A city trip to Rome is, to say the least, impressive. The rich history that you feel as you stroll through the streets here is unique. With about 900 churches, nearly 300 fountains, and countless ancient buildings, Rome is a city that belongs on everyone’s bucket list. Are you curious about the best sights in Rome, what to do, and where to eat delicious food? In this article, we’ll share our top tips so you can make the most of your city trip to Rome!
Transportation in Rome
The popular attractions of Rome are all relatively close to each other. Many people prefer to explore on foot, but that can be quite tiring, especially with the scorching sun above your head. The best tip we can give you for Rome is to rent a bike. This gives you all the freedom and saves you a lot of time. The traffic in Rome is quite hectic, but if you stay on the side of the road, it’s very manageable. We rented our bikes at Baja Bikes and can definitely recommend it to you as well. If you want to see and do a lot in Rome, this option is much cheaper than using electric scooters and bikes that are available everywhere. If you sometimes want to take a taxi, Uber is very convenient.
What to do in Rome?
In our opinion, the following attractions in Rome are a must-visit.
Step back in time at the Colosseum
The Colosseum is the most famous building from the Roman Empire and is one of the Seven New Wonders of the World. It was built in the year 72 AD and is the largest amphitheater of the Roman Empire. It could accommodate up to 50,000 people! This is remarkable considering the limited construction knowledge and tools available at that time. Brutal fights were organized to entertain the people. Gladiators fought each other, and wild animals from all over the world were brought to Rome for fights in the Colosseum. As a result, several African animal species became extinct. Many people also took their last breath in the Colosseum, and historians estimate that between 300,000 and 500,000 people died here over the centuries.
Tip: The entrance ticket to the Colosseum also includes entry to the Roman Forum, so it’s wise to visit them on the same day. Learn more about the Roman Forum in the next section. It is recommended to pre-book tickets for the Colosseum to skip the long queue. If you want to learn about the history of the Colosseum, opt for a guided tour of the Colosseum & Roman Forum.
Visit the Roman Forum and the Palatine Hill
In ancient times, the Roman Forum was the lively center of Rome. Originally, it was a place for trade, but later the Romans also gathered here for political and legal matters. The Forum Romanum features many buildings that played an important role in Rome’s history. The Temple of Saturn is one of the most significant structures. It is the only building with the complete inscription on its façade still intact. The temple was built in 497 BC, making it the oldest building on the Forum. Another important building is the Curia Julia, the Senate House, built in 44 BC. All political affairs of the Roman Empire were conducted here. The Arch of Titus, the Temple of Venus and Roma, and the Temple of Caesar are also among the most important structures. To the south of the Forum lies the Palatine Hill, where the wealthy Romans lived.
Visit Vatican City
In the middle of Rome lies Vatican City, the smallest country in the world. It is home to over 800 people, the majority of whom are priests, nuns, and members of the Swiss Guard. And, of course, the head of state, the Pope. We recommend starting your visit by exploring St. Peter’s Basilica. It opens at 7:00 a.m. from April 1st to September 30th and at 8:00 a.m. from October 1st to March 31st. It’s a good idea to arrive early if you want to avoid long lines. With over 15,000 visitors per day, you can imagine how the queue looks later in the day. Admission to St. Peter’s Basilica is free, but everyone must pass through security. After visiting St. Peter’s Basilica, you can also explore the Vatican Museums. Below you will find more tips and information about these attractions.
Important: It is mandatory to dress modestly, covering your knees and shoulders, for these attractions.
Vatican City – St. Peter’s Basilica
In the smallest country in the world stands the largest church in the world. St. Peter’s Basilica is incredibly impressive, both inside and out. Once you have seen the interior of St. Peter’s Basilica, it’s worth going up to the church’s dome. To do this, exit the basilica, go down the left staircase, and then turn left. You can take the elevator for the first part of the ascent and then climb the remaining stairs to the top. If you choose to use the elevator, the entrance ticket costs $11. If you climb the stairs, it costs $9. It is not possible to purchase tickets in advance. Some parts of the stairs are inclined and quite narrow, but once you reach the top, you can enjoy a fantastic view of St. Peter’s Square and Rome. The height of the dome is approximately 448 feet (136 meters).
Please note: St. Peter’s Basilica is closed on Wednesday mornings due to the papal audience. The basilica reopens at 1:00 p.m.
Vatican City – St. Peter’s Square
St. Peter’s Square is one of the most famous squares in the world. It is where the Pope frequently delivers speeches and prays with all those present in the square. St. Peter’s Square measures an impressive 240 meters (787 feet) wide and 340 meters (1,115 feet) long.
Vatican City – Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel
The Vatican Museums house a vast collection of art treasures from ancient Rome and Egypt. They possess an impressive 70,000 artworks, of which 20,000 are on display for the public. You can explore painted rooms, modern art, and also admire the magnificent Sistine Chapel. The Sistine Chapel, built between 1477 and 1480, is world-renowned for Michelangelo’s frescoes. The Vatican Museums are closed on Sundays.
Tip: There is always a long line at the Vatican Museums. We had reserved skip-the-line tickets for our visit, allowing us to bypass the long queue of people who hadn’t purchased tickets yet. Highly recommended! If you want to learn more about the Vatican Museums, consider taking this interesting guided tour.
Explore Castel Sant’Angelo
Near Vatican City stands an ancient Roman fort. Castel Sant’Angelo is nearly 2,000 years old and is one of the most important attractions in Rome. It has served various functions throughout history, including defense for Vatican City. An underground tunnel connects the Vatican to Castel Sant’Angelo.
Tip: If you’re visiting Vatican City early in the morning, walk to Vatican City via Castel Sant’Angelo. It is beautiful without crowds and bathed in the soft morning light!
Pizza Tasting in the Park
You can’t leave Rome without enjoying pizza! Antico Forno Roscioli is a typical Italian bakery renowned for its delicious pizzas. You can choose from a variety of pizza flavors and even customize the size of your pizza slice. Create your own pizza tasting experience! A few streets away, you’ll find the charming Piazza Benedetto Cairoli, a lovely spot to enjoy your pizza.
Admire the Ancient Pantheon in Rome
No other structure from the Roman Empire, nearly 2,000 years old, has been preserved as well as the Pantheon. Throughout the centuries, the building has remained almost unchanged. When Catholicism became the official state religion of the Roman Empire, many Roman temples were demolished, except for the Pantheon, which was converted into a basilica. The dome of the Pantheon has a diameter of an impressive 144 feet (44 meters), with a large circular opening in the center to allow sunlight to filter through. Thanks to an ingenious drainage system, rainwater poses no problem. The large dome is exceptionally unique for its time and showcases the remarkable architectural craftsmanship of the Romans.
Admission to the Pantheon is free.
Join a Guided Bike Tour in Rome
A fun way to learn about Rome is by exploring the city on a bike! Baja Bikes offers fantastic guided bike tours, where you can discover the rich history of Rome while biking around the city in a relaxed manner. There are various bike tours to choose from, suitable for both young and old.
Make a Wish at the Trevi Fountain
Located in the heart of Rome, the Trevi Fountain is the most famous and, according to many, the most beautiful fountain in the world. The fountain stands approximately 85 feet (26 meters) tall and is about 72 feet (22 meters) wide. It was built in 1732. Tradition dictates that you should throw a coin over your left shoulder into the water with your right hand. This is believed to bring good luck and ensure your return to Rome someday. If you throw two coins, you will not only return but also find true love in Rome. And if you throw three coins, you will marry a Roman. Approximately $4,500 worth of coins is thrown into the Trevi Fountain every day, totaling around $1.6 million per year! As a result, the fountain is emptied for cleaning every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m.
Tip: The Trevi Fountain is always very crowded. If you want to avoid the crowds, visit early in the morning, but not during the cleaning days/hours, and experience this beautiful place in tranquility.
Taste the Best Gelato in Rome
Being in Italy, a recommendation for a good gelato shop is a must. There are numerous excellent gelaterias in Rome, but Giolitti is known as one of the very best. It’s often crowded, but for good reason. The scoops are generous, so don’t order too many. Enjoy!
Climb the Spanish Steps
At the charming Piazza di Spagna, you’ll find the Spanish Steps, leading up to the Trinita dei Monti church. Many people believe that the Spanish Steps were built by the Spaniards, but they were actually constructed under French command. In the 18th century, there was a Spanish embassy at the base of the steps, hence the name.
Visit the Monument of Victor Emmanuel II
Around the corner from the Roman Forum, you’ll find the striking Monument of Victor Emmanuel II, impossible to miss when you’re in Rome. Victor Emmanuel II was the first king of Italy, and after his passing, it was decided to build a monument in his honor. In front of the monument stands a grand statue of Victor Emmanuel II. However, he is not buried here but in the Pantheon.
Experience the Atmosphere at Rome’s Coolest Squares
Rome boasts numerous squares, both large and small, often adorned with fountains and surrounded by magnificent buildings. These squares are always buzzing with things to see, do, and experience. Piazza Navona is one of Rome’s most famous squares. It’s always bustling with vendors, artists, locals, and tourists. Here you’ll also find the Fountain of the Four Rivers, Bernini’s largest and perhaps most famous work. Another charming square is Campo de’ Fiori. From Monday to Saturday, there’s a delightful fresh market in the morning, and in the evening, it exudes a cozy atmosphere with its many bars. It’s the perfect place to enjoy a delightful drink!
Stroll through Villa Borghese and Watch the Sunset
Villa Borghese is Rome’s largest city park and the perfect place to escape the city. It’s delightful to take a leisurely walk here. This park was once the estate of the wealthy Borghese family, who also built a grand villa here. Nowadays, the villa serves as a museum, and their extensive art collection (one of the largest private collections in the world) is exhibited in the Galleria Borghese.
Adjacent to Villa Borghese is the Pincian Hill, a fantastic spot to watch the sunset. From here, you’ll have a beautiful view of the city, and there’s often a lively atmosphere created by street musicians.
Wander through the Charming Neighborhood of Trastevere
Trastevere is a picturesque neighborhood on the other side of the Tiber River. It’s a lively area with beautiful houses, lovely squares, and narrow streets where laundry hangs from the facades to dry. In the evening, it truly comes alive, and Trastevere is known as Rome’s nightlife district. The Piazza Santa Maria is the heart of all the festivities. Even if you’re not here in the evening, this square is also charming during the day!
Best Restaurants in Rome
Besides all the magnificent sights, you can also enjoy delicious food in Rome. Here are our tips for the best restaurants.
Ginger – This fantastic hotspot is located around the corner from the Pantheon and is our favorite place for breakfast! They offer tasty and healthy dishes on the menu, such as a good acai bowl.
Cafe MeMe – This is a small, cute café just a 5-minute walk from Vatican City. The menu is extensive, with richly filled sandwiches and delicious plates of spaghetti.
Cantina & Cucina – This is one of the best Italian restaurants in Rome. Reservations are not accepted, so be prepared to wait for a table.
Buddy Veggy – Perfect for when you’re not in the mood for Italian cuisine. This vegetarian restaurant knows how to make every dish a delight.
La Casa del Caffè Tazza d’Oro – Considered by many as the best coffee spot in Rome. And it’s very affordable!
Where to Stay in Rome?
Our favorite neighborhood to stay in Rome is Monti. This trendy district is close to the Colosseum and boasts many charming boutique and vintage shops. It used to be a poor working-class neighborhood with a lot of prostitution, but nowadays it’s filled with hip restaurants and bars. The great thing about this neighborhood is its central location in relation to many attractions and the Termini train station. Vatican City is a bit further away but still only a 15-minute bike ride. The Trastevere district, which we mentioned earlier in this article, is also a great neighborhood to stay in. If you enjoy a vibrant nightlife, this is the place to be! Below, we recommend two excellent hotels in these neighborhoods. If you want to read more about these neighborhoods, check out our article on the best neighborhoods in Rome + hotel tips.
Our Favorite Places to Stay in Rome
One of the best places to stay in Rome is the Aenea Superior Inn. It’s centrally located in the Monti district, within walking distance of both the train station and the Colosseum. The hotel offers a tranquil atmosphere, and you’ll stay in a spacious room with a comfortable bed. On the room is a coffee machine with complimentary cups, and every morning at 7:30, a basket of fresh bread rolls is delivered to your door. Just 400 meters from Vatican City, you’ll find Ale & Niki’s Home. You’ll stay in a spacious and stylish room where authentic details have been well-preserved. This B&B is run by a very kind and hospitable family who go above and beyond to make you feel at home. Another great choice is Landlord in Trastevere. It’s conveniently located in the lively Trastevere district and surrounded by many good restaurants and cafes.
Tip: These hotels are highly popular and often fully booked well in advance, so make your reservations as early as possible if you’d like to stay there.
  Aenea Superior Inn |
  Ale & Niki’s Home |
  Landlord in Trastevere |
