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When I was growing up and started dreaming about traveling the world, Rome was the first place I thought of. Yes, maybe it was because Lizzie McGuire threw her coin into the Trevi Fountain and all her pop star dreams came true. But I like to think I have a little more substance than that.

Note to the readers: I don’t.

Going to Rome lived on my bucket list for years in a way my little travel bug simply would not let go of. Now, many years later, it’s one of the cities in Europe I’ve been to the most, and for me it never gets old. So whether you are a first-timer or a fifth-timer, I think there is something to learn in this Rome travel guide.

Who Should Go to Rome

While I think the Eternal City is just that, eternal, I personally believe Rome is a great destination for any traveler.

Rome is a perfect destination if this is your first time in Europe. Flights may not be as fast, easy, or inexpensive compared to places like London, for example. However, you make up for the lack of travel ease with incredible history, drool-worthy food and a city that truly transports you back in time. Rome is a place that makes you feel like you are genuinely in another country and experiencing a new culture.

You don’t mind big cities. Rome is actually incredibly manageable on foot, with the occasional cab or bus when needed. But there is a reason why Rome is popular and guess what? I’m not the first person to realize it. So while Rome doesn’t feel like a huge city in the way NYC does, the cat is very much out of the bag, and you should expect lines, crowds, and waiting at many of the main attractions.

Food is important to you. In my opinion, Rome has some of the best food in Italy and that is due in part to the regionality of Italian dishes. In Florence you don’t skip the Florentine steak, in Sicily you have pasta alla Norma, and in Rome you get the best of the best. Their local pasta dishes are cacio e pepe, gricia, carbonara, and amatriciana. A white sauce, crunchy pork bits, a peppery cheese situation, and a spicy red sauce, we have covered all the main pasta moods. Add in the street food, like supplì, and you absolutely will not go hungry here.

You want to see and learn about history. Ancient Rome was the building block of seemingly everything in the world: art, architecture, religion, governance, drama, all of it. Having even a small insight into how Roman culture influenced the world is eye-opening. Plus, sites like the Colosseum, the Vatican and the Trevi Fountain are jaw-dropping and memorable in their own right.

How Long to Spend in Rome

With a lot of destinations I can easily say, “Stay 2–3 days, but if you really want to know the city, stay a week.” And to be honest, Rome is incredible, but I also don’t think you need a full week to enjoy and embrace it. Some places are best when you leave them still head over heels, rather than staying just a bit too long and falling out of love with the experience.

Here is what I recommend, along with an idea of what is possible in each time frame.

2 Days

This is both the bare minimum and, honestly, maybe the perfect amount of time. If you are motivated and love to walk, you can do a lot in Rome in two days.

In just one morning, you can see many of the sights in the center: the Trevi Fountain, Piazza Navona, the Pantheon, and the famous Campo de’ Fiori market, all before 10 a.m. Explore the Spanish Steps, Piazza del Popolo, and the Borghese Gardens.

Spend the next morning at the Vatican Museums, St. Peter’s Basilica, and Castel Sant’Angelo before lunching at Da Enzo in Trastevere. Add in an afternoon tour of the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill before strolling to Giardino degli Aranci for the optical illusion and insane city views. Then have dinner in the hipster and nearby Monti neighborhood before scoring gelato on your way home.

3–4 Days

Perfect for those who don’t want to be rushed and want more time to nibble around the city. Since you can cover many of the major sights in two days, this gives you the chance to spread things out and save one “big sight” per day, think Colosseum, Vatican Museums, or the historic center.

Now you have more time to visit a few of the 900-plus churches in Rome, like St. John Lateran, Santa Maria in Trastevere, or San Clemente. This is the sweet spot for people who want to see the city without feeling like they are being chased through it by their own itinerary.

5 Days

This is the absolute maximum amount of time I would spend in Rome in one go. You have plenty of time to see everything Rome has to offer, and with that freedom, you can opt into more specific tours and experiences.

I have done the Key Master tour in the Vatican Museums and it is single-handedly the best tourist experience I have ever had. You could also opt for a food tour, like the one I took in Trastevere. And if you want a break from history and the hustle of Rome, you can take a day trip out of town.

Ready to Explore? Book Here ↓

Neighborhood Overview

If you want a full breakdown of where I think the best areas to stay in Rome are, check out my Rome neighborhood post, which also has great hotel recommendations. Otherwise, here is a quick overview of what you may find in each part of the city.

Historic Center

This one is easy. You are right in the center of Rome, which makes it perfect for first-time visitors. No, I wouldn’t recommend most of the restaurants in this area, but you really can’t beat stepping out your hotel door and being minutes away from gorgeous piazzas, unknown churches and crumbling stone monuments around every corner. You’ll find Piazza Navona, the Pantheon, the Trevi Fountain, and more.

Prati

This neighborhood sits west of the river and feels more modern than much of the rest of the city. It’s convenient if you are prioritizing the Vatican and is well connected by public transit to the rest of Rome. Here you will find posh restaurants, bars and boutiques.

Monti

Best for quick and easy access to the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill, Monti sits just above the historic center. Here you will have the opportunity to rub shoulders with locals while enjoying a spritz on cobblestoned streets. It’s stylish without being unbearable about it.

Trastevere

The most popular district in Rome, and very much alive. This is a great place to base yourself if your focus is delicious food and you don’t mind walking a bit. You’re just across the bridge from the historic center and near Vatican City. The energy is high, it attracts a younger crowd, and you won’t be disappointed by the cute corners and warm people of Trastevere.

Aventine Hill

Located up a hill past the Colosseum, you’ll find this peaceful and quiet side of Rome. Home to many wealthy locals, and the views absolutely explain the real estate prices. This unspoiled part of the city is great for exploring Giardino degli Aranci, the Aventine Keyhole, and some truly insane views. It is also well connected by public transit.

Getting Around

Like I have said before, Rome is extremely walkable. Yes, some of those walks can be a bit long if you are heading to sights on opposite edges of the city, but a lot of it is totally doable on foot, especially if you group your visits by area.

However, if you are not up for big city-crossing treks just to see the Vatican Museums and the Spanish Steps in the same day, you can always opt for the metro. While it doesn’t go everywhere, major misses include the historic center and Trastevere, it is very useful for longer distances.

Using the Roman Metro

There are underground and overground trains, and both accept the same tickets, despite being run by different operators.

A single ticket costs around €1.50, but there are also passes available for 24 hours up to a full week.

You can always opt for the Roma Pass if you want discounts on some tourist sights and unlimited use of public transportation around the city for a few days.

You can buy tickets at the stations, just make sure to validate your single-use tickets before entering the train.

If you want to use your phone instead, you can opt for the Tap & Go option available in Rome. Tap to enter through the barrier on the circular disc and tap out the same way to exit. The system then charges you accordingly.

You’ll notice above that there are a few places not serviced by public transport, and for good reason. Even now, Italy is working on adding an additional metro line that could open up the transport system immensely, but it is a slow process for a lot of reasons. One of them being that they keep finding gorgeous preserved statues, frescoes, and historic items as they dig to create the underground. Incredible. Inconvenient maybe, but incredible.

Ride Share

Uber is available in Rome, but be aware that they only have black car options. So you will be paying a slight premium if you take an Uber around the city.

You can also try other options like Free Now, which links you up with a taxi and lets you pay everything in the app, or the itTaxi app, which is Italy’s taxi app.

Safety

Where there are tourists, there are pickpockets. Always stay alert when visiting a foreign country or a big city. People are practiced and experienced in the art of being sly.

While I haven’t found as many scam opportunities in Rome as I have in Paris, you should still keep an eye out for those things. Pay special attention in the following scenarios:

• Arriving by Train: there is something about not knowing where you’re going and schlepping your bags around a train station that makes you an excellent option for a pickpocket.

• Big Crowds: Speaking from experience here, watch your bag and your pockets closely when you are stuck in a big crowd. Learn from the mistake I made in Marrakech.

• Metro Stations and Bus Stops: these are prime target spots for thieves. Be especially on guard in these locations, particularly during rush hour.

Emergency Numbers

And as always, I would be remiss if you didn’t know how to get help if you needed it. When in doubt, dial 112.

112 = National emergency number (police, ambulance, firefighters)
118 = Ambulance
115 = Fire department
113 = Police

What’s Actually Worth Seeing

Rome is a city where it is pretty clear what the main sights are. But of course, I would always encourage people to get off the beaten path and explore some of the lesser-known things too. And don’t forget to make time for food. Update Later Travel believes food is just as important, and thus we aim for no bad meals while on vacation.

Main Sights

• Colosseum & Roman Forum
• Vatican Museums
• St. Peter’s Basilica
• Vatican City
• Trevi Fountain
• Piazza Navona
• Campo de’ Fiori
• Pantheon
• Spanish Steps
• Borghese Gallery
• Giardino degli Aranci
• Gianicolo Hill
• Piazza del Popolo
• Altare della Patria
• Aventine Keyhole
• Castel Sant’Angelo

Lesser-Known Spots

• Aqueducts
• Basilica di San Clemente
• Capuchin Crypt
• Domus Aurea
• Palazzo Colonna
• Palazzo Doria Pamphilj
• Via Appia Antica and the Catacombs
• Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore
• San Giovanni in Laterano
• Circus Maximus
• Piramide di Caio Cestio
• Baths of Caracalla

Plus, if you are a movie buff, you could follow Robert Langdon from Angels and Demons and traipse through all the churches and sights mentioned there.

This is one of those cases where I think almost everything is worth it. Yes, this is a giant list of sights, and not everyone wants to spend their time in Rome slogging through churches they don’t have context for or waiting in lines all day. But for me, so many of these places give that “wow” or “is this a green screen?” kind of feeling that I wouldn’t want to miss.

Visiting the Sistine Chapel in the Vatican Museums has been epic every time I’ve been there, which is now three times. It’s a total pinch-me moment when I think about the history that has transpired there and how Michelangelo painted those epic biblical scenes on his back. While security guards are scanning the room with military intensity to see if you’ll snap a picture against the rules and occasionally yelling “shhhh” at everyone, there is still a reason I go every single time I’m in town.

And I feel like that is the true test of Rome. These places really are epic if you are into that sort of thing.

Because there is so much to do and historical context matters, check out a few walking tours around Rome that may help open some doors for you or at least ease the stress of tackling this big list.

Ready to Explore? Book Here ↓

Dining

There is one big rule I have when visiting Rome: do not eat in a piazza.

For the most part, when people are standing outside the restaurant trying to wave you in, or there is a giant laminated menu on display showing every possible thing they serve, you are not getting the best food or the best deal. Head down a small quiet street, even in the historic center, and enter a restaurant where it looks like they genuinely could not care less whether you came in or not. Those are the spots that are going to be serving Nonna’s amatriciana, authentic, delicious, and without breaking the bank.

The only time its okay dine in a piazza is for aperitivo. It absolutely will not break the bank to grab an aperol spritz in a square and dine on little nuts and crunchy bits while you people watch.

Don’t miss trying the big four Roman pastas that I mentioned above. But while visiting Rome, make sure to dip your toe into some of the street food too. Supplì, porchetta, focaccia, panino, and of course gelato.

If you want the opportunity to try many of the Roman delicacies in one go, a food tour would be a great idea. I took this evening food tour in Trastevere and was smitten with each bite.

When to Visit

I truly believe shoulder season is the best time of year to travel.

Visiting Rome in the spring allows you to see the city as flowers are blooming, windows are opening and that sense of freshness and newness is everywhere. Yes, you may have a few select days of cooler temperatures or even rain, but those are also the best opportunities to spend your day exploring a museum.

The other time of year I would recommend visiting Rome is early fall. September and October allow you to see the city without the overwhelming crush of summer crowds. So many places in Europe don’t have air conditioning, so visiting during milder temperatures can make tromping around the city much easier.

With all of that said, Rome is a popular destination. There are going to be crowds all year long, no matter when you go. So while spring and fall may be a bit less intense, the city will never exactly be empty.

The Bottom Line

Wow, I love Rome.

I loved writing this and reminiscing on my many trips to the Eternal City. Yes, there is so much history embedded in the museums, the architecture, the churches, and frankly around every corner. But while the sights are great, Roman culture itself is really unmissable. It’s lively, kind, welcoming, and full of the kind of energy that makes you want to come back before you’ve even left.

I think everyone should visit Rome at least once in their lifetime. And if you’re lucky enough to drop a coin in the Trevi Fountain, then Rome will be waiting to welcome you back on your return.

The post Rome Travel Guide: What to Know Before You Go appeared first on Update Later Travel.

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There is truly something magical about Tuscany. It is the kind of place where you picture yourself learning to make fresh pasta with a nonna, sipping wine down cypress tree lined roads, and wandering into medieval churches that have seen more centuries than you can count. While almost every corner of this region is gorgeous in its own way, today I want to share five of the most unmissable towns to visit in Tuscany and hopefully inspire you to add them to your own itinerary.

How We Made It Here

One of life’s great joys is when your friends get married. And no, I’m not talking about the whole love and vows part, although that is lovely. I’m talking about when they choose a destination wedding. Nothing says “I adore you” quite like being forced to hop on a plane to Italy, Mexico or Bali. What a hardship.

A few years ago, one of my close high school friends got married in Italy. And while it technically wasn’t a destination wedding, (she was marrying an Italian winemaker) it still felt like one. A very dreamy one. It was the perfect excuse for my husband and me to plan our first European adventure together. It wasn’t my first time in Europe, but it was his, which meant I was determined to make it epic.

Ready to Explore? Book Here ↓

My Personal Travel Style

This trip was also when I shifted how I travel. In college, I bounced around from city to city with friends, trying to cram in as much as possible. London to Barcelona to Rome to Amsterdam all in one go. At the time, it felt iconic. But later I realized how chaotic and surface level it all was.

Now I travel by region. Instead of hopping between five countries in two weeks, I pick one area and deep dive. For example, during one trip we road tripped on the Wild Atlantic way in Ireland, tested tons of great pubs and historical sights in Dublin, kissed the Blarney Stone in Cork and even put our toes in the ocean in Donegal. I may have never been to Murder Hole Beach (more on this beach here) or had time to explore the Gap of Dunloe or the Ring of Kerry if we had just popped over to Ireland for a couple days, while (likely) never making it out of the capital.

Traveling this way makes everything feel richer. Driving small roads, chatting with locals, discovering tiny towns you never would have considered before. You spend less time sitting at airports and more time experiencing the actual country. Plus, if you are a type A Capricorn like me, this style feels extremely satisfying. So many boxes checked in one area.

Of course, there is zero shame in bopping from country to country if that’s your thing. But if you have a long trip coming up, whether it is a national park road trip or backpacking through South America, slowing down and focusing on one region is absolutely worth trying.

Tuscany

Alright, back to Italy. My friend was getting married near a small town called La California on the Tuscan coast, so we decided to make a full adventure out of it. We started in Rome and then spent ten days road tripping through Tuscany before ending the trip with Lake Como. It was cute, it was busy, and we saw some truly incredible places. Here are my favorites and why they are my most unmissable Tuscan spots.

Pienza

This list isn’t technically ranked by favorites, but if it were, Pienza would win. Nestled in the Val d’Orcia, this UNESCO World Heritage Site has such an interesting backstory. It was originally known as Corsignana and belonged to the Piccolomini family before Aeneas Piccolomini was born. He later became Pope Pius II and decided to rebuild the entire town in Renaissance style as his personal escape from Rome. Pope Pius was definitely giving main character energy, long before it we had a label for it.

Pienza still carries that history in its bones. It is genuinely one of the most beautiful towns we visited in Tuscany. The historic streets are filled with little shops, and every corner feels photogenic. Locals decorate their doorways with plants, flowers and ceramic pieces that make the whole place feel cared for.

Don’t miss the Cathedral in Piazza Pio II with its striking Gothic exterior. My personal favorite stop was Palazzo Piccolomini, the Pope’s former summer residence. When you step into the cloister, pale beige curtains hanging between white columns, looking out at a quiet garden, it feels like stepping into another century.

And of course, Pienza is the home of pecorino. If you smell cheese before you see it, congratulations, you are doing Pienza correctly.

Montalcino

A quick drive from Pienza brings you to Montalcino, also in the Val d’Orcia. This hilltop town has been settled since Etruscan times and still carries a medieval, slightly dramatic energy that I adored.

You can see most of Montalcino in a few hours, which makes it perfect for road trippers. The highlight is the 14th century Fortress where you can walk the courtyard, climb the tower and explore the outer walls. The views are unreal. You get sweeping panoramas of the rolling Tuscan countryside in every direction.

Montalcino is also the holy land of Brunello wine. This is one of Italy’s most iconic (and pricey) wines, made from 100 percent Sangiovese. We loved our tasting at Il Palazzone, where we learned about the wild rules for Brunello DOCG production. Wear good shoes though. This town sits on a hill, and some of the climbs are no joke, especially in summer heat.

Siena

Siena is more of a city than a town, but the impact it left on me earns it a spot on this list. The historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has deep ties to banking history. It is home to Monte dei Paschi, the oldest bank in the world, founded in 1472. You also might know Siena for its famous Palio horse races that take place twice a year in Piazza del Campo. Each rider represents one of the city’s 17 districts, and the whole event is a full spectacle.

If you visit in July or August, you may catch the Palio decorations and celebrations filling the square. The flags of each district transform the city into something that feels theatrical and deeply local.

Even without the Palio, there is so much to do. My favorite experience was climbing the Torre del Mangia, built between 1338 and 1348. It is narrow and the 505 steps will make you question your life choices, but the views at the top are worth it. Afterward, wander over to Siena’s stunning cathedral. Fun fact: it is intentionally the same height as the tower to symbolize that the church and state held equal power. The façade alone is unforgettable.

Montepulciano

About 40 minutes from Montalcino sits Montepulciano, home of Vino Nobile di Montepulciano (more delicious red wine). This medieval and Renaissance town sits high on a giant limestone ridge, which makes the views some of the best we experienced in Italy.

Montepulciano has been fought over throughout history and later became a sort of training ground for Renaissance architects, including Antonio da Sangallo the Elder. Today, it is a gorgeous place to wander and get “lost” among honey colored alleys and sweeping lookouts.

The main square, Piazza Grande, is home to the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta and Palazzo Contucci. And of course you should go wine tasting. Enoliteca Consorzio Vino Nobile is a great stop because they have glass floors where you can look down into an old stone wine cellar. It feels very secret passageway chic.

If you can time it right, stay for sunset. The hills glow gold, and you may have a spiritual experience.

Volterra

The last town on this list is Volterra. And yes, I fully stopped here because of the second Twilight movie. Zero shame. But honestly, I found a town even better than the Edward-and-Bella saga made it seem.

Volterra was once one of the main cities of the Etruscan Federation and still has sections of its ancient fortification walls dating back to the 4th century BC. Today, the town is known for its Roman ruins, medieval squares and its beautiful alabaster carvings.

Start your visit in Piazza dei Priori, surrounded by grand medieval palaces. Then wander through town imagining yourself running through the crowd in a red cloak during St. Marcus Day. Twilight fans get it. Don’t miss the Roman theater ruins and take time to enjoy the local wine and restaurants. Volterra feels both ancient and cinematic all at once.

The Bottom Line

You really cannot go wrong anywhere in Tuscany. The vineyards, rolling hills, medieval towns and centuries old traditions make this region endlessly enchanting. A few places still on my list that I have heard amazing things about include Orvieto, Lucca and San Gimignano. I hope you get the chance to explore this magical region, let me know how it goes.

Pin this post for your next trip! ↓

The post The 5 Tuscany Towns I’d Visit Again appeared first on Update Later Travel.

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There’s something you need to know about me: I love tourist sights. I like to visit the thing in the place, in fact, its kind of the point, no? I’m a sucker for a good tour, I’ll happily wait in line, I’ll book my tickets in advance, I’ll even put on a funny headset.

I learned the value of tours and guides and knowing what you’re experiencing when I compared my first visit to the Vatican museum to my second one (more on that below). But, I decided on my 3rd trip to Rome, I was going all out. I’d already checked off the big ones, St. Peter’s Basilica, the Spanish Steps, but this time I wanted to dig deeper. Enter: the Vatican Keymaster Tour.

How it Works

The idea is simple but genius: a small group joins the man with the keys as he opens the Vatican Museum before sunrise, unlocking doors and turning on lights room by room. Normally this process takes four hours every morning and evening, but for two hours you get to “help.” When I heard about it, I knew I had to go. Yes, I’d already visited the Vatican twice before, but this felt special. Spoiler: it was.

Color me devastated when I found it to be fully booked for every day I was in Rome, even looking a few months in advance. After weeks of obsessively refreshing two different booking sites, the travel gods (and maybe Pope Leo’s blessing) smiled on me. I snagged a spot for my final morning in Rome.

The Early Start

This tour is not for late risers. You need to be outside the Vatican Museum by 5:50 a.m. And if you’re like me, overexcited and worried about oversleeping, you show up at 5:20, standing there with about 19 other strangers wondering why you’re awake at such an ungodly hour. The Vatican Museum opens promptly at 8:00 am so this tour runs before the massive crowds arrive.

Two guides lead the way:

• The Keymaster: one of the Vatican staff who handles unlocking duties. He let us turn keys, flip switches and accepts that everyone is taking pictures of everything and gives us time to make sure our shots were just right.
  

• The Tour Guide: ours was an art historian trained in restoration and preservation. She added context, translated when needed, and sprinkled in details that made the halls come alive. She also was an excellent photographer and hype woman.

The Tour

I have spent a lot of time in the Louvre in the past year (3 separate visits) and it just makes me really appreciate the Vatican Museum. While the Louvre is humongous and houses a ton of incredible art. The Vatican Museum is palatable and doable, has great art, impressive frescos and is steeped in religious and Italian history. You can leave the museum after only a couple hours feeling like you saw nearly everything.

Typically you aren’t allowed access to the backside of Laocoön and His Sons, but the Keymaster Tour provides some extra privileges.

Unlocking History

We began at the rotunda with its famous spiral staircase. I snuck my way to the front (worth it) and coincidentally got to open the first door. The keys don’t even slide in very far, you twist and suddenly a centuries-old door creaks open. We stepped onto a terrace with St. Peter’s Basilica glowing in the dark.

From there, the tour followed the usual Vatican path, but with the magic of being alone.

• The Sarcophagus of St. Helena: made of rare red porphyry marble, once reserved only for emperors. St. Helena was the mother of Constantine the Great, and this massive coffin was her resting place.
  

• The Rotunda Room: modeled after the Pantheon by Michelangelo himself, complete with a dome and oculus. In the center is a bathtub-sized basin carved from a single piece of marble, valued at more than €2 billion.
  

• The Courtyard of the Belvedere: usually shoulder-to-shoulder with tour groups, but here it was utterly quiet. The statue of Laocoön and His Sons is the star: a dramatic scene from the Trojan War where serpents sent by Athena and Poseidon strangle the priest Laocoön and his sons for opposing the Wooden Horse. Fun fact: when the statue was discovered in 1506, Laocoön’s arm was missing. For centuries, artists debated whether it was raised in struggle or bent. In 1905, the missing arm turned up in an antiques shop, bent at the elbow, proving Michelangelo’s guess had been right all along. It wasn’t reattached until 1958.
  

Icky Things from Ancient Rome

• The Athlete: this statue was excavated in Trastevere, in the cellar that’s now part of the restaurant Spirito di Vino (which still has great food, by the way). The figure is caught mid-action, scraping sweat and grime off his body with a strigil. Here’s where it gets gross: athletes used to save that sweat, hair, and oil in bowls and sell it to women, who applied it as skincare. Yes, ancient athlete sweat as moisturizer. History is wild and kind of gross. 

Now that your done gagging over that last bit of history, we breezed past the Egyptian Rooms (sarcophagi, relics, even some mummies) before entering the Gallery of the Candelabra. Among the marble statues, my favorite detail was Faun with Infant Dionysus, one of the few statues with painted eyes. Most ancient statues are blank stone, so seeing color feels uncanny.

The Lights-On Moment

One of the absolute highlights was the Gallery of Maps. We waited in the dark while our guide flipped the switch, and suddenly the hallway glowed: intricate frescoes covering the vaulted ceiling, giant maps of Italy lining the walls, golden details catching the light. Through open windows, we caught glimpses of sunrise over the Vatican gardens and St. Peter’s dome.

Next were the Raphael Rooms. The first time I came here at 21, I barely looked, just rushed to the Sistine Chapel. On my second visit, I learned more context as we followed Rick Steve’s Vatican Tour playing in our ears while we learned the significance of these rooms. On this visit, I really appreciated them. Raphael’s School of Athens is iconic, featuring Plato, Aristotle, and other great thinkers. But the coolest detail? A self-portrait of Raphael himself, tucked shyly on the right.

PS: If you like context and history, I can’t recommend Rick Steve’s Audio Europe app enough. Very specific tours for a number of destination.

The Sistine Chapel

At last, the grand finale: the Sistine Chapel. Unlocking this door felt surreal. Each night, the key is sealed in an envelope signed by two guards, so breaking that seal in the early morning was a real privilege. A couple who was celebrating their 30th wedding anniversary had the opportunity to unseal the envelope and together, unlocked this iconic door.

No matter how many times I’ve seen it, the Sistine Chapel takes my breath away. Michelangelo painted the ceiling alone, at just 33 years old, covering it with scenes from Genesis, the Creation of Adam, the Fall of Man, and more. Decades later, at 66, he returned to paint The Last Judgment, a monumental fresco of heaven, earth, and hell. The sheer scale and detail are overwhelming.

We lingered here longer than anywhere else, marveling in silence. Every guest was given the chance to unlock the chapel doors. It was a staged close the door, unlock, enter, be wowed! Of course I took my opportunity to do the same. Standing in the same space where cardinals gather to elect a new Pope? Unreal.

A note about pictures. This was definitely a guided tour for those who want photos and videos. The guide and keymaster made it abundantly apparent where the good photo ops were and let us stay in each place until we had all exhausted our photo options. The keymaster kindly “turned his head” while in the Sistine Chapel, which is notorious for not allowing photos or videos. I plead the 5th 🙂 

Ready to Explore? Book Here ↓

The Bottom Line

By 8 a.m., we were back at the gift shop as other groups began trickling in. I grabbed a cappuccino and croissant in the Pinecone Courtyard café (and reluctantly returned my husband’s phone, which I’d stolen for the better camera). The sun was shining brightly now, with St. Peter’s in the background it was a stark difference in where we started to now. As I walked to grab in uber through the crowds, lines and guides with flags I felt so grateful to have the opportunity to take the Vatican Keymaster Tour.

Was it worth it? Without question. This tour is for you if:

• You don’t mind a tour that isn’t terribly in depth.
• You crave a crowd-free Vatican.
• You’re okay with a brutal alarm clock.
• You don’t mind spending extra for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Technically, you can re-enter afterward and do the whole museum again to see what you did’t see in depth or stroll slowly through the rooms of artifacts. But honestly, nothing compares to wandering it in silence, flipping on the lights as you go.

If you want to book, try:

• Liv Tours
• Walks of Italy Tour

This was hands-down one of my favorite travel experiences ever. And if you made it through my nerdy history tangents, thanks for indulging me.

If you need help deciding where to stay in Rome check out my guide to the best Roman neighborhoods or explore the next destination on your Italy itinerary with my favorite Tuscan towns! 

Pin this post for your next trip! ↓

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I have been to Rome 3 separate times in my adulthood. As a poor 20-year-old in college, staying at Happy Days Hostel Roma (lol) and eating in main squares (like a dummy). Again in my late 20s, as a more classy individual who actually explored the city out of the historic center. And now, mid 30s at age 29, I feel like I REALLY have a grasp on the city. Not just the historical sights, and I certainly have a handle on Roman food, but now I understand how the city works, its shape, its neighborhoods and how to navigate it like a local.

I’m happy to share with you now everything I’ve learned from my trips to Rome so that you can make informed decisions about where to stay and most importantly where to spend your time when you’re between the sights.

Overview

Rome is divided a couple different ways. The first is: inside the city walls vs outside the city walls. The Aurelian walls were built between 270 and 275 AD and are some of the best preserved historical city walls in the world.

Another way to navigate around Rome is with the river Tiber. The west side of the river is home to the Vatican and the neighborhood Trastevere (which technically are not within the city walls but are still grouped amongst the “ancient Roman sites”), amongst other things. Meanwhile, the east side of the river houses most of the historical monuments and sights.

Rome is known as the city of 7 hills and for context, every hill is on the east side of the river. So while visiting Rome you can use this guide to keep track of where you are in the city within the context of other spots.

A Note About Accommodations: 

Please note: prices listed are estimates based on rates at the time this guide was prepared. They may fluctuate depending on season, demand, and availability, so always check current pricing before booking

Whenever possible, I recommend booking directly through the hotel’s website, this often makes it easier to resolve any issues and ensures the best support. However, if you have loyalty points with a third-party platform (e.g., Hotels.com, Booking.com), booking through them can be worthwhile for perks, upgrades, or rewards.

Trastevere

Now, please don’t be like me and embarrass yourself with the pronunciation on this one. Say it with me: trust-ever-ay. Not trass-ta-veer, like I have been saying for the last decade.

This is the nightlife hub and foodie neighborhood in the city. Located just south of Vatican on the west side of the river there is always something going on within the picturesque streets and alleyways. If you’re visiting in the off season, I would stay here because you will still find the neighborhood to be quite lively. And if the Vatican is on your list (which, let’s be real, it should be), don’t miss my breakdown of the Key Master Tour at the Vatican Museums for a behind-the-scenes look at this iconic spot.

Where to Stay in Trastevere

• Very Nice: Donna Camilla Savelli Roma ~ $350/night.
  

• Mid-Range: Horti 14 Borgo ~ $220/night.
  

• Budget: Hotel Trastevere ~$150/night.

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Monti

This neighborhood is my new favorite. But don’t judge it for its label as the “hipster” neighborhood. Similar to Trastevere, it is full of gorgeous buildings covered in delicate green vines. It has a close proximity to the shopping district of Via del Corso and to the Colosseum and Palatine Hill. But the best part of this neighborhood is grabbing a drink in Piazza della Madonna dei Monti and admiring the views of the Colosseum from afar while brushing shoulders with the locals. And if you’re planning a bigger Italy trip, I also have a full Trieste itinerary that makes a great pairing with a few days in Rome.

Where to Stay in Monti

• Very Nice: 15 Keys Hotel Rome ~$350/night.
  

• Mid-Range: Double Tree Rome Monti ~$250/night.
  

• Budget: Manin Suites Rome ~ $150/night.
  

Historic Center

If it’s your first time in Rome, the historic center is the obvious choice. You’ll be steps from the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, and Spanish Steps. From here, you can walk almost anywhere, including the Vatican and Villa Borghese. It’s busy, sure, but there’s nothing like being surrounded by centuries of history (and about 130 churches). In this scenario, a neighborhood catered towards tourists is a good thing and this is an obvious choice for any first-timer to Rome.

Hotels in the Historic Center:

• Very Nice: Palazzo Roma ~ $550/night
  

• Mid-Range: CitizenM ~ $200/night
  

• Budget: Hotel Trevi Palace ~ $150/night
  

Aventine Hill

This is the bougie side of Rome, where apartments cost millions but the streets are calm and leafy. It’s peaceful, tourist-free, and offers some of the best views in the city. Staying here puts you close to the famous Aventine Keyhole (a peek at St. Peter’s through a garden gate) and the Giardino degli Aranci (Orange Garden). Despite the high cost living here, there are a number of well priced accommodations. While the views from Aventine Hill are unbeatable, be aware that transportation to the historic center will take about 15 minutes by car or about 30 minutes on foot.

Hotels on Aventine Hill:

• Very Nice: Rhinoceros Roma ~ $700/night
  

• Mid-Range: Seven Suites ~ $240/night
  

• Budget: Hotel Villa San Pio ~ $175/night
  

Testaccio

Across the river from Trastevere, Testaccio is where foodies should go. Still under the radar for many tourists, it’s home to a thriving market, authentic Roman trattorias, and piazzas where locals gather late into the night. This is the neighborhood for Cacio e Pepe, Supplì, and evenings that feel like real Rome rather than tourist Rome. Similar to Aventine Hill, because you are outside of the Historic Center you will be a short drive or a long walk away from the big spots in Rome. But what you lose in convenience you gain in less lines, more authenticity and beautiful sights that are off the beaten path.

Hotels in Testaccio:

• Very Nice: Romac San Saba ~ $700/night
  

• Mid-Range: Vespucci Palace Roma ~ $300/night
  

• Budget: Roma Suite Piramide ~ $150/night
  

The Bottom Line

Rome is so much more than its monuments. Where you stay shapes your trip just as much as what you see. Whether you’re sipping wine in Trastevere, people-watching in Monti, or indulging in pasta in Testaccio, each neighborhood has its own flavor. Choose the one that matches your travel style, and don’t forget to order another gelato on your way back to the hotel.

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The post Where to Stay in Rome: The Best Neighborhoods for First-Time Visitors appeared first on Update Later Travel.