Why We Love Rome
Rome isn't visited, it's lived: turn a corner and you'll stumble on a baroque fountain, an ancient temple turned church, a family-run trattoria open for three generations. The Eternal City mixes eras without a second thought, the Colosseum sits beside scooters, ancient ruins beside buzzing terraces. Here, without pretension, is what we suggest you see, taste and live.
The Must-Sees (and How to Really Enjoy Them)
The Colosseum and the Roman Forum
The world's most famous amphitheatre and, right next door, the political heart of ancient Rome. Allow a good half-day for both.
The Lokki tip: book a timed ticket online in advance, on-site queues can top two hours in high season.
The Trevi Fountain
The most baroque of Rome's fountains, immortalised on film. Tradition says throw a coin in, back turned, to be sure you'll return to Rome.
The Lokki tip: come early morning or late evening, by day it's one of the most crowded squares in the city.
The Pantheon
The best-preserved of Rome's ancient monuments, its oculus letting light (and sometimes rain) fall straight onto the marble floor. Entry is free.
St. Peter's Basilica and the Vatican Museums
The Sistine Chapel and Michelangelo's frescoes, the largest Catholic basilica in the world: unmissable, even if you're not religious.
The Lokki tip: book an early morning slot for the Vatican Museums, it's the only way to beat the crowds.
Rome's Neighbourhoods, One by One
- The historic centre (Pantheon, Piazza Navona): dense, monumental, best explored on foot.
- Trastevere: cobbled streets, ivy-covered façades, the liveliest neighbourhood at night.
- Monti: independent shops and wine bars, just behind the Colosseum.
- Testaccio: authentic, food-loving Rome, covered market and popular trattorias.
The Lokki tip: save your last evening for Trastevere, it's the neighbourhood where Rome really unwinds.
By Bike, Through Rome
Rome is hilly and traffic is heavy in the centre, but the city hides real cycling gems. The bike path along the Tiber (Ciclabile del Tevere) links several neighbourhoods away from traffic, and the Via Appia Antica, closed to cars on Sundays, is THE bike ride in Rome: ancient paving stones, Roman tombs and Roman countryside as far as the eye can see.
The Lokki tip: save the Via Appia Antica for a Sunday morning, car-free, a different Rome appears.
Outdoor Sports in Rome, at a Glance
| Activity | Where in Rome | Best for | The Lokki tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cycling | Via Appia Antica, the Tiber banks | History and nature lovers | Sundays, car-free on the Appia |
| Running | Villa Borghese, Villa Ada | Early-morning athletes | Head out before 8am, before the heat |
| Urban hiking | Rome's seven hills | Curious walkers | Wear good shoes, Rome involves a lot of walking |
| Views | Terrazza del Gianicolo | Sunset lovers | Go up at the end of the day, a breathtaking view over the city |
Culture and Heritage: Rome's Legacy
- The Colosseum and the Roman Forum: the heart of the Roman Empire.
- The Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel: one of the world's greatest museums.
- The Borghese Gallery: masterpieces by Bernini and Caravaggio, in a stunning setting (booking required).
- Castel Sant'Angelo: fortress and mausoleum on the banks of the Tiber.
The Lokki tip: the Borghese Gallery caps visitor numbers per time slot, book several weeks ahead in high season.
What to Do in Rome for Free?
- Admire the Colosseum and Roman Forum from outside (the interior is paid).
- Step into the Pantheon, free all year round.
- Toss a coin into the Trevi Fountain and stroll Piazza Navona.
- Get lost in the streets of Trastevere.
- Climb the Gianicolo for a panoramic view of the city.
- Admire St. Peter's Basilica (the basilica itself is free to enter, only the dome and museums are paid).
The Lokki tip: do Piazza Navona, the Pantheon and the Trevi Fountain early in the morning, the best time for photos without the crowds.
What to Do in Rome When It Rains?
- The Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel.
- The Borghese Gallery (advance booking essential).
- The Palazzo Massimo, one of Rome's finest antiquities museums, often overlooked.
- A tasty break at Testaccio's covered market.
The Lokki tip: on a rainy day, head to the Palazzo Massimo: less famous than the Vatican, but just as impressive, and without the crowds.
With Kids
Explora, the children's museum, Villa Borghese with its huge park, rowing boats to rent on the small lake and its zoo (Bioparco), and gelato to try in every neighbourhood.
The Lokki tip: Villa Borghese is the best playground for kids: bikes, boats, the zoo and lawns to relax on between two museums.
Eating (Very) Well in Rome
Roman food is simple and generous: cacio e pepe, carbonara, amatriciana, supplĂŹ (fried rice croquettes) and Roman-style artichokes. Head to Testaccio market for local produce, or a family trattoria in Trastevere or Monti for a proper carbonara.
The Lokki tip: walk two streets away from the big monuments to eat really well, far from ten-language tourist menus.
Going Out at Night
Trastevere comes alive from early evening with its bars and terraces under the ivy, Monti draws a more local crowd around its wine bars, and an aperitivo (often with a buffet included) is the best way to taste Roman dolce vita before dinner.
The Most Beautiful Day Trips Around Rome
| Destination | Distance | Don't miss |
|---|---|---|
| Tivoli | 1h | Villa d'Este and its gardens, Villa Adriana |
| Ostia Antica | 30 min | Ancient port city, better preserved than Pompeii |
| Castelli Romani | 30-45 min | Hilltop villages, vineyards, Lake Nemi |
| Naples and Pompeii | 1h15 by train | Archaeological site, Neapolitan pizza |
| Orvieto | 1h15 | Gothic cathedral, underground caves |
Our Tips for Planning Your Trip
Allow 3 to 4 days for Rome, a full week to also explore Lazio and reach Naples. The best time to visit is April to June and September to October: bearable heat and fewer crowds than in peak summer.
The Lokki tip: book your Colosseum, Vatican and Borghese Gallery tickets several weeks ahead in high season, they sell out fast.
FAQ: What to Do in Rome
What to do in Rome for free?
The Pantheon, the Trevi Fountain, Piazza Navona, Trastevere and the view from the Gianicolo cost nothing (see our dedicated section above).
What to do in Rome when it rains?
The Vatican Museums, the Borghese Gallery (booking required), the Palazzo Massimo and Testaccio's covered market.
What to do in Rome with kids?
Villa Borghese (bikes, boats, zoo), the Explora museum, and easy strolls through Trastevere.
How many days do you need to visit Rome?
3 to 4 days for the city, a week to also explore Naples, Pompeii and the Castelli Romani.
What's the best time to visit?
April to June and September to October, for comfortable heat and fewer crowds than summer.
Rome, at Your Own Pace
Whether you come for ancient history, the food, or simply to wander from piazza to piazza, Rome is best savoured slowly, gelato in hand. Step off the beaten path near the big monuments, it's often just two streets away that the Eternal City feels most authentic.
