Rome, the Eternal city, is on many people’s bucket list. Everyone wants to get a glimpse of the history itself. And that’s just one of many things that Rome has to offer.
We’ve been to Rome for a few days and here’s a list of the things we’ve done. If you’re looking to visit the capital of Italy any time soon, this list may help you out with ideas on things to do.
Visit the Colosseum
The number one attraction in Rome is, of course, the Colosseum. Most of the tourists come to visit it so be prepared to wait in line if you want to go inside. However, if your time is limited, just taking a picture of one of the Wanders of the World is worth it alone.
Visit the Historic Forum Site
As one of the oldest cities in Europe and the World, Rome is full of historic sites worth a visit. A number of magnificent basilicas and churches make the city wonder-lust worthy. Be sure to visit the ruins of the Roman forum – the heart of the Roman Empire.
Check Out the Fountains
Fountains in Rome are a thing to behold. There’s so much detail and embellishment in them, you can hear them tell the stories of the great past of the city. There are a number of places to hang out, from the magnificent Trevi Fountain to smaller but none the less impressive fountains.
Visit Piazza del Popolo
It was once the first place to see in Rome when you arrived to the city. The square is inside the northern gate of the ancient Rome and it’s the starting point of the Via Flaminia, once the most important road to the North. If you climb up the hill to the Terrazza del Pinciom, you’ll get rewarded with amazing views of the city.
Visit the Basilica of Saint Paul
While everyone lines up for the entrance to the Basilica of Saint Peter and the Sistine Chapel in the Vatican City where you can spend hours waiting for your turn, we were reminded that Rome has more attractions that can be just as (or even more) impressive. One of them is the Saint Paul’s Basilica. With its picturesque exteriors and magnificent interiors, it’s a real marvel to enjoy freely without any queues whatsoever.
Visit the Villa Borghese Gardens
The Villa Borghese gardens is an amazing nature getaway from the city buzz that you have to visit. It’s a huge park with a lot of historical sites, temples and squares that you can enjoy while taking a stroll in the park.
Visit the Zoo
Few people visit Rome for it’s Zoo, but it’s a nice getaway from the city buzz. The trip to the Zoo through the Villa Borghese gardens is worth it alone.
You can visit over 200 species of animals in the Zoo.
Take the City Bus Tour
Looking for a way to quickly see all of the main tourist attractions in Rome while saving your feet? Take the city bus tour that you can hop on and off. With a day’s pass you can get to know the city and hop off wherever you would like to get to know Rome in more detail.
Got to Ostia for the Beaches
Rome isn’t known for its beaches as it’s not situated by the sea. But it’s only an hour away by train to one. Ostia is one of the little towns neighboring Rome that has nice beaches that you can visit to take a break from the big city buzz.
And guess what – because it’s a western shore, you get to enjoy beautiful sunsets while there!
Take a Walk Through One of the Most Romantic Historical Towns in Europe
Being one of the oldest cities in Europe, Rome has one of the most romantic downtown streets too. Walking through them is a real pleasure as you can take in the history that unfolds before your eyes. From the ancient ruins to the medieval facades and the extravagance of the Renaissance. Rome has seen it all and it’s there to tell you all about it.
Visit the Vatican City
While in Rome, take your chance to go abroad, so to speak. The Vatican City is basically a district in Rome that is self governed. You’re free to go in and out of it as you please and if you happen to be there during one of the audiences of the Pope, you can get a chance to see the head of the Catholic Church in person. That is, if you manage to get close enough through massive crowds of pilgrims and tourists.
So these are our ideas for things to do in Rome. We keep adding to this list as we add new pictures and stories about things we’ve done. Share this post and check back later – chances are you’ll find even more ideas for your visit to Rome as you do!
