Rome Best Places To Visit: A Comprehensive City Guide

Rome is one of the oldest and most beautiful cities in the world. It is the capital of Italy, a country steeped in history, art, culture, and cuisine. It is a city that has been continuously inhabited for over 28 centuries, and has a long and colorful history. From the ancient Romans to the modern-day Italians, Rome has been the birthplace of some of the most influential people in the world.

Today, Rome is one of the most visited cities in the world, with millions of tourists flocking to its streets every year. It is a city full of life and culture, from its iconic monuments and ruins to its vibrant nightlife and delectable cuisine. There is truly something for everyone in Rome. Whether you want to explore its ancient past, enjoy its beautiful architecture, or experience its vibrant culture, you won’t be disappointed.

In this guide, we’ll take an in-depth look at all of the best places to visit in Rome. From iconic monuments to hidden gems, we’ll explore the city’s highlights and give you some tips and tricks for getting the most out of your trip. So, without further ado, let’s dive right in!

The History of Rome

Rome is a city steeped in history and culture. It was founded in 753 BC by a group of Latin settlers led by the legendary Romulus and Remus. The city quickly grew in power and influence and soon became a major center of political and religious influence in Europe. In 509 BC, it was declared a republic by the Senate and became a hub for trade and commerce.

For centuries, Rome was the center of the Roman Empire, a vast empire that stretched from North Africa to Britain and from Spain to Syria. It was ruled by a succession of rulers including Julius Caesar, Caligula, Nero, and Constantine I. During this time, the city was home to some of the most influential figures in history and was the birthplace of some of the world’s greatest art and architecture.

In 476 AD, the Roman Empire fell and the city was sacked by Alaric I. However, it soon regained its power and influence when it became the center of the Papal States under Pope Gregory I. From then on, it remained a major city in Europe until today.

What to See in Rome

Rome is home to some of the world’s most iconic monuments and sights. Here are just a few of the must-see attractions:

The Colosseum

Perhaps the most iconic monument in Rome is the Colosseum. This ancient amphitheater was built by Emperor Vespasian between 70 and 80 AD and seated up to 50,000 spectators. It was used for gladiatorial contests and public spectacles such as animal hunts and executions. Today, it is a popular tourist attraction and one of the most visited monuments in the world.

The Pantheon

The Pantheon is a magnificent temple built by Emperor Hadrian between 118 and 125 AD. It was originally dedicated to all of the gods of Ancient Rome but is now a Christian church dedicated to St. Mary and the Martyrs. Its impressive dome is still one of the largest unreinforced concrete domes in the world.

The Roman Forum

The Roman Forum was once the center of public life in Ancient Rome. It was surrounded by temples, basilicas, arches, and other important buildings. Today, it is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Rome and a great place to learn about Roman history.

Trevi Fountain

The Trevi Fountain is one of Rome’s most iconic landmarks. The fountain dates back to 19 BC and was designed by Italian architect Nicola Salvi. It is an impressive Baroque-style fountain featuring sculptures of gods and goddesses such as Triton, Neptune, and Abundance. It is also said that throwing a coin into the fountain will guarantee your return to Rome!

Vatican City

Vatican City is an independent city-state located within Rome’s city limits. It is home to some of the world’s most important religious sites including St. Peter’s Basilica, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Square. It is also home to some of the world’s most impressive art collections including works by Michelangelo and Raphael.

Activities in Rome

Rome is full of things to do and see! Here are just a few activities you can enjoy in this beautiful city:

Food Tours

Rome is known for its delicious cuisine, from traditional Italian dishes such as pasta alla carbonara to more modern dishes like Tagliatelle with truffle sauce. One of the best ways to experience Rome’s cuisine is to join a food tour where you’ll explore local markets, taste traditional dishes, and learn about Italian cooking techniques.

Book a Food Tour in Rome here or Book a Food Tour in Rome here.

Walking Tours

Discover all that Rome has to offer on foot! From guided tours around iconic sights such as the Roman Forum to walking tours through hidden neighborhoods, there are plenty of options to choose from. You can also join tours that focus on specific topics such as art or cuisine for an even more immersive experience!

Book a Walking Tour in Rome here or Book a Walking Tour in Rome here.

Bike Tours

Experience all that Rome has to offer from two wheels! Bike tours are a great way to get around this ancient city while taking in its impressive sights such as St Peter’s Basilica, Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps, Colosseum, and more! You can even join food or wine tours on two wheels for a unique experience!

Book a Bike Tour in Rome here or Book a Bike Tour in Rome here.

Day Trips From Rome

If you have some extra time during your trip to Rome, why not take a day trip outside of the city? Here are two popular day trips from Rome:

Tivoli Gardens & Hadrian’s Villa

Located just outside of Rome, Hadrian’s Villa is an impressive complex built by Emperor Hadrian between 118 and 134 AD which includes gardens, temples, mosaics, and more! Tivoli Gardens is another popular attraction located nearby which features stunning gardens with waterfalls, fountains, statues, grottoes, pavilions and nymphaeums!

Book a Tivoli Gardens & Hadrian’s Villa Day Trip from Rome here or Book a Tivoli Gardens & Hadrian’s Villa Day Trip from Rome here.

Ostia Antica Ruins & Beach Day Trip from Rome

Ostia Antica is an archaeological site located near Rome which features ruins from Ancient Rome such as houses, theaters, temples, baths, an amphitheater and more! After you’ve explored the ruins you can take a break on one of Ostia Antica’s beaches for some rest and relaxation!

Book an Ostia Antica Ruins & Beach Day Trip from Rome here or Book an Ostia Antica Ruins & Beach Day Trip from Rome here.

Tips For Visiting Rome

Visiting any new city can be overwhelming but with these tips you’ll be sure to have an enjoyable trip to Rome:

• Plan ahead. Make sure you plan out your days before you arrive so you can make sure you see everything you want to see.
• Bring comfortable shoes. You will be doing a lot of walking so make sure you bring comfortable shoes.
• Stay hydrated. The weather in Rome can get hot so make sure you drink plenty of water.
• Stay safe. As with any large city there are certain areas that should be avoided so make sure to research where not to go.
• Get off the beaten path. Don’t be afraid to explore beyond the tourist attractions as there are many hidden gems waiting to be discovered.

Conclusion

While there are many cities around the world that boast incredible sights and attractions, few can compare to Rome for its history and beauty. From iconic monuments such as The Colosseum to interesting activities such as bike tours or exploring local markets, there truly is something for everyone in this stunning city! With these tips you’ll be sure to have an enjoyable trip filled with unforgettable memories!