Rome is often referred to as the eternal city and it is easy to agree as this city has spanned 28 centuries. It is currently the capital and the largest city in Italy. The city has also been an important center for the Roman Catholic religion and is presently the seat of the Vatican and the pope. It also is an architectural and archaeological wonder, seriously romantic, and is an epic place to visit! You will not run out of things to see and do and eat in this city!
Epic things to do in Rome
- The Trevi Fountain
- The Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill
- St Peter’s Square, St Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican museum
- Pantheon
- Spanish Steps
- Plazas, Markets and Museums
- Trastevere
- Enjoy the Italian Cuisine and wine
Trevi Fountain – I heard all about it – and I heard that I had to throw a coin into the fountain to return to Rome -but until I saw it – I did not realize just how amazing and large this fountain really is! The fountain is the largest Baroque fountain in the city and one of the most famous fountains in the world. It was built as an aqueduct to supply water for the Roman Baths. The water comes from springs that are about 14 miles outside of Rome. The centerpiece of the fountain is the Greek sea god, Oceanus. It was restored in 2015 and now it sparkles! It is said that if you throw a coin in the fountain, it will ensure you return to Rome someday. There are about 3,000 euros thrown in the fountain each day and they are collected each night and given to charity. The fountain mesmerized me. Try to see the fountain at night as it looks magical with the lights. I could sit here for hours and enjoy the view! Don’t miss the fountain!
The Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill – when you think of Rome, you immediately think of the Colosseum built and used in the Roman empire. It is the icon of the city with its massive stone walls and history of gladiator fights, executions and exhibitions of exotic animals. The Colosseum opened in 80 A.D. with 100 days of games and allowed 50,000 people to be seated - according to social ranking. It was active for 500 years and was last used in the 6th century. Since then it has suffered from lightening, earthquakes, WW11, neglect, vandalism and weather and only two-thirds of the amphitheater remains today. This is a great place to splurge for a tour with a tour guide because not only will you be able to enter with much less waiting time, but many of the tours include the stage area and underground area where the animals were kept and you can see the elaborate elevators, aqueducts, and tunnel systems that were built to accommodate the needs of the gladiators, spectators and animals. If you decide to stick with a self-guided tour, be sure to arrive early as the line can be long. Either way, your entrance fee includes the Colosseum, the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill so be sure to give yourself a good three hours to see everything. I booked a tour at www.livitaly.com and had a great experience. I would not have learned as much or understood what I was seeing if I had not chosen to take a guided tour.
The Roman Forum is a plaza area that is surrounded by the ruins of several ancient buildings that used to be the center of the city of Rome. It is adjacent to the Colosseum and a walk through the area is rich in history – a tour guide serves so well here as you can really begin to grasp so much more about what you are viewing. Next door to the forum is Palatine Hill, the most famous of Rome’s seven hills. Walk through the area and see what is left of the Imperial Place and huge retaining walls.
Vatican City is the smallest country in the world. It is an independent city-state that covers about 100 acres and is the headquarters for the Roman Catholic Church and its government. Only 800 residents live in the Vatican City and they are clergy or Swiss guards. Vatican City does have an open border with Italy so you can easily visit the many sites. The sites to see are the Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel, St Peter’s Basilica, and St Peter’s Square.
It is easiest to purchase all your tickets for the museum and Basilica online. Tickets for St. Peter’s Basilica are only for if you want to skip the line. I did not purchase a skip the line ticket as I visited the first week of December and decided it would not be a high tourist season and I waited about 1 hour in line. Entering the church is free. Please note that you will not be permitted to enter the Basilica or the museum wearing low cut or sleeveless clothing, shorts, miniskirts or hats. Also, everything is closed on Sunday. Allow 4 hours to see everything here.
The Vatican Museum has many treasures including the Sistine Chapel with 9 scenes from Genesis painted by Michelangelo, the incredible Gallery of Maps and the Raphael rooms. The museum itself is beautiful with impressive, ornate ceilings and its spiral staircase. If you are an art lover, then you will not want to miss this museum filled with renowned Roman sculptures and masterpieces of Renaissance art.
St Peters Basilica is incredible! Built in the Renaissance style on the site where St Peter was buried in 64 A.D. the Basilica has a capacity of 60,000 people and is one of the world’s largest churches. It is the most beautiful place of worship that I have ever been in. And you have an option to pay to climb to the Dome.
The Pantheon is a former Roman temple, now a church, that was dedicated around 126 A.D. and remains one of the best-preserved buildings of ancient Rome. The Pantheon has a giant dome with a hole in the top, marble floors and contains the tombs of artist Raphael and several other Italian Kings and poets. It is free to enter and on an active plaza so make sure to take a walk through it. Outside are massive Corinthian columns and a beautiful fountain in the plaza. Nearby are gelato shops, cafes, and two great coffee shops. La Casa Del Caffe Tazza D’oro is a classic coffee shop with an outstanding iced granita. Sant’ Eustachio II Caffe is a coffee shop famous for its home-roasted beans which are blended with water from an ancient aqueduct.
The Spanish Steps is literally a 135-step staircase (it is now illegal to sit on these steps) that opened in 1735. They connect the lower Piazza di Spagna with the upper Piazza Trinita dei Monti, the location of a beautiful church. The atmosphere around the area is charged with energy and people and it is a fun place to experience.
Plazas, markets, museums are abundant in Rome! Some to check out are Pizza Novona, Pizza Campo De’Fiori, the museum Castel Sant’ Angelo and Borghese Gallery (advance tickets only), the Villa Borghese and gardens and the many, many churches which are beautiful, filled with art, and free.
Trastevere Neighborhood is hip, happening and picturesque. Great place for dinner and walk around the winding streets. Trapizzino offers a unique pizza in a pocket and was a fun place to eat. Also try the traditional rice balls. If you continue to the Tiger River, then cross the footbridge to the Tiber Island in the Tiber River.
Of course, as expected, all the Italian food is fabulous. Italians do eat later in the evening. Pre-dinner aperitiro is from 6-8 pm followed by dinner. I love that most of the pizza is prepared in a rectangle shape, then they cut off as much as you want and weigh it to determine the price. That allows lots of snacking opportunities and well as chances to try many varieties!
Other notes - When you arrive at the airport, you can take the train from the airport to the city center. Leonardo Express – 30 minutes and 14 Euros. The main terminal is Roma Termini. Always validate your train or bus tickets. Public transportation is great, inexpensive but sometimes it is not always the quickest way around the city if you are in a hurry. Make sure to download HERE map prior to departure on good Wi-Fi so you have a good map available with you that will work without Wi-Fi or cellular data.
Overall – you will not choose wrong if you choose to go to Rome. The eternal city is filled with treasures, art, architecture and you can find something to see and do that everyone will enjoy. Italy is a very easy country to travel in and you will quickly feel the sense and unique vibe of each city you visit in Italy and have an epic adventure. Buon viaggio!
