Welcome to Rome, the eternal city full of history, culture and unforgettable experiences. Dive into the vibrant heart of Italy and discover the fascinating beauty of this ancient metropolis. Here are our 16 sights and top activities that you shouldn't miss out on when visiting Rome.
Of course, the only one of the seven new wonders of the world that is in Europe has also made it onto our list. The largest ancient amphitheatre in the world is an impressive symbol of Roman architecture and history. In the Colosseum, you can dive into the world of gladiator fights and ancient and bizarre entertainment.
Not far from the imposing Colosseum, there is another gem waiting to be discovered by you. The Roman Forum, once the vibrant heart of Roman life and thus also of the entire known universe, today offers the opportunity to dive into the past of the ancient Romans. Follow in the footsteps of their history and explore the fascinating ruins of their once magnificent palaces and temples.
In the heart of Rome is the Vatican, the smallest state in the world and also the seat of the Pope. The impressive St. Peter's Basilica and the magnificent St. Peter's Square are known worldwide and rightly so! Stroll through the Vatican and admire this masterpiece from a bygone era. Not only can you go into the Vatican, but you can also climb it using many stairs. Sounds exhausting but it's worth it, especially if you're standing at the top of the cathedral towards sunset. The panorama from up there is something to kneel down on — an unforgettable experience.
The magnificent museums house an immense variety of works of art from various periods of history. From ancient sculptures to Renaissance paintings to contemporary masterpieces, there is something for every art lover.
The highlight is undoubtedly the breathtaking Sistine Chapel, whose ceiling and walls are decorated with Michelangelo's iconic frescoes. A visit to this sacred space is a spiritual and artistic journey at the same time that leaves an unforgettable impression.
The Pantheon in Rome is an architectural masterpiece and a fascinating relic from ancient times. The Pantheon is probably one of the most visited sights in the world and I still haven't had enough of it. With its impressive dome, which is still the largest unreinforced dome in the world today, the Pantheon impresses architects, historians and visitors alike. Originally, the Pantheon was built as a temple for the Roman gods, after which it was later converted into a Christian church and still serves as a burial ground today. Visiting the Pantheon is a trip back in time, where you can admire the impressive architecture and experience the historical significance of this iconic building. I'm one of the biggest fans when it comes to the Pantheon, but I also have to clearly recommend that it only makes sense to visit this wonder during off-season or early in the morning. During the summer months, you have to be prepared for huge lines at a crisp 30 degrees (often even hotter).
The Spanish Steps in Rome are not only a popular landmark in the city, but also a lively meeting place for locals and tourists alike. With 135 steps leading from Piazza di Spagna to French Square, the Spanish Steps offer a breathtaking view of the surrounding buildings and the hustle and bustle of the city. The Spanish Steps serve not only as an architectural masterpiece, but also as a backdrop for numerous films, including “A Heart and a Crown” by William Wyler. Numerous celebrities such as Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck have already climbed the majestic staircase, leaving behind a touch of Hollywood glamor. A walk along the Spanish Steps is therefore another unforgettable experience in Rome and gives you the perfect opportunity to experience the beauty and magic of Rome.
In the 17th century, the builders of Rome faced a particular challenge: an overgrown hill. This hill separated the newly built Trinità dei Monti, owned by the French, from Piazza di Spagna, named after the Spanish embassy, which was located next to it. Following peace between France and Spain, the French strove to establish a symbolic connection between the two countries in Rome. But this hill was a barrier. A competition for the best design was announced and the winner, the little-known sculptor Francesco de Sanctis, donated the Spanish Steps to the world.
Another unmissable attraction on your tour of Rome is undoubtedly the Trevi Fountain, one of the most famous fountains in the world. The majestic palace façade, surrounded by statues of watermen on a white rocky landscape, forms an impressive ensemble. The water flows around the figures into the extensive pool, which stretches for about 50 meters. The Trevi Fountain attracts a wide variety of tourists at any time of the day. If you manage to get to the edge of the pool, throw a coin over your right shoulder into the well. The number is important for the meaning - if you throw a coin, you return to Rome. If you have two coins, on the other hand, you fall in love with an Italian. The toss of three coins results in a marriage with that or that person. In the meantime, I've sunk so much money in the well that I'm probably lucky for the whole family. The money collected is regularly cleaned by the city and is used for charitable purposes.
Contrary to what the name suggests, it is not a villa called Borghese. In fact, Villa Borghese is a fantastic park in the middle of Rome and just above the Spanish Steps. Here you can escape the hustle and bustle of the city and explore and admire an idyll of nature. We spent many hours in this park and yet we never had enough!
Go to Asklepios Temple, where you can rent a rowboat for a romantic trip on the lake without a reservation.
In the Borghese Gallery, you can admire masterpieces by Caravaggio, Bernini and other important artists. The collection includes paintings, sculptures, and ancient artifacts that offer a unique insight into art history. Here you can dive into the world of the Renaissance and be enchanted by the beauty and richness of detail of the works. The Borghese Gallery is located in Villa Borghese Park and is therefore a great combination.
Explore the fascinating history and impressive architecture of Castel Sant'Angelo, one of Rome's most distinctive landmarks. Originally built as a mausoleum for the Roman Emperor Hadrian, Castel Sant'Angelo has seen a variety of uses over the centuries and firmly established its significance in Rome's urban landscape. A visit to Castel Sant'Angelo promises not only an exciting trip back in time, but also a breathtaking view over the rooftops of Rome from the upper terraces of the castle. Immerse yourself in the history and heritage of this legendary fortress, which has captured the imagination of visitors from all over the world for centuries.
Experience the vibrant life of Rome in Piazza Navona, an impressive square known for its Baroque beauty and delightful atmosphere. Surrounded by magnificent palaces and historic buildings, Piazza Navona is a meeting place for locals and tourists alike. Stroll around among the many cafés and street performers while you enjoy the hustle and bustle and enjoy the lively ambiance of the Italian piazza. Admire the famous fountains, including Bernini's impressive Four Rivers Fountain, which adorns the center of the square and is a masterpiece of Baroque art. Whether short or long, Piazza Navona should definitely be on your list when you visit Rome.
Dive into the fascinating world of the Catacombs of St. Callixtus and experience a journey back to the early history of Rome. The underground tombs are a fascinating relic of bygone times and offer a unique insight into the life and beliefs of the ancient inhabitants of Rome. As you walk through the dark underground tunnels, shivers can easily run down your spine. Especially in the summer months, a visit is more pleasant than you think, as the cathocombs deep underground provide much cooler air. You won't soon forget a visit to the Catacombs of St. Callixtus.
Take a stroll along the Via Appia Antica, one of the oldest and most important Roman roads, and explore the ancient ruins and picturesque landscapes. On this historic road, you can marvel at well-preserved ruins that are scattered along the road. Among them, you'll find many ancient tombs and Roman villas. Stroll along the old cobblestone street and be surrounded by the atmosphere of history and culture. A great experience for history buffs and nature lovers alike! If you have a bit more time in Rome, then this historic street should be on your to-do list! You can also easily connect Via Appia Antica with the catacombs, as they are right at the beginning of the road.
At 540 km, the Via Appia Antica is not exactly short. Of course, you don't have to go completely out of Rome to Brindisi to get a great impression of this street. Nonetheless, we recommend that you explore the road by bike. For us, it was one of the most beautiful bike rides we've ever done, despite a flat tire, which sometimes forced us to push back.
Piazza Venezia is a central square in Rome and is known for its imposing Palazzo Venezia and the impressive monument in honor of the first king of Italy, Vittorio Emanuele II, where it is even possible to climb the roof of the monument for a spectacular panoramic view of Rome. You can also connect Piazza Venezia perfectly with the Roman Forum and the Colosseum.
You've probably seen the Ponte Sant'Angelo tens of times. And yes, it is fantastic and, in our opinion, the most beautiful bridge in Rome. The most picturesque view, however, is right next to Ponte Umberto I. Although this bridge is less well known among tourists, it is a real star with the postcard seller from next door. Especially when sunset slowly approaches, the view from there is easy to kneel down. We therefore strongly recommend that you not only cross the famous Ponte Sant'Angelo, but also the Ponte Umberto I and enjoy the breathtaking view of Rome.
Trastevere is a slightly different highlight on this list, because in fact it is not a monument but much more a district. We fell in love with this charming neighborhood as a shock. In particular, this is due to the narrow streets, colorful buildings and cozy cafés and incredibly delicious restaurants. The fact that the prices are still quite low here is particularly great. In Trastevere, you can still immerse yourself in authentic Roman life and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of this picturesque district.
As you can see, Rome has a lot to offer and the sights are hard to count, but we would love to provide you with two more highlights that will make your trip through Rome an unforgettable experience.
If you already think that the catacombs of St. Callixtus are a bit scary, then you might want to skip this highlight. The Capuchin Crypt is undoubtedly one of the most unusual yet fascinating attractions that Rome has to offer. In fact, bones of deceased monks and skeletons of children await you in the Capuchin Crypt, which makes the atmosphere really creepy. The crypt is divided into several small chapels, which have been decorated by the Capuchins with the bones of their deceased brothers since the 17th century. Each chapel has its own meaning and cooking decoration, which is explained on site. The monks used this unusual illustration of death to illustrate the transience of life. A really scary and unique experience that you should miss
Quite banal and yet an absolute highlight. Rarely has it been so nice to get lost in a city. It is almost frightening how beautiful Rome is in the historic city center. It felt like we had to use a magnifying glass to find alleys that are not like from an old movie, where the best pasta is served. We have lost ourselves in the alleys countless times and have always discovered new restaurants or small shops or picturesque churches.
