The only things to do in Rome

Things to do and where to stay in Rome, Italy for lovers of history and slow adventure

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If your dream escape involves admiring Caravaggios between sips of espresso, aperitivo hours that stretch past sunset, and gelato that’s practically a love language, then Rome is where you need to be. A city where history and high fashion share the streets, and every moment feels like a sun-drenched, unperceptive-motion daydream. After the whirlwind of Salone del Mobile 2025 in Milan, Rome is just a scenic train ride away. Offering the perfect mix of exciting things to do and stunning places to stay for an unforgettable post-design-week getaway.

Photographs courtesy Unsplash, Fabio Fistarol

Bookmark these must-dos in Rome: 

  1. The famous Colosseum: A breathtaking relic of the Roman Empire, this ancient amphitheater once echoed with gladiator battles and roaring crowds. A true wonder of the world, it’s a testament to Rome’s legendary past.
  2. The Trevi Fountain: Toss a coin, make a wish, and let Rome work its magic. 
  3. Roman Forum: Once the heart of ancient Rome, these ruins tell the story of emperors, politicians, and daily life in one of history’s greatest civilizations. 
  4. Spanish Steps: Connecting Piazza di Spagna to Trinità dei Monti, it’s the perfect place to hit pause and soak in Rome’s charm.
  5. Pantheon: The Pantheon’s soaring dome still holds the record as the world’s largest unreinforced concrete dome. Step inside and watch sunlight pour through its oculus, illuminating centuries of culture. 
Photographs courtesy Unsplash, Danilo Obradovic
Photographs courtesy Unsplash, Caleb Miller

Where to stay in Rome:

With former royal residences and world-class art collections, these hotels offer more than just a place to rest – they surround you with Rome’s rich history and effortless allure.

Baglioni Hotel Regina

Housed in a meticulously restored 19th-century palazzo on Via Veneto, Baglioni Hotel Regina is laced with the promise of fine culinary and exquisite decor. Think marble floors kissed by Murano chandeliers, suites draped in Fortuny fabrics, and terraces framing panoramic views of Villa Borghese. 

Bvlgari Hotel Rome

Overlooking the Mausoleum of Augustus, Bvlgari brings high-octane glamour to Piazza Augusto Imperatore. Just moments from the Spanish Steps, it fuses 1940s architecture with Bvlgari’s bold aesthetic—think imperial marble, statement hues, and a design as dazzling as the jewels that made its name.

Photographs courtesy Unsplash, Victor Malyushev
Photographs courtesy Unsplash, Kalisa Veer

Anantara Rome

Housed in a 19th-century neoclassical palace on Piazza della Repubblica, this opulent retreat blends history with modern luxury. Glass floors reveal ruins of ancient Diocletian Baths, while elegant suites and a chic restaurant inspired by Rome’s golden age set the scene for a timeless stay.

Villa Agrippina a Gran Melià Hotel

Perched on the storied grounds of Empress Agrippina’s villa, this is where history meets tranquillity. Surrounded by Mediterranean gardens, it offers a serene escape just steps from Vatican City and St. Peter’s Basilica.

Rome Cavalieri, A Waldorf Astoria Hotel 

Rome Cavalieri is as much an art gallery as a luxury retreat, with works by Tiepolo and Warhol lining its halls. Its crown jewel? La Pergola, Rome’s only three-Michelin-starred restaurant, helmed by Heinz Beck.

Photographs courtesy Unsplash, Victor Malyushev
Photograph courtesy Unsplash, Chris Czermak

Hotel Eden Rome

Originally built as a residence, it was later transformed into a luxury hotel by Francesco Nistelweck in 1889. A favourite of royalty and Hollywood icons, it boasts frescoed suites, velvet divans, and La Terrazza – its Michelin-starred restaurant with sweeping views of Rome.

J K Place Rome

Once a 17th-century school of architecture, this intimate hideaway exudes Roman sophistication. Steps from the Spanish Steps and Via Condotti, it seamlessly blends historic grandeur with contemporary elegance, wrapped in rich Italian fabrics, curated art, and an unmistakable sense of luxury.

D.O.M Hotel

Restored by Italian architect, Antonio Girardi, this boutique hotel was once a 17th-century palace turned Claretian monastery. Its 18 rooms offer views of the Via Giulia and if you’re in the mood, we totally recommend a candlelight dinner on its fourth-floor terrace overlooking Roman rooftops.

Photograph courtesy Unsplash, Manish Tulaskar
Photograph courtesy Unsplash, Ayadi Ghaith

Palazzo Dama

Housed within the historic residence of the Malaspina family, Palazzo Dama has witnessed the gathering of diplomats, aristocrats and cultural icons over its many centuries of history. In its current form, Architect Antonio Girard has preserved the original Art Nouveau doors, wooden staircase and marble mosaics while adding vintage Venini glass, midcentury-style furniture and lithographs by Miró, Warhol and Picasso. 

 

How to get there:

90 trains daily from Milan to Rome

Rome, Italy (573 kms from Milan)

Milan Centrale → Rome Termini (Approximately 3 to 4 hrs)

Milan Centrale → Rome Tiburtina (Approximately 3 hrs) 

Photograph courtesy Unsplash, Victor Malyushev
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