Rome: The Eternal City - Complete Guide 2026

Rome, an open-air museum, a time capsule that transports you through millennia of history, art, and culture. The "Eternal City" is not just a slogan; it's a promise of endless discovery.

Top 10 Must-See Attractions

1Colosseum

Ancient gladiator amphitheater

2Roman Forum

Heart of ancient Rome

3Pantheon

Temple with perfect dome

4St. Peter's Basilica

World's largest church

5Sistine Chapel

Michelangelo's frescoes

6Trevi Fountain

Throw a coin for luck

7Piazza Navona

Bernini's baroque fountains

8Spanish Steps

Iconic meeting point

9Castel Sant'Angelo

Papal fortress

10Trastevere

Bohemian charming neighborhood

Recommended Itineraries

🗓️ 3-Day Itinerary: The Essentials

Day 1: Ancient Rome

Colosseum → Roman Forum → Palatine Hill → Mouth of Truth → Dinner in Trastevere

Day 2: Heart of Rome

Pantheon → Piazza Navona → Trevi Fountain → Spanish Steps → Via del Corso

Day 3: Vatican

Vatican Museums → Sistine Chapel → St. Peter's Basilica → Castel Sant'Angelo

🗓️ 5-Day Itinerary: In Depth

Days 1-3: Same as 3-day itinerary

Day 4: Hidden Rome

Borghese Gallery → Villa Borghese Gardens → Pincio Terrace → Campo de' Fiori → Jewish Ghetto

Day 5: Day Trip

Tivoli (Villa d'Este + Hadrian's Villa) or Pompeii and Amalfi Coast

Roman Gastronomy

Carbonara

€12-18

The authentic Roman pasta with egg, guanciale and pecorino

Cacio e Pepe

€10-15

Simple but perfect: pecorino cheese and black pepper

Supplì

€2-3

Fried rice balls with mozzarella

Saltimbocca

€18-25

Veal with prosciutto and sage

Gelato

€3-5

From authentic gelaterias

Maritozzo

€3-4

Sweet cream-filled bun

Budget Guide

Daily Budget per Person

€80-120

Budget

Hostel + street food

€150-200

Mid-range

3* hotel + trattorias

€300+

Luxury

Boutique hotel + fine dining

Getting Around Rome

Metro

Lines A, B and C. Single ticket €1.50, day pass €7. Fast for long distances.

Walking

The best way to discover the historic center. Most attractions are walkable.

Roma Pass

48h (€32) or 72h (€52). Includes transport and access to 1-2 museums.

💡 Pro Tips

Book online: Vatican and Colosseum tickets well in advance to skip the lines.
Dress code: Covered shoulders and knees for churches.
Free water: Drink from "nasoni" (public fountains) throughout the city.
Best season: Spring (Apr-May) and fall (Sep-Oct) for mild weather and fewer crowds.

Rome: The Eternal City - Complete Travel Guide 2026