Rome, Italy’s dynamic capital, seamlessly fuses millennia of imperial glory with a vibrant modern spirit, its legendary landmarks echoing the grandeur of a civilization that shaped the world. The city’s most iconic relic, the Colosseum, stands as a testament to Rome’s enduring allure and architectural prowess.

Rome: Timeless, Captivating, and Effortlessly Stylish

Effervescent, elegant, and endlessly fascinating, Rome is a city where tradition and innovation intertwine. From haute couture boutiques and palatial hotels to authentic trattorias serving wood-fired pizza and artisan gelato, the city delivers a truly bespoke ‘dolce vita’ experience. Savor frothy cappuccinos at sun-drenched piazzas, indulge in world-class wines, and lose yourself in the city’s energetic rhythms.

For over 2,500 years, Rome has dazzled visitors with a spectacular blend of ancient ruins, Renaissance masterpieces, and contemporary flair. Its piazzas and basilicas are adorned with works by legends such as Michelangelo, Raphael, Caravaggio, and Bernini. Every cobblestone alley, terracotta façade, and glass-floored palazzo reveals hidden gems and untold stories. With hundreds of churches, three UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and a tapestry of history spanning the reigns of Julius Caesar, Augustus, and Hadrian, exploring Rome is a grand adventure. Begin your journey with the city’s most dramatic symbol—the Colosseum—where history and legend converge.

Standing before the Colosseum—arguably the world’s most recognizable ancient arena—you’re struck by its harmonious design, even as time has etched its scars across the stone. The Colosseum’s storied past conjures visions of powerful emperors, fierce gladiators, and crowds hungry for spectacle.

The story begins in 72 AD, when Emperor Vespasian of the Flavian dynasty initiated construction on land once occupied by Nero’s private lake. Harnessing advanced Roman engineering, including concrete and vaulted arches, a workforce of tens of thousands—many enslaved—completed the amphitheater in just eight years. Its travertine exterior, secured by massive iron clamps, features 80 arched entrances encircling an ellipse measuring 189 by 156 meters (620 by 513 feet). Four tiers, adorned with Tuscan, Ionic, and Corinthian columns and statuary, once gleamed with marble. The venue accommodated 50,000 spectators, who could efficiently enter and depart thanks to the ingenious gate system. The inaugural celebrations featured a hundred days of games, immortalizing the Flavian Amphitheater as the centerpiece of Roman entertainment. The name "Colosseum" is thought to reference the nearby colossal statue of Nero.

Inside, the ingenuity continues: the amphitheater boasted running water, public restrooms, and advanced drainage. Seating was meticulously organized by social class, from senators and vestal virgins in the marble front rows to the general public in upper wooden sections. The vast velarium—an innovative retractable awning operated by sailors—shielded spectators from sun and rain, enhancing comfort.

The arena floor, a wooden platform layered with sand, concealed a labyrinth of subterranean passages. Here, stagehands orchestrated the dramatic appearance of wild animals and props via trapdoors and lifts, enabling seamless, thrilling spectacles. Gladiatorial combat, animal hunts, staged naval battles, and elaborate pageants kept Rome’s citizens riveted for centuries. After the fall of the Western Roman Empire, earthquakes, looting, and neglect led to the loss of two-thirds of the structure. Major restoration efforts, especially those launched in the late 20th and early 21st centuries, have preserved this UNESCO World Heritage marvel for future generations.

Just steps from the Colosseum, the ruins of ancient Rome unfurl across Palatine Hill, the very cradle of the Empire’s power and intrigue. Here, epoch-defining moments played out, from Julius Caesar’s funeral rites to the oratory of Mark Antony. Roam among the vestiges of temples, basilicas, and courts, picturing the grandeur that once dominated these five acres of archaeological treasures.

Channel your inner Audrey Hepburn on a classic Vespa ride through Centro Storico, Rome’s historic core. Bask in the sun at the stately Piazza Venezia, enjoy artisanal gelato near Bernini’s masterful fountains at Piazza Navona, or climb the iconic Spanish Steps at Piazza di Spagna before visiting the poetic sanctuary of Keats-Shelley House. Sample seasonal produce at Campo de’ Fiori’s bustling morning market, toss a coin into the ornate Trevi Fountain, and marvel at the Pantheon’s immense dome—the world’s largest unreinforced concrete dome. As sunlight pours through the oculus, admire the artistry of the sculptures and frescoes, and pay respects at Raphael’s tomb. 

Find tranquility within the lush gardens and statuary of Villa Borghese, where the Galleria Borghese houses masterpieces by Caravaggio, Titian, Raphael, Rubens, and Bernini. In Vatican City, immerse yourself in the opulence of the Raphael Rooms and experience the awe-inspiring beauty of Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel ceiling on a private, after-hours tour. For a truly exclusive affair, arrange a gala dinner within the Vatican Museums—an experience elevated by breathtaking views of St. Peter’s Basilica.

To experience Rome beyond its celebrated monuments, venture into its authentic neighborhoods, ideally letting curiosity—not a map—guide your way. Cross the Tiber to Trastevere, a bohemian enclave renowned for its ivy-clad lanes, craft beer bars, artisan shops, and the mosaic-adorned Santa Cecilia basilica. On the opposite side, San Lorenzo offers a youthful energy, vintage boutiques, Italy’s largest cemetery, and bold contemporary street art.

For panoramic vistas, ascend Aventine Hill—one of Rome’s legendary Seven Hills—to the Piazza dei Cavalieri di Malta and peer through the famed keyhole framing St. Peter’s dome. Nearby, Parco Savello (the Orange Garden) is a serene retreat, ideal for soaking in views of the city’s domes and the Altare della Patria. Castel Sant’Angelo, originally built as Emperor Hadrian’s mausoleum and later a papal fortress, rewards visitors with sweeping cityscapes and unforgettable sunsets from its rooftop terrace.

Adventurous travelers can follow the ancient Appian Way, Europe’s oldest highway, retracing the paths of emperors and martyrs. Explore Roman ruins scattered through verdant parks or embrace a hands-on gladiator experience at a local school. For those intrigued by the macabre, the Capuchin Crypt—adorned with the bones of 4,000 monks—offers an eerie yet artistic meditation on mortality, complete with chandeliers fashioned from vertebrae.

For those seeking the pinnacle of luxury, Rome’s bespoke ateliers and designer boutiques offer a curated selection of eyewear, watches, custom tailoring, fine leather, fragrances, and beauty treatments. Indulge in the city’s signature shopping streets—Via del Corso, Via Cola di Rienzo, Via Condotti, and Via Frattina—each a haven for the world’s most coveted Italian labels.

Immerse yourself in Rome’s daily rhythms: sip espresso at a bustling sidewalk café, people-watch in lively piazzas, dance the night away at chic cocktail bars, or share an aperitivo with new friends. Embark on a culinary journey with a guided food tour or join a local chef to master handmade pasta and decadent tiramisu. Let the city’s aromas, sounds, and sights lead you through atmospheric backstreets, discovering Rome’s myriad personalities and hidden charms. Which face of the Eternal City will become your favorite? 

Romans are passionate about sport, and today the city hosts a vibrant calendar of events. From New Year’s Day dives into the Tiber and international equestrian competitions to the ATP Rome tennis tournament, Giro d’Italia cycling, rugby at Stadio Olimpico, and the electric energy of Lazio and AS Roma football matches, there’s something for every enthusiast. 

Renowned as Rome’s culinary crown jewel, La Pergola at the Rome Cavalieri, A Waldorf Astoria Hotel, offers a refined gastronomic experience with breathtaking sunset views over the Vatican. Helmed by acclaimed chef Heinz Beck, this three Michelin-starred restaurant continues to set the standard for Italian haute cuisine in 2025.

AROMA, perched atop Palazzo Manfredi, delights diners with a Michelin-starred menu blending classic and modern Italian flavors, expertly crafted cocktails, and an extensive wine list. The panoramic Colosseum outlook adds extra drama to Chef Giuseppe Di Iorio’s signature creations.

 Il Pagliaccio, a Relais & Châteaux destination, proudly holds two Michelin stars for its inventive, elegant cuisine in an intimate setting. Chef Anthony Genovese’s tasting menus—highlighting dishes such as foie gras, amberjack, and lacquered duck—are a feast for the senses. The ten-course "Circus" menu remains a must for culinary connoisseurs.

Rome’s accommodation scene is as varied as its history, with the historic center offering unrivaled access to major attractions, boutiques, and gourmet dining. For those seeking a lively atmosphere, Trastevere is a favorite for its medieval charm and vibrant nightlife.

Explore our curated guide to Rome’s most luxurious hotels.

Navigating Rome by car can be daunting due to heavy traffic and limited parking, so it’s advisable to park outside the city center and explore on foot. The historic district’s compact layout makes walking the best way to discover its treasures. For longer journeys, Rome’s metro and taxi services offer convenient access to Vatican City and outlying neighborhoods.

International travelers can reach Rome via Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport (FCO), which is well connected to major global hubs.

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