Angelica & Aileen Wanders in Roma, Lazio

Planning notes for Rome

Rome is the capital city of Italy, established according to tradition in 753 BC. Its historical development spans the Roman Republic, the Roman Empire, and the Renaissance. The city center is a UNESCO World Heritage site containing structures from various historical periods, including the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and the Pantheon. The architectural heritage of the city includes the Flavian Amphitheatre (Colosseum), constructed between 72 and 80 AD, and the Pantheon.

Must-try foods nearby

• Carciofi alla Giudia
  A cornerstone of Roman-Jewish cuisine, these 'Jewish-style' artichokes are seasoned with salt and pepper then deep-fried twice.
• Supplì al Telefono
  Rome's favorite street food snack: an oblong fried rice croquette simmered in meat ragu with a heart of mozzarella.
• Tonnarelli Cacio e Pepe
  A masterclass in Roman minimalism, this dish uses only Pecorino Romano, toasted black pepper, and starchy pasta water to create a creamy sauce.
• Pizza al Taglio
  Unlike the round Neapolitan style, Roman pizza by the slice is baked in long rectangular trays and sold by weight. The crust is high-hydration, airy, and incredibly crunchy.
• Trapizzino
  A modern Roman icon invented in 2008 that has become a permanent part of the local food fabric.

When to go: The best time to visit Rome is during the shoulder seasons of April to May or September to October, when the weather is mild and pleasant for walking. Summer months (July and August) are often oppressively hot and humid.

Local tips

• Validate your public transport ticket immediately upon boarding buses or entering metro stations to avoid heavy on-the-spot fines.
• Avoid ordering a cappuccino after 11:00 AM or following a meal, as locals traditionally view milk-heavy coffee as a breakfast-only drink.
• Carry a reusable water bottle to fill for free at the 'nasoni' public fountains found throughout the city instead of buying plastic bottles.
• Keep a close eye on your belongings in crowded areas like the Termini station and on the 64 bus line, which are frequent hotspots for pickpockets.

What travelers are noticing

• Trevi Fountain Ticketing: A new €2 entry fee and reservation system implemented in February 2026 to manage crowds at the iconic landmark.
• Pedestrianized Via dei Fori Imperiali: The permanent transformation of this major boulevard into a scenic walkway connecting the Colosseum and Piazza Venezia.
• Mausoleum of Augustus Reopening: The fully restored tomb of Rome's first emperor, now featuring the new Augusto Caffè and enhanced visitor access.

Extra place context

• Pantheon
  An architectural marvel of the ancient world, this temple turned church features the world's largest unreinforced concrete dome.
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• Galleria Borghese
  Located in the heart of the Villa Borghese gardens, this museum is a masterclass in Baroque and Renaissance art. The 2026 program features the major 'Metamorphoses: Ovid and the Arts' exhibition (June–September) in collaboration with the Rijksmuseum.
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Official tourism resource

The official tourism website of Roma Capitale, providing information on events, attractions, transport, and visitor services in the Eternal City.

Turismo Roma ↗