Rome has so many things to offer travelers…famous historical sites, museums, piazza’s, amazing food, even the steps in Rome are famous! I have found that travel is the best way for me to learn about history and culture and traveling to Rome taught me so much! Oh, how I can’t wait to return…good thing I tossed a coin in the Trevi Fountain wink, wink!
Things to do in Rome
-Pantheon
This is my favorite building in all of Rome! Before you even step inside this amazingly preserved Ancient Roman building, you’ll be mesmerized by the majesty and beauty of the front portico held up by sixteen granite columns measuring five feet around and weighing sixty tons each. The Pantheon is so grand that even the artist, Raphael, is buried there at his request.
Travel Tip: A free thirty-minute tour of the Pantheon is given at 7p.m. Monday-Saturday by Angel Tours. Visit their website for more info…Free Pantheon Tour!
-Colosseum
This architectural masterpiece is sure to impress anyone who pays a visit! Completed in 80 AD, the Colosseum is the epitome of Roman engineering. It is the world’s largest amphitheater, and is estimated to hold between 50,000-80,000 spectators.
Travel Tip: Be sure to purchase your tickets online before your visit to save time in line.
-Vatican City
A trip to Rome just isn’t complete unless you pay a visit to Vatican City! Looking to meet the Pope? Want to pay a visit to St. Peter’s tomb? Once you step inside St. Peter’s Basilica, you will be engulfed by such amazing beauty…it really is overwhelming!
Travel Tip: Most churches in Rome have a dress code…no shorts, and shoulders must be covered.
You also might like to pay a visit to the Vatican Museum. This world renown museum houses art that has been collected by the Roman Catholic Church for centuries. Be amazed as you walk through gallery after gallery, fifty-four to be exact, featuring amazing sculptures and Renaissance art. The last gallery is probably the most popular, the awe inspiring masterpiece created by the famous Michelangelo…the stunning Sistine Chapel!
Travel Tip: Purchase your tickets in advance online. It will save you possibly hours of precious time.
-Trevi Fountain
You might have to squeeze through the crowds to get a closer look and to toss in that coin you keep hearing people talk about, but it’s worth it! The Trevi fountain is stunningly beautiful! You might be happy to learn that all the coins tossed in are gathered and then given to help Romans in need.
Where to eat in Rome
-Flavio al Velavevodetto in Testaccio neighborhood
This restaurant has the most delicious meatballs I have ever tasted. You have to try them! If you don’t eat meat, then try the tiramisu. Seriously, I still dream about their tiramisu pudding dessert! This restaurant is actually built right alongside Monte Testaccio, a hill made up of broken pieces of amphorae. The walls are made with glass windows inside so that you can literally see the layers of history in this place. So recap…great Italian food, and visit a historical monument all at the same time! It’s a win, win!
-Caffe Di Marzio homemade gelato in Trastevere neighborhood
Stop, relax, and stay awhile when enjoying a couple of drinks or delicious homemade gelato at this little cafe! I often reminisce about this little cafe located in the charming neighborhood of Trastevere, my favorite neighborhood in Rome. Grab a table outside to get the best view of the Santa Maria church and watch Italian life pass you by…you might even be greeted by the cutest Italian man serenading you with his accordion just beautifully, like we did. Magical!
Where to stay in Rome
-Hotel San Anselmo
If you want a beautiful boutique style hotel in a more quiet setting away from the hustle and bustle, you might want to check this great little place out. We were greeted with freshly squeezed juice upon arrival and received a room upgrade. Also, one of Rome’s best kept secrets is just steps away…the “keyhole”. Located at Piazza dei Cavalieri di Malta, you’ll find a breathtaking view of St. Peter’s Basilica framed perfectly through the door’s keyhole. Click on the following link for more details…Hotel San Anselmo
For a more detailed list of places to stay and even a list of free things to do in Rome download TADA’s free TravelBook available on the CreateTrips app. Click here for the link to download…Free Rome TravelBook!
Wow, such a beautiful place! I haven’t made it to Europe yet but it’s definitely on my bucket list. A friend is thinking of getting married in France so that will give me a good excuse to get over there and make a big trip out of it!
Thanks for reading Brie and I do hope you can make it to Europe for your friends wedding!!!
You are making me miss my time abroad! I loved Rome – it was fabulous!
I miss Rome too;-) Hope you can make it back there someday soon! Thanks for reading, Kate:-)
What an incredible trip! I would love to explore Italy one day. These photos are beautiful!
Thank you for the kind words, Miranda! I hope you get to visit Rome very soon:-) Let me know if you have any questions, I would love to help out any way I can!
Rome looks AMAZING! I want to go there sooo badly! What an amazing trip + post!
Harriet, I hope your dream to visit Rome comes true soon and you’ll be sipping on your very own cappuccino in one of the many piazzas! Thanks for reading, Ciao!
Ah, brings back such wonderful memories! I hope to make it back again one day! That photo of your cappuccino had my mouth watering, lol! I remember how yummy they were 🙂
You will be tasting an Italian coffee in Rome again one day, Joscelyn! Remember, you threw in that coin at the Trevi Fountain 😉 So glad to hear this post brought back so many wonderful memories!
Oh this is perfect timing – I’m going to Rome later this year and I always appreciate travel tips! Where is that beautiful spiral staircase? 🙂
Kat, so excited for your upcoming trip to Rome! That staircase is located in the Vatican Museum…you can read more about it and find other travel tips to Rome in my freeTravelBook, When in Rome. The link to download is in this post:-) enjoy and happy travels!