In search of the perfect issues to do in Rome? I simply returned from a month lengthy keep and needed to share a few of the highlights from my journey. As you already know, I’m not one for small discuss, so let’s get to it.
Who am I’m why are you able to belief my suggestions for visiting Rome?
Honest query and good on you for asking. I’m an American traveler that spends 6 months of the 12 months overseas. I’ve visited Rome 4 instances (can’t keep away) and just lately returned for a month-long keep. I’ve seen the sights and located pleasure within the by no means ending listing of the perfect issues to do in Rome.
If I needed to describe visiting Rome in a single phrase it’d be a simple job: relaxed. Rome, extra so than some other metropolis we’ve been to, is all about taking it sluggish and lounging so long as attainable.
Useful Suggestions for Visiting Rome
Romans are the kindest individuals we’ve come throughout
My husband and I journey usually and we are able to each undoubtedly say that Italians are the nicest individuals we’ve ever come throughout. As such, visiting Rome all the time appears like such a pleasure and we sometimes depend down the times till we are able to return.
Sunscreen is a should
What am I, your mom? You understand the drill people, all the time use sunscreen. Shade is difficult to return by whereas visiting Rome (particularly when exploring the Colosseum and Discussion board), so be sure you pack some high quality sunscreen. I noticed SO many people nursing horrible burns within the evenings.
If useful, right here’s the solely sunscreen I exploit. I found it in France and now refuse to depart the home with out it.
Money is (nonetheless) king
As you most likely know, money is most well-liked to playing cards in Europe. As such, it’s all the time useful to have euros whereas visiting Rome (I sometimes arrive with 300-500€). Most eating places take bank cards, however just a few small retailers I went to requested for money, particularly if the entire was lower than 10€.
Nevertheless, if you end up brief on money there’s loads of ATMs to be discovered so don’t stress it. I recommend utilizing them minimally although as a result of ATM charges add up quick.
Personally talking, I don’t journey with a cash belt, however my worrywart of a mom raves about this one.
Dinner is a late, lengthy (and sluggish) affair
Right here’s one thing most folk don’t understand when visiting Rome for the primary time: dinner begins round 7:30-8pm. When you’re making an attempt to get into a well-liked restaurant that doesn’t take reservations than I recommend exhibiting up earlier than 6:30pm to extend your probability of scoring a desk.
As soon as seated, don’t anticipate quick service. Meals are totally loved in Rome, they’re not seen as one thing to verify off your listing for the day. Lean into change of tempo and embrace it. You’ll by no means be pushed out of a restaurant and might want to ask for the verify if you’re able to name it.
The place to remain in Rome
As talked about, I’ve visited Rome a number of instances over the previous 5 years. I’ve stayed in varied neighborhoods however my favourite areas (by far) are these two gems — Roman neighborhood #1 & Roman neighborhood #2. You possibly can’t go unsuitable with both!
Tour the Colosseum
Let’s kick off this listing of the perfect issues to see in Rome correctly. Visiting Rome for the primary (or fifth) time with out touring the Colosseum is nothing in need of against the law.
Constructed between 70CE and 80CE, Rome’s epic Colosseum is likely one of the most acknowledged man-made buildings on this planet. And certainly, the historical past of this monolithic construction accounts for many of the draw.
The Colosseum is the most important amphitheater ever constructed, designed completely to entertain the plenty. Romans would arrive en masse (seating capability clocked in at 80,000!) to observe gladiators battle wild animals, one another, and no matter else got here out of the entice doorways. The Colosseum was additionally used for public executions, as nicely.
Admission for this prime attraction in Rome is pretty priced however you’ll must e-book nicely upfront. You’ll (clearly) get extra from the expertise by signing up for a guided tour, however, truthfully talking, you’ll be simply effective with out it too. If something, I recommend downloading Rick Steve’s free audio information for the Colosseum and calling it a day.
Tip: You’ll must make reservations to tour the Colosseum nicely upfront. My mother + dad visited Rome final February and needed to e-book their tickets to the Colosseum 1.5 months forward of time. That is the most well-liked factor to do in Rome, so tickets promote out rapidly.
Discover the Roman Discussion board & Palatine Hill
After you’re achieved exploring the Colosseum, the subsequent pure cease is the spectacular Roman Discussion board (which neighbors the Colosseum). Throughout my first two visits to Rome I selected to skip touring the Roman Discussion board, however based mostly on my final go to I now see what a idiot I used to be.
As such, you may be taught from my mistake. Touring the epic Roman Discussion board is well among the best issues to do in Rome.
Consider the Discussion board as an open-air museum, the place all the glories of historic Rome lay at your toes. The sheer quantity of spectacular buildings on this concentrated space is thoughts blowing, really!
You’ll discover gardens, church buildings and palaces. My favourite a part of the expertise was having fun with the panoramic view from Palatine Hill. I couldn’t recover from it!
Go to Trevi Fountain at dawn
The Trevi Fountain is likely one of the hottest sights in Rome for a motive. Everybody visiting Rome ought to make an effort to see it! However the one technique to expertise Trevi Fountain with out claustrophobia-inducing crowds is to go to at dawn or previous midnight.
Whilst you gained’t have the entire place to your self whatever the time you go to, you’ll undoubtedly have the ability to benefit from the expertise rather more with out the crowds. Trevi Fountain is a real masterpiece, and the monolithic statues deserve cautious consideration.
Take your time admiring the works of Giuseppe Pannini, as a result of this is likely one of the most lovely issues you’ll ever see in your life.
And no, it’s not simply Oceanus’s chiseled abs that do it for me guests, it’s the breathtaking magnificence and dimension of this plain masterpiece.
Legend has it that those that toss a coin into Trevi Fountain are sure to return. If that holds true, it looks as if everybody wish to return — a mean of €3,000 is thrown into the fountain each day. Which implies that roughly €1.4 million is collected yearly. The very best half? The entire cash is donated to nonprofits that help the much less lucky.
Study concerning the Pantheon earlier than your go to
The Pantheon is likely one of the most recognizable buildings in Rome, second solely to the Colosseum. Of us are welcome to tour the within freed from cost, making this among the best free issues to do in Rome.
However don’t make the error of touring the Pantheon with out first studying concerning the historical past of this unbelievable construction. Erected in 126CE, the Pantheon served as a temple for Romans of all denominations (pantheon is Greek for “all of the gods”).
In actual fact, the constructing has constantly been used as a church because the seventh century (to this very day!).
The Pantheon is necessary for 2 causes: First, it speaks to the unparalleled engineering and architectural talent of Romans. Secondly, the constructing has undoubtedly withstood the check of time. Clocking in at a formidable 2,000 years, the Pantheon is taken into account Rome’s best-preserved historic monuments.
To this present day, the development of this architectural masterpiece is taken into account a world marvel.
Tour the Vatican Museum (& Sistine Chapel) … in case you dare
When you’re visiting Rome for an prolonged time frame (5+ days), I recommend including the Vatican Museum to your itinerary. Nevertheless, in case you’re visiting Rome for lower than 4-5 days, I’m unsure I might suggest swinging by. Sounds unusual, I do know, however bear with me.
We toured the Vatican Museum with my in-laws in direction of the tail-end of our month lengthy keep and it was an absolute madhouse!
We opted for the guided tour (with the intention to skip the notoriously lengthy strains for tickets) and felt like cattle being herded via.
All 4 of us felt claustrophobic inside minutes of getting into the museum and there was barely any room to show round, not to mention take images. We have been so upset by the general expertise that by the point we made it to the Sistine Chapel we have been exhausted and anxious to get out. Not precisely how I pictured this prime attraction in Rome going, however alas.
Make no mistake, seeing the Sistine Chapel in individual is certainly some of the epic issues to do in Rome. However I’d be damned if I instructed you it was worthwhile as a result of we couldn’t get out quick sufficient.
I feel the museum expertise must be managed higher and till that occurs, I don’t suggest spending a valuable trip day feeling like cattle.
However all just isn’t misplaced, as a result of in case you do tour the Vatican Museum you’ll be near Saint Peter’s Basilica, which is a should do in Rome!
Go to Saint Peter’s Basilica
Isn’t she a beaut?
Accomplished in 1626, Saint Peter’s Basilica is considered one of many holiest shrines on this planet for these of Catholic religion. The church was constructed atop the grave of Peter the Apostle, thought of the primary Pope of Rome.
Saint Peter’s Basilica is breathtaking, which is saying lots in a metropolis as lovely as Rome. It was designed by a handful of notable architects and artists, not the least of which included Michelangelo and Gian Lorenzo Bernini (who we’ll cowl in depth shortly as a result of he’s the perfect).
Touring St. Peter’s Basilica just isn’t solely free, nevertheless it’s among the best issues to do in Rome. You’ll perceive why the second you step via the (spectacular) door.
The one problem is the inevitably lengthy strains, which is why I like to recommend visiting after 4pm for the shortest wait time.
We swung by proper after touring the Vatican and the strains have been minimal. We solely waited quarter-hour earlier than discovering ourselves craning our necks on the grandeur of the inside of Saint Peter’s.
You possibly can’t afford to overlook Michelangelo’s Pietà or the outstanding statues by Bernini.
Additionally, take a look at the crypt the place the popes are buried, positioned proper beneath the Vatican. Most vacationers don’t understand the realm is open to the general public which is a pity as a result of it was one of many highlights for us whereas visiting Rome.
Useful Tip: Attempt to go to Saint Peter’s Basilica after 4pm for the shortest wait instances. We visited at 5pm and solely stood in line for 15-minutes and had till 7pm to discover the inside (the doorways shut at 7pm).
Then, take within the breathtaking views of Rome from the prime of Saint Peter’s Basilica
Alright, you prepared for a bit of enjoyable? You possibly can climb to the highest of the dome at Saint Peter’s Basilica. This is likely one of the greatest lively issues to do in Rome, so that you gained’t wish to miss it (it’s worthwhile to make room for pasta by some means!).
Tour the Borghese Museum
Holy cow.
When you solely have time to take a look at one museum whereas visiting Rome, make a beeline for the Borghese Museum. This place is a masterpiece!
The star of the present is Bernini’s breathtaking sculpture depicting Pluto’s kidnapping of Proserpina (which he accomplished on the age of 23).
The work by Carvagio are a detailed second. Critically, Bernini’s sculptures are motive alone to fly 3,000 miles.
Useful recommendation: When you plan to swing by the Borghese Museum whereas visiting Rome (as it’s best to!) e-book your tickets as quickly as attainable! It’s not unusual for this prime attraction in Rome to e-book out two weeks upfront.
Get misplaced in Trastevere
Chock-full of meandering cobble-stone streets peppered with colourful ivy-covered properties, it’s no surprise why getting misplaced in Trastevere is likely one of the greatest issues to do in Rome!
That is probably the most charming neighborhood in Rome, making it the right place to get your fill of people-watching, buying, pasta, wine and gelato.
Pop into Santa Maria whereas exploring Trastevere
As you most likely know, Rome has no scarcity of church buildings. Goodness, you may typically discover two neighboring one another! It’s very straightforward to get “churched out” whereas visiting Rome, which is why I hold church suggestions fairly minimal on this web page. However Santa Maria is totally different.
Nicely price a go to, Santa Maria in Trastevere is a placing church that must be included on each “should do in Rome” listing. Dwelling to lovely mosaics and a wide ranging gilded ceiling, this church stands as a testomony to the fantastic thing about Medieval Rome.
Dine just like the Romans with an Aperitivo
Probably the greatest issues to do in Rome is to stay just like the locals. And dang, Romans know find out how to take pleasure in life! That is made evident in so many little methods: the slower tempo, the cheery greetings, joyful whistling, and so on. However considered one of my favourite issues concerning the Roman lifestyle is their dedication to the beloved aperitivo.
Aperitivo is the act of having fun with a drink (and lightweight snack) earlier than dinner. The logic right here is that dinner shall be an extended multi-course affair, so that you wish to open your digestive system with a drink. Does it work? Who the heck is aware of, nevertheless it positive is enjoyable!
The most typical aperitivo is the long-lasting Aperol Spritz (prosecco combined with a bitter orange liquor known as Aperol). I attempted it twice and located it a tad too candy for my liking, so I caught with chilled white wine — to every their very own!
When in Rome, proper?
Go to the Galleria Doria Pamphilj
There’s one thing irresistible about touring personal collections-turned into public museums, so I by no means go a chance to take action. Whereas roaming the streets aimlessly, I occurred to come across Galleria Doria Pamphilj.
The grandeur of the courtyard (and most notably, the dearth of crowds) intrigued me so I popped in. The admission was 14€ per individual which felt steep, however I saved my thoughts open.
Think about my shock when the I climbed the steps and located myself on the door of a grand purple room chock-full of huge artwork. I knew I used to be in poor health ready for the tour however fortunately free audio guides have been offered and I can’t even start to let you know what a distinction it made.
The museum is housed inside an extravagant palace owned by the Doria Pamphilj household to this present day. The household is price realizing about, as a result of that they had a robust affect in Rome.
Climb the Spanish Steps
If you wish to get your coronary heart pumping and are on the lookout for lively issues to do in Rome, climb the well-known Spanish Steps! Typically thought of one of many prime sights in Rome, most folk don’t take the time to query why they exist.
The explanation? Nicely, it’s rather more sensible than I used to be anticipating. They have been constructed to attach the church (on the prime) with the piazza beneath. Funding for the venture wasn’t materializing so the venture was placed on the back-burner for a few years earlier than lastly getting the inexperienced gentle in 1725.
Which, if you consider it, makes the Spanish Steps older than america of America. How attention-grabbing is that?
Take within the splendor of Piazza Navona
Piazza Navona is likely one of the most iconic landmarks within the Everlasting Metropolis. As such, paying a go to is likely one of the greatest issues to do in Rome.
Again in its heyday, this piazza was dwelling to a bustling market which has since been moved just a few blocks all the way down to Campo di Fiori. Immediately people flock from all around the world to see the splendors of Baroque Roman structure firsthand.
The star of the present is the monolithic Fountain of 4 Rivers (Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi) sculpted by none apart from Bernini (the little satan left his mark on every thing!). There’s two smaller fountains on south and north ends of the piazza which might be price admiring as nicely.
The southern finish boasts the Moor Fountain (Fontana del Moro) which depicts a Moor wrestling a dolphin whereas standing atop a conch shell whereas being surrounded by 4 Tritons. In the meantime, the northern finish is dwelling to the Fountain of Neptune which was later added to steadiness the Moor Fountain on the south.
P.S. Ensure to swing by Sant’Agnese in Agone, the gorgeous church within the heart of Piazza Navona.
Get your fill of pasta (and no, not all pasta is created equal)
It may be argued that there’s nothing extra iconic in Rome than lengthy dinners spent with a hearty al-dente pasta and glass of wine. Romans take the artwork of pasta making very severely, and with correct planning you’re sure to have some knock-out meals whereas visiting Rome.
Whereas I’m most likely not the primary (and gained’t be the final) to let you know that consuming pasta is a must-do in Rome, I’m right here to let you know that you simply want to do a little analysis beforehand.
I spent just a few hours studying suggestions and reaching out to pals about a few of the greatest spots for pasta in Rome and am glad to share my prime 3!
Finest pasta to attempt whereas visiting Rome:
- Tonnarello (very cheap and scrumptious, we got here right here 5 instances whereas visiting Rome for a month).
- Dilla (based on my husband, the truffle pasta was the perfect dish he’s each needed to date. Dilla was one of many dearer eating places we visited, however we loved it a lot we returned twice!).
- Roscioli Salumeria (getting reservations at this restaurant would require a miracle and the sacrificial blood of your firstborn little one, nevertheless it’s all worthwhile. One of the crucial memorable meals we had whereas visiting Rome.)
Eat your weight in gelato
If there’s just one factor you should do in Rome, permit it to be this: eat your weight in gelato. The stuffy is velvety and heavenly and also you’ll most likely by no means discover higher gelato anyplace on this planet.
I loved this conventional Roman deal with a lot that I ate it as soon as a day (not exaggerating, though I’m recognized to be dramatic). Some days I even had it twice!
However right here’s the factor: we have been visiting Rome in June and temperatures have been fairly heat — there was no higher technique to cool off. 😉
As you may think about, there’s a ton of nice gelato retailers to select from, however just a few stand a mile above the remaining. So in case you’re on the lookout for the very best gelato in Rome, give this useful put up a learn: 12 Superb Gelato Retailers in Rome.
Spend the afternoon a wine bar
When in Rome, proper? Nicely, seems lounging at a wine bar is likely one of the greatest issues to do in Rome for locals and vacationers alike. We ended most of our evenings at wine bars as a result of we couldn’t get sufficient of them whereas visiting Rome.
The tip with wine bars is to point out up early sufficient to get a desk (particularly open air, in case you can). This can be a highly regarded factor to do in Rome, so it’s not unusual to see people ready longer than an hour for a coveted desk. However true to informal Italian type, you may simply request to sip a glass when you look ahead to a seat.
We discovered just a few standout wine bars whereas visiting Rome, if useful, take a look at: 10 Charming Wine Bars in Rome that Will Make You Really feel Like a Native
Catch sundown from Terrazza del Pincio
Terrazza del Pincio is a gorgeous view level positioned inside Villa Borghese (a gorgeous public backyard). We popped off for a sundown shortly after touring the Borghese Museum and located ourselves rubbing elbows have been cheery younger people nursing beers.
Visiting Rome longer? Extra issues to see in Rome
Discover the Tivoli Gardens
When researching the perfect issues to do in Rome for long run stays, taking a half-day journey to the Tivoli Gardens is a should! Situated an hour from Rome, Tivoli is a captivating little city that pulls guests primarily for the breathtaking backyard.
Take a day journey to Florence (sure, actually)
We took a handful of nice day journeys whereas visiting Rome for a month, however my favourite (by far) was our day journey to Florence. Florence is a masterpiece of a metropolis and it’s just one.5 hours by practice from Rome.
Sure, you learn that proper: you may get from Rome to Florence in 1.5 hours.
Armed with such invaluable info, my husband and I promptly booked practice tickets for a full day journey. We left for Termini station at 7am and have been again dwelling by 10pm. We had a full day (8:30am – 8:30pm) to discover Florence and we soaked up each second!
Take a look at Largo di Torre Argentina
Largo di Torre Argentina, an expansive area of Roman ruins enclosed by the tall buildings that encompass it, puzzles unknowing guests on daily basis. “What’s the importance of those ruins?” people ask, whereas their bored youngsters gaze longingly at each gelato cone that passes by.
Nicely, Largo di Torre Argentina is likely one of the most necessary websites in Rome as a result of that is the place Julius Caesar’s assassination occurred, some 2,000 years in the past. Admittedly, there isn’t a lot to do right here apart from admiring the ruins from above or testing the cat sanctuary. Regardless, the spot is symbolic and price a cease whereas visiting Rome.
Tour the Capitoline Museum
You probably have a mushy spot for marble statues, make a beeline for the Capitoline Museum. Dwelling to unbelievable statues, this museum exists to protect and showcase a few of Rome’s most spectacular works.
Tour Santa Maria del Popolo
I’ll be sincere, after visiting Rome for a month, we discovered ourselves churched out. Nevertheless, considered one of our pals extremely advisable the church of Santa Maria del Popolo so we made the trek.
We deliberate on poking our heads in and taking a fast peak earlier than swinging by for gelato close by. Nicely, we weren’t anticipating the church to supply a lot! Dwelling to outstanding masterpieces by Carvaggio, Bernini and Raphael. Visiting the church is free, however be sure that to have euros readily available to activate the lights for the work.
See Michelangelo’s Moses
I had no concept that seeing Michelangelo’s Moses would turn into some of the memorable issues to do in Rome! Situated inside Basilica di San Pietro in Vincoli, the entire time I used to be trying on the statue I saved pondering to myself “how on earth is that this factor created from marble!”
You’ve most likely heard of Michaelangelo by now, however nothing compares to seeing his work in individual. Most of his artwork is displayed in museums however his Moses masterpiece is free to the general public and will be seen on the church of San Pietro in Vincoli.
Fortunately the church is a mere 8-minute stroll from the Colosseum, which makes popping in a no brainer in my e-book.
Admire the ceiling at Saint Ignatius Church
Admiring the church of Saint Ignatius needs to be some of the lovely issues to do in Rome. We stumbled upon this church accidentally whereas returning dwelling after a pleasant pasta-filled dinner. We discovered ourselves utterly in poor health ready for the breathtaking fantastic thing about what lay forward.
Sadly we visited when it was already darkish, so we vowed to return within the day time and take on this masterpiece in all its glory. The ceiling is mind-numbingly cool, anticipate to pressure your neck taking all of it in.
The frescoes, painted by Andrea Pozzo, depict the lifetime of Saint Ignatius. The ceiling has an unbelievable illusionist impact to it and you’ll simply spend hours gazing. All the expertise was spellbinding (I returned 4 instances!), which is why I think about this among the best issues to do in Rome.
Go to Castel Sant’Angelo
Constructed between 123CE and 139CE, Castel Sant’Angelo was constructed as a mausoleum for Emperor Hadrian. When constructed, this cylindrical fortress was the tallest constructing in Rome.
Over time the constructing served as the ultimate resting place for Hadrian and his household, later it served as each a fortress and chateau for popes as a result of it neighbors Vatican Metropolis. Immediately, it’s a museum that it open to the general public.
Some is perhaps stunned to see Castel Sant’Angelo this low on my listing of the perfect issues to do in Rome, however hear me out. I toured the fort and it was cool, however not € 20,50 per individual cool.
I discovered the expertise too costly for what it was, which is why I solely suggest it for historical past buffs seeking enjoyable issues to do in Rome. In any other case, don’t really feel responsible about skipping this one and use the cash on pasta as a substitute!
Finest Issues to Do in Rome (Submit Abstract)
In sum, right here’s a roundup of the perfect issues to do in Rome. Get pleasure from!
- Tour the Colosseum
- Discover the Roman Discussion board & Palantine Hill
- Go to Trevi Fountain at dawn
- Study concerning the Pantheon earlier than your go to
- Tour the Vatican Museum (& Sistine Chapel)
- Go to Saint Peter’s Basilica
- Go to the highest of Saint Peter’s Basilica
- Tour the Borghese Museums and Gardens
- Get misplaced in Trastevere
- Pop into Santa Maria whereas exploring Trastevere
- Dine just like the Romans with an Aperitivo
- Calm down on the Spanish Steps
- Get your fill of pasta (and no, not all pasta is created equal)
- Eat your weight in gelato
- Discover Largo di Torre Argentina
- Take within the splendor of Piazza Navona
- Spend the afternoon a wine bar
- Catch sundown from Giardino degli Aranci
- Tour the Capitoline Museums
- Discover the Tivoli Gardens
- Take a day journey to Florence (sure, actually)
- Go to the Basilica di San Clemente
- Admire the well-known Il Vittoriano constructing
- Tour Santa Maria del Popolo
- Go to the Galleria Doria Pamphilj
- See Michelangelo’s Moses at San Pietro in Vincoli
- Admire the ceiling at Il Gesu
- Have a chunk at Testaccio Market
- Tour the Capuchin Monastery
- Go to Castelo Sant’Angelo
Map of the highest sights in Rome
Cheers!
Antonina