VISITROME.COM
The Rome Awards 2026
Every year we assess Rome’s independent tourism businesses on verified visitor ratings, review depth and consistency. No entry fee, no sponsorship — selection is earned, never bought.
558
Businesses assessed
168
Awards given
14
Categories
Eat & Drink
3 categoriesWhere to eat and drink in Rome, held to the standard locals set. Every venue below cleared our rating and review-depth thresholds before an editor ever wrote a word.
12 awardedBest Gelateria
Small-batch gelato judged on flavour depth, seasonality and the verdict of thousands of cones.
🏆 Gelateria La Romana dal 1947
Gelateria La Romana dal 1947 stands out for its authentic, traditional flavours and generous SUPERIOR portions, allowing visitors to enjoy up to three varieties, including pistachio and vegan dark chocolate. With a 4.9 rating from nearly 14,000 reviews, it remains a beloved institution in Rome’s Piazza Navona.
Highly Commended: Gelateria Artigianale Il Capriccio di Carla · Venchi Cioccolato e Gelato, Roma Via degli Orfani, Pantheon · MYO - LA GELATERIA
See all 71 in this directory →
20 awardedBest Wine Tasting Experience
Enoteche and tasting rooms pouring regional bottles with the knowledge to back them.
🏆 The Roman Food Tour & Cooking Italy
The Roman Food Tour & Cooking Italy offers an exceptional wine tasting experience seamlessly combined with hands-on pasta and tiramisu making classes. With expert hosts like Jenn Hilchey and Giorgio guiding intimate groups through authentic Roman flavours, it stands out for its engaging atmosphere and superb culinary education.
Highly Commended: Cantina Costantini · Food Tours of Rome · Minardi Historic Winery Tours
See all 90 in this directory →
14 awardedBest Rooftop Bar
A view is easy; consistently rated food and service at altitude is not. These deliver both.
🏆 Terrazza Nainer
Terrazza Nainer impresses with expertly crafted cocktails like their signature Negroni, complemented by attentive service from staff such as Jenny and panoramic views over Rome’s skyline at sunset. Its 4.8 rating from 726 reviewers reflects consistent praise for atmosphere and quality despite occasional reservation hiccups.
Highly Commended: 8th Floor Rooftop · Ambrosia · Mùn Rooftop Cocktail Bar
See all 46 in this directory →
Experiences & Tours
7 categoriesTours, classes and experiences whose guides and hosts earn their scores booking after booking — judged on what guests actually report, not marketing.
3 awardedBest Food Tour
Guided eating with substance — operators whose guests report real access, not tourist menus.
🏆 Eating Europe Food Tours Rome
Eating Europe Food Tours Rome delights with expertly curated tastings, from crispy suppli to authentic gelato, guided by passionate locals like Gisella and Rish who blend humour, storytelling, and deep culinary knowledge. Their engaging approach and carefully selected venues have earned a flawless 5-star acclaim from over 20,000 guests.
Highly Commended: Gourmetaly Rome Food Tours · Full Belly Tours
See all 6 in this directory →
17 awardedBest Cooking Class
Hands-on kitchens where travellers learn the classics from hosts reviewers mention by name.
🏆 Eat and Walk Italy - Best Cooking Classes in Rome
Eat and Walk Italy’s pasta and tiramisu classes, led by engaging chefs like Leo and Mimi, skilfully combine hands-on instruction with convivial dining on a sunny terrace. With nearly 9,500 five-star reviews applauding clear guidance and friendly atmosphere, it stands out as Rome’s premier cooking school.
Highly Commended: EnjoyCooking.com · InRome Cooking Classes · Rome With Chef
See all 34 in this directory →
6 awardedBest Walking Tour & Private Guide
Guides whose storytelling earns near-perfect scores across hundreds of walks.
🏆 Tipsy Tours Rome
Winner in the Best Walking Tour & Private Guide category, holding 5 out of 5 across 2810 reviews.
Highly Commended: What About Tours · Italian ArtVentures Private Tours · Guide Elena Rome Vatican Tours
See all 12 in this directory →
11 awardedBest Bike Tour & Rental
Two-wheel operators rated for routes, safety and guides in equal measure.
🏆 Roma STARBIKE - Rome eBike Tours & Experiences
Roma STARBIKE - Rome eBike Tours & Experiences earns top marks for its expertly guided cycling routes through Rome’s historic sites, including the Appian Way and Calisto Catacombs. With enthusiastic guides like Salah, Ricardo, and Gio, plus reliably comfortable bikes, this tour consistently delivers insightful, well-paced journeys praised by thousands of visitors.
Highly Commended: Unlimited Biking (Formerly Fat Tire Tours) · Free Bike Tours Rome · Luigi's Rome E-Bike Tour - Quality E-Bikes, Small Groups, Private Tours
See all 23 in this directory →
18 awardedBest Vespa & Scooter Experience
Scooter and sidecar experiences with the review record to justify the postcard moment.
🏆 stpetersbasilicawheelchair.com
StPetersBasilicawheelchair.com delivers a seamless, professional service, transforming accessibility in Rome with thoughtful wheelchair rentals and disabled-friendly tours. Guides like Lauricio and Larry provide exceptional care, ensuring every guest enjoys the Vatican Museums and Colosseum with ease and flexibility.
Highly Commended: Vittoria Rent Noleggio Scooter · My Scooter Rent in Rome · Easy Bike Rent Rome
See all 39 in this directory →
14 awardedBest Day-Trip Operator
Operators who get you out of town and back with itineraries guests consistently rate.
🏆 Carpe Diem Tours
Carpe Diem Tours excels in delivering personalised day trips, with guides like Román and Kopal noted for their adaptability, warmth, and expert knowledge. Their Rome and Budapest tours consistently receive praise, reflected in a flawless 5-star rating from over 9,000 travellers worldwide.
Highly Commended: Rutas Romanas · My Best Tour · Turtle Tours - Golf cart tours in Rome
See all 29 in this directory →
10 awardedBest Vacation Photographer
Vacation photographers whose galleries and reviews both stand scrutiny.
🏆 Emgarro Rome Photography
Emgarro Rome Photography excels in capturing timeless moments with expert guidance and genuine warmth, as seen in Emil’s flawless documentation of surprise proposals and family shoots alike. Their adaptability and attention to detail, praised in 481 five-star reviews, make every session a seamless and memorable experience.
Highly Commended: Catullo Photography · Mike Kire · Photographer in Rome | Ronas 📸🎥
See all 22 in this directory →
Where to Stay
1 categoryIndependent places to stay with the review histories to prove the welcome — booked direct, with the owners answering the door.
Getting Around
2 categoriesThe practical layer of a good trip: transfers, drivers and services rated on the things that matter — punctuality, honesty and calm.
14 awardedBest Airport Transfer & Private Driver
Drivers and transfer firms rated on the two things that matter: punctuality and calm.
🏆 Driverinrome Tours and Transportation
Driverinrome Tours and Transportation impresses with punctual, professional service, as highlighted by drivers Vlad and Dan who expertly guide guests through Rome’s historic landmarks and beyond. The seamless airport transfers and personalised excursions, including visits to Casa Emma vineyard, consistently earn top marks for reliability and local insight.
Highly Commended: NCC Taxi Roma By Car · Luxury Rome Tour · Romecabs
See all 29 in this directory →
12 awardedBest Luggage Storage
Safe, simple bag drops rated by thousands of travellers between check-out and flight.
🏆 Star Luggage Deposit
Star Luggage Deposit offers a straightforward, no-fuss luggage storage service just two minutes from Roma Termini, near platform 23/24. With reliable, friendly staff and a flat rate of €5 per suitcase, it provides excellent value and peace of mind for travellers exploring Rome.
Highly Commended: RENTING AWAY - LUGGAGE STORAGE · STORE ME IN TRASTEVERE Luggage Storage Rome Trastevere · Bibbo Luggage Storage
See all 32 in this directory →
Wellness & Shopping
1 categoryThe slow-down stops — spas, workshops and makers with real substance behind their ratings.
Run a great Rome business?
The awards can’t be bought — but they can be earned. Our editors continuously assess Rome’s tourism and hospitality businesses, and every category is re-judged each edition. If you believe your business belongs on this list, tell us about it: what you do, where you are, and what your guests say.
Put your business forward → [email protected]Nomination guarantees consideration, not selection — the data decides.
How businesses are selected
Selection is data-led. We analyse publicly verifiable visitor ratings and review volume for every eligible business in Rome, apply per-category quality thresholds, and rank on a combined score of rating strength and review depth. Our editors then review each shortlist and write an individual citation describing what earned the recognition.
Three tiers are given per category: one Winner, up to five Highly Commended, and a limited number of Recommended businesses. Businesses cannot pay to be included, and awarded businesses are re-assessed every edition. Award holders who display their badge are automatically entered into the final judging round for the following edition’s Winner title.