places to visit in rome
Visit the stunning capital of Italy and experience a part of history.
Italy’s capital will take you on a journey into the past while enabling you to enjoy the cosmopolitan buzz of a fashionable city. Explore ancient Roman ruins, soak up the art and culture, and enjoy the incredible cuisine. Begin your day with a trip to the Colosseum, then take a walk through the Roman Forum and on to the Pantheon.
The Colosseum is a spectacle not to be missed it’s the largest amphitheatre ever built, and still an icon of Imperial Rome. Even if you don’t want to venture inside, you’ll really regret not taking the time to see it in person. The area around it can feel a little daunting; the roads are wide and busy, but there are some lovely restaurants close by where you can enjoy a traditional lasagne with a view of the spectacular structure. The Colosseum is striking at any time of day, but imagine sitting in view of it with a glass of Italian wine as the sun sets and streams through its many arches. We really can’t think of many things better than starting and ending your day at this stunning building.
The Roman Forum is another iconic landmark of the Roman Empire. It’s filled with temples, squares and old government buildings that are well worth taking a stroll around. You can explore it alone or join a tour to learn about the interesting history of the site. Nearby the Pantheon is a 2,000-year-old temple, the best preserved of all of Rome’s ancient monuments. It is one of the most influential buildings in the Western world. Venturing through its large, bronze doors and into the largest unreinforced concrete dome ever built is probably as awe-inspiring and breathtaking as it was when it was first constructed. Despite its age, it’s still as stunning as ever.
The Vatican is by far the city’s most popular tourist destination, so be prepared for a lot of people and many, many queues. If this fills you with dread, just be sure to avoid Wednesdays, as this is usually when the Papal Audience takes place. This is when the Pope is in Rome, meaning there will be even more people. In the warmer months, this is often held in St Peter’s Square, so if you do want to get a glimpse of the Pope then head on down just prepare yourself for a lot of people around! Visiting the Vatican Museums with a tour is by far the best way to do it, and between April and October you can book to visit the museum at night, which means there are fewer people to cope with. If you plan on visiting St Peter’s Basilica, then you must be dressed appropriately no bare knees, midriffs or shoulders on show.
Vatican City, the independent city-state, is the headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church. A trip to the Vatican should be left for a day when you have nothing else planned, as there is a lot to see. It’s home to St Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican Museums, which contain artistic masterpieces such as Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel frescoes.
The most popular square in Rome, Piazza Navona, shouldn’t be left off your itinerary. The piazza is lined with restaurants, cafes and swanky shops to explore but it will definitely burn a hole in your wallet! The ornate fountain, Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi, sits at its centre too. Another piazza not to forget about is Piazza di Spagna, which is where the city’s famous Spanish Steps are. It’s a central meeting place for both locals and tourists, and a great place for people watching and candid photography.
After a long day exploring the once ‘caput mundi’(capital of the world), enjoy watching the world go by in one of the pizzerias or trattorias located within the many piazzas. Don’t forget to sample traditional dishes that can only be truly enjoyed in Rome. Seek out a proper Roman carbonara, made with just a handful of ingredients, or look for the classic amatriciana, made with a rich tomato sauce and savoury pork cheek. Start your day with a local maritozzo, which is a sweet, yeasty bun containing raisins and pine nuts and filled with delicious whipped cream.
In the evening, take a romantic walk to the famous Trevi Fountain, and make a wish by throwing a coin in using your right hand over your left shoulder a tradition at the fountain. Standing 26 metres (85 feet) tall and 49 metres (161 feet) wide, it is the largest Baroque fountain in the city. There are many pretty fountains to be found in the city’s piazzas where you can enjoy a delicious Italian coffee, sample crisp white wine from the nearby Castelli Romani hills, and make sure you don’t miss out on trying the gelato. On the way to the Trevi Fountain you’ll stumble across Giolitti, which is Rome’s oldest and best gelateria well worth the pit stop.
Visit the official residence of the Pope situated in the Apostolic Palace. The stunning chapel was originally called Cappella Magna and was named after Pope Sixtus IV, who restored it between 1477 and 1480. You can book tickets in advance in order to skip the queues and secure entry into an often-sold-out venue. It’s located within the Vatican Museums, and access to the Sistine Chapel is included with your museum tickets. The Sistine Chapel is the last room you’ll visit on your trip through the museums and the 54 galleries. They truly leave the best until last on this tour. It’s absolutely stunning and very memorable.