10 Best Things to Do in Rome
What is Rome Most Famous For?
There’s no shortage of things to do in Rome since the city is brimming with historical and architectural wonders. Few other cities have built around ancient ruins and evocative palaces as successfully, and you’ll find living history wherever you look.
Get a sense of the beauty and buzzing atmosphere of this historical city at Piazza Navona, then stroll down cobblestone streets that link marketplaces and ancient landmarks. Of course, don’t miss the iconic gladiatorial arena, the Colosseum. You can also cross over the Tiber river to see the wonders of the Vatican, such as St. Peter’s Basilica and the Sistine Chapel, home to Michelangelo’s famous frescos.
1. Colosseum
Ancient Rome’s favorite entertainment venue
Categorías: Aventuras, Historia, Fotos
The Colosseum (Colosseo) is an iconic amphitheater built in AD 72 which is considered one of the world’s 7 wonders. Standing in the same place where mighty Roman gladiators once battled 2,000 years ago is a thrilling experience.
A highlight of the famous archeological site is the “hypogeum”, the amphitheater’s incredible underground labyrinth of chambers and passageways. This is where the prisoners, warriors, and animals brought to fight here waited (and often lived) before battles. You can expect very long lines at the Colosseum. Save time by visiting early in the morning or late in the afternoon. Even better, buy your tickets online to join shorter queues. Leer más
Dirección: Piazza del Colosseo, 1, 00184 Roma RM, Italy
Horario: Daily from 8.30 am to 4.30 pm
Teléfono: +39 06 2111 5843
Colosseum
2. Trevi Fountain
Rome’s most iconic and photogenic water feature
Categorías: Historia, Ambiente nocturno, Fotos
The Trevi Fountain is one of the world’s most famous and gorgeous fountains. It’s almost 50 meters across and heavily adorned with sculptures of Roman gods, tritons, and horses. Before traditionally tossing in your coins for luck or taking photos with the magnificent Palazzo Poli palace in the background, stroll along the narrow streets nearby, which are some of the most charming in Rome.
Many of these picturesque alleyways are lined with great dining spots and gelaterias. Via di San Vincenzo and Via della Dataria lead you to the Quirinal Palace, as well as the Piazza del Quirinale with its vast obelisk and fountain of Castor and Pollux. Leer más
Dirección: Piazza di Trevi, 00187 Roma RM, Italy
Trevi Fountain
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3. The Pantheon
Sweeping views of the cityscape from the colonnade
Categorías: Historia, Fotos
The Pantheon is one of Ancient Rome’s most famous icons and it even remains a functioning chapel today. This granite-domed temple houses the tombs of some of Italy’s most important figures, including High Renaissance painter, Raphael.
Check out the Fontana del Pantheon marble fountain with its six-meter towering obelisk in the Piazza della Rotonda. This piazza is a great place to relax and take in the city’s vibrancy, with street music filling the air regularly. This incredible building is around a 10-minute walk from Campo de’Fiori via the Corso Vittorio Emanuele II. Leer más
Dirección: Piazza della Rotonda, 00186 Roma RM, Italy
Horario: Daily from 9 am to 7 pm
Teléfono: +39 06 6830 0230
The Pantheon
4. Roman Forum
A famous meeting place of the Roman Empire
Categorías: Aventuras, Historia, Fotos
The Roman Forum (Foro Romano) was the heart and soul of Ancient Rome, packed with basilicas, temples, lively marketplaces, and government buildings. Today, the sprawling ruins are just as impressive and attract more than 4.5 million visitors annually who come to imagine what life was like during the Roman Empire.
Tempio di Saturno, Aro di Tito, and the Curia are top landmarks here. Plan to visit early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the midday crowds. The Roman Forum is within walking distance from the metro Line B stop, Colosseo. Leer más
Dirección: Via della Salara Vecchia, 5/6, 00186 Roma RM, Italy
Horario: Daily from 9 am to 4.30 pm0pm, November-March 9 am to 4.30 pm
Teléfono: +39 06 2111 5843
Roman Forum
5. Piazza Navona
One of the most beautiful town squares
Categorías: Asequible, Historia, Fotos
Piazza Navona is a beautiful plaza that has been a site for Romans to socialize in for over 2,000 years. The reason for its oblong shape is the 30,000-seat stadium that was built here in AD 86 to host athletic and gladiatorial competitions, horse races, and other events. Ancient Romans even flooded the stadium to hold mock naval battles.
You can catch a glimpse of the stadium’s ruins (now a UNESCO World Heritage site) on the northern end of the plaza. Today, the plaza features Baroque architecture, 3 impressive fountains, and a lively outdoor cafe atmosphere. One of the best times to visit is at night, when the crowds have lessened and the illuminated fountains are especially magical. Leer más
Dirección: Piazza Navona, 00186 Roma RM, Italy
Piazza Navona
6. Spanish Steps
A stunningly photogenic staircase
Categorías: Historia, Fotos, Asequible
The Spanish Steps (Scalinata di Trinita dei Monti) is a regal stone staircase built in 1725 that connects the Piazza di Spagna (Spanish Square) with the Trinita dei Monti church at the top. As you wander through the narrow and charming streets in the center of Rome, you’ll inevitably stumble upon this famous staircase.
After climbing the 138 steps, catch your breath as you take in lovely views over the ancient rooftops of Rome. If the church is open, take a peek inside and enjoy a quiet escape from the crowds outside. The steps are a popular attraction, especially in spring when the staircase is covered with pots of vibrant azaleas. Be prepared for big crowds. Leer más
Dirección: Piazza di Spagna, 00187 Roma RM, Italy
Spanish Steps
7. Vatican Museums
1,400 rooms filled with historical masterpieces
Categorías: Aventuras, Historia, Fotos
The Vatican Museums lie inside the Vatican City and consist of 54 galleries displaying 20,000 works of art that the Catholic Church has collected throughout the centuries. Art and history lovers will be in heaven here. You can easily spend a couple of days exploring the Renaissance paintings, religious art, Roman sculptures and antiquities, and inscriptions from ancient catacombs.
Top highlights include the Sistine Chapel, Niccoline Chapel, the Borgia Apartment, and the Gallery of Maps, displaying maps created by Roman topographers in the 16th century. You can expect long lines no matter when you visit, so book your tickets online to ensure a much shorter wait. Leer más
Dirección: 00120 Vatican City
Horario: Monday–Saturday from 8 am to 8 pm (closed on Sundays)
Teléfono: +39 06 6988 3145
Vatican Museums
8. St Peter’s Basilica
An iconic pilgrimage site in the Vatican City
Categorías: Historia, Fotos
St Peter’s Basilica is the largest church in the world and one of the Catholic Church’s most important places of worship. Built between 1506 and 1626 on the burial site of St Peter, one of Jesus’ 12 disciples, it features stunning Renaissance architecture.
Inside, you’ll find a host of impressive sculptures, including the “Pieta” statue by Michelangelo, Bernini’s massive statue of St Longinus, and the bronze Chair of Saint Peter. Entrance to the Basilica is free, but be prepared to wait as long as 4 hours to get in. Alternatively, you can buy a guided tour and skip the lines. For a bird’s-eye view over Rome, you can climb to the top of the dome for a fee. Leer más
Dirección: Piazza San Pietro, 00120 Citta del Vaticano, Vatican City
Horario: Daily from 7 am to 7.10 pm
Teléfono: +39 06 6988 3462
St Peter's Basilica
9. Piazza Venezia
A bustling square with panoramic views of Rome
Categorías: Historia, Fotos, Asequible
Piazza Venezia is one of Rome’s largest squares and sits at the intersection of 4 major roads. Surrounding the square are several historical sites worth visiting. These include St Mark’s Basilica, the House of Bonaparte, and the 15th-century Palace of Venice, now a museum housing medieval and Renaissance art.
On the southern side looms the Vittoriano, a massive, 81-metre-tall building made of white marble. Buy a ticket to its panoramic platform to enjoy stunning views of Rome and its most famous street, Via del Corso, stretching into the distance. At the foot of the building is an impressive monument of a knight in armor riding a horse dedicated to the first King of Italy, Victor Emmanuel II. Leer más
Dirección: Piazza Venezia, 00186 Roma RM, Italy
Piazza Venezia
10. Castel Sant’Angelo
A dramatic fortress with a fascinating history
Categorías: Historia, Fotos
Castel Sant’Angelo is a famous castle located on the Tiber River, only a short stroll from the Vatican City. The massive fortress was initially built as a mausoleum for the Roman Emperor Hadrian in AD 130 and then later converted into a papal fortress and private residence. It was also used as a military headquarters and horrific penitentiary.
Today, the castle is a museum and offers visitors the chance to discover Roman history at their own pace. You can explore the passages, prison cells, papal apartments, and halls, and see an impressive collection of sculptures, medieval firearms, and preserved frescoes from the Renaissance period. Be sure to visit the castle’s terrace to enjoy incredible views across Rome. Leer más
Dirección: Lungotevere Castello, 50, 00193 Roma RM, Italy
Horario: Tuesday–Sunday from 9 am to 7.30 pm (closed on Mondays)
Teléfono: +39 06 681 9111
Castel Sant'Angelo
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