Top 10 Things to do in Rome
1. Rent a bike
While Rome does have a Metro, the main sights are not located close to Metro stops. This means you will have to walk a lot and your feet will hurt from the cobblestone streets. Renting a bike is a really good option when visiting Rome. All the main sights are easily accessible by bike. Italy is a very bike-friendly country and you won’t have any trouble getting around.
2. St. Peter's Basilica
Even if you are not a huge fan of the Catholic Church, you should pay Vatican City a visit. You can enter St. Peter’s Basilica for free which is the world’s largest church. The best part of St. Peter is the view from the dome. It costs 6€ to climb the 551 steps or 8€ to take a lift to the terrace plus climb 320 steps. Climbing the steps is an experience as you walk along the inside of the dome and the walls will get more lopsided the higher you climb. St. Peter’s Basilica is a very popular tourist spot and because of the fear of terror attacks there are security checks in place. The lines can get quite long, so consider going in the early morning or late evening.
3. Colosseo
The Colosseum or Colosseo as it is called in Italian is one of the most iconic buildings in Rome. The outside of the building is accessible for free. If you want to go inside you will have to pay. There can be huge lines at the ticket counters, so pre-booking a timeslot online is a good idea.
4. Fontana di Trevi
The Trevi Fountain is the most famous fountain in Rome. It’s not just a fountain, it’s the facade of a building. I was staggererd by the size of it. It’s free to visit the fountain, but be aware that there are always a lot of people there and it can be a bit of a struggle to get close. What should you do at Trevi Fountain? Toss a coin of course! Use your right hand and toss it over your left shoulder.
5. Pantheon
The Pantheon was built as a Roman Temple about 2000 years ago. Even today its dome is still the world’s largest unreinforced concrete dome. In front of the Pantheon there are often buskers performing which makes the square a nice place to have a rest and enjoy the air of the city. The entrance is free.
6. Foro Romano
The Roman Forum was the heart of ancient Rome. This was where the public and religious life took place. Along with the Colosseum, the Roman Forum is the best preserved ancient roman relict. Tickets are sold as combi-tickets with the Colosseum.
7. Spanish Steps
The Spanish Steps with their fountain at the bottom and church at the top are a very popular tourist attraction. If you want to avoid crowds, get there in the early morning (before 9:00) or late at night (after midnight). If you pass the steps during the day, feel free to sit down and relax. Refrain from eating though as this is prohibited.
8. Gelateria Giolitti
Italians are famous for their ice cream. You will find the best ice cream in Rome at Giolitti, just a short walk from the Pantheon. Note that at an italian gelateria you need to pay before you are served your ice cream. There are usually two lines: one line is waiting to pay, the other one is waiting with their ticket in hand to be served the ice cream. Make sure you queue up at the right line.
9. Pizzarium
When it comes to food, what would a visit to Rome be without trying the cities best pizza? You will find it at Pizzarium Bonci close to Vatican City.
10. Shopping in Via del Corso
Via del Corso is Rome’s main shopping street. It’s around 1.5 km long connecting the Piazza del Popolo and Piazza Venezia. Part of it is a pedestrian area with many shops.
