If you’re heading to Italy, you need to experience “la dolce vita” with a visit to Rome. No doubt your time is sadly limited, so we’re here to help. Here are the 21 best things to do in Rome.
1. Trevi Fountain
The famous Trevi Fountain is ensconced in the midst of a hot spot for both shopping and nightlife. Completed in the mid-1700s, it has been through an extensive expensive restoration process that was completed in 2015. Take in its baroque beauty and discover what happens if you toss three coins into it too.
2. St. Peter’s Basilica
Admission to St. Peter’s Basilica is free. A landmark of Catholicism, this place of worship is located in Vatican City. Although closed on Wednesdays for regular papal appearances, it’s otherwise open daily. Climb the 871 steps to the top of the dome and enjoy the spectacular view of the local landscape.
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3. Pantheon
This present-day church and former pagan temple was built in 120 A.D. It is world-famous for its amazingly perfect proportions. Visit the resting places of all those buried here including King Umberto I, King Victor Emmanuel II and the legendary Raphael (the famous artist, not the teenage mutant ninja turtle). Admission is free.
4. Colosseum
Also known as Colosseo, this wonder of engineering was completed and opened in 80. A.D. Located on marshland, its circumference is 573 yards and could once host nearly 50,000 people. Once a human-and animal-rights atrocity, it was the site of gladiatorial fights at least as gory as the “Saw” movie franchise.
5. Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel
Veteran visitors highly recommend taking a tour of the Vatican Museums as this provides you with access to several sections of the palaces there. Here you can see the famous Sistine Chapel and Michelangelo’s famous artwork. You will also visit the spiral staircase, the Raphael Rooms, and more.
6. Roman Forum
“Foro Romano” is close to the more popular Colosseum. It is also free to visit. Although a lot of it is in ruins, the complex is said by some to actually be more interesting. It includes some of the most important structures of legendary Ancient Rome from government house to shrines and monuments.
7. Church of San Luigi dei Francesi
Located in Piazza Navona, this church is also free to visit. Additionally, this place of worship is home to some impressive works of art including a trio of works by the popular baroque artist Caravaggio: his most famous “Calling of St. Matthew”, “Matthew and the Angel,” and “Matthew’s Martyrdom.”
8. Santa Maria della Vittoria
Featured in the motion picture “Angels and Demons”, here you can spot numerous Robert Langdon wannabes as well as several baroque artworks including the famous Ecstasy of St. Teresa statue in Gianlorenzo Bernini’s Cornaro Chapel. Some veteran visitors describe this comparatively small church as both “incredible” and “stunning.” Admission is free.
9. Trastevere
If you really want to experience “the real Rome,” then Trastevere is the place to do it. Found just south of famous Vatican City, this popular, ivy-twined neighborhood is often compared to the Left Bank of Paris. It’s highlighted by cobblestone streets, the well-known Santa Maria, local shops, microbreweries, and comparatively inexpensive restaurants.
10. Basilica di San Clemente
The famous Basilica di San Clemente is especially interesting to fans of archaeology. It is a church from the 1100s, over a fourth-century place of worship, over a pagan temple, an actual shrine for the ancient god Mithras, from the second century. Admission to this architectural nesting doll is free.
11. Piazza Navona
Piazza Navona is arguably one of Rome’s most famous public squares. In fact, it harkens back to the late 1400s. Today, you will find locals and tourists alike having a coffee amidst various artists and street performers. You will also find numerous cafes and shops. Finally, you will also see several noteworthy monuments too.
12. Gianicolo Hill
Passeggiata del Gianicolo, also known as the Janiculum, is a “must see” tourist stop found in Trastevere, west of the well-known Tiber River. It’s a nice place for hikers and from the top, you can get a totally unobstructed view of the entire city including such famous landmarks as the Altare della Patria and St. Peter’s Basilica.
13. Campo de’ Fiori Free
Spend the day (and the night) in the popular Campo de’ Fiori. During the day it’s a busy marketplace. Once the sun goes down it’s famous for its nightlife. Experts report that it still looks like it did back in the 1800s. It just has more cafes, gelaterias, and pizzerias on the outskirts.
14. Porta Portese
Situated in Trastevere, Porta Portese is open from 6 am until 2 pm every Sunday. According to those in the know, this is a “must see” place for fashionistas. Although many of the vendors there sell new and used clothing, it’s also a great place to pick up other things including antiques, books and more.
15. Spanish Steps
Located in Piazza di Spagna, this famous attraction is named for the oldest embassy in the world the local Embassy of Spain among the Holy See. Yes, you too can climb the very same stairs as the famous writers Byron and Balzac did back in the 1800s in search of inspiration.
16. Galleria Borghese
The popular Galleria Borghese is both a villa and a museum. Cardinal Scipione Borghese commissioned this place back in the 1600s as a place to store his huge collection of artworks. Today it’s one of Rome’s top art galleries and includes such pieces as Canova’s Venus Victrix, and Caravaggio’s “David and Goliath.”
17. Capitoline Museums
The Capitoline Museums or Musei Capitolini was the world’s first public museum. Here you will see the official symbol of Rome, the bronze Capitoline Wolf. Legend has it that this wolf nursed the half-god, half-wolf founders of Rome, the twins, known as Remus and Romulus. This trio of buildings contain hundreds of remarkable sculptures.
18. Ancient Appian Way
The historical Ancient Appian Way actually goes back to the year 312 B.C. This was not only the place where Caecilia Metella was buried but also where Spartacus’ army was executed in 71 B.C. Follow in the footsteps of numerous Roman soldiers and check out the monuments too.
19. Cooking Classes
Foodies and amateur chefs will not want to miss out on this! Fly home with real Italian cooking techniques and recipes that can be used in their own kitchens. Sign up for this five-hour class and you will actually learn how to create honest-to-God Italian dishes with Roman chef Andrea Consoli.
20. Gruppo Storico Romano Gladiator School
If you’re traveling with the whole family this is a great family-friendly recreational activity. After your kids attend gladiator class, you can stick around and enjoy a real Roman meal with honeyed wine and see an exciting reenactment of an armored gladiator fight as well.
21. Explora Museum
For more family fun don’t miss out on the Explora Museum. Located in the center of the city, this is a customized museum made especially for children. It’s both a fun and educational place to spend a couple of hours in Rome. They have special workshops and even offer birthday parties.
Lovely article
Thank you for the kind words. More importantly, thanks for reading my stuff!
Beautiful, make me feel like going back to visit again
Hello!
Yes, I have written for numerous travel websites and Rome always get a lot of attention! Thanks for your comment and thanks for reading!
Important information. I would like to share your blog with friends. It looks very awesome.
Thanks for your support!
Brilliant even more excited to visit Rome now in JAN.
Hi!
Thanks for your kind words and support! (You might even wish to stay somewhere nearby to save some money!)