Your digital welcome book in Rome

Welcome to Rome, the eternal city

"Rome wasn't built in a day": everyone knows the saying, and it has never rung truer. Whether you are setting foot in Rome for the first time or the hundredth, you cannot help but be struck by all that history, an ancient culture preserved in exceptional condition. This is a city brimming with riches and local recommendations!

Sightseeing in Rome

The charm of the Italian capital lies above all in the atmosphere of the city: its narrow cobbled streets, its neighbourhoods, its architecture. That is why we recommend exploring the city on foot as much as you can, because beyond the great monuments, Rome has so much to offer to anyone simply wandering about.

Discovering the loveliest squares

That said, let us begin by conquering the capital's legendary squares. Piazza Navona is one of the largest and most beautiful squares in Rome, and it often draws artists who come to paint there. Do linger a while. Then there is the unmissable Piazza di Spagna: famous for its central staircase and its view over Rome, it will treat you to a glorious sunset.

The Trevi Fountain

Our tour continues with the Trevi Fountain, a must-see when visiting the Italian capital. Tucked away amid a cluster of little streets, it makes the perfect setting for wonderful photographs. And for anyone with a sweet tooth, it is in this very side street that you will find (according to the StyQR team) the best ice cream in Rome. Blue Ice: go for it, every flavour is delicious!

The monument not to be missed

In Rome, yet not quite in Rome: Vatican City. Whether or not you are religious, this place never fails to make an impression. A serenity, a restorative calm and a very particular emotion come over you as you visit this tiny state. St Peter's Basilica and its museums are breathtaking. Do book your tickets in advance to be sure of getting in.

The Flavian Amphitheatre

And so we come to the very heart and reputation of the city: the Colosseum, an ancient giant known the world over. Remember to book your tickets in advance, as they cannot be bought on site.

Seeing the essentials

Still among the essentials is the Forum, our favourite spot here at StyQR. You can wander freely and immerse yourself in that ancient culture. Some temples can still be visited, along with a number of houses and everyday spaces. We recommend climbing the Palatine Hill for a sweeping view over the Forum. Continuing with Rome's emblematic monuments, at the end of a few cobbled side streets you will find Piazza della Rotonda, home to the world-famous Pantheon. Entry is free. If you choose to go at the weekend, you will need to book a time slot on the city's website. And if you only have time for one neighbourhood, choose Trastevere. Full of small shops and restaurants, it is especially pleasant for a late-afternoon stroll followed by dinner.

Taking a quiet break

For anyone in need of a breather, the best place to unwind is the gardens of the Villa Borghese. The ideal spot to recharge your batteries before setting off to tackle Rome once more.

Eating out in Rome

Finally, a few words on Roman food. Rome is certainly not where you will go hungry, far from it. We will leave you free to try whichever places you fancy, but here is one small tip: avoid any restaurant that sits too close to the tourist sights or that labels part of its menu "tourist menu". If you are after a little authenticity and real flavour, wander the city's streets and let yourself be tempted by a more traditional, genuine trattoria.

Our Roman stroll ends here, and we hope it has made you want to go and uncover Rome's secrets for yourself. If you have a StyQR welcome book and would like to add to it, do feel free to draw inspiration from this article: that is partly what it was written for! See you soon for another article from the StyQR team.