Rome, the capital of Italy, is a popular destination for people to visit either as a sole destination or as a stop on a multi-city European adventure. People flock from all over the world to walk the streets of this open-air museum every year. If history, religion, architecture, art or food are your thing then it is a place you must visit. We visited Rome back in 2007 and have been itching to get back to this wonderful city ever since. From the second we arrived until the moment we left we explored as much as we possibly could. There is something on every street and around every corner to take your breath away. Therefore, we highly recommend adding Rome to your must-visit list. Rome is also known as the Eternal City and is worth a visit.
But why? Read on to find out what Rome the Eternal City has to offer its visitors. Together with information on how to make your getaway a great one and one you will never forget.
Attractions In Rome
Rome is full of attractions just waiting for you to visit. If you want to see them all, you should plan out an itinerary before you take your trip otherwise you may miss out. From Roman ruins to churches and beautiful squares, Rome has them all. Here we look at some of the main attractions you may want to include in your itinerary.
Colosseum
The Colosseum is an oval amphitheatre dating back to 70AD built under the Flavian emperors. It has survived earthquakes and centuries of stone thieves, it is still in very good condition. It is now the most famous and most visited attraction in Rome. Across four centuries, tens of thousands of gladiators, slaves and Christians fought and died here.
You should book your tickets for the Colosseum in advance of your trip to avoid having to stand in long queues, especially during the summer months. We highly recommend taking a guided tour or an audio tour of the Colosseum to find out all about its history and some interesting facts.
Roman Forum
The Roman Forum (Latin name Forum Romanum) is filled with temples, monuments and marketplaces. The Forum was the centre of public life in Ancient Rome and was the heart of the city. It is now one of the most visited attractions. The Forum fell into disrepair after the fall of the Roman Empire and eventually became a cow field.
The site was excavated in the 18th and 19th centuries with excavations even continuing to this day. You can book an audio tour and learn all about the Forum’s temples together with other points of interest including Via Sacra (the main street), Arch of Titus (a triumphal arch) and Basilica of Maxentius and Constantine.
The Pantheon
The Pantheon is one of the oldest and best-preserved Roman buildings. It is s a former Roman temple and has been a Catholic church since 609. The Pantheon has been in use since the time it was built, meaning restoration has been carried out when needed.
The Pantheon is free to visit and wander around on weekdays. However, you are now required to reserve a timeslot on weekends and public holidays. To reserve a slot, you’ll need to book either an audio guide or a tour which are available in several languages. You can do this via the Pantheon’s official website or a reputable third party tour operator.
Trevi Fountain
Located in the city centre hidden in the maze of Small Streets is the Trevi Fountain (Three Street Fountain) which stands 26.3 metres high and 49.15 metres wide. No visit to Rome is complete without paying a visit to the Trevi Fountain. It stands at 26.3 metres high and 49.15 metres wide. The Trevi Fountain is the largest Baroque fountain in Rome and one of the most famous fountains in the world.
Oceanus being pulled by a chariot of two seahorses features in the middle of the fountain. Legend states that throwing a coin in the Trevi Fountain means you’ll return to Rome someday. Coins should be thrown from the right hand over the left shoulder.
Piazza Navona
Built-in the 1st century AD and once a stadium which held agonal games and gymnastic competitions. Today Piazza Navona is one of the most beautiful and famous squares in the centre of Rome and one of Europe’s great squares. It also featured in Dan Brown‘s 2000 thriller Angels & Demons.
Piazza Navona’s focal point is The Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi (Fountain of the Four Rivers) erected in 1648 by the Italian Baroque sculptor Gian Lorenzo Bernini. Other monuments in the piazza include Stabilimenti Spagnoli, Palazzo de Cupis, Palazzo Torres Massimo Lancellotti, Church of Nostra Signora del Sacro Cuore, Palazzo Braschi (Museo di Roma) and Sant’Agnese in Agone.
Spanish Steps
The Spanish Steps, join Piazza di Spagna (bottom) and Piazza Trinità dei Monti (top). They were designed by Francesco de Sanctis and constructed between 1723–1725. 174 steps are leading up to the Santissima Trinità dei Monti Church which sits at the top. The Spanish Steps were always busy with tourists and locals alike sitting and taking in their surroundings, chatting etc.
However, since 2019 lingering too long on the Spanish Steps is now subject to a fine of 400 euros. So if you had visions of reenacting Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck sitting on the Spanish Steps in the 1953 film Roman Holiday, unfortunately, you will have to think again.
Piazza San Pietro (St Peter’s Square)
The Vatican City, the papal enclave inside Rome, is a must when visiting the Eternal City. Especially Piazza San Pietro (St Peter’s Square) which was named after Saint Peter, an apostle of Jesus considered to be the first Pope by Catholics and designed by Bernini between 1656-1667.
The piazza is located directly in front of St. Peter’s Basilica (but more on that next). In the centre stands an ancient Egyptian obelisk (often referred to as Peter’s Needle or The Witness). The piazza is also flanked by 284 columns and 88 pilasters in a colonnade of four rows. If you look above the columns you will see 140 statues of Saints created in 1670 by the disciples of Bernini.
Saint Peter’s Basilica
Rome may no longer be the capital of the world, but it has long been the centre of Christianity. Pilgrims and tourists flock each year to The Vatican located in Vatican City an enclave within Rome. And the main attraction – Saint Peter’s Basilica, a Renaissance-style church located in Piazza San Pietro. Not only is it the largest church in the world, but it is also considered to be the most important.
Entrance to St Peter’s Basilica is free, however during summer months and at Christian holidays, queues can be extremely long. Therefore you can buy skip the line tickets in advance which allows you to bypass the queues. You can also pay for a guided tour or audio guide.
Accommodation in Rome
Whatever your budget, you will find accommodation in Rome. There are several options including hostels, studios and apartments through to boutique and luxury hotels. If you are travelling on a budget, look for accommodation in the Termini District (the area around Rome’s main train station) as it offers the best range of budget and mid-range accommodation options.
Accommodation in the Centro Storico (Historical centre) tends to be more expensive due to its location. You will find the majority of Rome’s attractions here, therefore you walking is between them is an option, if you are able, reducing the need for transportation. However, these savings may not be enough to offset the cost of your accommodation, especially if you are travelling on a budget.
If you have more cash to splash and want amenities that allow you to relax at the end of a busy day of exploring i.e. swimming pool, hot tub etc. However, there are very few in the city centre. The majority are located on the outskirts and neighbouring areas, meaning you will have to factor in the cost of transport to and from the city centre if you want to see the sights.
Shopping in Rome
Of course like in any other large European city, you can pick up the obligatory (and often tacky) souvenir. Especially near the main attractions, you will find sellers touting the usual fridge magnets and snowglobes to tourists. However, Rome also offers high-end fashion sold in boutique shops. If you are looking to spend some big bucks head to Via Dei Condotti (close to the Piazza di Spagna). Here you will find all the big designer shops – Gucci, Dior, Louis Vuitton etc.
If you don’t have a designer clothes budget, Rome is also home to several high street fashion retailers such as Zara, Mango, H&M etc. And if you are looking for excellent quality Italian leather goods – gloves, purses, bags, jackets etc Rome is a great place to pick them up from, second only to Florence. With several leather goods shops and markets, you are bound to find something that takes your eye.
Nightlife in Rome
Rome is as busy during the evening as it is during the day. The city offers its locals and visitors bars, clubs and live music and entertainment venues. Also after the sunsets in Rome, the city becomes an enchanting and Romantic destination.
The early evening starts with aperitivo, a pre-dinner ritual. This is the perfect time to grab a cocktail and nibbles and relax and unwind after a busy day of sightseeing.
Following dinner, clubs begin to get busy. As dinner usually starts around 8.00 pm, clubs do not usually get busy until at least midnight with neighbourhoods like Ostiense and San Giovanni, which are located just outside the city centre, being the places to head.
If you are travelling on a budget and looking for cheap beer, head to the Pigneto and San Lorenzo neighbourhoods which are home to a large student population. And during the summer months rooftop bars, outdoor terraces and open-air venues are the places to head. Especially the pop up white tents (known as the River bars) near Trastevere, on both sides of the Tiber River where you can grab a beer in plastic cups and admire the beautiful scenery.
Transport in Rome
There are many ways to get around Rome. Many locals favour small cars and motorbikes. But it is important to note that it is quite a busy city, therefore you may not feel comfortable hiring a vehicle and taking your chances on the road. If you are staying in the city centre, all the major sites are easily on foot.
However, if this is not possible for you or your time in the city is short you can also use taxis, buses, metro, rental bikes or one of the double-decker hop on hop off buses that run frequently throughout the city.
Food in Rome
As the saying goes, ‘when in Rome’. Therefore why not indulge in all the delicious food that Rome has to offer. Rome has a lot of cafes spread throughout the city – perfect for light snacks and of course coffee. You will also find Pizzerias dotted throughout the city and what’s better than pizza in Italy?
Another place you should visit is Trastevere. It is a neighbourhood with a great atmosphere due to its many old streets and beautiful buildings. It is located on the opposite bank of the river Tiber, south of the Vatican and is home to many wonderful cafes and restaurants which are perfect for a romantic meal.
If you are looking for authentic Roman cuisine head to the island sanctuary of Isola Tiberina which hosts restaurants, bars, a church and an outdoor cinema in the summer. This unique location is the perfect place to head if you are looking for a dining experience you will not forget.
And last but certainly not least – gelato! Gelato in Rome is a must, especially on a hot summer’s day.
Events In Rome
Many important festivals and events take place during the year, that includes several cultural, music and religious celebrations.
- January: New Year’s Day, Epiphany (Three wise men’s visit to Jesus)
- March: Street Carnival, Festa di Santa Francesca Romana
- April: Natale di Roma
- June: The Festa di San Giovanni, Feast of Saint Peter and Saint Paul
- July: Donna Sotto le Stelle
- August: Festa della Madonna delle Neve
- October: Roma Europa Festival
- November: The Roma Jazz festival
- December: Christmas in London, New Year’s Eve fireworks
the Best Time to Visit Rome
Rome is one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations in the world. Even though it is possible to enjoy this city at any time of the year, some seasons are better than others.
Spring
March to May is counted as spring and sees temperatures of around 12 to 18 degrees Celsius (53.6 to 64.4 degrees Fahrenheit)
Spring is one of the good times and also it is less crowded than summer but don’t expect it to be cheap. The weather is beautiful and makes it a favourite time of the year for savvy travellers.
Summer
June to August is counted as summer and sees temperatures of around 28 to 32 degrees Celsius (82.4 to 89.6 degrees Fahrenheit)
The most expensive time to visit Rome is from June to Early September, July and August temperatures can get very high and also this is the time when most of the tourists visit the city. It will be harder than ever to find hotel rooms in Rome, so if you absolutely must visit during summer be sure to book your Rome holiday far in advance.
Autumn
September to November is counted as autumn and sees temperatures of around 18 to 23 degrees Celsius (64.4 to 73.4 degrees Fahrenheit)
Autumn is again one of the best times to visit Rome, the weather is good and not as hot as it is in summer. Also, it is less crowded than compared to summer.
Winter
December to February is counted as winter (the offseason) and see the temperature of around 2 to 10 degrees Celsius (35.6 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit)
If you don’t mind the cooler/cold temperatures this time of year offers you’re better off heading to Rome in the offseason. January to March is the least expensive time to visit Rome, meaning there are plenty of bargains (cheap airfares and accommodation) to be found.
Further Useful Information
Rome is a very popular and busy city, especially during the summer months. Therefore it is always advised that you buy your tickets for things to do in advance otherwise you will standing and standing in long queues.
Make sure you dress properly (cover shoulders and knees) if you are visiting Saint Peter’s Basilica. The likelihood is you will not be granted entrance if you are not.
Fresh flowing water fountains can be found all over the city and it’s free. Therefore don’t forget to pack your reusable water bottle
In Rome one thing you need to be aware of is Pickpockets. Make sure you keep an eye on your valuables.
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