Rome is a city of eternal appeal in which history, art and culture surround you at every step. Whether its magnificence of the Colosseum or the riches of the Vatican Museums and walks in Trastevere and monumental squares, the past comes alive. And to top it all off, Rome boasts excellent gastronomy – considered among the tastiest in Italy – with an infinite range of trattorias, street food and elegant clubs. So, if you’re not sure where to start, check out our favourite experiences.
The six best activities to do in Rome
1. Admire the works of the Vatican Museums
A truly unmissable attraction in Rome, the Vatican Museums are immense. This Vatican City institution showcases centuries of Western art. Right inside them is the famous Sistine Chapel, whose ceiling was frescoed by Michelangelo. There are also the beautiful papal apartments, decorated with works by Michelangelo and Raphael. The museum is really big – it has 24 galleries – which is why to fully appreciate it, we recommend you visit on a guided tour.
2. Visit the Colosseum and the Roman Forum
As soon as you think of Rome, the image of the Colosseum, the Roman amphitheatre that hosted gladiatorial battles and shows, comes to mind. Its monumental architecture embodies the historical richness of the city and the splendour of the Roman Empire. A short distance from the Colosseum is the Forum, the ancient centre of the city’s social life, an archaeological marvel where emperors and citizens made the decisions that changed the course of history. A visit to the Colosseum and the Roman Forum is an incredible journey into the past, a must-do activity on your first trip to Rome.
3. Enter St Peter’s Basilica
Another architectural pearl of the Vatican City and a site of great religious importance, St Peter’s Basilica is a masterpiece that stands out in an equally surprising square. Its distinctive dome is a key element of the city’s skyline. But the best is inside, where there are masterpieces such as La Pietà by Michelangelo and the Baldacchino di San Pietro, designed by Bernini. Admission to the church is free, but it’s worth paying to climb the dome or join a guided tour to appreciate all the details.
4. Discover the history of Castel Sant’Angelo
Near the Vatican on the right bank of the River Tiber stands Castel Sant’Angelo. It oozes history and its ancient architecture can best be admired from the monumental Ponte Sant’Angelo, which connects it to Rome. Originally built as a mausoleum for Roman Emperor Hadrian, over the centuries it has served as a fortress, a prison and a sumptuous Renaissance residence. Today, its seven levels are a museum that retraces the popes, emperors, wars and intrigues that have made the history of Rome.
5. Enjoy the peace of Villa Borghese
Villa Borghese, together with the elegant Galleria Borghese, is an oasis of peace within the frenzy of the city. The villa’s park, where art and nature blend in harmony, is green, well-kept and spacious. But the real gem is the gallery, which needs to be booked in advance. Here, in fact, works by Canova, Caravaggio, Bernini and many others are displayed. A visit to Villa Borghese is not only the perfect activity for those who love art history, but, thanks to its gardens, also for those seeking a bit of relaxation and for families with children.
6. Explore Roman gastronomy
No trip to Rome is complete without sampling its renowned gastronomy. And what better way to do so than by joining a food tour? Stroll the picturesque streets of Trastevere and enjoy the authentic taste of Roman trattorias. Taste supplì, carbonara, artichokes alla giudia and many other local specialities. Or, for a slightly different experience, how about a cooking class with a Roman chef?
