As Europe’s second-most visited city after Paris, the Italian capital, Rome, captivates with its ancient charms and dazzling beauty. Indeed, Rome wasn’t built in a day, it was once the beating heart of Western Civilization, showcasing the incredible prowess of Roman times.
With aspects of the Roman Empire still evident in the city’s layout, architecture, and monuments, Rome is a living testament to an incredibly powerful civilization. Its art also exudes great beauty and craftsmanship, inspiring awe in visitors as they take in the sights of this magnificent city. Rome is a living museum with histories spanning 28 centuries that will leave you enchanted!
Whether you’re looking for culture, history, art, or nature, you’ll find it in Rome (also known as Roma in Italian). Explore iconic landmarks like the Colosseum or take a stroll through world-famous piazzas like Piazza di Spagna. You can also visit one of the many museums and galleries or sample some of Italy’s best cuisine.
Here are the 10 best things to do in this Eternal City, especially if you’re visiting for the first time!
- 1. Visit The Colosseum
- 2. Explore the Vatican Museum
- 3. Take A Stroll Through The Trevi Fountain
- 4. Admire The Pantheon
- 5. Wander Through Ancient Ruins
- 6. Enjoy A Meal At Piazza Navona
- 7. Visit The Catacombs Of San Callisto
- 8. Climb To The Top Of St Peter’s Basilica
- 9. See The Spanish Steps
- 10. Take A Day Trip To Tivoli
1. Visit The Colosseum
Built between 72 and 80 AD, the colosseum was a public amphitheater used for gladiator battles and other forms of entertainment. It was once the largest structure of its kind in the world and is still considered one of the most impressive structures ever built. This iconic landmark is a must-see when visiting Rome. Today, it stands as a reminder of the city’s rich history.
Visitors can take part in guided tours through the ancient site to learn more about its history or take pictures from its viewing platform to capture its beauty forever.
2. Explore the Vatican Museum
The Vatican Museum is one of the most magnificent museums in the world, located within the walls of Vatican City. Home to some of the largest collections of artwork and artifacts from civilizations around the globe, this museum houses over 4 miles’ worth of galleries and rooms that provide both a historical look back at humanity and an unforgettable art experience.
Visitors can take a walk through a grand spiral staircase up to the incredible Raphael’s Stanza where not only will they find amazing frescos but also get an exquisite view of St Peter’s dome from its roof terrace.
3. Take A Stroll Through The Trevi Fountain
This stunning fountain is one of Rome’s most popular attractions (it’s always crowded) and a great place to take a romantic stroll with your significant other or just enjoy the beauty of this iconic landmark on your own. This beautiful fountain has become an inspiration for many painters, sculptors, filmmakers and authors over the centuries.
Constructed in 1762 by Italian architect Nicola Salvi, this monumental work was meant to be a celebration of Roman culture and beauty. It shows themes of rejuvenation through its distinct Baroque and Renaissance style. At the center lies an image of Neptune riding a chariot pulled by two sea horses amid a plethora of gods and goddesses, symbolizing his control over nature’s power with artful finesse. The water from this fountain comes from three sources: one from underground rivers leading from the inaccessible valley near Sabina—a legendary mountain; another part located outside Rome; and lastly, a special spring found inside Vatican City walls itself.
4. Admire The Pantheon
The Pantheon is an impressive temple located in the heart of Rome, Italy. It was built around 125 AD and is one of the best-preserved Roman buildings in existence. The original structure was dedicated to all gods and goddesses from mythological times as well as revered figures like Virgil, Augustus, and Marcus Agrippa, who were later immortalized inside this temple.
The Pantheon’s iconic dome has remained intact for centuries and has become an inspiring model for architects over time. Its impressive dome was once used as a model for St Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City.
5. Wander Through Ancient Ruins
There are plenty of ancient ruins scattered throughout Rome, including the Forum Romanum, Palatine Hill, and Circus Maximus—all great places to explore if you want to get a glimpse into what life was like during Ancient Roman times.
One of Rome’s most popular squares, Piazza Navona is home to some amazing restaurants where you can enjoy delicious Italian cuisine while taking in the sights around you.
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7. Visit The Catacombs Of San Callisto
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These underground burial chambers were once used by early Christians as a place to bury their dead and they still contain some fascinating artifacts from that time period today!
Explore famous places in Rome with Rome Explorer Pass by Go City. The Rome Explorer Pass, gives you the freedom to visit any of the 30+ Rome experiences included – all handpicked by our local experts, at anytime!
8. Climb To The Top Of St Peter’s Basilica
St. Peter’s Basilica is a Renaissance-style church located in Vatican City, the headquarters of the Catholic Church. It was built above the burial site of St. Peter, one of Jesus’ 12 apostles and considered to be the first Pope. The basilica is one of the largest churches in the world and is an important pilgrimage site for Catholics.
This impressive church offers breathtaking views from its rooftop terrace—a perfect spot for watching sunsets over Rome!
Visitors can explore St. Peter’s Basilica on their own or take a guided tour to learn more about its history and artworks. The basilica is open every day from 7am to 7pm (except during religious holidays). Admission is free but tickets are required for certain areas such as the dome and crypts.
9. See The Spanish Steps
Located near Piazza di Spagna, these steps were built in 1725 as part of an effort to link two important parts of the city together—the Spanish Embassy and Trinita dei Monti Church—and have become one of Rome’s most recognizable landmarks since then!
10. Take A Day Trip To Tivoli
Just outside Rome lies Tivoli, home to Villa d’Este—an impressive 16th-century villa with beautiful gardens that makes it worth taking a day trip out here if you have time!
Built in 1550, it was designed by famous Italian architect and sculptor Pirro Ligorio for Cardinal Ippolito d’Este. The palace features beautiful terraced gardens filled with statues of gods and goddesses, mythical creatures, and intricate fountains situated among lush flowerbeds that provide perfect vistas for visitors to enjoy. Inside the Villa, visitors can admire masterful wall frescoes from artists such as Garofalo while its galleries take them on an artistic journey through the Renaissance period.
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