Have you ever thought about making a visit the Colosseum or taking a stroll through ancient Rome?
When you are planning a trip to Italy, Rome is a definite must-see. And they are also a few places that you should not miss when you are in the city.
Here are some tips on where to go and what to do in the city of Rome.
Visit The Colosseum And More In Rome
Go Back in Time in the Eternal City
Rome was called by the ancient Romans the “Eternal City” because they believed that no matter what happened, the city of Rome would always remain standing.
To explore the center of the city by foot where you can view and admire all of the colossal remains and monuments that still stand today, takes you back to ancient times.
However, you won’t be able to do that with bulky luggage in your hands. That’s why Stasher selects luggage storage facilities in Rome that remain accessible from the early morning until late evening. Some of our Rome luggage storage StashPoints even stay open around the clock. Here you can find the best luggage storage.
The Colosseum
When you think of Rome, you almost automatically think about the Colosseum and the Roman Forum too. A tour through the ancient city gives a spectacular and unique view.
The Colosseum is an iconic man-made made monument that was originally an oval amphitheater, built as the main entertainment center for ancient Romans.
The history of the Roman Colosseum is a gruesome one. It was commissioned to entertain the people, help them forget their daily struggles, and satisfy their primal needs to witness spectacles such as fights to the death and animal hunts.
The main feature inside the Colosseum is the arena where all of the action took place. Battles between gladiators and even naval battles took place in ancient Rome.
There isn’t necessarily a best time to visit the Colosseum. However, if you want to catch it in just the right lighting, get there when they first open or about an hour before sunset.
Although this magnificent monument should definitely be included in your to-do list of places to see in Rome, there are a few more you need to add.
The Roman Forum
The Roman Forum is located in the heart of the city and takes you straight back to ancient Rome. It is an essential part of Roman history.
What stands today is just a small fraction of what was its original splendor. The toppled columns, and those that still stand, the triumphal arches, and other remains are still impressive today.
The Forum was the main center of the city, where the political and religious congregated to make public speeches, hold elections, and celebrate with triumphal processions.
Palatine Hill
Palatine Hill stands about 130 feet (40 meters) above the Roman Forum. It is considered the “first nucleus of the Roman Empire.” It was the main residential hill where the rich and wealthy Romans lived.
What you can see today when you visit are mostly ruins of what used to be the suburbs of Rome. It only takes a five-minute walk from the Colosseum to get here.
You can book tickets in advance to visit the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and the Palatine Hill. That way, you will get a spectacular guided tour and learn about ancient Roman history.
The Trevi Fountain
Made in the 17th-century, the Trevi Fountain is one of the most popular attractions in the city. It has been immortalized in more than one film.
The Trevi Fountain is the largest fountain in Rome. It depicts the sea god Neptune, with horses, tritons, and shells all around him. It is a tradition to throw in a coin, a superstition to secure a return to the city.
Borghese Gallery and Gardens
One of the largest parks you will find in Rome, the Borghese Gardens house a number of attractions that include two museums, a zoo, and the park itself which is an English-style landscape garden.
One of the museums is the Villa Borghese, which was built as a party villa and to exhibit the Borghese art collection, paintings, sculptures, mosaics, and relief.
You will also find the Villa Giulia, which was constructed as a summer residence for the 16th century Pope Julius III and houses the Etruscan Museum.
It is a beautiful place to spend the day with the family. You can rent bikes or a surrey to explore the park or go about it by foot.
Don’t Miss the Food and Wine Options
Also, when in Rome, eating is an experience and quite affordable as well. By now you have probably already tried pizza, pasta or lasagna. But to eat it in an Italian restaurant or pizzeria is something else.
You can find different options in the city according to your budget, from fancy restaurants to trattorias, and pizzerias.
And you can also book a tour that will take you through pizza-making, local market, and tastings. You can sample plenty of treats and discover what and where to eat in Rome.
Gelato or Italian-style Ice Cream
Another great reason to visit Rome is the gelato or Italian-style ice cream. The way the Italians make ice cream is quite unique and full of flavor.
You can find all kinds of flavors, shapes, and ways to enjoy the sweet creams. You cannot miss the opportunity to enjoy a good gelato in the city (unless you are lactose intolerant, of course).
Fashion Made in Italy
It is a known fact that Italians know a thing or two about clothes and fashion in general. If you are looking for affordable stores, head to Via del Corso or Via Nazionale.
Or if you have more than a few dollars to spare, you can spoil yourself with more exclusive brands like Valentino, Dolce & Gabbana, Bulgari, Gucci, among others at Via dei Condotti.
A pro tip for your shopping spree is that the lesser-known streets usually harbor lesser-known brands. But that doesn’t mean that you won’t be able to find something truly unique and beautiful.
Piazza Navona, One of Rome’s Most Popular Squares
Piazza Navona is a public square built in a Baroque-style that is home to three fountains, the Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi, Fontana del Moro, and Fontana del Nettuno. These ornate fountains make this one of the most visited squares in the city.
Also, the piazza is surrounded by restaurants and terraces that give the square a very busy and delightful atmosphere during the day.
You can also enjoy a street performance from artists like magicians and dancers. And you will find the Church of Sant’Agnese in Agone and the Palazzo Pamphilj to admire and learn a bit of history.
If your tastes are a little more on the occult side, there are also plenty of creepy sites in Rome that you can add to your itinerary.
These are only a few of our favorite places to see in Rome. But a visit the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill should definitely be on the top of your top list.
