Rome is the capital of Italy and the third most populous city in the European Union by population within city limits. Rome has an extravagant culture and cuisine, art and architecture, and also a vast historical background the remnants of which have made the city a gigantic museum. The squares, the buildings, the markets, and the fountains have made Rome one of the most popular travel destinations worldwide. Furthermore Rome is a religious center, as it surrounds the Vatican City, the smallest country in the world.
When to visit Rome
The heaviest tourist traffic in Rome is met during summer, which is June, July and August. The weather in summer is hot and humid. It is the appropriate weather for you to dine outside, walk around and eat gelato. However, get ready to wait in line for most of the tourist attractions.
Busy, as well, is the period of Easter in Rome, which is in March or April. Many tourists visit the Vatican City during Easter. Be advised that the best time to visit the Vatican City is in winter, though.
The best time to visit Rome and its attractions is mid-March until April and September until November. The weather is mild and the crowds are less. A cool date to remember in order to join the festivities is the 21st of April. If you happen to be there, you can participate in Rome’s birthday happenings!
As you might have understood, Rome is almost always busy, so make your reservations for accommodation, air flight tickets, and tourist attractions quite early. Book your hotel or apartment on Agoda or Vrbo for better prices than airbnb.
How to go to Rome
Fortunately, Rome has two airports that connect directly almost every country in the world, the Fiumicino airport, and the Ciampino airport. The USA, Canada and Australia offer direct flights to Rome from their most populous cities.
Traveling by train is another beautiful option if you are thinking of visiting more Italian cities or European capitals.
If you want to get around Rome, you will find that the metro and tram lines will be really helpful in order to avoid the infamous taxis, to save some time and enjoy the day.
What to see in Rome
#1. Pantheon
Pantheon is now a Catholic church. It used to be a Roman temple, built between 25 to 27 BC, dedicated to all Roman gods. That is why it has the name Pantheon: pan means everything and theon means divine. The temple had the largest dome in the entire ancient world and is still the world’s largest unreinforced concrete dome. When you enter the door, you suddenly feel very tiny – this is on purpose, in order to feel humble towards the gods. The walls go as high as 14 meters! Michelangelo felt that it was a work of angels and not men. As far as I am concerned, it is one of the most important tourist sites in the city.
#2. Roman Forum
Roman Forum is the main piazza of Rome and one of my favourite places in the city. It is one of the most important archaeological sites in the world, as it is surrounded by many ancient buildings and statues of historic men. It used to be and still is a hotspot of meetings and gatherings. Give yourself some time to wander slowly around this site. You haven’t visited Rome unless you have visited its Forum.
#3. Colosseum
The Colosseum is maybe the most famous historic site in Rome and one of the New 7 Wonders of the world. It is located east of the Roman Forum and its construction began in 72 AD. The Colosseum was an amphitheater that could sit up to 80,000 spectators and was used for gladiatorial contests, executions, animal hunts, Greek dramas and more. Its use stopped in medieval times. You can visit it and understand the underground theatrical systems with the ramps, the trapdoors, the hoists, and the scenery machines. Depending on the day, you might need to wait in line for a long time, though. Skip the lines by booking a tour here!
#4. Fontana di Trevi
The Trevi Fountain is very famous, as well. We all know that this is where you drop a coin to make a wish come true”. The fountain is the largest baroque fountain of the city and was built from the same material as Colosseum. Now, there is a technique on throwing the coin: you use the right hand and throw it over the left shoulder, with your back to the water. Although the fountain is really rich, as large amounts of coins are thrown into it every day, it is illegal to steal from it. It is also unhealthy to drink from it because the water is recycled. If you have sufficient time, I recommend that you visit it both in daylight and at night, when it is lighted.
#5. Trastevere
Trastevere is a bohemian neighborhood in Rome. If you like to party, it is essential that you walk across the Tiber river and enjoy the heady nightlife. Trastevere has a beautiful fountain in Piazza Santa Maria, which happens to be the oldest fountain of Rome, built in the 8th century. Sit on its stairs and then head to the church of Santa Maria.
#6. Piazza Navona
Piazza Navona used to be the Roman racetrack and this is where it takes its name from. It is larger than the Colosseum, so it was ideal for sports events. It is now a loved public space. In its center you can see the Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi, and by it, there are two more fountains, all made by Bernini. It also features the church of Sant’ Agnese in Agone and the Pamphili Palace. You can enjoy it live while having coffee or lunch.
#7. Spanish Steps
The 135 Spanish Steps are climbing a steep slope between the Piazza di Spagna and the Trinita dei Monti. They are called Spanish because in the 17th century the area was considered Spanish territory. The construction of the steps is very sensitive, so UNESCO, the locals, and the government take good care of it. Therefore, people are not allowed to drive on them (2007), not even a bicycle, sit on them (2019), or have fast-food franchises, like McDonald’s (1986). If you cannot climb them, there is a lift that takes you to the top of the steps.
#8. Campo de Fiori
Campo de Fiori used to be a field of flowers, but now it is another main piazza of Rome. It has a market of flowers, vegetables, and fruits in the morning and terraces full of people at night. It became popular because it was frequented by the most influential historical figures. Horse markets and public executions were held in the square, and it is also connected to the statue of Giordano Bruno, the philosopher, who was burnt at the stake for heresy.
#9. Victor Emmanuel II Monument
This monumental building, inaugurated in 1911, pays respect to Victor Emmanuel II, the first king of Italy, and is located in Piazza Venezia. It is 70 m high and 135 m wide. If you visit it, you have to go to the upper terrace for the panoramic view of Rome and then get into the Museum of Risorgimento, to learn about the unification of Italy. It is a huge monument and although I wouldn’t call it a masterpiece, it is definitely an awe-inspiring sight.
Vatican state in Rome
Vatican City is a separate independent country within the Italian capital. It is the home of the Pope and the Catholic Church. The Vatican has almost 1000 citizens, which makes it the smallest country in the world in size and population. Its railway is just 300-m long! A visitor in Rome should definitely visit it in order to see the historic sites of St. Peter’s Basilica, the Sistine Chapel and the Vatican Museums, as they feature some of the most renowned paintings and sculptures in the world. Renaissance architecture definitely found a home in the Vatican, where Michelangelo, Bernini, Bramante, Maderno, Boticelli, Raphael and Giacomo Della Porta, created masterpieces. On the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel, you will find the Last Judgement by Michelangelo. The Vatican City is on the List of World Heritage Sites by UNESCO. It has its own army that protects the Pope and its own football team. Someone can go to Rome with the sole purpose of visiting the Vatican.
You should be mindful for a couple of things, though:
- Cover your knees and shoulders, when you visit the temples.
- Turn off your flash when taking photographs, as the light can damage the artwork. In Sistine Chapel, you are not allowed to take photos.
- Buy tickets early to avoid the lines. Apart from winter, Vatican City is busy throughout the whole year.
- If you would like to wave to the Pope, you can reserve a seat any Wednesday when he is having a Mass delivered by himself.
