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 con la panna, stroll along the streets of the center, visit one of the many museums… there is no shortage of things to do!
1. Visit the archaeological park of the Colosseum.
Some people in Rome have not yet visited the Flavian Amphitheater, the largest in the world. The Colosseum inside holds the arena where fights and games between gladiators took place. It also houses 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 public life of the Romans 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 line).
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 admired from several vantage points in the capital. In addition, it is the largest of the four papal basilicas in Rome.
3. Climb the Vittoriano’s panoramic terrace
Piazza Venezia is home to 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 discover. But in our opinion the best spot is the panoramic terrace to enjoy an unmissable view of Italy’s capital.
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 photo at least once in their life on the 18th century masterpiece with the Church of the Holy Trinity of the Mountains at the 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 a coffee at a historic café 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 is on TasteAtlas’ list of the most outstanding dessert places in the world. Its history began in 1890 with the opening of a dairy at 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 pastry shop is famous for its maritozzi with cream. It is located a short distance from Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II, in the Esquilino district. The classic maritozzi cost 2.50 euros each .
8. The red Roman pizza at Roscioli’s
Roman pan pizza is unlike any other. To taste a quality red pizza, we recommend the bakery a stone’s throw from Campo de’ fiori. It is located at Via dei Giubbonari, 21/22.
9. Eat 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. A must try!
10. Get 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 do at least once in your life. In front of the Temple of Aesculapius you can relax among ducks and little fish. (Note: the service may have been suspended, Roma Capitale should call for a tender to contract out the rental activity).
11. Visit the waterfalls in Rome
EUR hides some unexpected surprises; in addition to housing Italy’s oldest amusement park, it conceals waterfalls. In the Garden of Waterfalls – part of the EUR pond park – we find harmonious water games, jumps and jets that change colors.
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 cannon firing 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 into the water assures those who are not from the city a return to Rome. If you wish to get married, you should toss the coin several times. Three coins to ring the wedding bells.
14. Eat a carbonara at Sora Lella’s.
The legendary Sora Lella is an iconic Roman character. And in her restaurant, sent ahead by her family, you can find traditional Roman dishes. A carbonara to lick your lips!
Where: Via di Ponte Quattro capi, 16.
15. Admire Art Nouveau Rome
Between the Nomentano and Coppedè neighborhoods are many Art Nouveau buildings: a style chosen by the upper middle class that differs from neoclassical and baroque. The villini delle fate, the casina delle Civette at Villa Torlonia, and much more.
16. Discover the she-wolf of Rome
You cannot miss seeing the statue that represents the founding of Rome, according to myth. The Capitoline She-wolf is a bronze sculpture housed in the Capitoline Museums.
Where: Piazza del Campidoglio, 1.
17. Supplì on the phone in Rome’s veracious neighborhood.
Roman pizza and supplì on the phone at the popular pizzeria da Remo in Testaccio. Yes, worth a visit with a taste!
18. The artichokes alla Giudia at the Ghetto
What goodness! Carciofi alla giudia are a typical Roman dish and at Renato al Ghetto you can find them in the fall.
Where: via del Portico d’Ottavia, 5.
19. A trip to via Piccolomini
Have you ever been there? If the answer is no, then we recommend you go there. On this street there is a peculiar optical effect. The farther you go, the larger the dome of St. Peter’s appears. Conversely, if you get closer, the dome tends to get smaller.
20. Drive along one of the most beautiful roads in the world
It is not us 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 and included it in this ranking.
21. An aperitif by the sea
The Roman coast allows you to have lunch overlooking the sea or directly have a good aperitif on the beach. Romans, in fact, are lucky enough to have the sea at a short distance. This makes it possible to spend a day at the beach without necessarily having to sleep away from home.
22. The tiramisu at Pompi’s
Pompi’s tiramisu in Rome is an institution; you can find it gluten-free, with strawberries, pistachio or classic. The historic pastry shop is located in Re di Roma, but after its success there are other outlets scattered around the city.
23. A concert at the Olympic Stadium
In the 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 sunset walk
Rome’s sunsets are wonderful and leave many people speechless. A good spot to watch the sun go down? The Caffarelli terrace.
25. The outdoor cinema in Villa Borghese.
In the park of Villa Borghese, a short distance from Via Veneto, is the Casa del Cinema. In winter it is open every day and allows you to see many well-known films. In summer, cinema is experienced in the garden, with outdoor programming.
26. A drink in Trastevere
The Trastevere district is known for its liveliness. 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 in this place is a memorable experience.
28. A trip to the Castelli Romani
The Castelli Romani are known for fraschette and porchetta di Ariccia, but also for the beauty of the municipalities that are part of it. Those who stay in Rome cannot miss them.
29. Pizza con la mortazza
Another Roman specialty is pizza con la “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 bomb is just what you need to go to bed with a smile (don’t mind the nutritionists).