Guide
Things to Do in Rome
Beyond the guidebook: 15 curated luxury experiences in the Eternal City, from private Vatican access to hidden trattorias.
Rome beyond the tourist trail
Rome rewards those who go deeper. Yes, the Colosseum and Vatican are essential — but the Rome that locals love is found in Trastevere's cobbled alleys, in the early-morning calm of the Borghese Gallery, and on the rooftop terraces that look out across two thousand years of history.
Our concierge curates the Rome experience you won't find on TripAdvisor — private after-hours museum access, tables at restaurants that don't take online bookings, and guides who bring ancient history to life.
Our top picks
Borghese Gallery with a private guide is essential — Bernini's Apollo and Daphne deserves proper context, not a crowded audio tour. Colosseum underground access reveals the tunnels and chambers beneath the arena floor.
Hotel de la Ville's rooftop bar offers sunset cocktails with panoramic views across the city. A Trastevere food tour with a local guide covers supplì, cacio e pepe, and artisan gelato in the most atmospheric neighbourhood in Rome.
Curated Rome experiences
| Experience | Category | Budget | Booking |
|---|---|---|---|
| Borghese Gallery private tour | Art & Culture | £80–£150pp | Book 2–3 months ahead |
| Colosseum underground access | History | £50–£90pp | Limited daily tickets |
| Vatican early-morning tour | Art & Culture | £70–£130pp | Before crowds, 7:30am entry |
| Trastevere food tour | Food & Drink | £60–£100pp | Evening tours best |
| Rooftop bar, Hotel de la Ville | Drinks & Views | £25–£50pp | Reserve for sunset |
| Appian Way e-bike tour | Outdoor | £40–£70pp | Morning departure |
| Cooking class in Testaccio | Food & Drink | £80–£120pp | Small groups, book early |
| Palatine Hill guided walk | History | £30–£60pp | Combined Colosseum ticket |
| Dinner at Roscioli | Fine Dining | £70–£120pp | Reserve 3–4 weeks ahead |
| Night tour of Piazzas | Culture | £30–£50pp | Walk-in or guided |
| Day trip to Tivoli (Villa d'Este) | Day Trip | £50–£90pp | Private driver recommended |
| Gelato masterclass | Food & Drink | £40–£70pp | Family-friendly |
| Pantheon guided visit | History | £20–£40pp | Free entry, guide adds value |
| Aperitivo in Campo de' Fiori | Drinks & Views | £15–£30pp | Walk-in, 6–8pm |
| Bespoke shopping tour | Shopping | £100–£200pp | Via Condotti and beyond |
How Stirling Access helps
Instant itineraries
Tell us your dates and preferences. Our AI concierge builds a personalised itinerary in minutes, not hours.
Exclusive access
Private tours, VIP tables, members-only venues. We open doors that aren't available to the public.
24/7 via WhatsApp
Send us a message any time. Our concierge is available around the clock, instantly, via WhatsApp or web.
Completely free
No membership fees, no hidden costs. We earn commission from partners, so the service costs you nothing.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best things to do in Rome?
The Colosseum underground, Borghese Gallery with a private guide, a Trastevere food tour, and sunset cocktails at Hotel de la Ville are our top picks. Our WhatsApp concierge books all of these and more.
How many days do I need in Rome?
3–4 days is ideal. Day 1 for ancient Rome (Colosseum, Forum, Palatine), Day 2 for Vatican and art, Day 3 for food and neighbourhood exploration. Our concierge builds the perfect itinerary.
Is Rome expensive?
Rome offers great value compared to Paris or London. Street food is £3–5, a full meal £20–40, and many churches and piazzas are free. Our concierge finds experiences at every budget level.
Can Stirling Access book Rome restaurants?
Yes. We secure tables at in-demand restaurants like Roscioli, La Pergola, and Armando al Pantheon that are often fully booked online. Message us on WhatsApp with your dates.
What is the best time to visit Rome?
April–May and September–October offer the best weather without summer crowds. Our concierge plans trips year-round and adjusts recommendations to the season.
Do I need a guide in Rome?
A good guide transforms Rome from “old buildings” to “2,000 years of living history.” Our concierge arranges private guides who bring every site to life. The difference is extraordinary.
Experience the real Rome
Stirling Access is a free AI concierge. Tell us your Rome dates and we curate the perfect itinerary — 24/7 via WhatsApp.
Talk to our concierge