Indeed, all roads lead to Rome, and the one from Civitavecchia Port is an hourlong ride. Cab fares and private transfers can be expensive, but you can also take a train that runs regularly (though sometimes workers are on strike) or snag a shared car service (drivers often linger near the port).
Shopping: Italians know their style, and streets like the Via Condotti, Via del Corso, and Via Cola di Rienzo are lined with designer shops, boutiques, and department stores for every budget.
Churches: Rome isn’t just about the Vatican. Around every corner, there’s a religious institution that’s an architectural stunner. Some of our favorites: the Basilica di Santa Maria, Santa Maria in Montesanto in the Piazza del Popolo, and Francesco Borromini’s San Carlo alle Quattro Fontane.
The Vatican: The seat of the Roman Catholic Church holds artistic masterpieces that span the ages, including Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel and Bernini’s twisted-column baldachin. The interiors of St. Peter's Basilica are decorated in marble and gilded surfaces.
The Colosseum: A symbol of the Imperial Roman Empire, this crumbling amphitheater for gladiator battles tells a story of blood, guts, and glory.
Culture Lovers: Rome is an art history lover’s dream, with splendors from the Roman Empire (the Roman Forum) to the Renaissance (Raphael’s frescoes at the Vatican) to the Baroque (Caravaggio’s paintings in San Luigi dei Francesi).
Couples: There’s nothing more magical than holding hands while wandering alleyways, sharing a gelato near the Trevi Fountain, or exchanging a smooch in the Villa Borghese gardens.
Tourist Traps Are Everywhere: Restaurants can be mediocre and souvenirs overpriced; you might have to wander off the beaten track for a decent trattoria.
Sites Can Be Crowded: So much for your unobstructed selfies. For popular attractions such as the Vatican and Colosseum, it’s best to book a guided tour in advance — the lines can otherwise be interminable.