Rome, the capital of Italy, attracts millions of tourists every year from all over the world. This attraction stems, of course, from the Roman Empire and its legacy, which ruled the world for a long time in history; the Vatican, which has led the Catholic Christian denomination in the past and present; breathtaking works of art from the Renaissance, Gothic, Rococo and Baroque periods; the food culture that has spread its fame around the world; and the city’s unshakable place in the fashion industry, even if it is not Milan.
The city is rich in sights, but a trip to Rome shouldn’t just be about seeing the sights. There are dozens of different activities you can do outside of this.
Contents
- 1. Explore the historic streets of Rome
- 2. Visit the Colosseum
- 3. Visit the Museums
- 4. Go to the Opera
- 5. Make a wish at the Trevi Fountain
- 6. Relax for a few hours in the squares with a coffee or a glass of wine
- 7. Visit the Vatican
- 8. Shop in the markets
- 9. Explore Trastevere
- 10. Taste the flavors that Italian Cuisine has gifted to the world
1. Explore the historic streets of Rome
Rome’s historic districts are actually a few enough to visit on foot. In fact, you can walk between even the furthest two points in the triangle formed by the Colosseum, Campo de’ Fiori and the Vatican in half an hour at most. So if you are going to Rome for the first time, leave certain points aside first.
Take a walk in this historical triangle, looking around carefully, enjoying the streets and squares. So, you can decide where you want to see in more detail and where you want to skip. This walk does not take you more than 3 hours.
2. Visit the Colosseum
The Pantheon, one of the most important temples of the Christian world, the Roman Forum, the giant gladiator arena Colosseum (Colloseum), the Spanish Steps, the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore and the Farnese Palace are among the places worth seeing both architecturally and with the artworks they contain.
However, if there is only one place that I would say “don’t miss” in the What to do in Rome article, it would be the Colosseum. That’s why this important building is at the top of our list of places to visit in Rome.
Dating back to 72 AD, this huge arena, which was originally built for gladiator fights and wild animal fights, but has been used for various shows and celebrations over time, is one of the landmarks of Rome.
You can buy an entrance ticket to the Colosseum or take a Underground Colosseum Tour to explore all parts of the Colosseum.
3. Visit the Museums
Source: tripsavvy.com
The city has some of the most exquisite examples of Renaissance and Baroque art, with works by masters such as Bellini, Caravaggio, Boticelli, Raphael, Bartolomeo, Donatelli, Bernini, Michaelangelo and Da Vinci. Among the museums you can visit in Rome (excluding historical monuments and the Vatican);
- Borghese Gallery: (Piazzale Scipione Borghese, 5, 00197 Rome, open every day except Monday from 09:00 to 19:00 and entrance fee is 13 Euro)
- National Archaeological Museum: (Viale Lincoln 3, open every day except Monday from 09:00 to 14:00, entrance fee 2 euros)
- Maxxi National Art Museum: (Via Guido Reni 4A, open every day except Monday from 11:00 to 19:00, entrance fee 11 euros)
- Macro Museum of Modern Art: (Via Nizza 38, open every day except Monday from 11:00 to 22:00 and entrance fee 10 euros)
4. Go to the Opera
I also recommend going to an opera performance in the country where giants of classical music such as Vivaldi, Puccini, Bellini and Paganini grew up.
5. Make a wish at the Trevi Fountain
Source: news.artnet.com
Probably the most famous fountain in the world, Trevi is a mix of Classical and Baroque architecture and a spot that every tourist to Rome visits.
The stories about it are varied. Some say that lovers who go here together and make a wish will never part, while others claim that the person who throws money into the pool and makes a wish will definitely come back to Rome.
6. Relax for a few hours in the squares with a coffee or a glass of wine
You will pass by most of the squares called Piazza in Italian. For those who don’t, I recommend you to stop by and see them.
The restaurants lined up around the square, the painters practicing their art, the musicians you can sometimes see at sunset, the sculptures and the extraordinary atmosphere that combines the classic Italian aesthetics with the crowds of tourists are places you should definitely see.
The main ones are Piazza Navona, Piazza Spagna, Piazza Fontana di Trevi, Piazza Venezia, Piazza Campo dei Fiori, Piazza del Campidoglio, Piazza San Pietro, Piazza del Popolo, Piazza del Pantheon, Piazza Barberini, Piazza di Siena.
Sit in a café in one of these squares, order yourself a glass of wine or a cup of cappuccino and watch the sights, you will enjoy the 1-2 hours you will spend.
7. Visit the Vatican
Source: history.com
Actually, I have already mentioned it in the article on historical buildings, but Vatican City is a place I would like to mention separately in the article on what to do in Rome.
Vatican City, which is located within the borders of Rome but is a completely different country, is also the seat of the Catholic denomination. I say country, but there is no border gate and no visa is required.
Vatican City, which is also the official residence of the Papacy, is home to thousands of works of art in countless temples and chapels, especially St. Pietro Basilica. I recommend you to spend 1 day in Vatican City, which includes the Vatican Museums (Sistine Chapel), the Castle of the Holy Angel, the Apostolic Palace, the Vatican Gardens and the Necropolis, in addition to St. Pietro Basilica.
8. Shop in the markets
Shopping in Rome is a unique experience in itself, but the markets are a special treat. The city’s most famous market, and you’ve probably heard of it, is the Campo di Fiori, the flower, fruit and vegetable market, but the city is rich in markets.
9. Explore Trastevere
Source: tripsavvy.com
When you cross to the west of the Tiber River, where all the touristic activities of Rome are located, you are in the Trastevere District.
When you go a little further inland, you will see and feel how different the atmosphere is. Trastevere, a slightly more developed part of the city in terms of accommodation, has a more bohemian atmosphere and is full of boutiques rich in wine, cheese, jewelry or jewelry, handcrafted decoration products or souvenirs.
It’s the real Italy with its cobblestone streets and smaller but very charming squares. Even the nightlife, if you like it, is less touristy and more enjoyable in this region. Even if you have no time, you should take half a day and explore Trastevere.
10. Taste the flavors that Italian Cuisine has gifted to the world
Coffee, pizza, pasta, ice cream, tiramisu and many more. After eating pizza in Rome, you may even say, “Actually, I have never eaten pizza”.
