Ultimate Guide to Visiting Rome for History Lovers

Rome, the capital city of Italy, is a truly stunning city, rich witch culture, great food, and history, it provides an in-depth travel experience many other cities can’t offer due to their modernization. 

If you’re a lover of history or simply want to know how to make the most out of your visit to Rome, here are some of the city’s best hotels, restaurants, and activities for you to enjoy during your stay.

Best Hotels in Rome for History Lovers

The hotel scene in Rome is diverse and eclectic, with many historical establishments that make the perfect respite for those interested in traditional design and architecture. Each of these hotels is incredibly authentic in design, with intriguing modern touches and beautiful renovations that don't take away from the history of the building but rather enhance it to ensure a wonderful stay for guests visiting today.

From classy, elegant boutiques, to more modernized establishments with historical bones, the exciting array of hotels in Rome truly offers something for every kind of visitor.

Margutta 19, Campo Marzio, Rome

This stylish, all-suite hotel is situated centrally in Campo Marzio, just a few minutes walk from the famous Piazza del Popolo, Villa Borghese, and the Spanish steps. It sits on one of Rome’s most beautiful cobbled streets and is surrounded by many vibrant and eclectic art galleries.

The interior of the hotel boasts elegant furnishings, reminiscent of post-war Italy, that give the hotel a unique, historic feel, but rest assured that despite its look, it boasts all the facilities and services of any great modern-day hotel. The hotel is home to a shared garden, a 24-hour concierge at the front desk, a sun terrace, free Wi-Fi throughout, and the on-site restaurant, EMME, which specializes in gourmet Italian tapas, and boasts a stunning garden terrace for alfresco dining. Guests can also enjoy an American breakfast here.

All of the suites at this hotel are equally as elegant in design as the rest of the building and come fitted with great amenities including air-conditioning, a flat-screen satellite TV, a mini-bar (stocked with free soft drinks), and an iPad. Some of the larger suites also boast their own terrace and separate seating areas.

G-Rough, Parione, Rome

Despite its luxurious appearance, the name of this hotel doesn’t quite do it justice. The ‘G’ is shared with the hotel’s sister property (PalazzinaG, located in Venice), and the ‘Rough’ indicates its stripped-back aesthetic. Nevertheless, this is a great hotel in a great location, sitting just a mere 164 feet from Piazza Navona Square.

The painted walls of this hotel boast bold artwork, with some suites even displaying graffiti that was created during a demolition party that took place during the hotel’s renovation. Unlike many other hotels, this one offers up a range of unique and exciting experiences, that are simply not to be missed. Whether you want to enjoy an urban picnic or create a leather bag with guidance from a leading designer, the choice is yours! 

Other things offered by this hotel include a stunning gold-bricked bar on the ground floor, a free welcome drink on arrival, free Wi-Fi throughout, and room service for breakfast.

Each of the rooms is individually designed, and each boasts air-conditioning and a flat-screen satellite TV. Most of the rooms pay homage to the building’s heritage thanks to their wood-beamed ceilings, and some even have their own seating area and a terrace or a balcony.

The Fifteen Keys Hotel, Monti, Rome

Sitting amongst the vintage shops and independent cafes of the Monti district, The Fifteen Keys Hotel is located just a 10-minute walk from The Coliseum and is only a 4-minute walk from the Cavour Metro Station.

This very small hotel is full of character and boasts a stunning garden terrace where guests can enjoy a delicious cocktail from the on-site bar. There are a select number of communal spaces, including a breakfast room and a lobby, but the hotel offers complimentary bicycle rental for those looking to explore a little further afield.

As previously mentioned, this hotel is incredibly small, with just 15 rooms, which vary in size. Each is incredibly well-designed and brings the building’s historical character to life through its pale parquet floors, exposed brickwork, and industrial-style lighting. They boast great views across the rooftops of the city and across the leafy courtyard garden and include amenities such as air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi, a 40-inch LCD Satellite TV, a mini-bar, and an electric kettle.

Hotel Stendhal, Campo Marzio, Rome

Thanks to its central location right in the middle of the city, in the fabulous Campo Marzio district, Hotel Stendhal is an ideal place to stay for those traveling with children or who cannot walk too far, but still want to enjoy as much sightseeing as possible. With both the Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps only a 5-minute walk away, there’s plenty to see and do nearby including a great designer shopping area, and it is located just 328 feet from Barberini Metro Station, so there’s plenty of great transport links across the city.

The hotel is a popular choice for its knowledgeable and friendly staff, cozy on-site library bar (complete with gorgeous windows over Via del Tritone), and large continental buffet breakfast. It boasts free Wi-Fi throughout, and a uniquely elegant style that combines the building’s classic architecture with modern amenities.

There’s a great range of rooms to choose from, all at a reasonable price, from suites to deluxe connecting rooms, there’s something to suit every kind of traveler. They vary in style too, from classical elegance to a contemporary boutique feel, so you can design your dream getaway. No matter which room you choose though, they each come with satellite TV, air conditioning, and a free mini-bar.

Villa Spalletti Trivelli, Monti, Rome

Situated around a five-minute walk from the Trevi Fountain, this historic mansion, built by Gabriella Rasponi (one of Napoleon’s relatives), boasts a stunning aristocratic heritage through its design. 

With an overall ambiance of historical elegance, there are plenty of great on-site amenities that bring the history of this stunning building to the modern day. Head down to the basement, where you can find a gorgeous spa, inspired by traditional Roman baths, and indulge in various massage treatments there. There’s also a great on-site gym that’s free to use for hotel guests, as well as a modernized rooftop bar, which boasts multiple jacuzzis and sun loungers. An Italian breakfast is served, alongside an American breakfast, buffet style, every morning, and this is served on the shaded garden terrace when the weather is fine.

Each of the luxurious rooms is decorated in a stunning mix of both modern and traditional styles, truly paying homage to the history of the hotel through the artworks and original, elegant, antique furnishings. Each comes with its own seating area as well as an LCD Satellite TV.

Best Restaurants in Rome for History Lovers

When it comes to choosing the perfect place to dine in Rome, there's a great selection of many different restaurants, the majority of which boast mouthwateringly authentic Italian cuisine, from various regions across the country. With a great range of both casual and upscale establishments too, there's plenty on offer here!

Whether you're looking to dine on something new and creative, enjoy a one-of-a-kind deli-turn restaurant experience, or see a real-life Picasso in an artsy restaurant steeped in history, there's the perfect dining spot for everyone in Rome.

Tramae, Trevi, Rome

Situated on the ground floor of Palazzo Talìa, a 16th-century mansion that has since been renovated into a high-end boutique hotel by filmmaker Luca Guadagnino is the stunning Tramae restaurant. It's a great spot for romantic dinners, but be sure to book well in advance if you'd like to reserve a table.

This upscale establishment is nothing short of historical in design, with walls covered in hundreds of blown glass mirror tiles from Murano in the accompanying Il Bar della Musa. The dining room is equally as beautiful, but the real star of the show here is the food.

Diners can indulge in a journey through Italy’s classic dishes, each reimagined with the chef’s own personal flair. The dishes focus closely on fish, thanks to the head chef’s Sorrento heritage, but there is plenty for everyone to enjoy here. If the weather permits, guests can enjoy alfresco dining out in the North African-style garden, surrounded by stunning potted palm and lemon trees.

Zia, Trastevere, Rome

Although not noted for history, we simply had to include this outstanding elevated dining experience on the list thanks to its Michelin-starred status and extensive wine list of over 900 different labels (many of which are historical artifacts in their own right by this point!)
 
Owned by and named after talented chef Antonio Ziantoni, this restaurant is tucked away in a secluded part of Trastevere, with low lighting and tasteful decoration, there’s a welcoming and inviting ambiance right off the bat. As one of Rome’s more interesting fine-dining spots, you can expect the menu to carefully balance playfulness and elegance in a variety of dishes full of flavors from across the country.

Bivium, Trevi, Rome

This chic piazza-style restaurant is located in the cool Six Senses Hotel, where chefs work in an open kitchen, featuring a Josper grill for meat, fish, and vegetables. There’s a deli corner here too, with fresh produce, raw food, specialty coffee, and homemade gelato.

The menu features a great range of plant-based ingredients and organic, local meats alike. With a seasonal, farm-to-table approach to the menu, you’re guaranteed a fresh and delicious meal no matter what you choose, but many previous diners opt for the crunchy pizza made from a special combination of ancient grains.

After dinner, be sure to head up to the rooftop bar, Notos, where you can enjoy a refreshing drink and stunning views of the city.

Roscioli, Centro, Rome

This deli-turn restaurant is a must-try for any food lovers visiting Rome. It offers any kind of dining option you please, be it gourmet food shopping, takeouts, or even a sit-down lunch.

Peruse the long counter, located at the entrance, one of the finest attractions here, boasting over 300 different cured meats and cheeses. Just behind this is a section for dining, lined with bottles from the restaurant’s extensive wine list, and gorgeous exposed brick.

Indulge in authentic Roman flavors, from cold cuts (selected straight from the counter) to popular pasta dishes and delicious cheese platters.

Osteria La Segreta, Centro, Rome

Osteria La Segreta is a charming and elegant establishment that serves up harmonious flavors of Campania. Owned by Antonio Giardi (a famous architect and art lover), there’s no surprise that the interior boasts an eclectic art collection, including a Picasso!

Giardi personally selects the best of the best when it comes to suppliers, all of which are located in his native region, ensuring nothing but the very best when it comes to sourcing regional ingredients. It’s thanks to this carefully curated approach that the result is nothing short of magnificent, with exceptional dishes all across the menu.

Some of the most popular choices here include mozzarella grilled on a lemon leaf, fried calamaretti, and desserts such as rum baba and pastiera.

Best Things to do in Rome for History Lovers

Rome is a truly remarkable city to visit for those interested in history, thanks to its many great museums, stunning artifacts, and iconic landmarks. There’s so much to uncover in this city that it’s difficult to know where to start!

Here are some of our favorite attractions to visit in Rome that guarantee a great getaway for any historian or history lover.

Visit the flea market of Porta Portese, Trastevere, Rome

If you’re a lover of history visiting Rome, it’s one thing to simply see all of the famous sights, but it’s another thing to be able to bring a piece of this uniquely historical city home with you. To ensure you find the best souvenir you can get your hands on, be sure to bypass the shops, and instead, head down to Porta Portese.

Held on Sundays, the fleamarket here is a great attraction for locals and tourists alike, where you can find everything from vintage radios, to old scooters, and everything in between, including jewelry, wearable goods, and trinkets! There’s also a great second-hand clothing market where you can get gorgeous jeans and leather jackets at Via Sannio in the San Giovanni district.

Vicus Caprarius, Trevi, Rome

Step inside this museum to head below the bustling Trevi district, and into a unique and intricate maze to the archeological ruins of Vicus Capararius (roughly translated to “City of Water”).

This old Roman apartment complex dates back to the first century AD and provides a glimpse into the life of wealthy Romans from this time period. You can even see the aqueduct they used for their water, the same one that feeds the Trevi fountain!

It’s not one of the most popular tourist spots, but that’s because many passers-by don’t realize it’s there, thanks to its unassuming entrance. They offer guided tours and self-guided tours, and there’s a great bar upstairs if you’re in need of a great place to rest once you’ve finished exploring.

Basillica of Santa Maria, Trastevere, Rome

It goes without saying that Rome is home to hundreds of churches, but Santa Maria in the neighborhood of Trastevere is arguably the most stunning of them all. With gorgeous mosaics and a beautiful gilded ceiling, it’s not a surprise that plenty of architectural and design creativity has gone into this stunning piece of history - even the structure of the church is something to be marveled at.

Dating back to the medieval period, this stunning church helps bring to life a time in history that is often overshadowed by the more famous Renaissance and Baroque periods.

Capitoline Museums, Capitoline Hill, Rome

There’s little more a history lover enjoys on their travels than a day out at a museum, and for this reason, we simply had to include the Capitoline Museums on this list. Home to one of the finest collections of ancient sculptures not just in the city, but in the world, the Capitoline Museums are one of the most beautiful attractions in the city. Thankfully, they’re rarely crowded, making it easy to explore the stunning buildings (two of which were designed by Michelangelo!) with ease.

Colosseum, Celio, Rome

No trip to Rome is complete without a visit to the Colosseum. Originally used for wild beast hunts, gladiator fights and public executions, before becoming home to medieval Romans who resided here, the Colosseum is one of the most unusual historical landmarks on earth.

Be sure to spend some time in the exhibition area, located on the second floor to fully embrace this historical spot.