Best Things to Do in Rome

The most famous attraction in Rome is arguably the Roman Colosseum. The iconic amphitheater is the largest ever built, inaugurated in 80 AD and used for battle re-enactments, brutal fights between man and beast, and more, with the last recorded event taking place here in 523 AD. Since that time, the Colosseum suffered damage from earthquakes, lootings and bombings during the Second World War, but it’s still managed to stand the test of time as the world’s largest standing amphitheater, seating as many as 50,000 spectators. A masterpiece of engineering, the freestanding structure is made of stone and concrete and three of its stories are encircled by arches framed on the exterior by Doric, Ionic and Corinthian columns. The underground level served as the backstage for all gladiator fights, public executions and wild animal hunts. To avoid a long wait in line, be sure to buy your tickets online well in advance.

Not far from the Colosseum, Palatine is the most famous of the Seven Hills of Rome and its mythical birthplace. Legend says that it was founded in 753 BC by Romulus. Towering over the Roman Forum and the Circus Maximus, the ruins of its ancient palace are still visible from a distance. They were once home to temples and emperors, with upper-class Roman citizens settling here and building their sumptuous structures. There are hundreds of ruins of imposing buildings, with highlights like the 1st-century BC Domus Flavia and House of Livia, the latter being one of the most well-preserved. The House of Augustus was built as the private residence of Octavian Augustus with colorful frescoes decorating the walls. One can also view mosaics, sculptures, frescoes and other objects from the hill at the Palatine Museum. Don’t miss the Farnese Gardens which were one of the first botanical gardens created in Europe.

A group of archaeological and art museums in Piazza del Campidoglio atop Capitoline Hill, the Capitoline Museums are the oldest public museums in the world, founded in 1471. Among the best you’ll find in Rome, they sit within multiple buildings, including the Palazzo dei Conservatori and the Palazzo Nuovo, linked by the underground Galleria Lapidaria, and the Palazzo Senatorio. The remarkable collection includes Old Master paintings, classical sculptures and ancient frescoes. It started with the collection of ancient bronze statues donated by Pope Sixtus IV and over the centuries it grew significantly. In 1734, the museums were opened to the public by Pope Clement XII. In Palazzo dei Conservatori, you’ll see a courtyard with giant marble body parts scattered about that were originally part of a massive statue of Constantine in the Roman Forum. Other highlights include Bernini’s Bust of Medusa and the giant statue of Emperor Marcus Aurelius.

A large complex of ruins located on the Via dei Fori Imperiali at the opposite end of the Colosseum, Trajan’s Market was a focal point of the community, where people gathered, government matters were handled and goods were bartered. It’s one of the most well-preserved ancient sites in Rome and includes a rare example of a surviving Roman high-rise building. As you explore the grounds of the complex, it’s easy to envision the many vendors and shops here some 2,000 years ago. At the Imperial Forum Museum, you can learn more about the five imperial forums and view a wealth of archaeological artifacts. You’ll emerge onto one of the museum’s ancient streets revealing a well-preserved snapshot of a Roman road. The building itself is a highlight, centered on a huge Great Hall providing a good glimpse of the artistry and opulence of ancient Roman architects. At the top, there are magnificent views overlooking the forums.

The 16th-century baroque Church of St. Louis of the French is just a two-minute walk from Piazza Navona, dedicated to the Virgin Mary, to St. Denis the Areopagite and St. Louis IX, king of France. It showcases some incredible works of art, with the crown jewel St Matthew cycle, a trio of Caravaggio masterpieces that are among the baroque’s artist’s few surviving works that can be viewed in their original location. Completed in 1602, they include the Calling of St Matthew, the Martyrdom of St Matthew and the Inspiration of St Matthew. They caused considerable consternation among the clergy of San Luigi, who believed the dramatically realistic approach was scandalously disrespectful. There are other important works on display here as well, with one of the most notable being the cycle of frescoes by Domenichino that illustrate episodes from the life of the patron saint of music and musicians, St Cecilia.

Largo di Torre Argentina serves as a busy transport hub in the heart of Rome, but it also has a rich history. Most of the countless visitors walking through aren’t aware of its tragic past, with the Curia of Pompey, the sunken area at the center, the site where Julius Caesar was assassinated in 44 BC by Brutus and his co-conspirators. The remains of four Republican-era temples and part of Pompey’s Theatre dating as far back as the 3rd century BC can be seen here as well, rising like an apparition among modern surroundings. They were discovered when part of Rome was reconstructed after Italian unification. In 1927 during demolition work, the huge head and arms of a marble statue were found. Further archaeological investigation showed that it was a holy area. While humans aren’t allowed here, you’ll see the Cat Sanctuary which provides a home for many of the city’s stray cat population.

Piazza del Popolo is an elegant and monumental square located at what was once the main northern entrance to Rome, at the spot where Via del Corso, Via di Ripetta and Via del Babuino all meet. Dating back to 1538, although it was given a makeover by the architect Giuseppe Valadier in the 19th century, it’s one of the city’s great squares. The church next to the gate, Santa Maria del Popolo, stood here for centuries before it even existed, founded in 1227 and replaced in the 15th century by the present-day church. Its interior holds many great baroque and Renaissance works. At the opposite end of the square, are “twin” churches built in 1662 that frame the entrance to the three streets. It’s a great place for people watching and has long been a popular hangout, from the public executions carried out in centuries past to today’s political rallies and concerts.