When in Rome: 15 things to do in The Eternal City

The old saying goes, “All roads lead to Rome,” so it is time for us to take you to a city older than Jesus Christ.

Rome was founded by two brothers, Romulus and Remus, who were, according to a legend, raised by a wolf. The city has withstood many empires and even more rulers, and unlike many ancient cities, it has withstood the test of time, and it is still here, becoming one of the world’s biggest cities, having both beautiful pieces of history from ancient through medieval times to the modern skyscrapers.

I think I said enough for you to plan your next adventure to Rome, and now I will also give you some tips and places to visit while staying in Rome so you can enjoy the best experience possible.

Here it comes, the 10 best things to do in Rome:

1. Colosseum

Well, this one is obvious. Roman Colosseum is probably in the top 3 most-known buildings in the world, making it the perfect starter for our list. Finished in AD 79, it served as a ring where games and Gladiator fights occurred, all for the Emperor and public pleasure. I won’t get bogged up with details since you will learn much more about the Colosseum once you get there. Let’s continue the list.

2. Di Trevi Fountain

Located in the center of Rome, the most famous fountain in the world. It is said that if you toss a coin over your shoulder and make a wish, it will come true. Although, try not to have too many wishes, as Rome is expensive and you will need all your money.

3. The Vatican

Another great choice is to visit a country in the city. The Vatican is the smallest country in the world and is home to Pope. While in the Vatican, you can enjoy some amazing sights like the Sistine Chapel and Rome Pieta, some of Michelangelo’s best works. While exploring the Vatican, visit St. Peter’s Basilica, a dome in the Vatican where you can climb and enjoy the view of the smallest country in the world.

4. The Catacombs of Rome

Not for the faint-hearted. The Catacombs of Rome are underground burial grounds that spend below the entire city of Rome. Over forty of these Catacombs have been uncovered, and the oldest date over two millennia. Some of the earliest popes were buried in one of these catacombs.

5. Castel Sant’Angelo

Just a few minutes of walking from the Vatican, you will find yourself in front of this beautiful castle. St. Angelo’s castle lies on the banks of The Tiber River, and it was constructed as a mausoleum for Emperor Hadrian but later served as a fortress and even a prison!

6. Pantheon

An Ancient Roman structure was built as a sanctuary to Gods, as Romans had multiple religions, and later became a Catholic church. It is most famous for its dome, a very hot tourist attraction so you can snap some nice photos there.

7. Janiculum Hill – Gianicolo

This is the best place in Rome to see the whole city from above. It is the second-highest hill in Rome, providing the most amazing view of the city. On the hill, you will find several cafes where you can sip your espresso while enjoying the view. Just don’t order coffee in the afternoon; the Italians get mad.

8. Stadio Olimpico

The Olympic Stadium of Rome. A home for Roma and Lazio football clubs. It is a sight to see for every soccer fan out there. The Olimpico is huge, but you have no idea until you get inside since most of the stadium is built in the ground.

9. Villa Doria PamphiliJ

Although you probably haven’t heard of Villa Doria, you would be surprised to know that this is by far my favorite place in Rome.

Villa Doria is an enormous park hidden in the heart of the Italian Capital. It is filled with beautiful Roman pine trees (Pinus Pinea), lakes, hills, and valleys.

The heart of the park is a seventeen-century villa and its beautiful gardens. It’s hard to talk about this place since the feeling of peace that I’ve had when I was there can’t be put into words. The park goes on forever, you need a full day to walk it all around. On the top of the biggest hill in the park, there is a beautiful cafe where you can enjoy and grab an espresso.

10. Pompi

The Romans swear in Pompi. It is a pastry shop where you can eat the best Tiramisu in Rome. Tiramisu is a cake made with coffee for those who don’t know. Still, the guys at Pompi took it to the next level, and apart from the original Tiramisu, you can choose from a variety of Tiramisu flavors, such as strawberry and pistachio.

11. Gelato

There is no place in particular in Rome where you can eat gelato as it is an Italian delicacy, and all of the Gelato shops provide authentic Italian flavor. People usually confuse Gelato and Ice cream thinking it’s the same thing, but it isn’t. Gelato is churned at a slower rate, served at a warmer temperature, and has creamier consistency, unlike ice cream, which has a fluffier texture, if that makes sense.

12. Villa Borghese

Villa Borghese is another park on our list. It is similar to Villa Doria Pamphili. It is a beautiful park, although Villa Doria is still my favorite. Villa Borghese is enormous. It consists of 4 large parts. You can visit The Borghese Gallery in one of the parts.

Among other things you can rent a pedal-operated car that seats 4 people, you can grab coffee, gelato or something to eat.

Villa Borghese has a beautiful lake in its center, it is a perfect place to get away from the heat and spend your day in peace.

13. Piazza Navona

Piazza Navona is one of those places we must list due to its popularity. I wasn’t so impressed with this square due to the large number of tourist-trap restaurants with overpriced menus, hundreds of street vendors, and beggars. But I have to say that the Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi, or The Fountain of Four Rivers, is an amazing work of art, and it is worth seeing it in person.

For those who might think that the fountain looks familiar to them, it appeared in a famous Tom Hanks movie, Angels or Demons.

14. Spanish Steps

Spanish Steps are just steps. There, I said it. They aren’t too special, especially when several hundred people are sitting on them, and police officers are constantly asking people to stand up.
Now, before you ask why I put them on this list if I was to bad-mouth them, here is why. While the steps aren’t special, the Spanish Square, below the steps, and the Trinita dei Monti Church, on top of the stairs, are very nice. They would be even nicer if there weren’t so many people trying to sit on the steps, thus completely ruining the moment for people who want to admire the church and the square.

15. Metro

While I am aware that this isn’t a sight to be seen, it is a commodity that needs to be utilized when in Rome. Pun intended.

The Roman Metro is one of the best-organized subway systems in the world. It connects the whole city via a network of tunnels below the ground. Line A, which is red, Line B, which is blue and has somewhat older trains, and Line C, which is green, connects the Colosseum with the Monte Compatri Pantano neighborhood.

Apart from the Metro, Rome also has amazingly organized bus lines.

Most of the Metro, bus, and train lines meet at Termini Station, the main transport station in Rome, but it is also a shopping center. But don’t be fooled; while Termini Station is amazing and has a lot of things to offer, be very careful since most of the pickpockets and criminals in Rome operate in Termini, so keep an eye on your kids and your things very carefully.

The list could go on and on forever, but there are the most essential things to do if you plan on visiting Rome. And for a bonus, here is a tip: buy all of your tickets in advance so you get a little discount and skip the line, which can be a few miles long for some places like the Colosseum and Vatican!

Boun viaggo and arrivederci!