Rome wasn't built in a day--and you'll need much more than a day to take in this timeless city. The city is a real-life collage of piazzas, open-air markets, and astonishing historic sites. Toss a coin into the Trevi Fountain, contemplate the Colosseum and the Pantheon, and sample a perfect espresso or gelato before spending an afternoon shopping at the Campo de’Fiori or Via Veneto. Enjoy some of the most memorable meals of your life here, too, from fresh pasta to succulent fried artichokes or a tender oxtail stew.
Restaurants in Rome
5.0 based on 11 reviews
St. Patrick's is a very understated, simple cathedral. Very quiet during its opening hours so if you're looking for a place to pray without tourists hovering everywhere this is the church for you. Priests are all American, so this was a great church for English-speakers looking to attend Sunday Mass or confession.
4.5 based on 2,612 reviews
The cathedral was down the street from our hotel and was actually not on our list of things to see or tour while in Rome. We love touring old churches and cathedrals in Europe, but in Rome, there is one on nearly every corner (Rome reportedly has over 600 cathedrals) which makes it impossible to see them all. However, one afternoon as we passed the cathedral, we noticed it was very busy and decided to stop in and take a look. We later learned that the basilica has become extremely popular since it appeared in the novel Angels & Demons, written by the American author Dan Brown. Santa Maria della Vittoria (Our Lady of Victory in English), dates from the seventeenth century and was built to commemorate the Catholic armies of Emperor Ferdinand II's victory at the Battle of White Mountain. Although the church’s exterior isn’t very impressive, its interior is extravagantly decorated. No surface is left unembellished: everywhere you look you see colorful pilasters and columns, gilded stucco, marble reliefs, dynamic statues, and vibrant paintings. There is very little natural light inside the church. It is lit with candles which creates a dark but special atmosphere. One of the most notable parts of the church is the Cornaro Chapel that houses the Ecstasy of Saint Teresa, a sculpture by Bernini that is considered to be a sculptural masterpiece of the Baroque period. I would highly recommend visiting, however, the church is relatively small so prepare for tight quarters during tourist season. Touring is free and does not require a reservation. (PaM)
4.5 based on 23 reviews
A jewel of the early XXth century Roman architecture, Villa Maraini stands on an artificial hill and is surrounded by a splendid garden with a nymphaeum shaped as a natural grotto. From its Belvedere tower, which is the city’s second highest point after the cupola of St. Peter’s, you can enjoy a wonderful view of Rome. Guided tours, by reservation only (Italian, French and English) on Mondays at 3pm and 4 pm.
4.0 based on 671 reviews
Via Veneto is one of the most expensive and famous shopping streets in Rome. This is where Federico Fellini filmed "La Dolce Vita."
Via Vittorio Veneto is one of the most elegant and famous streets in Rome, home to the Embassy of the United States located in the Palazzo Margherita. Luxury hotels, famous restaurants, beautiful leafy trees... La Dolce Vita. One of my favorite walks in Rome is a leisurely stroll on Via Veneto from Piazza Barberini to Villa Borghese.
4.0 based on 308 reviews
First visited 10 years ago, on my first trip to Rome. The crypts are of course the big draw. At the time, you just tossed a donation in a basket and visited about five very creepy arched rooms adorned with the artistically arranged bones of many many former monks (and children, not sure where they came from,) along with mummified Capuchin monks still in their brown robes. The last crypt has a sign that says ""What you are now, we once were; what we are now, you shall be" in several languages. They were hard core. Beware, you're going to remember seeing this. Since the first visit, they've added a stiffer admission price and a whole museum about the religious order. The church itself is beautiful, don't skip it. I remember standing there on my first day ever in Europe, jetlagged as all hell, thinking, "this is what a 500 year old church smells like?" Shakespeare could have gone there. You should too.
4.0 based on 10 reviews
I have spent the last 15 years or so trying to see all of Caravaggio's paintings, so I was thrilled to find out that it was possible to book a tour with the owner of the home to see Caravaggio's only ceiling painting. The princepessa, Rita, gave the tour and she was a lovely and charming host, with a wealth of knowledge of the family and its history.
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