There is no tourist in the world who has not visited, or dreams of visiting, the capital of Italy. Rome is a city rich in history, culture and archaeological remains unique in the world , which is why it is a destination for visits by onlookers from all over the planet. The Eternal City offers so much, in addition to the most famous attractions and monuments, that the time available to see everything seems to never be enough!
So let’s find out what to see in Rome , what are the best attractions and things to do in the capital of the Bel Paese!
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1 – Colosseum
The Colosseum of Rome: a timeless classic, an unmissable stop on every visit to Rome that can be defined as such. It is said that when the Colosseum falls, the eternal city will also fall , taking the whole world with it.
Its original name is the Flavian Amphitheater and was the scene of fierce fights between gladiators and wild beasts, but also the setting for simulations of naval battles. The Colosseum is still today one of the symbols of Rome , recognized all over the world, as well as being the most visited monument in Italy! It is also the largest Roman amphitheater in the world and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1980. During a visit you can visit the arena floor, the basement and the second and third levels.
SEE ALSO: Visit to the Colosseum: timetables, prices and advice
Organize your visit : to avoid wasting time in line, we recommend the VIP tour with priority access. Alternatively, you can opt for a combined skip-the-line tour of the Colosseum, Palatine Hill and Roman Forum, bringing together multiple nearby attractions in one visit.
Practical info: directions, timetables and prices
- How to get there: in Piazza del Colosseo 1, in the heart of Rome. Easily reachable on foot from the Circus Maximus (700 m, 9 min) and the Roman Forum (50 m, 1 min). Colosseum metro stop – Get directions
- Hours: always open from 8:30, closing times vary according to the period, generally 16:00 in winter, 18:30 in summer. Consult the official website
- Ticket price: ticket Colosseum + Forums + Palatine Hill full € 16.00, reduced € 2.00 / Full Experience (valid two consecutive days) full € 22.00, reduced € 2.00
2 – Basilicas of San Giovanni in Laterano and San Paolo fuori le Mura
Photo by MrPanyGoff. We have already discovered two of the Papal Basilicas of Rome, namely St. Peter’s Basilica and the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore. It’s time to introduce you to the last two!
Let’s start from the Basilica of San Giovanni in Laterano, built in the 4th century in honor of San Giovanni Battista and the evangelist San Giovanni, is one of the most beautiful churches in the city and is defined as the “mother of all the churches in the world”. Repeatedly damaged and renovated over the centuries, it is absolutely worth a visit for its finely decorated interiors and for the museum it houses, the Museum of the Basilica!
The other basilica is the Basilica of San Paolo fuori le Mura, the second largestafter that of St. Peter in the Vatican. Here, under the Papal Altar, is the tomb of the Apostle Paul and, for this reason, the basilica has always been a place of pilgrimage for the faithful. Also in this case the interior is wonderfully decorated and here you can also see all the tondi with the portraits of all the Popes, from St. Peter to Pope Francis.
Practical info: directions, timetables and prices
- How to get there: Basilica of San Giovanni in Laterano in Piazza di S. Giovanni in Laterano, San Giovanni metro stop – Get directions / Basilica of San Paolo fuori le Mura in Piazzale San Paolo 1, Garbatella metro stop – Get directions
- Hours: Basilica of San Giovanni in Laterano every day 7: 00-18: 30 / Basilica of San Paolo fuori le Mura every day 7: 00-18: 30
- Ticket price: Basilica of San Giovanni in Laterano free, paid cloister € 2.00 / Basilica of San Paolo fuori le Mura free, full paid cloister € 4.00, reduced € 2.00
3 – Terme di Caracalla
Photo by Ethan Doyle White. It is well known that the Romans loved the baths . Public baths were the only “luxury” within everyone’s reach, not just the rich. The Baths of Caracalla were just such a place, frequented mostly by the people who could enjoy these elegant buildings that have been preserved almost intact to this day.
The Baths were built in 216 AD and represent the most important thermal complex in history , which can still be visited today! Despite the passing of the centuries, the imposing wall structures and some internal buildings have been kept in excellent condition. You can see the Calidarium, the Tepidarium and the Natatio. The visit is allowed withquota entry and one-way path .
SEE ALSO : Visit to the Baths of Caracalla: How to get there, prices and advice
Practical info: directions, timetables and prices
- How to get there: in Viale delle Terme di Caracalla, south of the historic center. Easily reachable on foot from the Circus Maximus (1 km, 13 min). Circo Massimo metro stop – Get directions
- Hours: every day from 9:00, closing times vary according to month and season, winter generally 17:00, summer generally 19:00. Consult the official website
- Ticket price: full € 8.00, reduced € 2.00
4 – Palatine Hill and Circus Maximus
Now let’s go back to the heart of the historic center, near the Colosseum, where you can visit the Palatine Hill and the Circus Maximus. The Palatine Hill is an archaeological site where there are important remains of imperial historic buildings , and the visit is included with the visit to the Colosseum and the Roman Forum. Among these you can admire the remains of the Domus Augustana, the Domus Flavia and the grandiose Palatine Stadium.
Right at the foot of the hill, on the opposite side from the Colosseum, is the Circus Maximus, which is a large area where there are the ruins of an arena where chariot races were held and which could accommodate up to 250,000 spectators.. The archaeological area is easily visible even from the road, but it is possible to access inside and walk near the ruins, an experience to be lived absolutely!
Splendid view from the Roseto di Roma Capitale : near the Circus Maximus there is the wonderful rose garden of the city, a little known but absolutely beautiful place, where you can enjoy a relaxing walk
Practical info: directions, timetables and prices
- How to get there: in the historic center of Rome. Easily reachable on foot from the Colosseum (500 m, 7 min) and the Roman Forum (200 m, 3 min). Colosseum metro stop – Get directions
- Hours: Palatine Hill opening at 9:30, closing times vary according to the period, generally 16:00 in winter, 18:30 in summer. Consult the official website / Circo Massimo from the outside always accessible, access to the archaeological area daylight saving time 9: 00-19: 30, solar time 9: 30-16: 30
- Ticket price: Colosseum ticket + Forums + Palatine Hill full € 16.00, reduced € 2.00 / Circo Massimo from the outside free, full access to the archaeological area € 5.00, reduced € 4.00
5 – Roman Forum
A trip to the eternal city certainly cannot be said to be complete without a visit to the ancient heart of the capital , that is the archaeological complex of the Roman Forum. Generally the ticket for the visit to the Roman Forum also includes the one to the Palatine Hill and the Colosseum, so it is ideal to take part in the priority tour of the Colosseum, Palatine Hill and Roman Forum.
In Ancient Rome, the Forum was the political and commercial center of a city and, as you can imagine, among the many present in the capital, the most important was the Forum of Rome. Even today you can admire some of the original structures, arrive well preserved to the present day. The main street was the Via Sacra, along the sides of which various buildings and sacred places developed. Even today along this you can admire all the most important monuments.
SEE ALSO : Visit to the Roman Forum: timetables, prices and advice
Organize your visit : there are three different entrances to the Roman Forum, to be chosen according to your itinerary. One is located in Via della Salara Vecchia 5/6 at the height of Via dei Fori Imperiali, one in Via di San Gregorio-Palatino, the third in Via Sacra, in front of the Arch of Titus.
Practical info: directions, timetables and prices
- How to get there: in Via della Salara Vecchia 5/6, in the historic center. Easily reachable on foot from the Capitoline Museums (140 m, 2 min) and the Colosseum (50 m, 1 min). Colosseum metro stop – Get directions
- Hours: from November to March 8: 30-17: 00, from April to September 8: 30-19: 00, October 8: 30-18: 30
- Ticket price: ticket Colosseum + Forums + Palatine Hill full € 16.00, reduced € 2.00 / Full Experience (valid two consecutive days) full € 22.00, reduced € 2.00
6 – Imperial Forums
A stone’s throw from the Roman Forum are the Imperial Forums, another testimony to the greatness of Ancient Rome. It is a unique archaeological complex in the world , which develops between the Roman Forum, the Colosseum and the Altare della Patria. This place represented the heart of the political activity of the city , and the buildings and squares that constitute them date back to between 46 BC and 113 AD
The original forum, with the development of the Empire, is no longer enough, it was too small for all the functions: it was thus that Caesar built the Forum of Caesar, which was then followed by the Forum of Augustus, the Transitional Forum and, finally, the Trajan’s Forum, the largest of all. Today we havethe great fortune of being able to see this area from very close : they can in fact be visited along a unique path following the walkway that runs through all the Imperial Forums.
Practical info: directions, timetables and prices
- How to get there: in via dei Fori Imperiali, in the historic center of Rome. Easily reachable on foot from the Colosseum (750 m, 9 min) and the Roman Forum (50 m, 1 min). Colosseum metro stop – Get directions
- Hours: every day from 8:30, closing times vary according to days and period, between 16:30 and 19:15. Consult the official website
- Ticket price: full € 4.00, reduced € 3.00
7 – Papal Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore
Photo by Nicholas Gemini. Get ready to be amazed: if you have already visited St. Peter’s Basilica, then you cannot miss the Papal Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, one of the four Papal Basilicas of Rome ! Located on the top of the Esquiline Hill, it is also the only Basilica in the city to have preserved its primitive early Christian structure , despite the addition of the following centuries.
But why visit this grandiose place?
The Basilica is famous for its mosaics and golden ceiling. The walls are decorated with wonderful mosaics from different periods and represent stories from the Old Testament. The gilded ceiling was added later, at the behest of Cardinal Guglielmo d’Estouteville. Along the aisles you will find wonderful chapels decorated by the greatest artists, among these we mention the Sistine Chapel created by different artists, while Michelangelo Buonarroti also works at the Sforza Chapel.
Practical info: directions, timetables and prices
- How to get there: in Piazza di S. Maria Maggiore, in the historic center of Rome. Easily reachable on foot from the Colosseum (1.2 km, 16 min) and the Trevi Fountain (1.5 km, 20 min). Colosseum metro stop – Get directions
- Hours: every day 7: 00-18: 45. Limited tourist visits during the celebration of Holy Masses
- Ticket price: full € 3.00, reduced € 2.00
8 – Trevi Fountain
It is one of the most photographed monuments in all of Rome , thanks to its incredible beauty! To find it, it is enough to be able to distinguish the roaring sound of the water from the noises of the city. After walking through a maze of narrow streets you reach the Trevi Fountain, which is just as you imagine it: sumptuous, crowded, representative of the Dolce Vita.
It is the largest fountain in Rome and the construction of the one we can admire today began in 1732, its origins actually date back to the times of the ancient Romans. Always very crowded, we advise you to visit it early in the morning to take spectacular photosand without people in between, or in the evening when it is totally illuminated.
The fountain is located in Piazza Trevi, in the Trevi district. Easily reachable on foot from the Quirinal Palace (400 m, 5 min) and from Piazza Venezia (750 m, 9 min). Repubblica metro stop, bus stop Tritone / Trevi Fountain – Get directions
SEE ALSO : Visit to the Trevi Fountain: How to get there, prices and advice
Throw the famous coin: a coin thrown into the fountain, with your back to it, it is said that it will serve to ensure you a second visit to Rome. A second coin will allow you to find a great love, possibly Italian. A third coin will give you the certainty of getting married soon. And, after throwing all the coins you want, enjoy an excellent ice cream from Gelato in Trevi, right in front of the fountain.
9 – Piazza di Spagna
Another unmissable square in the capital and Piazza di Spagna, with the Spanish Steps, which together represent a unique background in the world for fashion shows and famous film scenes . It is one of the most romantic places in Rome, as well as one of the most photographed. Here you will also find numerous luxury boutiques, with the great brands of Italian fashion.
In the center of the square is the wonderful Fontana della Barcaccia, built by Pietro Bernini and his son Gian Lorenzo Bernini. The monumental staircase, on the other hand, has 135 steps and leads to the Trinita dei Monti Church, a large church dating back to the 16th century, which can now be visited. Inside the convent there are in fact important paintings and various sculptures dating back to various periods.
The square is located in the northern part of the historic center. Easily reachable on foot from the Trevi Fountain (700 m, 8 min) and from Piazza Popolo (700 m, 9 min). Spain Metro Stop – Get Directions
10 – Borghese Gallery and Villa Borghese
Let’s move to the northern part of the city, where the wonderful Villa Borghese Park is located, designed by Ponzio and Vasanzi. Inside there is also a lake where it is possible to sail on boats, there are obviously wonderful fountains and well-kept gardens! This park could be defined as a small city within a city, thanks to all the activities that can be carried out.
Inside the park, moreover, there are numerous museums, and one of the most beautiful and visited museums in Rome is the Galleria Borghese, a museum housed in a building dating back to the beginning of the seventeenth century, a symbol of the rise of the homonymous family. in the Roman environment. Inside, one-of-a-kind pieces of art are exhibited, both statues and wonderful paintings . We recommend that you spend an entire afternoon between the museum and the park!
Practical info: directions,
- How to get there: in Piazzale Scipione Borghese 5, in the park of Villa Borghese, an entrance is located in Piazza del Popolo. Easily reachable on foot from the Trevi Fountain (1.8 km, 25 min). Reference metro stop Flaminio – Get directions
- Hours: Galleria Borghese Tue-Sun 9: 00-19: 00 / Villa Borghese always accessible
- Ticket price: Borghese Gallery full € 13.00, reduced € 2.00 / Villa Borghese free, various activities and museums for a fee
11 – Piazza del Popolo
Continuing to discover the most beautiful squares, you absolutely cannot miss Piazza del Popolo, the historic square of the city at the center of which is the oldest obelisk in Rome ! It is also located at the top of a triangle of streets known as the Trident, consisting of via del Babuino, via del Corso and via di Ripetta, and with its position it is a real gateway to the heart of the city for those arriving from the northern districts.
On the side of the Hemicycle Gardens of Neptune there is the wonderful Fountain of Neptune, on the adjacent side you can instead discover the two twin churches, the Churches of Santa Maria di Montesanto and Santa Maria dei Miracoli. Finally, on the opposite side, there is the Church of Santa Maria del Popolo, inside which houses some wonderful paintings by Caravaggio .
It is located north of the historic center, at the gates of Villa Borghese. Easily reachable on foot from the Mausoleum of Augustus (450 m, 5 min) and from the Spanish Steps (700 m, 9 min). Reference metro stop Flaminio – Get directions
12 – Vatican Museums One of the most famous museums in the world
is located near St. Peter’s Basilica: we are talking about the Vatican Museums, a place where very important and precious works of antiquity, from the Greek and Roman era are kept, such as the Lacoonte, Apoxyomenos and the Apollo Belvedere, but also examples of Egyptian and Etruscan art .
The Vatican Museums are universally known as one of the richest and most splendid museum complexes in the world and also include a Pinacoteca, with works by Raphael, Caravaggio and Leonardo da Vinci. But the true masterpiece of the museums is without a doubt the famous Sistine Chapel , the result of the genius of Michelangelo, which welcomes over 20,000 visitors every day. A magical place, almost impossible to imagine, yet right above your heads.
SEE ALSO: What to see in the Vatican Museums: timetables, prices and advice
Pay attention to the rules : avoid shorts, flip flops, tank tops, hats etc. Photos and videos are forbidden inside the Sistine Chapel, but in museums you can take them but only without flash.
Practical info: directions, timetables and prices
- How to get there: in St. Peter’s Square, in the Vatican City. Easily reachable on foot from Castel Sant’Angelo (1 km, 13 min). Reference bus and tram stop Risorgimento – Get directions
- Hours: Mon-Sat 8: 30-18: 30, closed Sun
- Ticket price: full € 17.00, reduced € 8.00
13 – St. Peter’s Square and the Basilica
Let’s move a little from the historic center to reach the Vatican City . In any image of the city skyline, the Dome of St. Peter’s Basilica stands out, designed by Michelangelo, as well as its spectacular colonnaded portico in the square in front, created by Bernini.
The building represents not only one of the most wonderful and important examples of Italian architecture, but it is also one of the symbolic places of Christianity . The Basilica also houses masterpieces of rare beauty made by the most important artists of the Roman Renaissance and the Baroque, such as the Pieta by Michelangelo, the Chair of St. Peter and the Baldacchino by Bernini.
SEE ALSO: Visit to St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican: How to get there, prices and advice
Buy the skip-the-line : the lines are endless, and the purchase of the guided tour with reserved entrance is essential. If you plan to visit the museums on the same day, then we recommend the single ticket.
Practical info: directions, timetables and prices
- How to get there: in St. Peter’s Square, in the Vatican City. Easily reachable on foot from Castel Sant’Angelo (1 km, 13 min). Reference bus and tram stop Risorgimento – Get directions
- Hours: Basilica from October to March 7: 00-18: 30, from April to September 7: 00-19: 00 / Dome of St. Peter’s from October to March 7: 30-17: 00, from April to September 7:30 -18: 00
- Ticket price: Basilica free / Dome lift + on foot (320 steps) € 10.00, only on foot (551 steps) € 8.00, reduced € 5.00
14 – Castel Sant’Angelo
On the opposite bank of the river Tiber, crossing the wonderful Ponte Sant’Angelo, you can reach the Castel Sant’Angelo, also known as the Mausoleum of Hadrian. It is one of the most photographed monuments in Rome at sunset , thanks to the wonderful colors of the sunset and the lights that gradually come on.
The castle is divided into seven different levels , inside which you can retrace and discover all the history of Rome (in this regard, we recommend that you visit it accompanied by an expert guide with a tour with priority access), as well as enjoy wonderful views of the city ​​and to admire the ancient frescoes on the walls.Inside there are works of inestimable historical and artistic value , not to be missed: among these the Bust of Hadrian, the Bell of Mercy and the Statue of St. Michael the Archangel in the Terrace.
SEE ALSO : Visit to Castel Sant’Angelo: timetables, prices and advice
Stop to admire Ponte Sant’Angelo : very popular at sunset, for the magnificent colors it offers. The bridge is adorned with several statues, the first being those of St. Peter and St. Paul, while then several pairs of angels follow one another.
Practical info: directions, timetables and prices
- How to get there: in Lungotevere Castello 50, north of the historic center. Easily reachable on foot from St. Peter’s Basilica (1 km, 13 min) and from Piazza Navona (750 m, 9 min). Reference bus stop Piazza Pia / Castel S. Angelo – Get directions
- Hours: every day 9: 00-19: 30
- Ticket price: full € 15.00, reduced € 2.00
15 – Piazza Navona
A place where you can relax sitting at a bar table, surrounded by Baroque sculptures and architecture. Piazza Navona is one of the most popular squares in Rome and is located in the place where the ancient Stadium of Domitian once stood. Here, in fact, thanks to the oval shape of the space, games and sporting events were organized until the 19th century.
At the square it is also possible to admire a work by Bernini , the Fountain of the Four Rivers, or rather the Ganges, the Danube, the Rio della Plata and the Nile. Each of them is represented by a giant positioned on a pyramidal rock on which there is also a Roman obelisk.
In the heart of Rome, in the Parione district. Easily reachable on foot from the Pantheon (400 m, 5 min) and from Campo de ‘Fiori (350 m, 4 min). Reference bus stops Senate and Renaissance – Get directions
Lunch break at Bernini Ristorante : Piazza Navona is full of places with tables outside, but one of the best and certainly Bernini Ristorante, specializing in Italian and, above all, Roman dishes!
16 – Pantheon
Let’s go back to the city center to discover another symbol of Rome, which presents itself to the public adorned with a majestic dome and the famous colonnade. We are talking about the Pantheon, in Piazza della Rotonda.
Legend has it that right here, when Romulus died, an eagle grabbed him and carried him to heaven. As its name indicates, or Pan which means everyone and Theon which means divinity, the building is a monument dedicated to all the gods , built by the emperor Hadrian between 118 and 125 AD From a pagan temple it was converted to a Basilica Christian in 609, dedicated to Santa Maria ad Martyres (recommended the guided tour of the Pantheon and Santa Maria Sopra Minerva). In 1870 it became the resting place of the sovereigns of Italy, including Vittorio Emanuele II, Umberto I and Margherita di Savoia. The great artist Raffaello Sanzio is also buried in the Pantheon .
SEE ALSO : Visit to the Pantheon: hours,
: it is the largest ever built in reinforced concrete and has a diameter of 44 m! In the center is the Oculus, from which natural light enters, the only source of light in the Pantheon!
Practical info: directions, timetables and prices
- How to get there: in Piazza della Rotonda. Easily reachable on foot from Piazza Navona (400 m, 4 min) and from Montecitorio (400 m, 5 min). Reference metro stop Barberini, bus stop Rinascimento – Get directions
- Hours: every day 9: 00-19: 00
- Ticket cost: free
17 – Campo de ‘Fiori
Another wonderful square in the city is Campo de’ Fiori, where one of the liveliest popular agricultural products markets in Rome is held, which takes place every morning. Furthermore, the square is very lively thanks to the many cafes that entertain young people and tourists during the evening hours. In the center of the square stands a statue depicting the philosopher Giordano Bruno, who was burned alive by the Inquisition because of his theories and statements deemed heretical.
But why is this square called just like that
There are two stories around the birth of the name : the first claims that it derives from Flora, one of the lovers of the Emperor Pompey, the second claims that it is because of the plants and flowers that covered the square in the 15th century.
The square is located in the historic center. Easily reachable on foot from Piazza Navona (350 m, 5 min) and from the Altare della Patria (1 km, 13 min). Reference bus stop Corso Vittorio Emanuele / Navona – Get directions
18 – Altare della Patria
Another attraction not to be missed: we are talking about the Altare della Patria, also known as the Victorian Altar. It is a monument built to celebrate King Vittorio Emanuele II , the one who completed the unification of Italy. During the years of Fascism it was very often the scene of the demonstrations of the regime, to date it has become a symbol not only of national identity, but also of artistic and cultural identity .
Today it is possiblevisit it also inside and admire the view from the suggestive terrace ! The interior is mainly divided into 4 areas, with the staircase, two lateral propylaea and the upper portico. Furthermore, inside the Sacrario delle Bandiere there is the Crypt of the Unknown Soldier , which commemorates all the Italian soldiers who died or were missing during the war.
SEE ALSO : Altare della Patria: timetables, prices and useful information Coffee break at
the Caffetteria Italia al Vittoriano : take a break at the café on the Altare della Patria terrace to enjoy a wonderful view of the city.
Practical info: directions, timetables and prices
- How to get there: in Piazza Venezia, in the historic center. Easily reachable on foot from the Capitol (150 m, 3 min) and the Roman Forum (300 m, 5 min). Colosseum metro stop, Piazza Venezia bus stop – Get directions
- Hours: every day 9: 30-19: 30
- Ticket price: Altare della Patria free / Full lifts and panoramic terrace € 10.00, reduced € 2.00 / Underground visits free on Saturday and Sunday
19 – Capitoline Museums
Photo by Carole Raddato. The Capitoline Museums were born in 1471, the year in which Pope Sixtus IV decided to donate an entire collection of bronzes to the city of Rome . Among the prices there was also the famous Capitoline Wolf. Over the years the collection increased, up to 1734, when the museums were opened to the public at the behest of Pope Clement XII, who made the Capitoline Museums the first museums in the world: for the first time the works of art on display they could be seen by everyone and not just by the owners.
The museums are divided into two of the most important buildings in Piazza del Campidoglio: the Palazzo dei Conservatori and the Palazzo Nuovo, connected by an underground passage, the Lapidary Gallery. The first houses a large picture gallery, while the second is mainly dedicated to sculptures, almost all Roman copies of Greek originals.
SEE ALSO : What to see at the Capitoline Museums: timetables, prices and advice
Do not miss the Capitoline Wolf : it is the highlight of the museum, it is located in the Sala della Lupa, in the Conservators’ Apartment, and is the real symbol of Rome.
Practical info: directions, timetables and prices
- How to get there: in Piazza del Campidoglio 1, in the historic center. Easily reachable on foot from the Altare della Patria (180 m, 3 min) and the Colosseum (1.1 km, 14 min). Colosseum metro stop, Piazza Venezia bus stop – Get directions
- Hours: every day 9: 30-19: 30, 24 and 31 December 9: 30-14: 00. Closed on January 1st, May 1st and December 25th
- Ticket price: full € 15.00, reduced € 13.00. Variable costs based on the temporary exhibitions in progress, consult the official website
20 – Rione Trastevere
Located on the opposite bank of the Tiber from the historic center, the Trastevere district is certainly the most picturesque district of the whole capital , where you can breathe the true Roman spirit. It is an ideal area to explore with a long walk among pastel colored houses, noisy taverns and churches with baroque charm. Don’t forget to enjoy a grattachecca da Sora Mirella, a fresh drink based on ice and juice, of different flavors, excellent for the hottest periods.
After having explored the length and breadth of the district, we recommend that you go up to the Belvedere del Gianicolo , from which you can admire one of the most beautiful views in all of Rome, where the Giuseppe Garibaldi Monument is also located. Going back down to the banks of the Tiber, we recommend that you pass through the Botanical Garden of Rome, where you can walk among wonderful plants and paths.
The Trastevere district is located east of the historic center, reachable on foot by crossing one of the numerous bridges, such as Ponte Garibaldi or Ponte Sisto. The area is still served by numerous buses and trams (bus 75 to get to the Colosseum) – Get directions
One of the best areas to stay : Trastevere is the best area to stay in Rome, as it is close to the center, it has a wide range of accommodation, even cheaper like hostels.
Other attractions to visit
In addition to the Trastevere district, we recommend that you visit the Testaccio district with the Pyramid of Caio Cestio (€ 5.50), and take a walk in the Garbatella district, where you can also see the Bar from the TV series I Cesaroni! Don’t miss the San Lorenzo district, with the Basilica of San Lorenzo fuori le Mura (free) and the Verano Monumental Cemetery, where Italian characters such as Vittorio Gassman, Alberto Sordi, Giuseppe Ungaretti, Vittorio de Sica and many others are buried.
Among the museums we recommend the National Roman Museum, with 4 locations scattered throughout the city (single ticket € 9.00, valid for one week), and the National Gallery of Ancient Art (€ 10.00). For cinema lovers, a visit to the Alberto Sordi Museum (€ 12.00) is not to be missed. If you are traveling with children, we recommend the Explore The Children’s Museum of Rome (€ 9.00) but also a walk to Villa Doria Pamphili. Among the churches , do not miss the Church of Sant ‘Ignazio di Loyola (free) and the Basilica of Santa Maria in Ara coeli (free), both decorated with beautiful frescoes.
Finally, consider taking a few trips out of town , for example to Tivoli with a tour of Villa d’Este and Villa Adriana.
9 things to do in Rome
Admire St. Peter’s from
the keyhole Put your hand in the Bocca della Verit
Coffee break at Sant’Eustachio The café
Admire the view from the Orange Garden
Eat the real carbonara
Shopping in Via dei Condotti
Discover Roman street food
Live the Roman Night Life
Discover the catacombs of Rome
1/9
- Admiring St. Peter from the Keyhole: From the lock of a door located in Piazza dei Cavalieri di Malta you can admire a wonderful view of St. Peter. Arrive early in the morning to avoid the queues
- Put your hand in the Bocca della Verita : became famous thanks to the film “Roman Holiday” with the iconic Audrey Hepburn, according to legend the mouth bites those who do not tell the truth!
- Coffee break in the best coffee in Rome : the Sant’Eustachio Il Caffe is a historic café and is considered, by many Romans, the best in the city! Not to be missed
- Admire the view from the Orange Garden : this wonderful public garden takes its name from the many orange trees found here. Stroll along the paths and enjoy a wonderful view over the city
- Eat the real carbonara : you can’t come to Rome and not eat a real carbonara dish! The best are found at Roscioli Salumeria con Cucina, Trecca-Cucina di Mercato and Pipero Roma
- Shopping in Via dei Condotti and Via del Corso : these two streets are a paradise for shopping lovers: a succession of shops of the highest Italian and foreign brands, elegant boutiques but also large stores with cheaper products
- Discover Roman street food : when it comes to good food, you immediately think of Rome! Then take part in a street food tour with a guide to discover the tastiest foods to eat while walking through the streets of the city
- Live the Roman Night Life : if you are looking for fun, you are in the right place! The Roman nightlife is very lively, thanks to the numerous clubs and discos! Among the most famous are the Art Cafe, the Circle of the Illuminati and the Goa Club
- Discover the catacombs of Rome : the city also develops underground, with many catacombs. Take a tour of the crypts with a visit to the ossuary
What to see in one day
With only one day available, it is inevitable to make some sacrifices. You will have to optimize the times and forgo the internal visit of some attractions.
- 9:00 – Colosseum and Roman Forum
- 13:00 – Altar of the Fatherland
- 14:30 – Trevi Fountain
- 15:30 – Piazza di Spagna and Via Condotti
- 16:00 – Pantheon
- 17:00 – Piazza Navona, Campo ‘de Fiori
- 19:00 – Trastevere
SEE ALSO : Rome itinerary in one day
What to see in 3 days
In 3 days you can dedicate yourself to all the main attractions of the historic center.
- Day 1 : Colosseum, Imperial Forums, Circus Maximus, Bocca della Verita, Trastevere
- Day 2 : Vatican Museums, St. Peter’s, Piazza Navona
- Day 3 : Pantheon, Altar of the Fatherland, Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps, Villa Borghese
SEE ALSO : Rome itinerary in 3 days
What to see in 7 days
In a week we recommend dedicating the first 4 days to visiting the main attractions, and then moving around to discover wonders such as the Castelli Romani, Tivoli, Ostia and others. .
- Day 1 : Colosseum, Imperial Forums, Circus Maximus, Bocca della Verita, Trastevere
- Day 2 : Vatican Museums, St. Peter’s, Piazza Navona
- Day 3 : Pantheon, Altar of the Fatherland, Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps, Villa Borghese
- Day 4 : Baths of Caracalla, Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, San Giovanni in Laterano, Piazza del Popolo, Castel Sant’Angelo
- Day 5 : Excursion to Tivoli with Villa Adriana and Villa d’Este
- Day 6 : Excursion to Ostia Antica
- Day 7 : Excursions to the Castelli Romani or Gardens of Ninfa
SEE ALSO : Rome itinerary in 7 days
Plan your stay in Rome: tips, flights and hotels
Rome is one of those cities to see at least once in a lifetime ! It is easily accessible from all over Italy and the rest of the world, thanks to the two international airports (compare flights – from € 19.00). Rome is divided into districts and the best to stay in are Trastevere, Monti, Testaccio and San Lorenzo (compare accommodations on booking – from € 40.00).
Rome is huge, chaotic: especially if it is the first time, you may have a sense of disorientation, and not know where to start! For this reason, the advice is to first take a guided walking tour, to familiarize yourself with the city and identify the landmarks together with a guide. Alternatively, there is the evergreen hop-on hop-off bus.
If you are traveling with children , to the many cultural visits such as the Colosseum or St. Peter’s, we advise you to alternate those to the magnificent parks, such as Villa Borghese, where there is also the Bioparco of Rome, Villa Doria Pamphili or in the Roseto di Roma Capitale; but above all, take your children to the gladiator school, they will have a lot of fun. Finally, if you are traveling low cost, we recommend that you buy the Omnia Card, a pass that offers discounts to attractions and free transport on the panoramic bus.