What is the best way to explore Rome?

Exploring and discovering the fascinating city of Rome is an experience unlike any other. While Rome offers some of the world’s most iconic sights, it also has lesser-known spots that often fly under the radar for visitors. Visitors to Rome will find a mix of old and new, with ancient ruins and centuries-old monuments alongside modern neighborhoods and streets crammed with trendy cafés and boutiques.

For the best experience possible when exploring Rome, visitors should strive to see both the ancient and modern sides of the city. The following travel tips can help make the most of a trip to Rome:

1. Take Guided Tours:

Chief among the recommendations for exploring Rome is to take advantage of guided tours. Italy has a legacy of art and culture, so it’s always helpful to gain insight from experts who can explain the significance of buildings and provide historical information. Private tours, group tours, walking tours, bike tours — there are lots of options in Rome that allow visitors to explore while learning all about the city’s history.

2. Don’t Forget to See Rome’s Parks and Gardens:

Rome is home to numerous parks and gardens where visitors can get a break from the hustle and bustle of city life. Viewing ancient Roman sculptures in a lush green setting can be a special experience. One of the most popular gardens is the Villa Borghese (also known as the Borghese Gardens), which is within walking distance of some of the city’s major tourist sites. The park also includes a number of galleries, so visitors also can get a cultural boost during their visit.

3. Explore Beyond the City Center:

Rome’s historic center — typically considered to be the area within the old Aurelian Walls — tends to have the highest concentration of tourists. Yet the outskirts of the city are full of potential destinations that are worth exploring even if they may be a bit farther from landmarks like the Colosseum and Pantheon. Beyond the city center are charming neighborhoods including Trastevere, Monti and Testaccio — these areas provide a chance to explore ancient ruins as well as get an authentic sense of daily Roman life.
4. Visit Different Churches:
Rome has some of the most impressive churches on earth, full of beautiful architecture and works of art by Italian masters like Caravaggio, Raphael, Bernini and Michelangelo. Some of these legendary religious sites include St. Peter’s Basilica, San Giovanni in Laterano, Santa Maria Maggiore and San Clemente. Exploring these areas can be quite a spiritual experience and provide insight into Rome’s religious heritage.

5.Visit Smaller Museums and Galleries:

In addition to world-famous museums like the Villa Borghese Galleria, Rome is home to many small museums as well as galleries where more recent works are exhibited. Exploring these options can be especially rewarding, allowing visitors to connect with more obscure aspects of Rome’s history, culture and art scene. Experience and taste something unexpected beyond the typical tourist destinations.

At the end of the day, one of the best tips for exploring Rome is to just wander around. Of all of Europe’s cities, Rome may have one of the most alluring streets filled with interesting things to see, eat and drink — making it a real delight to just get lost in its streets as much as possible.

Updated travel guides such as Reid’s Italy Travel Guide are always helpful if you want some ideas on places to go, interesting sites to see, or if you need help sorting out other practical details in advance like transportation options or dining options. With its nearly 3,000 years of history and countless landmarks, discovering Rome can be a challenge to plan for first-time visitors but also a true pleasure for those who take the time to really explore it— so get out there and trust your instinct for discovering its nooks and crannies your own!

An Insider’s Guide to Exploring Rome

Rome is a city with an immense history, ancient ruins, and delicious food. From historic landmarks to hidden gems, the city is full of surprises for travelers looking to explore something unique. Here’s an insider’s guide to some of the best ways to explore Rome.

Local Attractions: Discovering Rome’s Hidden Gems

Most visitors will head straight to the famous Colosseum and Vatican City. While we can’t deny their fascination, there are many hidden gems that you should explore for a richer experience. One such gem is the Catacombs of San Sebastiano, a network of underground passages holding more than 500,000 graves. You can also visit the ancient city of Ostia Antica, which was once a bustling Roman port city. For a lesser-known view of the city, hiking up Monte Mario hill will give you an incredible panoramic view of Rome from the top.

Dining Spots: Savoring Local Cuisine and Culture

Food is an essential element of Roman culture. From mouth-watering pizzas to traditional pasta dishes, Rome offers a unique culinary experience. If you want to dine like a local, avoid tourist traps on bustling streets and head to the family-run trattorias and pizzerias in the city’s outskirts. Try the classic dishes such as Cacio e Pepe, carbonara, and amatriciana. Exploring Testaccio, a neighborhood known for its exciting street food, is also a must. Don’t miss out on the unique experience of an aperitivo, an Italian happy hour where you can indulge in delicious snacks and drinks.

Cultural Experiences: Unveiling Rome’s Artistic and Musical Scene

Rome’s cultural scene is a vibrant mix of the old and new. You can visit the famous Sistine Chapel and marvel at Michelangelo’s masterpiece, or explore the contemporary art galleries and exhibitions established around the city center. Another option is to catch an opera at Teatro dell’Opera di Roma, one of the oldest and most prestigious opera houses in Italy. If you’re lucky enough to visit during summer, the outdoor festival “Estate Romana” offers a cultural extravaganza of music, dance, and theater.

Local History: Uncovering Interesting Stories and Facts

Rome’s rich history spans over two and a half thousand years. A lesser-known piece of history is the Pyramid of Cestius, an ancient Pyramid built to serve as a tomb for a Roman aristocrat in the first century BC. Another fascinating piece of history is the Bocca della Verità or “Mouth of Truth,” a giant stone mask which Roman legend says will bite the hand of anyone telling a lie. You can also visit Villa Farnesina, a magnificent Renaissance villa that once hosted grandiose social events attended by Rome’s most prominent families.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Suggestions: Making Unforgettable Memories

For a unique experience in Rome, rent a vespa and explore the streets like a local. Head to an open cruise or visit Rome’s nearby beaches like Ostia or Santa Marinella. Taking a day trip to Tivoli, which is home to two beautiful UNESCO world heritage sites- Villa d’Este and Hadrian’s Villa – is also a great way to enjoy the beauty of Rome’s surrounding areas. Climbing Janiculum Hill and witnessing the firing of the ancient cannon is another attraction worth a visit.

Conclusion

There’s no doubt that Rome is an enchanting city with a unique blend of history, culture, and cuisine. Besides the usual tourist spots, Rome has many unknown secrets for you to explore. With this insider’s guide, you can embark on a journey that delves deeper into the city’s captivating heritage. Whether you’re a first-time tourist or a frequent traveler, there’s always something new to discover in Rome.