Also known as the Eternal City, Rome is one of the most fascinating cities in the world.
Rome is a busy city with an enormous number of monuments, churches, squares that are so famous that it’s impossible to make a short list of the absolutely must-see landmarks in this city. There will always be something remaining for the next time, which is why most people keep coming back to the Eternal City.
Millions of tourists visit Rome every year, and wandering the streets is like walking through a history book. This is one of the best cities in the world for architecture.
There’s such a diverse mix of things to do here that it’s almost impossible to see everything on one visit, but there are some attractions that you simply must see!
Rome Travel Booking Resources
These are my favourite companies to use when I travel.
• Search cheap flights with Skyscanner.
• Find the best deals on hotels on Booking.com.
• Book sightseeing tours & attraction tickets on GetYourGuide or Viator.
Best Places to Go in Rome
From historic monuments to some of the most famous buildings in the world, here are 10 of the best things to do in the city.
1. Piazza Navona
Home to the works of an array of Baroque architects, the Piazza Navona is a great place to hang out. The most famous site here is the Fountain of the Four Rivers with Gods on each corner that represents the four major rivers in the world.
2. The Colosseum
The Colosseum was ancient Rome’s huge amphitheater, holding up to 55,000 people, and was built by Emperor Vespasian in AD 80.
Once the setting of many deadly gladiatorial and wild animal fights, the Colosseum is one of the most famous amphitheatres in the world. The iconic arches around the exterior of the stadium have become synonymous with the city and always make for a fantastic photo opportunity.
Today you may see some staff dressed in traditional gladiatorial costume as you walk between the Colosseum and the nearby Arch of Constantine, built in AD 315. On Sundays, the Via dei Fori Imperiali leading to the Colosseum is closed to traffic so it’s a great place for a stroll (if you don’t mind the souvenir vendors). Ticket lines can be long but there are ways to buy tickets faster.
3. Vatican City
A trip to the Vatican to see the Pope is an experience you’ll never forget. Every Wednesday morning, the Pope holds an audience with him in St Peter’s Square, which is always full of locals and tourists alike.
When it comes to churches, there is one must see however – St Peter’s Basilica, which is the largest church in the world and the ultimate symbol of Catholicism. Several museums can also be found here.
For the ultimate relaxing experience book tickets for the Vatican Gardens – one of the more peaceful and relaxing spots in Rome.
4. Trevi Fountain
The Fontana di Trevi is often mentioned as being the most beautiful of the large collection of fountains to be found in the Italian capital.
The elegant fountain is incorporated in the final part of Aqua Virgo, an aqueduct built in 19 BC to transport water from the Salone Springs, located 20 kilometres from the city. Thus, it was responsible for supplying water to the very centre of old Rome.
The Fontana di Trevi is entirely a Baroque structure, designed in 1735 by Salvi upon the order of Clement XII. It was decorated by a team of artists from Bernini’s school.
Of all the fountains in Italy, the Trevi Fountain is by far the most famous and it really is one of the best places to see in Europe. It is tradition to toss a coin into the fountain to ensure a return to Rome one day in the future.
5. Pizza & Gelato
There are not many better places than Rome for authentic pizza as some of the best pizzerias in the country can be found here, with a variety of bases and tasty toppings to choose from.
Also especially in summer there’s no better way to take a break from the sightseeing than by sampling the local gelato, considered to be some of the most delicious ice cream in the world.
Many places claim to serve the tastiest gelato in the city although Ciampini and San Crispino are two of the very best.
6. Spanish Steps
Sitting on the Spanish Steps (135 in total) and watching the world go by is one of the most relaxing things to do in Rome. The steps make up the widest staircase in Europe. The colourful buildings in the surrounding area make for great photo opportunities.
7. The Pantheon
The Pantheon is one of the best preserved pieces of architecture from the ancient Roman times. The original temple on the site was erected by Marcus Vipsanius Agrippa, the son-in-law of the first Roman Emperor, Augustus.
The magnificent temple, whose task, according to its name, was to celebrate all gods, was completed by 25 BC.
The building that stands today at Piazza della Rotonda differs significantly from the original project, as it is the result of the extensive remodelling carried out by Hadrian between 118 and 125 AD. One of the few remnants of Agrippa’s temple is the front portico.
8. Parks
Equally important places to visit are Rome’s parks and gardens, which are not only examples of exquisite horticulture and feature beautiful sculptures and fountains, but also are simply great places to take a break from the crowded and busy capital.
Some of the best parks in Rome include Villa Borghese, Pincio Hill Gardens, Gianicolo, Orto Botanico and Parco Savello.
9. Campo dei Fiori Market
Rome’s oldest market is held on Campo Dei Fiori and here you’ll find the best fish in the city as well as attractively arranged fruit and vegetables and a wide range of spices.
This daily morning market is where many locals get their food from for the week, but you’ll also be able to find plenty to choose from for a picnic in the sun.
Even if you don’t want to buy anything, wandering around the market is a memorable experience.
10. Roman Forum
For a real insight into Roman culture and civilisation, a trip to the ancient Roman Forum is a must for any visitor.
The Roman Forum is a huge complex of temples, basilicas, and arches. The ruins of a variety of ancient buildings are located here that date back to the 7th century BC. This was the ceremonial, legal, social, and business center of ancient Rome (The food stalls and brothels were removed in the second century BC).
To get a good view, walk up the Capitoline Hill behind the museums. Give yourself at least 2 hours to wander around. Admission is required.
Rome Travel Tips
Rome is a city that never fails to impress even the most seasoned traveller. Classical ruins stand right next to – or lie beneath – Renaissance palazzos and Baroque fountains.
As well as its incredible history, Rome is very much a city of the present with a pulsating energy which leaves its mark on every visitor.
At a Glance
• Expect: Mild rainy winters and hot, dry summers.
• When to Go: From November to March if you are looking to save money and avoid the crowds.
• Goes Well With: Florence and/or Venice, both easily reached by train.
• Don’t Miss: Be glad you threw a coin in the Trevi Fountain, ensuring your return to the Eternal City…
Getting Around
One of the best ways to explore the city is on foot or via organised sightseeing tour. You’ll get to see a lot of the main attractions which are located close together and don’t require any bus, metro or taxi trip.
At the heart of the city the major sights of ancient Rome including the Colosseum, the Forum, the Pantheon and the Palatine Hill are top of most visitors’ list.
The Baroque splendours of Piazza Navona, the Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps are a delight whilst across the River Tiber the wonders of the Vatican including St. Peter’s Basilica and the Sistine Chapel are famous the world over and all deserve a visit. Watch out for large crowds at certain times of year, particularly Easter.
After all that sightseeing, you might like to just lose yourself in the labyrinth of streets in the charming area near the Pantheon with its cafés, bars and delightful little shops.
Eat and Drink
Simple, generous food, rich in flavour and character. Enjoy hand made pasta in a family run Trattoria or mingle with the fashionable crowd in a trendy restaurant. Prices vary greatly and it may be worth searching out a family-run, back street restaurant if you’re on a budget.
If you’re busy sightseeing and don’t want to stop it’s easy to buy a piece of pizza which you can fold over and eat on the go sandwich-style just like the locals, and you can easily pick up delicious ice creams (gelati) from one of the many specialist outlets.
Shopping
Head to the Via del Corso, Via Condotti and surroundings for Gucci, Prada, Fendi & Valentino if you’re feeling flush or take pleasure in window shopping if you’re not!
Discover
Many of Rome’s famous sights can get very crowded but the lesser known yet picturesque area of Trastevere is just across the River Tiber from the main centre. It’s worth exploring the narrow lanes and cobbled streets of this fascinating medieval neighbourhood.
Escape the hustle and bustle of the city by spending an afternoon in the Villa Doria Pamphili, Rome’s largest landscaped public park but less well known and quieter than the Villa Borghese.
Nearby
The remarkably well preserved ruins of the ancient Roman port of Ostia Antica, easily accessible by train from the centre of Rome, are well worth a visit. You can easily spend several hours wandering around the old streets, shops, houses and baths, imagining what life was like two millennia ago. You should plan at least a half day for this trip.
Culture
You’ll find a whole mixture of very different museums in Rome, ranging from Maxxi, the National Museum of 21st Century Art, to the Renaissance Palazzo Altemps near Piazza Navona which houses an entrancing collection of classical sculptures and the extraordinary Vatican Museums.
The Basilicas of Santa Maria Maggiore and Santa Maria in Trastevere are two of the oldest and most impressive churches in the city.
Plan a City Break to Rome
Rome really is an ancient and beautiful city, the Colosseum, the Spanish Steps and the famous Trevi Fountain really are places you need to visit once in your life.
You’ll find plenty of new places to discover in Rome, no matter how many times you visit. You might also like to learn some basic Italian phrases before arriving to make the experience more enjoyable.
