Rome is the capital of Italy, located in the region of Lazio. It truly is a cultural experience, as the city is a mix of history, archeology, art, religion, and delicious food. Below are 24 things to do in Rome, Italy!
Fun Facts:
-Population: 4.3 million
-Tourism: Most visited city in Italy
-Languages: Greek and Latin were the official languages of the Roman Empire
Tours to Book:
–Pompeii, Amalfi Coast, and Positano Day Trip from Rome
–Rome by Golf Cart Private Tour
Historical Sites:
1- Colosseum-
The Colosseum is an oval amphitheater in the center of the city of Rome. The Colosseum is the largest amphitheater ever built and still standing today. Construction to hold 50,000 spectators began in 69AD. This place is known as an arena where many gladiatorial fights took place.
Tour: Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill
Tour: Colosseum Underground-Arena and Forum
2- Trevi Fountain-
Visiting the Trevi fountain is a must-see on many travelers’ bucket lists, as it was a landmark in the Lizzie McGuire movie. Okay, but in all seriousness, the Trevi is a powerful example of a Baroque design with a distinctly mythological character.
3- Roman Forum-
The Roman Forum consists of Ancient Rome’s most important structures. Structures you will see are shrines, government houses, and monuments. Ancient ruins in the Roman Forum include the Temple of Saturn, the Arch of Titris, and the House of the Vestal Virgins.
4- Baths of Caracalla-
The Baths of Carcalla, built between 211 and 224, were the city’s second-largest public baths in Rome. They are an example of imperial spas in Rome.
Churches/Religious Buildings:
5- St Peter’s Basilica-
St. Peter’s Basilica is free to visit, and you can climb the 551 steps to the summit for a fee of $10.00. This panorama view of Rome’s spectacular landscape is stunning.
6- Pantheon-
The Pantheon is a former Roman temple and now a church. You can also pay respects to the Italian kings buried inside the Pantheon.
7- Basilica di San Clemente-
This church is free to enter; however, there is a small fee to go down to the lower levels, which is worth the price. If you are into archeology, visiting this church should be on your to-do list because it’s a veritable nesting doll of churches.
Neighborhoods/ Public Areas:
8- Trastevere-
Trastevere is one of the most adorable neighborhoods in Rome to visit, as it is home to restaurants, bars, and cobblestone streets. This neighborhood is one that you do not want to miss out on!
9- Piazza Navona-
Piazza Navona is one of the best-known public squares in Rome because there are street performers and artists. Cafes, shops, and restaurants abound. The square is also home to infamous monuments like Sant ‘Agnese in Agone.
10- Spanish Steps-
The Spanish Steps are also known as Piazza di Spagna where visitors can tread the same stairs that writers Balzac and Byron climbed for inspiration. They are just steps; however, it is stunning during the spring, as blooming azaleas are flourishing.
11- St Peter’s Square-
St. Peter’s Square, designed by architect Bernini, is one of the most elegant areas in the world. The square has over 140 statues and a few fountains.
12- The Jewish Ghetto-
The Jewish Ghetto is one of the most beautiful hidden treasures of the city. It shows the religious, social, and cultural life of the Jews in Rome. Visiting this small neighborhood should be on your Rome Bucket List!
13- Piazza del Popolo-
Piazza del Popolo is a large urban square in Rome.
Museums:
14- The Vatican Museum + The Sistine Chapel-
Reserve your ticket to the Vatican Museum in advance to save time. The best way to see the museum is with a guided tour in that they offer a host of knowledge about the place. The Sistine Chapel, spiral staircase, and Raphael Rooms are treasures housed within the museum.
Tour: Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel Tour
15- Galleria Borghese-
The Galleria Borghese Museum has a massive art collection filled with famous works of popular sculptures.
16- National Museum of Rome-
This is a group of museums scattered in several places throughout the city. The museums showcase antiques preserving the ancient culture of Rome.
17- Castel Sant’angelo-
This former castle is now a museum with a terrace offering stunning views of the city.
18- Capuchin Crypt-
The Capuchin Crypt contains the skeletal remains of 3,700 bodies
Shopping:
19- Porta Portese-
Porta Portese is a Sunday morning market you do not want to miss, as vendors sell everything from books to antiques. The main focus is clothes.
20- Campo de’ Fiori–
Campo de’ Fiori is a free market with numerous pizzerias, cafes, and gelaterias.
Hiking:
21- Gianicolo Hill-
Gianicolo Hill has a panoramic view of the Eternal City. At the top, you can see some of the most famous buildings in Rome. One building you can see is St. Peter’s Basilica. It is not one of the seven hills of Rome because it sits right outside the ancient city.
Parks:
22- Villa Borghese Gardens-
This park is a landscape garden in Rome containing several buildings and museums surrounding it. It is the third largest park in Rome after the Villa Doria Pamphii and Villa Ada.
Food/Deserts:
23- Try Gelato-
The best place to enjoy gelato in Rome is at Fatamorgana. Also, I heard that Neve di Latte is in a class by itself.
24- Make Pasta–
Take a cooking class in Rome and make pasta from scratch.
Tour: Rome Food Tour by Sunset around Prati District
Tour: Rome Food Walking Tour: Trastevere, Campo de’ Fiori, Jewish Ghetto
Tour:
We listed 24 things to do in Rome! Have you ever been to Rome? Please comment down below on your experience. 🙂
Have a wonderful day + safe future travels!
XOXO, Ashley
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