Rome, an ancient city steeped in history, is not just about relics of the past. Many luxury experiences in Rome will also make you appreciate the beauty and style of the ‘Eternal City.’
From staying in 5-star hotels and villas to savoring exquisite flavors in some of the world’s most prestigious restaurants, Rome provides unparalleled opportunities for unforgettable experiences beyond mere sightseeing.
If you want to indulge in the crème de la crème of what the Italian capital offers, join us as we unveil seven luxury experiences in Rome that would fit any elite traveler’s itinerary.
The 7 Best Luxury Experiences in Rome
1. Staying at Luxurious Villas and 5-star Hotels in Rome
Of course, staying at a 5-star hotel or villa is among the ultimate luxury experiences in Rome. And there are so many high-end accommodations in the city that we could write an entire post about it (and probably will). However, here are some of the best luxury villas and hotels in Rome:
- NH Collection Roma Fori Imperiali: This 5-star hotel is in the center of the Eternal City, overlooking the Roman Forum. It offers a rooftop bar and restaurant with stunning views of Rome. The breakfast menu is à la carte and has an excellent reputation among visitors.
- Palazzo Montemartini Rome: This 5-star hotel features the Cashera Spa, heated mini pools with hydromassage jets, a Hamman, and a sauna. It is near the Baths of Diocletian in the Termini area and houses a restaurant serving Italian cuisine, beautiful gardens, and modern rooms.
- Torre delle Cornacchie: To fully live your Italian fantasy, you should stay in this gorgeous villa in Rome. The villa features a seasonal pool, hot tub, garden, outdoor dining area, and parking space. Though the Torre delle Cornacchie is around 6 miles from the city’s center, its countryside location makes it the perfect place for a luxury experience in Rome. You’ll feel like you just wandered into an oasis.
2. Eating at Michelin-starred Restaurants
Italian gastronomy is famous for being one of the best cuisines in the world. So, you could get excellent pasta or pizza in most Roman restaurants. However, when it comes to fine dining, there are no better options than the Michelin-star-awarded restaurants in Rome.
Here are some of the best Michelin-starred restaurants in Rome:
- Zia is a restaurant in Trastevere, a foodie paradise in Rome. However, Zia stands out from the more casual restaurants in Trastevere because of its sophisticated atmosphere. The menu includes sea scallop macaroni, blue lobster, buffalo mozzarella risotto, and other mouthwatering options. Zia’s selection of at least 350 wines is another reason this restaurant is among the top luxury experiences in Rome.
- Glass Hostaria is another excellent option in Trastevere, one of the best neighborhoods in Rome. This Restaurant stands out because of its extensive vegan menu. However, you will also find tasty meat and fish dishes in this restaurant that mixes tradition with modern approaches. The tasting menu includes six courses and is ideally suited to understanding Rome’s high cuisine.
- Idylio by Apreda. This restaurant is in the Pantheon Iconic Hotel, in the center of Rome, and gets its name after its chef, Francesco Apreda. The Neapolitan-influenced menu features dishes with an Asian flare. The restaurant’s menu includes roasted macaroni pasta with Neapolitan Ragù, spiced duck breast, and deer saddle with Cesanese red wine, pumpkin, and cumin. And, as you would expect from a Micheline-star restaurant in Rome, the wine selection is also impressive.
You can also book a Rome food tour to learn about the best restaurants in the city quickly. A food tour is especially helpful if you visit Rome for the first time.
3. Shopping at High-end Italian Fashion Boutiques
Although Milan takes the crown as the fashion capital of Italy, Rome has plenty of luxury designer boutiques.
In particular, the area surrounding the Spanish Steps made famous in the movie Roman Holiday with Audrey Hepburn, hosts many high-end designer boutiques. The steps are near Piazza di Spagna, and several streets like Via Condotti and Via Borgognona are home to fashion houses like Ferragamo, Gucci, Prada, and Valentino. Hence, you’ll find high-quality Italian-designed goodies in this part of Rome.
If you love thrifting, you’ll find several vintage shops in Rome, especially near Piazza Navona. In particular, Via del Governo Vecchio hosts Salvatore Michele and Cinzia Vestiti Usati, both boutiques with curated selections of vintage clothing. This street is also home to Prestigio Interni di GIOVANNI PAPA, an antique shop that sells everything from furniture to art.
Another must-see place in Rome for shopaholics is the Rinascente department store. Located on Via del Tritone, near the Trevi Fountain, this 8-floor shopping complex sells brands like Chanel, Versace and Fendi. There’s also a Michelin-star restaurant and a rooftop bar with great views of the city at La Rinascente.
4. Going on a Cruise Along the Tiber River
If you plan a romantic getaway in Rome, consider booking a cruise along the Tiber River. These cruises usually include snacks with wine and a tour guide who will explain all the sites you’ll pass by. However, there are also other options with sushi or only an aperitif.
Going on a cruise along the Tiber River during the sunset is a top luxury experience in Rome and a very romantic one.
5. Having an Elite Spa Experience
Rome is such a tourist hotspot that it can get overwhelming to walk through its many attractions. However, the Italian capital is also home to many elite spas and wellness centers to decompress and wind down after a long day of sightseeing. Here are some of the best spas in Rome:
- Kami Spa: This Asian-influenced spa is in The St. Regis Rome Hotel, near Piazza della Repubblica, one of the best areas to stay in Rome. Kami offers massages and treatments that are traditional in Thailand and Indonesia. There’s even a package to help you overcome jet lag at this central spa!
- AcquaMadre: For a full-on Hamman treatment, head to AcquaMadre in Rome’s Jewish Ghetto. This wellness center features pools with different temperatures and saunas with health benefits. This treatment dates back to Ancient Greece and will help you relax during your Roman holiday.
- Caschera Spa: Located inside the Palazzo Montemartini Hotel in central Rome, this spa prioritizes water in its treatments. Hence, Caschera offers jacuzzis, sensory showers, and pools with relaxing waterfalls. This spa, which is fittingly near the ancient Emperor Diocletian’s baths, also features a sauna and offers massages.
6. Taking Private Cooking Lessons
Whether visiting Rome on a romantic getaway or with friends, taking a cooking class in the Eternal City is an unforgettable experience. And, considering how famous Italian cuisine is, there are many culinary lessons in Rome to choose from.
From pasta and traditional pizza to Tiramisú and gelato, there are group and couple cooking classes in Rome for all tastes and skill levels. These lessons also include fine wine tasting for an extra fancy experience. The best part? You’ll be able to return to your city and impress your loved ones with a new, delicious homemade dish.
7. Buying Custom-made Italian Goods
Finally, you can get custom-made Italian goods in Rome that are the perfect gift.
Italian leather, in particular, stands out for its quality and craftsmanship. In Rome, you should visit Mancini, a traditional shop near the Pantheon that opened in 1918. This shop is a must-see place for handmade travel bags, purses, and briefcases that are more unique than department store products.
Another famous Italian product that is synonymous with Rome is mosaics. A particular shop near the city’s Botanic Garden owned by an artisan called Aegea Mosaici sells beautiful, one-of-a-kind mosaics. This shop also offers lessons for anyone with an artistic flair, a great luxury experience in Rome.