12 Best Things to do in Rome

Trastevere is a colorful and lively neighborhood in Rome located south of the Vatican. Trastevere is tucked along the Tiber River. It is like no other district in Rome, with a young atmosphere, restaurants on every corner, bars, and delicious gelato shops. Live music is usually played on the streets, creating a fun atmosphere at night.

The vibe of Trastevere is very young, as it is filled with a significant majority of Rome’s nightlife and close to most of Rome’s large universities. Students adore Trastevere, and so do visitors. If you are in Rome, you must grab a wine and pizza before bar hopping later into the night.  

Image: Tiber River

If you are unfamiliar with a “piazza,” it translates to “square” in English. These squares are sprawled throughout Rome and other parts of Italy. They are open quart yards with a structure in the middle which signifies that unique square.

Rome has many impressive Piazzas; however, Piazza Navona is a favorite among many. The piazza is vibrant with its salmon-colored buildings surrounding it and stone floors. A fountain, Fontana del Moro, and a beautiful stone statue towering into the sky are in the middle of Piazza Navona. In addition, there are many tasty restaurants to choose from where you can sit on the terrace and take in the views as you enjoy an authentic Italian dish.

Rome is sprawled with natural art right and left. You will find beauty on every street corner, full of vibrant colors, hand-carved stone, and old statues. Artists worldwide have been painting and drawing Rome for centuries, and you can too! Not only will you be able to sketch some of the most iconic landmarks in the world, but you will be able to explore different perspectives of the city.

Sketching Rome will allow you to view the city in a new light from angles you may not have noticed otherwise. The sketching tours are perfect for people who love activities and may not be the type of person who usually likes to go on a typical walking tour but still wants to get an insight into the city. There are many drawing tours available in Rome, which you can easily find and book online or at a tourism shop.

The Roman Forum is one of the best spots to discover the ancient ruins of Rome. The Roman Forum is a large square filled with stone pillars and remains of old ruins, history, and descriptions to read from. It is the perfect place to get to know ancient Rome’s history and culture, and the forum’s beauty is unforgettable. It is situated between the Palatine and Capitoline hills, two of Rome’s famous seven hills. The Palatine hill is also a must-see while visiting the rest of the Roman Forum. Palatine Hill holds some remarkable remains of ruins and pillars and offers a great view of Rome.

You cannot visit Rome without at least walking by the Colosseum. Arguably the most iconic staple of Rome, the Colosseum is a large amphitheater with an immense history. Pictures do not do the Colosseum justice; it is much larger and more spectacular in person. Even just walking outside the Colosseum is impressive; nonetheless, to get the whole experience, there are so many different tours you can sign up for to walk around the inside and truly learn the history.

Campo De’ Fiori is a beautiful little square off the Tiber River. It is well known for its long-lived morning markets that take place every morning from Monday through Friday. Locals love to come to the market to buy sweet-smelling flowers, spices, fresh fruit and vegetables, meats, and even home appliances. Many different stalls open up; it is the perfect place to support the locals. Many people also flock to Campo De’ Fiori for nightlife as there are many other restaurants and a great bar scene.

Many people do not know that Vatican City is a country of its own, separate from Italy. The Vatican City holds the largest church in the world, Saint Peter’s Basilica. Saint Peter’s Basilica is a Roman Catholic Church and a must-see when in Rome. The church is renaissance style, full of gold lining and stained glass, letting light shine through onto the finely detailed paintings that reach up from the floor to the rooftop. The church is truly majestic.

There has long been a myth in Rome that if you throw a coin into the Trevi Fountain, you will receive good fortune. Whether the legend is true or not, you must follow the tradition and throw a coin yourself while in Rome. It is a must.

Located in the marvelous Piazza di Spagna, the Spanish Steps of Rome hold immense significance and history. The steps have been featured in numerous films and cherished for years and years. They are the longest and widest stairs in Europe, and people come from around the world to snap pictures and admire the atmosphere. At the top of the stairs, you will find a spectacular view of the eternal city.

Located in Vatican City lies the beautiful Sistine Chapel, named after Pope Sixtus IV. The entire inside of the chapel is full of renaissance-style paintings done by some of the most incredible artists in the world. Michelangelo painted the renowned “Creation of Adam” and “Creation of Eve”; his paintings are reason enough to take a trip to this great chapel. The enormous scale of the chapel is hard to comprehend, Michelangelo painted over five thousand square feet of paintings, and it took him five years to complete.

A big part of Italian culture is taking the time to enjoy a delicious meal. Italians love to spend time at each meal to enjoy every bite. Another important tradition is eating on a terrace, whether a patio in a piazza or a rooftop terrace; Rome does not fall short of opportunities to eat outdoors, to be able to take in the beautiful atmosphere of Rome. Enjoying a lovely pizza or pasta on a Roman terrace is an experience you will not forget.

Rome will sweep you up into ancient times and take you on a cultural journey of art, history, food and love. The city is waiting for those who are curious for adventure and a new perspective on life that the incredible eternal city gives off onto its visitors.

Author Bio: Ashley Pokorski