Rome, Italy has one of the most extensive lists of things to see and do when you visit.
It would take years to see everything there is available.
The archeological treasures, art, cultural heritage and the food offer you the best tourist moments you may experience in all the world.
Ancient sites mixed with current culture offer a tourist a trip of a lifetime that is full of depth, beauty and meaningful experiences.
There are the obvious tourist spots in Rome that the world knows about but there are many lesser-known specialties as well.
Top 10 Activities to do in Rome
While many things to do in Rome are well-known tourists stops, there is a good reason for that.
They are sites that you can only see in Rome.
Naming 10 of the best things to see and do in Rome only scratches the surface.
Here is a list to start your adventures off:
- The Colosseum – This spot is well known but even though it is “touristy”, it has to be seen.The site boasts the biggest amphitheatre to ever have been built.The Colosseum was erected around 80 AD and held up to 80000 spectators.It hosted performances of gladiator battling, hunting, executions and more.The Colosseum allows you to walk through the tunnels under the arena, into the arena itself and into the viewing area.
The 5th level has been opened and lets you have a 360° vantage point from above.
- The Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel – The museums were created in the 16th century by Pope Julius II and is home to an art collection that can not be rivaled.These pieces of art are housed across almost 55 galleries, courtyards and 7 km of hallways.There are 1000’s of sculptures by Raphael along with Michelangelo’s frescoes found in the Sistine Chapel.You can also book to see something off the beaten path with tickets to go to the Vatican Necropolis under St.Peter’s Basilica as well as a visit to the Vatican Gardens.
This area is brimming with fountains, vegetation and a reproduction of the Grotto dedicated to Our Lady of Lourdes.
- The Baths of Caracalla – These ancient bath ruins date back to 220 AD.They were built on 33 acres for emperor Caracalla is known for his massacres and persecutions.These baths could hold up to 1600 people at a time allowing people to not only wash but socialize.There were 2 gyms, 2 libraries housing Greek and Latin texts and shopping too.The baths were temperature controlled at warm, hot and cold.
They are now used as a stunning summer backdrop for Opera.
- Piazza Navona – This area is filled with cafes, street artists, sellers and other wonderful market offerings.It originally housed a stadium built in the first century which was then built over in the 15th century and became a market area.It also has Bernini’s Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi which is a fountain that is supposed to be the personification of the rivers Nile, Ganges, Danube and Plate.There are other lovely fountains to be seen as well, all created to represent a story.
- Palatino – This is a beautiful site of ancient ruins and lovely views and is seen as where Romulus founded Rome in 753BC.There are the ruins of a stadium, palace and Roman Forum.It was Rome’s most elite neighborhood.There are ruins of palaces, some newer ones intact and some lovely botanical gardens.
- Museo e Galleria Borghese – This is a private art collection that has art by Caravaggio, Raphael, Titian and Bernini.Access is limited with tickets needing to be pre-booked as visitors are only let in every two hours.The building is beautiful as well as the artwork.You can purchase an audio tour to go with it if you wish.
- Trevi Fountain – This fountain is one of, if not the most, famous in the world.With its winged horses and drinking snakes that overlook the water full of coins thrown in by tourists. (These go to charity).While this fountain is a must-see, Rome boasts 2000 others as well with the majority of them being artworks in and among themselves.
- St Peter’s Basilica and St Peter’s Square – This church is one of the largest ever built and houses papal tombs and lovely art as well.If you are energetic you can climb the 871 steps to the Basilica’s dome to get a 360° view of Vatican City.In front of the building is the square where the Pope can be seen on Wednesdays and Sundays.
- Trastevere – If you go across the Tiber river, you can find this lovely old school neighborhood with wonderful food and shopping options.Dinner, drinks, street musicians are all so enjoyable, especially in the evening.A great way to end a day of sightseeing.
- The Spanish Steps – This is Rome’s famous shopping street and by climbing these steps you can see not only the piazza but Bernini’s ship-shaped fountain from on high.There is a great hidden gem of a museum on the side of the steps called Keats-Shelley memorial house.A wonderful area for sites and shopping.
Rome has so much to offer a tourist. You can wander and enjoy for days on end.
Enjoy the sites, the pasta, gelato, espresso, pizza and art.
You can find old school crafts to buy, to archeological sites, churches, museums and art that you can enjoy for the ages.
