Essential Rome Travel Books and Guides

Here are 10 recommended guidebooks for Rome, which is one of the most popular travel destinations in Italy. In Rome, you will discover ancient Roman sites, stunning medieval and Renaissance architecture, beautiful fountains, and exceptional museums. This list features essential reads to enhance your travel experience.

Eating Rome: Living the Good Life in the Eternal City

Written by Elizabeth Minchilli, who has been eating in Rome since the age of twelve, this guide offers insights into not just restaurants but also food markets, coffee bars, gelato shops, and more. Discover the best culinary spots in the city, all personally recommended by Elizabeth. This guide is available for Kindle.

DK Eyewitness Travel Guide: Rome

DK Eyewitness Travel Guides are known for their vivid photos, detailed floor plans, and comprehensive maps. Additionally, this guide provides suggestions on what to see, where to go, and insights into activities in Rome.

National Geographic Traveler: Rome

This book from National Geographic features stunning photographs, detailed maps, guided walking tours, and essential visitor information to navigate the city effectively.

The Rome Guide: Step by Step Through History’s Greatest City

A meticulously crafted guide that details 10 different walks throughout the city, offering intricate information about monuments and historical significance, making it ideal for travelers seeking depth.

Quiet Corners of Rome

David Downie’s “Quiet Corners of Rome” presents a collection of 60 serene and beautiful locations scattered throughout the city, providing an escape from the hustle and bustle. Accompanied by stunning photography, this compact guide is easy to carry during your Roman adventure.

Rome the Second Time

This installment in the Curious Traveler Series features 15 unique itineraries that intentionally skip the Colosseum. If you’re revisiting Rome and wish to discover off-the-beaten-path gems, this book is filled with intriguing insights and recommendations. It’s also available for Kindle.

Modern Rome: 4 Great Walks for the Curious Traveler

A follow-up to “Rome the Second Time,” this guide highlights walks in three distinctive 20th-century neighborhoods along with the famed staircases of Trastevere. It can be enjoyable even if you don’t plan to follow the walks. While available in Kindle format, readers may find the paperback version more user-friendly for map reading.

Lonely Planet Rome

Lonely Planet provides an extensive look at over 800 destinations in Rome, featuring 30 detailed maps. This guide includes local tips from residents and comprehensive information about history, art, and architecture, as well as dining and nightlife options. It is also available in Kindle format.

I Am John, I Am Paul: A Story of Two Soldiers in Ancient Rome

This fictional narrative serves as a compelling introduction to early Christianity, shedding light on the lives of Saints John and Paul. It’s a recommended read before visiting the Case Romane archeological site, known for its ancient Roman houses and early Christian remnants below the Church of Saints John and Paul in Rome. This title is also available for Kindle.

Flavors of Rome: How, What and Where to Eat in the Eternal City

In “Flavors of Rome,” readers will discover the unique culinary offerings of the city, which differ significantly from Italian cuisine in the United States. The guide features excellent restaurant recommendations and a practical food glossary at the end. Lightweight and portable, this book is perfect for any traveler exploring Rome.

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