hub. Today, Rome is a bustling, heavily visited city year-round. Even during the pandemic, it was surprising to experience the crowds at various sites and in the city center, hinting that in "normal" times, the city might be too crowded with tourists.

Rome's city center is relatively small, with most attractions within walking distance. For me, there’s nothing better than exploring a city on foot, which is entirely doable in Rome.

We divided our trip into two parts. We spent three days in the city as the starting point of a month-long trip through Italy last September, and finished with another day and a half in Rome before flying back home. And so, the full guide to Rome was born.

What to eat in Rome

Watch Rome Highlights

The Complete Guide to Rome - Accommodation

Since we split our time in Rome into two parts, we stayed in two different hotels:

Hotel Damaso – A centrally located hotel, within walking distance of nearly all the main attractions. Excellent breakfast and a rooftop terrace with city views (highly recommend going up for a photo).

Hotel dei Borgognoni – A very central hotel with great reviews. However, our experience was disappointing. While the location is great (just a 3-minute walk from the Trevi Fountain), the breakfast was basic to the point of being sparse, and the service was poor. I wouldn’t recommend it unless all you care about is a central location.

Getting Around

Most of the time, we chose to walk. The city is very flat and pedestrian-friendly. Walking allows you to soak in the city's atmosphere, and it's my top choice whenever possible. For longer distances, we used taxis.

Points of Interest

Our Rome trip was part of a month-long babymoon in Southern Italy. Being pregnant in Italy is a very different experience compared to Israel. Italy's declining birth rate makes pregnant women a rarity and they’re treated with great respect. At every historical site, restaurant, or museum, you won't see a pregnant woman waiting in line, no matter how long it is. Signs often indicate that pregnant women don’t have to queue, but even if there’s no sign, feel free to ask. We never once received a negative response, including at airport check-in and passport control.

Pantheon – The term "Pantheon" originally referred to all the gods of a particular religion. Rome's Pantheon was a temple built in 27 BCE dedicated to the Olympian gods. In 600 CE, it was converted into a church, likely contributing to its excellent preservation. The Pantheon is the oldest, best-preserved building in Rome, and it's where Italian kings and the painter Raphael are buried. Entry is free, though there’s often a long line stretching down the street. Note: since it’s a religious site, modest attire is required.

Trevi Fountain – One of the most popular spots in the city. A grand Baroque fountain, it's crowded with tourists around the clock. If you want a less crowded experience, you'll need to visit at sunrise. The fountain marks the end of an aqueduct that brought water to Rome as early as 19 BCE. It wasn’t until the 18th century, under Pope Urban VIII, that the fountain we see today was constructed. The site is open to the public at no charge.

Colosseum– The largest amphitheater ever built, regarded as one of Rome's greatest architectural achievements. Construction began in 70 CE and was completed in 80 CE. It was used for gladiatorial contests, battle reenactments, and spectacles, holding up to 70,000 spectators. Today, it’s one of the most visited landmarks in the world. Entry is ticketed, and it's best to book in advance online. Audio guides are available at the entrance. Note: on busy days, tickets may only be available online, not at the gate.

Roman Forum – Located next to the Colosseum, the forum was the heart of ancient Rome and its empire. It stretched between two hills: the Capitoline Hill, the center of government, and Palatine Hill, the center of Roman life. The forum was the site of public gatherings, trials, and gladiatorial combat. Entry is through the Colosseum, and a combined ticket for both can be purchased online.

Piazza Navona – A central square in Rome designed by architect Bernini. Its oval shape and central fountain make it a hub for cafes and restaurants.

Spanish Steps – A staircase of 136 steps connecting Piazza di Spagna with Piazza Trinità. Originally built in the 17th century to link the Spanish Embassy with the Vatican. Today, sitting on the steps is forbidden, with guards on duty throughout the day to enforce this.

Piazza Venezia – A large and impressive square near the Palazzo Venezia. Located at the foot of Capitoline Hill, it houses the National Museum of Rome. The rooftop offers a great viewpoint over the city.

Piazza del Popolo – Named after the poplar trees that grow in the square, it's a huge piazza with a 36-meter Egyptian obelisk at its center. The obelisk was brought to Rome in the 10th century BCE and is the second-oldest in the city.

Vatican City – The world’s smallest independent state, located within Rome. Home to around 800 residents, mostly clergy, it’s the center of global Catholicism. Entry into Vatican City requires crossing a border, so bring your passport if you plan to visit. The Vatican is heavily visited and crowded throughout the day.