Top Things to Do in Rome, Italy

Italy is a land of love, where ancient history lives on and food lovers can enjoy real Italian cuisine. Despite modernization, many of Italy’s historical sites remain untouched. It’s a country that attracts thousands of tourists year-round (HOKKAIDO JAPAN BEST THINGS TO DO).

While Italy can be an expensive destination, especially for Asian travellers, that hasn’t stopped them from visiting. There are many cities in Italy, but Rome is a must. You can easily spend days in Rome going from one sightseeing spot to another, but if you're touring other parts of Italy, two or three packed days in Rome are enough to cover the top sights (CHANDIGARH INDIA TOP PLACES TO VISIT).

The Colosseum

The Colosseum is the heart of sightseeing in Rome, a world-famous landmark where history meets ancient architecture. As you enter the wide-open space around it, you’ll see the Arch of Constantine nearby. This 25-metre-high stone arch was built in AD 315 to celebrate Emperor Constantine’s victory over Maxentius.

 

Depending on the crowd, you’ll queue up in groups to enter the Colosseum Theatre. From the outside, the hollow center is already visible. Inside, you’ll walk up the stone stairs from the ground floor to the fourth level. From the upper levels, you’ll get a better view of the central arena where gladiators once fought wild animals. Back then, the theatre could hold 50,000 to 80,000 cheering spectators.

 

The amphitheater has four levels. The first has Doric-style arches and columns. The other three were seating areas divided by social class, from wealthy citizens to men, and at the top, women, slaves, and the poor.

 

You can easily spend two hours here reading the information boards. The experience stays with you long after you leave.

Vatican City
Vatican City is the smallest independent country in the world. It became independent from Italy in 1929 and is supported mainly by donations. This is where St. Peter, one of Jesus’s twelve apostles and the first Pope, is believed to have been killed for his faith around 64 AD. He was buried nearby, and his tomb is said to be beneath St. Peter’s Basilica.

 

St. Peter’s Basilica (Basilica di San Pietro) is the largest church in the world and sits at the heart of Vatican City. The Pope, who is the leader of the Catholic Church, conducts major religious ceremonies here. When events take place, the area is often packed with people, making it hard to move or get close to the church. Still, it’s worth seeing the church’s grand design and historic importance. If you're planning to enter, it’s best to check ahead, as entry may be limited depending on the schedule and crowd size.

Ponte Sant’Angelo
Whether you're visiting Rome’s main attractions or taking a quick city tour, some places still catch your eye, even from the coach. One of them is Ponte Sant’Angelo, one of the oldest and prettiest bridges in Rome. It was built in AD 134 by Emperor Hadrian and crosses the Tiber River, leading straight to Castel Sant’Angelo. The bridge has ten angel statues designed by Bernini and his students, making it truly stand out. It connects the old part of Rome to Vatican City and is hard to miss.

Trevi Fountain
A stroll along the lane, shared with many other visitors, cafes, and shops, will lead you to the famous Trevi Fountain. With people seated outside enjoying food and drinks, the space can feel quite tight. The Italian gelatos sold here are truly worth slurping into. Once you reach the fountain, be ready to be surrounded by crowds, it can even be tricky to take a photo.

 

The Trevi Fountain is a well-known Baroque fountain built in the 1700s. At its center is Oceanus, the sea god, on a chariot pulled by horses and led by Tritons (sea men). The other statues represent health and abundance. The fountain’s grand design shows how important water was and is full of movement and life.

 

Tossing a coin into the fountain is said to bring you back to Rome  one day. Most visitors spend around 15–20 minutes here, unless you feel like lingering a little longer.

Spanish Steps
The Spanish Steps, with 136 steps, are one of the most popular tourist attractions in Rome. Many visitors see it as a must-stop spot, whether it's climbing up and down, taking a break on the steps, or posing for photos among the crowd. You can also reach the top and explore the areas behind. The steps are often busy, with foreign traders amongst the rest of the people. It’s not a place where you’ll spend too long, but still worth stopping by for the experience and a few pictures.