While Milan might claim fashion, and Venice boasts romance, Rome is the beating heart of Italy — a city where ancient history and modern life collide in spectacular style.
As one of the world’s most iconic capitals, Rome offers an irresistible mix of ancient ruins, grand basilicas, stylish piazzas, and indulgent cuisine. It’s a place to wander, get lost, and soak up centuries of culture, all while eating and drinking some of the best food in Europe.
As the city continues to evolve, with new boutique stays, modern art galleries, and inventive dining scenes, now is the time to fall in love (again) with Rome. Whether it’s your first or fifth time, the Eternal City never stops impressing.
STAY
Image courtesy of Condé Nast Traveler
A newcomer to Rome’s luxury hotel scene, the Bulgari Hotel Roma is where timeless Roman glamour meets sleek modernity. Located near Piazza Augusto Imperatore, the hotel’s interiors are a nod to classic Italian style — think marble, mosaics and soft neutral tones. There’s a rooftop terrace with views of the Mausoleum of Augustus, a standout spa, and an in-house restaurant helmed by Michelin-starred chef Niko Romito.
Considering Bulgari’s flagship store opened in 1934 on Rome’s Via Condotti, a Roman hotel marks a homecoming for the iconic brand.
Hotel de Russie
A favourite among A-listers, Hotel de Russie offers five-star serenity between Piazza del Popolo and the Spanish Steps. Behind its historic 19th-century façade lies a secret garden, contemporary rooms, and a wellness retreat. Don’t miss aperitivo hour at Stravinskij Bar — it’s a local institution for a reason.
Stylish, central and incredibly chic, J.K. Place Roma is a boutique gem just moments from the Tiber River. With interiors by Michele Bönan, the hotel feels more like a private Roman residence than a traditional hotel. Expect curated art, velvet armchairs, and personal touches throughout. With just 27 curated rooms and monogrammed pillows, J.K. Place Roma feels like an exclusive retreat.
G-Rough
For design lovers, G-Rough offers a refreshingly raw take on luxury. This Design Hotels property is set in a 17th-century palazzo near Piazza Navona, and since opening a decade ago in 2015, has become a mainstay on the Rome hotel scene.
This all-suite hotel embraces its original patina — think exposed wood beams, graffitied ceilings, and weathered concrete walls — and is layered with bold Italian design pieces. Stylish, soulful and seriously cool.
For more, try the glamorous Hotel de la Ville at the top of the Spanish Steps, the historic Hotel Locarno with its old-world charm, or Soho House Rome for a more creative, members-club vibe in the heart of San Lorenzo.
DINE
Part deli, part wine bar, part Roman institution — Roscioli feels more like a delicatessen with tables than a restaurant, and that’s the beauty of it. Expect exceptional carbonara, artisanal cheeses, hand-cut cured meats, homemade preserves, and one of the most extensive wine lists in the city. Reservations essential.
Pipero
Modern, elegant and Michelin-starred, Pipero is located near the Pantheon and serves refined Roman cuisine with flair. The tasting menu reimagines local classics with impeccable precision, the service is second to none and is a culinary experience in the heart of home the foodies won’t want to miss.
Tucked away in the trendy neighbourhood of Trastevere, this authentic trattoria serves up Rome’s greatest hits — cacio e pepe, amatriciana, tiramisu — in a cosy, checkered tablecloth filled, and always-packed dining room. With a 4.3 star Google rating from over 8,000 reviews, you can let the numbers do the talking. Arrive early or expect a queue.
Retrobottega
One of the most exciting restaurants in Rome right now, Retrobottega offers experimental cuisine in a dark, moody industrial space.
Chefs Giuseppe Lo Iudice and Alessandro Miocchi often spend their mornings foraging for goodies in the forests and fields just outside Rome so you can expect creative, thoughtful and playful dishes. The open kitchen adds a final touch to the theatre.
DRINK
Drink Kong
Often sitting pretty on The World’s 50 Best Bars list, Drink Kong is where Rome’s cocktail scene gets innovative.
At the helm of one of Rome’s best mixologists, Patrick Pistolesi, this ‘80s-style cocktail bar is known for its dark, vibrant atmosphere and blinding neon lights
Join its cool, trendy crowd, order a cocktail, and explore its multiple engaging nooks and rooms.
Il Goccetto
Wine lovers, take note. This rustic wine shop near Campo de’ Fiori has walls lined with hundreds of bottles and a bar full of local charm.
Described by Goop as “the perfect intimate bar to come with a friend or lover to chat, people watch, and primarily, drink”, Il Goccetto is the spot for a relaxed and unpretentious refreshment.
Grab a glass of natural wine and a plate of pecorino, and simply enjoy.
Jerry Thomas Speakeasy
Rome’s original speakeasy, this hidden gem is inspired by the 1920s prohibition aesthetic — think floral wallpaper, tasseled lamps, velvet couches — with expertly crafted cocktails and vintage jazz. You’ll need a password for entry (you can find it on their website), but the experience is worth the mystery.
Located just minutes from the Colosseum, Caffè Propaganda is a sleek, Parisian-style bistro with a stylish cocktail program. It’s a perfect pre-dinner stop or late-night linger, with Art Deco tiles, soft lighting, and standout drinks.
DO
The Colosseum and Roman Forum
Even if you've seen the photos a thousand times, nothing prepares you for the real deal. Take a guided tour to uncover the layers of history, then wander the ruins of the Forum where Roman life once unfolded. Tip: go early or late to avoid the crowds.
The Vatican Museums are home to one of the most impressive art collections in the world. From ancient statues to Renaissance masterpieces, every hallway is a piece of unforgettable history. The highlight for many is the Sistine Chapel, where Michelangelo’s famous ceiling leaves visitors speechless.
A breathtaking display of Renaissance and Baroque art, Galleria Borghese is set in the Villa Borghese parklands and is home to works by Bernini, Caravaggio, and Canova. Advance booking is required — and very much worth it.
Trastevere Neighbourhood Walk
Cross the Tiber River — the main river that runs through Rome — and spend an afternoon wandering through Trastevere — a charming, bohemian neighbourhood full of ivy-covered facades, artisan shops, hidden churches, and lively piazzas.
For an authentic taste of Rome’s food culture, head to Testaccio Market. This local favourite is packed with fresh produce, family-run stalls, and modern vendors serving everything from trapizzini to Roman-style sushi.
