Things to Do in Rome

Admire Ancient Ruins at the Roman Forum

Entering the huge archeological site of the Roman Forum and strolling through the ruins, you
can almost imagine the citizens of Ancient Rome walking the cobblestoned streets in togas and
bringing sacrifices to the temples. Of course, it helps to have a guide who can bring the stories to life,
or you might mistake Augustuss house for Livias, as there are no signs within the complex indicating
whats what.

Visit the Colosseum

The most internationally recognized symbol of Rome, the Colosseum has a long and bloody
history. It was inaugurated in 80 A.D. with 100 days of games, including gladiatorial combats and
animal fights. It was the largest amphitheater in the Roman Empire and is believed to have packed up
to 50,000 people inside. Despite centuries of neglectit was used as a quarry until the eighteenth
centuryit has remained intact (for the most part).

Today nearly 4 million people visit annually. Buy your tickets in advance or be prepared to
wait in a very long line. A combined ticket for the Roman Forum, Colosseum, and Palatine Hill grants
access to all three sites and lets you skip the line at the Colosseum.

Transport Yourself to Baroque Rome at Piazza Navona

One of the most popular public spaces in Rome, the magnificent, oval-shaped Piazza Navona
is lined with restaurants, gelaterias, souvenir shops, and the Museo di Roma inside the Renaissance
Palazzo Braschi. The citys Baroque art is on full display here. Berninis Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi
features exquisitely carved figures representing the worlds four great rivers, and legend has it that
the figure with his arms extended is recoiling in horror from the church of SantAgnese in Agone by
Borromini, Berninis rival.

Pay Your Respects to the Vatican and Its Museums

You could easily spend a whole day exploring the area around the Vatican. Start at the Piazza
di San Pietro, which Bernini designed to look like arms extended in an embrace. Besides St. Peters
Basilica, the absolute must-see is the Vatican Museums, which contain Michelangelos Sistine Chapel.
Other highlights in the 1,400-room palace include the Raphael Rooms, old master paintings, and
antique sculptures.

Visit St. Peters Basilica

St. Peters Basilica may be a pilgrimage site for Catholics, but even non-believers can
appreciate the churchs architectural majesty. The original dates back to 349 A.D., when Constantine
had a basilica built over the tomb of St. Peter, the first pope. That church was razed to make way for
the current one, the worlds largest church at 18,000 square yards, which has been standing on this
spot since 1626. Inside youll find Berninis masterful altarpiecethe great bronze baldacchinoand
Michelangelos Piet.
Climb the Spanish Steps

Fascinating in its contradictions, the Piazza di Spagna is both democratic and home to the
citys fanciest boutiques on Via dei Condotti, Romes legendary shopping street. Climb the famous
steps leading to the Trinit dei Monti church to admire the piazza and Berninis ship-shaped fountain
from above. If youre feeling ambitious, climb to the Villa Medici for stunning views of the Centro
Storico. Off to the side of the steps, youll find the Keats-Shelley Memorial House, one of Romes
excellent under-the-radar museums.

Explore Trastevere

Trastevere means across the Tiber, and once you cross the river, youll notice the
difference. The vibe is hip and bohemian, and youll find plenty of boutiques selling jewelry,
perfumes, and handicrafts in a neighborhood where you can stroll aimlessly through the
cobblestoned streets flanked by ochre buildings and stumble upon amazing discoveries.

At night, Trastevere buzzes with people hanging out and drinking at the bars that line the
streets. Its easy to wander around and find one that appeals to you, but a good place to start is Freni
e Frizioni, which serves a great aperitivo and cocktails with fresh fruit.

Throw a Coin in the Trevi Fountain

Any trip to Rome would be incomplete without a visit to the Trevi Fountain. Nicola Salvis
awe-inspiring Baroque masterpiece features a marble statue of Neptune at the center, surrounded
by tritons. Legend has it that anyone who throws a coin in the fountain will return to Rome.

Unfortunately, the gorgeous fountain tends to be overrun by tourists vying for that perfect
selfie angle and street hawkers selling cheap souvenirs. Visit early in the morning or late at night,
when the crowds disperse. You might just experience a magical moment like in La Dolce Vita when
Marcello Mastroianni wades into the fountain after Anita Ekberg.

Shop at the Market at Campo de Fiori

Shopping for fresh fruit and vegetables at the mercato is a way of life for many Romans. Lots
of neighborhoods have their own markets, and the produce tends to be very high qualityperfect
for preparing salads and sandwiches for a picnic. Even if youre just visiting, you can immerse yourself
in the local culture by shopping at the market. The one at Campo de Fiori bustles with vendors every
morning except Sunday and is one of the citys most popular.

Source:

http://www.fodors.com/world/europe/italy/rome/experiences/news/photos/25-ultimate-things-to-
do-in-rome