Rome is truly special. It feels like a city with endless layers, each one more interesting than the last. With 2025 being a Jubilee year, there’s an even bigger reason to visit. The city is brimming with amazing places to eat and stay, from brand-new spots to old favorites. Every neighborhood has its own unique feel, taking you from quiet, local areas to places that feel like you stepped right into a glamorous Italian movie. The MICHELIN Guide has put together a list of some of the best places, highlighting top hotels and restaurants, plus must-see art spots. It’s a guide to experiencing the best of what this Eternal City has to offer.
Explore Historic Rome Center
Pinpointing the exact historical center of Rome can be a bit tricky because history seems to be everywhere. As you walk through the streets, it feels like a journey through time. You’ll find yourself drawn to lively markets like Campo de’ Fiori and stunning squares like Piazza Navona, with its beautiful fountains. The famous Pantheon stands proudly in Piazza della Rotonda, and you can get lost in the ancient art collections at Palazzo Altemps. Staying at offers a wonderful base, and dining at Il Pagliaccio, with its two MICHELIN Stars, is an unforgettable experience that blends Italian and Japanese flavors. This area is full of contrasts, where old cobblestone streets meet grand palaces and magnificent Baroque churches, many decorated with art by Caravaggio. It’s a place that’s hard to define, with so many different sides to explore.
Where to Stay in the Historic Center
What are some top hotels here
You can choose to stay at the , which has earned a MICHELIN Key. Another excellent choice is , also with a MICHELIN Key, offering stunning views. Humility 36 is another option recognized with a MICHELIN Key, providing a unique stay.
Top Dining Experiences
Which restaurants are recommended
For an exceptional meal, Il Pagliaccio is a must-visit, holding two MICHELIN Stars for its innovative cuisine. Idylio by Apreda and Il Convivio Troiani each have one MICHELIN Star, offering delightful culinary journeys. Per Me Giulio Terrinoni and Pipero Roma also boast one MICHELIN Star, perfect for a memorable dining experience.
Must-See Sites
What historical landmarks should I see
Don’t miss the lively Piazza Navona and the bustling Campo de’ Fiori market. The Pantheon and Piazza della Rotonda are iconic sights. Explore the historic Ghetto and Via del Portico di Ottavia. Admire the art in Chiesa del Gesù, San Luigi dei Francesi, and Sant’Agostino, which house famous Caravaggio paintings. The Doria Pamphilj Gallery and the ancient art collections at Palazzo Altemps offer deep dives into art history.
Discover Ancient Rome’s Footsteps
When exploring the roots of Western civilization, starting at Campidoglio, or Capitoline Hill, is the perfect beginning. Legend has it that this is where Romulus and Remus were nursed by a she-wolf. This area, along with Palatine Hill and Aventine Hill, is where one of the world’s most influential civilizations began. Standing on Capitoline Hill, imagining the Temple of Jupiter, and looking down at the Roman Forum, where decisions for an empire were made, is incredibly powerful. Even walking past the Colosseum, picturing the gladiatorial contests, you can feel the weight of nearly 3,000 years of history. For a memorable meal with a view of the Colosseum, the one-MICHELIN-Starred Aroma restaurant is highly recommended.
Accommodations Near Ancient Sites
Where can I stay nearby
is a distinguished option, recognized with a MICHELIN Key, offering a stay steeped in history and elegance. Its location provides unique access to the ancient heart of the city.
Dining with Historic Views
What are the best restaurants
Aroma is a fantastic choice, holding a MICHELIN Star and offering breathtaking views of the Colosseum, making for an unforgettable dining experience. Marco Martini Restaurant, also a MICHELIN Star recipient, provides another excellent culinary option in this historically rich area.
Exploring Ancient Wonders
What should I visit in this area
Make sure to visit Piazza del Campidoglio and the Capitoline Museums for a deep dive into Roman history. The Colosseum and the Roman Forum are essential stops. Explore the Mercati di Traiano (Trajan’s Markets) and the Imperial Forums. Walk through Palatino (Palatine Hill) and discover the Domus Aurea. Don’t miss the Basilica San Clemente with its beautiful mosaics, or the Basilica di San Pietro in Vincoli, home to Michelangelo’s Moses sculpture. The Termi di Caracalla (Baths of Caracalla) offer a glimpse into Roman public life.
Experience Tridente, Quirinale, and Villa Borghese
This area, located between the Tiber River and Via XX Settembre, truly embodies the cinematic side of Rome, the Rome of “La Grande Bellezza” and “La Dolce Vita.” It’s a place brimming with Italian luxury boutiques and the energy of political life. From Piazza del Quirinale, you can see the entire city, but the view from Terrazza del Pincio is also spectacular. This district is all about glitz and opulence, housing some of Italy’s most exclusive hotels, like with its two MICHELIN Keys and with one. You’ll also find world-class restaurants such as the two-MICHELIN-Starred Acquolina and the one-MICHELIN-Starred All’Oro, alongside some of Italy’s most extraordinary museums.
Luxurious Stays
Which hotels offer a special experience
For ultimate luxury, consider Hotel Vilòn or , both awarded two MICHELIN Keys. , Hassler Roma, Hotel Eden, Hotel Locarno, and Maalot Roma are all highly regarded, each with at least one MICHELIN Key, offering exceptional service and amenities. Other notable stays include Portrait Roma, , Rocco Forte Hotel De Russie, The Hoxton, Rome, and , all recognized with MICHELIN Keys. Watching the sunset from the roof terrace of the Bulgari Hotel, with views towards Villa Medici, was a particularly peaceful moment for my husband and me.
Fine Dining Establishments
Where can I enjoy high-end meals
Acquolina, a celebrated two-MICHELIN-Starred restaurant, is a must for exceptional seafood. All’ Oro, Imàgo, Moma, and Orma Roma all hold one MICHELIN Star, providing diverse and gourmet dining options that showcase the pinnacle of Roman culinary artistry.
Cultural Landmarks and Green Spaces
What are the key attractions here
Visit the iconic Trevi Fountain and the famous Spanish Steps, leading up to Trinità dei Monti. Wander through the serene Pincio Gardens for beautiful city vistas. Explore Villa Borghese and its museums, including the Borghese Gallery and the Etruscan Museum of Villa Giulia. Piazza del Popolo is a vibrant square, and Santa Maria del Popolo church contains stunning Caravaggio paintings. Don’t miss Santa Maria della Vittoria for Bernini’s Ecstasy of Saint Teresa. Art lovers will appreciate the collections at Palazzo Barberini and contemporary works at MAXXI.
Discover Vatican and Prati
Crossing the Tiber River via Castel Sant’Angelo leads you into Papal Rome, home to the world’s smallest state, Vatican City. Despite its size, it’s the spiritual center for over 1.3 billion believers worldwide. Just outside the Vatican is the elegant Art Nouveau neighborhood of Prati, centered around Via Cola di Rienzo. This peaceful residential area is known for its chic atmosphere and is close to St. Peter’s Dome, affectionately called the Cupolone. While dining options are more concentrated in other parts of the city, this area boasts some truly outstanding restaurants, including the three-MICHELIN-Starred La Pergola and the two-MICHELIN-Starred Enoteca La Torre.
Specialty Stays
Are there unique hotels here
For a memorable stay near the Vatican, The Place 217 offers a comfortable and well-located base. While the selection is more limited than in other districts, it provides a quiet residential feel.
Michelin-Starred Dining
What are the top restaurants
La Pergola, with its three MICHELIN Stars, offers an unparalleled dining experience with stunning views, especially on clear nights where you can see Saint Peter’s Dome from its terrace. Enoteca La Torre, a two-MICHELIN-Starred establishment, provides another exceptional gastronomic journey. Pulejo is also a highly regarded one-MICHELIN-Starred option in the vicinity.
Vatican and Prati Attractions
What should I visit
No visit would be complete without exploring St. Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican Museums. Castel Sant’Angelo is another impressive historical site worth seeing in this area.
Trastevere’s Bohemian Charm
Trastevere, often considered Rome’s working-class neighborhood, has transformed into a hub for creative and chef-driven restaurants. Places like Glass Hostaria and Zia, both holding one MICHELIN Star, have become inspector favorites. While the area is experiencing gentrification, its bohemian-chic vibe and timeless Italian charm remain. You’ll find yourself wandering past colorful houses adorned with vines, spotting vintage Fiats, and stumbling upon trattorias with classic checkered tablecloths, all under laundry hung between ancient buildings. It’s a photographer’s dream and a wonderfully authentic place to experience Rome.
Recommended Restaurants in Trastevere
Where are the best places to eat
Glass Hostaria offers a contemporary dining experience with a MICHELIN Star, while Zia provides another excellent option, also recognized with one MICHELIN Star. These restaurants showcase the evolving culinary scene in Trastevere.
Exploring Trastevere
What sights are not to be missed
The beautiful Santa Maria in Trastevere church is a must-see. A walk on the nearby Janiculum Hill, especially at sunset, offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city. It’s moments like these, watching the city light up with my kids beside me, that make travel so special.
Monti’s Trendy Vibe
Nestled between the Colosseum and Termini train station, Monti is Rome’s oldest district, once known as the notorious Suburra. Today, it has transformed into a trendy neighborhood where artists and designers mingle. It’s a relaxed and vibrant area where hipster culture meets a sense of nostalgia. If you enjoy browsing art galleries, visiting designers’ ateliers, and exploring wine bars, Monti is the perfect destination. While this district doesn’t currently feature MICHELIN Keys or Stars, charming hotels like Casa Monti and Condominio Monti capture the essence of the neighborhood.
Exploring Monti’s Streets
What can I do in this area
Wander through its maze of cobbled streets and discover independent boutiques, art studios, and cozy wine bars. Piazza della Madonna dei Monti comes alive in the evening, offering a great spot to soak in the local atmosphere.
Rome is a city that continuously surprises and delights. Whether you’re drawn to its ancient history, its artistic treasures, or its incredible food scene, there’s always something new to experience. I hope sharing these insights helps you plan your own unforgettable journey through the Eternal City.