The first glimpse of the Colosseum through the morning mist is a moment that stays with you forever, a visceral connection to the ancient world that no photograph can capture.
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Explore the Colosseum and Roman Forum
The Colosseum is Rome’s most iconic landmark, a staggering amphitheatre that once held 50,000 spectators for gladiatorial contests and public spectacles. Booking tickets in advance is essential to avoid queues that can stretch for hours, and a guided tour adds context that brings the bloody history to life. The Roman Forum, adjacent to the Colosseum, was the heart of ancient Roman public life, a sprawling complex of temples, basilicas, and government buildings. Walking along the Via Sacra, the main street of ancient Rome, you follow in the footsteps of emperors, senators, and triumphant generals. Allow at least half a day to explore both sites properly, and wear comfortable shoes, the ancient paving stones are uneven and the site covers a vast area.
Toss a Coin in the Trevi Fountain
The Trevi Fountain is the largest Baroque fountain in the city and one of the most beloved landmarks in the world, drawing visitors at all hours of the day and night. The tradition of tossing a coin over your left shoulder with your right hand is said to guarantee your return to Rome, and the coins collected from the fountain raise over one million euros annually for local charities. The best time to visit is early morning, before the crowds gather, when the fountain is illuminated by the soft light of dawn and you can hear the water cascading over the marble figures. The fountain faces west, so afternoon visits mean the square is in shadow while the fountain glows in the sun, creating a dramatic contrast that makes for spectacular photographs.
Visit Vatican City and St Peter’s basilica
Vatican City is the smallest independent state in the world and the spiritual centre of the Catholic Church, home to some of the most important art and architecture in human history. St Peter’s basilica is the largest church in the world, with Michelangelo’s breathtaking Pieta and Bernini’s magnificent baldacchino drawing visitors from every corner of the globe. The Vatican Museums house an extraordinary collection accumulated by the popes over centuries, culminating in the Sistine Chapel with Michelangelo’s ceiling frescoes. Booking tickets well in advance is essential, and a guided tour helps navigate the vast collections without feeling overwhelmed. The dress code requires covered shoulders and knees, a detail that catches many unprepared visitors at the entrance.
Wander Trastevere and Eat Like a Local
Trastevere is the most charming neighbourhood in Rome, a maze of narrow cobbled streets, ivy-covered houses, and lively piazzas that feels a world away from the tourist crowds. The area is famous for its trattorias, where the pasta is handmade, the wine is local, and the atmosphere is authentically Roman. Try cacio e pepe, a simple but perfect dish of pecorino cheese and black pepper, or carbonara made with guanciale, egg, and pecorino, never cream. The Piazza di Santa Maria in Trastevere is the heart of the neighbourhood, dominated by a medieval basilica with glittering golden mosaics. Evening is the best time to explore Trastevere, when the streets fill with locals and visitors alike, eating, drinking, and enjoying the dolce vita.
climb the Spanish Steps and Shop the Via Condotti
The Spanish Steps, a monumental stairway of 135 steps connecting the Piazza di Spagna with the Trinita dei Monti church, are one of Rome’s most elegant public spaces. The steps are a popular meeting point and a prime spot for people-watching, with locals and tourists alike lounging on the travertine steps throughout the day. At the base of the steps lies the Piazza di Spagna with its Baroque fountain in the shape of a sinking boat, the Fontana della Barcaccia. The surrounding streets, particularly Via Condotti and Via del Babuino, are home to the world’s most prestigious fashion houses, from Gucci to Valentino. Even if designer shopping is not in your budget, window-shopping along these elegant streets is a pleasure in itself, and the architecture of the buildings is as beautiful as the clothes inside.
Which of these essential Roman experiences will you tick off first on your visit to the Eternal City?
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