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Ciaran Connolly
Ciaran Connolly
You can’t go to Italy without visiting the capital, Rome. With its impressive monuments and archaeological sites, there are plenty of things to do in Rome.
From its beautiful landscape, delicious food, incredible archaeology, priceless art and many other attractions, Rome has much to offer and is just waiting to be explored.
Table of Contents
1. Colosseum
Visiting the Colosseum should be at the top of your list of things to do when in Rome. Admire the exterior of the world’s largest theatre, built during the Roman Empire. Stepping inside the Colosseum feels like you are stepping into a Gladiator movie. With the Colosseum still in such good condition, it doesn’t take too much imagination to picture all the brutal gladiator fights in one of Rome’s top tourist attractions.
You can take the Metro straight to the Colosseum from the city centre of Rome. Step outside the metro station; the Colosseum is the first thing you see. The Colosseum is not to be missed on your visit to Rome.
2. Piazza Navona
Once a stadium for athletes, the Piazza Navona is the most famous square in the centre of Rome. Spend the day exploring the public open space full of street performers, artists and numerous cafés. Underneath the Piazza Navona is the Domitian Stadium, and you can pay to go down and discover the once-thrilling stadium. The Museo di Roma is also in the square and home to countless ancient art pieces.
If you are in Rome during Christmas, you must take the time to go to the Piazza Navona as it transforms into a beautiful Christmas market for December. Feel the magic of Christmas with Rome’s vintage carousel, Italian Christmas treats, decorations and musicians.
3. Palatine Hill, Roman Forum & Circus Maximus
On your trip to Rome, you have to visit one of the seven hills of Rome. Escape the busy crowds of the city among the archaeological ruins and take in the beautiful scenic views of Rome from the top of Palatine Hill. Many impressive ruins on Palatine Hill, such as Domitian’s Palace, Domus Tiberiana, and the House of Augustus, the first Emperor of Rome.
From one side of the hill, you can view the Roman Forum and the other side, the Circus Maximus. The famous stadium, which once hosted entertaining chariot races and held over 100,000 spectators, played an essential role in Roman history. Although there is not much left of the Circus Maximus today, the ruin that still stands allows you to imagine the chariots racing around the track.
Palatine Hill and Capitoline Hill offer a great view of the Roman Forum, which was used as a political, religious, and civil centre and a marketplace for trade. On your visit to the Roman Forum, you will see the Senate House, Temple of Saturn, and Sacra Via. The Colosseum, Palatine Hill, Circus Maximus, and Roman Forum are all near each other and should be added to your itinerary for things to do in Rome.
4. Crypts and Roman Catacombs
Discover the dark side of the Eternal City with a tour of the Crypts and Catacombs of Rome. Having a tour of a burial site may not be at the top of your list of things to do when you are in Rome; however, it will be a unique experience you will not forget. To enter the crypts, you should follow the dress code to avoid being denied entry. To comply with the dress code, ensure that your knees and shoulders are covered. It is also good to note that being underground can get quite cold, so we recommend bringing a sweater in case you need it.
Catacombs and crypts have some of the oldest frescoes and paintings in the world. One of the most famous crypts in Rome is the Capuchin Crypt. The crypt is uniquely decorated with the bones of over 4000 Capuchin friars and is like nothing you have seen before. At the end of the crypt, a message on the wall translates as ” What you are now, we once were. What we are now, you will be.” it is guaranteed to send a chill down your spine.
5. St. Peters Basilica
Located in the Vatican City, St. Peters Basilica is one of the world’s largest and most exquisite churches. You can enter the basilica for free but wait two hours. The long queues are worth it as St. Peters Basilica is like nothing you have seen before. The breathtaking sculptures, the captivating ceilings and impressive domes will leave you in awe. Michaelangelo designed the unique Dome of St. Peter Basilica. The dome is so enthralling that you will have an ache in your neck from looking at it for too long.
Apostle St. Peter is said to be buried directly under the high altar in the Basilica. Although you can not access his tomb, you can see the papal tombs for free, where over 90 popes are buried. St. Peter’s Basilica is home to Michaelangelo’s marble masterpiece, La Pietá, a must-see on your visit to the Basilica. If you want to enter St. Peter’s Basilica, follow the dress code and cover your knees and shoulders.
6. The Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel
The Vatican is well worth the visit when you come to Rome. The Vatican is the headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church, the site of the tomb of the Apostle Saint Peter and home to the Pope, but this does not mean that you have to be a part of the Catholic Church to go to the Vatican and genuinely appreciate it in all its glory. The Vatican Museum will have you in awe of its beautiful interiors and historical collection.
Some highlights from the Vatican Museum are the Laocoön and his Sons sculpture, the Porphyry Basin, Raphael’s School of Athens painting, the Tapestries Hall, the Gallery of Statues and the Egyptian Museum. Also inside the Vatican Museum is the Sistine Chapel, which contains Michaelanglo’s best-known work. The scale of the frescoes will astonish you with their striking colours. You should note that you are not allowed to take pictures inside the Sistine Chapel and must cover your shoulders and knees when entering. Seeing the Sistine Chapel in person is something everyone has to experience once in their lifetime and is a must-do on your list of things to do when in Rome.
7. The Pantheon
The Pantheon is the best-preserved landmark from Ancient Rome. It is very recognisable, and its architecture has been imitated many times. Its original purpose was as a temple for Roman Gods and now serves as a church. The Pantheon stands still in time in the middle of the Piazza della Rotonda. The Church of Santa Maria Sopra Minerva is across from the Pantheon and is home to Michaelangelo’s Risen Christ statue. The Pantheon should be added to your list of things to do in Rome.
8. Spanish Steps
Famously known for starring in films such as “The Talented Mr Ripley” and “Roman Holiday”, the Spanish Steps are an iconic attraction you must visit in Rome. A beautiful fountain at the bottom of the steps creates a lovely atmosphere while you look at the steps above. If you want to look down at the bustling energy of Rome from the top of the Spanish Steps,, you must be willing to walk up the 138 steps. Whatever you do while you are at the Spanish Steps, don’t sit down on the steps, as it will cost you a hefty fine of €400!
9. Trevi Fountain
Throwing a coin into the Trevi Fountain should be on your agenda of things to do when in Rome. If possible, visit the Trevi Fountain during the day and night to see it in different lights. It is beautiful to see the water glistening in the sunlight and equally lovely to see the sculptures and water illuminated at night. Like many attractions in Rome, the Trevi Fountain has been featured in many famous movies, including “La Dolce Vita.
You can also go under the Trevi Fountain, where you will find an archaeological site that has water running through it from an aqueduct that also brings the water up to the Trevi Fountain. The underground site also has displays of artefacts found during excavation, including African pottery and hundreds of coins. Tradition has it that you throw one coin into the Trevi Fountain to ensure you will return to Rome, throw two coins if you want to fall in love with an Italian, and if you throw three coins, you will marry the person you meet. How many coins you throw to determine your faith is up to you.
10. The Appian Way
The Appian Way was the most crucial road in Ancient Road, allowing trade and connections to and from Rome. When in Rome, you have to take the opportunity to go to the Appian Way and say that you have walked on the same path as Roman emperors and saints. The Appian way is steeped in history and culture. Walking along the Appian Way, you will see many burial tombs and ruins. The road has been well-preserved, considering its extensive use and strategic importance, making it a must-do on your list of things to do in Rome.
4 Fun Things to Do When in Rome
1. Cooking Class
Italy is known for its beautiful cuisine; you will never eat more excellent Italian food than in Italy. When in Rome, you should eat to your heart’s content, but why not try and create some Italian dishes yourself with the help of local chefs? From pasta to pizza and even making your gelato, there are several cooking classes in Rome. Here are two options for you; however, there are countless others that you could do.
2. Ride a Vespa
Although it is at the pricey end of activities you can do in Rome, it will undoubtedly be memorable. Vespas are iconic to Italy, and what better way to go around and see Rome than on an actual Vespa? Feel like a true Italian zipping through the streets of the eternal city. A Vespa ride through the city of Rome is guaranteed to delight. You can choose from so many companies, and here are two options for you.
3. Boat Tour
Go on a boat tour on the river Tiber and discover Rome from a different perspective. Relax on the boat while sailing down the river Tiber and take in Rome’s beautiful scenery. You can take longer boat trips out of Rome and head down to the Amalfi, but if it is short and sweet you are looking for, here are some options for you.
4. Go to an Opera
For opera lovers, this is the activity for you. Where is it better to see an opera than where it began? With endless operas to choose from, this is a great way to spend 1-2 hours of your day or night. There are many different operas, and the prices vary from under €50 to over €100.
Whether you do everything on this list during your visit to Rome or only one, you will not be disappointed in the eternal city.
Why not give our other articles on Rome a read: Top Attractions in Rome, Italy I Top Free Locations to Visit in Rome I 20 Affordable Activities to do in Rome
