What to do in Rome: the best tips for a city break
September 11, 2023
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The most beautiful sights in Rome, where to find them and which ones must be seen? It is no secret that the historic center of Rome is one big open-air museum. You will be amazed during a city break. Famous sights like the Colosseum and the Trevi Fountain are not to be missed, but there are so many more special highlights to discover. In this article we share the most impressive sights of Rome!
1. The Colosseum
The Colosseum is undoubtedly Rome's most iconic landmark. Since 2007, the largest amphitheater in the world has been one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Therefore, seeing and visiting the Colosseum is on many a tourist's bucket list. The Roman structure dates back to the year 72 A.D. and could accommodate as many as 50,000 people. The Colosseum hosted gruesome battles that the Roman people came to for entertainment. Gladiators fought each other here, but animals were also occasionally fought. It is estimated that some 300,000 to 500,000 people died in the Colosseum.
Tickets to the Colosseum
You can tickets to the Colosseum purchase tickets on the spot, but keep in mind that there can be extremely long lines. It is therefore advisable to reserve your tickets on time. The ticket is often a combination ticket with a visit to the Roman Forum and the Palatine. Visit these three sights on the same day, which is very convenient. Want to learn more about the history and architecture of the Colosseum? Then book a guided tour!
2. St. Peter's Basilica
Located in Vatican City, the smallest country in the world, St. Peter's Basilica is incredibly impressive to behold. Both inside and out. Without a doubt, the largest church in the world belongs on the list of Rome's most beautiful sights. During your city break, take plenty of time to visit the church and also to climb the dome. You can choose to reach the top via 551 steps, or take the elevator for the first part. The entrance ticket costs €8 per person if you walk and €10 per person if you take the elevator. Once at the top, you can enjoy an amazing panoramic view of St. Peter's Square and Rome!
The square hosts a blessing from the Pope every Sunday at noon. This is free for everyone to attend. Tip: after this, visit St. Peter's Basilica, it is very crowded then.
3. The Pantheon
Beautifully situated in Piazza della Rotonda, you will find one of Rome's most beautiful and best-preserved sights: the Pantheon. This Roman structure is about 2,000 years old and has hardly changed over the years. Inside, you can admire the impressive dome with its 44-meter-long open curve. During the day, this allows the sunlight to shine beautifully inside. Today, the Pantheon is used as a Roman Catholic church. Therefore, keep in mind that on Sunday mornings Mass takes place and you cannot visit the Pantheon then.
4. Vatican City
Vatican City is the smallest country in the world and is an attraction in itself, but within the Vatican you will find some special highlights. Some 800 people live in Vatican City, most of whom are priests, nuns and men of the Swiss Guard. And above all, let's not forget the pope.
If you are visiting Vatican City, the best place to visit is St. Peter's Basilica first. Entrance is free. Also be sure to climb the dome for a panoramic view of Rome. After this, move on to the Vatican Museum where you can admire a huge collection of Roman and Egyptian art treasures. But the highlight is of course the Sistine Chapel where you can see Michelangelo's frescoes.
Before leaving Vatican City, stroll through St. Peter's Square one last time. This is one of the most famous and beautiful squares in the world, and the square is a whopping 240 meters wide and 340 meters long.
Note: For all sights in Vatican City, you are required to cover your shoulders and knees.
5. The Trevi Fountain
The most beautiful fountain in Rome, and perhaps even in the world, is the Trevi Fountain. A romantic spot where thousands of tourists come day after day to throw a coin into the fountain. In fact, the story goes that if you toss a coin with your right hand over your left shoulder you will return to Rome. If you throw in two coins, you will find your lover in Rome. And do you toss in three coins? Then you will marry a Roman.
Want to admire the imposing Trevi Fountain without the crowds? Then go as early in the morning as possible, but keep in mind that cleaning takes place on Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings from 08:00 to 09:00.
Also read: The 4 nicest neighborhoods in Rome to stay in
In such a big city like Rome, you may wonder where best to stay. These are the 4 nicest neighborhoods, close to the most beautiful sights.
6. Roman Forum and the Palatine
In ancient times, Forum Romanum was the center of Rome. Today it is hard to imagine that this is where the Romans traded and later made political and legal decisions. Indeed, you walk here through a plain consisting of nothing but ruins and a beautiful sprawling garden. One ruined building still partially intact is the Temple of Saturn from 497 BC. It is estimated that this is the oldest building on Forum Romanum. South of the Forum you will find the Palatine, Rome's first habitable hill.
7. The Spanish Steps
Piazza di Spagna is the atmospheric square where you find the Spanish Steps. A place where locals and tourists gather to relax and store. If you walk the Spanish Steps, you will end up at the church Trinita dei Monti. This, by the way, is a French church.
You might think that the Spanish Steps owe their name to a Spanish architect, but nothing could be further from the truth. The steps were commissioned by the French, as was the church. In the 18th century, the Spanish embassy was located at the bottom of the steps, hence the name "the Spanish Steps.
8. The Angel Castle
Beautifully situated along the Tiber River you will find the Angel Castle. A gigantic Roman fortress that is about 2,000 years old. Over the years, the Angel Castle has had multiple functions, including mausoleum, fortress, citadel and prison. It is now used as a museum. During the time it was used as a fortress, an 800-meter underground tunnel was made connecting Angel Castle to the Vatican. A strategic, and moreover secret route, it was widely used in times of war.
9. Aventine Hill
One of the sights in Rome that belongs in this list is the viewpoint from the Aventine hill. It is one of the most beautiful places to watch the sun disappear behind the horizon. Make sure you get here an hour before sunset so you can also see the beautiful warm glow fall over the city.
Tip: On the Aventine hill you will also find "the keyhole of Rome. Look for the Piazza dei Vacalieri di Malti where you can look through the keyhole and see St. Peter's Basilica. Behind this giant door is a gigantic and beautiful garden that opens its doors once a year.
10. Campo di Fiori
One of the more fun markets to visit in Rome is the fresh produce market in Campo di Fiori square. Stroll here among the many stalls, watch the locals do their shopping and admire the beautiful buildings surrounding the square. It is also the perfect place to have a drink!
11. Piazza Navona
Rome is rich in beautiful squares surrounded by equally imposing buildings. Piazza Navona is, in our opinion, one of the most pleasant squares in Rome. You will find many nice stores and the many terraces make it attractive to spend hours here. At night, the square is attractively illuminated. A nice place to remember when you go out for an evening meal in Rome!
12. Piazza Venezia
One of the most important squares in Rome is Piazza Venezia. This is because it is where all of the city's major roads converge. Piazza Venezia is considered the heart of the city. Not surprisingly, because here you are also close to such famous sights as Palazzo Venezia, Palazzo Bonaparte, Basilica San Marco, Roman Forum and the Colosseum.
Tips for a city break to Rome
We speak from experience when we say that 4 days in Rome is not enough. This city has so much to offer that there is really only one thing to do. And that is returning to this metropolis. So go prepared and get the most out of your city trip with the best tips for Rome!
Lois Weeterings
A dreamer and adventure seeker, always on the lookout for new experiences. But also a hard worker with a thousand ideas racing through my mind. As a personal travel consultant and travel blogger, I share my passion for faraway destinations, thrilling adventures, and winter sports. With deep knowledge of places like Namibia, Colombia, the ABC Islands, and the Middle East, I’m here to help you craft a trip you’ll never forget. Through my personal stories and expert tips, I aim to inspire you to explore the world your way. Always with my camera in hand, I’m determined to capture every magical moment and share it with you.
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