Destination guideLazio · Italy
39 Things to Do in Rome (2026)
Rome is a city with a documented history spanning approximately 2,800 years, characterized by a concentration of architectural and archaeological sites from the Roman, Renaissance, and Baroque periods. As of September 2026, the city has recently concluded a series of major restoration projects associated with the 2025 Jubilee, resulting in the removal of scaffolding from several landmarks.
Updated September 21, 2026 · 39 places verified against live place data
- 39 spots
- 8 must-try dishes
- Researched September 2026
- 24 sources
The short answer
- Start with Capitoline Museums (Roma), National Roman Museum - Palazzo Massimo alle Terme (Roma) and MAXXI - National Museum of 21st Century Art (Roma), the places the research led with.
- For food, Cacio e Pepe and Supplì al Telefono lead the must-try list; the full list of places to eat is on the Rome food guide.
- The best time to visit Rome is during the shoulder seasons of April to May or September to October, when the weather is pleasantly mild and ideal for walking.
39 places worth your time in Rome
Things to see and do
Capitoline Museums
Widely considered the world's oldest public museum, this institution occupies two palaces on the Piazza del Campidoglio.
- Capitoline MuseumsWidely considered the world's oldest public museum, this institution occupies two palaces on the Piazza del Campidoglio.
Piazza del Campidoglio, 1, 00186 Roma RM, Italy
National Roman Museum - Palazzo Massimo alle Terme
This museum holds one of the world's best collections of classical art, including the famous 'Boxer at Rest' and the 'Terme Ruler.
- National Roman Museum - Palazzo Massimo alle TermeThis museum holds one of the world's best collections of classical art, including the famous 'Boxer at Rest' and the 'Terme Ruler.
Largo di Villa Peretti, 2, 00185 Roma RM, Italy
MAXXI - National Museum of 21st Century Art
Designed by Zaha Hadid, this architectural marvel is Italy's first national institution dedicated to contemporary creativity.
- MAXXI - National Museum of 21st Century ArtDesigned by Zaha Hadid, this architectural marvel is Italy's first national institution dedicated to contemporary creativity.
Via Guido Reni, 4a, 00196 Roma RM, Italy
National Gallery of Modern and Contemporary Art
Boasting the widest range of modern art in Italy, this gallery features over 20,000 works from the neoclassical period to the present.
- National Gallery of Modern and Contemporary ArtBoasting the widest range of modern art in Italy, this gallery features over 20,000 works from the neoclassical period to the present.
Viale delle Belle Arti, 131, 00197 Roma RM, Italy
Villa Ada Savoia
One of the city's largest and wildest parks, once a royal estate, it is distinguished by its thick forests of stone pines, cypress, and cedar trees.
- Villa Ada SavoiaOne of the city's largest and wildest parks, once a royal estate, it is distinguished by its thick forests of stone pines, cypress, and cedar trees.
WFMX+4V, 00199 Rome, Metropolitan City of Rome Capital, Italy
Riserva naturale di Monte Mario
The highest point in Rome, this nature reserve features wooded trails that wind up to the 'Zodiaco' terrace, providing the most comprehensive panoramic view of the city, the Vatican, and the Tiber River.
- Riserva naturale di Monte MarioThe highest point in Rome, this nature reserve features wooded trails that wind up to the 'Zodiaco' terrace, providing the most comprehensive panoramic view of the city, the Vatican, and the Tiber River.
00135 Rome, Metropolitan City of Rome Capital, Italy
Parco della Caffarella
A protected valley that preserves the original look of the Roman countryside, characterized by rolling hills, grazing sheep, and the Almone River.
- Parco della CaffarellaA protected valley that preserves the original look of the Roman countryside, characterized by rolling hills, grazing sheep, and the Almone River.
Largo Pietro Tacchi Venturi, 00179 Roma RM, Italy
The Park of the Aqueducts
An expansive green space featuring the monumental remains of seven ancient Roman aqueducts, including the towering Aqua Claudia and the Aqua Felice.
- The Park of the AqueductsAn expansive green space featuring the monumental remains of seven ancient Roman aqueducts, including the towering Aqua Claudia and the Aqua Felice.
Via Lemonia, 00174 Roma RM, Italy
Centrale Montemartini
A favorite of locals for its 'hidden gem' status, this venue is currently hosting the exhibition 'Fashion in the Spotlight: 1955–1975.
- Centrale MontemartiniA favorite of locals for its 'hidden gem' status, this venue is currently hosting the exhibition 'Fashion in the Spotlight: 1955–1975.
Via Ostiense, 106, 00154 Roma RM, Italy
Palazzo Bonaparte
Currently hosting a major Wassily Kandinsky retrospective that opened on September 15, 2026, this historic palace provides an ornate, baroque backdrop to the pioneer of abstract art.
- Palazzo BonaparteCurrently hosting a major Wassily Kandinsky retrospective that opened on September 15, 2026, this historic palace provides an ornate, baroque backdrop to the pioneer of abstract art.
Piazza Venezia, 5, 00186 Roma RM, Italy
Baths of Caracalla
During September 2026, these ancient ruins offer exclusive night openings on Saturday evenings, allowing visitors to explore the colossal thermal complex under dramatic architectural lighting.
- Baths of CaracallaDuring September 2026, these ancient ruins offer exclusive night openings on Saturday evenings, allowing visitors to explore the colossal thermal complex under dramatic architectural lighting.
Viale delle Terme di Caracalla, 00153 Roma RM, Italy
Teatro dell'Opera di Roma
The home of the Rome Opera is currently staging a highly anticipated production of Mozart's 'Le nozze di Figaro' through September 23, 2026.
- Teatro dell'Opera di RomaThe home of the Rome Opera is currently staging a highly anticipated production of Mozart's 'Le nozze di Figaro' through September 23, 2026.
Piazza Beniamino Gigli, 00184 Roma RM, Italy
Museo dell'Altro e dell'Altrove-Città di Melissa
Newly opened in the fall of 2026, this high-tech cultural hub features a 300-square-meter immersive room dedicated to digital and generative art.
- Museo dell'Altro e dell'Altrove-Città di MelissaNewly opened in the fall of 2026, this high-tech cultural hub features a 300-square-meter immersive room dedicated to digital and generative art.
Via Prenestina, 913, 00155 Roma RM, Italy
Giardino degli Aranci
Known formally as Parco Savello, this walled orange grove on the Aventine Hill offers a perfectly symmetrical perspective through its central aisle leading to a scenic balcony.
- Giardino degli AranciKnown formally as Parco Savello, this walled orange grove on the Aventine Hill offers a perfectly symmetrical perspective through its central aisle leading to a scenic balcony.
Piazza Pietro D'Illiria, 00153 Roma RM, Italy
Piazzale Caffarelli
Perched atop the Capitoline Hill, this rooftop terrace provides a sophisticated vantage point overlooking the terracotta roofs of the historic center and the Marcello Theater.
- Piazzale CaffarelliPerched atop the Capitoline Hill, this rooftop terrace provides a sophisticated vantage point overlooking the terracotta roofs of the historic center and the Marcello Theater.
Piazzale Caffarelli, 00186 Roma RM, Italy
Terrazza del Pincio
This grand 19th-century promenade overlooks Piazza del Popolo and is widely considered the best free sunset spot in the city.
- Terrazza del PincioThis grand 19th-century promenade overlooks Piazza del Popolo and is widely considered the best free sunset spot in the city.
Piazza del Popolo, 19, 00187 Roma RM, Italy
Piazza Augusto Imperatore
Following a transformative urban regeneration project, this monumental square has officially reopened to reconnect the modern city level with the ancient ground level of the Mausoleum of Augustus.
- Piazza Augusto ImperatoreFollowing a transformative urban regeneration project, this monumental square has officially reopened to reconnect the modern city level with the ancient ground level of the Mausoleum of Augustus.
Piazza Augusto Imperatore, 00186 Roma RM, Italy
Corinthia Rome
Opened in early 2026, this neoclassical architectural gem is a meticulous restoration of the former Bank of Italy headquarters, originally built between 1913 and 1921 by Piacentini.
- Corinthia RomeOpened in early 2026, this neoclassical architectural gem is a meticulous restoration of the former Bank of Italy headquarters, originally built between 1913 and 1921 by Piacentini.
P.za del Parlamento, 18, 00186 Roma RM, Italy
Baths of Trajan
This sprawling imperial bath complex has recently unveiled its 'Painted City' fresco and the 'Great Mosaic'—the largest wall mosaic ever discovered in the Roman world—to the public for the first time in September 2026.
- Baths of TrajanThis sprawling imperial bath complex has recently unveiled its 'Painted City' fresco and the 'Great Mosaic'—the largest wall mosaic ever discovered in the Roman world—to the public for the first time in September 2026.
Vle della Domus Aurea, 1, 00184 Roma RM, Italy
Galleria Borghese
Piazzale Scipione Borghese, 5, 00197 Roma RM, Italy
Where to eat
See the full Rome food guide: where to eat and what to order.
MICRO trattoria
Opened in September 2026 within the Mercato Trionfale, this innovative stall-to-table concept focuses on regional Italian cuisine.
- MICRO trattoriaOpened in September 2026 within the Mercato Trionfale, this innovative stall-to-table concept focuses on regional Italian cuisine.
Via Santamaura, 69, mercato trionfale, box 49, 00192 Roma RM, Italy
CASA CINQUANTA | Casa 50 Roma
- CASA CINQUANTA | Casa 50 RomaKnown for: Pizza Bianca al Sesamo. Mentioned as a must-try spot in top foods.
Try: Pizza Bianca al Sesamo
Via Velletri, 22, 00198 Roma RM, Italy
Ristorante Galà
Located in the Sallustiano district and recently opened, Galà specializes in luxury ingredients with a particular focus on fresh truffles and high-end seafood.
- Ristorante GalàLocated in the Sallustiano district and recently opened, Galà specializes in luxury ingredients with a particular focus on fresh truffles and high-end seafood.
Via Sardegna, 34-36, 00187 Roma RM, Italy
Frumentario
A standout new addition to the Piazza dei Re di Roma area, this spot elevates the traditional 'pizza al taglio' (pizza by the slice).
- FrumentarioA standout new addition to the Piazza dei Re di Roma area, this spot elevates the traditional 'pizza al taglio' (pizza by the slice).
Via Tuscolana, 26, 00182 Roma RM, Italy
Futura Rome
An intimate, 20-seat restaurant in Monti that opened in early 2026. It features a chef's table and an open-air kitchen where diners can watch the preparation of contemporary Roman dishes that emphasize seasonal.
- Futura RomeAn intimate, 20-seat restaurant in Monti that opened in early 2026. It features a chef's table and an open-air kitchen where diners can watch the preparation of contemporary Roman dishes that emphasize seasonal foraging and modern.
Try: Cacio e Pepe
Via Giacinto Pullino, 103, 00154 Roma RM, Italy
Viride by Carlo Cracco
A prestigious new entry into the 2026 Michelin Guide, this contemporary restaurant by renowned chef Carlo Cracco brings a sophisticated, vegetable-forward philosophy to Rome.
- Viride by Carlo CraccoA prestigious new entry into the 2026 Michelin Guide, this contemporary restaurant by renowned chef Carlo Cracco brings a sophisticated, vegetable-forward philosophy to Rome.
P.za del Parlamento, 18, 00186 Roma RM, Italy
Tribuna Campitelli
Known for: Carciofi alla Giudia. Mentioned as a must-try spot in top foods.
- Tribuna CampitelliKnown for: Carciofi alla Giudia. Mentioned as a must-try spot in top foods.
Try: Carciofi alla Giudia
Via della Tribuna di Campitelli, 18, 00186 Roma RM, Italy
SantoPalato
Known for: Quinto Quarto (Offal Dishes). Mentioned as a must-try spot in top foods.
- SantoPalatoKnown for: Quinto Quarto (Offal Dishes). Mentioned as a must-try spot in top foods.
Try: Quinto Quarto (Offal Dishes)
Via Gallia, 28, 00183 Roma RM, Italy
Otaleg - Ice-cream
Known for: Gelato Artigianale. Mentioned as a must-try spot in top foods.
- Otaleg - Ice-creamKnown for: Gelato Artigianale. Mentioned as a must-try spot in top foods.
Try: Gelato Artigianale
Via di S. Cosimato, 14a, 00153 Roma RM, Italy
Supplì Roma
Known for: Supplì al Telefono. Mentioned as a must-try spot in top foods.
- Supplì RomaKnown for: Supplì al Telefono. Mentioned as a must-try spot in top foods.
Try: Supplì al Telefono
Via di S. Francesco a Ripa, 137, 00153 Roma RM, Italy
Come il Latte
Known for: Gelato Artigianale. Mentioned as a must-try spot in top foods.
- Come il LatteKnown for: Gelato Artigianale. Mentioned as a must-try spot in top foods.
Try: Gelato Artigianale
Via Silvio Spaventa, 24/26, 00187 Roma RM, Italy
Roscioli Salumeria con Cucina
Known for: La Burrata Pugliese con Pomodorini. Mentioned as a must-try spot in top foods.
- Roscioli Salumeria con CucinaKnown for: La Burrata Pugliese con Pomodorini. Mentioned as a must-try spot in top foods.
Try: La Burrata Pugliese con Pomodorini
Via dei Giubbonari, 21, 00186 Roma RM, Italy
Trattoria Da Enzo
Known for: Carciofi alla Giudia. Mentioned as a must-try spot in top foods.
- Trattoria Da EnzoKnown for: Carciofi alla Giudia. Mentioned as a must-try spot in top foods.
Try: Carciofi alla Giudia
Via dei Vascellari, 29, 00153 Roma RM, Italy
L'Elementare - Trastevere
Via Benedetta, 23, 00153 Roma RM, Italy
angelineria
Via Galvani, 24, 00153 Roma RM, Italy
Clove
Via dei Gracchi, 229, 00192 Roma RM, Italy
Casa Manco
Known for: Pizza Bianca al Sesamo. Mentioned as a must-try spot in top foods.
Via Aldo Manuzio, 66C, 00153 Roma RM, Italy
Shops and markets
Rinascente Rome
Recently fully restored and reopened in its new architectural form, this historic venue is a masterpiece of mid-century modernism designed by Franco Albini and Franca Helg.
- Rinascente RomeRecently fully restored and reopened in its new architectural form, this historic venue is a masterpiece of mid-century modernism designed by Franco Albini and Franca Helg.
Piazza Fiume, 00198 Roma RM, Italy
RINASCENTE Rome
This eight-level flagship luxury department store is a vertical journey through high-end fashion, beauty, and design.
- RINASCENTE RomeThis eight-level flagship luxury department store is a vertical journey through high-end fashion, beauty, and design.
Via del Tritone, 61, 00187 Roma RM, Italy
Researched by Varedelo
Planning notes for Rome
Must-try foods in Rome
- Cacio e PepeA masterclass in simplicity, this dish consists of tonnarelli pasta tossed with aged Pecorino Romano and freshly toasted black pepper. For the best modern iteration in late 2026, 'Futura' in Monti is highly recommended by locals for its ingredient-driven approach and perfect emulsion.
- Supplì al TelefonoRome's favorite street food: a deep-fried rice croquette filled with tomato meat sauce and a heart of mozzarella that 'strings' like a telephone wire when pulled apart. While classic spots like 'I Supplì' remain iconic, the September 2026 hotspot is 'L’Elementare' in Casal Bertone, which just opened its newest location this month.
- Carciofi alla GiudiaJewish-style artichokes that are double-fried until the leaves become as crisp as potato chips while the heart remains tender. This remains a non-negotiable must-try in the Jewish Ghetto, with 'Tribuna Campitelli' (a 2025-2026 standout) offering a high-end version overlooking Piazza d’Aracoeli.
- TrapizzinoA modern Roman icon: a thick, triangular pocket of pizza bianca stuffed with classic Roman stews like 'pollo alla cacciatora' or 'trippa alla romana'. It remains the ultimate 2026 bridge between traditional slow-cooked flavors and fast-paced city life.
- Quinto Quarto (Offal Dishes)The 'fifth quarter' refers to organ meats like Trippa alla Romana (tripe) or Coda alla Vaccinara (oxtail stew). In 2026, these 'cucina povera' classics are being revitalized by chefs at 'SantoPalato,' where traditional offal is treated with modern fine-dining precision.
- Gelato ArtigianaleArtisanal gelato remains a cornerstone of Roman life. In September 2026, 'Otaleg' in Trastevere and 'Come il Latte' are the most-discussed spots on local forums for their experimental flavors and commitment to seasonal, non-industrial ingredients.
Trip guide
Turismo RomaTurismo RomaThe official tourism website of Roma Capitale, providing information on events, attractions, transport, and visitor services in the Eternal City.
Where to eat in Rome: the dishes and their linked places.
When to visit Rome
- The best time to visit Rome is during the shoulder seasons of April to May or September to October, when the weather is pleasantly mild and ideal for walking. Summer (July and August) can be oppressively hot and crowded, while winter offers cooler temperatures and fewer tourists, though some attractions may have shorter hours. To avoid the highest prices and longest lines, aim for the off-peak months of November through February, excluding the busy Christmas and Easter holidays.
Getting around Rome
- International Flight to Fiumicino (FCO) Most international travelers arrive at Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport. From there, the Leonardo Express train provides a direct, non-stop link to Roma Termini station in approximately 32 minutes.
- ATAC Public Transit (Metro and Bus) Rome's extensive public network includes three metro lines (A, B, and C) and numerous bus routes. Tickets are integrated, allowing transfers between vehicles within a 100-minute window using a single BIT ticket or contactless payment.
- High-Speed Rail (Trenitalia/Italo) For those traveling from other Italian cities like Florence or Milan, high-speed trains arrive at Roma Termini or Roma Tiburtina, offering a fast and sustainable alternative to domestic flights or long-distance driving.
Things to know before you go
- Validate your bus or train ticket immediately upon boarding to avoid heavy fines from transit inspectors.
- Carry a reusable water bottle to refill for free at the 'nasoni' public fountains found throughout the city.
- Avoid restaurants with staff outside waving menus or those featuring large photos of food, as these are typically overpriced tourist traps.
- Keep your belongings secure and your bag in front of you on crowded public transport and at major landmarks to prevent pickpocketing.
What’s new in Rome (September 2026)
- The 'Painted City' Fresco and Trajan's Mosaic: Opened to the public in mid-September 2026, this site features the largest wall mosaic ever found in the Roman world, located in an underground gallery beneath the Baths of Trajan.
- Kandinsky Retrospective at Palazzo Bonaparte: A major monographic exhibition that opened September 15, 2026, marking the first large-scale showcase of the abstract master's work in Rome in over 25 years.
- Corinthia Rome: Recently opened in the historic Campo Marzio district, this luxury hotel occupies the former Bank of Italy headquarters and features a signature restaurant by renowned chef Carlo Cracco.
- Romaeuropa Festival 2026: Currently running through September (until November 15), this city-wide contemporary arts festival features over 90 performances spanning modern dance, experimental theater, and digital arts.
Research receipt
How this Rome guide was researched
- Live web search, 14 of 14 research areas completed.
- Places verified against real place data — address, hours and coordinates come from the place record, not the article.
- Researched September 2026. A newer build for Rome replaces this page automatically.
Sources checked
Planning questions
What is Rome known for?
Rome is a city with a documented history spanning approximately 2,800 years, characterized by a concentration of architectural and archaeological sites from the Roman, Renaissance, and Baroque periods. As of September 2026, the city has recently concluded a series of major restoration projects associated with the 2025 Jubilee, resulting in the removal of scaffolding from several landmarks.
What should I eat in Rome?
Start with Cacio e Pepe, Supplì al Telefono, Carciofi alla Giudia, and Trapizzino. Each dish on this page lists the places known for it.
When is the best time to visit Rome?
The best time to visit Rome is during the shoulder seasons of April to May or September to October, when the weather is pleasantly mild and ideal for walking. Summer (July and August) can be oppressively hot and crowded, while winter offers cooler temperatures and fewer tourists, though some attractions may have shorter hours.
How do I get around Rome?
Most international travelers arrive at Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport. International Flight to Fiumicino (FCO); ATAC Public Transit (Metro and Bus); High-Speed Rail (Trenitalia/Italo).
How many places are on this Rome map?
39 places, each with an address, hours where known, and a line on why it was picked. The map in the app shows them by status so you can walk to the nearest one.
How was this Rome guide researched?
Live web research across 14 research areas, cross-checked against real place data, citing 24 sources. Researched September 2026.