Best things to do in Rome
Find out more about those top places in Rome
Rome: Where Ancient Emperors Still Get Top Billing (and the Pizza is Divine!) - Your Hilariously Honest Travel Guide to the Eternal City!
Ciao amici and welcome to Rome, a city so utterly amazing that even the most seasoned globetrotters can't resist its magnetic pull! Seriously, if your travel plans don't include Rome, you might need to re-evaluate your life choices (just kidding... mostly!). Often hailed as one of the very birthplaces of European civilization, Rome isn't just old; it's got a history so rich and deep, you could probably dig up a Roman coin in your backyard (okay, maybe not your backyard, but you get the idea!). And this unparalleled history? It's on glorious display through pretty much all of its attractions.
We're talking about the legendary Colosseum, where gladiators once battled it out in front of roaring crowds (try picturing that on your next commute!). Then there's the Roman Forum, the bustling heart of ancient Rome, where you can practically hear the echoes of senators debating and chariots rumbling. And let's not forget the Vatican Museums, home to artistic treasures that will make your eyeballs do a happy dance (the Sistine Chapel ceiling? Prepare to have your mind blown!). Oh, and while you're at it, pop into the magnificent St. Peter’s Basilica, a testament to human artistry and faith that's so grand, it feels like you've stepped into a Renaissance painting (again, neck cricks are a distinct possibility).
But Rome isn't just about ancient stones and religious wonders (though it has a lot of those!). It's a vibrant, modern city buzzing with life, where you can sip espresso in charming piazzas, toss a coin in the Trevi Fountain (making sure you'll return, of course!), and indulge in some of the most delicious food on the planet (carbonara, anyone?). It's a city where history whispers around every corner, but the present is just as captivating.
Our hilarious (and incredibly helpful!) travel guide is here to navigate you through the best places to visit and the most exciting things to do in this eternal city. Get ready for some truly unforgettable sightseeing, from exploring iconic ancient ruins and magnificent religious sites to soaking in the vibrant modern culture and savoring the flavors of Roman cuisine, all while uncovering the top attractions that make Rome a truly special and hilariously historical (and delicious!) destination.
Top Attractions: Ancient Wonders and Vatican City!
Rome is overflowing with iconic landmarks and must-see sights:
The Colosseum: Gladiator Glory
Step back in time at the magnificent Colosseum, the iconic amphitheater where gladiators once battled. Imagine the roar of the crowds during your sightseeing tour. A top attraction you absolutely can't miss.
The Roman Forum: Ancient Heartbeat
Wander through the ruins of the Roman Forum, the bustling center of ancient Roman life. Picture senators debating and citizens going about their day. A key place to visit for history buffs.
Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel: Artistic Masterpieces
Prepare to be awestruck by the Vatican Museums, home to an unparalleled collection of art, culminating in Michelangelo's breathtaking Sistine Chapel. A top attraction requiring pre-booking and a must-see for art lovers.
St. Peter's Basilica: Grandeur and Faith
Visit the majestic St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City, a stunning example of Renaissance architecture and a significant religious site. Climb to the dome for panoramic views of Rome. A key place to visit for sightseeing.
The Pantheon: Ancient Perfection
Marvel at the remarkably preserved Pantheon, an ancient Roman temple now a church, with its iconic oculus. A testament to Roman engineering and a fantastic place to visit.
Things to Do Beyond the Iconic Landmarks: Fountains, Food, and Charming Neighborhoods!
Our travel guide wouldn't be complete without suggesting some other fantastic things to do to truly experience the Rome vibe:
- Toss a Coin in the Trevi Fountain: Make a wish (and ensure your return to Rome!) at this stunning Baroque fountain.
- Explore the Charming Trastevere Neighborhood: Get lost in the cobblestone streets of Trastevere, known for its lively atmosphere, trattorias, and artisan shops.
- Indulge in Authentic Roman Cuisine: Savor classic Roman dishes like pasta carbonara, cacio e pepe, and supplì. Don't forget the gelato!
- Visit the Borghese Gallery and Gardens: Admire masterpieces by Bernini and Caravaggio in this beautiful gallery and stroll through the surrounding gardens.
- Walk the Spanish Steps: Climb (or simply admire) the iconic Spanish Steps, a popular meeting place and a great spot for people-watching.
So, if you're looking for places to visit that offer an unparalleled blend of ancient history, stunning art, delicious food, and a vibrant modern culture, Rome is calling your name! Our travel guide promises an unforgettable adventure filled with incredible sightseeing and exciting things to do. Just be prepared to fall in love with the Eternal City – you might never want to leave! Ciao Roma!
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Colosseum
One Rome’s best spots is the Colosseum, sometimes referred to as the Flavian Amphitheater it serves as a reminder of life in the old days of Rome. Located in the center of the city the Amphitheater was a 50,000 capacity structure constructed in AD 72 commanded by Emperor Vespasian. The Colosseum was use for a number of functions in its glory days including gladiatorial shows, hunting games and drama. But in recent times it is more of a tourist site and a ceremonial venue.
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St. Peter’s Basilica
Rome is often regarded as the home of Christianity (especially Catholic) in the modern era and this is often visible with the amount of stunning Cathedrals around the city. One of Such Cathedrals and probably the most significant is the St. Peter’s Basilica situated in Vatican City – designed by several famous individuals including Michelangelo and Donato Bramante, it is a beautiful piece of architectural brilliance. The St. Peter Basilica holds the award for the largest church in the world and is very revered by the Christian world - it holds the remains of Saint Peter and that of the first Pope.
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Trevi Fountain
Visiting a fountain might sound a bit trivial but that cannot be said about the Trevi Fountain, it is one of the most visited places in Rome by locals and tourists receiving over hundreds of visitors daily. Referred to the Trevi because of the “tre vie” (three roads) that meet at the location of the Fountain, it was designed primarily by Italian architect Nicola Salvi and inscribed on its walls are Roman Mythology. The most exciting thing about the Trevi Fountain for visitors to do is the long-lasting tradition of throwing a coin over your left shoulder into the fountain.
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Roman Forum
Another of Rome’s important historical site, the Roman Forum was the center of the activities in the city’s earlier years. Currently, in ruins the site was initially a marshy lake before it was developed in the 7th Century - considered one of the oldest structures in the city it played a major part in the history of Rome often being the sites for public speeches, elections and trials. Visiting the Roman Forum is highly recommended because it gives insights on roman history and it is also surrounded by many other historical sites as well.
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Vatican Museums
No visit to Rome is complete with exploring the Vatican Museums. Founded by Pope Julius II the Vatican Museums are basically a collection of works amassed by several Popes overtime, culminating to almost 70,000 works of which only about 20,000 are displayed. Regarded as one of the most visited museums in the world, it famous attractions include the prestigious Sistine chapel known for its decorated ceiling by Michelangelo and Stanze di Raffaello decorated by Raphael. It's also home to the Niccoline Chapel, the Gallery of Maps, The Frescoes and many more.
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Spanish Steps
It might be a little odd to find that a set of steps are regarded so highly but over time the “Spanish steps” as ranked as one of Rome’s top attraction – therefore deserving of all its hype. Designed by Architects Francesco de Sanctis and Alessandro Speechi they are set of 136 steps built in 1725 to connect the Trinitá dei Monti with the Bourbon Spanish Embassy. The steps are usually crowded so expect many people to be there as well and be careful not to break any of the “steps” regulations.
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Galleria Borghese
Displaying some of Rome’s best artworks is the Galleria Borghese, situated in the Borghese Villa complex it was established in 1903. Made up of twenty-two rooms spread across two floors, its exhibitions are set up to follow different themes – they feature several paintings and sculptures by famous Italian artists like Caravaggio and Federico Barocci. There are also the Villa Borghese gardens around the grounds, it is worth a visit as well.
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Arch of Constantine
Built in 315 AD, this monument was built to celebrate the Great Emperor Constantine victory at the Battle of Milivian. Situated between the Colosseum and the Palatine Hill, the arch is 21 m high and 25.9 m wide and consists of several types of design to form one of the most known landmarks in the country. There are several roman inscriptions on some of the Arch’s plinths with most of them depicting of scenes of war.
