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Things to Do in Niagara Falls & Around

Choose from 5,104 Fun Things to Do in Niagara Falls & Around

Barrio de Salamanca

Shopping, sightseeing, and elegant architecture are all good reasons to head to one of the Spanish capital’s most famous neighborhoods, Barrio de Salamanca. This posh pocket of Madrid is where you’ll find the famous Puerta de Alcalá, the massive and path-filled Retiro Park, and the world’s largest Spanish flag, which waves proudly in Plaza de Colón.

It’s also the ideal destination for shoppers keen to hit up high-end boutiques as well as budget-friendly stops, such as the giant and many-floored Zara store (which, along with some of the area’s biggest shops, is located on Serrano Street). Foodies can find a bit of tasty heaven here, too, visiting places such as the traditional market, Mercado de la Paz, or the theater-turned-gourmet-food-court, Platea, and even the rooftop Gourmet Experience found at the country’s biggest department store, El Corte Inglés.

Practical Info

Barrio de Salamanca is a decent-but-doable walk from the heart of the tourist center, and can also be reached by bus, metro, and hop-on hop-off tour. Note that many of the neighborhood’s shops (particularly the smaller ones) close on Sundays.

Madrid 28001, Spain

From $ 25

Barton Creek Cave

A unique site among all the Mayan caves in Belize is Barton Creek, a tall river cave that was once used for sacrificial purposes and can be explored only by canoe. The striking features of this site and the adrenaline of touring it are the low stalactite, so low you will have to occasionally bend back into the canoe to avoid getting struck. Over seven miles long, the ride to the very end is well worth it, if seldom done by tour guides, with sightings early on of Mayan ceramics high up on ledges, including human bones and a child’s skull.

San Ignacio, Belize

From $ 125

Barry Mill

Barry Mill The Barry Mill is a Category A listed watermill located half a mile north of the village of Barry, not far from the town of Carnoustie in eastern Scotland. Found in a fairly secluded area next to the Barry Burn, the mill consists of three floors: a meal floor (the basement), a milling floor and the top floor. The original mill standing on the site was destroyed by fire in 1814 and the current mill dates from the rebuilding. It was commercially operational until 1984, processing oats into oatmeal, and was restored by the National Trust of Scotland in 1992.

Guided tours of the mill are available and worthwhile in learning more about the process of milling grain into oatmeal. Actual milling takes place on Sunday afternoons and uses a pair of French burr stones made in Edinburgh in 1880.

Practical Info

The grounds surrounding the mill are open year round until sunset each day and are great for picnicking. The mill itself is open April 2 to October 31, Thursday to Monday, from noon to 5 p.m. and on Sundays from 1 to 5 p.m. To get there, you can take a Strathtay Bus from Dundee, Carnoustie or Arbroath. Additionally, trains on the Dundee to Aberdeen route stop at nearby Carnoustie.

Carnoustie, Scotland

The mill itself is open April 2 to October 31, Thursday to Monday, from noon to 5 p.m. and on Sundays from 1 to 5 p.m.

Adults £6.50

From $ 14

Basilica di San Nicola in Carcere

The Basilica di San Nicola in Carcere is a church in Rome with an interesting history. It was built on top of three ancient temples, and pieces of these temples were incorporated into the facade of the current church. There are columns and other sections from the Temple of Spes dating back to 250 B.C., a temple that honored Juno from the 2nd century B.C. and rebuilt in 90 B.C., and the Temple of Janus, the god of gates and beginnings, dating to 17 A.D. Unlike most churches in Rome that took columns from other ruins around the city and moved them, the columns in this church still stand in their original location.

Since the ground level was much lower 2,000 years ago, some of the ruins of these temples are now underground. Visitors can take a tour beneath the church to see these ruins, which are older than many other ruins in the city. These ruins are Republican era, making them roughly 500 years older than the imperial era ruins in other parts of Rome.

Practical Info

Basilica di San Nicola in Carcere is located at Via del Teatro di Marcello 46.

Via del Teatro di Marcello, 46, Rome, Italy

From $ 80

Barrio del Carmen

Situated in the ciutat vella, or old town, Valencia’s Barrio del Carmen is in many ways where you’ll encounter the soul of the Spanish coastal city. Once sandwiched between the 11th-century Muslim wall and the 14th-century Christian one, it’s a neighborhood packed with history, dating back over 1,000 years.

You can still see remnants of its distant past among El Carmen’s streets. The most impressive of these sights certainly includes the medieval towers, Torres de Quart and Torres de Serrano, both of which once belonged to the now-destroyed Christian wall. Then there’s the Portal de Valldigna (located on the street of the same name) that once served as the gate through the former Muslim wall to the Moorish and Jewish quarter. And the past also lives on in the district’s name, derived from the 13th-century Convent of Carmen, which is now a museum dedicated to the 19th century.

These days, El Carmen is hardly just about the past, though, as this barrio makes up arguably the most hip, trendy and bohemian in town. It’s home to a diverse population of people, and of course the mix of establishments that they frequent. As such, expect to find a healthy concentration of eclectic restaurants, shops, and especially bars since El Carmen is quite noted for its nightlife. The neighborhood is also blanketed by street art, ranging from colorful graffiti to wood installations, and message-filled murals that cover the sides of entire buildings.

Practical Info

Barrio del Carmen spans the northern portion of the old town. Though Calle de Caballeros (or Carrer dels Cavallers, in Valencian) is considered a main drag of sorts, the bulk of the area’s offerings are hardly limited to this east-west avenue.

Valencia, Spain

From $ 17

Barranco

Lima’s most bohemian district, the lively coastal neighborhood of Barranco first became popular towards the end of the 19th Century, drawing an influx of poets, writers and artists to the seaside resorts of Las Sombrillas and Barranquito. Although it was integrated into the capital territory in 1860, Barranco retains its village-like feel, with its striking colonial architecture and brightly painted buildings standing in stark contrast to the modern high-rises of neighboring Miraflores.

Best explored on foot, the elegant Plaza San Francisco is the starting point for a walking tour, home to the 19th century Iglesia San Francisco, and encircled by boutiques, cafes and restaurants. Nearby, the Bajada de los Baños ravine is the most popular hangout during the daytime, where the flower-lined Puente de los Suspiros (Bridge of Sighs) makes a romantic spot for watching the sunset. The area is also a fashionable destination after dark, with numerous dance clubs, bars and music venues running all the way down to the waterfront.

Barranco’s arts scene is also still thriving, with over a dozen art galleries dotted around the area, including the Museo Pedro de Osna and the Mario Testino museum, an abundance of colorful street art, and regular street fairs and folk music festivals.

Barranco, Lima, Peru

From $ 26

Basilica Cistern

Atmospheric music, rosy flood lighting and the lilting sound of water lapping on marble – entering the Underground Cistern known in Turkish as Yerebatan Sarayi - or Basilica Cistern, is an experience that charms all the senses.

Built to store water, this has to be the fanciest and most enormous well you’ll ever see. The cistern dates back to Byzantine days when the city was called Constantinople.

Built by Emperor Justinian in the mid-500s, the cavernous underground water-storage area has a vaulted brick ceiling supported by a forest of Corinthian-carved marble columns.

If this eerie, magical place looks a little familiar, you may recognize it from a scene in the James Bond movie From Russia with Love.

On your walk around the Basilica Cistern, seek out the two pillars that have the face of Medusa carved onto their base.

Practical Info

The Basilica Cistern is in Sultanahmet. The entrance is opposite Hagia Sophia on Yerebatan Caddesi.

Yerebatan Caddesi 13, Istanbul 34400, Turkey

9 am- 8 pm

10 TL

From $ 29

Basilica Cathedral of Arequipa

Towering over Arequipa’s main plaza, Plaza de Armas, is the Basilica Cathedral of Arequipa. The history of this great cathedral dates back to 1544 when the first church was built on the square, and over the years, fire, earthquakes and volcanic activity have partially destroyed the structure. The latest disaster happened in 2001, when an earthquake completely toppled one tower.

Today, the fully restored basilica looks as good as new. Besides serving as the seat of the Archbishop, the neo-renaissance structure is also notable for being the only cathedral in Peru that stretches for the entire length of its plaza and is said to house the largest organ in South America, an import from Belgium. The Museum of the Cathedral, one of the most important of Arequipa’s museums, displays a collection of liturgical objects, vestments and religious paintings that help paint a picture of the city’s 400-year history.

Practical Info

The Museum of the Basilica Cathedral of Arequipa is closed on Sundays. Be sure to visit the cathedral bell tower for the views over Arequipa and the surrounding volcanoes.

Plaza de Armas, Arequipa, Peru

From $ 9

Basilica of the Holy Blood (Heilig-Bloedbasiliek)

Standing next to city hall on Burg Square, the Basilica of the Holy Blood (Heilig-Bloedbasiliek) is a highlight of Bruges’ historical center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The church dates back to the 12th century and houses one of the city’s most sacred relics: a vial believed to contain the blood of Jesus Christ.

The Basics

Inside the Basilica of the Holy Blood, visitors can admire the Romanesque-style lower chapel, renowned for its exquisite stained glass windows, then explore the Gothic-style upper chapel, where the sacred relic is housed. A popular stop on sightseeing tours of Bruges, the church is within strolling distance of Belfort Tower, Market Square, and the Historium history experience, making it easy to visit all those attractions on a walking tour.

Things to Know Before You Go

It’s free to visit the Basilica of the Holy Blood, but donations are welcome.
The basilica is a working church and services are held twice a day.
The church is closed daily between noon and 2pm.
The basilica is wheelchair accessible.

How to Get There

The basilica stands at the southwestern corner of Burg Square, next to city hall and an easy walk from any of the central attractions. To get there by public transit, take any number of city buses, including buses 13 and 14, to the Markt stop and walk two minutes to the church.

When to Get There

The Basilica of the Holy Blood is open daily all year round, but it’s only possible to see the vial said to hold Jesus’ blood 11:30am–noon and 2pm–4pm. A popular time to visit is on Assumption Day (August 15), when the bishop of Bruges carries the relic through the streets as part of the Procession of the Holy Blood.

The Legend of the Basilica of the Holy Blood

Legend has it that after the crucifixion of Christ, Joseph of Arimathea wiped Jesus’ blood from his body and preserved the cloth. The cloth remained in Jerusalem until the Second Crusade, when the King of Jerusalem gave the relic to his brother-in-law, the Count of Flanders, Diederik van de Elzas. The count brought the cloth to Bruges in 1150 and built the Basilica of the Holy Blood to house the sacred relic. However, research has indicated that the relic actually came to Bruges about 100 years later from Constantinople (present-day Istanbul). Today, the relic is kept in a rock-crystal vial, which is itself inside a small glass cylinder capped with a golden crown at each end.

Burg 13, Bruges 8000, Belgium

Varies

From $ 22

Barry Island

There are few places as quintessentially Welsh as Barry Island, a lively seaside resort known for its Blue Flag beaches and traditional Pleasure Park, and teeming with locals during the sunny months. It was hit British TV show Gavin & Stacey that put Barry Island firmly on the map and today the main pastime for visitors is touring the many filming locations seen in the comedy series, among them Marco’s Café, Stacey’s house and the arcade where Nessa works.

Barry Island isn’t actually an island, it’s a peninsula jutting out from the southern tip of Barry town, and at just 30 minutes by train from Cardiff, it makes a popular day trip from the capital. Easily explored on foot, the small town is crammed with cafes, quirky souvenir shops, amusements and ice-cream vendors, while the surrounding coast harbours a number of scenic walkways, sandy beaches and rock pools.

Practical Info

Barry Island is located on the south coast of Wales, around 16 km south of Cardiff.

Wales

From $ 36

Bascarsija

Lying north of the River Miljacka and forming the original heart of Sarajevo’s Old Town (Stari Grad), Bascarsija is a vibrant, bustling Oriental bazaar where several mosques and hammams (baths) date back to 1462, when the country was under the Ottoman rule. Starting life as a caravanserai, with accommodation for travelers and stabling for horses, its foundations were laid by Isa-Beg Ishaković, who was the first Ottoman governor of Bosnia. Over time, Bascarsija grew into a labyrinthine district of cobbled alleyways and shaded lanes, and by the 17th century it was a thriving trading hub with thousands of workshops practicing scores of crafts from coppersmiths to potters and jewelers, all existing amid the mosques and minarets.

Despite an 1879 fire destroying almost half of the bazaar, today its intriguing spider’s web of pedestrianized backstreets spans out from the landmark 19th-century Sebilj Fountain. Many of the alleyways and are still crammed with cluttered artisan stores spilling over with copper pots, gold, ceramics and hand-embroidered shawls, as well as cozy little cafés offering eastern delicacies such as stuffed dolmas and meat-filled burek.

Practical Info

Located in Old Town (Stari Grad), Bascarsija is always open and accessible.

Stari Grad (Old Town), Sarajevo, Sarajevo Canton 71000, Bosnia and Herzegovina

From $ 54

Basilica of Saint Mary

The historical highlight of the palm-fringed city of Elche, just a short hop from Alicante, the Basilica of Saint Mary is best known for hosting the annual Mystery of Elche play, a theatric interpretation of the death of the Virgin Mary and her assumption to heaven. The traditional play, which features around 300 performers and draws huge crowds, has been performed in the basilica since the 13th-century, and it’s the only Catholic church in the world permitted to host such an event. The play, typically held in two acts each August, is also inscribed on the UNESCO Intangible Heritage list.

Built on the site of an ancient mosque, the Basilica of Saint Mary is also notable for its ornate Baroque facade and striking dome, which date back to the 17th century, and the bell tower, which offers panoramic views over the city.

Practical Info

The Basilica of Saint Mary is located on Placa de les Flors in Elche, around 25km southwest of Alicante, and is open daily 7am-9pm.

Placa de les Flors, Elche, Spain

Open daily 7am-9pm

From $ 32

Basilica of San Clemente al Laterano (Basilica di San Clemente al Laterano)

Rome’s Basilica of San Clemente al Laterano offers wonders both above and below ground. The interior of the 12th-century church is richly decorated with Byzantine mosaics considered among Italy’s best, and below the surface are two layers of ancient ruins including a fourth-century basilica, a temple, and a first-century villa.

The Basics

When visiting the Basilica of San Clemente, you can admire the present-day church—home to spectacular mosaics and the tombs of St. Clement and St. Cyril—before heading underground to tour the excavations below. Here, you’ll find well-preserved frescoes, a pagan temple dedicated to Mithras, and the remains of a Roman house.

There are thousands of years of history to take in at the Basilica of San Clemente, so the best way to visit is by joining a private guided tour of the church and underground excavation sites with skip-the-line entry. Many tours of San Clemente also visit the Capuchin Crypt and accompanying museum.

Things to Know Before You Go

The Basilica of San Clemente al Laterano is ideal for history buffs.
Book a skip-the-line tour to avoid long waits, especially in the summer months.
San Clemente is a Catholic church—modest clothing, covering shoulders and knees, and a respectful decorum are required.
Photography is not allowed inside the basilica.
The excavations beneath San Clemente are not accessible to wheelchairs or strollers.

How to Get There

The Basilica of San Clemente al Laterano is located on Piazza San Clemente near the Colosseum. Take metro line B from the Termini train station to the Colosseo stop.

When to Get There

The church and underground excavations are open daily year-round; check the website for hours and mass times. The site is a cool reprieve from the summer heat, yet can be very crowded during this time.

San Clemente History

San Clemente was built on top of an older basilica dating from the fourth century, which in turn was built on the remains of a villa owned by a wealthy Roman, probably destroyed by the great fire in AD 64.

Piazza San Clemente, Rome, Italy

Varies

From $ 29

Barrio Italia

Italian immigrant artists began settling the neighborhood surrounding Avenida Italia during the nineteenth century. During the first half of the 1900s, the neighborhood became a hub of commercial and industrial activity, and today, it’s quickly becoming one of Santiago’s trendiest neighborhoods.

Early twentieth century buildings — once private homes and workshops — now house boutiques, galleries, antiques stores and cafes. Aside from antiques and vintage home furniture, Barrio Italia is also known for its interior design shops. A smattering of restaurants with open air tables serve Italian, but you’ll also find Chilean, Portuguese and Spanish among Barrio Italia’s culinary offerings.

Practical Info

Barrio Italia is located near Santa Isabel metro station. Exit the station and walk east on Santa Isabel until you reach Avenida Italia.

Santiago, Chile

From $ 41

Basilica di Sant'Agostino

Located near Piazza Navona, the 15th-century Basilica di Sant’Agostino is home to the Cavalletti Chapel, where visitors flock to view Caravaggio’s Baroque masterpiece, La Madonna di Loreto, along with The Prophet Isaiah by Raphael, La Madonna del Parto statue by Sansovino, and the sumptuous high altar by Bernini.

The Basics

Although the church is dedicated to Saint Augustine, it’s actually the saint’s mother—Saint Monica—who is entombed there, but the Basilica of St. Augustine's main attraction is by far the rich art inside. You can visit the church by joining a walking tour of Rome's Baroque masterpieces that includes the art in this basilica as well as in other Roman churches by Caravaggio, Raphael, Michelangelo, and Bernini.

Things to Know Before You Go

When visiting Catholic churches in Rome, you must wear clothing that covers your shoulders and knees.
Walking tours require some time on your feet, so choose comfortable shoes.
The church isn’t wheelchair- or stroller-accessible; there are stairs at the entrance.
Flash photography is not allowed inside the church.

How to Get There

The Basilica di Sant'Agostino (also known as Sant'Agostino in Campo Marzio) is located on Piazza di Sant'Agostino in the heart of Rome's historic center, just off Piazza Navona.

When to Get There

Rome's most famous churches can be crowded in summer, so visit first thing in the morning or late in the afternoon to be able to enjoy the art in relative peace. The church is usually closed in August.

Sansovino's Miraculous Madonna

It is said that Jacopo Sansovino's La Madonna del Parto was originally a Roman statue of the Empress Agrippina holding her infant son Nero, which Sansovino reworked into a Christian rendering of the Madonna and child centuries later. The statue is said to have miraculous fertility powers, so it is usually surrounded by offerings from women who believe it interceded on their behalf.

Piazza di Sant’Agostino 80, Rome, Puglia, Italy

From $ 52

Bartolome Island

Isla Bartolome, located off the east shore of Sullivan Bay, is a small but beautiful island most famous for its iconic Pinnacle Rock, arguably one of the most recognizable landmarks of the Galapagos. This incredible geological site is a staggering rock face, formed from an eroded lava formation from the eruption of an underwater volcano. Visitors can summit the island via a 600-meter (about 2,000 foot) trail and enjoy some of the most breathtaking views of Pinnacle Rock, Sullivan Bay, Isla San Salvador (or Santiago), and Isla Daphne. Photographic opportunities abound at this ideal spot.

Visit the north beach for wonderful snorkeling opportunities. Swim with beautiful fish and Galapagos penguins, or visit the southern shore to see white-tipped sharks, spotted eagle rays, and stingrays. Keep your eyes out for the green sea turtles, especially if you’re there during mating season (typically November to January).

Practical Info

In order to reach Bartolome Island, it is necessary to take a boat service from Puerto Ayora, where the main Galapagos airport, Isla Baltra, is located. Flights to Isla Baltra are available from both Quito and Guayaquil. There are many boat services between the islands out of Puerto Ayora.

Ecuador

From $ 285

Basilica di Santa Maria in Trastevere

As the cradle of Christianity, Rome is home to some of the oldest churches in the world. Among the most important is the Basilica di Santa Maria in Trastevere, with a facade and interior covered in golden mosaics from the 12th and 13th centuries. Dominating Piazza di Santa Maria, the church is a highlight of historical Trastevere.

The Basics

The Basilica of Santa Maria in Trastevere was originally founded in the third century, but a complete renovation in the 12th century left the church in its present form, with a Romanesque bell tower and shimmering golden mosaics inside and out. Believed to be the first church in Rome dedicated to the Virgin Mary, the basilica has a 16th-century portico designed by Carlo Fontana and an interior divided into three naves by lines of columns taken from the ancient Baths of Caracalla. One of the most beloved churches in the city, Santa Maria in Trastevere is often chosen by Romans to celebrate weddings and baptisms.

Explore the church and the vibrant neighborhood of Trastevere on a guided walking, bike, or Segway tour. Guided food tours explore Trastevere and the nearby Jewish Ghetto, both known for their excellent cuisine.

Things to Know Before You Go

Visitors must wear modest attire covering knees and shoulders to enter the church.
Photography is allowed inside the church.
The basilica is accessible to wheelchairs and strollers.
The square outside the church is pedestrian only and generally filled with street musicians and artists, so a good stop if traveling with young children.

How to Get There

The Basilica of Santa Maria in Trastevere is located on the square of the same name, along the east bank of the Tiber River, south of Vatican City. Cross the Ponte Sisto on foot, or take tram 8 from the center of Rome across the Ponte Garibaldi, just north of Tiber Island.

When to Get There

The church is a popular venue for weddings and other religious ceremonies on the weekends, during which time the interior may not be accessible. Visit the church in the late afternoon for the best light on the facade, then stop at one of the many cafés in the square just outside for a relaxing aperitivo.

Piazza di Santa Maria in Trastevere

The Basilica of Santa Maria in Trastevere stands on Piazza Santa Maria, the heart of this bohemian neighborhood that is filled by day with Romans and visitors dining at sidewalk restaurants and sunbathing on the steps of the square’s central fountain. Come evening, the city’s youth flock to the many trendy bars and cafés in and around the piazza.

Via della Paglia, 14, Rome, Province of Rome 00153, Italy

From $ 34

Basilica of Bom Jesus

Built at the turn of the 17th century by Florentine sculptor Giovanni Battista Foggini, this red-stone church is one of the oldest in India. It's also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. While it's dedicated to the baby Jesus, many people choose to visit because the basilica holds the remains of St. Francis Xavier, the patron saint of Goa.

The Basics

While the exterior of the Basilica de Bom Jesus is impressive, with an imposing facade made of red sandstone pulled from the sea, the interiors are particularly striking as well. Inside you'll find gold-gilded altars, white marble floors with stone inlay, and lots of paintings of St. Francis Xavier. The saint's tomb sits to the right of the altar, and his remains are displayed once per decade.

The basilica can be viewed as part of a day trip to Goa; visitors may choose a dedicated cultural heritage tour, or combine historical sights with beaches, markets, and more. Hop-on hop-off bus tours also stop at the basilica.

Things to Know Before You Go

Dress modestly out of respect for local culture, with your knees and shoulders covered.
The basilica is arguably the most important church in Goa and it’s a must-visit for history buffs.
If you come during Mass, stay in the pews and wait until the service is over before you walk around or take photos.

How to Get There

The basilica is situated in the heart of Old Goa, or Velha Goa as it's known locally, and virtually all tours of Old Goa stop here. It's about 20 minutes’ drive to Old Goa from Panaji, the state capital, or about 40 minutes from Calangute. If you're coming from farther north—such as from Anjuna or Chapora—give yourself at least an hour to get here.

When to Get There

The basilica is open Monday through Friday and on Sunday. It's closed Saturday, except during special religious services. Mass is held twice every morning on weekdays, and again once in the evening, with Sunday services in English and Konkani. The church also offers special programs for the Feast of St. Francis Xavier on December 3.

St. Francis Xavier: The Patron Saint of Goa

Francis Xavier was one of the founders of the Society of Jesus (Jesuits). He traveled to India in 1542 as a missionary and is celebrated for the work he did to spread Catholicism in India, particularly in the South. However, he was also behind the Goa Inquisition, which led to severe punishments of Catholic people who were suspected of practicing Hinduism in secret.

Old Goa, India

From $ 8

Basilica di Santa Maria degli Angeli

This impressive 16th-century basilica is set in the ruins of the Roman Baths of Diocletian, and its remarkable interior—designed by Michelangelo—is testament to the massive size of ancient Roman buildings. The church, located in the heart of Rome, contains a meridian line built in the 1700s to predict the exact date of Easter each year.

The Basics

The current Basilica di Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri (Basilica of Saint Mary of the Angels and the Martyrs) is based on a design by Michelangelo, who worked on the church from 1563 to 1564; Luigi Vanvitelli oversaw later renovations. The sumptuous marble Greek-cross interior is decorated with 18th-century paintings, the tomb of Pope Pius IV, and the meridian line sundial—commissioned by Pope Clement XI, built by Francesco Bianchini, and still operational today. Polish sculptor Igor Mitoraj created new bronze doors and a statue of John the Baptist for the basilica in 2006.

Because of its location in the heart of Rome, the basilica is a popular stop on walking or Vespa tours of Christian Rome that also include religious sites like St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican.

Things to Know Before You Go

Comfortable shoes are recommended if visiting as part of a walking tour.
Photography without flash is allowed in the basilica.
Modest attire that covers shoulders and knees is required to enter the church.
The basilica is accessible to wheelchairs and strollers.

How to Get There

The Basilica di Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri is in the ruins of the Terme di Diocleziano, located on Piazza della Repubblica just across from Rome's Termini station and Palazzo Massimo alle Terme. Both of the city's metro lines and numerous bus lines stop at Termini.

When to Get There

The cool and quiet interior of the church is a welcome respite from Rome's midday heat and chaos near the train station, so pop in during the hottest hours of the day.

Italy's Other Basilica di Santa Maria degli Angeli

Italy has two famous basilicas dedicated to Saint Mary of the Angels: one in Rome and one in Assisi, Umbria, the birthplace of Saint Francis. The Assisi basilica holds the small church called the Porziuncola—the chapel where the Franciscan order began—and is adjacent the saint's miraculous rose garden. Other sights in Assisi include the Basilica di San Francesco with the tomb of St. Francis of Assisi, the Basilica di Santa Chiara, and the castle fortress of Rocca Maggiore.

Via Porziuncola, 1, Santa Maria degli Angeli PG, Italy

From $ 58

Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls

Once the largest basilica in the world, the Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls is one of four papal basilicas in Rome and among the city’s most important Christian sites. Presumed to be set over the tomb of St. Paul, the church has a striking interior decorated with 80 columns and extensive mosaics.

The Basics

As a papal basilica, the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls (San Paolo Fuori Le Mura) belongs to the Vatican—though is not located within the confines of Vatican City—and plays an important role in Catholic jubilee celebrations. In addition to the 19th-century church with its magnificent Gothic baldachin by Arnolfo di Cambio, the complex has a beautiful 13th-century Romanesque cloister built by the Vassalletto family, and an art gallery with some of the works that once decorated the basilica.

The Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls is a highlight of guided tours of Rome’s major basilicas and early-Christian holy sites, along with St. Peter’s Basilica, Saint John Lateran, and Santa Maria Maggiore.

Things to Know Before You Go

If taking a Christian Rome walking tour, wear comfortable shoes and sun protection, as there is a lot of ground to cover.
Catholic churches have a strict dress code, so wear clothing that covers knees and shoulders.
Photography without flash is permitted inside the church.
The basilica, cloister, and art gallery are fully accessible to wheelchairs and strollers.

How to Get There

Rome’s Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls is located on Via Ostiense, just a short walk from the San Paolo Basilica stop on metro line B.

When to Get There

St. Paul Outside the Walls is one of Italy’s most important Catholic churches, and attracts the most visitors around Easter and Christmas, and on jubilee years.

Papal Portraits

Above the arches that divide the naves at Saint Paul Outside the Walls, there is a row of mosaic medallions depicting each pope from Saint Peter to Pope Francis—the only portrait illuminated, which signifies Francis’ role as the current leader of the Catholic Church.

Via Ostiense 186, Rome, Italy

From $ 70