What to do in Altare Della Patria
#Rome

Explore Rome: 10 Must to See Things in Rome

Complete Guide to the Eternal City
Chapters

A few words about Rome

Italy

Rome, the eternal city, is a place that will captivate you from the first moment you see it. A city that will leave you amazed by the countless monuments it has. Every narrow street, every square, and every temple it has displays something special, which will undoubtedly be noticed.

Rome is and will continue to be a must-to-be destination for every traveler, as its architecture and the deep history it carries automatically make it one of Europe’s most exciting capitals.

The iconic St. Peter's Basilica, a masterpiece of the Renaissance, proudly stands in the Vatican City.
Eternal Beauty: St. Peter's Cathedral in All Its Grandeur

What to see in Rome

1. Visit Colosseum

If Paris’ trademark is the Eiffel Tower, then Rome’s is the Colosseum, which is visited by 6,000,000 people annually. It is one of the most emblematic buildings of the Roman Empire and is considered one of the largest theaters in the world, and not without reason, as it holds 50,000 spectators. It is rumored to be named after the colossal statue of Nero, which stood on this site.

The Exterior of the Colosseum: Iconic Images of Rome's Ancient Amphitheater
Colosseum Exterior: Iconic Images of Rome's Ancient Amphitheater
Your Passes to Explore the Colosseum’s Authentic Experience Immerse Yourself in History at the Colosseum! Uncover Ancient Rome’s Secrets as You Roam Through its Storied Walls. Secure Your Colosseum Tickets for a Journey Through Time. Tickets for Colosseum

In the Colosseum, there were duels between humans and animals, and the emperor and the citizens watched them. In one day, it was possible to kill 10,000 animals. It may have been the symbol of battle in the past, which resulted in death; nowadays, it is a symbol of the defense of human rights. More specifically, the monument is illuminated when a country withdraws its death penalty law or when this process does not execute a person.

2. Palatine Hill and Roman Forum

After visiting the Colosseum, you can proceed to Palatine Hill and the Roman Forum, as these two monuments are located at the same archaeological site. Through this route, you will be transported many centuries back, more specifically to the center of ancient Rome.

The Roman Market was the religious, political, and commercial center during the Roman Empire.

Palatine Hill is considered the oldest part of Rome, and you will find ancient ruins of palaces and buildings. Also, you will have the opportunity to see the city from an incredible view.

Discover What to Do in Rome, Italy: Explore the Wonders of Palatine Hill and the Roman Forum, Witness Ancient History Come Alive.
Palatine Hill and Roman Forum in Rome, Italy

Your Tickets to Discover the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill’s Authentic Heritage
Dive into History at the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill! Reveal the Secrets of Ancient Rome as You Wander through Its Rich History. Secure Your Tickets for a Timeless Journey.

Palatine Hill and Roman Forum

3. Vatican Museums

If you visit Rome, you cannot miss your visit to the Vatican Museums, as it includes one of the most extraordinary and rich collections of works of art in the world collected by the Popes, with exhibits exceeding 70,000. The Vatican Museums with the Sistine Chapel have a shared entrance and are connected.

Upon entering the Vatican Museums, you will be given a map. Plan your tour focusing on what interests you, as there are so many exhibits that you won’t be able to see them all in one day.

The small chapel of the Sistine Chapel will impress you, as it is decorated with works of top artists. Two of Michelangelo’s most significant works inside the Sistine Chapel are ‘Judgment Day’ on the walls and ‘The Creation of Adam’ on the dome. Inside the hall, there is absolute silence, and photography is prohibited.

Tip: Endless queues are something that annoys a lot of people. Book the tickets online from here and save valuable time.

Purchase the Rome Tourist Card and Reap the Benefits.
Experience the Enchantment of the Past with Rome Tourist Card! Unveil Rome’s Rich Heritage as You Explore Iconic Sites like the Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill. Delight in Michelangelo’s Masterpieces at the Sistine Chapel, Guided by Expert Art Historians. Plus, Access Over 130 Rome Highlights with Your Handy Smartphone Audio Guide. Book Your Rome Tourist Card Now for a Timeless Adventure!

Buy Rome Tourist Card

The Vatican Museums: Among the Top Attractions and Best Things to See in Rome
Vatican Museums, Rome, Italy

4. Saint Peter's Basilica

This iconic church is the second-largest church in the world. Imagine that it’s so big that it can hold 60,000 people and is considered one of the holiest places in Christianity. It is located in the Vatican and is built on its hill. The location is symbolic as it was where the first Pope of the Catholic Church, Saint Peter, was crucified. Upon entering the church, you will see its magnificence and imposingness.

Front view of St. Peter's Basilica in Rome during the evening.
Gazing upon the timeless beauty of St. Peter's Basilica as the evening sun sets in Rome.

5. Sant'Angelo Castle

After you visit the Vatican Museums, very close by is the Castle of Sant’ Angelo, which was a burial monument for Hadrian and his family; For this reason, it is also called Hadrian’s Mausoleum. Afterward, it was where the popes could take refuge when they were in danger.

Therefore, there is a secret corridor called the Passetto di Borgo that connects the Vatican with the Castel Sant’Angelo. Nowadays, it functions as a museum. At the top of the monument, you will see a statue of an angel, in which the Archangel Michael is depicted.

Outside of Sant’ Angelo Castle, you will find the Ponte Sant’Angelo bridge, one of the most beautiful bridges of the Tiber River.

Your Passes to Explore Castel Sant’Angelo in Rome
Embark on Your Dream Adventure Today. Uncover the Mysteries of the Majestic Castel Sant’Angelo in Rome and Immerse Yourself in its Rich History. Secure Your Tickets Now and Step into a World of Magic and Discovery.

Tickets for Sant’Angelo Castle

6. Fontana di Trevi

One of the most famous fountains in the world is none other than the Trevi Fountain. This baroque fountain will impress you with its beauty, and its name means “fountain in the three streets.”

Every day many tourists throw coins into the fountain. On average, 3,000 euros are collected per day. These coins are contained in the evening and given to the charity Caritas, which uses this money to create cards that the needy can use in supermarkets.

According to tradition, if you toss a coin in the fountain, you will revisit Rome in your life; if you throw two coins, you will marry an Italian, while if you toss three, you will marry a person you meet. To make your wish come true, throw the coin with your right hand over your left shoulder.

Trevi Fountain in Rome, a must-visit attraction and one of the top things you can see and do in the city.
Trevi Fountain in Rome, a must-visit attraction and one of the top things you can see and do in the city.

7. Pantheon

As its name suggests, this temple is dedicated to all the gods. The main feature that sets it apart and will catch your attention as soon as you enter is its dome, one of the world’s largest. In other words, the only light source comes from a circular opening in the middle of the crown, so there are no windows or doors other than the central one.

Your Passes to Explore the Magnificence of the Pantheon in Rome
Your Journey of a Lifetime Begins Here. Unearth the Mysteries of the Majestic Pantheon in Rome and Immerse Yourself in Its Storied Past. Secure Your Tickets for the Pantheon in Rome and Embark on an Enchanting Adventure. Click Discover More here.

Buy Tickets for Pantheon

8. Villa Borghese

A paradise on earth a stone’s throw from the center of Rome. Do you want to escape from the crowds and noise of the capital?

Villa Borghese is ideal for enjoying nature and relaxing while walking in the green landscapes. It ranks as one of the largest parks in Rome, where you can explore temples, museums, lakes, fountains, and elaborate statues.

The artificial lake will impress you in this green oasis, where you can enjoy nature by boating among the ducks and the swans and overlooking the small temple dedicated to Asclepius.

9. Altare Della Patria

One of the monuments that will impress you with its imposing beauty is that of Vittorio Emanuele II. Italy’s national symbol of white marble was built in honor of the first king of a unified Italy, Vittorio Emanuele II. Go up to its roof and admire the city’s most important sights. In front of the Altare Della Patria is the bustling Piazza Venezia.

Book your Accommodation Early and Secure Lower Prices
Now, you can experience the enchantment of the Eternal City with comfort and elegance by booking a stay at one of its exquisite hotels strategically located near all the attractions.

Accommodation in Rome

Altare della Patria: An iconic monument in Rome celebrating Italian unity and heritage.
Front view of the Altare della Patria.

10. Famous squares in Rome

Piazza di Spagna

The distinguishing feature of Piazza di Spagna is its 135 Spanish Steps with the fountain in the middle. Countless people sit on the steps and enjoy the view of the square. Prices in the broader area are high.

Piazza del Popolo

If you visit Villa Borghese, don’t miss to see the oval square Piazza del Popolo, which means “square of the people.” Around it, you will find three baroque churches, and in the center of the square dominates the obelisk, which was built in Egypt.

Piazza Navona in Rome.
Piazza Navona in Rome.

Piazza Navona

Crowds of tourists visit Piazza Navona to see the three baroque fountains, with the middle one standing out. Visit it in the evening, as the lighting in the fountains will enchant you.

Piazza Venezia

Piazza Venezia is one of the most central squares in Rome. It is located opposite the Vittorio Emanuele II monument and is characterized by traffic and noise.

Transportation in Rome

Means of Transportation

In the centre of Rome, you won’t find it difficult to get around, as you can largely explore on foot. But even if you want to see more remote attractions, Rome’s public transport and buying tickets is a simple process.

The two main means of public transport in Rome are the metro and the bus. Both means have a common ticket, which you can buy either from the vending machines you’ll find in the metro galleries or from kiosks selling tobacco products, usually called Tabacchi. The metro runs daily from the early hours of the morning until midnight (5.30 – 23.30) and the frequency of services is on average 7-10 minutes.

The metro consists of 3 lines, the Ma line (Linea A), the Mb line (Linea B) and the Mc line (Linea C). The two main lines, used by most travellers but also connected to Termini Central Station, are Line A and Line B. The squares and attractions you can visit in Rome by metro are as follows:

With the Ma line (Linea A)

  • Trevi Fountain
  • Vatican City
  • Piazza di Spagna
  • Piazza del Popolo
  • Villa Borghese

With Mb line (Linea B)

  • Colosseum and Roman Forum
  • Baths of Caracalla
Buses of public transportation in front of St. Peter's Basilica, Rome.
Public transportation buses in front of St. Peter's Basilica, Rome.

If you choose to travel by bus, these cover a large part of the city with frequent services and operating hours from 5.30am to midnight. However, there is a limited night bus service operating from 00.00 to 5.30am.

In particular, some very useful and well-known routes are those of buses 40 and 64, which depart from Termini Central Station. Bus 40, which is the fastest bus with the fewest stops, leaves from Termini station and has a terminal near the Vatican, while bus 64, which has a terminal at Sant’Andrea della Valle church, which is a 5-minute walk from Piazza Navona and 7 minutes from the Pantheon.

 

However, as the historic centre is not that big, if your hotel is located within walking distance from the centre, we recommend you to walk around it, as the distances from one attraction to another are very short and you will have the opportunity to get to know the city better. To get a better idea of the historic centre, some sights you can see by walking are the following:

  1. Colosseum
  2. Roman Forum
  3. Palatine Hill
  4. Trevi Fountain
  5. Altare Della Patria
  6. Pantheon
  7. Piazza Navona
  8. Piazza di Spagna
  9. Villa Borghese

Tickets for the means of transport

  • The single ticket costs €1.50 and is valid for 75 minutes
  • The daily ticket costs €6
  • The 3-day ticket costs 16.5
  • The weekly ticket costs €24

The ticket is valid for all means of transport

Posing in front of the Colosseum in Rome, Italy.
Posing in front of the Colosseum in Rome, Italy.

Useful tips for Rome

  • Book your Tickets in Advance: Book your Tickets online to avoid long queues and potential complications when visiting popular attractions beyond the main sights.

  • Comfortable Footwear: Given the extensive walking involved, opt for comfortable sports shoes to ensure an enjoyable exploration of Rome’s charming streets.

  • Stay Hydrated: Take advantage of the numerous public fountains offering free drinking water scattered throughout the city to stay refreshed during your adventures.

  • Accommodation Tips: Avoid accommodations near Termini station to prevent lengthy wait times for transportation caused by the station’s bustling crowds.

Did you know that...

When you make purchases through our links, you support our blog as we earn a small commission. Don’t worry, it won’t cost you anything extra, but it’s quite helpful for us in maintaining the website.
Thank you!

Via Rentalcars.com

Via Booking.com

Via Ferryscanner.com

Via Tiquets.com

Pinterest
Facebook
Twitter

MotivatedTravellers

Our goal is to encourage you to discover new aspects of the world, step out of your comfort zone, and live a different life full of adventure, exploration, and passion.

More posts you may be interested in

2 Days in Tallinn, Estonia – What to Do and See

Travel to Rovaniemi, Lapland – The Top 10 Activities​ you should do

Paragliding in Myrtos Kefalonia

The 5 most picturesque villages of Pelion

Blog Comments

Your comments mean a lot to us! If you enjoyed our post, please don’t hesitate to share your thoughts with us in the comments section.

Write a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *