SIGN UP
Product has been added to your basket.

Top 10 must see things in Rome

Rome, the Eternal City. It’s fair to say few cities have the sort of heritage boasted by the Italian capital. As the ancient seat of the empire which bears its name, there are thousands of years of history to explore and a wealth of culture to experience. Below is a top 10 of things we feel you must see and do to get the most out of any trip to this fascinating city. 

Colosseum

Visit the iconic Colosseum, an ancient Roman amphitheatre that once hosted gladiator contests and public spectacles. It is a symbol of Rome’s grandeur and engineering prowess, with an estimated capacity of 80,000 spectators – not bad for an arena built almost 2,000 years ago!

Roman Forum

Explore the Roman Forum, a rectangular forum surrounded by the ruins of several ancient government buildings. It was the centre of Roman public life for centuries, acting as a marketplace, a venue for public speeches, criminal trials and triumphant processions. It is also a good place to witness unbelievable longevity that was ancient Rome – with buildings such as the former royal residence, the Regia, dating from the 8th century BC.  

Pantheon

Admire the Pantheon, a well-preserved ancient Roman temple that has served as a church since the 7th century. It is known for its remarkable dome and classical architecture. In more modern times, it has been the burial place for the Kings of Italy, with Vittorio Emanuele II and Umberto I, as well as Umberto’s Queen, Margherita laying in rest within this ancient building. 

Vatican City

Explore Vatican City, an independent city-state surrounded by Rome that is the seat of Catholicism and home of the Pope. Visit St. Peter’s Basilica, the Vatican Museums, and the Sistine Chapel, where you can see Michelangelo’s famous ceiling frescoes which he painted between 1508 and 1512 and are considered one of the greatest artistic masterpieces in the world. If you happen to be visiting immediately after a pope has passed away, keep an eye open for the smoke coming from the Sistine Chapel’s chimney – if its black, it means the cardinals have yet to elect a replacement pope, if its white, a choice has been made. 

Trevi Fountain

Toss a coin into the Trevi Fountain, one of the most famous fountains in the world. Legend has it that throwing a coin over your left shoulder into the fountain ensures your return to Rome. Amazingly, this stunning Baroque fountain is still supplied by ancient roman plumbing, with the water coming from 10km away along the Aqua Virgo aqueduct.   

Spanish Steps

Climb the Spanish Steps, a monumental stairway of 135 steps that lead to the Trinità dei Monti church at the top. It’s a popular spot for both locals and tourists. If the name wasn’t already confusing enough for a set of steps in the Italian capital, this early 18th century stairway was built using money gifted by a French diplomat.  

Piazza Navona

Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of Piazza Navona, a beautiful square surrounded by Baroque architecture, though the history of the site dates all the way back to the 1st century AD. It features three fountains, including the famous Fountain of the Four Rivers by Gian Lorenzo Bernini. 

Villa Borghese Gardens

Relax in Villa Borghese, a large public park in the heart of Rome. You can stroll through the gardens, rent a bike, or visit the Borghese Gallery to see an impressive collection of art. Like many aspects of Rome, there is a great deal of non-Italian influence as the Villa Borghese was intentionally remodelled to look like a a classical English landscape garden in the 18th century. It is a great spot to get away from the bustle of the city.

Trastevere

Explore the charming neighbourhood of Trastevere, known for its narrow cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and lively atmosphere. It’s a great place to find local trattorias (a type of informal restaurant) and experience authentic Roman life. Fans of Clint Eastwood’s cowboy days and Spahetti Westerns should keep an eye open for the marble plaque in memory of Sergio Leone, who grew up in this neighbourhood. 

 Catacombs of Rome

Discover the underground Catacombs of Rome, such as the Catacombs of Callixtus – nicknamed the “little Vatican” due to the number of popes buried there – or the Catacombs of Domitilla. These ancient burial sites provide a unique glimpse into early Christian history. 

Remember that Rome has much more to offer, and these suggestions are just the tip of the iceberg. Take your time to immerse yourself in the city’s rich history and culture.

Sign Up! Thank you for your interest in this competition. We'll let you know when this is live. By clicking 'Sign up', you confirm that you are 18 years + and a resident of the UK. You also acknowledge that signing up automatically enters you into all of our free competitions for as long as you remain subscribed. Unsubscribing will mean you no longer receive free entries to our competitions, exclusive offers, or other updates. Please note: Clicking 'Sign Up' confirms your agreement to the above.
This website uses cookies to improve your experience. If you continue to use this site, you agree with it. Privacy Policy