A local’s Rome guide

Curated Rome

Everything we’d tell a friend visiting Rome — the art worth crossing town for, where locals actually eat, and a free insider guide to beat the crowds.

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Your free Rome guide & map

The insider timing guide we hand our guests — plus our illustrated Colosseum-area map.

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Rome Beyond the Crowds — Insider Timing Guide

Our 10-page insider guide: the best times to visit Rome’s icons, walking loops, hidden gems and a seasonal calendar. Straight to your inbox.

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Prefer paper? View our free illustrated Rome map →

The full directory

Rome, place by place

Every stop worth your time — with an honest one-liner on why. Open a section, tap a place for the map.

🏛️Ancient Rome & the ruins20
Ancient Rome & the ruins illustrationDomus Aurea

Nero’s buried “Golden House,” re-emerging piece by piece.

Ancient Rome & the ruins illustrationVilla dei Quintili

An emperor’s stolen dream estate on Rome’s southern ridge.

Ancient Rome & the ruins illustrationBaths of Diocletian

The largest bathing complex of the Roman Empire—now a quiet museum.

Ancient Rome & the ruins illustrationVicus Caprarius – The City of Water

A hidden ancient Roman neighborhood beneath modern Rome.

Ancient Rome & the ruins illustrationVia Appia Antica on Sunday

Rome’s iconic ancient road, reserved for walkers and cyclists every Sunday.

Ancient Rome & the ruins illustrationCapitoline Hill and Museums

Rome’s ancient seat of government and home to its oldest public museum.

Ancient Rome & the ruins illustrationPalatine Hill

The legendary birthplace of Rome and a hilltop of imperial palaces.

Ancient Rome & the ruins illustrationBocca della Verità (Mouth of Truth)

A legendary marble mask that tests honesty and inspires legends.

Ancient Rome & the ruins illustrationArch of Constantine

A triumphal gateway that marks a turning point in history.

Ancient Rome & the ruins illustrationBaths of Caracalla

Ancient Rome’s grandest bathhouse—ruins of luxury and leisure.

Ancient Rome & the ruins illustrationRoman Forum

A bustling crossroads of politics, religion, and daily life in ancient Rome.

Ancient Rome & the ruins illustrationColosseum

Rome’s iconic arena of gladiators, legends, and enduring grandeur.

Ancient Rome & the ruins illustrationStadium of Domitian

Where echoes of ancient athletes ring beneath Rome’s most beautiful square.

Ancient Rome & the ruins illustrationTrajan’s Markets

Step into the world’s first shopping mall, with breathtaking views of ancient Rome.

Ancient Rome & the ruins illustrationMuseo dell’Ara Pacis

Where ancient Roman artistry meets modern architectural brilliance.

Ancient Rome & the ruins illustrationCrypta Balbi

A slice of Rome’s 2,000-year urban evolution under one roof.

Ancient Rome & the ruins illustrationHypogeum of Via Livenza

A mysterious late-Roman water shrine hidden under an apartment block.

Ancient Rome & the ruins illustrationAuditorium di Mecenate

An underground banquet hall of Rome’s first great arts patron.

Ancient Rome & the ruins illustrationLargo di Torre Argentina

Temple ruins & Julius Caesar’s fate—now ruled by cats.

Ancient Rome & the ruins illustrationMonte Testaccio

A hill of 53 million smashed oil jars—Rome’s ancient recycling project.

Churches & basilicas14
🖼️Museums & galleries13
Squares, fountains & icons6
🧭Off the beaten path7

Category artwork illustrated by Trip in Art. Tap any place to open it in Google Maps.

Where Romans eat

Where locals eat, sip & explore

Our hand-picked trattorias, cafés and gelato — near the Colosseum and across the city.

Top restaurants & pizzerias

Near the Colosseum and across Rome

  1. Trattoria Luzzi — cozy and authentic, traditional Roman pasta and grilled meats.
  2. Pizzeria la Montecarlo — classic thin-crust pizzas with fresh, high-quality toppings.
  3. Hostaria da Nerone — historic spot right next to the Colosseum, Roman cuisine with a modern twist.
  4. Pizzeria ai Marmi — lively favourite for thin crispy pizzas, fried starters and a great beer list.
  5. Taverna dei Fori Imperiali — rustic and cozy, famous for cacio e pepe and amatriciana.
  6. Li Rioni — a local favourite for Roman-style pizza with a thick, fluffy crust.
  7. Osteria del Pegno — refined, creative takes on classic Roman dishes.

Top cafés & bars

Coffee, pastries and aperitivo

  1. Caffè Oppio — right next to the Colosseum, excellent coffee with a view of the ruins.
  2. Bar Fondi — classic Italian bar: coffee and pastries by day, aperitifs by night.
  3. Ciuri Ciuri — Sicilian pastry shop, traditional cannoli and coffee.
  4. Roscioli Caffè — cozy spot for coffee, pastries, Italian wines and small bites.
  5. Regoli — historic pastry shop near Piazza Vittorio, famous for cannoli and cream puffs.
  6. Antico Caffè Greco — legendary since 1760, in the heart of Rome.

Top gelaterias

Because no day in Rome is complete without gelato

  1. Gelateria della Palma — one of Rome’s most famous, over 150 flavours.
  2. Giolitti — historic since 1900, gelato and traditional Italian desserts.
  3. Fatamorgana — gourmet flavours with top ingredients, great vegan options.
  4. Gelateria del Teatro — near Piazza Navona; try white chocolate & basil or ricotta & figs.
  5. Come il Latte — Prati neighbourhood, freshly made waffle cones.
  6. Gelateria La Romana — 70+ years of high-quality, delicious gelato.

See it with a storyteller beside you

Explore solo with this guide, or let a licensed Trip in Art guide bring the stories to life — small groups, timed entrances, beat the crowds.

Collaboration

This directory is curated in collaboration with Roman Guides — Rome specialists we trust.