When In Rome
The Colosseum
We recommend opting for one of the guided tours that allow you to see the Gladiators' Gate and the arena of the world's most famous amphitheatre. Your ticket is included in the price from the guides.
Roman Forum
Your entrance ticket to the Colosseum also includes admission to the Roman Forum and the Palatine Hill, which are located right next door to each other. Once the center of public and political life in Ancient Rome, the Forum is now the most impressive archaeological site in the Eternal City.
Basilica di San Clemente
Basilica di San Clemente is known as a "super lasagna of history" located a short walk from The Colosseum. It is a medieval church, located on another medieval church, on top of ancient ruins. When you visit the church, you journey through the different layers of its history, spanning from remnants of Roman houses (500-27 BCE) through to the secret church for Pope Clement when there was no freedom of religion.
Spanish Steps
It’s best to visit early in the morning or later at night to avoid crowds. You’ll find some of Rome’s most iconic streets a short walk from the Spanish Steps, including Via dei Condotti and Via delle Carrozze. We recommend getting a cocktail at nearby Hotel de la Ville's rooftop bar, which is called the Cielo Terrace.
Trevi Fountain
The Fontana di Trevi is the most famous fountain in the world and you have to cast a coin into its waters to ensure your return to Rome. However, few people are aware that within its shadow lies another fountain; one which has a much more romantic custom attached to it. The Fountain of Love, located on the right side of the Trevi Fountain, is made up of two simple water spouts that cross before landing together in the stone basin below. According to an ancient legend, couples who drink together from this fountain will remain in love forever.
Vicus Caprarius
Vicus Caprarius, known as the City of Water, is an ancient Roman apartment complex located beneath the city's Trevi district, including its famed fountain. The archaeological site dates back to the first century, but wasn't discovered until the late 1990s. Today, visitors can head to the underground site for a glimpse at the homes of ancient upper-class Romans. The space also displays examples of the hundreds of artifacts that were found during excavation, including terra-cotta figurines, African pottery, mosaic tiles, and over 800 coins.
The Pantheon
Built by Agrippa to commemorate the triumph of the first emperor, Augustus, the Pantheon redefined public spaces, playing an important role in promoting the imperial cult, solidifying the emperor’s legitimacy, and linking the later dynasties to the first emperor. The best time to visit the Pantheon is early morning in order to avoid crowds. Although it is suggested that you visit between 11 am and 1 pm for the best views as the sunlight streams in through the Oculus.
Largo di Torre Argentina
This is the location where Brutus assassinated Julius Caesar and now it's a cat sanctuary! Cats freely roam around the ruins and sleep in the hundreds of hollows of the ancient Roman temples of Largo Argentina. The cat sanctuary is run by volunteers who rely on donations and sell a variety of cat-themed gadgets.
The Vatican
And all the things associated with it—The Sistine Chapel, the Vatican Museums, and St. Peter’s Basilica. The Vatican is also home to the only piece of work with Michelangelo’s autograph! Venture inside Saint Peter’s Basilica and in a chapel on the right you’ll find this famous sculpture of the Virgin Mary cradling Jesus’ lifeless body after the crucifixion. Look more closely and you’ll see Michelangelo’s name carved onto Mary’s sash. Legend has it that Michelangelo inscribed his name on Mary’s sash after overhearing someone say he couldn’t possibly be the creator of such a beautiful work. You can understand the doubt: Michelangelo was just 19 when he completed the Pietà.
Janiculum Hill
There has been a cannon shooting every day at noon on Janiculum Hill in Trastevere for 176 years. In 1847 Pope Pius IX was fed up with all the church bells of Rome ringing at different times. He decided to set up a cannon that would shoot every single day at noon to signal the correct time to ring the bells, so that all the churches would be synchronized. The daily cannon shooting can be viewed by the public by taking the staircase located on the right side of the lookout point on Janiculum Hill near the Garibaldi Statue.
Armando al Pantheon
Long-standing Roman restaurant located near the Pantheon that we've heard rave reviews about. Be sure to make a reservation as there is often a long line to wait outside.
Roman Street Food
Pizza e Mortadella, also known as Pizza e Mortazza, is located around Campo de' Fiori and is a local staple for Roman street food. Enjoy!
Best Viewpoints
1. Palatine Hill 2. Janiculum Hill 3. Giardino degli Aranci 4. Terrace over the Forum in via di Monte Tarpeo 5. Top of St Peter's dome 6. Piazzale Caffarelli 7. Pincio
Best Ceilings
1. Galleria Farnese in Palazzo Farnese 2. Galleria Cortona in Palazzo Pamphilj 3. Chiesa del Gesù 4. "The Triumph of Divine Providence" in Palazzo Barberini 5. Church of St Ignazio