One of the main destinations of most Italy tours, there are so many things to do in Rome that a lifetime would barely be enough to explore it all. We drew the most complete and detailed Rome bucket list you can find online including several sections to help you navigate and choose what type of trip you want to plan.
So we have the things to do for first-time visitors, what to see in Rome if it’s not your first trip, secret spots to discover, the best churches often lesser-known and also what to do in Rome if you are a food lover.
The most complete and up-to-date Rome bucket list
- Unmissable things to do in Rome the first time
- What to do in Rome if it’s NOT your first trip
- Quirky and unusual things to do in Rome
- What to do in Rome for a romantic trip
- Best lesser-known churches
Unmissable things to do in Rome for first-time visitors
Impossible to miss in your Italy itinerary, especially if it’s your first time in the country, Rome has something for everyone.
1. Visit the Colosseum, one of the first places to visit in Rome
An iconic symbol of the city, there is no first trip to Rome without a stop at the Colosseum. Flavium Amphitheatre was one of the main places where Romans spent their leisure time. Shows where gladiators fought with other gladiators or wild animals were some of the favourites in ancient Rome. Today you can visit the Colosseum by yourself or, if you want to access also the arena and the dungeons, you can do so only by booking a private tour.
2. Walk around the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, one of the must-see places in Rome
With the same ticket of the Colosseum valid for two days, you can also access the Roman Forum and the Palatine Hill. This is the heart of the ancient city of Rome. You will see where public life took place, important temples, market places, emperors’ villas and the altar where Julius Ceasar was cremated. The Forum is very big and there are many things to see, so if you want to visit the most important places, book a tour to be sure you don’t skip any.
3. Discover the Domus Aurea
The urban villa built by Emperor Nero after the fire that devastated Rome in 64 AD, it was destroyed after Nero’s death to give back the land to the Roman people. After years of diggings and renovation works, today we can visit the surviving areas, which reveal the opulence and luxury Nero lived with.
Gardens, pavilions for feasts and relax, woods, vineyards, a little lake, the villa occupied a huge part of today’s city centre, including the Palatine Hill, part of the Esquilino Hill and where now is the Colosseum.
It can only be visited with a certified tour and only on Saturday and Sunday.
4. Walk along the Imperial Fora
This long road goes from Piazza Venezia to the Colosseum. Started by Julius Caesar in 46 BC, it was the centre of political life. It was built in about 150 years and shows the fora of several emperors including Augustus and Trajan, as well as several pagan Roman temples.
READ MORE: You don’t have enough time? Find out what to do in Rome in a day!
5. The Baths of Caracalla among the best things to see in Rome
Caracalla Baths are one of the most beautiful tourist attractions in Rome. A large complex of ancient thermal baths, you can see the mosaic floor, the structure where the different areas were organised as well as the original statues and decorations. In summer, the Baths of Caracalla are used for opera shows.
6. Visit the Circus Maximus
With a size of 600 mt in length and 140 mt wide, the Circus Maximus was the largest building devoted to public shows. Here they used to run the competitions with the biga chariots and now it’s an archaeological area possible to visit. It’s also often used for concerts (always for New Year’s Eve) and cultural events like Rome’s birthday on April 21st. Check out the official website for more info.
7. St. Peter’s Basilica one of the most popular Rome tourist attractions
Built on the site of Caligula’s Circus, the basilica we see today is not the original, which was much bigger. Later expanded by Nero, the ancient Roman circus is where Saint Peter was martyred. Today you can see his tomb by booking your entrance to the necropolis underneath the church. Packed with amazing artwork, some of the most important things to see inside the basilica are Michelangelo’s statue La Pietà, the dome (cupola) and the Baroque-style St. Peter’s Baldachin.
READ MORE: For more info, check out our article on St. Peter’s Basilica facts and history.
8. Visit the Vatican Museums
Among the unmissable things to see in Rome are the Vatican Museums. A large gallery displaying some seven centuries of artwork donated by world leaders or commissioned by the popes, some of the most important parts are the Sistine Chapel, Raphael’s Rooms, the Gallery of the Tapestries, of the Maps, and of the Candelabra.
TIP: Want to make the most out of your visit and avoid the crowds? Check out some of the best tours to the Vatican Museums: Pristine Sistine Early Entrance and Night Tour with Sistine Chapel.
9. Explore more of the Vatican City
To make your first trip to Rome complete, do devote at least one day to the Vatican City. Here there are many things to see, and if you want to explore it all, one day is not enough. However, you will still need to start somewhere. If you have more time than just visiting St. Peter’s Square and Basilica and the Vatican Museums, the Vatican offers much more things to see. To delve deeper, you can explore the Vatican Gardens and the Roman cemetery below the Basilica. For an extensive guide to all the places to visit in the Vatican, check out our full guide.
TIP: To skip the lines in the Vatican’s attractions such as St. Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican Museums, the only way is to book a private Vatican tour.
10. Climb the Spanish Steps, one of the most famous Rome attractions
Taken as a bench to sit, eat and drink by many, the Spanish Steps is actually an important historical landmark and one of the top Rome attractions. Built between 1723 and 1726 from a project by Roman architect Francesco De Sanctis, they lead to the Trinità dei Monti church on top of the stairs. While on the bottom, Piazza di Spagna, you can see the beautiful Bernini’s fountain known as La Barcaccia and a huge array of exclusive and expensive boutique stores.
11. Visit the Pantheon, one of the first places to visit in Rome
Temple devoted to all gods, the Pantheon is a true masterpiece of ancient architecture impossible not to include in your Rome bucket list. Founded by Marco Vipsanio Agrippa in the 27 BC, it was rebuilt between 120 and 124 AD during the rule of Emperor Augustus after a fire damaged the original construction. Its famous cupola, with a hole in the middle to allow the light in, is still now one of the biggest in the world.
READ MORE: 100 things is too much? Check out what to do in Rome in 4 days!
12. Piazza Navona, one of the top Rome tourist attractions
One of the most famous squares and Rome highlights, Piazza Navona has the elliptical shape of the Domitian Stadium on top of which it was built. In the middle is one of the most beautiful fountains in Rome, the Four Rivers Fountain by architect Gian Lorenzo Bernini, standing in front of Sant’Agnese in Agone church by Francesco Borromini.
13. Campo de’ Fiori, one of the main things to do in Rome
Home to the daily morning Campo de’ Fiori market, this piazza is one of the most famous Rome tourist attractions popular day and night. In the middle of the square is the tall statue of Giordano Bruno, the Dominican friar burnt at the stake early 17th century. All around the piazza are bars, restaurants, bakeries and shops.
READ MORE: What to pack for Italy season by season
14. Largo Argentina
This is where Julius Ceasar was killed and now there is one of Rome’s largest and most famous cat colonies. Visit this ancient sacred area and explore one of the most underestimated tourist attractions in Rome.
15. Discover the Hadrian Mausoleum
Built as the funerary mausoleum of emperor Hadrian, Castel Sant’Angelo has served several purposes throughout the centuries. From residence to papal stronghold to prison, it’s one of those Rome attractions that are impossible to miss.
16. The Jewish Quarter
A stone’s throw from Largo Argentina is the Jewish Quarter. While you will probably end up here for its many great restaurants, it’s also worth wandering around its alleys, see the Turtle Fountain and the archaeological site of the Portico di Ottavia, a porch built under the rule of Augustus and devoted to his sister Ottavia.
17. Eat gelato
Definitely one of the top things to do in Rome, whether it’s summer or winter, is to enjoy an artisan gelato. Romans have become very demanding when it comes to gelato, and my suggestion is to prefer the all-natural, authentic artisan gelaterias. How to tell them apart from the fake, low-quality products? Read everything in my complete guide to the best gelato in Rome.
18. Wander around Trastevere, one of the places to see in Rome for food and trendy nightlife
One of the most famous Rome neighbourhoods among tourists, gentrified Trastevere was once the place of the working class. Narrow alleys, quaint shops and restaurants (some traditional many touristy), lovely piazzas. Here, don’t miss Santa Maria in Trastevere Basilica, Santa Cecilia Basilica and Villa Farnesina.
19. Santa Maria in Trastevere Basilica
Possibly the most famous basilica in Trastevere neighbourhood, Santa Maria in Trastevere is thought to be one of the oldest or even the oldest official Catholic church. On its outside facade, you can admire beautiful mosaics.
20. Santa Cecilia in Trastevere Basilica
This is not just a church. Like many other places to see in Rome, the undergrounds of Santa Cecilia hide another world. Once you visit the modern church, go down to see the gorgeous crypt and down again to visit an ancient Roman domus and insula.
21. Visit the Tiber Island, what to do in Rome for history and food
An ancient man-made island in the middle of the Tiber river in Rome city centre, the ship-shaped Isola Tiberina is one of the top places to visit in Rome for first-timers. You can get to the Tiber island on foot from either Trastevere or the Jewish Ghetto. Today is home to the San Bartolomeo church, the 16th-century hospital Fatebenefratelli and several bars and restaurants. In summer, it becomes the island of the cinema, popular hangout to watch movies outdoors.
22. Walk across Rome’s oldest bridge
What to do in Rome if, like me, stepping over ancient history excites you. Ponte Fabricio bridge connects the Jewish Ghetto right from in front of Rome’s synagogue to the Tiber island. Built in 62 BC by street keeper Lucius Fabricius, it’s Rome’s oldest operative bridge that kept its original structure.
23. Explore Rome history at the Capitoline Museums
This is Rome’s main museum, where you will discover the history of the city, how it was founded, both myth and reality. Displaying a rich collection of artwork from ancient Roman times, there is also a fascinating section of Etruscan art and daily life.
24. Throw a coin in the Trevi Fountain
Hands-off the most impressive among Rome’s many fountains, this Baroque masterpiece stands in all its huge glory and has been the settings of movies, videos, countless pictures and also polemics when people just can’t resist and take a dip in its waters. Do you want to be sure to come back to Rome? Throw a coin backwards in the Trevi fountain and you will.
25. Take a picture of Piazza Venezia and Vittoriano Complex
The Vittoriano Complex is the national monument in Piazza Venezia named after the first king of unified Italy, Vittorio Emanuele II. It hosts the permanent exhibition devoted to the Italian Risorgimento, a term indicating the series of wars, battles, intrigues, clashes that ended with the unification of the country under one rule, Piedmont’s Savoia royal dynasty.
Also called “Homeland Altar”, it was built between 1885 and 1911 and since 1923 it hosts the body of the “Unknown Soldier”. Today they often organise several exhibitions of different topics, be it social, cultural, historic.
26. Test yourself at the Mouth of Truth
This is a big sculpture with a man’s face located in the courtyard of Santa Maria in Cosmedin church. Probably an ancient manhole, it became one of the top things to do in Rome because of the movie Roman Holiday starring Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck and the legend according to which the mouth would bite the hand of who don’t speak the truth.
27. Saint John Lateran Basilica
The most important among the papal basilicas, Saint John in Lateran is one of the top places to see in Rome. The first official Catholic, it’s Rome’s cathedral and where the pope exerts his duties of the city’s bishop. Located in the Caelian Hill on the land of the Lateran Roman family, it was confiscated by Nero because of a conspiracy against him. Of stunning beauty and rich in artwork, it’s one of Rome points of interest whether you are religious or not.
28. Go underground in San Clemente Basilica
One of the best places to visit in Rome to travel through the historical layers of the city. San Clemente Basilica, near the Colosseum, includes a medieval church on modern street level, an early-Christian basilica underneath, and a Mithraic temple and school as well as the Roman mint in the lowest underground level.
29. Take a peek through the keyhole of Knights of Malta headquarters
This is one of the most famous pictures of Rome. Watching from the keyhole of the Knights of Malta headquarters in the Aventine Hill is one of the fun things to do in Rome. It used to be a hidden gem, but now it’s very popular and you will likely find a bit of queue. Nevertheless, the view is worth the wait.
30. Explore the Aventine Hill
Romantic and incredibly rich in history, the Aventine Hill is a treasure trove of places to visit in Rome. The early-Christian Santa Sabina Basilica, the old Santa Prisca Basilica with a Mithra temple in its underground, the orange-scented Parco Savello, better known as Garden of the Oranges, are all sights that will keep you busy for a good morning or even the whole day.
31. Marvel at three Caravaggio paintings at San Luigi dei Francesi
This church is located between Piazza Navona and the Pantheon and it’s worth visiting even only for the three famous Caravaggio paintings The Calling of St Matthew (on the left wall), The Inspiration of Saint Matthew (above the altar), and The Martyrdom of Saint Matthew (on the right wall).
32. Enjoy the view from the Janiculum Hill
The Janiculum Hill is a favourite spot for a scenic walk surrounded by nature and art. A perfect place to take a break from the city traffic, here you can visit the Aqua Paola Fountain, San Pietro in Mntorio church and see the monument devoted to Garibaldi, active military leader during the battles that brought to the Italian unification.
33. Palazzo Quirinale, what to visit in Rome to combine art and institutions
The Palace of the President of the Italian Republic, it’s possible to visit the Quirinale palace only by booking at least five days in advance through the official website. Former papal residence, it’s located in the Quirinale Hill and enshrines a huge wealth of artwork.
34. Take a stroll in Villa Borghese Park
One of the largest and possibly the most famous among Rome’s urban parks, this gorgeous vill belonged to the Borghese family. A green oasis in the city centre, it’s packed with attractions and landmarks to visit such as the Galleria Borghese museum (not free entrance), the Lake Garden, several temples and the beautiful Orangery area. You can also book a Villa Borghese bike tour to visit more of this huge park.
TIP: Make the most of your visit to the park with an expert tour to the Borghese Gallery to view the masterpieces of artists like Caravaggio, Bernini, Raffaello and Canova.
35. Eat pizza
Just like gelato, enjoying a great pizza is one of the best things to do in Rome. By the slice, by the pie, as street food or comfortably sitting for dinner. Napoli-style or Roman pinsa, in Rome you can find just about everything.
36. Take a food tour
The best way to explore Roman cuisine, its traditional dishes and try great restaurants, especially if it’s your first time in the city, it’s with a Rome food tour, such as Taste of Testaccio with Eating Europe. There are so many food tours of Rome that you will be spoilt for choice.
READ MORE: Find the perfect Rome food tour for you!
37. Try the best historic restaurants
If you are into tradition, some of the top historic restaurants to try in Rome are by all means Armando Al Pantheon, close to the Pantheon, and Felice a Testaccio, both famous for their tonnarelli cacio e pepe pasta. Some other names? Checchino dal 1887 and Cesare al Casaletto, but if you want to try more restaurants in different neighbourhoods, check out our extensive guide to where to eat in Rome.
38. Learn to make pasta and pizza
We all love Rome food, but what if we want to make pasta and pizza for our friends and family back home? Easy, take one of the many pasta-making or pizza-making food tours and you will learn the basics for creating your own delicious dishes.
39. Go for a coffee Italian-style
So you are in Italy and you want a coffee. Keep in mind that if you simply ask for a coffee (un caffè, per favore!), they will deliver a short espresso shot, because this is what Italians expect. If you ask for a “long coffee” (un caffè lungo), you will have the same single espresso with a bit more water in it. If you want the huge cup American style you should just order that, an American coffee (un caffè americano), so the barista will understand. A tip? Have on the counter to pay the basic fee. If you grab a table they can charge whatever is their fee.
40. Go for an aperitif
Aperitif in Rome is a pre-dinner meal, but since the formula is often 10/15 euro for a drink and unlimited buffet starting from 6.30 pm until around 8 pm, you can totally take it for an early dinner.
41. Go for a street food tour
Pizza by the slice, supplì, cured meat, gelato. Try some of Rome’s street food delicacies in its famous central neighbourhoods such as the Jewish Ghetto and Campo de’ Fiori. The best way to do that? With a street food tour led by a local expert, of course.
42. Enjoy Rome city centre by segway…
Explore the city centre by segway to see as much as you can without getting tired on board of your segway. I’ve been seeing groups of segway always more often in Rome. If you are short in time and still don’t want to miss the main landmarks, this is a great and eco-friendly way to do it. Click here for more info and the price.
43. …Or by electric bike
Comfortable, eco-friendly and time-efficient, you can either rent an electric bike to tour around the top things to see in Rome by yourself or book one of the many tours with a local guide.
Some of the best electric bike tours? A morning trip around Rome tourist attractions or a tour by night around the best places to see in Rome at twilight. If you are into more hidden gems and less touristy areas, book a fascinating tour to the ancient Appian Way with its aqueducts and catacombs.
What to do in Rome if you have already seen the most famous landmarks
44. Villa Farnesina with Raphael’s frescoes
If you are still wondering what to do in Rome, located in Trastevere is Villa Farnesina, a historical villa today seat of the prestigious Accademia Nazionale dei Lincei. A former noble residence, you can visit Villa Farnesina for the wonderful frescoes by great Italian artists, the most of famous which is Raphael. Check out their website for more info.
45. Go on a foodie adventure
If you have already tried Romand traditional dishes and want something lighter to your digestive system without giving up on taste, go on a foodie adventure. Rome is a fantastic city for foodies, with new restaurants springing up literally every day. Around the city, you will find anything you are looking for, no matter what are your preferences or dietary needs. Are you vegan? Rome offers a great choice of wonderful vegan and vegetarian restaurants. Do you want to try traditional dishes prepared with a contemporary twist? Do you like the casual atmosphere of a bistro? Rome has something for every palate. Check out our eBook Tasting Rome By Neighbourhood where we take you to a real foodie adventure to the best restaurants in five different neighbourhoods.
46. St. Paul Outside the Walls
Located in the Garbatella neighbourhood close to Ostiense, the huge St. Paul Outside the Walls Basilica gets fewer visitors than it would deserve. Imposing both outside and inside, here is kept the tomb of Saint Paul. In the underground, you can visit the archaeological site of the oldest complex dating back to the 5th century.
47. Centrale Montemartini
One of the best things to do in Rome if you have already visited the main museums and are looking for more offbeat attractions. The former main power plant in the city, Centrale Montemartini in the Ostiense neighbourhood has been turned into a fascinating museum where the machinery that was used to produce electricity stands side by side with ancient Roman statues, mosaics, sarcophagi and tools.
48. Museo Nazionale Romano
After the Musei Capitolini, this is the most important museum and one of the best places to visit in Rome to dig deep into its imperial times, art and history. Located near Termini Station in the Diocletian Baths, it displays a huge collection of objects, tools and artwork from Ancient Rome.
49. Palazzo-Galleria Doria Pamphilj, one of the best places to see in Rome to soak in centuries of art
The gorgeous residence of Doria Pamphilj noble family is a true treasure trove of artwork, majestic beauty and history of the Roman aristocracy. Conveniently located in Via del Corso, it’s easy to reach and one of the best things to do in Rome to soak in art, luxury and history.
50. Rome’s Rose Garden (Roseto Comunale)
Open only for a couple of months a year in Spring, the Roseto Comunale is located between the Circus Maximus and the foot of the Aventine Hill. When it’s in its full blossoming, with its thousands of rose species it makes for a truly heady and scented walk near Rome city centre.
51. See an optical illusion of St. Peter’s dome
It only happens in Via Piccolomini, off Via Aurelia Antica. As soon as you enter, you will find a giant St. Peter’s dome right in front of you. Keep walking and you will notice that the closer you get, the smaller the dome will become.
52. Go to the Opera
At Rome’s Teatro dell’Opera you can enjoy operas and ballets from the most famous musicians, such as Mozart, Giuseppe Verdi, Giacomo Puccini, Tchaikovsky, Georges Bizet and more. Check out their official website for more info on shows and the current season.
53. Quartiere Coppedè
One of the hidden gems in Rome is the quirky Quartiere Coppedè in the Trieste neighbourhood. This Liberty-style quarter was designed by visionary Gino Coppedè and shows clear influences from Roman and Greek mythology, shapes of animals, monsters and fairy tales. You won’t even feel you are in Rome.
54. John Keats’ House
Located in Piazza di Spagna on the right corner of the Spanish Steps, here is where English poet John Keats spent his last months before dying of tuberculosis at the age of 25. Today his house is a museum that displays sculptures, paintings, objects, manuscripts of important English intellectuals like Keats, Shelley and Lord Byron.
55. Non-Catholic Cemetery
A collection of beautiful statues, Rome’s Non-Catholic Cemetery in Testaccio area hosts the tombs of many notables like Italian politician and philosopher Antonio Gramsci, Italian writer Andrea Camilleri, and English poet John Keats among others.
56. Explore Rome underground
One of the most fascinating things to do in Rome is to explore the many layers of the city. Underneath modern churches, you can find early-Christian basilicas, ancient Roman houses and Mithra temples. Underneath Piazza Navona, you can visit the ruins of Domitian Stadium. Thankfully there are many Rome underground guided tours that show you and explain these hidden sites.
57. Do a catacombs tour, one of the best things to do in Rome for history lovers
One of the best things to do in Rome if you are after a history and cultural holiday is a catacombs tour. There are so many catacombs in different parts of the city that it’s difficult to visit them all. Some of the most famous are the ones in the ancient Appian Way St. Callixtus and St. Domitilla, the one in Villa Ada park of Priscilla and the ones of St. Sebastian. Check out Take Walks underground tour to Rome’s catacombs and crypts.
58. Trajan’s Markets
Unlike the name might suggest, these were probably not markets as we intend them today. This complex of buildings was adjacent to the Roman Forum and especially linked to the Trajan Forum. It consisted of different areas, some where political “forum” activities took place, others where they managed administrative duties. Located in Via IV Novembre, today you can visit the archaeological area, the Roman Forum museum and always different temporary exhibitions.
59. Santa Maria della Scala ancient pharmacy
Located in the trendy and very touristy Trastevere neighbourhood is a beautiful hidden gem. The ancient pharmacy of Santa Maria della Scala was founded in the 16th century. Here, the Discalced Carmelite friars create potions, oils and remedies until 1954. Today it’s open to the public but you need to book. Check their website for info.
60. Visit Rome food markets
There are so many food markets in Rome that during your sightseeing you are most likely to stumble on one or more of them. Some of my favourites? Mercato Testaccio, Mercato Trionfale in Via Andrea Doria, the daily market in Campo de’ Fiori, even though quite touristy, and the smaller farmers’ market in Piazza San Cosimato in Trastevere.
61. Explore Rome’s street art
There are several neighbourhoods spruced up and made colourful by local and international street artists. Some of these are Ostiense, Quadraro and Tor Marancia. Also look for Popstairs, a project by Roman street artist Diavù who painted the face of famous Italian and European actresses on stairwells around Rome.
62. Visit the Botanic Garden
A magical place between Trastevere and the Janiculum Hill, the Botanic Garden is managed by La Sapienza university. Hosting plants from all over the world and areas such as the Japanese garden, the tropical greenhouse and the Mediterranean wood, it’s one of the most fascinating things to see in Rome.
63. Villa Doria Pamphilj
The beautiful summer residence of the Pamphilj family, here you can walk, do jogging, use the gym equipment to do some exercise, rent a bike, take your kids to the playground, and have a nice casual lunch in the local bistro. They often organise cultural events such as the Oriental Festival, the Yoga Festival and more. This is among the Rome activities your kids will love.
64. Enter a movie set in Cinecittà
Many movies have been shot in Cinecittà, south Rome, and not only Italian ones. I even visited the set of Martin Scorsese’s Gangs of New York. Obviously, in Cinecittà cinema studios, you will see documents, pictures, objects and memorabilia related mainly to the Italian movie production with big names like Fellini, Zeffirelli, Luchino Visconti and actors like Totò and Claudia Cardinale. But also other international names, especially actors who have worked here like Elizabeth Taylor, Richard Burton. Check the official website to know how to visit.
65. Take a day trip
There are many day trips you can take from Rome. Starting from the medieval towns of Viterbo and Bracciano to the Castelli Romani, in towns like Castel Gandolfo and Rocca di Papa, you can either go by public transport or book a guided tour. Not to miss if you have the time is a day in Tivoli, home to two UNESCO sites, the Villa of Hadrian and the Villa d’Este.
A little farther but still possible to do in one day is visit Terni and its beautiful Cascate delle Marmore waterfalls.
66. Explore Rome’s most international neighbourhood
Walking around the Esquilino area next to Termini station you will feel anywhere but Rome. From the Esquilino market selling anything international, from food to clothes, to the international restaurants and fast-foods to shops displaying products from literally every corner of the planet, here you can find pretty much anything. Afghan jewellery, Chinese tea sets and blends, Caribbean foods, Indian/Pakistani restaurants. You name it, you will find it.
67. See the biggest park of Ancient Rome
Unfortunately today you can only see a small piece because without prior booking a private tour because it’s private property, but Horti Sallustiani (Piazza Sallustio 21) was the largest park of ancient Rome. Once a lush garden populated by fountains, thermal baths and temples devoted to nymphs, Horti Sallustiani was a favourite place for Roman leaders such as Julius Ceasar and Vespasian and it’s where emperor Nerva died.
68. Go to the beach
This is probably best in summer, but also Spring is a nice season for a walk on the beach. You will get to the coast better if you rent a car but some are possible to reach also with public transport, either train or coach. Some of the favourite beaches near Rome? Fregene, Ostia Lido, Fiumicino, Ladispoli, Torvaianica and, a bit further away, Circeo, Sperlonga, Sabaudia and Anzio.
69. See the Roman town of Ostia Antica
Very easy to reach with a train ride from Ostiense/Porta San Paolo and with a single Atac ticket of 1.50 euro, Ostia Antica is a great sight to include in your Rome sightseeing. An important Roman city for trades and commerce, several diggings have been done recently that brought about new discoveries, including the fact that the city was much bigger even than the famous Pompeii.
Quirky and unusual things to see in Rome
70. Magic door
One of the truly unusual places to see in Rome, the magic door in Piazza Vittorio bears a mysterious past. Also called Porta Alchemica, “Alchemical Door,” it was built in the 17th century by a nobleman who got close to the world of alchemy and science. According to the legend, the mysterious inscriptions decorating the door are the formula to turn a plant into gold. This is definitely what to see in Rome if you are into esoteric history and culture.
71. Capuchins’ Crypt
The Capuchin Friars’ Crypt displays the bones of some 4000 friars who died between 1528 and 1870 and is located in the undergrounds of Santa Maria della Concezione church in Via Veneto. Along with bones, you can also see some mummified friars as well as the skeletons of three nephews of Pope Urbano VIII and princess Barberini who died very young.
72. Casina delle Civette (House of the Owls) in Villa Torlonia
Casina delle Civette, “House of the Owls,” earned its moniker for the presence of two owls on the glass window at the entrance and the obsessive recurring of owl-themed decorations. Worth visiting both inside and outside.
73. Explore more of Villa Torlonia park
The Roman residence of Fascist leader Benito Mussolini, Villa Torlonia is a relatively small but lovely park in the Nomentano area. You can have a nice walk and visit the Casino Nobile, where Mussolini lived and where he built his bunker for extra security, that today you can visit with a guided tour. Enter the Casino Nobile mansion also for its antiques and neo-classic and contemporary artwork.
74. Try Rome’s foreign restaurants
Rome offers also a great choice of foreign restaurants. Chinese, Indian, Ethiopian, Japanese, French, Vietnamese, Persian, Afghan, if you want to give Roman food a break, you can explore the new flavours found aplenty in the city.
75. MACRO Museum
Located in Via Nizza in the Salario quarter, MACRO is Rome’s museum of contemporary art. Exhibitions, workshops, seminars and events of all kinds are organised here, so if you are a fan of contemporary artistic expressions, this is one the Rome activities you will love.
76. Walk along the beautiful Galleria Sciarra
This is one of the unique places to visit in Rome city centre. A Liberty-style covered gallery near the Trevi Fountain (entrance through Via Marco Minghetti) built at the end of the 19th century. Decorated with a main woman-focused theme, this is a private courtyard but open to the public during office hours.
77. See the relics of Rome’s industrial archaeology
Take a stroll around Ostiense neighbourhood and discover the relics of modern industrial archaeology starting from the huge gasometer, carrying on to places like the old warehouse and the former main power plant in Centrale Montemartini museum.
78. See the Fascist Lots in traditional Garbatella neighbourhood
Garbatella is next to Ostiense and was created during the Fascist rule. Inspired by the English urban planning idea of “garden cities” of Ebenezer Howard as a response to the need of sprawling cities for a better quality of life, take a walk around Garbatella Lots and explore a truly traditional Roman neighbourhood.
79. Visit the square Colosseum
For sure one of the unique things to do in Rome is a visit to the Palace of Italian Civilisation, called by the locals “square Colosseum” (Colosseo quadrato) for its resemblance to the more famous landmark and its square shape. Located in the modern EUR neighbourhood, it was inaugurated in 1940 under Mussolini rule. Managed by the Fendi family, its ground floor is now devoted to a permanent exhibition showing the excellence of Italian craftsmanship and creativity.
80. Get your sweetness overload at a cat colony
There are several cat sanctuaries in Rome, where our furry friends live and are taken care of. The largest is the one at the monumental cemetery of the Verano, but probably the easiest to reach are the one at Largo Argentina and the one living around the Pyramid in Testaccio neighbourhood. The beautiful cats are used to people and don’t mind posing for a nice photo.
81. See Rubens’ powered painting
The large painting by Flemish artist Rubens is located on the main altar of Chiesa Nuova Church (Piazza della Chiesa Nuova 1) and features a Madonna that disappears once a week. This is a motor-powered painting and if you want to see the Virgin Mary disappearing, you need to go on Saturday when the priest activates the device at the end of the afternoon function.
82. Be amazed at the anamorphoses of Trinità dei Monti
One of the unique places to visit in Rome is inside Trinità dei Monti church on top of the Spanish Steps. Along a corridor of the convent, the walls are decorated with anamorphic frescoes that change depending on your position. So the more you walk, the more images you will see. It’s open to the public but visits must be booked. Check their website for more info.
83. Visit the Museum of the Souls in Purgatory, one of the unusual things to see in Rome
In the sacristy of Gothic-style Sacro Cuore del Suffragio church near Piazza Cavour (Lungotevere Prati 12) is a one-of-a-kind museum. One of the unusual things to do in Rome, here on display is a collection of documents and evidence that would prove the existence of the Purgatory and signs from the souls of the deceased.
84. Visit the dolls’ hospital, one of the unique things to do in Rome
The owner of this quirky and slightly creepy workshop is quite grumpy and unless you have a doll to treat, you can’t enter. This is a true dolls’ hospital and even though you can only view it from outside, its very central location in Via Ripetta makes it very easy to visit.
What to do in Rome for a romantic trip
One of the best destinations for your honeymoon in Italy, there are many romantic things to do in Rome.
85. Evening walk along the Tiber
There is hardly anything more romantic in Rome than a night stroll along the Tiber river. The city lights and the landmarks you visited during the day reflect on the calm waters creating a beautiful view.
86. Enjoy a couple spa treatment
Many hotels offer spa treatments in Rome, but some are really romantic, especially those set in ancient Roman ruins. Such as the wellness centre of Hotel Lunetta near Campo de’ Fiori where you can do a sauna, enter in the steam room and do a couple massage.
87. Enjoy a beautiful view
Thankfully, there is no shortage of such a thing in Rome. Go to the Garden of the Oranges in the Aventine Hill, enjoy the view from the Pincio Terrace in Villa Borghese, climb the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica or take a stroll in the Monte Mario hill for a scenic view from the Astronomical Observatory. From wherever you look, the landscape will be stunning.
88. Reserve a romantic dinner
No shortage of romantic restaurants in Rome. Candle-lit tables, alfresco options, beautiful views and historical locations contribute to making the ambience romantic and perfect for a date. Some of the favourite restaurants? Lo Zodiaco in Monte Mario Hill for a breathtaking view, Aroma in the 5-star Palazzo Manfredi hotel, Perpetual gourmet restaurant near the Colosseum.
Best churches in Rome for religious tourists
Alongside the Vatican and St. Paul Outside the Walls, if you are on a religious trip to Rome there are many other churches and basilicas you might want to visit.
89. San Pietro in Vincoli
Much less visited than many other famous churches, San Pietro in Vincoli Basilica is located in its namesake piazza in the Monti neighbourhood. Alongside the chains that held Saint Peter prisoner in Rome and Jerusalem, here you can also see the beautiful Moses sculpture by Michelangelo.
90. Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica
This important church is one of the four papal basilicas. Located in the Esquilino neighbourhood, it’s the only one that kept its early-Christian structure. It’s decorated with beautiful mosaics and you can also visit the undergrounds (booking required, more info on the Vatican website).
TIP: To know more about this important worship place in Rome, you can book a full tour of Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica.
91. Santa Prassede Basilica
The church of Santa Prassede is located in the Esquilino neighbourhood. As history goes, St. Pudenziana was martyred together with her sister St. Prassede because they were giving a Christian burial to the martyrs in the land of their father, a Roman senator. The apse of this church is decorated with beautiful mosaics.
92. Santa Pudenziana Basilica
A very old Christian church, Pudenziana was Prassede’s sister. Here you can see both stunning mosaics and also go underground from the garden to visit a two-storey insula and an ancient thermal bath. This church, too, is in the Esquilino area not far from Santa Prassede and Santa Maria Maggiore.
93. Visit Santi Cosma and Damiano Basilica for great mosaics
This is also a church famous for its mosaics, and even though located a stone’s throw from the Colosseum, it’s pretty unknown. Built in the 6th century on the site of former pagan temples, it can be easily accessed from Via dei Fori Imperiali.
94. Santa Maria Sopra Minerva Basilica
Close to the Pantheon, in this church, the remains of St. Catherine of Siena and the Italian painter Beato Angelico are kept. One of the few Gothic-style churches in Rome, it was built in the 13th century on the site of three pagan temples. While it’s not too big, it has a great deal of artwork by names of the likes of Michelangelo, Bernini and Filippino Lippi.
95. Admire a 3D fresco in Sant’Ignazio di Loyola Church
For sure there’s no lack of churches in Rome, but Sant’Ignazio di Loyola is not your average Catholic temple. At the moment of construction, in the 17th century, the money ran out, so the originally planned dome couldn’t be properly built anymore. But thankfully, the talent and creativity of artist-priest Andrea Pozzo made up for the lack of funds. Thanks to a finely conceived perspective, you will have the impression of looking at a real dome supported by pillars while you will be standing underneath a fresco.
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