Where to Eat, Stay & Play in Rome

“How often do you think about the Roman Empire?” If the viral 2023 TikTok trend — where women asked men in their lives this question — is anything to go by, the answer is “surprisingly frequently.” And it’s no wonder: the Romans are responsible for some of the world’s most impressive innovations, from complex aqueduct systems to architectural marvels like the Colosseum. From gladiators to emperors and world-famous statues, Rome, the heart of the sprawling empire, delivers drama in droves. Today, this legacy lives on, intertwined seamlessly with a vibrant nightlife, cutting-edge hotels and a restaurant scene like no other.

2025 is a year of Jubilee as decreed by the Pope. This event only occurs every 25 years and draws Catholics from all over the world. In preparation, Rome is giving its beloved marble structures a scrub — everything from the magnificent Monument to Victor Emmanuel II statue to Bernini’s sculptures — ahead of the momentous occasion. The locus of activity will be St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican, with mapped pilgrimage paths channeling visitors to churches across the city. And thanks to new tours, guided walks and hotel openings, there’s never been a better time to visit the Eternal City.