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5 Reasons Why This Iconic European City Should Be On Your 2024 Bucket List

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More Americans are traveling to destinations that blend culture and history with a dash of adventure than ever before. Few destinations fit these criteria more than Italy’s ancient and vibrant capital. 

Rome is way more than a TikTok fad or a place to take selfies next to old buildings. Italy’s capital has been at the center of the Mediterranean world for millennia and it offers Americans one of the most culturally rich travel experiences in Europe. 

St Peter's Cathedral behind the Aelian Bridge, Rome, Italy

You’ll get non-stop experiences, warm weather, and enjoy one of the most famous culinary scenes on the continent. Plus, it’s easy to get there and get around. 

Here are 5 reasons why you’ll have the trip of a lifetime traveling to Rome in 2024:

New Ways To Experience Its History And Culture

Rome is one of the world’s hotspots for history and culture. Now more than ever, you can experience its ancient marvels up close and personal. 

The Colosseum Underground Tour is a new tour created by the local tour operator, the Hornblower Group and the Parco Archeologico del Colosseo. Now, you can tour the underground tunnels where the Roman gladiators once prepared for their grizzly fights.

Rome Ruins

While exploring the city’s rich architecture and museums on foot is easy, a new service called RomeCabs allows you to see the historical and cultural landmarks in and around the city in the comfort of a cab and with your own personal English-speaking driver. 

Another must-visit is the Appian Way, one of the oldest roads in the world. This tree-lined 2000-year-old Roman highway is nominated to become a new UNESCO World Heritage Site and was included in National Geographic's list of the best tourist destinations on earth. 

Amazing Cuisine And Nightlife

Italy is one of the world’s great food capitals and the perfect place to party. Each region has its own food and wine, and Rome is a one-stop-shop to experience it all. 

dinner table with traditional Italian food in Rome

From the high-end gastronomy of establishments such as La Tavernaccia and the Rinascente Food Market to the old-school haunts tucked away in centuries-old buildings, Rome is a foodie’s paradise. 

As the night falls, you’ll find plenty of world-class bars, clubs, and live music. This year, Rome’s bars Drink Kong and Freni e Frizioni made it on the World’s 50 Best Bars list, giving you all the more reasons to head to Rome for a culinary experience. 

All Roads Lead To Rome

Rome is easy to get to from almost every corner of the earth. Two international airports, Leonardo da Vinci Airport (Fiumicino) and Ciampino Airport, connect the city to international destinations around the world. 

You can also travel to Rome by high-speed train. With Rome at its center, Italy’s rail network is efficient and connects it to other major European cities. 

Window View Of Plane Flying Above Rome In Italy, Europe

Once you’re inside the city, it’s easy to get around on foot or by the convenient metro. Three lines connect you to each corner of the city and all its landmarks. 

Another popular way to get around the ancient city is by bike. Biking in Rome is becoming increasingly popular, with an expanding network of bicycle lanes and bike rentals across the city. 

The usual rental rate for bikes is close to $20 per day. There are several e-bike-sharing services, such as Helbiz, Dott, and Lime, that have stations throughout the city.

History Around Every Corner

Needless to say, Rome is very old, and there are no limits to the amount of historical landmarks and places in this city of 4 million people. 

You’ll be able to visit buildings from the Roman Empire, such as the Colosseum, The Pantheon, and the open square of ruined temples and government buildings known as the Foro Romano. 

Pantheon, Rome, Italy

Don’t forget to see sights like the Trevi Fountain and Vatican City, the world’s smallest independent country by land area.  

Rome’s also the perfect place for spending hours at museums and getting lost in its history. Imagine walking through the timeless flying machines and contraptions in the Museum Leonardo Da Vinci Experience or the wealth of art in the Vatican Museums. 

Year-Round Good Weather

The Romans knew how to build a city. Rome enjoys year-round pleasant weather, a Mediterranean climate, and plenty of sunshine that keeps the surrounding vineyards healthy and people happy. 

Woman visiting Piazza Navona square in Rome, Italy

The city experiences snow once every five years, and frost occurs sporadically from December to February. Although most rain falls in the winter, it adds the perfect romantic backdrop to the city’s already romantic scenery. 

The only downside is the summer heat. However, Rome is a short train, bus, or car ride from the Mediterranean coast. You’re also less than an hour away from Lago Di Bracciano, one of the cleanest lakes in Italy and the best place for a summer swim, surrounded by the Italian countryside.

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