Last Updated on July 14, 2020 by Dana Berez

Rome Travel Guide | Spending A Weekend In Rome

You know what they say, “All Roads Lead to Rome.” Which is exactly why you should head there for a fun weekend! This is an ultimate Rome travel guide including all the top things you should do in Rome. Your questions of where to stay, what to do, and where to eat are all covered in this guide. Let’s get started!

Best Time To Visit Rome

The best time to visit Rome is right before the summer high season. You’ll avoid the crowds and save a little money. I went in May and the weather was perfect, and it wasn’t as crowded. I also got a great deal on my Air B&B, which was a huge plus. Another great time is early fall right after the Summer high season as the weather starts to cool down. However, Rome is a city where you can visit year round!

Where to Stay In Rome

Because I was there for such a short time, I wanted to stay in a neighborhood that was lively, had plenty of restaurants and bars within walking distance, and be in close proximity to major tourist sights. The Campo Neighborhood did just that! I highly recommend staying in this area if you want to be able to walk everywhere! Rome is a big city, however it’s very walkable, especially when you take a can break at the many delicious cafés.

Check this interactive map for pricing & availability

Booking.com

Things To Do In Rome

The ancient city of Rome is literally an opened air museum, and tracks back to 753 BC. There are certain sights you have to see in Rome. Here are my top picks!

Colosseum Rome

Roman Forum 

Is a trip to Rome without seeing the Colosseum a trip to Rome? My favorite street to view and take pictures of the Colosseum is on Via Nicola Salvi. If it is your first time to Rome, I would recommend taking a tour of the Colosseum. Check out my blog post on How to see the Colosseum without waiting in line! The tour I took with the Tour Guy also included tickets to the Roman Forum.

The Colosseum

Roman Forum

Via Nicola Salvi

Trevi Fountain Rome

This masterpiece of a fountain is something to see! I recommend waking up early and coming in the morning to have it more to yourself. Otherwise, from experience, in the afternoon you can’t even see the fountain its that crowded.

Spanish Steps Rome

A popular hangout spot in Rome, mostly filled with tourists taking pictures. But it’s a definitely something to be seen!

Spanish Steps

Pantheon Rome

You must go inside the Pantheon, an ancient structure made in 126 AD! The neatest feature is the dome roof, which is actually open to the sky. When it rains, it rains inside!

What to Do In Rome

Rome Bike Tours

With so many sights to see, I highly recommend taking a bike tour around Rome that covers all the sights, while adding in information you may not have known. The tour lasts about 4 hours and I was so happy to cross off all the things I wanted to see. For more information about this tour, check out my Rome Bike Tour Experience Blog Post with the Tour Guy!

See the Aventine Keyhole

Rome’s best views come from Aventine Hill! Head to the gardens to take in the view, and don’t miss the seeing St. Peter’s Basilica through the keyhole on Piazza dei Cavalieri di Malta, 4. Sometimes there will be a small wait, but it’s such a neat sight to see!

Coffee Experience at Cafe Greco Roma

Antico Cafe Greco, Rome’s oldest coffee shop still decorated in 18th century furnishings! Great coffee with a beautiful ambience sounds like a perfect spot for a break in Rome.

Other famous Coffee Shops:

Tazza D’oro: Classic Coffee shop located right near the Pantheon.

Sant ‘Eustachio: Coffee from here is made with water from ancient aqueducts.

Sciascia Caffè 1919: Popular hangout, more of a local vibe.

Tazza D’oro

Wander through Trastevere

Trastevere, my favorite neighborhood in Rome, and from the looks of it- it’s everyone else’s favorite too! This neighborhood has such a local vibe and tons of character! I’d walk around the narrow cobblestone streets and find place for an aperitivo and soak in the energy! A great place to do this is Pimm’s Good  (I’ve included it below under the “where to drink” section as well!)

Shopping on Via Dei Condotti

Fancy something… fancy? Via Dei Condotti has got you covered: Prada, Gucci, Louis Vuitton. This street, just across from the Spanish Steps has high end shops, along with other boutiques.

Visit the Vatican

The Vatican sits just outside of Rome, even thought it is it’s own country! Heading there in the early morning would be the best bet to see the Vatican with the least amount of crowds. I didn’t get the chance to see the Vatican while I was in Rome, but there is always an excuse to come back again!

Where to Eat In Rome

Ai Tre Scallini: You’ll recognize this spot by the beautiful Ivy almost covering the door! Loved the energy this place had, and it was a popular spot amongst locals.

Brunch at Hotel De Russie : Le Jardin De Russie: Tucked away in a garden, Le Jardin De Russie is the perfect getaway from the hustle of the city. Enjoy a buffet lunch or dinner in this little oasis! The food was excellent, and the deserts were endless!

Where to Drink

Pimm’s Good Rome: This is the perfect spot for an apertivo in Rome. Get yourself a table on the outside patio and let the people watching begin!

Jerry Thomas Speakeasy: Looking for more late night drinks? Head to this speakeasy, and transport yourself to anther time!

Thank you for checking out this post. Hope you enjoyed this Rome Travel Guide. Pin it to your Italy Travel boards!

Also, check out my Rome Travel Vlog on my Youtube Channel!