A view over the terracotta rooftops of Rome with the dome of St. Peter's Basilica in the background

Holidays to Rome

Promising a magical mix of ancient ruins, awesome architecture, world-class art and Italian cuisine at its finest, Rome holidays will have you enjoying la dolce vita.

Cheerfully cheap breaks

You read that right: there is such a thing as a cheap Rome holiday. First of all, look for accommodation outside the historic centre. It’s also much cheaper to wine and dine beyond the tourist hotspots. There are ample budget-friendly trattorias in Via Cavour, Termini and San Lorenzo. And consider a tourist pass or card, like the Roma Pass, which will save you big on major attractions, public transport and more. Mamma mia!

A masterclass of the arts

Rome is packed to the rafters with world-class art and architecture. You’ll find it indoors in galleries like Galleria Doria Pamphilj (home to giants like Caravaggio and Titian) and outdoors, whether it’s on walls (Raphael’s frescoes in Villa Farnesina) or set into the Eternal City’s historic grounds (the Trevi fountain). Meanwhile, the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore has a neoclassical exterior and an interior that features a gilded ceiling and a smattering of art.

‘Rome’ the Vatican

The smallest country in the world — Vatican City — is inside the city of Rome. Yeah, it’s confusing, but that’s no reason to miss out! Hit up highlights including St. Peter’s Square and St. Peter’s Basilica (where you can climb the dome), Michelangelo’s The Creation of Adam at the Sistine Chapel, and the world-famous Vatican Museums.

A foodie’s paradise

Rome’s a gem of a destination for foodies who have, so to speak, no beef with carbs. To eat like a local, keep an eye on the menu for dishes like cacio e pepe (cheesy, peppery spaghetti), pizza alla Romana (super thin pizza) and “jump in the mouth” saltimbocca (prosciutto-wrapped veal escalopes). Head to the Trastevere neighbourhood to indulge in traditional flavours, alfresco.

Sneak Peek

Best for... Flavour-mad foodies, classical art fanatics and anyone who appreciates amazing architecture 🖼️

Go... In spring and autumn for brilliant city buzz without the peak Mediterranean heat 🥵

You have to... Explore the extraordinary grounds and museums of Vatican City ⛪️

Rome holiday deals

Trevi Palace Luxury Inn

4.2

Very Good

Rome, Rome Area, Italy
  • 9 Jan 2026
  • 7 nights
  • Bed & breakfast
  • From Manchester

Prices from

£532 pp

Best Western Premier Hotel Royal Santina

4.5

Excellent

Rome, Rome Area, Italy
  • 9 Jan 2026
  • 7 nights
  • Bed & breakfast
  • From Manchester

Prices from

£681 pp

Best Western Plus Hotel Universo

4.5

Excellent

Rome, Rome Area, Italy
  • 9 Jan 2026
  • 7 nights
  • Room only
  • From Manchester

Prices from

£529 pp

Hotel Romanico Palace & Spa

4

Good

Rome, Rome Area, Italy
  • 9 Jan 2026
  • 7 nights
  • Room only
  • From Manchester

Prices from

£519 pp
Prices and availability shown can change. Always check pricing with the provider before booking.

Details

Currency

Euro

Language

Italian

Time difference

GMT +1

Cost of a beer

€ 5

3-course meal

€ 25

Flight time

2 hrs

Astonishing ancient energy

Once the capital of the Roman Empire, Rome’s history runs super deep, with epic and fascinating reminders of its storied past dotted throughout the city. Give it the “I am Maximus Decimus Meridius…” in the Colosseum, wander around the Roman Forum ruins and flick lucky coins into the Fountain of the Four Rivers at Piazza Navona. Don’t miss the gorgeous dome of the Pantheon either.

Find your new favourite garms

Unapologetic shopaholic? Rome hears you, whether you’re into luxury clothing, high street brands or all things vintage. Visit La Rinascente for fancy Italian heritage in an iconic department store, Via del Corso for famous boutiques and Piazza di Spagna for luxury brands (followed by a stroll up the Spanish Steps). In Monti, you’ll find vintage garments at decent prices and, for bric-à-brac and hidden gems, Porta Portese market beckons (it’s open only on Sundays, mind).

The coolest spots to hit up with kids

From the charming, narrow streets of Trastevere and the interactive exhibits at Mostra di Leonardo to, well, all the gelato shops, Rome is a top family destination. For even more fun, let the youngsters tire themselves out in the playgrounds of the beautiful Villa Borghese park and fire up their neurons at Il museo dei bambini di Roma.

When to go to Rome

Like most capitals, Rome is an all-year destination. To avoid sizzling temperatures and overwhelming tourist crowds, maybe give the months of June, July and August a miss. Many locals often leave the city for the summer to escape the heat and the tourists, too.

For slightly smaller crowds and not-so-disappointing weather, book your Rome holiday in either spring (March–April) or autumn (September–October). December’s festivities sprinkle magic over the city, with twinkling lights and merry get-togethers.

January–March is probably best for cheap Rome holidays. Sure, it’s cold, but so too is ole Blighty! As a bonus, you’ll have more of the city to yourself.

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