Rome, Italy Travel Guide 2026 

Rome grabs you right away. There’s no other city quite like it—ancient ruins, buzzing piazzas, espresso bars on every corner, and a rhythm that just pulls you in. They call it the Eternal City for a reason. Here, every street feels like a slice of history. You’ll wander past the Colosseum, catch sunlight glinting off the Trevi Fountain, and suddenly find yourself hungry for pasta or gelato. Whether you’re chasing famous sights or just soaking up the sweet life, Rome leaves a mark. Walking around Rome is wild—you’re surrounded by stories from thousands of years ago, but the city is alive and modern too. You’ll find leftovers from the Roman Empire, jaw-dropping Renaissance art, and neighborhoods that feel like their own little worlds. Trattorie spill out onto cobblestone streets, and the whole city hums with a mix of old and new.

Best Things to Do in Rome — Iconic Sights, Hidden Corners & Local Culture

Rome’s got layers: ancient monuments, world-class art, street musicians, and lively markets. The trick is to mix the big sights with a few quieter spots. Let’s be real, the Colosseum is always at the top of the list. It’s massive, legendary, and honestly, it never gets old. You can walk where gladiators once fought, touch the stone, and picture the roar of the crowd. Right next to it, the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill sprawl out with ruins that tell the story of empires—temples, basilicas, arches, all crumbling but still proud. Don’t skip Vatican City. Even if you’re not obsessed with art, the Vatican Museums will blow you away. The Sistine Chapel ceiling? It’s one of those things you have to see in person, and yes, it’s just as stunning as people say. Get your tickets ahead of time, though—lines can get ridiculous.

Wandering the city center, you’ll stumble onto icons like Piazza Navona, the Pantheon, the Trevi Fountain, and the Spanish Steps. Each one has its own charm. The Pantheon especially—it’s ancient, mysterious, and that giant opening in the dome lets the sky pour in. But some of Rome’s magic is in just roaming. Trastevere feels like a different world—narrow lanes, ivy-draped walls, hidden corners, and trattorie serving up hearty Roman food. Villa Borghese gives you a break from the crowds, with lawns, shady paths, and the Galleria Borghese packed with Bernini and Caravaggio masterpieces. If you want peace and quiet, check out less famous churches like Santa Maria in Trastevere or San Clemente. They’re full of art and atmosphere, and you won’t have to elbow your way through a tour group.

Best Hotels in Rome for Every Traveler

Rome’s got places to stay for everyone—whether you want to splurge or save. For a little luxury, you can’t beat the grand hotels. Rome Cavalieri, A Waldorf Astoria Hotel, comes with sweeping views and a killer spa. Hotel de Russie sits right by Piazza del Popolo and is famous for its gardens and refined vibe. There’s also Anantara Palazzo Naiadi, right on Piazza della Repubblica, if you want five-star comfort in a stunning historic building. If you’re after comfort but not crazy prices, check out highly-rated mid-range spots like Hotel Artemide, iQ Hotel Roma, or Hotel Colosseum. The RomeHello Hostel is also a great choice—modern, friendly, and perfect for solo travelers who want to meet people. Most of these hotels put you close to the action, so you can walk to the big sights or just catch a bus or metro. Breakfast and Wi-Fi are usually included, and you still get solid service.

Cheapest Places to Stay in Rome — Budget & Backpacker Options

Traveling on a tight budget? No problem. Rome’s got hostels, guesthouses, and cheap hotels, especially around Termini Station, Trastevere, and Testaccio. If you’re looking for a social vibe and the lowest prices, hostels like The RomeHello or Generator Rome offer clean dorms and a chance to meet other travelers. Around Termini, you’ll find plenty of budget hotels and guesthouses—nothing fancy, but clean, safe, and close to transport so you can zip around the city with ease. Night or day, Rome’s got a place for you—just pick your vibe and dive in.

If you want to save money on your stay in Rome, look at neighborhoods like Trastevere or Testaccio. You’ll find cheaper places to sleep, plus a bunch of lively restaurants and bars where locals actually hang out—and your wallet won’t suffer. When you stay just outside the historic center, prices usually drop a bit, but you’re still just a quick bus or metro ride from all the famous sights.

Cost of Traveling to Rome — Flights, Daily Expenses & Hidden Fees

Let’s talk about money. Getting to Rome means you’ll pay for flights, a place to sleep, meals, getting around, and tickets for must-see spots. Once you land, Rome’s public transit is a breeze and doesn’t cost much. A single metro or bus ride is about €1.50, or you can grab a day pass for a bit more and ride as much as you want. If you’re planning to bounce around the city a lot, multi-day passes save you some cash. Taxis run pricier, but they’re handy late at night or for getting to and from the airport. Expect to pay around €45–€50 for a cab from Fiumicino Airport to the center. If you want to spend less, hop on a bus, the Leonardo Express train (about €14), or a regular regional train.

Food prices are all over the place. You can grab pizza al taglio or a couple of supplì for just a few euros, or sit down for a decent meal for €10–€30 a person. If you skip the obvious tourist traps and venture into local trattorias, you’ll usually eat better and spend less. Big sites like the Colosseum or Roman Forum charge around €18–€20 to get in, while the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel cost closer to €30, depending on when you go and what’s included. Don’t forget the tourist tax. Most hotels add on a small fee, usually €4–€10 per night, depending on where you stay.

Rome Travel Budget for 5 Days and 7 Days

Having a rough daily budget keeps you from getting any nasty surprises. Rome can be as cheap or as fancy as you want. If you’re on a tight budget—sleeping in hostels, eating quick bites, and zipping around on public transport—you can make it work for about €70–€100 a day (not counting flights). That covers a simple bed, local cafés, a museum here or there, and getting around. If you want a bit more comfort—nice hotels, a mix of casual and sit-down meals, seeing all the big sights—expect to spend €170–€230 per day. That lets you book guided tours or treat yourself now and then, without going wild. If you go all out with luxury hotels, fancy dinners, private guides, and exclusive tours, you’ll easily spend €300 or more per day. So, for a mid-range five-day trip, you’re looking at about €900–€1,150. Stretch it to a week and it’s more like €1,200–€1,700 for that same level of comfort. These ballpark figures should help you plan and avoid sticker shock.

Rome vs Paris Travel Comparison — Culture, Cost, and Experience

Rome and Paris both have their own vibe. Both are packed with history and culture, but Rome usually costs a bit less when it comes to food, public transport, and your average hotel—though sometimes flights to Paris are cheaper, depending on where you’re coming from. Paris does grand boulevards, world-class museums, and high fashion. Rome gives you ancient ruins, churches, buzzing piazzas, and rustic Italian food. Either way, if you plan ahead, you’ll find experiences you won’t get anywhere else. Day-to-day, most people find Rome a little easier on the wallet, but in the end, it depends on your own travel style and the exchange rate.

Best Honeymoon Destination — Rome or Venice?

If you’re planning a honeymoon, it’s tough to go wrong with either Rome or Venice—they’re both romantic, just in different ways. Rome’s got this energy: candlelit dinners in Trastevere, sunset strolls to the Spanish Steps, jaw-dropping ruins everywhere you look. It feels alive and unforgettable. Venice, on the other hand, is quieter and more intimate. Think canals, gondola rides, and those little winding streets that feel like a movie set. Hotels run pricier because space is tight and cruise ships fill up the city, but it’s pure romance. 

Hotel Review — Hotel Artemide Rome

Rome gives you more variety—more places to eat, more things to see, and it’s usually a bit cheaper for meals and getting around. Venice feels more exclusive, slower, and perfect if you want to drift along canals and soak up the atmosphere. Both are amazing. Really, it comes down to what kind of mood you want for your trip.

Tour Package Review — Rome Walking Tour with Colosseum & Vatican

If you want to see Rome’s best sights without missing a thing, a guided walking tour that covers the Colosseum and Vatican Museums is the way to go. Guides know the best shortcuts, bring history alive with stories you’d never find on your own, and usually get you past those long lines. People always say the experience just feels richer with someone who knows their stuff leading the way.

Visa Cost for Visiting Italy (Rome)

Italy’s in the Schengen Area, so if you’re from countries like the US, Canada, Japan, or Australia, you can usually visit for up to 90 days without a visa. If you’re not on that list, you’ll need a Schengen visa, which costs about €80 (roughly $80–90) for adults. Kids sometimes pay less. You’ll have to sort out things like passport photos, travel insurance, proof of where you’re staying, and show you’ve got enough money for your trip. Always double-check the requirements with the Italian embassy or consulate before you go.

Taxi Cost in Rome — Getting Around

Taxis in Rome are convenient but more expensive than public transport. A typical city centre taxi ride might cost €10–€20, while airport transfers are fixed at about €48 from Fiumicino Airport to the city centre, though prices can vary by time and traffic.

Many travellers prefer the metro, buses, trams, and walking because Rome’s historic centre is compact and easy to explore on foot. A taxi may be best saved for late-night travel or when you have luggage.

Food Cost in Rome — Taste Italian Classics

Taxis in Rome are easy to find, but you’ll pay more than you would taking the metro or bus. A quick ride in the city center usually lands between €10 and €20. Getting from Fiumicino Airport to the center is a flat €48, but traffic and time of day can nudge prices up. Most people end up using public transport or just walking, since Rome’s historic center is pretty compact and easy to get around on foot. Taxis come in handy late at night or if you’re hauling luggage.

Internet & SIM Card Prices in Rome — Stay Connected

Eating in Rome? That’s half the fun. You can eat well without breaking the bank. For a quick bite like pizza al taglio or a supplì, you’re only out €3–€5. A meal in a local trattoria usually runs €15–€30 per person. Need a coffee fix? A cappuccino in a café costs €1.50–€2.50. If you stick to the big tourist squares, prices jump, so you’re better off exploring neighborhoods like Testaccio or Trastevere for more authentic food and better deals.

Is Rome Worth Visiting in 2026?

Absolutely. Rome never gets old, no matter how many times you go. The mix of ancient history, art, food, and that everyday Roman energy makes the city irresistible. Whether it’s your first visit or your fifth, there’s always something new—a hidden square, a perfect espresso, a story that stretches back centuries.

Conclusion 

Rome isn’t just another stop on your travel list—it’s an experience. Every corner tells a story, from the ruins to the lively streets and the food that never disappoints. With a little planning, you’ll get the most out of your trip and come home with stories of your own.