As the saying goes every road leads to Rome. And now I will show you what you should do or see in the Italian capital.
Only a few buildings remained from the time when the city became the center of an empire that one controlled all shores of the Mediterranean Sea. Yet, it’s really moving to walk on these ruins, where thousands of years ago one of the world’s largest empire stood.
Rome is called The Eternal City for a reason. It is one of the most iconic cities with a history to match.
I have been to Italy a few times and Rome twice. I hope I can help you plan the ultimate trip to Italy.
Everything in one PDF you need to plan your trip to Rome: maps, useful tips, best Italian dishes and cool things to do while you are in the city.
1. Colosseum
Even though two-thirds of the original Colosseum has been destroyed over time, this is still the most famous antient Roman building and the main symbol of Rome.
Sadly it was damaged by earthquakes, and used as material for construction of new buildings.
The entrance was free, or payed by the emperors – to distract the poor from their poverty. Now, the Colosseum is a huge attraction, with more than 7 million visitors every year!
If I say Colosseum probably the gladiator fights will come to your mind. Gladiators were sort of the sex symbols of the time. And unlike the common myth not all of them were slaves. Some of them were ex-soldiers or even women.
Due to the crowds, make sure you have a reservation. Buy a combined ticket for the Colosseum and Roman Forum, prior you arrival in Rome online. The Combined ticket is valid for 1 day. I suggest to start your first day here.
With the special Arena Floor Access you can walk in the Arena and admire the building from where Gladiators one stood.
2. Arch of Constantine
Next to the Colosseum stands the Arch of Constantine. He was the first Roman emperor to convert to Christianity. His name might be familiar for a different reason: during his reign the Roman Empire, which controlled all the shores of the Mediterranean Sea, had a new capital, called Constantinople. Which we know today as Istanbul.
3. Forum Romanum, the Roman Forum
You probably heard about the legend of Romolus and Remus, the kids who were found and fed by a she-wolf. When the boys grew up they wanted to found their own city but could not agree on which hill. And during a heated argument Romulus killed his brother and founded the city on the Palatine Hill.
At the foot of the hill you will find the Roman Forum, Forum Romanum, which was basically the city center. Just like the Agora in Athens.
A few building remained, but you can still imagine what was it like to live during the Roman Emire. For example you will pass by the the Arch of Titus, Temple of Antoninus Pius and the Temple of Romulus. Or the columns of The Temple of Saturn, the God of agriculture and harvest.
However as a tourist, If you don’t know where to look you only see piles of rocks. Think it would be really useful for everyone if there were images displayed in the park to show visitors how this area once looked like
4. Trajan’s column
A monument that was erected in 106–113 CE, with carvings about Trajan’s Dacian Wars. Which is Romania today.
5. Vittorio Emanuele II Monument
If you walk along the Roman Forum, you will find the Vittorio Emanuele II Monument. It was originally built to honor the first king of the unified Italy.
As the Sydney Opera House it also sparklers in the sunlight because it was built from pure white marble. Because of its unique shape it’s has several nick names, like wedding cake or typewriter.
However the admission is free, for a few euros you could hop on the the glass elevator which takes you to the top of the building, where you will have a magnificent view of Rome.
6. Musei Capitolini
Walk up on the stairs on the right of this building, and you will end up on a small square. Here you will find the Capitol Museum, which houses a large collection of paintings and art – like the bronze sculpture of Romulus and Remus and the she-wolf.
Walk through the tiny alley on the right side of the square, and you will end up on a lookout point where you could admire the Forum Romanum from a different angle. And also find a smaller version of that famous statue on a column.
7. Pantheon
My next stop was the Pantheon, which is the most preserved building of ancient Rome, and was designed as a temple for Roman gods. Today, it functions as a church. It’s dome is huge! It is the largest unreinforced concrete dome in the world. There is an opening in the center which lets the light in.
Good news, the entrance is free. Bad news be prepared there will be a huge line. This is the end of the line.
8. Circus Maximus
On the other side of the Paletine hill you will see the Circus Maximus, which used to be ancient Roman chariot-racing stadium and now a public park. It is not the most impressive sight in Rome but not far from here you will find several cool sights you might want to visit.
9. Knights of Malta Keyhole
If you want to see something unique walk up to the near by Aventine hill and look for the green door of the Priory of the Knights of Malta. You won’t miss it because there will be a line in front of it.
If you look through its keyhole you will see the dome of the Saint Peter Basilica in the distance.
10. Orange Tree Garden
The Orange Trees Garden on the top of the hill was once part of and ancient fortress and now it is a perfect place to open a bottle of wine and enjoy the sunset.
Have an extra day?
What to eat in Italy?
The best way to explore the country is by tasting the traditional cuisine and drinks. Food defines a culture. It reflects the people, economy, history, climate, even the politics of a place.
PIZZA
The original pizza was created in Naples, now it has been recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
LASAGNE
Layers of fresh pasta covered in béchamel sauce and the famous ragù bolognese.
GNOCCI
Small rounds of potato dough, filled with cheese, spinach, eggs, and a variety of sauces.
RIZOTTO
Rice is combined with broths made from meat, fish, or vegetables to make the recipe rich.
TORTELLINI
A small ring-shaped pasta from Bologna
SPAGETTI
Different regions of Italy will have distinct ways of preparing spaghetti.
PANNA COTTA
Sweetened cream thickened with gelatin, served with warm hot fudge sauce and fresh raspberries on top.
TIRAMISÙ
Layers of Savoiardi ladyfinger biscuits dipped in a whipped mascarpone cream cheese and coffee powders.
GELATTO
Gelato is the Italian word for ice cream. It is similar to ice cream, but has a higher proportion of milk.
APEROL SPRITZ
Aperol spritz was invented in Padua with a combination of soda, Aperol, orange, and Prosecco alcohol.
CAMPARI
Alcoholic liqueur, considered an apéritif obtained from the infusion of herbs and fruit
Transportation in Rome
Rome has two airports – Fiumicino (FCO) and Ciampino (CIA), but the main one is Leonardo da Vinci International Airport in Fiumicino. Taking a taxi is convenient, fast, and safe option, however it is also the most expensive. Here are some alternative options.
ROME TOURIST DIGITAL PASS
It covers the most important tickets like: priority entrance into the Colosseum, Entrance to the Forum Romanum and guided tour of St. Peter´s Basilica.
ROMA PASS
Free use of the city’s public transport network, and free entrance to for the entire validity of the card 2 museums (sadly the Vatican Museum is not included)
