Rome

Why Rome

Rome doesn't just show you history — it makes you live in it. You'll eat dinner in a piazza that's been a gathering place since the Republic, toss a coin in a Baroque fountain, and walk through a building that's been standing since before the fall of an empire. But Rome isn't a museum. It's a living, chaotic, beautiful city where the pasta is perfect, the espresso is strong, and every wrong turn leads somewhere worth seeing.

Top Experiences

• Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel — Skip-the-line access is essential here; the regular queue can exceed 3 hours and a guided tour makes the art come alive.
• Colosseum Underground Tour — Go below the arena floor where gladiators waited, a perspective most visitors never see.
• Trastevere Food Tour — The best introduction to Roman cuisine: supplì, cacio e pepe, and local wine in the city's most charming neighborhood.

Where to Stay

Centro Storico puts you in the thick of it — walking distance to the Pantheon, Trevi, and Piazza Navona. Trastevere is the romantic choice with cobblestone streets and great restaurants. Monti is the locals' favorite: hip, affordable, and central. Budget $90-180/night for mid-range hotels; hostels and guesthouses start at $35.

Flight Tips

Fly into Fiumicino (FCO), which has direct connections to NYC, Miami, Chicago, and LA. The Leonardo Express train gets you to Termini station in 32 minutes. Book 6-8 weeks out for the best fares. Rome is well-served by low-cost carriers within Europe, making it a great base for a multi-city trip.