Top Things to Do in the Rome | Must-See Attractions & Experiences

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Places To Visit In Rome

Ostia Antica

Ostia Antica is now an archaeological site which once served as the harbour city of Rome. The town which was once buried for ten centuries is now located 25 kilometres southwest of Rome. However, it is now situated 3 kilometers away from the sea as a result of silicification. It was one of the most important cities in ancient Rome since it acted as a harbour point for Rome as the city did not have any of its own. However after the fall of the empire, people eventually started leaving the city and it has remained abandoned for centuries.Many features of the centuries old city still remains for the public to see now. The main arterial street which used to be the most crowded is still there now with houses, shops and restaurants on its sides that were once bustling with traders. There are public latrines, public baths, open air theatres, churches and temples of very unique and ancient designs. These designs give us insight of how the people lived during those times. Read More

Palatine Hill is one of the Seven Hills of Rome and the oldest part of the city. It is in the central location and located 40 metres over the Circus Maximus and the Roman Forum. It is this place only from where Roman civilization started and dates back to 1000 BC. Most of the famous monuments of Rome are located very close to Palatine Hill. No place in Rome has witnessed as much history as this place, and a visit would take you through a beautiful journey of ancient Rome. Read More

Formerly known as Porta Flaminia, Piazza del Popolo is one of the most popular squares in the city of Rome. With three legendary churches bordering the square with an Egyptian massive obelisk in the middle, it is the centre of tourism in the city. The square has been a huge part of Roman history as it served as the main gateway to the city of Rome where the foreigners had arrived. Piazza del Popolo was the first look of the city that any foreigner got of Rome and hence it had the quality of always being crowded and bustling. Read More

Hailed as a masterpiece of Baroque architecture, the Piazza Navona is bristling with life in a hundred shops, restaurants and eateries that surround this historical place. One of the most beautiful squares in the historical capital city of Rome, Piazza Navona is the one of the most frequented tourist spots in the city. With three splendid fountains, a baroque church in the background and a lane full of restaurants and street performers, this square surely looks like a dream. As you take a stroll around the fountains you would witness paintings being put on display by the local artists, the smell of fresh street food being cooked and the magicians, dancers, singers and gymnasts bringing life and energy into gazing passersby.The Piazza Navona was worked on by Borromini and Bernini. It is populated by street cafes and open-air performances and a very festive atmosphere. You could go there to wonder at the architectural magnificence as you sip on some of the best coffee, while a local street performer plays the most melodious tunes in the background. This is a great place for history buffs, families, couples and even solo travellers! Read More

The Roman Forum, or what they call it in Latin Forum Romanum, is an area of ruins that once used to be a shopping plaza with several important government buildings surrounding it. This was the place where all forms of public meetings, concerts, performances, law courts and public trials in the city of Rome were held. Elections, rallies, matches and other public events made this forum to be known as the most celebrated place in all of history. The offices that surrounded the forum gave it a touch of eliteness, at the same time a bustling place for recreation of all types. Hence it served as a major social, political and religious centre in the Roman empire. Roman Forum is the site of Cloaca Maxima, one of the world’s first sewage systems that had let out the foul smell and made way for settlements. The Roman Forum extends from northwest to southwest from the base of the Capitoline Hill to the Velian Hill. The basilicas have been placed at various points - Basilica Aemilia in the north to the Basilica Julia in the south. Here are some great points to pay a visit to in the Roman Forum : Arch of Titus: Built after the death of Titus, it celebrates Rome’s win over Jerusalem. Via Sacra: It is the main pavement that ends at the Colosseum. The Curia: The building where most of the Senate meetings were held and several political decisions were taken. Arch of Septimius Severus: The arch was made in the memory of and as a gratitude to the great Emperor Septimius Severus. Temple of Antoninus Temple of Faustina Read More

Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano is the highest-ranked and the oldest church among the four main basilicas in Rome. It holds the precious title of the ‘archbasilica’ and the ecumenical mother church of the Catholic faithful. Inside the church, the nave features some of the oldest statues of Rome. The reason for its archbasilica title owes to the fact that it is the official seat of the Bishop of Rome - that is the Pope. Also known as the Papal Archbasilica of St John Lateran, it has served as the principal residence of Pope till the 14th century and the centre of all catholic culture. The facade is two-storey that the pope stands to give his speech every Maundy friday. Several statues of Christ and other deities also stand on the same area, with the major one being the Statue of Constantine the great in the middle of the facade. In the main hall, we can see the highly throne where the pope sits during some ceremonies. The interiors of the church are also decorated with several mosaics and frescoes that depict various parts of Christ’s life. Read More

Santa Maria in Trastevere is a 12th-century church located in the district of Trastevere, Rome. The monument is a titular minor basilica. This is the first church in the city dedicated to Mother Mary and a popular tourist attraction. Tourists opting for walks or tours through Trastevere to explore and learn about its history, culture and traditions often cover this church along with other attractions. Basilica of Our Lady in Trastevere is a work of Roman art and architecture. However, some of its sections are older than the 12th century. The structure that exists today was built upon ancient remains. The inscriptions, paintings, mosaics, etc. represent the classical architecture of Rome and attracts not only tourists but also art lovers and architecture buffs. Attending the daily service is recommended, but in case one cannot make it on time, just sitting inside, admiring the beauty and absorbing the serene ambience of Santa Maria in Trastevere is recommended. Read More

Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore is one of Rome's four major Catholic churches. It is a 5th-century church that underwent substantial reparation and renovation until the mid-20th century. Itis known for its massive size, mosaics and masterpieces created by the best of that time. Various architectural styles can be seen, ranging from early Christian to Baroque, owing to their construction at different phases of history. The mosaics and the marble floors date back to the fifth century, whereas the facades and some interiors come from restoration in the 18th century. The domes, the chapel and the columns are in traditional Baroque style, and the inner paintings on the ceiling can be credited to the Renaissance Era. The Bell Tower is considered the highest in Rome, with 75 metres.Every year in the first week of August, a special event marking its existence is organized at the church piazza. Visitors can enjoy a light show along with the stunning 13th-century architecture. Read More

Spanish Steps is an area of steps between Piazza di Spagna at the lower part and Trinita dei Monti at the upper. They are a total of 135 steps designed in an authentic baroque style and serve as a perfect place to sit, relax and observe the daily hustle of the city. The steps are decorated with plants and flowers that make it the number one photographed spot in the city. For years, it has acted as a meeting point for people and a platform for artists and performers to display their skills. Read More

St. Peter's Basilica

The Papal Basilica of St. Peter in the Vatican, or just St. Peter’s Basilica located in the Vatican City in Rome is one of the world’s largest churches and definitely the holiest site for Christianity. It is also known as the “Greatest Church in Christendom”. It is visited by millions of catholic pilgrims and tourists from all over the world. The reason for this church to be considered the most important catholic shrine goes back to the fact that it served as the death as well as the burial ground for Saint Peter who was one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ and the first pope in the Catholic world. The structure that we see today took over a hundred years to complete by the best architects of all time. The magnificent structure can easily accommodate a total of 60,000 visitors at a time. Read More