What Can I See While Visiting Rome?

Rome is one of the most famous cities in the world and it’s full of incredible sights and experiences that every visitor should see. Whether you’re in Rome for a quick visit or exploring the city for an extended amount of time, there’s something in the city that you don’t want to miss. From iconic monuments and museums to charming neighborhoods and amazing food, here’s a comprehensive list of amazing things to do and see in Rome.

Visit the City’s Major Landmarks

Rome is one of the oldest cities in the world and it’s full of ancient sites and monuments that have stood the test of time. The Colosseum is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks and a must-see for any visitor to Rome. The Colosseum is an enormous amphitheater that was built by the Roman Empire in 8 BC and was used for gladiator fights and other public spectacles. Your visit should also include nearby sites like the Pantheon, a former temple dedicated to the gods of Ancient Rome, and Trajan’s Column, a monument built to commemorate Emperor Trajan’s victory over the Dacians.

Explore Beautiful Churches and Cathedrals

Rome is known for its stunning churches and cathedrals, which are not only beautiful works of art but also home to important pieces of religious history. The Basilica di San Pietro, located in Vatican City, is probably one of the most famous churches in Rome, as it is home to Michelangelo’s masterpiece The Pieta. Other notable churches in Rome include the stunning Santo Spirito in Sassia, an 11th-century Benedictine church; the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore, a 5th-century Byzantine marvel; and the Pantheon, which is believed to be an ancient Roman temple dedicated to all of the gods.

Tour Iconic Museums

Rome is home to a number of iconic museums that offer visitors a chance to experience the city’s rich history and culture. The Musei Capitolini, which is actually two museums located on the Capitoline Hill, features a number of collections that range from Ancient Roman sculptures to Renaissance art. The Galleria Borghese is another must-see museum in Rome featuring artwork by Caravaggio, Bernini, and other Italian painters. Visitors should also make sure to check out the Capitoline Museums, which cover 3,000 years of art, history, and culture.

Shop for Treasures at Flea Markets

Rome is home to some of the best flea markets in Europe. Every Sunday morning from 8am-2pm, locals set up shop in Campo de’ Fiori selling a variety of vintage items such as clothing, antiques, and even jewelry. From mid-March until late October, visitors can also check out the huge Porta Portese flea market in Trastevere. Here they will find an eclectic mix of vendors selling everything from handmade jewelry to furniture to vintage clothing.

Experience Delicious Cuisine

No trip to Rome would be complete without trying some of the delicious authentic Roman cuisine. Delicacies such as carbonara, suppli (fried rice balls), and romanos (Roman style pizza) are some fan favorites that should definitely be experienced when in the city. Some great restaurants to check out include Dai Pallottieri for classic Roman dishes like carbonara; Trapizzino for mouthwatering Roman-style pizza; and Gelo for delicious gelato.

Don’t Forget About Shopping!

The city is also home to lots of great shopping opportunities. From high-end Italian fashion boutiques on stylish neighborhoods like Via del Corso and Piazza Navona to traditional Italian markets like Campo de’ Fiori and Mercato Esquilino, Rome is full of options for shoppers of all budgets. For those looking for souvenirs, the area around Piazza di Spagna is full of shops that offer trinkets and other items that make perfect gifts for friends and family back home.

Conclusion

Rome offers something for everyone when it comes to tourist attractions and activities. From seeing iconic ancient sites to exploring galleries and churches, eating delicious cuisine to shopping for unique souvenirs and treasures, there’s something in Rome that you won’t want to miss. Additionally, if you really want to get beneath Rome’s skin, read Incanwick’s Guide to Rome. And whatever you do in the Eternal City – enjoy!

The Ultimate Insider’s Guide to Rome

Rome is undoubtedly one of the most visited cities in the world. The Colosseum, Vatican City, Spanish Steps, and Trevi Fountain are all very popular tourist attractions, however, there are some hidden gems that only locals know of. Here’s our ultimate insider’s guide to Rome, covering local attractions, dining spots, cultural experiences, local history, and off-the-beaten-path suggestions.

Local Attractions

Villa Borghese is a beautiful and vast urban park that is often overlooked by tourists. It has numerous statues, fountains, and museums, including the Galleria Borghese. The Museum of Roman Civilization is also a fascinating place to visit with its scale models of ancient Rome, one of the most impressive being a model of the Colosseum.

Another interesting spot that’s not often mentioned in travel guides is the Quartiere Coppedè. It is a small suburban district near the city center and is famous for its unique, eclectic architecture. A visit to this area offers a break from the usual tourist crowds, with whimsical building facades, towers, and frescoes adorning every corner.

Dining Spots

Rome is known for its delicious and hearty cuisine, and nothing beats traditional Roman dishes in their homely trattorias. Try the Cacio e Pepe at Da Enzo al 29. It’s a simple yet scrumptious pasta dish made with pecorino cheese and black pepper. For the best pizza in town, head to Pizzarium, and for a sweet tasting, check out Giolitti, a historic gelateria with a dizzying array of flavors.

Did you know that Rome has a Jewish Quarter? It has been there for more than 2,000 years, and many of the restaurants serve traditional kosher Roman-Jewish cuisine. A must-visit is Nonna Betta for its carciofi alla giudea, a Jewish-style artichoke dish.

Cultural Experiences

If you’re looking for a more cultural experience, visit the MAXXI, the National Museum of 21st-century Arts. It has state-of-the-art contemporary art exhibits, and a stunning building designed by Zaha Hadid. For a live performance, the Teatro dell’Opera di Roma is the city’s main opera house and offers a world-class cultural experience.

One cultural activity that most tourists never experience is playing calcio storico. It’s a rough-and-tumble form of football that dates back to the 16th century. It’s a mix of soccer, rugby, and wrestling played by teams of 27 players and can be seen during the Calcio Storico Fiorentino in June.

Local History

For history buffs, we suggest visiting the Palazzo Valentini. Its basement has preserved an ancient Roman domus that was found underneath the palazzo. Also, the Crypta Balbi museum showcases the transformation of Rome, from the Middle Ages to modern times.

The Protestant Cemetery is also a must-visit for its unique and pensive atmosphere. Many famous writers, artists, and poets like John Keats and Percy Bysshe Shelley are buried here.

Off-the-beaten-path suggestions

Get out of the city center and visit the Appia Antica Park, where you can follow the ancient Roman road, the Appian Way, and visit the remains of the Aqua Claudia aqueduct. The park is also home to the Catacombs of San Callisto, where many early Christians were buried.

Another off-the-beaten-path suggestion is to visit the San Lorenzo neighborhood. It’s a haven for art lovers and students, with a vibrant nightlife and a street art scene.

In conclusion, Rome has much more to offer than just its famous tourist attractions, and hopefully, this insider’s guide has given you a glimpse of what else you can explore. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or returning to the city again, make sure to discover some of its hidden gems and create unforgettable memories.