Rome in 2026 promises an extraordinary visit, especially with the ongoing preparations for major events and the careful restoration of its iconic landmarks. You’ll find that even familiar sights hold new wonders, and venturing into its diverse neighborhoods offers a rich tapestry of experiences. It’s a city that rewards repeat visitors with deeper insights and unexpected delights, moving beyond the surface-level attractions to reveal its true essence.
Rome’s Jubilee Year Preparations
The year 2026 marks an important time for Rome, with significant efforts focused on preparing the city for major religious observances. Many key attractions have undergone extensive renovation to be in prime condition. These improvements ensure that visitors can experience these historic sites at their best.
A central part of these preparations involves the traditional opening of the “Holy Doors” in the major papal basilicas. These doors, usually sealed, are opened by the Pope during special jubilee years, symbolizing a path to new spiritual beginnings. For 2026, in addition to the traditional sites like St Peter’s Basilica, St John Lateran, St Paul Outside the Walls, and St Mary Major, Pope Francis has expanded this tradition to include a fifth Holy Door at Rome’s Rebibbia Prison. This offers a unique point of reflection and pilgrimage.
Restored Iconic Fountains
The Trevi Fountain, a beloved landmark, has recently emerged from its scaffolding, now fully restored and ready to amaze. To enhance the visitor experience and manage crowds, access is now carefully controlled, with a limit of 400 people at any one time. The flow of visitors is also managed, guiding you through a designated entrance via the central staircase and an exit near Via dei Crociferi, making exploration smoother.
Equally impressive and recently restored is the fountain located in front of the Pantheon. This beautiful fountain is a notable example of Renaissance artistry, adding to the architectural splendor surrounding the ancient temple. It’s a refreshing sight as you approach the Panteon itself.
Art and Architecture Updates
Within Vatican City, Michelangelo’s poignant sculpture, the Madonna della Pietà, is back on display in St Peter’s Basilica. This masterpiece of Carrara marble, depicting Jesus Christ and the Virgin Mary, is now protected by new shatter-proof panes and features improved lighting, which enhances its clarity and detail. Michelangelo’s architectural contribution to St Peter’s is also evident in the grand dome, completed in 1590, which remains one of the largest of its kind.
The Passetto di Borgo, an ancient elevated passage connecting the Vatican with Castel Sant’Angelo, has reopened after years of meticulous restoration. This historical pathway, steeped in legend, offers a unique perspective on the city’s defensive architecture and past intrigue. Exploring this passage provides a tangible link to Rome’s rich and storied history.
Neighborhood Gems and Archaeological Discoveries
Beyond the major monuments, Rome’s character shines in its diverse neighborhoods. Trastevere, with its winding lanes, bohemian boutiques, and innovative trattorias, offers a lively and atmospheric experience. The area also boasts the oldest church in Rome, offering a glimpse into the city’s earliest Christian history.
Ostia, the ancient Roman port, presents magnificent archaeological ruins and is now easily accessible thanks to a swift new metro line. This makes exploring the remnants of a vital Roman trading hub more convenient than ever. The contrast between ancient history and modern transport is striking here.
The Art Nouveau district of Prati is known for its elegant boulevards that come alive with alfresco dining and drinking establishments. It’s a sophisticated area that offers a different pace from the more historical parts of the city. Nearby, Monti has become a popular spot for a younger crowd, its narrow lanes draped in ivy, creating a charming, bohemian ambiance.
The new Archaeological Park of the Celio, situated within easy reach of the Colosseum, is a significant addition for history enthusiasts. This park features freshly excavated ancient structures and artifacts, some of which have remained unseen by the public for centuries, including remnants of the Temple of Claudius. Best of all, the leafy grounds of the park are free to enter and explore.
Within the Archaeological Park of the Celio, you’ll find the Museo della Forma Urbis. This museum houses an impressive marble map that offers extraordinary insights into the urban layout of ancient Rome. The map is pieced together from surviving fragments of the famous Forma Urbis Romae, a significant relic from Roman antiquity, carved between AD 203 and AD 211. It’s a detailed window into the past.
Several public squares have also seen recent rejuvenation, enhancing the city’s public spaces. Piazza dei Cinquecento, in front of Roma Termini station, now features a new green space, providing a more pleasant arrival and departure point. Piazza del Risorgimento, near the Vatican, and Piazza San Giovanni in Laterano, a historically important public square, have also been improved, making them more inviting for visitors and locals alike.
Accommodation Options in Rome
When planning your stay in Rome for 2026, you’ll find a wide range of accommodation to suit every preference and budget. For those looking to stay closer to the heart of the city, you can often find attractive discounts, particularly from June onwards, with some hotels near major sights offering up to 25 percent off.
However, considering options just outside the immediate city center can also be rewarding. Places like Orvieto, located about an hour north of Rome by high-speed train, offer a unique experience. Orvieto is known for its remarkable underground city, a network of man-made caves, Etruscan tunnels, wells, quarries, cisterns, and cellars carved into the tufa stone, with origins dating back to the 13th century. Using the efficient high-speed train network allows for easy day trips into Rome.
For those with a more generous budget and a desire to stay centrally, the Anantara Hotel is a notable choice. Situated near the famous Via Veneto and boasting 19th-century marble architecture, it offers a luxurious base. Rocco Forte properties, known for their sophistication and style, are also excellent options situated in prime locations across the city.
If you seek new, high-end accommodations, the , conceptualized by Zaha Hadid Architects, and the Four Seasons Vatican City, set to open in the Renaissance-era Palazzo della Rovere, are prime examples. These offer the latest in luxury and design.
More budget-friendly options also provide excellent value and convenience. The Una Hotel in Trastevere is a good choice for experiencing that lively neighborhood. The is within easy walking distance of the Trevi Fountain, offering great accessibility. For an unbeatable location near the Spanish Steps, consider Crossing Condotti.
Culinary Delights of Rome
Rome’s food scene is as rich and complex as its history, offering an abundance of classic dishes and innovative creations. For traditional Roman pasta, you can’t go wrong with classics like carbonara, cacio e pepe, and amatriciana. Many restaurants have perfected these essential dishes.
Another foundational pasta dish to seek out is gricia. This dish, originally from the Apennine mountains, uses dry pasta dressed in a sauce made with rendered guanciale (cured pork jowl), black pepper, pasta cooking water, and Pecorino Romano cheese. It’s a simple yet deeply flavorful preparation that showcases high-quality ingredients.
For those seeking an exceptional pizza experience, Seu Pizza Illuminati offers innovative pies with creative toppings. Imagine pizzas topped with combinations such as roasted potatoes, smoked provolone, ciauscolo, salted hazelnut crumble, and lemon thyme. It’s a departure from traditional Roman pizza and well worth exploring.
When it comes to gourmet gelato, Otaleg is a standout destination. The name itself, ‘gelato’ spelled backward, is memorable. Here, you can explore unique flavors like gin mascarpone with strawberry compote, or white cream with orange jam and cinnamon. The quality and creativity of the gelato are exceptional.
Exploring Rome with Family
Visiting Rome with children offers a fantastic opportunity to create lasting memories. Even simple moments become special. For instance, walking through the vibrant Trastevere neighborhood, with its charming streets and lively atmosphere, can be an adventure for the kids. We found that the younger ones were fascinated by the ancient ruins and the sheer scale of buildings like the Colosseum. Imagining gladiators and Roman life brought history to life for them.
A visit to the Borghese Gallery and Gardens, while requiring advance booking, provides a beautiful setting for a family outing. The children can enjoy running in the vast gardens after a dose of art. We often found ourselves pausing for gelato breaks, which proved to be a very effective way to keep everyone happy and energized for more exploration.
My partner Michael particularly enjoyed teaching our daughter Lily about the history of the Roman Forum, imagining it as the center of Roman life. Even our four-year-old Ethan was enthralled by the sheer size of the Pantheon and the fountains, especially the Trevi Fountain, where he enjoyed tossing a coin, even if it was just a small one.
Recommended Rome Tours
For those who prefer guided experiences, several tour operators offer excellent ways to explore Rome and Italy. Insight Vacations provides a “Best of Italy” tour, which is popular with Australian travelers and includes exclusive experiences such as private visits to specific basilicas, offering a deeper dive into historical and artistic sites.
Norwegian Cruise Line offers itineraries that include time in Rome. Their Mediterranean voyages allow you to spend a full day exploring the Eternal City as part of a broader Italian and Greek adventure. This can be a convenient way to combine multiple destinations.
Collette’s “2025 Jubilee: The Holy Year” tour is specifically designed to align with major religious events. This tour focuses on Rome’s pilgrim churches and catacombs, and includes opportunities to attend the weekly Papal audience, offering a unique spiritual and cultural dimension to your visit.
For a combination of historical exploration and scenic beauty, Intrepid offers an eight-day “Rome to Amalfi” itinerary. This tour covers Rome’s ancient wonders like the Colosseum and Vatican City before heading south to the stunning Amalfi Coast, blending iconic city sights with coastal landscapes.
Inspiring Vacations presents a 12-day independent rail journey across Italy. This trip explores historic cities and cultural treasures, starting with Rome’s ancient wonders like the Colosseum and Roman Forum, and then continuing via scenic train travel to Florence, Venice, and other key destinations. This offers a great way to see multiple facets of Italy at your own pace.
Consider visiting Rome in 2026 for an unforgettable journey. The city’s blend of ancient history, artistic masterpieces, delicious food, and vibrant neighborhoods offers something for every traveler.