You could spend a day, you could spend a week or even a month in Rome. There are so many wonderful and important sites in the city that Rome often rises to the top of many traveler’s bucket lists. Rome is not only popular, but it’s also chaotic. It’s a jumble of people and traffic but visitors who muscle through the noise are rewarded with some of the world’s best sites. The city boasts numerous attractions from galleries to ancient ruins. Here are my top three things to see in Rome.
#1 Colosseum
The Colosseum is breathtaking. I vividly remember shuffling out of the train station and first laying eyes on this 2,000-year-old ancient marvel. It was incredible. I’m not alone in my attraction to this icon of Rome. Nearly 7.4 million people visit the Colosseum each year. It’s the most popular attraction in the city and the largest amphitheater in the Roman Empire. Constructed around 80 A.D. it’s known for gladiator battles pitting humans against beasts. The New York Times called the Colosseum one of the ‘Seven Wonders of the Modern World.’ You’ll be stunned at its size, drawn to the architectural details and wowed by how wonderfully this piece of Roman history has persevered over time.
Top Three Things to See in Rome tip: a ticket to the Colosseum also gets you access to the nearby Roman Forum.
#2 Vatican City
Vatican City is not part of Rome, it’s technically it’s own independent state; the smallest in the world. Despite its size, there is so much to see in Vatican City. Must-sees at the Vatican include St. Peter’s Basilica, the Sistine Chapel and the Vatican Museum. A guided tour of the museum is a must. The knowledgable guides provide excellent background on all the tapestries, paintings and sculptures. The ceiling of the Sistine Chapel will leave you breathless and the sheer size of St. Peter’s is without compare.
Top Three Things to See in Rome tip: don’t you dare visit Vatican City in shorts, bare shoulders, or a mini-skirt. The dress code is strictly enforced.
#3 Trevi Fountain
Aquaducts were vital to the Roman Empire and the Trevi Foutain’s “Ocean” sculpture pays tribute to this crucial resource. Built right into the palace behind it, Trevi Fountain is magic. In fact, local legend says that if you toss a coin over your shoulder into the Trevi you are ensured a return visit to the eternal city. I’m still waiting for the wish to come true, but I’m hopeful. Visit the Trevi Fountain twice; once during the day and then again after dark when the fountain is even more ethereal.
Top Three Things to See in Rome tip: while near the Trevi Fountain stop for the best gelato in all of Rome at San Crispino. To. Die. For.
Bonus: Side Trip to Pompeii
If you’re willing to navigate the regional train system, a two hour trip to the Pompeii excavation site is well worth your efforts. It’s eerie to walk the grounds and see what was left behind after Mt Vesuvius’ eruption in August, 79 A.D. The volcano still looms large on the horizon as visitors meander through the ruins of the once-bustling city. The ruins have been a working excavation site since 1748 when archeologists began sifting through the 30 feet of volcanic ash covering the city.
Top Three Things to See in Rome tip: After a day at the Pompeii excavation site stop for pizza in Naples at Antica Pizzeria da Michele
Our trip to Rome was part of a larger two-week journey that took us across Italy. We relied heavily on travel books by Rick Steve’s. We used his guidebooks for trips to Amsterdam, Belgium, Germany and Greece and have not been disappointed. Here’s a full itinerary of how we spent our time in Italy.
Two week Italy Trip Itinerary
- Day 1/Day 2-Depart Minneapolis and arrive in Florence the following day
- we had yet to discover multi-city airline travel. I highly recommend multi-city flights to save time and money (sometimes).
- Day 3-train to Rome
- Piazza del Popolo, Spanish Steps and Trevi Fountain
- dinner near Piazza Navona then-late-night stroll to Four Rivers Fountain, Pantheon and Trevi
- Day 4-Colosseum, Roman Forum and Pantheon
- Day 5-Vatican City
- Vatican museum tour with stops in Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica
- Day 6-Pompeii
- stop in Naples for pizza on the return trip to Rome
- Day 7-train to Cinque Terre
- stop in Pisa for a tour of the leaning tower
- Day 8-Cinque Terre
- Day 9-train to Venice
- St. Mark’s Square, Doge’s Palace, Bridge of Sighs and gondola ride with drinks at Harry’s Bar
- Day 10-train to Florence
- stop to see Rialto Bridge and tour St. Mark’s Basilica first
- Day 11-Tuscany
- rent a car in Florence and stop in villages on route to Siena
- overnight in Siena
- Day 12-return car in Florence
- Day 13-Florence
- Galleria dell’Accademia, Uffizi Gallery, Ponte Vecchio and Duomo
- Day 14-depart for home
Choose the following links to read more about our adventures in Cinque Terre, Tuscany and Venice.
Happy Adventuring, Rochelle
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