There’s no shortage of things to do in Rome. Sporting thousands of years of history and some of the best cuisine in the world, the Italian capital has long been a popular tourist destination. But narrowing down exactly what to do in Rome isn’t easy. Which famous attractions are truly worthwhile? And are there any overlooked things to see and do? This post takes a look at 10 exciting activities worth adding to your Rome travel itinerary.
Visit the Vatican
Vatican City is the headquarters of the Catholic Church and the home of the Pope. It’s technically the smallest country in the world – and the only country located within a city. There is so much to see in the Vatican that you’ll want to spare at least 4 to 5 to explore it all. You can buy Vatican museum tickets online, which also include access to the Sistine Chapel and St Peter’s Basilica.
Tour the Colosseum
There are quite a few Ancient Roman ruins scattered throughout Rome. The most famous and most visited however is the Colosseum. This was where some of the greatest gladiator shows took place during the height of the Roman Empire. The best time to visit the Colosseum is early in the morning on a weekday – you can avoid the crowds and explore the ruins more freely. That said, there are night tours you can book in advance that can also be worthwhile.
Throw a coin in the Trevi Fountain
This beautiful large fountain was built in the 1700s and is also a major attraction for tourists. It’s tradition to throw coins into the fountain – one coin to ensure a return to Rome in the future, two coins to find love and three coins if you want to get married. All the coins are collected and donated to welfare projects throughout Rome. The best time to visit the fountain is at night when there are less crowds and it is illuminated
Explore the catacombs
Many people are aware of the Paris catacombs, but are not aware that Rome has its own catacombs too that are much older. It’s possible to book tours of these underground tunnels on certain days of the week. They’re not only a fascinating window into the past, but a welcome escape from the heat in summer.
Try a pizza making class
There are lots of great places to eat pizza in Rome – however there are also many places where you can go to learn how to make pizza. These pizza classes are a fun hands-on way to experience Italian cuisine and are great for families or groups of friends. Compare some of the best pizza classes here.
Enter the Pantheon
The Pantheon is one of the best preserved buildings from Ancient Rome. Originally a temple to the Roman gods, it was later turned into a Catholic Church in the 600s. It is worth going inside to gaze up at its huge dome, which has a small window in the top that lets in light to give the true feeling of gazing up at the heavens.
Dine in Trastevere
This neighbourhood has a rich history dating back to Roman times. Today, it is a Bohemian neighbourhood boasting some of the best bars and restaurants in the city. It’s relatively un-touristy, making it a great escape from the hustle and bustle. Definitely stop here to taste some authentic Italian food. Along with fine dining establishments, there are also cheaper cafes here and several street food stalls.
Attend an opera
Italy is considered the birthplace of opera. There are several venues throughout the city where you can watch world-class opera singers performing a mix of old and new operas. Here are just some of the opera venues in Rome you may want to try (look online to see what operas are on and book tickets in advance).
Walk around the Borghese Gallery
The Borghese Gallery is the most famous art gallery in Rome. It contains a number of famous sculptures and paintings from the Renaissance period. Make sure to also explore its gardens – which are free to enter. These gardens are very large and magnificent and are considered the third largest public park in Rome.
See a pyramid
Did you know that there is a pyramid in Rome? The pyramid of Cestius is one of the lesser known historical monuments in Rome and is the only remaining ancient pyramid located in Europe. It is directly near Porta San Paulo and the city’s protestant cemetery – resulting in a strange mish-mash of cultural and historical features.