Rome Holidays 2024/2025

The bustling, vibrant and stylish capital of Italy is one of the most popular city breaks in the world for so many reasons. Good food, hot sunshine and sublime shopping make this cultural treasure a holiday joy. Rome holidays are an experience that are perfectly shared with partners, family members and friends.

Italy is a magnificent destination full of a variety of wonders so it’s only fair that its capital follows in its footsteps. Rome is the most populous city in Italy, filled with culture, arts, fashion, architecture and history. It’s a bucket-list worthy destination just waiting to be explored.

They call Rome the Eternal City, which may have something to do with the fact it has stood stoic against even the most tumultuous of history’s twists and turns. It’s also one of the few capitals of the world without an underground subway network. That’s because much of Rome’s past lies beneath the city. Whether you’re a fashion titan seeking the birthplace of the world’s hottest designs or a history buff hoping to find the very cradle of civilisation, this city has so many stories to explore.

History at every turn

No city this side of Greece has the sheer antiquity of Rome. And although you can find relics of the past across Italy, Rome tops them all. The immensity of the Colosseum makes it a great first stop to leave a lasting impression. If you didn’t know, the Colosseum housed 50,000 fans in its heyday and is still the largest amphitheatre in the world today. There is no wonder as to why it’s one of the seven modern wonders of the world. 

There’s tons more to see on your holidays to Rome though, from the Roman Forum and the Pantheon through to the Vatican Museums. In fact, museums of every kind adorn the streets of this fascinating city, and it’s all thanks to its grand narrative. St Peter’s Basilica is another must-see, this is the most famous Church in Italy and is the residence of the pope in the ministate of the Vatican city. You can visit the church for free, however at peak times you can expect to queue for a few hours. 

Perfect for a romantic holiday to Rome, the Trevi Fountain is a stunning sight to take your special person to throw a coin and make a wish. It’s actually the most famous fountain in the world, and what’s more romantic than that? You’re able to visit the fountain during the day and in the evening where it looks spectacular all the time, but there is something special about seeing the Trevi Fountain illuminated at night.

The capital of style

It’s a well known fact that Italy and style are synonymous. Rome joins the likes of Milan, London and New York as a fashion capital, with Versace, Chanel and Prada among the major fashion names operating huge and luxurious stores here. Brioni, Bulgari and Valentino are jewellery giants with headquarters in Rome too. If you’re looking to splash some cash, or even just feel like you could, head to the infamous Via Condotti, Via del Babuino and Via Borgognona. These streets are where you’ll find your popular luxury brands and bespoke boutiques – why not treat yourself? 

If you’re shopping along the more generalised or affordable end of the spectrum though, there’s not a speck of this city where your retail therapy urges will be left wanting. The most diverse shopping experiences are often held along the Piazza di Spagna, or the Spanish Steps, where fashion boutiques rub shoulders with family stores and all manner of other outlets. Both bargain-hunters and style savants flock to this district, as it has the highest concentration of shops in all of Rome. If you’re on the hunt for a huge shopping mall, then Porta di Roma is a multi level shopping centre with big department stores, clothes stores, an IKEA, a cinema and a huge food court. It looks like you might need to pack light so you can bring plenty back from your Rome holiday!

Rome is the realm of incredible meals

Classic yet divine dishes like spaghetti carbonara may have put the city on the map, as if it wasn’t already, but Rome’s always making new waves in the culinary world. Keep it simple with creamy peppered cacio e pepe, stay true to local flavours with artichokes, ricotta and shellfish, or splash out on high-end dining at some of the most defining restaurants in the world. Unsurprisingly, there are 23 Michelin Star restaurants in Rome, each one just as deserving as the other and certainly a must-try on your Rome holiday.

It’s not all fine dining in Rome, of course. If anything, even the most exclusive places to eat are opening their doors to becoming more accessible. Wherever you eat it’s guaranteed to more than satisfy. For example, Supplizio is a casual light bites and street food inspired venue which was formerly a luxury restaurant. Its evolution was a conscious choice by superstar Italian masterchef Arcangelo Dandini. 

Indeed, when in Rome you must head to a Pizzeria. An authentic thin and crispy Roman pizza will be the icing on the cake of your Rome holiday. Head to Pizzeria Emma for decadent pizzas that will wow. They pride themselves on a menu that covers every area of the Italian gastronomic tradition and speaking of cake, there’s a menu full of artisanal desserts from Tiramasu to Fondue.

After-dark action

The Italian pace of life is a laid-back one, even in the buzz of Rome and its dizzying traffic. That said, once the sun goes down the city becomes a playground of enticing bars, cosy little speakeasy holes in secret walls, and glitzy cocktail lounges. Rome is one of the greatest party cities in Europe, but the main thing about Rome nightlife is that it kicks off late – so best to get an afternoon nap to make sure you don’t miss out on anything. Enjoy a nice meal out and then head off to catch some live music, fancy cocktails, private terraces and great crowds. As the evening goes on you’ll start to see the streets fill with people flowing from bar to bar as the city comes alive with vibrant colours and stylish outfits. 

You can lose yourself for nights at a time among the dusky brilliance of Rome’s nightlife scene, but be sure to make time for the Testaccio district. It’s got all the vibrancy without the glut of mainstream tourism, which hasn’t quite cottoned on to its lively nights out yet. That puts you at an advantage, whether you’re dancing the night away in clubs like Akab, or listening to local musicians perform live at Radio Londra. You could even head to a burlesque show for the evening for a daring twist to your Rome holiday. When in Rome, right?

Despite the late start of Rome’s nightlife, don’t worry about getting home, there’s public transport that runs until 5.30am so you’ve got plenty of time to show off your moves!