The 10 Absolute Best Things to Do in Rome
1) Colosseum
One of the most popular attractions, Colosseum is a must-see for any visitor. Originally built as an amphitheater for gladiatorial games and other public events, it still has its original outer walls and some of the original seating. Though not nearly as large as it once was, Colosseum can still hold up to 40,000 spectators.
2) Vatican City
Built on a portion of the land which once housed Nero's Domus Aurea, the Vatican City is home to Vatican Palace and St. Peter's Basilica. Inside, travelers will find Michelangelo's famed frescoes on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel; carved marble friezes and figural mosaics line the grand corridors; and one of Italy's most famous sculptures - Michelangelo's Statue of David- stands in front of St. Peter's Basilica.
3) Roman Forum
Visiting the Roman Forum is one of the most iconic sites that you'll find in the city. It's also one of the best preserved ruins of ancient times, so seeing it for yourself really gives you a sense of what everyday life was like back then. You can see where merchants sold goods, tourists drank wine, and philosophers debated on what life meant back in Ancient Rome.
4) Pantheon
One of the best ways to experience ancient Rome is by visiting its remains. The Pantheon, built under Emperor Hadrian (AD 117-138) and completed under Antoninus Pius (AD 138-161), is the most enduring of all Roman buildings.
5) Trevi Fountain
In the world of fountains, the Trevi Fountain is like the Rolling Stones. It's so famous that it's difficult to imagine there was a time when nobody had even heard of it. Situated at one end of Rome's Three Streets (the widest roads in all of Italy), this monumental fountain is a favorite for tourists and locals alike. While you can't go wrong with any angle on this iconic landmark, we recommend finding yourself a comfy spot from which to watch the performance take place.
6) St. Peter's Basilica
Located right next to the Vatican, St. Peter's Basilica is one of the most beautiful and striking churches in the world. Construction began on this iconic building over 150 years ago and it was finally completed nearly 40 years later. Dedicated to the apostle Peter, this truly awe-inspiring building has Michelangelo's great masterpiece hanging above its altar: The Pietà! Another breathtaking piece of art at St. Peter's is Bernini's immense bronze canopy covering its baldachin.
7) Spanish Steps
This landmark is located on the corner of Via del Babuino and Via Condotti. The Spanish Steps were originally known as the Piazza di Spagna, but it's often now referred to as the Trinita dei Monti. This site became famous during the 1700s when, after designing a new staircase for their mother's church of Santa Trinita dei Monti (now Santa Maria Traspontina), Bernini created this masterpiece in 1723.
8) Explore Trastevere neighborhood
In Trastevere, one of the oldest parts of the city, visitors can enjoy ancient ruins while exploring beautifully preserved Medieval buildings and churches. Pick up a hot coffee or a cold beer at one of the neighborhood’s many trendy cafés and stroll around historic landmarks such as the Tiber Island from where you can watch the world go by.
9) Get lost in the little streets of Rome
Rome is full of small streets and alleyways. You can spend hours just getting lost, walking and exploring. Get some fresh air, take a break from museums, churches, and sightseeing tours. People watch from a cafe, chat with locals at an open market—you never know what might happen!
10) Eat your way through the city!
Be sure to try gelato for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The true test of a gelato is whether it’s creamy enough for your spoon to stand up in it when you put it down. If the ice cream does this easily, then you know that it’s worth the calories!
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