Rome is the city where the ancient past and modern present rub shoulders among its monuments and glamorous shops and bars. The Eternal City attracted almost 27 million visitors in 2017, 6.4 percent of the total visitor number to Italy.
It’s not hard to see why. With around 900 churches, art galleries and catacombs on offer, you’re spoiled for choice for places to visit. That’s before you even consider the world-class shopping and restaurants.
Rome has far more to offer than the obvious choices like the Trevi fountain. We’ve rounded up some exciting things to do while in Rome.
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1. The Pantheon
If you can only make it to one church in Rome, you might first think of St Peter’s Basilica. Located in Vatican City, it’s both a popular tourist attraction and an active church.
But the Pantheon takes the crown as the must-see church in the Eternal City. Built in 120 AD, it started out as a Roman temple to pagan gods.
It boasts the biggest unreinforced concrete dome in the world. And it also made an appearance in the film adaptation of Dan Brown’s Angels and Demons.
Now a working church, you can visit the tomb of Renaissance legend, Raphael. Consider taking a tour to learn more about its ancient history.
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It gets crowded so try to visit early in the day.
2. The Catacombs
Rome’s catacombs predate the 18th-century catacombs in Paris by several centuries. Early Christians used them to inter the dead, including martyrs and popes.
The Catacombe di San Callisto under the Via Appia Antica dates to the second century. It was the early Roman Church’s official cemetery and the largest network of tunnels.
Or head to San Sebastiano fuori le mura for the Catacombe di San Sebastiano below. Originally used as a mine, the tunnels became catacombs in the third century.
If that’s not creepy enough for you, head to Santa Maria della Concezione dei Cappuccini Church. You’ll find the skulls and bones of over 3700 Capuchin monks displayed as works of art.
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3. The Colosseum
Perhaps the symbol of Rome, the Colosseum opened in 80 AD, hosting a range of bloodthirsty sports and entertainment. Along with gladiator fights, the audience could watch battle re-enactments and executions.
Experts think the Colosseum could hold around 50,000 spectators. Often considered an engineering marvel, it’s fascinating for both adults and children alike. The amphitheater was so advanced it even had a retractable awning.
With some many cool things to see at the site, the Colosseum gets very busy throughout the day. Book onto a range of Colosseum tours to skip the line.
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4. Villa Borghese
New York has Central Park and Rome has the Villa Borghese. It covers 80 hectares and is home to both the Bioparco zoo and a lake where you can hire a rowing boat.
Founded in 1908, the Bioparco is now home to macaws, armadilloes, elephantsKomodoomodo dragons, among others.
In the summer, the Casa del Cinema offers an open-air cinema experience. There’s even an art gallery in the park, the Galleria Borghese, housing paintings by Titian and Bernini
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If you’ve got children, the Villa Borghese is one of the best things to do in Rome. It’s also a great destination if you’re traveling on a budget.
5. Capitoline Museums
The Capitoline Museums was the world’s first public museum. Near the Colosseum, you’ll find busts of famous Roman emperors like Caligula within its halls.
They also hold the bronze Capitoline wolf, the symbol of Rome. If you like art, you can see paintings by Caravaggio and check out hundreds of sculptures.
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You should also check out the amazing paintings on the ceilings and head up to the roof for fantastic views over the city.
6. Sistine Chapel
Speaking of art, you can’t go to Rome and not see the Sistine Chapel. It was originally called the Cappella Magna.
But it was restored by Pope Sixtus IV, who renamed it the Cappella Sistina.
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Inside, you’ll see paintings by Renaissance greats like Botticelli and Rosselli, along with the famous ceiling by Michelangelo.
The Sistine Chapel is the location of the Papal conclave, where cardinals gather to elect a new pope.
Find the Sistine Chapel by heading to Vatican City. It lies inside the Apostolic Palace, the Pope’s official residence.
7. Trastevere
Visitors often liken this Roman neighborhood to the Left Bank in Paris or the Greenwich Village in New York. With its cobbled streets and quaint squares, Trastevere’s Bohemian atmosphere helps you feel less like a tourist.
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It’s a great place to visit if you want to somewhere a little quieter. Trastevere is a little further out but you’ll find cheaper food and drinks as a result.
If you swing by between 6 am and 2 pm on Sunday, you can visit the Porta Portese market. The stalls carry everything from antiques to books and clothes. But be sure to haggle because no one pays the asking price!
Just be careful and keep your phone safe when you’re browsing for bargains.
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8. Via Appia Antica
If you want to get away from the hustle and bustle for a few hours, head to Via Appia Antica (the Appian Way).
The road dates to 312 BC and has seen many marches by Roman military in its long history. It’s a good idea to hire a tour guide to learn more about the monuments you’ll pass on the walk.
Some sections of this legendary highway are traffic-free so they’re ideal for a cycle ride. You can hire bikes from the information point.
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These Are Just 8 of the Awesome Things to Do in Rome
There are so many amazing things to do in Rome that it’s hard to do them justice in one article. Whether you want art, culture, Instagram-moments or the beautiful outdoors, Rome has something to offer.
It’s advisable to book tours and tickets ahead where you can to avoid queues and spend more time enjoying the sights. Check out guided tours to get the most out of your visit.
If this article has whetted your appetite for an Italian vacation, check out our guide to raising money for a trip.
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