VISIT THE ETERNAL CITY

While Rome kicked off its Jubilee on Christmas Eve, visitors to the city can expect special events scheduled throughout 2025. The celebration of this Holy Year, that takes place every 25 years, dates back to the year 1300. Discover the wonders of Rome this year or start planning for 2026 and beyond. The city’s treasures — religious, historical, cultural, and, of course, culinary — are overflowing.

MUSEUMS GALORE
The Vatican Museums (including the Sistine Chapel) and St. Peter’s Basilica are among the top must-sees for any exploration of Rome. The Vatican Museums are 10 museums in one featuring incredible artistic treasures, including paintings, sculptures, tapestries, and more. And be sure to always look up so you do not miss some of the world’s most magnificent paintings on the ceilings. Highlights of the museums include Michelangelo’s “The Last Judgement” and the ceiling frescoes in The Sistine Chapel and The Raphael Rooms. St. Peter’s Basilica — the largest Catholic church in the world — houses its own incredible works of art. Don’t miss the artwork on the ceilings here, as well.

There is no need to bother with the long line or the possibility of not getting into the Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Basilica. Opt, as we did, for Walks City Experiences’ four-hour “Pristine Sistine Early Entrance Small Group Vatican Tour”, which is limited to a maximum of 15 guests. We were given early access, entering the Vatican Museums just as they opened to the public, followed by entrance to St. Peter’s via a special-access corridor, once again bypassing the line. Beyond this convenience, the tour’s local guide, who also happened to be an art historian, provided wonderful details and history about the works of art.

TOURING HAS ITS PRIVILEGES
The guided tour option is also a good idea to avoid the lines for another Rome favorite, the Colosseum and Forum. We opted for The Tour Guy’s three-hour “Privileged Entrance Colosseum Tour with Roman Forum & Palatine Hill”. Our excellent local guide led our small group first through the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, painting a picture of what life once was like during Ancient Rome. Next, we zipped right into the Colosseum, where once again our guide was able to recreate with words the experience for both gladiators and spectators who flocked to this iconic sight for gruesome battles

Rome is also home to some spectacular fountains, which have recently been cleaned and spoofed up for the Jubilee. The Trevi Fountain is one of the most popular spots to visit in Rome. Tradition has it that you are supposed to turn your back to the fountain and throw a coin in to make a wish to return to Rome. The lovely busy Baroque square Piazza Navona boasts its own stunning fountains.

Close to Piazza Navona, venture down Via dei Coronari for small artisan-type shops. A quick walk to Via del Governo Vecchio and you’ll find Two Sizes where you can order a small or large delicious Tiramisu to go. More shopping with major upscale retailers and street vendors in the Prati district can be found along Via Cola di Rienzo.

A GOLDEN ANNIVERSARY 
A few blocks from this major shopping area is Le Méridien Visconti Rome. The 242-room property celebrated its 50-year anniversary in 2024. The hotel recently debut two new “Iconic Suites” for its big anniversary year. The 861-square-foot Grand Suite and the 753-square-foot Top Suite, part of the Terrace Suites offered on the seventh and top floor of the hotel, boast both panoramic terraces and private hot tubs. For another option, we stayed in a one-bedroom Premier Suite, which offers plenty of space with King bed, two bathrooms, and separate living room with sofa bed and small table.

The Paparazzo Bar & Rooftop at Le Méridien combines views of Rome with original cocktails and a range of dishes. Other dining options at the hotel include Longitude 12 Bistrot & Jardin and Latitude 41 Restaurant for a daily buffet breakfast.

There is, of course, no shortage of exceptional dining anywhere in Rome. One choice includes Il Giardino Ristorante at the rooftop of Hotel Eden (the property was featured in season four of the Netflix series “Emily in Paris”). Besides the stunning view — including St. Peter’s Basilica, dining here is an experience that includes a modern take on Italian cuisine created by Chef Salvatore Bianco, who comes from a Michelin star background and recently took the helm. Don’t leave without checking out the celebrity photo wall.

To dine with and like the locals, try the tonnarelli cacio e pepe at Osteria Fratelli Mori, a family-run restaurant open for more than 20 years. Save room for nearby La Romana’s three-scoop gelato cone complete with whipped cream on top — the perfect way to end any night in Rome. The company was established in 1947 and today has 43 gelateries in Italy and another 30 in eight other countries.