The city of Rome is one of the most frequently visited cities in all of Italy. The grand home of the Pantheon attracts tourists from around the world, some searching for art and history while others seek religious pilgrimage at the Vatican.

Regardless of your reason for visiting, you’re destined to see some of the most spectacular sights in the world

When Should I Visit Rome?

The best time to visit Rome depends upon whether or not you want to visit during the most crowded time of the year. Thousands of tourists flock to Rome right before the Easter holiday and the city remains extra busy straight through the month of October.

The summer heat is unbearable in July and August, so we only recommend visiting during those months if you’re ok with spending your time visiting sights in the early morning, early evening, or at night. We don’t suggest visiting in August, though, because a lot of shops and restaurants close for a break.

Finding Mouth Watering Roman Cuisine

You’re guaranteed a few good meals in Rome regardless of the restaurants you visit. Most Roman cuisine is prepared with only a handful of ingredients and the meats you encounter will likely be roasted, grilled, or baked until they’re decadently flavored. The fish is fresh, the pasta is to die for, and the wines are amongst the best in the region.

For low cost fare we recommend visiting Baffetto in Piazza Navona. It’s one of the most popular pizzerias in the city and is a great place for those looking for a quick bite on the way to their next destination. It’s a fast paced atmosphere and visitors aren’t encouraged to hang around, but you’ll have some of the best pizza you’ve ever tasted.

In Piazza del Popolo you’ll find La Penna d’Oca, a spectacular establishment at specializing in seafood more than anything else. The prices are average, depending on what you order, and the atmosphere is friendly. We recommend trying the lobster and mixed seafood or the simply scrumptious souffl? for dessert.

For a fancier romantic meal in an upscale establishment, visit La Terrazza dell’Eden in Via Veneto. The restaurant is located on the roof of the Hotel Eden and proudly hosts celebrities and tourists alike. The young chef has created a menu rivaled by no other, including pasta filled with pumpkin, breast of quail, and a menu of desserts that will leave you wishing you could dine there daily.

5 Attractions You Can’t Miss While in Rome

Surrounded by high walls representative of the city’s rough and tumble past you’ll find the Vatican. Inside you’ll find a collection of incredible buildings, including Bernini’s Colonnade, the Basilica di San Pietro, and St. Peter’s Basilica.

If you’re there over a weekend you should certainly stop at the Piazza di San Pietro in St. Peter’s Square, where thousands of people gather on Sunday mornings to see the pope if he’s in town. He holds mass on Wednesday mornings as well.

The Colosseum (or Colosseo) is one of the most extraordinary ancient sights in all of Rome. The arena was originally built with the capacity to seat 50,000 spectators, and was the site of many incredible (and sometimes violent) sporting events. While the building remains mostly abandoned, the architecture is stunning and searching for remnants of the original Roman stucco make the trip well worth your time.

The square at the Piazza Navona bundles all that is wonderful about Roman architecture and history into one quaint package and ties it up with a ribbon. Here you’ll find a collection of astounding fountains, spectacular Bernini sculptures, and much more. The square depicts Roman life as it was in the 17^th and 18^th centuries, with locals and tourists enjoying casual strolls through the plaza.

In Via Apia Antica you’ll find the cemetery known as Tomba di Cecilia Metella. The cemetery is home to one of the oldest surviving tombs from the ancient time period. Buried here is the wife of Crassus, one of Julius Caesar’s main rivals. The decorations and architecture are astounding, as are those found on the smaller museums and ruins surrounding the main tomb.

The entire Quirinale to the Piazza della Repubblica is a sight to behold in Rome. The area is home to a number of government palaces, office buildings, banks, and ministry buildings, but the piazza has a secret. Hidden within the hustle and bustle of this area you’ll find glimpses into the history of the development of art in Rome. Be sure to take a tour of some of the area’s most extravagant salons while you’re there!

Rome isn’t a place you have to view from afar, on television, or in books. Plan your itinerary, book your hotel, and choose an airline. You’ll be three steps closer to your dream vacation in Rome!

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