15 Things to Do and Places to Visit in Rome, Italy

Welcome to Rome, Italy! We are excited to share with you our list of 15 things to do and places to visit while in this amazing city! From ancient ruins to world-renowned museums, there is so much to see and do in Rome. Add these must-see attractions to your itinerary!

 

1. Visit the Colosseum

The Colosseum is one of the most iconic buildings in the world. Built over 2,000 years ago, it is a testament to the engineering skills of the ancient Romans.

Today, it is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Rome, attracting millions of visitors each year. While much of the Colosseum has been destroyed over time, there is still enough left to give visitors a sense of its original grandeur.

Walking through its ancient halls, it is easy to imagine the crowds of spectators that once cheered on their favorite gladiators. A visit to the Colosseum is a truly unforgettable experience.

Address: Piazza del Colosseo, 1, 00184 Roma RM, Italy

For pictures, booking, and more information, click here.

Visit the Colosseum
Visit the Colosseum

 

2. Tour Pompeii

A trip to Rome wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the ruins of Pompeii. This ancient city was destroyed by a volcanic eruption in 79 AD, but the thick layers of ash that preserved the site, it is now possible to get a glimpse of life in Roman times.

The Pompeii Archaeological Park is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Italy, and it’s easy to see why. The ruins are incredibly well-preserved, and there are numerous artifacts and buildings to explore.

Walking through the streets of Pompeii, it’s easy to imagine what life must have been like in this bustling city. A visit to Pompeii is a truly unique experience, and it’s definitely worth adding to your Rome itinerary.

Address: Via Villa dei Misteri, 2, 80045 Pompei NA, Italy

For pictures, booking, and more information, click here.

Tour Pompeii
Tour Pompeii

 

3. Admire the Pantheon

Rome is a city full of history and culture, and there is no better place to see this than the Pantheon. This ancient temple was built over 2,000 years ago, and it remains one of the most well-preserved Roman buildings in existence.

The Pantheon is home to a number of important artworks, including the Tomb of Raphael, and its massive dome is an iconic symbol of Rome. Visitors can explore the temple on their own or take a guided tour to learn more about its history.

Address: Piazza della Rotonda, 00186 Roma RM, Italy

For pictures, booking, and more information, click here.

Admire the Pantheon
Admire the Pantheon

 

4. See the Vatican City and the Sistine Chapel

Rome, Italy is home to some of the most incredible historical landmarks in the world. And one of the most popular attractions is the Vatican City and the Sistine Chapel.

The Vatican is the smallest country in the world, and it is also home to some of the most important religious artifacts in Christianity. The Sistine Chapel is one of the most famous buildings in the world, and it is known for its incredible artwork, including paintings by Michelangelo.

Seeing the Vatican City and the Sistine Chapel is an unforgettable experience, and it is a must-see for anyone visiting Rome.

Sistine Chapel Address: 00120 Vatican City

For pictures, booking, and more information, click here.

See the Vatican City and the Sistine Chapel
See the Vatican City and the Sistine Chapel

 

5. Stroll through St. Peter’s Basilica

St. Peter’s Basilica is one of the most iconic Roman landmarks. The colossal church is situated in Vatican City, and it is the burial site of St. Peter, the patron saint of Rome.

The basilica was designed by Michelangelo and it took over 120 years to build. Visitors can explore the beautiful interior of the church, which is decorated with marble pillars and ornate mosaics.

They can also climb to the top of the dome for breathtaking views of Rome. Strolling through St. Peter’s Basilica is a must-do for any traveler to Rome.

Address: Piazza San Pietro, 00120 Città del Vaticano, Vatican City

For pictures, booking, and more information, click here.

Stroll through St. Peter's Basilica
Stroll through St. Peter’s Basilica

 

6. Climb the Spanish Steps

For an unforgettable experience in Rome, climb the Spanish Steps! Located in the heart of the city, the Spanish Steps are one of Rome’s most popular tourist attractions.

The steps were built in the 18th century and are named after the Spanish embassy that was once located nearby. Today, the steps are a popular spot for locals and tourists alike to relax and enjoy the stunning views of Rome.

Address: Piazza di Spagna, 00187 Roma RM, Italy

For pictures, booking, and more information, click here.

Climb the Spanish Steps
Climb the Spanish Steps

 

7. Toss a Coin in the Trevi Fountain

The Trevi Fountain is one of the most iconic landmarks in Rome, and it is said that if you toss a coin into the fountain, you will be guaranteed a return trip to the Eternal City. The legend goes that if you throw a coin over your shoulder into the fountain, you will be ensured a safe journey.

If you throw two coins, you will fall in love with a Roman, and if you throw three coins, you will marry that person. While the origins of the legend are unclear, it has been a tradition for centuries, and millions of coins have been tossed into the fountain each year.

Address: Piazza di Trevi, 00187 Roma RM, Italy

For pictures, booking, and more information, click here.

Toss a Coin in the Trevi Fountain
Toss a Coin in the Trevi Fountain

 

8. Explore the Roman Forum

The Roman Forum is one of the most remarkable archaeological sites in the world. Located in the heart of Rome, it was once the center of public life in the ancient city.

Today, the forum is a sprawling complex of ruins that offer a fascinating glimpse into the past. The site is home to a number of impressive ancient structures, including the Temple of Saturn, the Arch of Titus, and the Rostra.

Visitors can also see the remains of several important political landmarks, such as the Curia Julia and the products of Basilica Aemilia. With so much to see and Explore, the Roman Forum is a must-see for any traveler to Rome.

Address: Via della Salara Vecchia, 5/6, 00186 Roma RM, Italy

For pictures, booking, and more information, click here.

Explore the Roman Forum
Explore the Roman Forum

 

9. Admire Sistine Chapel Ceiling

The Sistine Chapel is one of the most famous tourist attractions in Rome, and it’s easy to see why. The ceiling, which was painted by Michelangelo between 1508 and 1512, is a masterpiece of Renaissance art.

The central panel depicts the Creation of Adam, while other panels depict scenes from the Old Testament. The colors are vibrant and the details are astonishing. It’s no wonder that the Sistine Chapel is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Rome.

Address: 00120 Vatican City

For pictures, booking, and more information, click here.

Admire Sistine Chapel Ceiling
Admire Sistine Chapel Ceiling

 

10. See the Roman Ruins at Ostia Antica

Ostia Antica is a must-see for anyone interested in Roman history. The ruins of this once-thriving port city offer a fascinating glimpse into the everyday lives of the ancient Romans.

Visitors can explore the remains of homes, temples, and public baths, getting a sense of what it was like to live in Ostia Antica. The site also features an impressive amphitheater, where visitors can imagine being part of the rowdy Roman crowds that gathered to watch gladiatorial contests and theatrical performances.

Address: Viale dei Romagnoli, 717, 00119 Roma RM, Italy

For pictures, booking, and more information, click here.

See the Roman Ruins at Ostia Antica
See the Roman Ruins at Ostia Antica

 

11. Admire the Vatican Museums

The Vatican Museums are home to some of the most incredible works of art in the world. Spanning over 9 miles, the museums contain over 70,000 artifacts, including paintings, sculptures, tapestries, and antiquities.

Visitors can see masterpieces by artists like Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, and Michelangelo. A visit to the Vatican Museums is an unforgettable experience and a must-see for anyone traveling to Rome.

Address: 00120 Vatican City

For pictures, booking, and more information, click here.

Admire the Vatican Museums
Admire the Vatican Museums

 

12. Take a Gondola Ride through Venice

There’s no better way to see Venice than from the seat of a gondola. As you glide down the canals, you’ll get an up-close look at the city’s iconic architecture, from the imposing Palazzo Ducale to the graceful Rialto Bridge.

You’ll also get a taste of the city’s vibrant culture, as you wave to locals going about their daily routines. Best of all, a gondola ride is a great way to relax and enjoy Venice at your own pace.

Take a Gondola Ride through Venice
Take a Gondola Ride through Venice

 

13. Visit the Catacombs of Rome

If you’re looking for an unusual and morbid way to spend an afternoon in Rome, then a visit to the Catacombs of Rome is a must. These subterranean burial grounds date back to the 2nd century AD and contain the remains of more than 16,000 people.

The catacombs are located beneath the San Callisto Basilica and can be accessed via a small staircase in the church. Once you descend into the darkness, you’ll find yourself in a long tunnel lined with ancient tombs.

The atmosphere is eerie but fascinating, and it’s easy to imagine the countless souls who have been laid to rest here over the centuries.

Address: Via delle Sette Chiese, 282, 00147 Roma, Italy, Rome

For pictures, booking, and more information, click here.

Visit the Catacombs of Rome
Visit the Catacombs of Rome

 

14. Take a Day Trip to Tuscany

Just a short train ride from Rome, Tuscany offers visitors a chance to slow down and enjoy the simple things in life. With its rolling hills, picturesque villages, and world-famous wines, Tuscany is the perfect place to relax and escape the hustle and bustle of the city.

And with so much to see and do, there’s no need to spend a fortune on accommodation – a day trip is all you need to take in the highlights of this beautiful region. Soak up the Tuscan sun in Florence, explore the medieval streets of Siena, or taste your way around some of the world’s best vineyards – whatever you choose to do, a day trip to Tuscany from Rome is an experience you’ll never forget.

Take a Day Trip to Tuscany
Take a Day Trip to Tuscany

 

15. Visit Florence and See the Statue of David

When most people think of Florence, Italy, they immediately think of the world-famous statue of David. Located in the Accademia Gallery, this marble sculpture is truly a work of art.

Standing over thirteen feet tall, David was sculpted by Michelangelo between 1501 and 1504. It is widely considered to be one of his greatest masterpieces.

Visitors to Florence can see the statue up close and admire its incredible detail. In addition to David, the Accademia Gallery also features other statues by Michelangelo, as well as a number of paintings and sculptures by other Italian artists.

Address: Via Ricasoli, 58/60, 50129 Firenze FI, Italy

For pictures, booking, and more information, click here.

Visit Florence and See the Statue of David
Visit Florence and See the Statue of David

 

In Conclusion

Rome is a truly incredible city with a rich history and culture. From the Vatican Museums to day trips to Florence, there are so many amazing things to see and do, you could easily spend weeks exploring everything this city has to offer. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your trip to Rome today!

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