Places to Visit & Things to Do in Rome

Rome is a city full of history and art, renowned for the culture and cuisine that can be found around every corner. With its relaxed attitude, you can truly immerse yourself in this ancient city. 

Sights & Attractions in Rome

Rome’s historic centre has held UNESCO World Heritage Site status since 1980, thanks to the incredible monuments and sights at every turn. Turn back the clock and visit Capitoline Hill, which overlooks the Roman Forum and hosts an array of art and archaeological museums known as the Musei Capitolini. Then, take a 15-minute walk to the Colosseum, the largest amphitheatre of the Roman world.  Next, visit the Terrazza delle Quadrighe, a terrace atop the Altare della Patria for a panoramic view of the city. If you stand on the Ponte Sant’Angelo, the ancient bridge built by Hadrian, you are on the doorstep of the Castel Sant’Angelo, Hadrian’s own final resting place, with glimpses of Saint Peter’s Basilica. From the castle, you’re another stroll away from the Pantheon, one of Rome’s greatest architectural wonders.

Art and Museums in Rome

Rome is full of art and culture that covers a range of topics, eras and mediums. Start your art history journey at The Capitoline Museums, home to a collection of statues, paintings and artefacts that help document the history of Rome, from the likes of Caravaggio, Ruben, and Van Dyck.   Next visit Gallerias Borghese, Barberini, Doria Pamphilj and Colonna for Baroque and Renaissance art. The Gallerias Barberini, Doria Pamphilj and Colonna surround the Quirinal Palace and the Giardini di Montecavallo. The vast landscaped gardens offer tranquil viewing at the Galleria Borghese in the centre of Villa Borghese. Don’t miss Nazionale d’Arte Moderna, with floors dedicated to the likes of Cezanne, Monet and van Gogh.   Elsewhere, contemporary architects have added striking new buildings to the city’s historic landscape. Look out for MAXXI, the sinuous home to Italian 21st Century creations, and the Ara Pacis Museum who’s ultra-modern building contrasts to 9 B.C alter inside. 

Shopping in Rome

It may not be fashion-capital Milan, but Rome still holds its own when it comes to shopping. Start with the connecting streets of Via Frattina, Via Borgognona and Via del Babuino for expert craftsmanship and leading Italian brands. The Via Margutta, although narrow, is great for home design and if you take a walk down Via Condotti to sample their luxury boutiques, you can find yourself at Piazza di Spagna, the famous eighteenth-century square.   For more inexpensive brands, Via del Corso hosts familiar chains and local shops, while Via dei Banchi Vecchi is popular among antiquers and Monti is known for its flea market and range of vintage shops. Italian department store Coin can be found on Via Cola di Rienzo, as well as the women’s boutique and luxury concept store Gente.

Food & Drink in Rome

It wouldn’t be a trip to Italy without taking in the sights and smells of the local cuisine. Many of the piazzas also sell local foods, try Campo de’Fiori and Testaccio for fresh sweet and savoury treats, and traditional cuisines.  For quick eateries, grab pizza al talgio (pizza by the slice) at Forno Campo de’ Fiori or Antico Forno Roscioli. Try supplì (fried rice balls) at Supplizio, or pick up trapizzini (a pocket of pizza dough stuffed with warming ingredients) at Trapizzino.   When it comes to eating out, there are 17 Michelin-starred restaurants in Rome. But for firm favourites like carbonara, cacio e pepe and amatriciana, there’s no better place to visit than the many osterie and trattoria dotted around the city. Don’t be fooled by their plain exteriors and nondescript décor – these places serve some of the most authentic food in the city. For a drink, consider Pierluigi, the Stravinskiy Bar at Hotel De Russie or the Jerry Thomas Project, all of which are renowned for their mixing abilities and speciality cocktails.

Sights unique to Rome

Rome is much like a living museum, but unlike most cities, this extends below ground level. When visiting churches like San Clemente, San Nicola in Carcere and even St. Peter’s, consider what is beneath your feet: 2,000-year-old domus, temples, circuses and worship sites. Plus, a twisting, never-ending network of catacombs and underground burial sites, like Priscilla, Domitilla and San Callisto. Some of these excavated sites have used this history to add a spin to their businesses and events. The Case Romane, a three-tier domus, organises tours and occasionally concerts, while the Palazzo Valentini uses 3D projections to demonstrate how the once-magnificent buildings looked. Even the Cineteca Nazionale is based in a first-century home. If you fancy a visit to the smallest sovereign state in the world, Vatican City is close by.

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