The eternal city is waiting to be discovered. A trip to Rome is far more than a simple holiday — it is an adventure through thousands of years of history, art and tradition. From the enchanting ancient ruins of the Colosseum to the crystal-clear waters of the Fontana di Trevi, Rome offers experiences that will captivate you and leave you longing for more.
However, a successful trip to Rome requires planning. What are the must-sees? How can you savour authentic Italian cuisine? What will impress you most — the grandeur of the Vatican or the lively atmosphere of the historic neighbourhoods?
In this complete guide, you will discover everything you need to plan the perfect trip to the heart of Italy. Let us begin the exploration.
For la dolce vita in Rome! Rich history, magnificent monuments, endless museums, delicious
cuisine and Italian temperament! The Eternal City will enchant you and leave you wanting to
visit it again and again. It has so much to offer that each time you will discover it
anew! Ready to set off?
Here are 19 suggestions to add to your to-do list for your trip to
Rome! The city’s most important sights, tips for food and fun, and
little secrets that will make your experience even more exciting!
1. Like gladiators of old… at the Colosseum
Almost synonymous with the Italian capital, the gigantic amphitheatre of the ancient
Roman empire – as its name suggests – inspires awe in its
visitors. No trip to Rome is complete without a stop at the imposing Colosseum!
It is perhaps Rome’s most impressive ancient monument, not only because of its incredible
dimensions, but chiefly because of its… violent past. In its arena
gladiators fought to the death, while the condemned faced wild
beasts amid the cries of a crowd thirsting for ever more… blood. The Colosseum
(Colosseo) began to be built in 72 AD, in the era of Vespasian, and held around
70,000 people.
You do not need to go inside to appreciate the scale of this great
monument. After all, the huge queues of tourists waiting patiently to
enter are often off-putting. If you do not have much time to spare,
take a walk around the Colosseum and find the spots that allow you to
catch a few glimpses of the arena’s interior too!
2. Make a wish at the Trevi Fountain
Take out a coin, make a wish, turn your back to the famous Trevi
Fountain (Fontana di Trevi) and toss the coin into the water. According to tradition, if you throw
a coin into the fountain you will one day return to Rome. Rome’s largest Baroque
fountain was designed by the Italian architect Nicola Salvi. It is one of
Rome’s most beautiful sights and you can enjoy it at any time of the
day, without having to spend a thing… except the coin you throw for your
wish!
Tip: Early in the morning and late at night you will have the chance to enjoy it without the selfie
sticks of the countless tourists blocking your view. We would recommend
enjoying it both in daylight and… artificially lit at night.
3. The Roman Forum and Palatine Hill – A journey through time
Walk through the Roman Forum and the Palatine Hill (one of the seven hills of
Rome) and let your mind travel to other eras. According to legend, Romulus murdered
his twin brother Remus on this very spot and founded Rome in 753 BC.
The Roman Forum is one of Rome’s most popular attractions. Wander
among the ancient monuments against the backdrop of the imposing Colosseum and imagine how
the “heart” of ancient Rome once was. End up at the Capitoline Hill to
enjoy the wonderful view, with the Roman Forum laid out before you like a “plate”.
4. Climb the dome of St Peter’s Basilica
The dome of St Peter’s Basilica dominates the Roman skyline. The church
of St Peter stands in Vatican City and welcomes thousands of visitors
every day. You will be impressed by the size of the church, its rich decoration and the
masterpieces it houses, such as the famous Pietà, a marble sculpture by
Michelangelo.
If you do not suffer from a fear of heights… dare to climb the dome of St Peter’s,
to admire the panoramic view over the city. The lift will save you around
320 steps, but you will need to take some deep breaths, as another…
231 (551 in total) steps follow to the very top.
Tip: Entry to St Peter’s Basilica is free. Just make sure you are modestly
dressed, otherwise you will not be allowed in. Shorts,
mini skirts and tops that do not cover the shoulders are prohibited.
Church opening hours: 07:00-19:00 (April-September) and 07:00-18:00 (October-
March).
5. In the Vatican Museums
Arm yourself with patience and wear comfortable clothes and shoes. Only then will you manage
to get through the day in the Vatican Museums. Queues are unavoidable at
one of the most important museums in Rome, and possibly in the world. Do not
be surprised if you cannot tell where the queue begins and ends, and bear in
mind that besides the queues for tickets, there are also queues for security
checks.
Your patience will be rewarded once you have passed all the checks and begin to
wander through the endless halls of masterpieces housed
in the Vatican. Here you will also find the famous Sistine Chapel (Cappella Sistina), the
chapel of the Apostolic Palace (Palazzo Apostolico), whose legendary ceiling
was painted by Michelangelo.
Tip 1: One day is not enough to see everything. We recommend that you
decide in advance what you want to prioritise within the Vatican
Museums.
Tip 2: The Vatican Museums are open to the public, free of charge, on the last
Sunday of every month.
6. Raise your eyes at the Pantheon
Dedicated to all the gods, the Pantheon fills you with a sense of calm and
serenity. Harmonious and mysterious, it is considered by many to be the most perfect building in the
world. It was built in the 1st century BC and rebuilt by Hadrian in 125
AD. It is a “marvel of engineering”, with its enormous dome being the
largest unreinforced concrete dome in the world.
Raise your eyes upwards and follow with them the rays of the sun, which enter
through the round opening in the roof and illuminate the temple’s interior.
Tip: If it is raining on the day you visit, try to spot the almost
invisible holes in the marble floor, through which the water that “invades” the
Pantheon disappears.
Entry to the Pantheon is free. There are usually long queues, however
they move relatively quickly.
You will find it at: Piazza della Rotonda
Opening hours: 09:00-19:00 (Monday-Saturday), 09:00-18:00 (Sunday), closed
(Christmas, New Year’s Day)
7. The artistic… Piazza Navona
One of the most beautiful squares in Rome, with a history of many thousands of years. It had
been built in the 1st century AD by Domitian. Here the ancient Romans watched
games, and it is to this that it owes its distinctive oval shape.
Today, you could say that Piazza Navona is a “hymn” to the Baroque
and a little paradise for street artists. Along the square you will
come across many painters and musicians, while its famous fountains
add an extra note of beauty to the already romantic setting. At its centre
stands the Fountain of the Four Rivers (Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi) by Bernini,
while at the two ends of the square there are two more fountains: the Fountain of
Neptune and the Moor Fountain.
Tip: Enjoy an aperitivo at one of the outdoor cafés on the square
for a dose of Italian… dolce vita.
8. For photos on the Spanish Steps at Piazza di Spagna
Perhaps the most famous square in Rome. It lies in the “heart” of the Italian capital
and is so beautiful that you will not know where to look first for your photos. The
famous Spanish Steps are a meeting point for young and old alike.
Beautiful buildings to the right and left, colourful flowers “adorning” the steps
up to the church of Trinità dei Monti (Scalinata della Trinità dei Monti) and the fountain
Fontana della Barcaccia by Bernini where the steps end. How could anyone not
fall in love with Rome after that?
Tip: Very close by you will also find the aristocratic Via Condotti, where
you can admire the shop windows of famous Italian – and not only – fashion houses.
9. The Castle of the Angels in the Eternal City
Known as Castel Sant’Angelo, it stands on the western bank of the
Tiber near St Peter’s Square.
The towering cylindrical building was commissioned by the emperor Hadrian, who intended it
as a mausoleum for himself and his family. Later it was used as a fortress
by popes, and today it is a museum. It is located in Parco Adriano (Hadrian’s Park).
Tip: Combine your visit with an afternoon stroll along the Tiber and,
when you get hungry, cross over the Ponte Sant’Angelo bridge and head towards
Via dei Coronari. At number 160 you will find a very small shop (Pasta
Imperiale), which sells fresh pasta… made by hand. Enjoy authentic Italian
flavours and continue your walk through the Eternal City.
10. A taste of Italy at the Campo de’ Fiori market
Italian cuisine is renowned for its simple, pure ingredients. One look at the open-air
Campo de’ Fiori market will convince you to try as many
local delicacies as you can. From dried mushrooms to handmade pasta,
limoncello and fresh produce, the variety on the vendors’ stalls will not
disappoint you.
Be original and buy special gifts for your loved ones with… a taste of Italy!
Opening hours: from early morning until 2 in the afternoon.
11. What will the… Mouth of Truth say?
Test the legend and see if… you are a liar! The Mouth of Truth (Bocca della
Verità) is another of Rome’s busy attractions, ideal for lovers
of selfies! Pose against the open mouth of the bearded mask and
capture the moment of… truth!
According to legend, the mouth of the mask closes when whoever places their hand
inside tells a lie. It is located in the portico of the Basilica of Santa Maria (Santa Maria in
Cosmedin).
Opening hours: 09:30-17:00 (in winter), 09:30-18:00 (in summer)
12. A green oasis at Villa Borghese
Escape the noise of the city and enjoy a refreshing walk in the
park of Villa Borghese. Take in the view towards Piazza del Popolo
(Piazza del Popolo) and let your gaze wander over the Italian capital in the
distance.
Within the park you will also find the Galleria Borghese, once the summer
residence of the House of Borghese, which is now a museum housing a remarkable
collection of great works of art.
13. Night-time strolls in… Trastevere
In this corner of Rome the nights are magical. Leave behind the aristocratic
“heart” of Rome and slow down your pace. Young people prefer
Trastevere for their nights out, and there is no shortage of little taverns and
bars where you can enjoy your drink or your meal. Start with an aperitivo, a plate
of cheeses and fresh fruit and continue with classic Italian recipes, such as fried
artichokes.
In Trastevere you will forget you are in Rome and feel as though you have been transported
to some town in the Italian countryside.
14. For pizza bianca at the Urbani bakery
You will find it in Rome’s Jewish quarter, at number 31 in Piazza Costaguti.
It is famous for its “white pizza” (pizza bianca). It has been operating since 1927, and probably not
without good reason! If you do not try it… it will be your loss!
Rome’s Jewish quarter lies between Campo de’ Fiori and Piazza
Venezia (Piazza Venezia). Here you will find several Jewish restaurants, bakeries and small
shops. The faded façades of the buildings in shades of orange or ochre and
the tempting aromas rising from every corner give a special
atmosphere to the area, which will surely make you love it.
Tip 1: Here you will also find the renowned Ristorante Piperno. Try the carciofi
alla giudia (fried artichokes).
Tip 2: At the Jewish bakery Boccione (Via del Portico d’Ottavia 1) you will taste the
most delicious ricotta cakes.
15. An… unexpected stroll in the Coppedè neighbourhood
Forget everything you have seen in Rome so far. Leave behind ancient monuments,
aristocratic mansions, Baroque squares and Renaissance-style works of art.
The Coppedè district is perhaps the most unexpected, unusual and utterly
unpredictable neighbourhood that one could imagine encountering in Rome.
It owes its distinctiveness to the Italian architect Gino Coppedè. Art
Nouveau and Art Deco buildings with elements of ancient Greek, Gothic and Baroque aesthetics
create a strange setting… as though it had stepped out of a fairy tale.
16. For sweet sins with… tiramisù at the patisserie
Pompi
Whether you sit down to enjoy it at the tables of the Pompi patisserie, or take it
back to your hotel… just do not miss the chance to try it! You will thank us!
17. Pizza lovers will meet their master
For the best pizza in Rome, all you have to do is… try it in as many
places as you can! From pizza bianca without tomato sauce and the classic pizza
“margherita”, to pizza with mozzarella, courgette flowers and smoked ham, or pizza with
thinly sliced potato.
Enjoy responsibly!
18. Swear by the Italian… gelato
Classic Italian ice cream can be found on almost every corner of Rome. As true…
tourists, try the ice cream at least once from the famous Giolitti, which you will find
on Via Uffici del Vicario at number 40. You can combine it with your
visit to the Pantheon, which is very close by. It has been operating since 1900 and
sweetly cools… Romans and visitors to the Eternal City alike.
Tip: It is cheaper if you take it to go than if you sit at the tables. There will be a queue,
but it is worth the wait.
19. Time for… espresso!
A visit to Rome is unthinkable without drinking one (and two and three and as many as you can handle)
classic Italian espresso. And when we say Italian espresso, we mean the standing kind.
The one that Italians drink in a sip or two and then carry on their way.
Enjoy a cappuccino in the morning, “wake up” with an espresso at
midday and try a macchiato, just for the experience.
Things to do there — Rome
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