Popular Picks
Browse popular sites among travelers.
Roman Forum & Colosseum
Castel Sant' Angelo
St. Peter's Basilica
Pantheon
Market at Piazza Navona
Trevi Fountain
Basilica Santa Maria Maggiore
Favorite Moment
Check out Guidester’s favorite Rome experience.
Dinner on the Appian Way
The Appian Way, built by Appius Claudius in the 4th century B.C. was a main thoroughfare in ancient Rome used by traders, merchants, soldiers, and aristocrats; and it’s still in use today.
There I was on the oldest road in Rome, and really one of the oldest continuously used roads in the world, taking in the ancient ruins, charming restaurants, old churches, magical flora, and quaint villas that have been in the same family for generations.
Walking down the 2,500 year old ancient road will send chills down your spine as you remember this was the same road Julius Caesar and his adopted son Augustus, the first emperor of Rome, would have walked down.
Jack Baumann
Hi, my name is Jack Baumann, and I have a passion for helping independent travelers unlock the wonders of Europe. I founded Guidester - we build personal mobile guidebooks sourced from local experts - so travelers could cut through the noise and dive deeper into the wonders of Europe. I hope you enjoy my stories and tips!
Jack Baumann
Hi, my name is Jack Baumann, and I have a passion for helping independent travelers unlock the wonders of Europe. I founded Guidester - we build personal mobile guidebooks sourced from local experts - so travelers could cut through the noise and dive deeper into the wonders of Europe. I hope you enjoy my stories and tips!
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Stroll the Ancient Appian Way
Look inside the Colosseum
Join the crowds on the Spanish Steps
Explore the famous Piazza Navona
Walk around St. Peter's Square
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Local Tips
Castel Sant’Angelo: Climb to the top of the castle to be rewarded with unobstructed views. Face toward the Vatican and you will have views of the Tiber river, the bridges, and St. Peter's Basilica all in one shot. This is the ideal spot for a picture-perfect postcard photo of Rome.
St. Peter's Basilica: Climb the dome of St. Peter's Basilica to get sweeping views of Vatican City and downtown Rome. Buy tickets for the dome inside the basilica.
Victor Emanuel Monument: Take the two crystal elevators to the Terrazza delle Quadrighe for panoramic views of the monti area and Roman Forum.
Hotel Raphael Rooftop Bar: Enjoy an apperitivo with a classic view of historic Rome on the top of Hotel Raphael.
Hotel Minverva Rooftop Bar: Another classic view of downtown Rome, Minerva is located just behind the Pantheon offering a unique perspective of the 2,000 year old ancient monument.
It's best to do your major tours early in the morning with the first time slots. This will save you a great deal of time and hassle avoiding the late morning/early afternoon rush.
Forum & Colosseum: You must now purchase tickets online and schedule your date and time of visit for the Colosseum. Make sure to book ahead so you aren't left with less favorable visit times or no time slots left at all.
Vatican Museums: Highly recommend taking a guided tour which will allow you to skip the line and grant you more access with knowledgeable commentary. Plan at least 2-3 hours for a guided tour. Tours also typically end in St. Peter's Basilica which allows you to get that great church in at the same time.
Gianicolo: The great hill west of the Tiber Riber not far from the neighborhood of Trastevere is one the best settings for a sunset over Roma.
Hotel Minerva Rooftop Bar: Hotel Minerva is another of Rome's famous rooftop bars that will give you unparalleled sunset views over the city.
By scooter! Hands down, if you're up for it this is the best way to see the Eternal City. You will see so much more and save oodles of time...plus, it'll be an adventure you will never forget!
Walk it - If you aren't up for the scooter walking and cab rides will be your primary modes of transport. I wouldn't recommend dealing with the public transit unless you have an extended stay as the bus and underground can be a bit of a mess. Better to stick with walking and cab rides for longer journeys.
Public transit - Rome doesn't have a great public transit system, but it can be useful to get from one side of the city to the other, or for those coming from outside the city center. There aren't a lot of stops and the times can be unreliable so this is only the best option if you're tired of walking and your money is tight.
Taxi - Though it'll cost you a little taxis can be an easy and quick way to get around major parts of the city. You can get a cab on the go but it's easiest to call one from your hotel lobby or grab one outside major tourist areas like the Vatican. Taxis are especially useful for getting to a guided tour on time.
Time permitting you should not miss a visit to the Appian Way. It's an easy way to escape the hustle and bustle of the city center without going too far. The sights, sounds, and history of the ancient Roman road are unmatched inside the city itself.
Where To Stay
The Centro Storico is the beating historical center of Rome that includes major sites like Piazza Navona, the Pantheon, and the Trevi Fountain. Stay here if you are short on time and want to pack as much of the historical city center as possible.
Monti is oldest rione of Rome, and today a splendid little neighborhood jam packed with traditional quaint mom-and-pop-style trattoria’s and high-end boutiques. Stay here if you want local shopping and prefer a more suburban setting.
Guidester Favorites
Basilica Santa Maria Maggiore
One of the four Patriarchal Basilicas of Rome, Maria Maggiore was built by Pope Liberio who is said to have seen the Virgin Mary in his dreams on August 5th 356. This is one of the most celebrated and beautiful churches in Rome that brings pilgrims from all over the world.
Palazzo Spada
Palazzo Spada holds the powerful Cardinal Spada’s vast collection which includes art by Rubens, Dürer, Caravaggio, Guido Reni, Titian, Jan Brueghel the Elder, Guercino, and Domenichino. Also waiting to be discovered is Borromini’s Prospective Gallery, a Baroque masterpiece built in 1652. This is a must-see, off-the-beaten-path attraction.
Appia Antica
Located just outside the city center, the Appian Way, or Via Appia Antica, is an ancient Roman road built by Appius Claudius in the 5th century B.C. to connect Rome with southern Italy. Stroll along the 2,500 year old ancient thoroughfare which displays many still-standing burial monuments to the Roman elite families that ruled the Empire over the ages.
Montemartini Centrale Museum
Set in Rome’s first public electrical power plant, the Centrale Montemartini Museum presents marble statues from the Capitoline Collection set against the backdrop of preserved turbines, diesel engines, and steam boilers to create one of the most thought-provoking museum spaces Rome has to offer.
Hotel Raphael
Beautiful hotel located at the north end of Piazza Navona with a perfect rooftop terrace overlooking central Rome. Just walk straight past the front desk and you’ll see the elevator. Head up the 5th floor then follow the signs to the terrace for lovely views of Roma.
St. Pauls Outside the Wall
Located at the presumed burial place of St. Paul, the basilica lies outside the Aurelian walls of Rome, hence its name. The architecture and famous works of art alone are worth the visit, but you will find on display the traditional chains of St. Paul when he was imprisoned in Rome.
Borghese Gallery
Holding the largest collection of Bernini statues in the world, the famous palace turned art gallery is situated on the grounds of Villa Borghese, and first constructed in the 17th century by Cardinal Borghese to showcase his many collected works of art.
Botanical Gardens in Trastevere
The quiet and shady Orto Botanico in Trastevere is one of Europe’s finest small botanical gardens. It was laid out in 1883 over 30 acres and currently run by Rome's University, La Sapienza.
Local Eats
When in Rome...
If you're looking for gelato
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