Things to Do in Rome

Choose from 177 Fun Things to Do in Rome

Roman Jewish Ghetto (Ghetto Ebraico di Roma)

Though Rome’s Jewish Ghetto no longer officially exists (it was abolished in 1882), the neighborhood is still the center of Rome’s Jewish community, the oldest in Italy. The city’s 19th-century synagogue— home to the Jewish Museum of Rome— is here, as are winding lanes lined with kosher restaurants, markets, and butchers.

Like many cities in Europe, Rome required its Jewish residents to live in a separate, walled-off neighborhood during the Middle Ages. The Roman Jewish Ghetto (Ghetto Ebraico di Roma) was established in 1555, when the city erected walls around this area in the historic center; these barriers were torn down only after the ghetto was abolished in 1882. Today, despite its unhappy history, the Jewish Ghetto is now one of Rome’s most beautiful neighborhoods.

The Basics

Walking tours focused on the city’s Jewish life and food tours highlighting the neighborhood’s cuisine are excellent ways to discover the history and culture of this unique corner of Rome. You can also book a private tour of the area, allowing for customized experiences for those with limited mobility, food allergies, or other requirements or preferences. For even more insight into Jewish Rome, the synagogue’s museum has a curated collection of documents and artifacts related to local Jewish history.

In addition to its Jewish cultural sights, the Ghetto is home to a number of ancient ruins—the Portico of Octavia (Portico d’Ottavia or Porticus Octaviae) and the Theatre of Marcellus (Teatro di Marcello) are the most significant— and the iconic Bocca della Verità (Mouth of Truth) marble mask at the Basilica of St. Mary in Cosmedin (Basilica di Santa Maria in Cosmedin), made famous in the Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck film Roman Holiday.

Things to Know Before You Go

Most small-group Jewish Ghetto tours are on foot or by bike, so be sure to wear comfortable shoes and clothing.
The Jewish Ghetto is located near Rome’s bustling Campo de’ Fiori outdoor market, and many group tours include visits to both.

How to Get There

The Jewish Ghetto is in Rione Sant’Angelo, directly across the Tiber River from the Trastevere neighborhood and not far from the Roman Forum. There are no metro stops near the Ghetto, but a number of city bus lines connect it with the train station and other parts of the city.

When to Get There

A Rome tour focused on the Jewish Ghetto is best scheduled when the neighborhood businesses are open; many close for the Sabbath from Friday at sunset to Saturday at sunset.

The Turtle Fountain

The Eternal City is known for its dozens of beautiful fountains, and one of the prettiest is the Turtle Fountain (Fontana delle Tartarughe) in the ghetto’s Piazza Mattei. Dating from the late Renaissance, this small fountain’s original dolphin decorations were replaced by turtles due to low water pressure, resulting in the endearing version we see today.

Italy

From $ 31

Santa Maria della Pace

Not far from the busy and popular Piazza Navona in Rome is the Santa Maria della Pace church, which has a Baroque facade on a 15th-century church.

The front of the existing church was redesigned in the mid-17th century at the behest of Pope Alexander VII, including the lovely semicircular entrance lined with columns. The architect, Pietro da Cortona, also had some neighboring buildings destroyed to open up the little piazza around the church more.

Inside, the main attractions are artistic and predate the 17th-century work on the facade. A large Raphael fresco of the “Four Sibyls” is over the altar in the Chigi Chapel, painted in 1514. The Ponzetti Chapel contains a Peruzzi fresco of the “Madonna and Child,” and Antonio da Sangallo the Younger designed the Cesi Chapel.

Behind the church is the rest of the complex, including a large cloister built by Bramante between 1500-1504. Today, part of the cloister serves as an exhibition space for which tickets are required. Exhibitions rotate regularly.

Practical Info

In the coffee shop on the top level of the cloisters, there is a Sybils’ Hall that has a glass wall that looks right into the church. From this vantage point, you get a wonderful view of Raphael’s “Four Sibyls,” and there’s an audio-visual guide to explain what you’re seeing.

Via Arco della Pace 5, Rome, Lazio 00186, Italy

Mon, Wed, & Sat 9-11:50am

From $ 87

Rome Civitavecchia Cruise Port

Located 50 miles (80 kilometers) northwest of Rome, the Civitavecchia cruise port is a popular jumping-off point for shore excursions to Italy’s capital city. Home to some of the world’s most important art and architecture, and bursting with bustling piazzas and lively restaurants, Rome is a highlight of any Mediterranean cruise.

The Basics

To see the important sights in this busy European capital, maximize your time by taking a tour, perhaps a private one with a driver and skip-the-line tickets to the crowded Colosseum and Vatican Museums. Most Rome tours and shore excursions last a day to cover top attractions including Trevi Fountain, Piazza Navona, the Pantheon, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Square and Basilica. Experience the city’s culinary traditions in trattorias and cafes lining its squares.

Things to Know Before You Go

The Colosseum and Vatican Museums (including the Sistine Chapel) are among the most visited attractions in Italy, so be sure to book a tour with skip-the-line tickets.
Most Roman churches, including St. Peter’s Basilica, require clothing that covers shoulders and knees to enter.
Many archaeological sites in Rome, including the Colosseum and Roman Forum, are outdoors. Bring a hat and sunscreen in summer.
Even driving tours of Rome require a fair amount of walking; comfortable footwear and weather-appropriate clothing is recommended.
The city’s metro and bus systems are famously overcrowded and slow; it is almost always faster and easier to get around by private car.

How to Get There

Shore excursions and private tours generally include port pickup and drop-off, and shuttle buses and private transfers are available for visitors heading to the city or Fiumicino and Ciampino airports. You can reach Rome by train from the Civitavecchia train station, a 10-minute walk from the port or a short shuttle ride from Civitavecchia's landmark Michelangelo Fort. Trains run every half hour to Rome’s Termini station, and the trip takes about an hour.

Port Information

Most of the largest cruise lines stop at the Civitavecchia port. Italian is the most widely spoken language here. The local currency is the euro; ATMs are easy to find, and foreign exchange bureaus are near the docks.

Calata Principe Tommaso, Civitavecchia, Italy

From $ 31

San Lorenzo in Lucina

Home to one of the oldest churches in the world, the colorful Piazza di San Lorenzo in Lucina looks at first to be simply high end shops and outdoor cafes. Yet hidden behind a simple facade is the Chiesa di San Lorenzo in Lucina, which has been standing since the fourth century. It is believed to have been built on an ancient well that was once tribute to the Roman goddess Juno. Once built, the church was dedicated to Saint Lawrence, a Roman martyr, and now functions as a Roman Catholic parish and minor basilica.

The church has been restored over and over throughout the centuries, so there are layers of history apparent in its detailed architecture. Everything from Roman columns to a Romanesque bell tower and a 12th-century portico can be seen from the outside. The interior is largely Baroque in style. Highlights include Guido Reni’s Crocifisso (Crucifixion) at the main altar and various busts by Bernini located in the chapels.

Practical Info

The Piazza di San Lorenzo in Lucina and its church are located just off the Via del Corso. The church is open daily from 8 am to 8 pm, with access to the ruins costing 2 euro.

Via in Lucina, 16, 00186, Rome, Italy

Daily 8am-8pm

€2

From $ 58

Portico of Octavia

Portico of Octavia was a large courtyard with many columns originally built in the 2nd century BC. It was rebuilt about 100 years later by Emperor Augustus and dedicated to his sister, Octavia. It once covered an area of almost 445 feet long and almost 380 feet wide, larger than a football field, and it had

more than 300 Corinthian columns. The Temple of Juno Regina and the Temple of Jupiter Stator stood in the middle. Today not much remains of the structure compared to what it once was. Visitors can still see five columns and the ruins of the entrance gate.

In the Middle Ages, the ruins of the Portico of Octavia became the site of a fish market. A stone to the right of the portico's great arch still marks the location. Nearby you can find the Teatro Marcello, the Tiber River and Tiber Island, the Temple of Apollo Sosiano, and it's not far from the Roman Forum.

Practical Info

Portico of Octavia is located at Via del Portico D'Ottavia, 29. To get there, take tram 8 to Arenula - Cairoli and walk east.

Via del Portico D'Ottavia, 29, Rome, Lazio 00186, Italy

From $ 45

Rainbow Magic Land

Just as its name implies, Rainbow Magic Land is a fantasy world of color and magic — a theme park for families to explore, located just outside of Rome. With more than thirty attractions and ten different shows, there is plenty to see and do, from roller coaster rides to live entertainment. Areas are themed with castles, fairies, Vikings, wizards, and other enchanted characters, some of which are from popular cartoons shown in Europe. Sections of the park are inspired by the Italian Rainbow Group for children with animated characters such as Winx fairies, Monster Allergy, and Huntik PopPixie.

There are also many restaurant, shopping, and entertainment options throughout. Seasonally the options expand, as ice, water, and firework shows are added. The park is partly powered by solar energy. At over 600,000 square meters in size, there are plenty of adventures to be had!

Practical Info

Located in Valmontone, it takes about 20 minutes to reach Rainbow Magic Land by car from Rome. It is open daily from 10 am to 6 pm, with extended hours in July and August. Admission costs 35 € for adults, 28 € for children under 10 and free for children under 1 meter in height. There are activities suitable for all ages.

Via della Pace, Valmontone, Italy

Daily from 10 am to 6 pm, with extended hours in July and August.

35 € for adults, 28 € for children under 10 and free for children under 1 meter in height.

From $ 30

Protestant Cemetery

Rome may be home to the Vatican, but not everyone who lives (or dies) in the Eternal City is Catholic. One of the city’s loveliest cemeteries is dedicated to Protestants and non-Catholics, both Italian and foreign, and is home to a number of important tombs, including those of English poets Keats and Shelley.

The Basics

English travelers began to come through Rome on the Grand Tour in the 18th century, followed by a wave of writers and artists who settled there. Many were not Catholic, and Rome soon found it needed a cemetery to lay to rest Protestants who died while in the city. The first burial in Rome’s Protestant Cemetery was in 1738, making it one of the oldest cemeteries in continuous use in Europe. With the tombs of luminaries such as John Keats, Percy Bysshe Shelley, American poet Gregory Corso, and Italian philosopher Antonio Gramsci, the cemetery is said to contain the highest density of famous graves anywhere in the world.

The Protestant Cemetery is also known locally as the Cemetery of the English (Cimitero degli Inglesi), though its official name is the Non-Catholic Cemetery for Foreigners. Visit the most famous graves in the Protestant Cemetery by joining a guided cemetery tour, or stop in to appreciate its beautiful statuary and moving inscriptions as part of a Rome highlights walking or bike tour.

Things to Know Before You Go

The cemetery offers 1-hour guided tours that must be booked at least 10 days in advance.
To find a specific grave, consult the burial database or pick up a cemetery map at the visitor center.
Restrooms are available in the visitor center at the cemetery entrance.
The cemetery is crisscrossed by paved and gravel walkways, some of which may be hard to navigate with a wheelchair or stroller.

How to Get There

The Protestant Cemetery is located in the southern Roman neighborhood of Testaccio, near Porta San Paolo and the Pyramid of Cestius. Take metro line B to the Piramide station.

When to Get There

The cemetery is outdoors so best toured on a clear day in spring and fall, when the temperatures are mild. The site is closed in the afternoon on Sundays and holidays.

The Most Beautiful Tombs in the Protestant Cemetery

Many of the most famous graves in the cemetery are surprisingly simple, while there are a number of remarkably beautiful tombs for less famous figures. Some of the most important are the neoclassical grave of Dutch sculptor Pier Pander, the statue of the young Georges Volkoff, and the Angel of Grief, designed by American sculptor William Wetmore Story for his wife’s grave.

Via Caio Cestio, 6, Rome, Province of Rome 00153, Italy

Varies

From $ 58

Roman Catacombs

The miles of underground cemetery that comprise the Roman Catacombs are some of the oldest burial tunnels in the world. Located just outside the city and hidden deep underground, the catacombs were created in the second century in response to a shortage of land for deceased’s remains. Today the narrow tunnels are eerily quiet and full of Roman history, including some of the best-preserved early Christian frescoes and sculptures—and, in the bone-adorned Capuchin Crypt, a Caravaggio. Look out for ancient wall paintings and mosaics lining the walls, as well as the catacombs of St. Agnes, Domitilla, and Priscilla, home to the oldest known depiction of the Virgin Mary.

The Basics

As burial inside the Roman walls was forbidden by law, you’ll find the catacombs of Rome—of which there are at least 40—on the roads just outside of the city itself. Five are open to visitors, including St. Sebastian and St. Callixtus, both of which are located on Via Appia Antica. A trip to the catacombs is often combined with a visit to the Roman countryside and the ancient Appian Way, either on foot or by bike. Choose a tour tailored for kids and families, one focused on ghosts and mystery, or a walking tour with skip-the-line access to beat the crowds. For an exclusive after-hours experience, tour the crypt at night when it’s closed to the public. English-speaking guides explain past burial rituals and give historical context to the sights.

Things to Know Before You Go

Due to the delicate nature of the surroundings, travelers cannot visit the catacombs independently; all visits must be part of a guided group or private tour. Admission includes a guided tour.
Tours and group visits can be arranged upon arrival at the most popular catacombs, but visits must be booked in advance at the less-visited areas.
Catacomb tours are not recommended for travelers who may get claustrophobic due to the small spaces.
Catacombs are holy places, so guests should dress appropriately—all should cover their shoulders and thighs. It’s best to also have a light jacket, as it can get cold underground.

How to Get to There

You’ll find the Roman Catacombs on Via Appia Antica, Via Ostiense, Via Labicana, Via Salaria, and other roads. They can be reached by public transport on various metro and bus lines. Many tours depart from Rome’s Piazza Barberini.

When to Get to There

Most of Rome’s crypts and catacombs are open year-round from 9am to noon and from 2 to 5pm, though typically they are closed on Sundays. Compared with world-famous attractions in Italy such as the Colosseum, they are less visited. Still, limited access to the catacombs makes booking in advance a good idea, especially around Easter and between May and September, when Rome swarms with travelers. The cool catacombs make for a great break from Italy’s summer heat, but the quieter months are recommended for thinner crowds.

Rome’s Strangest Sight?

Perhaps the most interesting sight in the catacombs is the Capuchin Crypt, or Bone Chapel, an area containing—and decorated with—the bones of 4,000 Capuchin friars. Crypt rooms are themed by different types of bones, from skulls to pelvis and leg bones.

Italy

Open daily 9am - noon and 2pm - 5pm

€8 for adults, €5 for children 7-15, free for children 6 and below

From $ 19

Santa Maria Sopra Minerva

Santa Maria Sopra Minerva is Rome’s only Gothic church, but it’s a Michelangelo sculpture and a stunning interior—not its architectural design—that attracts travelers from across the globe.

Visitors will find colorful frescos inside the 13th-century church, as well as the tomb of Pope Pual IV and the famed Michelangelo sculpture, Christ Bearing the Cross. Travelers call Santa Maria Sopra Minerva the greatest place you’ve never heard of, thanks to its impressive basilica and a vast collection of artwork that's unmatched in its quiet and reflective setting.

Combine your visit to S. Maria Sopra Minerva with a skip-the-line ticket to the Pantheon on an informative guided tour.

Practical Info

The church is located at Piazza della Minerva in Rome, just north of Via di Pie di Marmo. It is accessible by bus via Pie Di Marmo station, and is located a three-minute walk from the Pantheon.

Santa Maria Sopra Minerva is open Monday through Friday from 7:30am to 7pm, and on Saturday from 7:30am to 12:30pm and from 3:30pm to 7pm. It is open Sunday from 8am to 12:30pm and 3:30pm to 7pm, with mass beginning at 6pm. Entrance to the church is free.

Piazza della Minerva, 42, Rome, Italy

Mon–Fri: 7:30am–7pm; Sat: 7:30am–12:30pm & 3:30pm–7pm; Sun: 8am–12:30pm & 3:30pm–7pm

From $ 34

Santa Maria in via Lata

According to locals, the Biblical icon Saint Paul spent two years on house arrest living in the darkened crypt beneath Santa Maria in via Lata. While some claim it was Saint Peter or Luke or even Saint John who once called this church home, it’s clear that no matter who lived in the shadows of this stunning building’s lower levels, Santa Maria is a seriously holy structure.

Religion pilgrims make their way each year to the statue of the Virgin Advocate, which is said to have performed many miracles. Travelers can wander the nave and explore the chapels of Santa Maria, where alabaster, marble and lapis relief work, as well as stunning frescos and old canvas painting decorate the walls.

Practical Info

Santa Maria in Via Lata Is located on Via del Corso is located diagonal from the church of San Marcello al Corso.

Via del Corso, 306, Rome, Italy

From $ 86

Ponza Island

This island, sandwiched between Rome and Naples off Italy’s western coast, was long considered one of the Tyrrhenian Sea’s best-kept secrets. These days, however, the secret’s out: Visitors can’t stay away from Ponza’s dramatic coastal cliffs, crystal-clear water, and sea grottoes.

The Basics

Part of of the Pontine Islands Archipelago, Ponza is famous for its blue grottoes, as well as its swimming- and snorkeling-friendly beaches (Chiaia di Luna, Cala Feola, and Frontone) and Piscine Naturali (saltwater pools formed by ancient volcanic activity). Cobblestone roads wind through a pretty town center that’s filled with charming shops and excellent restaurants, and colorful homes and villas dot the hills overlooking the sea.

The best way to see Ponza is from the Mediterranean; daylong boat tours usually include a cruise along the coastline to admire jagged cliffs, the Arco Naturale stone arch, and sea grottoes, plus free time to explore on land. Your excursion may also stop at Palmarola, a picturesque island nearby.

Things to Know Before You Go

Boat tours may include beach towels and water-sports gear, but bring your own hat and sunblock.
Some boats may be wheelchair accessible—always confirm ahead of time.
Boat tours are family friendly; they’re a perfect way to spend the day with kids.
Other popular island destinations along Italy's southern coast are Capri, Ischia, and Ventotene.

How to Get There

Ponza is located in the Tyrrhenian Sea, 21 miles (34 kilometers) off the Italian coast. Ferries bound for the island leave from Naples, Terracina, Formia, and Anzio; you can also book a private boat tour.

When to Get There

Due to choppy seas and inclement weather, ferry and boat crossings are often suspended in winter. The best time to visit Ponza is between April and October.

Legendary History

Ponza is fabled to be the island home of the sorceress Circe, who makes an appearance in Homer’s The Odyssey.

Ponza Island, Italy

From $ 108

Ponte Sisto

Ponte Sisto is a stone pedestrian bridge that crosses the Tiber River in Rome. It connects the historic center of Rome on one side of the river with the Trastevere neighborhood on the other side. The bridge dates back to the late 1400s and uses the foundations of an older Roman bridge that was destroyed in

the early Middle Ages. Today the bridge is one of the few bridges crossing the Tiber River that does not allow vehicles. This makes it a pleasant crossing point for visitors exploring the city by foot.

The bridge also provides nice views of the city. From here, you can see the dome of St. Peter's Basilica, Ponte Garibaldi, Ponte Mazzini, Tiber Island, and Gianicolo Hill. The bridge connects Via dei Pettinari and Piazza Trilussa. Several boutique hotels, restaurants, and cafes can be found in this area on both sides of the bridge, some offering views of the river and the bridge itself.

Practical Info

Ponte Sisto is located west of Ponte Garibaldi. To get there, take tram 8 to Arenula – Ministero Grazia E Giustizia on the north side of the river or to Belli on the south side of the river, and then walk

northwest along the river, away from Tiber Island.

Ponte Sisto, Rome, Lazio 00153, Italy

From $ 21

Ponte Sant'Angelo

This marble pedestrian bridge spanning the Tiber river between Castel Sant'Angelo and the historic center of Rome is lined with 10 monumental angel statues based on designs by Bernini. The most beautiful bridge in the city, Ponte Sant’Angelo dates from AD 134 and provides an unforgettable approach to St. Peter’s Square in Vatican City.

The Basics

Ponte Sant'Angelo, or the Sant'Angelo Bridge, was built by Roman emperor Hadrian to access his mausoleum and was originally named Pons Aelius, or the Bridge of Hadrian. Legend holds that the archangel Michael appeared on top of the mausoleum in 590, ending an outbreak of the plague; to mark that miracle, Hadrian's tomb and adjacent bridge were renamed Sant'Angelo.

This ancient Roman bridge is one of the most popular spots in Rome for its scenic views, and a must-see during any walking, bike, or Vespa scooter tour of the Eternal City. Especially beautiful at night, Ponte Sant'Angelo is an unforgettably romantic stop during a Rome-by-night private excursion.

Things to Know Before You Go

Ponte Sant'Angelo links the pedestrian-only Lungotevere Castello river walk on the Castello Sant'Angelo side of the Tiber to the neighborhoods of Ponte and Borgo, two of the most historic quarters of Rome, on the opposite bank.
The bridge is crowded during the day and late into the night with visitors snapping pictures, buskers and artists, and street vendors.
The cobblestoned bridge is flat and easy to navigate with wheelchairs and strollers.

How to Get There

The 64 bus runs from the Termini train station to Castel Sant'Angelo, or you can walk from the Vatican.

When to Get There

The bridge is known for its great views, so visit in the early morning or late afternoon for the best light if you are interested in taking photos.

Ponte Sant'Angelo and the Vatican

Ponte Sant'Angelo is just a short walk from St. Peter's Basilica, and has been used by religious pilgrims on their final stretch to the Vatican for centuries. If you are planning on visiting the Vatican and Sistine Chapel, consider taking the scenic walk across this bridge for an unforgettable approach.

Ponte Sant'Angelo, Rome 00186, Italy

Free

From $ 23

San Miniato al Monte

With so many unforgettable sights in Florence, it’s tempting to skip San Miniato al Monte, perched high up on a hilltop in the outskirts of the city. However, the church’s stunning 13th-century mosaic and sweeping views over Florence make the effort well worth your while.

The Basics

Work on the church of San Miniato al Monte, considered among the finest examples of Romanesque architecture in Tuscany, began in the 11th century where St. Minias is said to have died. Both the facade and the interior are decorated with intricate geometric patterns of green and white marble, and the apse is covered by an opulent 1297 mosaic. (The facade’s marble patterns are very similar to those of the churches of Santa Croce and Santa Maria Novella in the city’s historic center.) The church’s crypt almost certainly does not contain the bones of San Miniato, as many claim, but it is decorated with frescoes by Taddeo Gaddi.

Since San Miniato al Monte is slightly outside the center of Florence, it’s the perfect destination for a sightseeing tour on wheels, be it by Vespa, electric bike, or vintage Fiat 500. It’s also a pleasant uphill walk from the historic center, so consider joining a walking tour that takes you across the Arno and up to the church.

Things to Know Before You Go

If you are walking up to San Miniato, wear comfortable shoes, and bring a hat and sunscreen in the summer.
The ground floor of the church is accessible to wheelchair users; there is no ramp down to the crypt or up to the presbytery.
There are a number of restaurants and cafés lining Piazzale Michelangelo, perfect for a repast before or after touring the church.

How to Get There

San Miniato al Monte sits along Via delle Porte Sante and above Piazzale Michelangelo, a popular scenic overlook with views of Florence stretching from the Rose Garden over Ponte Vecchio to the historic center. You can reach the church by bus, car, bike, or on foot. Adjacent to the church is a monastery where monks produce artisan honey and liqueurs, which are available for purchase in the shop nearby, and the 15th-century cloister and cemetery where Carlo Collodi—the creator of Pinocchio—is buried.

When to Get There

By far the best time to visit the church is late afternoon, so you can watch the breathtaking sunset over Florence from the square below after your tour.

The Chapel of the Crucifix

Inside San Miniato al Monte, the freestanding Chapel of the Crucifix (Cappella del Crocifisso), designed by Michelozzo in 1448, originally housed the crucifix now in the Church of the Santa Trìnità. The miraculous crucifix is decorated with works by Agnolo Gaddi and Luca della Robbia.

Via delle Porte Sante, 34, Florence, Tuscany 50125, Italy

From $ 17

Santa Maria della Vittoria

Best known for its Cornaro Chapel—home to Gian Lorenzo Bernini’s stunning masterpiece, The Ecstasy of Saint Teresa—Santa Maria della Vittoria has one of the most ornate marble interiors in Rome. Designed by baroque architect Carlo Maderno, the church is adorned with white and gilded stucco angels and putti, as well as 17th-century frescoes.

The Basics

Santa Maria della Vittoria (Saint Mary of Victory) was begun in the early 17th century, designed by Maderno and featuring a facade by Giovanni Battista Soria that is a near replica of Maderno’s nearby church of Santa Susanna, completed in 1603. In addition to The Ecstasy of Saint Teresa, this relatively small church is decorated with a number of other sculptures by Domenico Guidi and Pierre Etienne Monnot, and paintings by Giovanni Domenico Cerrini, Guercino, Nicolas Lorrain, and Domenichino. The preserved remains of Saint Victoria are displayed inside.

Santa Maria della Vittoria is a popular stop on walking tours of Rome—especially those that focus on works by Bernini and landmarks mentioned in the popular novel Angels & Demons. You can combine a visit with stops at other city highlights like the Colosseum, the Vatican and Sistine Chapel, and the Spanish Steps.

Things to Know Before You Go

Photography without a flash is allowed inside Santa Maria della Vittoria.
Modest attire that covers shoulders and knees is required to enter.
Touring the church during mass is frowned upon.
The church is not accessible to wheelchairs and strollers.

How to Get There

Santa Maria della Vittoria is located on Via XX Settembre between Piazza della Repubblica and the Termini station, and Villa Borghese. Both of the city's metro lines and many bus routes stop at Termini.

When to Get There

The church can be crowded at peak times of year, especially due to L’Estasi di Santa Teresa being one of Bernini’s most famous sculptures in Italy. Try to visit in the early morning or late afternoon to enjoy this marvelous work in relative peace.

Santa Maria della Vittoria in Literature

Santa Maria della Vittoria was featured in Dan Brown’s bestselling novel Angels & Demons, a follow-up to the smash hit The Da Vinci Code. The church became a hugely popular tourist destination in Rome after the book was published in 2006 and the film version was released a few years later.

20 Settembre number 17, Rome, Italy

From $ 57

Quirinale Palace (Palazzo del Quirinale)

Quirinale Palace (Palazzo del Quirinale), the official residence of the president of the Italian Republic, sits on Quirinal Hill, the highest of Rome’s historic seven hills. Formerly a royal residence, the palace has dozens of sumptuous, art-filled halls around a stately central courtyard and a beautiful garden with expansive views over Rome.

The Basics

Pope Gregory XIII built the Quirinale Palace in the late 1500s as a summer residence. It was home to dozens of popes for over three centuries before becoming the first residence of the royal House of Savoy, and finally the residence of Italy’s president of the republic in 1947. Its monumental staircase, grand Salone dei Corazzieri, and Cappella Paolina even caught the eye of Napoleon, who was defeated before he could make the palace his own.

Palace visits are only by guided tour on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday; booking in advance is imperative, as spaces are limited. To view the Renaissance palace from the outside, join a walking, e-bike, or Vespa tour that includes Rome’s highlights such as the Quirinale Palace, Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, and the Vatican. For a unique experience, opt for an evening tour of Rome to see the palace beautifully lit.

Things to Know Before You Go

Palace visits require a security check; large bags and backpacks, plastic and glass bottles, cans, umbrellas, and other pointed objects are prohibited.
No photos or videos are allowed.
The palace is accessible to wheelchair users, though the garden has gravel paths that may be difficult to maneuver.

How to Get There

The Quirinale Palace is located on Via del Quirinale at Piazza del Quirinale. Take metro line A to Repubblica–Teatro Opera station or metro line B to Cavour station.

When to Get There

The palace is closed on Monday and Thursday. Plan to visit on a Sunday, when you can also see the Changing of the Guard.

The History of Quirinal Hill

The palace’s current site was once home to Roman temples and, later, baths built by Constantine. The hill was known as the Salita di Montecavallo (Horse Hill) for centuries, named for ancient statues that portrayed Castor and Pollux in the act of taming their horses that once sat here.

Piazza del Quirinale, Rome, Lazio 00187, Italy

From $ 3

Porta Maggiore

The impressive Porta Maggiore is one of the gates in the Aurelian Walls that circled the ancient city of Rome.

Historic city walls often have well-preserved gates, which were once the only entry and exit points to the city. Porta Maggiore is a particularly good example of an ancient gate, as it’s not just an old doorway but also an aqueduct.

There are two large arches through which two ancient roads once ran, connecting Rome with the outside world. It was built into the existing Aurelian Walls in 52 AD, and the upper part of the gate contained channels for two aqueducts bringing water into Rome.

Tours don’t tend to make the Porta Maggiore a highlight, but it’s sometimes on itineraries as a drive-by - it’s on a large intersection with quite a bit of traffic.

Practical Info

The Porta Maggiore isn’t far from the main entrances of Rome’s Termini Station, so if you’re leaving the train station by taxi or bus and head back along the tracks to the right of the station (if you’re facing it), keep an eye out for the Porta Maggiore.

Piazza di Porta Maggiore, Rome, Lazio 00182, Italy

From $ 69

Roman Forum

A sprawling mass of ruins, the Roman Forum (Fori Imperiali) was once the center of ancient Rome, with temples, courts, markets, and government buildings in full swing until the 4th century AD. While all that remains today is an array of ancient columns and arches, the forum is one of the most important archaeological sites in Italy, and excavations occur to this day. Aside from a lesson in Roman history, visitors can get a great view of the Eternal City from the overlooking Palatine and Capitoline hills.

The Basics
The site is most often visited on three-hour tours that combine a visit to the ancient city with a Colosseum tour. Whether you choose a private tour or small-group tour, it's wise to visit with an expert guide who can help you navigate the large space and bring the ruins to life with true stories of gladiators, Roman emperors, and Julius Caesar. After your visit, check out the adjacent ruins at Circus Maximus or pay a visit to the Capitoline Museums to see the display of classical Roman empire sculptures.

Most tour options include hotel pickup and dropoff.
Standard admission tickets to the Roman Forum include entry to the Colosseum and Palatine Hill.
Don’t waste time in line—skip-the-line entry is available for both the Roman Forum and the Colosseum.
Staying in Florence but want to see Rome? Book a day trip with round-trip transportation by high-speed train, also available from Milan and Naples.

How To Get to the Roman Forum
The Roman Forum is located in the area between Piazza Venezia and the Colosseum in the southeastern end of Rome’s historical center. You can get there by metro and bus from most central hotels. The closest metro stop is Colosseo.

When to Get There
As the Roman Forum shares an admission ticket with the Colosseum, it stays consistently busy throughout the day and often has long lines. Choose a walking tour with priority access to jump the queue and maximize your time.

Discovering the Roman Forum Ruins
Inside the archaeological area, stick to the Forum’s main thoroughfare, Via Sacra, to pass by important ruins such as the Julia Curia and the house of the Vestal Virgins. Some of the forum’s most impressive ruins include the white marble arch of Settimio Severo, the first-century Arch of Titus, and the remains of the Basilica of Maxentius and Constantine. If you can’t get enough of ancient Rome, there’s plenty more history just outside the city with day trips available to Pompeii and the Appian Way.

Largo Romolo e Remo, Rome 00186, Italy

Summer: 8:30am–7:15pm, Winter: 8:30am–4:30pm. Closed Dec 25 & Jan 1

Full: 12 euros; EU Citizens 18-25: 7.50 euros; online reservation fee: 2 euros

From $ 23

Rome Olympic Stadium (Stadio Olimpico)

Rome’s Stadio Olimpico seats more than 72,000 spectators, and when the city’s deeply beloved A.S. Roma and S.S. Lazio soccer teams hold their home matches here, there isn’t an empty seat in the house. But the stadium isn’t just for "football" fans; rather, the venue is also used for rock concerts and other sporting events.

The Basics

Soccer is a national obsession in Italy; home matches of the city's two top-division (Serie A) teams are the year’s biggest highlights for Roman sports fans; emotions run high at their matches, especially when they’re vying for a spot for the Coppa Italia, UEFA Champions League Finals, or the FIFA World Cup. The city's original stadium, dating back to the 1930s, was mostly demolished at one point, then expanded. Today's modern stadium was inaugurated in 2008 for the European Cup Finals. Tickets sell out quickly for games at the Stadio Olimpico, so be sure to book in advance. For a truly unforgettable experience, opt for VIP seats, which often include a buffet and open bar.

Things to Know Before You Go

Italian football fans generally behave well at matches, with much good-natured bantering and chanting. The most rabid fans are seated in the curva nord and curva sud—the stadium’s north and south curves.
Matches last 90 minutes and are split into two halves. During the 15-minute break in the middle, crowds rush the concession stands for snacks and drinks.
Large bags and backpacks can’t be taken inside the stadium, and there are security checks for banned items.
Lazio players dress in sky blue and white; the Roma sport gold and dark red. If you’re looking to suit up, you can buy gear outside the stadium before the game.
The Italian National Rugby team also uses this stadium—the Six Nations Rugby finals are also a popular event.

How to Get There

Stadio Olimpico, located on Piazzale del Foro Italico, is part of the Foro Italico Sports Complex outside the city center. The easiest way to get there is by public transportation: Take the metro line A from Piazza del Popolo to Flaminio, then the tram 2, which goes right to the stadium.

When to Get There

Soccer season lasts from August to May; some championship games run into the beginning of summer.

Italy's Soccer Clubs

Roma and Lazio are the two teams based in Rome, but most major Italian cities have their own local teams as well; most famously, Milan, Turin, and Naples.

Viale dello Stadio Olimpico, Rome, Italy

Varies

From $ 346

Santa Prassede

Not far from the Papal Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore is the little Santa Prassede, a 9th-century church with stunning mosaics inside.

The Basilica of Santa Prassede was started in the late 8th century (there’s an even older church dedicated to Santa Prassede underneath it) and completed in 822 AD. The saint entombed here, Santa Prassede (or Saint Praxedes), was the daughter of the first Roman who St. Peter converted to Christianity.

The mosaics on the interior of the church are Byzantine, dating from the early 9th century, and are reminiscent of those in Venice’s St. Mark’s Basilica and the churches of Ravenna. They’re dazzling in gold and bright colors.

Among the other things to see inside the church is a bust for a tomb that was sculpted by Bernini when he was only 17 years old, and the original crypt near the altar. This is where the bones of Saint Praxedes (and her sister, Saint Pudenziana) were placed when the church was completed. There is also a reliquary containing what is said to be a piece of the pillar on which Jesus was flogged before being crucified.

Practical Info

The main entrance of the church on Via di San Martino ai Monti is not the original facade, but entering through the main door allows you to see the original 9th-century facade that is now contained inside a little courtyard.

Via di Santa Prassede 9, Rome, Lazio 00184, Italy

7:30am-12pm, 4-6:30pm

From $ 41