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ROME2025 TRAVELGUIDE

INTRODUCTION

WhyVisit Rome?

A city of timeless beauty, history, and culture. Iconic landmarks, vibrant neighborhoods, and delicious cuisine make Rome an unforgettable experience.

BestTimetoVisit

✓ Spring &fall offer mild weather and fewer crowds.

✓ Summer can be hot and crowded, while winter offers a quieter experience with flights and accommodation upto 40% cheaper.

QuickTips

✓ Wear comfortable shoes (cobblestones!).

✓ Carry a refillable bottle (plenty offountains).

✓ Avoid areas likeTermini due to pickpockets.

✓ Most museums are free on the first Sunday; Vatican Museums on the last (until 2 PM).

✓ Always carry documents for security checks. ROME TRAVEL GUIDE

Termini – Busy, chaotic, and can be risky. ROME TRAVEL GUIDE

WHERE TO STAY

Top 5 Neighborhoods

$Trastevere – Bohemian charm, with winding streets, excellent nightlife, and cozy eateries.

+ Great for evening walks - Can be touristy

$$ Monti – Chic and artsy, close to major sites like the Colosseum.

+ Hip boutiques and cafes - A bit more crowded and expensive

$$Testaccio – Authentic Roman neighborhood, known for food markets.

+ Local vibes - Fewer attractions

$$$ Prati – Quiet and upscale, near the Vatican.

+ Safe, great for families - Higher price range

$$$ Spanish Steps/Via Veneto – Luxury shopping and central attractions.

+ Ideal for upscale travelers - Can be expensive

NeighborhoodstoAvoid

ROME TRAVEL GUIDE

TRANSPORT

✈ Airport Shuttle

Take the Sit Bus Shuttle for a quick ride toTermini or the Vatican.

�� Metro

Efficient and easy to use; check the ATAC website for routes and schedules.

�� Hop-on Hop-off Buses

A comfortable way to explorewith added perks like multilingual guides.

�� Roma Pass

Provides unlimited access to metro and municipal transport, plus skip-the-line entry to select attractions.

�� Walking

Generally safe and shaded with trees and fountains for hydration; ideal for spotting street musicians.

�� Biking

Check out the PisteCiclabili Roma website for all bike routes. Rental options are widely available on Google search.

ROME TRAVEL GUIDE

WHAT TO SEE

Top 5 Must-Sees

✓ Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill

✓ Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel & St. Peter’s

Basilica

✓ Pantheon

✓ Trevi Fountain

✓ Spanish Steps

Top 5 Hidden Gems

✓ Palazzo Altemps

✓ Palazzo Colonna

✓ Centrale Montemartini

✓ Capuchin Crypt

✓ Villa Doria Pamphili

�� SeeAll Attractions &Tours

MY TOP 10

Here are my personal top picks beyond the obvious touristy landmarks.

Vatican Museums

If I could choose just one, this is it. The art is incredible, and the Sistine Chapel is a must-see.

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PalazzoAltemps

Check out the stunning frescoed portico, offering a taste of Roman royal aesthetics.

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Capitoline Museums

Less touristy but home to some of the best ancient sculptures and artifacts.

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St. AlessioGarden

A relaxed, authentic spot just next to the Orange Garden, offering a quieter atmosphere.

Villa Borghese

Swans, boats, and vast walking space, all set against theTemple of Aesculapius and beautiful viewpoints.

MY TOP 10

Cinecittà Studios

A must for cinema lovers, with almost no crowds and a deep dive into Italian film history.

Centrale Montemartini

A cool blend of industrial architecture and ancient sculptures.

Tivoli (lessthan1h from Rome)

A stunning immersion into Roman royalty’s lives.

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Ancient Ostia (lessthan1h from Rome)

A great alternative to Pompeii, easily accessible from Rome, offering a peek into Roman daily life.

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�� Appian Way

I personally enjoyed it more than the Colosseum. It features ancient ruins, emperors' villas, aqueducts, and catacombs, all set along a historic road surrounded by nature.

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WHAT TO EAT

Top 5 DishestoTry

✓ Pasta: Carbonara, Cacio e Pepe, Amatriciana.

✓ Roman Pizza: Thin, crispy, topped with fresh ingredients.

✓ Supplì: Fried rice balls with mozzarella.

✓ Desserts: Gelato, Tiramisu, Maritozzo (sweet cream bun).

✓Trapizzino: A famous half-pizza, half-sandwich hybrid with various fillings, invented in 2008 and popular with locals.

�� Try 20 LocalTastings

Best Neighborhoodsfor Food

✓Trastevere: Traditional trattorias.

✓Testaccio: Roman classics and local market.

✓ Borgo Pio: Cozy eateries near the Vatican.

✓ Prati: Gourmet dining near St. Peter’s.

✓ Campode’ Fiori: Vibrant food market.

�� See Restaurant Recommendations

WHAT TO BUY

Top 5 UniqueThingsto Buy

✓ Handcrafted Italian Leather – Bags, belts & shoes from Monti artisans, like at Sufir Roma.

✓ Antique Maps &Vintage Prints – Rare finds at Via dei Coronari or MercatodelleStampe.

✓ Jewelry Inspired by Roman Landmarks – Elegant pieces from CoroJewels in central Rome.

✓ Artisan Perfumes – Scents capturing Roman landscapes at Eau d’Italie near the Spanish Steps.

✓ HandmadeSundials &Timepieces – Unique gifts from PolverediTempo in Trastevere.

OtherGreat Shopping Spots

✓ Porta Portese Flea Market – Huge vintage market (Sundays only).

✓ Eataly – Gourmet food, wine & Italian pantry gifts.

✓ Castel Romano DesignerOutlet – Designer brands at outlet prices.

ROME TRAVEL GUIDE

2025 EVENTS

�� Jubilee 2025

A major religious event with pilgrimages, masses, and celebrations across the city.

�� Munch Expo (11 Feb - 2 Jun)

An Edvard Munch retrospective at Palazzo Bonaparte.

�� Nataledi Roma (April 21)

Rome’s birthday party, with a grand parade, concerts, and fireworks.

�� RomeSummer Fest (5 Jun -16 Sept)

A mix of music, from classical to contemporary, at Auditorium Parco della Musica.

�� Rome Film Fest (15 Oct - 26 Oct)

A major film festival showcasing international and Italian films.

�� SeeAll Events

ROME TRAVEL GUIDE

EXPERIENCES

Secrets &Thrills

�� Capuchin Crypt

Explore eerie catacombs housing 4,000 monk skulls.

�� BomarzoWoods

Wander through bizarre gardens with giant monster sculptures.

�� ParanormalTour

Delve into Rome’s spooky history with ghostly legends at Campo de’ Fiori & Palazzo Farnese.

Nature &Outdoors

�� Villa Borghese

Paddle a boat across the peaceful lake surrounded by lush greenery.

�� Appian Way

Pedal down ancient Roman roads for a historical ride.

�� Villa Pamphili

Escape to Rome’s largest park for a serene picnic and stroll.

ROME TRAVEL GUIDE

EXPERIENCES

Food &Drink

�� Trastevere FoodTour

Savor 20 local delicacies and wines through a vibrant neighborhood.

�� Sip-and-Paint

Unleash your inner artist with a glass of wine while painting in Rome.

Cooking Class

Learn to cook iconic Italian dishes like pasta, pizza, tiramisu, or gelato.

Stunning

Views

�� Knightsof Malta Keyhole

Peek through a mysterious keyhole for a hidden view of St. Peter’s Dome.

�� TheOrangeGarden

Soak in sweeping views ofTrastevere and theTiber from this serene hilltop park.

�� VittorianoView

Enjoy a panoramic 360-degree view of Rome from the Vittoriano Rooftop.

ROME TRAVEL GUIDE

EXPERIENCES

Cinematic Experiences

⚔ GladiatorSchool

Train like a warrior in ancient Rome at a gladiator school.

�� Cinecittà Studio

Step into famous movie sets with an interactive film experience.

�� VespaTour

Zoom around Rome’s iconic streets in a fun Vespa for a photo tour.

Sunset &Evening

�� TiberCruise

Set sail on a romantic evening cruise along the Tiber with stunning views.

�� Opera Night

Enjoy an intimate performance in a historic church with breathtaking acoustics.

�� PiazzaTrilussa

Dance the night away in Trastevere’s lively square with live music and crowds.

ROME TRAVEL GUIDE

DAY TRIPS

Under1 Hour

�� Ancient Ostia: Ancient Roman port city.

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⛲ Tivoli: Hadrian’s Villa & Villa d'Este gardens.

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�� Castel Gandolfo: The Pope’s summer residence.

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2+ Hours

�� Pompeii: Explore the ancient ruins.

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�� Amalfi Coast/Positano: Scenic coastal towns.

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�� Bagnoregio: Stunning hilltop village.

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�� DiscoverAll DayTrip Ideas

ROME TRAVEL GUIDE

ITINERARY

Day: Explore iconic landmarks like the Colosseum, Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, and more.

�� Download1-Day Itinerary

Day: Explore the Vatican Museums, St. Peter's Basilica, and more.

�� Download 2-Day Itinerary

Day: Enjoy a day trip toTivoli, Ostia Antica, or Castel Gandolfo.

�� Download 3-Day Itinerary

Day: Have an iconic Vespa photoshoot, cooking class, and more.

�� Download 4-Day Itinerary

Day: Enjoy a longer day trip to Pompeii, Amalfi Coast, or Bagnoregio.

�� Download 5-Day Itinerary

Day: Enjoy outdoor adventures like cycling the Appian Way.

�� Download 6-Day Itinerary

Day: Discover hidden art gems and museums.

�� Download 7-Day Itinerary

ROME TRAVEL GUIDE

TIPS & SAFETY

✓ Pickpockets

Stay vigilant near major tourist sites like the Colosseum, Spanish Steps, and Termini Station. If you hear someone shout 'borseggiatori' or 'ladri,' it’s a clear warning of a pickpocket in the area!

✓ EmergencyServices

Dial 112 for police assistance.

✓ Local Greetings

Use "Buongiorno" (Good morning), "Ciao" (Hello), or "Buonasera" (Good evening) with locals.

✓ WaterSafety

It's safe to drink from Rome's public fountains, known as nasoni, and tap water.

✓ Smoking Regulations

Smoking is prohibited in outdoor public areas such as parks and near playgrounds in Rome.

TIPS & SAFETY

✓ Spanish Steps Etiquette

Sitting on the Spanish Steps is prohibited; violators may face fines up to €400.

✓ Fountain Etiquette

Do not wade or swim in public fountains.

✓ Identification

Carry valid identification, as police may request to see it while you're on the streets.

✓ CulinaryCustoms

Refrain from ordering cappuccino after midday, as it's considered a breakfast beverage.

✓Tipping &Coperto

Tipping is not mandatory, but it's appreciated. Many restaurants may also charge a coperto (cover charge) for bread and service, typically ranging from €1 to €3 per person.

ROME TRAVEL GUIDE

USEFUL PHRASES

Ciao – Hi/Bye

Grazie – Thank you

Perfavore – Please (e.g., Un caffè, per favore – A coffee, please)

Mi scusi – Excuse me

Permesso – Excuse me (to pass by)

Aiuto! – Help!

Buongiorno – Good morning

Buonasera – Good evening

Bella Roma – Beautiful Rome

Quantocosta? – How much does it cost?

ROME TRAVEL GUIDE

USEFUL PHRASES

Doveè il bagno? – Where is the bathroom?

Dovesi trova…? – Where is…?

Dove possotrovare…? – Where can I find…?

Parla inglese? – Do you speak English?

Mi chiamo… – My name is…

Sono… – I am…

Vorrei… – I would like…

Non capisco – I don’t understand

Posso pagarecon la carta? – Can I pay by card?

Mi piace – I like

ROME TRAVEL GUIDE

AFTERWORD

After years of living and traveling through Italy, immersing myself in its culture and history, I’ve created this guide to help you experience Rome in the most authenticway possible. Because when in Rome… you should enjoy it just asthe Romans do.

Don’t stress if you can’t check off every activity or attraction on this list after all, Romewasn’t built in a day! And if you haven’t managed to see it all, toss a coin intotheTrevi Fountain — legend says it guarantees your return!

Wishing you an unforgettable time in Rome, and thank you for trusting my guide!

Author

Anton Levytsky is a Malta-based photographer and an avid traveler in love with all things Mediterranean.