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Planning a Rome trip? Let this page serve as your guide to the posts that are the most helpful in planning your trip to Rome. I’ll be updating this as I continue to write new posts, so check back as you travel plan.

And remember, if you just want to talk to me to get the most up-to-the-minute, personalized advice possible — on not just Rome, but all of Italy — I offer private, one-hour travel consulting sessions (for a whole lot cheaper than a travel agent).

And to have all of his information, and much, much more, in a digestible, organized, easy-to-navigate book, don’t miss my guidebook for Rome, now in print as well as digital versions.

Before you book a single thing for your Rome trip…

Know what misconceptions to lose right now. (Especially key before you book that hotel or rent a car). And get 8 indispensable tips for planning a trip to Rome.

Before booking your dates, read up on how the city changes (and oh, does it change… I don’t mean just the temperature, either) according to the season.

Coming in summer? Don’t miss my guide to Rome in summer (including the best beaches, swimming pools, events, and more). Over the winter holidays? You won’t want to miss my guide to Christmas in Rome. And no matter what, learn why rain in Rome isn’t always a bad thing.

Confused about which Rome airport is best to fly into? Here’s help.

One thing everyone asks me: Whether you should buy a Roma Pass (or one of the other passes on offer).

Read up on Rome and its fascinating history with some books so juicy, you’ll forget they’re nonfiction. (Here’s a more recent batch of Rome-related books I just can’t put down).

Be a responsible traveler in Italy — and have a better time traveling, too — with these 7 tips for ethical travel. (Also, check out my posts here).

Don’t miss these 5 photography tips (and yes, it’s worth reading them before you come!).

Booking a hotel in Rome

First, figure out which Rome neighborhood you want to stay in.

On a budget? Here are 5 favorite places to stay on a budget. How about a honeymoon or romantic trip? Here are my picks for the most romantic hotels in Rome. (Also, here are 5 of the most romantic spots to check out… I’m looking at you, person-wanting-to-propose-in-Rome).

Just need some of my favorites? Check out my articles on top places to stay in Rome here, here and here. And don’t forget short-term apartment rentals.

Getting to (and around) Rome

Here’s how to get from the Fiumicino-Leonardo da Vinci airport to Rome.

Here’s how to get from Ciampino airport to Rome. And why you should never, ever take a taxi from Ciampino.

And you’ll want to read these tips for public transport in Rome. You can also listen to me chat about how to get around Rome on public transport on the “How to Tour Italy” radio program here.

Sightseeing in Rome

Some general advice to get you started…

Here are 5 of the most overrated things to do in Rome, and what to do instead. And here’s what to do in Rome when you’ve done… everything (or you think you have).

There are 3 sights in Rome you must book in advance — or you won’t be allowed in. Eek! Plus, some things are only open at certain times (or days). Find out what’s best to visit, when.

Here’s what to know if you’re sightseeing in Rome with kids.

Want to go to a soccer game in Rome? Here’s what to expect.

One of the best places to be in Rome? Underground. Listen to me chat about why on the How to Tour Italy radio show, and here are some of my favorite spots.

Not ready to stop seeing Rome when the sun goes down? Here are some top things to do in Rome, at night.

And some specific spots to check out:

The Colosseum underground has been open for a few years now, and remains pretty darn cool. But the new “hot thing” is going to the top of the Colosseum (not just under it).

The Domus Aurea, which was closed for what-seems-like-forever (the better part of 15 years, anyway), is open, too, and so worth seeing.

There may be no lovelier — or more historic — walk in Rome than this one.

The Jewish Ghetto is a lovely neighborhood, and has lots of sights to see, too.

At Palazzo Valentini, ancient ruins are brought to life with cutting-edge light shows.

Get a sense of ancient Rome’s scale at the enormous Baths of Caracalla. During the summer, you can even see performances there.

I adore Palazzo Massimo, a little-visited archaeological museum right near the Termini train station that boasts top-notch ancient frescoes, sculptures, and mosaics.

And this might be the best museum in Rome that’s not already on your list.

Palazzo Barberini has some top-notch paintings and fantastic ceiling frescoes.

Churches in Rome aren’t just holy sights, but spots worth visiting for their art, architecture, history, and even ancient ruins. Here are 12 of the most fascinating churches in Rome.

For truly off-the-beaten-path (and amazing) underground archaeological sites, look no further than here or here.

Finally: Promise me you’ll go to the Galleria Borghese. Just promise.

Eating in Rome

Follow these tips when picking a restaurant, and you’ll have a much better chance of eating well.

Do you really need to book restaurants in Rome, or can you just wing it? Here’s the answer.

Fit in by knowing what 11 etiquette mistakes not to make while eating in Italy.

And while we’re at it, learn your caffè macchiatto from your latte macchiatto (yup, they’re two different things).

Know why you shouldn’t look for spaghetti and meatballs on a menu. Ever.

Get familiar with Rome’s hop-on, hop-off food bus (now a bus + tram) to get to Rome’s best, most authentic neighborhoods for dining.

For specific recommendations, check out my “Food & Drink” section. And make sure to specifically check out:

Oh, and don’t forget to ask for a fiscal receipt. Every time.

Shopping in Rome

Join the movement to support Rome’s independent and artisanal stores. And see just one all-artisanal outfit I came up with after seeking out the best (artisans’) shops in Rome.

If you’re a fan of secondhand, don’t miss my list of vintage shops in Rome. (You even can check out some of my favorite vintage finds). Three favorite “new” vintage stores: Blue Goose, Leopardessa and King Size Vintage, all in Monti.

Find out what street in Monti to haunt for some of Rome’s most interesting (and all independent) shops.

Need a souvenir or gift? Here’s my roundup of the best places to shop for gifts in Rome. And how about…

Day trips from Rome

Rome has lots of lovely lakes nearby. Here are 3 of my favorite lakes near Rome.

Escape to an island for the weekend. (You know you want to).

Heart set on seeing the seaside from Rome (but not sure you can get to an island)? Here are the best beaches that you can reach from the city in a day.

If you love the idea of Pompeii but not the traveling it takes to get there, Ostia Antica is an ancient city just a half hour from Rome. Herculaneum is a little closer than Pompeii, and a more manageable site.

Some people find it scary. But I freakin’ love Naples. This is why, and here’s my guide for New York Magazine on what to do and where to eat and stay there. For more of the city’s flavor, check out my essay on exploring Naples on foot for Mariner magazine.

Tivoli, home to the Villa d’Este and Villa Adriana, is a lovely option for a nice day.

I’m slightly obsessed with the region of Umbria. Here’s one favorite Umbrian town that’s really easy to get to from Rome. Here’s another.

This is my all-time favorite agriturismo (farm-stay) in all of Italy. (It’s on the border of Umbria and Tuscany).

Common questions about Rome, answered

How can I protect myself from pickpocketing in Rome?

Why is there so much graffiti?

How safe is Rome?

What scams and crimes should I be aware of in Rome?

Should I use the public transportation? How does it work?

Can you really drink from Rome’s constantly-running water fountains?

How can you call home from Italy?

Why are there so many tobacco shops around?

Still have questions?

Check out The Revealed Rome Handbook: Tips and Tricks for Exploring the Eternal City, available for purchase on Amazon, or through my site here! I’m also free for one-on-one consulting sessions to help plan your Italy trip.