Rome, the heart of the Empire, the foundation of Western culture, and the spiritual home of the Catholic Church. Exploring the city is an experience like no other. This city has a charm that lingers long after you’ve left. With its rich art, history, and beauty, Rome is a place that you can easily get lost in. The city boasts an array of bars, world-class shopping destinations, and a unique blend of modern architecture alongside ancient remnants that have stood the test of time. Whether you’re a budget traveler backpacking through Europe, a couple embarking on a romantic honeymoon, or someone seeking upscale dining and vibrant nightlife, Rome has something to offer everyone. It is also an easier city for first-time international travelers to gain experience traveling abroad. The Eternal City is a place where you can spend a lifetime unraveling its mysteries, always finding something new to marvel at.
The city has two airports, which makes it a very easy city to fly into. And like most places in Europe, Rome has a well-organized bus and train system that makes transportation one less thing to stress about. And because of its popularity, you will have a wide range of accommodations to choose from depending on your budget.
Unlike some cities, Rome actually has multiple options when it comes to these tourist cards. I highly suggest investing in one of them, but honestly, the best one for you will depend on what you plan on doing during your trip. Generally, they are either going to provide admissions into various museums and ruins or discounts on popular tourist attractions. They also help with shorter lines and sometimes help with transportation. This can potentially save you a lot of money and is a straightforward process. Rome, like many cities, experiences millions of tourists every year. Many of the attractions listed in this guide will have long lines. I suggest either arriving early in the morning or securing your tickets in advance. However, even then, expect to wait in line to enter major attractions like the Colosseum and the Sistine Chapel. Unfortunately, waiting in line is simply part of the experience and will likely not be avoided in its entirety.
I did not think I would like Rome when Kyndal and I planned our trip to Italy. I typically prefer smaller cities and less crowded attractions, but she wanted to see Rome. To make a long story short, I was wrong. Not only is Rome one of my favorite cities, but it is a city we have been back to and will likely visit again. Whereas London, Paris, and New York felt like modern cities, Rome felt like stepping back in time. There are so many things to love about Rome. And as our Airbnb host told us on our first vacation, “One trip to Rome is not enough.”
Top Things to See and Do
1. Explore Ancient Ruins
Italy is famous for its ancient ruins, but if you want to experience the best ancient Roman ruins the country has to offer, Rome is likely your best bet.
You probably already expected it, but the Colosseum is an absolute must-see, despite the seemingly endless queue of tourists. This architectural wonder is nearly 2,000 years old. As the largest amphitheater in the Roman Empire, it could hold an astonishing 50,000-80,000 individuals. Throughout the Roman era, the Colosseum witnessed exhilarating gladiatorial contests, captivating dramatic plays, thrilling animal hunts, solemn executions, and even military reenactments.
The Roman Forum and Palatine Hill are just across from the Colosseum and can easily be done on the same day. The area was the center location for public and political life for the ancient Romans. It’s fun spending hours exploring these areas, walking the old streets, and getting great photos. Kyndal’s favorite site, the Temple of Saturn, is great for pictures and is hard to miss. Along with the Temple of Saturn, another ruin to highlight is the Circus Maximus, which was once a grand chariot racing stadium.
Often overlooked but near the Colosseum are the Baths of Caracalla and the old Roman road, Via Appia. Walking or cycling on the road provides a wonderful opportunity to get away from the hustle and bustle of Rome for a while. The road stretches from Rome to Brindisi and was constructed in 312 BC.
Along the ancient road, but possibly too far for most people to walk, is the Park of the Aqueducts. The park is free, and you’ll see the ancient aqueducts that were once used to transport enormous quantities of water into the city.
Finally, of course, the list would be incomplete without the Pantheon. The ancient temple is the largest unreinforced dome ever built. This remarkable structure is one of the most impeccably maintained buildings worldwide, as it has been in use without interruption since its creation. The hole in the ceiling creates a beautiful shadow throughout the building, which moves with the sun throughout the day. So much is said about the Colosseum, but the massiveness and beauty of the Pantheon surprised me.
2. Take in the Renaissance and Baroque Art
While I prefer roaming the ancient ruins, Kyndal loves Renaissance art, which is one of the many reasons she loves Rome so much. Rome is overflowing with art. You’ll find an abundance of exceptional art museums here, with several of them ranking among the best in the world.
If you’re looking for a starting point, the Galleria Nazionale d’Arte Moderna is a great choice as it houses numerous Italian masterpieces.
Another must-visit is the Galleria Borghese, where you can admire a garden villa filled with breathtaking sculptures by Bernini and artwork by Caravaggio, Raphael, Titian, and other esteemed masters. One of the best pieces to make sure you see is Apollo and Daphne.
And of course, my favorite, the Trevi Fountain. The fountain is free, beautiful, and a great example of artwork during the Renaissance period. It’s also a great place to just sit and people-watch; however, like everywhere else, it can get very crowded.
3. Food and Wine
If you are like Kyndal and I, then drinking the local flavor is an important part of the experience. Wine is cheap and amazing in Rome. Generally, it’s gonna be red and dry, so that may take some getting used to if that’s not your go-to preference. But once you learn to appreciate the flavor of a good dry wine, you might not go back to sweet.
We tend to drink a lot of wine when we are in Italy. It’s Kyndal’s guilty pleasure, and I’m not one to say no either. The price is great, the taste is unbeatable, and the atmosphere almost calls for it.
When it comes to eating, honestly, just about everywhere in Rome is going to have some pretty amazing things to eat. The thing that will make the most difference is the area in which you eat, instead of the specific restaurant. Specifically, the areas closer to the popular attractions are typically going to be more expensive and less authentic. Yes, you will get the view, but the price and the food aren’t usually worth it. Out of all the cities I have visited, Rome is one of the worst when it comes to this issue. There are a lot of restaurant tourist traps conveniently located right in front of the main attractions. Sometimes these places even have a cover charge just to sit down.
The easiest way to avoid this? For a better Italian food experience, simply walk a few alleyways away from the attraction.
And for dessert, this guide would be incomplete without mentioning the sweet gelato that Rome is infamous for having. There is definitely a good reason you see so many people inhaling their gelato! Between the taste and the weather, stopping and picking up some gelato as you explore Rome will make your day a little bit better.
4. Visit the Vatican City
Visiting the Vatican is an easy way to add to your country’s count. If the pope is in Rome, he makes an appearance every Sunday around noon. We discovered this by complete chance. You’ll know he’s about to speak from the balcony of the Apostolic Palace when hundreds of locals and tourists begin to flock to Saint Peter’s Square. It will become crowded, so if this is important to you, I’d suggest arriving early.
Along with the square, St. Peter’s Basilica houses even more artwork. If I had to pick my favorite things to see in the Basilica, it would easily be Michelangelo’s Pietà and St. Peter’s grave.
And finally, this would be incomplete without mentioning the Vatican Museums. Although most of the art here was not my favorite, the sculpture, Laocoön and His Sons, and the painting, The School of Athens, were both amazing. The latter is one of my favorite artworks in the world. However, the reason most people visit is to see Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel. It is breathtaking. It is worth seeing. And the level of detail is actually insane to think about. But be prepared to be in there with hundreds of other people, packed in, and constantly told to keep moving. It does ruin the mood a little bit, and you’ll likely find more peacefulness at some of the other churches in Rome.
As always, be prepared for the lines. Buying tickets in advance, joining tour groups, and arriving early are all going to be your best bets at getting in a little faster.
5. Walk the Streets and the Neighborhoods
Rome is a city where I would suggest scheduling time to just let yourself wander and get lost walking the streets. Something about the atmosphere and the history makes simply strolling the sidewalk a rewarding activity. Some areas make walking around even more exciting.
The first time I went to Rome, we were just walking around and happened to run into the Piazza Navona area. It’s a cute, busy neighborhood with fountains, statues, restaurants, and churches.
Another popular area to schedule time for is the Trastevere. It is a wonderful area with a lot of restaurants, bars, and beautiful buildings. It is more popular on the weekends. We saw a lot of people out drinking, eating, having a good time, and dancing to the live music.
6. Pop into the Churches
Rome, like many European cities, houses countless pieces of artwork. Rome might even be particularly blessed in the amount found throughout the city at various churches. If you are the type of person who constantly wants to see more wonderful pieces of art, or simply enjoys the calmness of wandering around old churches, then there are a few specifically that you may be interested in visiting.
Parrocchia SS. Trinità dei Pellegrini
Among some of the churches with more to offer, the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore stands out, dating back to 440 AD. Its walls are adorned with stunning 5th-century mosaics, showcasing 36 scenes from the Old Testament.
Another noteworthy church is the Santa Maria Sopra Minerva, a rare Gothic gem in Rome, renowned for its mesmerizing deep blue vaulted ceiling.
San Giovanni in Laterano, the official cathedral of Rome, which is said to house the relics of St. Peter and St. Paul, is another great visit.
Lastly, the Basilica of Santa Maria in Trastevere is one of the oldest churches in Rome. It’s beautiful and has a lot of history around it.
Of course, there are plenty more, but the four mentioned here will give you some ideas and a jumping-off point if visiting old churches is something you’d like to include in your visit to Rome.
7. Death and the Underground
There are specifically three catacombs open to the public in Rome– the Catacombs of Praetextatus, the Catacombs of San Sebastiano, and the Catacombs of San Callisto. These underground chambers are adorned with stunning sculptures and frescoes, so you get to take in artwork while exploring a different aspect of Rome.
The Catacombs of San Callisto are actually along the Via Appia, so if you plan to walk the ancient road, you can plan your day around visiting the catacombs. Near the area and on the same theme, there is a very large mausoleum built for the Roman noblewoman, Cecilia Metella, which is another popular attraction. Depending on your trip, visiting all three may not be something you’d be interested in, but picking one out and planning a portion of a day around it can make for a unique experience.
A church near the Colosseum, the Basilica of San Clemente, offers a different experience along this theme. The church is built on top of an ancient Roman temple dedicated to the god Mithras. The current ground level is about 60 feet above the original ground floor of the 1st century, which makes visiting the church and temple even more interesting.
The Good: For such a major city, Rome is affordable. Rome is overflowing with ancient ruins and art. Rome also checks all the boxes that most tourists want in their trip to Italy.
The Bad: Like many cities, Rome has a garbage problem, and overflowing trash cans and bad smells are common.
The Ugly: The Spanish Steps are very overrated and honestly skippable. The museums in the Vatican are overflowing with people, and you need to be prepared to be jammed in tight.
Whether you are planning your first trip to Rome or your seventh, the city has so much to offer travelers. Rich in history, steep in culture, and overflowing with art and architecture, Rome has what most people are looking for in their vacation. Its location makes it an easy place to begin a journey throughout Italy, but also very convenient to travel to nearby cities like Florence or Naples. Expect to be overwhelmed with amazing Roman structures, beautiful Renaissance and Baroque art, captivating churches, delicious wine, and a culture that spans more than two thousand years.
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