Whether you are Roman by birth or by heart, there is bound to be a place you have never seen in Rome. Here is our list of things to do and see at least once in a lifetime in the Eternal City. Have a maritozzo with cream, stroll along the downtown streets, visit one of the many museums… there is no shortage of things to do!
1. Visiting the archaeological park of the Colosseum
Some people in Rome have yet to visit the Flavian Amphitheater, the largest in the world. The Colosseum inside it holds the arena where fights and games between gladiators took place. It also hosts temporary exhibitions related to ancient times. The park area, however, includes a vast archaeological zone that includes ancient sites such as the Roman Forum, the center of Roman public life for a long time.
It is open from 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. (hours until Oct. 28). The cost of the ticket varies depending on what you choose to visit (it is advisable to purchase it online to avoid the queue).
2. See St. Peter’s Basilica
No need to be a believer, the basilica is a UNESCO World Heritage Site (Vatican City) and a masterpiece of Italian art and a symbol of Rome. The “dome” can be seen from various vantage points in the capital. It is also the largest of the four papal basilicas in Rome.
3. Climb up to the Vittoriano’s rooftop terrace
In Piazza Venezia is the monument dedicated to Victor Emmanuel II, and inside is the Central Museum of the Risorgimento. The Altar of the Fatherland has a vast underground area to be discovered. But in our opinion the most beautiful spot is the panoramic terrace to enjoy an unmissable view of the capital of Italy.
4. Taking a photo on the Spanish Steps of Trinità dei Monti
The Spanish Steps are very beautiful. Therefore, we recommend everyone to take a picture at least once in their life on the 18th-century masterpiece with the Holy Trinity of the Mountains Church on top.
5. A coffee at Piazza del Popolo
The square with the Flaminian obelisk at its center is one of the most famous in Rome. You can admire all its beauty by stopping for coffee at a historic coffee shop dating back to 1922. Rosati, in fact, has outdoor tables where you can stop for a city break.
6. An ice cream at Giolitti’s
Giolitti falls within the ranking of the most extraordinary dessert places in the world by TasteAtlas. Its history began in 1890 with the opening of a dairy at the Salita del Grillo. Today its ice cream is one of the best in Rome, we recommend tasting it.
Where: Via degli Uffici del Vicario, 40.
7. A Maritozzo with cream at Regoli’s
This historic bakery is famous for its maritozzi with cream. It is located a short distance from Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II in the Esquiline district. Classic maritozzi cost 2.50 euros each.
8. Roman red pizza at Roscioli’s
Roman pan pizza is different from all others. To taste a quality red pizza, we recommend the bakery just a stone’s throw from Campo de’ fiori. It is located at Via dei Giubbonari, 21/22.
9. Eating Tart in the Ghetto
Rome’s Jewish ghetto is among the oldest in the world! Here you will find Boccione, a small kosher bakery, which is famous for its ricotta and sour cherry tart. Definitely worth trying!
10. Getting on the little boats at the Villa Borghese pond
If you like nature, we have an activity to recommend! Although the pond is small, it is a romantic and fun experience to have at least once in a lifetime. In front of the Temple of Aesculapius you can relax among ducks and minnows. (Note: the service may have been suspended, Roma Capitale would have to call for a tender to contract out the rental business).
11. Visiting the waterfalls of Rome
EUR hides unexpected surprises, as well as guarding the italy’s oldest amusement park, hides waterfalls. In the Waterfall Garden – part of the EUR Pond Park – we find harmonious water features, jumps and jets that change color.
Where: Japan Walk, Central Lake Park, Eur Pond.
12. See the firing of the cannon
Among the things that happen only in Rome, you cannot miss the firing of the cannon on the Janiculum Hill. It is a bizarre way of communicating official time. It happens every day at noon.
13. Throwing a coin into the Trevi Fountain
This tourist attraction, the most popular in Italy, allows anyone to make a wish. Throwing a coin in the water assures those who are not from the city a return to Rome. If you wish to marry, you should flip the coin several times. Three pennies to ring wedding bells.
14. Eating a carbonara at Sora Lella’s
The mythical Sora Lella is a symbolic character of Roman-ness. And in his restaurant, sent ahead by his family, you can find traditional Roman dishes. A carbonara to be licked!
Where: Via di Ponte Quattro capi, 16.
15. Admiring Liberty Rome
Between the Nomentano and Coppedè neighborhoods are many buildings in the Art Nouveau style-a style chosen by the upper middle class that differs from the neoclassical and baroque styles. Fairy cottages, the Owl House at Villa Torlonia, and more.
16. Discovering the she-wolf of Rome
You cannot miss the statue representing the founding of Rome, according to myth. The Capitoline She-wolf is a bronze sculpture housed in the Capitoline Museums.
Where: Capitol Square, 1.
17. The supplì on the phone in the veracious neighborhood of Rome
Roman pizza e supplì on the phone at the popular pizzeria Remo’s in Testaccio. Yes, it deserves a visit with tasting!
18. The artichokes alla Giudia at the Ghetto
What goodness! I artichokes a la giudia are a typical Roman dish and at Renato’s in the Ghetto you can find them in the fall.
Where: via del Portico d’Ottavia, 5.
19. A trip to Piccolomini Street
Have you ever been there? If the answer is no, then we recommend that you go there. On this street there is a special optical effect. The farther you go, the bigger the dome of St. Peter’s looks. On the contrary, if you get closer, the dome tends to shrink.
20. Driving along one of the most beautiful roads in the world
We are not the ones to say it, but via dei Coronari is considered one of the most beautiful streets in the world. A few years ago, the famous TV station CNN had mentioned it, including it in this ranking.
21. An aperitif by the sea
The Roman coastline allows for lunch sea view or directly have a good aperitif on the beach. Romans, in fact, are fortunate to have the sea within easy reach. This makes it possible to spend a day at the beach without necessarily having to sleep away from home.
22. Tiramisu at Pompi’s
Pompi’s tiramisu in Rome is an institution; you can also find it gluten-free, with strawberries, pistachio or classic. The historic bakery is located in Re di Roma, but since its success there are other outlets scattered around the city.
23. A concert at the Olympic Stadium
In summer, the Olympic Stadium becomes the stage for concerts by artists from all over the world. Seeing light games at night and so many people all singing together is exciting.
24. A walk at sunset
Rome’s sunsets are wonderful and leave many people speechless. A good spot to admire the setting of the Sun? Caffarelli terrace.
25. Outdoor cinema in Villa Borghese
In the park of Villa Borghese, a short distance from Via Veneto, is the House of Cinema. In winter it is open every day and allows many well-known films to be seen. In summer, cinema is experienced in the garden, with outdoor programming.
26. A drink in Trastevere
The Trastevere district is known for its vibrancy. It is frequented by tourists and citizens who want to have a drink downtown. Brakes and Clutches, for example, is a popular street cocktail bar for those who frequent Trastevere.
27. A kiss at the orange garden
The orange garden is one of the most romantic places in the city. A kiss under the trees of this place is a memorable experience.
28. A trip to the Castelli Romani
The Castelli Romani are known for the fraschette and the porchetta di Ariccia, but also for the beauty of the municipalities that are part of it. Those who stay in Rome cannot be unfamiliar with them.
29. The mortazza pizza
Another Roman specialty is pizza with “mortazza.” You can find it in the city’s historic bakeries and pizzerias. What goodness!
30. Hot bombs at night
After a long night spent at a disco or a restaurant in Rome, a hot doughnut is just what you need to go to bed with a smile on your face (don’t mind the nutritionists).