Best things to see in Rome

Europe

There is no other city in Europe that makes as big an impression as Rome. This enchanting city is known for its rich history, romantic atmosphere and delicious Italian cuisine. Rome is really one big open-air museum, where you discover new details on every street corner that keep amazing you. Discover the sights of Rome, enjoy the most beautiful squares and fountains, and taste local specialities. With our tips you will get the most out of your city trip to Rome and have an unforgettable time.

How to get to Rome?

Look for the cheapest tickets on Skyscanner or Google Flights. There are several airlines, including Transavia, easyJet and ITA Airways.
On a road trip? Then you can also easily reach Rome by car. Driving in the city itself can be a challenge, so choose a place to stay just outside the city.
You can also get there by train and metro. With a few changes in Germany, you first reach Bologna before getting off right in the centre of Rome. You can book train tickets with NS International. Metros and buses run all over the city to get you around.

Where to stay in Rome?

Book a hotel or B&B in the middle of the city through Airbnb, Booking.com or Agoda.
Or choose a campsite just outside the city if you travel to Rome by car. Roma Camping in Town is a good campsite with mobile homes and, as a bonus, a swimming pool. A bus leaves right outside the campsite and takes you within 30 minutes to the nearest metro station, where you change to the metro to the centre. Opposite the campsite there is also a large supermarket where you can pick up whatever you need.

Which places in Rome should you see?

There is so much to see in Rome, can you even manage to see it all? If you wear good shoes and get up early, you will get a long way. Make sure you also see the city in the evening, because then all the sights are lit up, which creates a super romantic atmosphere.

Step inside one or more of the 900 basilicas in Rome. Each one is even more beautiful than the last and they are often free to visit. Do make sure your shoulders and knees are covered before you go in. Basilicas that made a big impression on us are: Basilica Papale di Santa Maria Maggiore, near Termini metro station, and San Luigi dei Francesi near Piazza Navona.

Speaking of impressive basilicas: St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City is of course a must! Try to go as early as possible to beat the crowds. The basilica itself is free, but if you want to climb the stairs to the top you pay a small fee. You can buy tickets at the door. We were there at 6 in the morning to watch the sunrise from the very top of the basilica.
Close to Vatican City you will find Castel Sant'Angelo. You can visit the inside, but even from the outside it is a beautiful building to see. It is connected by a beautiful bridge to the lively Trastevere district. The atmosphere here is especially great in the evening. Street musicians entertain you while you enjoy the beautifully lit castle with the flowing Tiber river in the background.

The Colosseum of course cannot be missed. Book a ticket in advance online or at the door to see the inside of the Colosseum too. We chose a full experience. It is extremely touristy, but still impressive and interesting to see and hear what happened here.
You can often combine a ticket for the Colosseum with a visit to the Roman Forum: 2,000-year-old excavations of Roman temples, squares and government buildings. A very special place to wander through.

Walk past the Monument to Victor Emmanuel II, a marble temple in honour of the first king of Italy. You cannot visit the inside, but just standing in front of it makes you feel very small because of its enormous size.
Go to the Pantheon and the little square around it. It is open to visitors and inside you can walk a small loop. If you want to do that, make sure you are there on time. It now costs €5.00, but this building too is already beautiful from the outside if the queue is too long for you.

Our very favourite square is Piazza Navona. A breathtaking square with several fountains and another beautiful basilica you can go into. Settle down on one of the terraces and watch everything happening around you. Another nice square is Piazza del Popolo.

The most famous fountain in the world is of course the Trevi Fountain. Here too, make sure you go as early as possible, because it is incredibly busy all day long. Even late in the evening it is still packed with people. That does create a fun atmosphere though, it feels as if there is a street party going on. And do not forget to follow the tradition: if you throw a coin with your right hand over your left shoulder, it is supposed to bring good luck.
You could also stop at the Spanish Steps. The name comes from the fact that in the 17th century the Spanish embassy was at the foot of the steps. The steps were built to connect the church at the top with the square below. We found it a bit disappointing after everything we had already seen, but it is a pleasant area all the same. The luxury shopping street next to it is nice to stroll through.

Which restaurants are worth it in Rome?

For the most delicious ice cream (in the world) go to Giolitti. We promise you will not regret it! You will find Giolitti near the parliament building (Piazza del Parlamento).
Close to St. Peter's Basilica you will find a lovely breakfast spot called Homebaked Rome, ideal after climbing the steps of the basilica early in the morning. Sit down for fresh waffles, bagels with egg and freshly squeezed orange juice.
The Trastevere district has lots of nice little restaurants, but we have never eaten as well as at Alle Fratte di Trastevere. We would happily eat here every day. A good glass of wine, fresh bruschetta, creamy risotto and delicious tiramisu. Italian cuisine at its best!
Looking for a gluten-free restaurant? Then head to Risotteria Melotti. It is also delicious for people who do not need to eat gluten-free (like us). As the name says, this is the place for risotto. They use rice in all their dishes, even in their beer!

Practical tips for Rome

Preparation

Flight or trainCompare flights via Skyscanner or Google Flights; by train you travel via Germany and Bologna

Skyscanner → NS International →

Book the Colosseum in advanceBook your ticket online; you can often combine it with the Roman Forum

Clothing for churchesCover your shoulders and knees when you visit a basilica

By car?Choose a place to stay just outside the city, such as Roma Camping in Town, and take the bus and metro to the centre →

On the spot

Set off earlyThat way you beat the biggest crowds at St. Peter's Basilica and the Trevi Fountain

Metro and busMetros and buses run all over the city

Explore the city in the evening tooThat is when all the sights are lit up

Free sightsMany basilicas are free, and so is St. Peter's Basilica itself

Frequently asked questions about a city trip to Rome

How do you get to Rome? +

The fastest way is by plane; compare flights via Skyscanner or Google Flights. You can also go by train, with a few changes in Germany and Bologna, or by car. In that case, choose a place to stay just outside the city.

What should you see in Rome? +

St. Peter's Basilica, the Colosseum and the Roman Forum, the Pantheon, the Trevi Fountain, Piazza Navona, the Monument to Victor Emmanuel II, Castel Sant'Angelo and the Spanish Steps.

How do you avoid the crowds at the Trevi Fountain and St. Peter's? +

Go as early as possible. We were at St. Peter's Basilica at 6 am to watch the sunrise from the dome.

Is St. Peter's Basilica free? +

The basilica itself is free. If you want to climb the stairs to the dome, you pay a small fee; you buy tickets at the door.

Should you book the Colosseum in advance? +

It is certainly handy. You buy a ticket online or at the door, and you can often combine it with a visit to the Roman Forum.

What should you wear in a church in Rome? +

Make sure your shoulders and knees are covered before you enter a basilica.

Where to eat well in Rome? +

Get ice cream at Giolitti near Piazza del Parlamento, have breakfast at Homebaked Rome after an early visit to St. Peter's and have dinner at Alle Fratte di Trastevere. For gluten-free food, go to Risotteria Melotti.

What is the most special neighbourhood in Rome? +

Trastevere, especially in the evening. You walk across the bridge to the illuminated Castel Sant'Angelo, street musicians create a great atmosphere and there are lots of nice little restaurants.