Rome is a fascinating destination, but with so much to check out, creating a script becomes a challenge. See what is indispensable to know in the eternal city!
Rome is the dream destination of many people. At every corner you may come across a historic building, a fountain or a temple. For all its charm, the Italian capital is one of the most visited in the world : in 2017 alone, received 9.53 million tourists, according to the company Euromonitor International.
Surrounded by culture, history, mythology, art and faith, the so-called “eternal city” provides so many experiences that, at the same time, the tourist can be a little baffled. So we created this mini guide so you don’t miss anything important there.
Read on and follow our tips!
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Visit the main sights
To handle most of the attractions, it is ideal to have time available. But if your schedule is tight, don’t worry: we’ll give you some tips so you can visit the most important places, even if your trip takes a few days.
We have warned you in advance that you will need a lot of fitness to walk the streets of this huge cosmopolitan capital with provincial atmosphere.
Coliseum
This symbol of the Roman Empire is one of the great monuments of the city. It began to be built in 72 AD to host gladiatorial battles, and was even seen by some 75,000 spectators.
Nowadays, the ruins of the Colosseum are visited by hundreds of people every day, so it is important to buy your ticket in advance to avoid queuing. Incidentally, this recommendation is for all the hottest sights in Rome.
Tickets can be a little more expensive, but it will save you time. The cheaper online ticket costs € 16.00 and also gives you access to Palatine Hill and the Roman Forum.
Palatine
Near the Coliseum is this hill that represents one of the oldest parts of the city. Legend has it that Romulus, in the mid-eighth century BC, built the first settlement in Rome. Throughout history, the Palatine has been a residence for emperors and aristocrats.
Roman Forum
To complete the triad of historical monuments that you can visit on the same day for a single ticket, we present the Roman Forum, which was the political, religious and commercial center of Imperial Rome. Already in the republican era, the place received political speeches and elections, representing the core of civic and economic life.
Piazza Venezia
After a walk of approximately 15 minutes, starting from the mentioned points, you reach Piazza Venezia. This is one of the most famous squares in Rome and this is no small thing, after all, the city is full of them. Surrounding it is one of the first Renaissance buildings in Italy : the Venice Palace.
A little further on is the Vittoriano Monument, where you can enjoy a privileged view of all the aforementioned attractions. Entry to this building built to honor the king of unified Italy is free.
Trevi Fountain
No wonder this is one of the most famous tourist spots in Italy. The baroque fountain eternalized in so many films shows Neptune in a carriage and marks the end of the Acqua Vergine aqueduct, one of the oldest in Rome. Legend has it that anyone who throws a coin back into the spring water will return to the city.
To avoid crowding, which is common on site, it is advisable to visit Trevi Fountain early in the day or well into the evening. But be careful with your belongings – the area is one of the main gathering points for pickpockets in Rome.
St. Peter’s Square and Basilica
When you visit the world’s smallest independent state, the Vatican, located in northern Rome, these two attractions are a must-see. Founded in 324 AD, the imposing St. Peter’s Basilica offers tourists one of Rome’s most unforgettable sights: its Michelangelo frescoed dome.
The largest Catholic temple in the world has free admission, but you have to face a queue (which can be quite long) to pass the security check. If you want to skip this step, you can book in advance on the Vatican website or buy a special Ticketbar ticket .
Please also be aware of the dress rules: The basilica is not allowed to access wearing shorts, above-knee skirts, necklines and sleeveless blouses.
Vatican Museums
Works by great Renaissance artists such as Raphael, Caravaggio, Leonardo, and Giotto can be enjoyed at these museums. In the collection are also the scenes of Genesis painted by Michelangelo on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. If you are interested in knowing the entire collection, it may be a good idea to opt for a guided tour.
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Eat well
Hard to find who doesn’t love Italian food, isn’t it? In Rome, there are thousands of restaurants, bars, shops, gelaterias, canteens and many other establishments for you to enjoy. Meet some of the following:
- Pizzeria Emma – try the traditional Margherita with fresh tomato sauce for 8 €;
- Osteria la Gensola – delicious dishes of Sicilian seafood-based cuisine;
- Pompi – where you find one of the best tiramissús in the city;
- Flavio al Velavevodetto – great option if you are looking for a wide variety of fresh pasta;
- Gelato al Bacio – where you can try the best ice cream in the world: Italian.
If you cannot include these places in your itinerary, the important thing is to be sure to eat a “cornet” or have a “ristretto” coffee in the street. In addition, put in your schedule a view of the Trastevere neighborhood, where you can enjoy an “aperitif” (drink with snacks) before enjoying the evening’s main course at one of the area’s food shops.
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Don’t depend on car to know the city
Rome’s traffic is chaotic and getting around by car will make you waste valuable time. Thus, the best way to know the city is on foot. Put on some comfortable sneakers (no high heels to walk the cobblestone streets!) And go explore every corner.
If you are not in the mood for this, use the public transport network. The subway network is not as extensive as in other European metropolises, but it does well to take you to the main tourist areas of the city.
The subway and bus unit pass costs € 1.50, but there are also unlimited options for the day (€ 7.00) and for the week (€ 24.00). Tickets are available online, at ticket counters at subway stations, at tobacco shops and at newsstands.
Some apps can help you unravel routes such as Rome Metro & Tram and Probus.
As you may have heard: all roads lead to Rome! Now with these tips, you now know where and how to start exploring the city.
