Rome is Rome – there’s simply no where else like it in the world. The grand buildings, the rich heritage, the beautiful coffee (and people) – there’s a lot to absorb and it’s safe to say that any trip to Rome would not be long enough. While there’s ample galleries and museums to explore, Rome’s streets are really the best museum, every nook and cranny offering its own little insight into this grand city. Because there’s so much to see you have to be clever with your time, to ensure you can really make the most of it. Browse through our top five unmissable things in Rome and tailor your perfect Roman escape.
1) A Visit to the Colosseum
It’s little surprise that the Colosseum tops the list of the most unmissable thing to do in Rome, but it’s sheer size and historical significance makes it an essential part to any trip. Marvel at the beautiful detail of the Colosseum and contemplate all the violent history that took place here. The contrast between the delicacy and detail employed in creating the Colosseum and the harsh reality of the many fights that went on here is very intriguing. The Colosseum is one of Rome’s largest tourist attraction and consistently pulls upwards of 16,000 visitors a day. So arrive early to try to beat the crowds and the relentless summer sun.
2) Throw a Coin Trevi Fountain
As one of the most famous fountains in the world, if not the most, the Trevi Fountain is a beautiful fountain that oozes romance. Visitors come to throw a coin into the fountain to wish for their dreams to come true. It’s a very large fountain, that almost takes up the entire plaza that it’s housed in. This fountain, much like the Colosseum, is consistently drenched in visitors so the best time to visit is actually in the evening, when the crowds subside and you can enjoy the fountain with a little more privacy.
3) Enjoy Some Luxury
Rome is known for being a comfortable, romantic and very luxurious city. It’s the perfect splash to splash out on accommodation and to choose a wonderful hotel to relax and enjoy your holiday. If you’re looking to stay somewhere special, visit Splendia to find the best luxury accommodation in Rome. Rome is also known for it’s high quality shopping, as Romans like to dress very well. Visit the Trident, located in the city centre, for some of the best luxury shopping in the world.
4) The Vatican Museums
When choosing to visit the Vatican Museums, ensure you have enough energy and motivation to deal with the hoards and hoards of crowds that will be here and the long lines that await you. Don’t let this grim warning put you off; there’s certainly a reason everyone flocks to these museums, but it can be quite tiresome. There are numerous security checks throughout the museums which can be frustrating, but it’s all part of the experience and a necessary hurdle to indulging in some of the finest museums in the world.
5) Admire the Pantheon
This 2000 year temple is nothing short of striking. It has been converted into a church and remains one of the best preserved buildings in all of Rome. While the outside of the Pantheon definitely shows its age, walking inside it’s immaculately maintained interior is a different experience. The thing that makes the Pantheon really special is its outrageously large dimension and the beautiful domed roof. As it stands, the Pantheon remains one of the most influential buildings in the Western World and is definitely an unmissable destination in any visit to Rome.
These are our top five things to do in Rome – have you been to Rome before? We’d love to hear what you enjoyed most.
I only had one day in Rome and still somehow managed to do all of this and more (minus the luxury!). It’s a city that deserves way more time though 🙂