Rome is a city of stunning architecture, deep history, fine art, vibrant culture, and good food. With so much to do, see, and learn, it is an obvious choice for foreign visitors to include this beautiful city in their Eurotrip itinerary. Thousands of tourists flock to Rome every year, and they always leave thoroughly enchanted by its charm.

Rome is the capital of Italy which also serves as the capital of the Lazio region. It is dubbed as one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Here, you will discover a romantic ambience with the perfect blend of culture and history. Albeit being a tad bit more expensive than other European cities, a visit to Rome is definitely worth it.

Here, you will find the places you need to visit and things you need to do to get the full Roman experience. When traveling, as they say, it is always best to do as the locals do!

Visit the Colosseum

The Colosseum in Rome, which is also known as the Flavian Amphitheater is the largest oval amphitheater in the world, built in 70AD. Locals and foreigners alike visit this historical landmark to soak up Rome’s history and heritage. Words can’t fully describe how majestic the Colosseum is, and few photos do it justice. Make sure to go inside the Colosseum and feel like you are transported back to the time of gladiators.

The Colosseum is pretty much the first item in everyone’s Rome itinerary. As expected, thousands of people visit every day. It is best to purchase tickets online for 12 euros or join a tour group which can help you skip the line and get a better appreciation of the Colosseum’s history.

Drop a coin in the Trevi Fountain

Apart from the beauty the Trevi Fountain is famous for, it is also full of history and tradition. Legends say that dropping a coin over your shoulder in the Trevi Fountain ensures that you will return to Rome. Thousands of people drop a coin every day to keep with the tradition. This tradition comes from the ancient Romans who would throw coins in the water to make the gods favor their safe journey.

A little fun fact: for those seeking love, throw a second coin in! Now you know why there are so much people trying to get in front to throw coins in.

Explore Trastevere

Trastevere is a charming centuries-old area known for its authentic Italian food and its unique artisan shops. Its picture-perfect streets are sprawling with traditional trattorias, modern pubs, cozy B&B’s, and simple hotels. Trastevere is one of the best areas to stay in Rome especially for first-time visitors. It is definitely less crowded than the main historic areas, yet it is still central and full of life.

See the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill

The Roman Forum is a collection of historic buildings and ruins which used to be a market place. Here you will see iconic pillars and old churches that say a lot about Rome’s culture and values. 

There’s no need to worry about entry as fees to see the Roman Forum and the Palatine Hill up close are covered by your Colosseum ticket. After visiting the Roman Forum, you may head straight to the Palatine Hill close by. 

The Palatine Hill was an imperial palace with a vast garden of greens and occasional wild flowers. Even at the height of tourists flocking, the Palatine Hill remains eternally peaceful. It is a must-visit attraction to escape the crowds and have a minute to take in your Rome experience.

Visit the Vatican 

The Vatican is the smallest state in Europe which is located at the heart of Rome, Italy. Much like the rest of Rome, The Vatican is a major tourist destination visited by thousands of people daily. Devotees of the Roman Catholic Church visit the Vatican for thanksgiving and devotion. During your visit to the Vatican, you may get a glimpse of the Pope or attend a Papal Mass.

The Vatican also houses Saint Peter’s Square, Saint Peter’s Basilica, the Sistine Chapel, and the Vatican Museums. Even those who are not keen on religion will appreciate the magnificence of the art and the architecture of these chapels.

To have a pleasant experience in getting around the Vatican, you may buy tickets online through the Vatican website.

Enter the Pantheon

The Pantheon in Rome used to be a temple for worship. From the outside, it looks like a typical Roman temple with pillars upfront but you have to head inside to appreciate its beauty. The breathtaking interiors will be worth the visit. Inside you will find an incredibly high ceiling with stone floors and artfully crafted details on the walls. You would not want to miss this remarkable place.

Hang out around the Spanish Steps

The Spanish Steps is one of the favorite gathering spots among locals in Rome. Spend a few minutes taking photos, watching people, and having a gelato at the steps just as the Romans do. Here, you will feel like one of the locals, enjoying an afternoon on one of the 138 steps. Albeit being a hang-out spot by current visitors, there is still an element of history in these steps. The Spanish Steps was built to link the Spanish embassy to the Holy See. Truly, every corner of Rome has a deeper meaning.

Take a Food Tour or a cooking class

Rome is a city of trattorias and ristorantes which cater authentic Italian cuisines from classic pastas, brick-oven pizzas, vast collections of wine, and the famous gelato. Taking a food tour may just be the highlight of your trip as various groups have organized tours that you can choose from. These tours will bring you to the best dining establishments around Rome and give you a taste of their famous dishes.

If you find yourself longing for more of the culinary delights of Rome, you may even go as far as booking a cooking class. Bringing home the recipes you’ll learn is the best souvenir as you are taking a piece of Roman tradition and culture with you.

Wander around Centro Storico

Centro Storico is a section in Rome sprawling with narrow tangled streets and the finest Roman architecture. This picturesque area is known as the historic center of Rome. It is literally in the middle of the great historic monuments such as the Colosseum, the Vatican, and the Spanish Steps. To get the full authentic Roman tour, you may rent a vespa to get around.

In this area, you will find a wide selection of restaurants, gelaterias, and cafes. Centro Storico is where you will find the city’s shopping area known as the “tridente”. The tridente streets are flooded with luxury boutiques of famous European designers. If you are looking for a little night life in Rome, Centro Storico is the area to find the sleekest bars in the city.

Head up the Gianicolo

The Giancolo is a hill where you will get a panoramic view of Rome. It boasts of the best view of the city which totally makes the few extra minutes of cardio worth it. The best time to make that little trek uphill is at late afternoon to sundown. Take a breather and appreciate your magnificent trip to the beautiful city of Rome, Italy. It’s quite a moment, surrounded by the peaceful garden-like ambiance of the hilltop.

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