Things to Do in Rome

Choose from 177 Fun Things to Do in Rome

Trevi Fountain

The incredibly ornate Trevi Fountain is the most famous fountain in Rome—and perhaps in all of Italy. At the baroque masterpiece’s center stands the Greek sea god Oceanus, who is surrounded by Tritons, seahorses, and other figures from ancient Greek and Roman mythology. Visitors to the Eternal City flock to the Trevi Fountain, as it is internationally recognized thanks to its appearances in many films, and for the legendary good-luck connotations of throwing a coin into its waters.

The Basics

The Trevi Fountain (Fontana di Trevi) is set at the end of the restored Aqua Virgo aqueduct, which dates back to ancient Rome. Water cascades from spigots in several different places, and the palace behind the fountain was redesigned to include majestic columns and statues befitting the fountain below. Visitors jockey for a position from which to throw a coin over their shoulder, supposedly ensuring a return to Rome. Rome walking and bike tours are good ways to see the fountain up close.

Things to Know Before You Go

Wear comfortable shoes to walk through central Rome's cobbled streets. Walking tours of Rome that include the Trevi Fountain also often visit sights such as the Spanish Steps and Piazza Navona, which are far enough apart to make comfortable shoes a must.
Distracted tourists make easy targets for pickpockets, so keep your valuables close.
The Trevi Fountain was the central monument in the movie “Three Coins in the Fountain” and played a memorable role in Federico Fellini’s “La Dolce Vita.”

How to Get There

The Trevi Fountain dominates the Piazza di Trevi in the historic center of Rome, not far from the Quirinal Palace. It's easiest to get there on foot or bicycle, given the narrow streets surrounding the fountain into which larger tour vehicles can't go. On the Metro, take line A to the Barberini stop.

When to Get There

The Trevi is an outdoor public fountain and is open year-round. Given its popularity, sometimes visitors have to wait their turn to admire the fountain, get a good picture, or get close enough for a coin toss. Early morning and evening visits can be quieter and more atmospheric, especially during Rome's less touristed winter months. To avoid crowds and get stunning lighting for your photos, visit at sunrise.

Throwing Coins Is a Charitable Act

Coins thrown into the Trevi Fountain add up quickly, amounting to roughly $3,600 (€3,000) per day. City officials gather the coins each night, and the money is given to a local charity called Caritas, which helps Rome's neediest citizens.

Piazza di Trevi, Rome 00187, Italy

Free

From $ 3

Trajan's Column

One of the most intricate ancient landmarks in Rome, the enormous Trajan's Column near Quirinal Hill was built in the second century to commemorate Emperor Trajan’s victory over the Dacians. The triumphal column is decorated with bas relief carvings that constitute a diary of battle scenes.

The Basics

Trajan’s Column tells the story of war triumphs via an intricate frieze that spirals up the column, running chronologically from base to top. The column was originally topped with a statue of Emperor Trajan, but it was replaced with a sculpture of Saint Peter in the 16th century by Pope Sixtus V. The column contains a staircase leading to a viewing platform, but the stairs are closed to visitors; to see the bas relief carvings up close, visit Rome’s Museum of Roman Civilization, which displays plaster casts of the scenes.

The bas relief scenes on Trajan’s Column are difficult to interpret, so join a tour with a guide who can explain the frieze in detail. Private and small-group walking tours of ancient Rome visit the column, as do tours by bike or Segway. Most ancient Rome tours also include skip-the-line access to the nearby Colosseum and Roman Forum.

Things to Know Before You Go

Ancient Rome tours require a significant amount of time outside, so be sure to wear a hat and sunscreen.
The column is visible only from the outside, and is accessible to wheelchair users.
The column is lit at night, so can be seen during either a daytime or night tour.
To see the bas relief scenes at the top of the column, bring a pair of mini binoculars for an “up-close” view.

How to Get There

Trajan’s Column is located on the side of Quirinal Hill adjacent the Trajan’s Forum area along Via Quattro Novembre, a five-minute walk from Colosseo metro station (line B).

When to Get There

Visit Trajan’s Column during early spring or late fall, when the temperatures are mild in Rome, and crowds are smaller. This sight can be enjoyed during a daytime or nighttime tour, as the column is illuminated at night.

Friezes in the Museum of Roman Civilization

Roman history enthusiasts can see the entire frieze cycle up close at the Museum of Roman Civilization in the outlying EUR quarter of Rome. Plaster-cast replicas of the battle scenes are on display in horizontal rows at eye level, along with a vast collection of original pieces and casts of artifacts dating from the founding of Rome to the fourth century.

Via 4 Novembre, 94, Rome, Province of Rome 00187, Italy

From $ 53

Trajan's Market (Mercati di Traiano)

Trajan’s Market (Mercati di Traiano) is one of the most interesting areas of Rome’s five Imperial Forums, built by Julius Caesar and his successors at the very apex of the Imperial Age. This vast, triple-decker semicircle was ancient Rome’s version of the modern-day shopping mall, and it remains a remarkably intact example of Roman urban planning.

The Basics

Trajan’s Market, commissioned by Emperor Trajan and designed by Greek architect Apollodorus of Damascus, was constructed between AD 107 and 113 to complete the Forum of Trajan. The market was extensively excavated between the world wars, and today, although Trajan’s Forum is a hodgepodge of fallen columns and plinths, the market is still recognizable. Explore its passageways and main street as part of a small-group ancient Rome tour on foot or by Segway. Also here is the Museum of the Imperial Forums (Museo dei Fori Imperiali), which contains fragments discovered while excavating the archaeological complex, models of ancient temples and buildings, a huge sculpted head of Emperor Constantine, and temporary exhibitions focused on the history of the Roman Empire.

Things to Know Before You Go

Trajan’s Market tours require a bit of walking, so be sure to wear comfortable shoes and a sun hat.
The archaeological site and museum are accessible to wheelchair users.
Flash photography is not allowed inside the museum.
You must check backpacks, large bags, and umbrellas at the cloakroom.

How to Get There

Trajan’s Market is located on the side of Quirinal Hill in Rome’s Forum area along Via Quattro Novembre, a 5-minute walk from Colosseo metro station (line B).

When to Get There

Rome is one of the most popular destinations in Italy and can be crowded for much of the year. It’s best to visit in early spring or late fall, when the temperatures are mild for exploring outdoor archaeological sites and crowds are sparse.

The Imperial Fora

Ancient Rome once had five Imperial Forums: the Forum of Caesar, the Forum of Augustus, the Forum of Nerva, the Forum of Trajan, and the Forum of Vespasian. These are concentrated around the area around Via dei Fori Imperiali, near the famous Roman Forum.

Via IV Novembre 94, Rome 00187, Italy

Varies

From $ 103

Turtle Fountain (Fontana delle Tartarughe)

Tucked away in a quiet corner of Rome’s Trastevere district, the Turtle Fountain (Fontana delle Tartarughe) is one of many important monuments found in the historic Jewish Ghetto. The collaborative masterpiece of sculptor Taddeo Landini and architect Giacomo della Porta, the fountain was built between 1580 and 1588, and stands at the center of the Piazza Mattei.

A prime example of late Renaissance art, the fountain’s design features a central pedestal depicting four ephebes perched on marble shells, each lifting turtles to the upper water basin. Today, the original bronze turtles that gave the fountain its name have been replaced by replicas thanks to a spate of thieving, while the originals are preserved in the Capitoline Museums.

Practical Info

The Turtle Fountain is located on Piazza Mattei, in the Trastevere district of Rome.

Piazza Mattei, Roma 00186, Italy

From $ 38

Tivoli (Hadrian's Villa and Villa d'Este)

The Italian town of Tivoli, set just east of Rome, is home to beautiful residences, splendid villas, and two famous UNESCO World Heritage sites: the Renaissance palace of Villa d'Este, famous for its extravagant, 16th-century gardens and water fountains, and the ruins of Hadrian's Villa (Villa Adriana), the grand second-century estate of Emperor Hadrian of ancient Rome. A visit to both sites entails beautiful garden walks and a variety of ancient architectural styles—not to mention a quiet, elegant escape from the city and some of the best natural water in Italy.

The Basics
Departing from Rome, most Tivoli tours include visits to both Villa d'Este and Hadrian's Villa. Discover the favorite vacation spot of the Renaissance period at the famous Villa d'Este, commissioned by Cardinal Ippolito, and take in its highlights: the views from the Vialone Terrace and the movie-famous Oval Fountain and Hundred Fountains. At Hadrian's Villa, you'll tour the archaeological remains of temples, libraries, and thermal baths, including the Maritime Theater, set on a man-made island at the center of a round pool; the grand Piazza d'oro; the Imperial Palace; and the Canopus, a replica of the sanctuary of Serapis near Alexandria. Choose a half-day tour or full-day trip through the Lazio countryside with an expert tour guide to get the most out of your visit to the historic sites.

Things to Know Before You Go

A skip-the-line ticket for Hadrian’s Villa allows travelers to maximize their time at the countryside villa.
Choose a full-day tour that includes lunch for a meal in the classical city of Tivoli.
If you don’t wish to travel by train, book a charter tour or a private tour that includes transportation.

How To Get to Tivoli From Rome
Tivoli is set about 19 miles (30 km) east of Rome and can be reached from the city by public transport. Take the bus from the Ponte Mammolo metro station or the Roma-Pescara train line from Tiburtina station.

When to Get There
The Villa d'Este is open from 8:30am to either 5pm or 7:45pm, depending on the season, while Hadrian's Villa is open from 9am to 5pm or 7pm, depending on season. Given Tivoli’s many gardens, spring is a great time to visit.

Piazza Trento, 5, Tivoli 00019, Italy

Hadrian's Villa: 9am–5om or 7pm daily; Villa d'Este 8:30am–5 or 7:45pm daily

€8

From $ 16

Vatican Grottoes

Popes have been interred in St. Peter’s Basilica for centuries, and while many papal tombs are inside the basilica, others are located underground in the Vatican Grottoes. Take the stairs down from the transept to view the final resting places of dozens of popes along with a number of royals.

The Basics

The Vatican Grottoes sit below the modern basilica but above the level of the first Christian Roman Emperor Constantine’s original 4th-century basilica. The earliest pope buried in the grottoes is the 9th-century Pope Nicholas I; Pope Paul VI and Pope John Paul II are also interred there. In addition, the tombs of Queen Christina of Sweden, Emperor Otto II, and Queen Charlotte of Cyprus are located inside along with a number of ornately decorated chapels and a 14th-century fresco of the Madonna by Pietro Cavallini.

Due to the long lines to enter St. Peter’s Basilica and the grottoes, by far the best way to visit is to join a skip-the-line Vatican tour that includes the church and underground tombs. Most small-group tours combine the basilica with other Vatican City highlights like the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and Vatican Gardens.

Things to Know Before You Go

St. Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican Grottoes are sacred places and have a very strict dress code to enter, so be sure to wear clothing that covers shoulders and knees.
Entry to the basilica requires a security check in St. Peter’s Square; large bags, suitcases, pocketknives, scissors, corkscrews, umbrellas, and other prohibited items can be left in the free cloakroom.
The Vatican Grottoes are not accessible to wheelchairs.

How to Get There

Entrance to the Vatican Grottoes is below the St. Andrew statue near the papal altar inside St. Peter’s Basilica, located on St. Peter’s Square (Piazza San Pietro) in Vatican City. The closest metro station is Ottaviano.

When to Get There

You can visit the grottoes whenever the basilica is open. Note that the basilica closes each Wednesday morning during the weekly papal audience.

St. Peter’s Tomb

The tomb of St. Peter is not in the Vatican Grottoes, but one level below in the Scavi (archaeological dig), accessible only via a private tour that you must book months in advance through the Vatican’s Excavations Office.

Piazza San Pietro, Citta del Vaticano, Vatican City, Italy

From $ 80

Tiber River

The third-longest river in Italy, the Tiber (Tevere) winds down from the Apennine Mountains, passing through the city of Rome on its way to the coast at Ostia. This famous waterway, more than 250 miles (400 kilometers) long, has played a fundamental role in Roman history since its founding.

The Basics

According to legend, the infants Romulus and Remus were abandoned on the Tiber before being rescued by a she-wolf; Romulus eventually became the founder of Rome in 753 BC. Since then, the river has been one of the city’s most important and strategic natural features, and the subject of myth and legend. Today this famous river offers unique views of Italy’s capital city and some of its most iconic sights, including Castel Sant’Angelo, St. Peter’s Basilica, and Tiber Island. And three bridges across the Tiber date from ancient Rome: Ponte Sant’Angelo, Fabricius Bridge, and the Milvian Bridge.

Consider joining a Tiber River cruise to explore the city by water. Opt for a hop-on, hop-off cruise and take in the main attractions along the waterway, or book a romantic dinner cruise for a night tour of the Eternal City. Alternatively, follow the river’s route on foot or by bike on a small-group guided tour along the river walk, perhaps pairing your exploration with a tour of Vatican City or Trastevere.

Things to Know Before You Go

Enjoying the Tiber, whether by cruise or strolling its banks, is a must for first-time visitors to Rome.
Tiber cruises are a relaxing way to see the city center with kids, but many walking tours are not recommended for young children.
River cruises may not be accessible to wheelchair users, so confirm in advance. There are stairs down to the water’s edge to reach the river walk, so it is not wheelchair accessible.

How to Get There

The Tiber is crisscrossed by a number of bridges offering both lovely views of the river and access via stairs down to the river walk along the water’s edge.

When to Get There

The Tiber is particularly beautiful and enjoyable in the mild months of spring and fall. During the hottest months of summer, it’s best to visit the river in the early morning or late evening. Summer also sees an outdoor fair and market set up along the water with pop-up restaurants and bars, shopping, and entertainment.

Rome Attractions Along the Tiber

A hop-on, hop-off cruise along the Tiber is a fun and convenient way to discover Rome’s most important sights, including the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel, Colosseum and Roman Forum, and Piazza del Popolo.

Rome, Italy

Free

From $ 21

Via Condotti

Shopaholics in Rome, head for Via Condotti, where even the window-shopping is worth the trip.

Via Condotti (its complete name is Via dei Condotti) is a street in central Rome that dates back to the ancient Roman era. It was a fashionable address as far back as the 18th century, when the Caffe Greco opened and was frequented by the likes of Goethe, Byron, Liszt, and Keats. The cafe remains open – and popular with visitors – to this day.

Most of Via Condotti is known for its fashion boutiques. Major names in fashion have shops along the street, including Gucci, Valentino, Armani, Prada, Ferragamo, Dolce & Gabbana, as well as many other designers – Italian and otherwise.

Practical Info

Via Condotti is a relatively short street, running from the base of the Spanish Steps to the intersection with Via del Corso, where it takes on a different name.

Via Condotti, Rome, Italy

From $ 44

Vatican City

Vatican City may be the smallest sovereign nation-state in the world, but it is a religious and cultural superpower, home to some of the world’s greatest artistic and architectural marvels—namely St. Peter’s Basilica, St. Peter’s Square, the Sistine Chapel, and the Vatican Museums. It is located wholly within the confines of Rome, covers 110 acres (44 hectares), and has an official population of about 800. Having gained recognition of full independence in 1929 and today governed by the pope, Vatican City has its own post office that issues official stamps and a banking system that mints coins (though the euro is used for commerce).

The Basics

Some of Rome’s most visited attractions are set in Vatican City. The Vatican Museums often have long entry lines stretching for blocks along the city walls; to avoid the crowds, consider reserving a small-group Vatican tour with skip-the-line access or a private tour with VIP priority access in the morning or evening. Vatican City private and group tours generally include visits to the Sistine Chapel, St. Peter’s Basilica, the Pinacoteca, other sights in the Vatican Museums complex, and the Vatican Gardens.

Things to Know Before You Go

The pope’s weekly address in St. Peter’s Square is wildly popular, so be sure to book official Papal Audience tickets in advance.
Vatican City houses some of Italy’s most important artistic masterpieces, including Michelangelo’s “Pietà” in St. Peter’s Basilica and ceiling frescoes in the Sistine Chapel, plus the museum complex’s Raphael Rooms.
To enter St. Peter’s Basilica and the Sistine Chapel, appropriate attire and behavior are required. Wear modest clothing and keep your voice low.
Security for entering the museum complex and the basilica includes a metal detector, so don’t bring any banned items—pocketknives, corkscrews, umbrellas, etc.

How to Get There

The most scenic way to enter Vatican City is by foot from the center of Rome, across Ponte Sant'Angelo to Piazza San Pietro. Alternatively, the Ottaviano station, on metro Line A, is about a five-minute walk away.

When to Get There

Vatican City heaves with tourists year-round. Summer is the busiest time of year, when skip-the-line tickets or a private tour guide are essential; the museums are less crowded during the winter months. At any time of year, Vatican City’s sights are busiest at midday, so plan your Rome tour around a visit in the early morning or late afternoon.

The Swiss Guards

One of the most photographed sights in Vatican City are the brightly costumed Swiss Guards, who stand at attention around St. Peter’s Square. This small force of Swiss soldiers is maintained by the Holy See and provides security for the papal residence and the pope, as it has since 1506.

Vialle Vaticano, Vatican City 00120, Italy

From $ 3

Teatro di Marcello

At first glance, this ancient open-air theater appears quite a bit like a mini-Colosseum. Built during the later years of the Roman Republic, it was built nearly 100 years before the famous Colosseum. Named by the Emperor Augustus in 11 BC after his recently deceased nephew Marcus Claudius Marcellus, the theater may be the oldest surviving of its kind in the world.

The structure’s archways and tiers comprise a semicircular design (unlike the Colosseum, which is completely circular.) The third tier was lost in reconstruction during the Middle Ages, but ornamental Doric and Ionic columns still frame the theater. In its prime the structure could hold more than 15,000 spectators and was one of the most popular entertainment venues in Ancient Rome. Live music and drama performances filled its seats until it was adopted by noble families and luxury apartments (which can still be seen today) were built atop the ruins.

Practical Info

The theater can be found on Via del Teatro di Marcello, downhill from the capital and just east of Rome’s Jewish Ghetto. The theater can only be viewed from the outside.

Via del Teatro di Marcello, Rome 00186, Italy

From $ 31

Tiber Island

The Tiber River has run through Italy's capital city since ancient Roman times, and Tiber Island has a history that’s just as long. Once the site of the ancient temple of Aesculapius, the Greek god of medicine, the island is where Romans have sought healing for centuries.

The Basics

Tiber Island is situated in the Tiber River in Rome, just south of the Centro Storico between the former Jewish ghetto on the east bank and Trastevere on the west bank. There are two historic pedestrian bridges that connect the island to the river banks: Ponte Cestio and Ponte Fabricio, one of the oldest bridges in the city. The island, which has had a strong connection with medicine since antiquity, is where ailing Romans were often sent for treatment or quarantine. Today, one of Rome's main hospitals is still located here, as is the historic Church of San Bartolomeo all'Isola.

Tiber Island is often included in Rome walking or Segway tours that cover the Jewish ghetto or Trastevere. You can also explore the island during a hop-on-hop-off river cruise, a bus tour of Rome highlights (including the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican), or a private tour that’s paired with the Basilica of St. Nicholas, whose underground excavations have uncovered ancient Roman temples dating back to the 5th century BC.

Things to Know Before You Go

Guided tours of Tiber Island include a fair amount of walking, so wear comfortable shoes and a sun hat.
The island, which measures only 885 feet by 220 feet (about 4.5 acres), is easy to explore as part of a small-group tour that also covers Trastevere or the Jewish ghetto.
Trastevere and the Jewish ghetto are both known for their culinary scenes, so a food tour that includes a stroll through Tiber Island is a fun, family-friendly way to explore the area at large.

How to Get There

Tiber Island, located in the Tiber River, is accessible by pedestrian bridge either from Trastevere or the Jewish ghetto.

When to Get There

As part of the Estate Romana, a series of outdoor summer events (including concerts and open-air markets) held along the Tiber River, the island hosts a film festival in the warmer months (June to September).

The Origin Story of Tiber Island

According to folklore, when the much-maligned tyrant Lucius Tarquinius Superbus died in 510 BC, his body was tossed into the Tiber River; silt built up over his corpse and eventually formed the mass that’s now Tiber Island.

Rome, Italy

From $ 21

Via Cola di Rienzo

Via Cola di Rienzo is a long, straight avenue connecting one corner of Vatican City with the Tiber River at the Regina Margherita Bridge. The street was built and named after 14th-century politician Cola di Rienzo in the late 19th century, just after Italy was unified, and was one of the main streets in the Prati neighborhood. Today, it is primarily a shopping destination, with clothing chain stores, department stores, and Italian shoe stores lining the street. While best known for its retail, you'll also find casual restaurants, hotels, and gourmet food items.

Brands along Via Cola di Rienzo include Guess Jeans, The Body Shop, and Benetton, as well as popular European brands, such as Max Mara, Zara, Liu Jo, Stefanel, Sisley, Falconieri, and the Coin department store. Some shopping tours include stops on the Via Cola di Rienzo, and it’s also easy to browse on your own before or after a visit to the Vatican.

Practical Info

The irregularly-shaped Piazza del Risorgimento anchors one end of the Via Cola di Rienzo right next to the Vatican. It’s a transportation hub, with a tram stop right in the piazza and several bus stops nearby serving St. Peter’s Square and the Vatican Museums. The nearest metro stations are Ottaviano and Lepanto, and the nearest bus stop is the Risorgimento-San Pietro: 11 bus lines stop along this street.

Via Cola di Renzo, Rome, Lazio, Italy

From $ 49

Vatican Egyptian Obelisk

The cityscape of Rome is characterized by numerous obelisks. They have a strong decorative effect, but the meaning behind these monuments dates back to the ecclesiastical influence of centuries past and is supposed to demonstrate the power of the church and the glory of the popes—a connection between our world and the world of the gods. It’s said that the higher the obelisk, the closer it is to god.

The Vatican Egyptian Obelisk, often simply called the Vatican Obelisk, is situated in the middle of St Peter’s Square and, standing 84 feet (25.5 meters) high, it’s the second-largest of the 13 remaining obelisks in Rome. It has survived two millennia of world history and was brought from Heliopolis to Rome on the order of Caligula in 37 A.D. as a demonstration of power. In ancient times, it was located in the center of the Circus of Nero, but was moved in 1586 to the famous St Peter’s Square, which was built around it later on.

The obelisk draws the eye immediately, standing strong in the middle the piazza. It has done so for 2,000 years, as it is the only obelisk that hasn’t toppled since Roman times. According to legend, a metal globe on the top was supposed to hold the ashes of Julius Caesar and a relic from the cross from Jesus himself. The former was proven false, but the second claim? Nobody knows.

Practical Info

The Egyptian Obelisk lies smack in the middle of St Peter’s Square, one of the most important plazas in Rome. To get to the obelisk, take the Metro line A to the Ottaviano San Pietro stop, from where it is just a five-minute walk down the Via Ottaviano. The best view can be had near the fountains.

St. Peter's Square, Vatican City, Italy

From $ 31

Testaccio

Discover “authentic Italy” in vibrant Testaccio, the historically working-class neighborhood that has become a gourmand destination and nightlife hot spot. Aficionados of classic Roman cuisine flock to the bustling Testaccio market, for tastings at the historic Volpetti deli, and to savor a gelato or espresso at the landmark Giolitti café.

The Basics

If you’d like to sample the best food and wine Rome offers, follow the foodies to Testaccio! Discover the area’s insider gastro spots by joining a walking tour that features tastings of local buffalo mozzarella, street food, and pasta dishes. Guided walks through Testaccio explore great food shops and markets, wine cellars, and trattorias while your tour guide explains the rich culture and unique history of one of Rome’s oldest neighborhoods. If you need to rest your palette, visit the chic MACRO, or Museum of Contemporary Art of Rome (Museo d'Arte Contemporanea di Roma), housed in Testaccio’s former slaughterhouse; the recently restored Pyramid of Cestius; and the Protestant Cemetery (Cimitero dei protestanti), where John Keats is buried.

Things to Know Before You Go

Testaccio food tours are an excellent way to engage kids in learning about the neighborhood’s history and culture through the lens of its historic cuisine.
Private tours can be easily adapted for those with limited mobility, food allergies, or other special requirements.
Most Rome food tours are on foot or by bike, so sure to wear comfortable shoes and clothing.

How to Get There

Testaccio is just south of Rome’s city center and across the Tiber River from the Trastevere neighborhood. Take the metro’s Line B to the Piramide station, located next to Porta San Paolo.

When to Get There

This bustling city neighborhood is alive all around the clock. A food-themed tour is best scheduled when the neighborhood market and shops are open, generally Monday through Saturday from 7am to 3:30pm.

Monte Testaccio

Testaccio sits along the eastern bank of the Tiber River and was home to shipyards during Ancient Roman times. Goods were transported into the city via the river and unloaded here, and the broken shipping containers—primarily clay amphorae of all sizes—were discarded in a mound that eventually became Testaccio Hill. Caves dug into the hillside for storage now host excellent nightclubs and restaurants, most famously Flavio al Velavevodetto.

Italy

From $ 44

Triton Fountain (Fontana del Tritone)

Piazza Barberini is easy to overlook, as it’s relatively small and surrounded by busy streets, but at its center is the Triton Fountain, a sculptural masterpiece by Gian Lorenzo Bernini.

The Triton Fountain, or Fontana del Tritone in Italian, was commissioned by Pope Urban VIII and built in 1642-1643 by Bernini. It was an outlet of the Acqua Felice aqueduct that the pope had just restored, and was the first public fountain Bernini designed that was free-standing.

The fountain features a large figure of Triton at its center, holding a conch shell to his mouth and blowing water out of it. Below him are four dolphins, whose tails form the base on which he kneels. Bernini also worked in the symbols of his patron, the Barberini family - there are bees carved into the dolphin tails.

The Barberini Palace is near the fountain on the square (today, it is home to the National Gallery of Ancient Art), and another Bernini fountain dedicated to Pope Urban VIII is not far away - it is known as the Fountain of the Bees.

Practical Info

There is another fountain in Rome with a similar name - Fountain of the Tritons - in front of Santa Maria in Cosmedin, the church where you’ll find the Mouth of Truth. That one is not a Bernini creation, so be sure you’re in Piazza Barberini to see the Bernini work.

Piazza Barberini, Rome, Lazio, Italy

From $ 3

Via del Corso

In an Italian neighborhood known for its winding streets and narrow back alleys, Via del Corso has become well known as the only perfectly straight lane in the historic center of Rome. The iconic stretch of narrow roadway extends from Porta del Popolo to Capitoline Hill and grants travelers access to Baroque churches and other local landmarks.

Visitors will find the picturesque street that once served as the racetrack for Roman Carnival to be the perfect place for people watching, as locals and travelers alike stroll along the sidewalks as part of a traditional passeggiata—a casual, leisurely stroll. In addition to being an ideal spot to see and be seen, Via del Corso also offers plenty of shops, restaurants and boutiques.

Practical Info

Via del Corso is located in the historical center of Rome and runs north to south. Although most of the street has narrow sidewalks for pedestrians, the northern mile (1.5 kilometers) of Via del Corso is for walkers only.

Via del Corso, Rome, Italy

From $ 31

Vatican

The Vatican—formally known as the Vatican Museums—is an enormous complex of galleries holding some of Italy’s most important art, from paintings and sculptures to tapestries and classical antiquities. Adjoining St. Peter’s Basilica, the Vatican's miles of corridors connect buildings and courtyards housing the Pinacoteca, Egyptian Museum, Gallery of Tapestries, Pius-Clementine Museum, and Gallery of Maps. But the crown jewels are the Sistine Chapel, famous for Michelangelo's ceiling and The Last Judgment, and the 16th-century frescoes in the Raphael Rooms.

The Basics

The Vatican is the most popular attraction in Rome, hosting millions of visitors each year. Booking a small-group guided tour or skip-the-line access in advance is highly recommended. A private tour offering early access in the morning, before the museums are open to the general public, is an excellent way to enjoy the Vatican’s treasures in relative peace. Many group tours include visits to the museums and Sistine Chapel along with St. Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican Gardens. There is a tremendous amount to take in here, so if you are traveling as a family with young children who may get overwhelmed, consider a guided kid-friendly tour that focuses on the Vatican highlights.

Things to Know Before You Go

Entry lines often stretch for blocks, and wait times can be two or three hours, especially in summer. Book in advance.
Vatican Museums tickets include entrance to the Sistine Chapel, and the same opening hours apply.
Appropriate behavior and attire (shoulders, knees, and abdomen covered) are required to enter the Sistine Chapel.
Security for entering the museum complex includes a metal detector.
There is a free cloakroom where you can check large bags, umbrellas, and luggage.

How to Get There

The Vatican Museums complex is adjacent to St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City. The Ottaviano station, on metro Line A, is about a five-minute walk away.

When to Get There

The Vatican sees crowds of travelers year-round. It is busiest in summer, when skip-the-line tickets or a private tour guide are essential; the museums are relatively less crowded during winter. At any time of year, the museums are most crowded at midday, so aim to visit in the early morning or late afternoon if you’re looking for a quieter experience.

Seeing the Pope at the Vatican

Each week, usually on Wednesday mornings, the pope and cardinals give a papal address in St. Peter’s Square. Throngs descend for the papal audience, so be sure to book official tickets in advance if you want to be assured a chance to see the pope deliver his weekly message.

Viale Vaticano, Vatican City, Italy

Varies

From $ 12

Trastevere

Bohemian Trastevere is one of Rome’s most historic and picturesque neighborhoods—a maze of cobbled streets lined with atmospheric restaurants serving some of Italy’s best cuisine. At dusk, trendy crowds pour into its fashionable sidewalk cafés and bars to enjoy the vibrant Roman nightlife. Trastevere lies across the river—hence the name, which means “across the Tiber”—from the center of Rome, and at its heart is Piazza Santa Maria in Trastevere, home to one of Rome’s oldest churches (from AD 340) and a majestic 15th-century fountain. Other neighborhood sights include the beautiful Santa Cecilia in Trastevere church, dating from the fifth century, and Villa Farnesina, filled with stunning frescoes—including two attributed to Raphael.

The Basics

Many of Trastevere’s narrow streets are closed to traffic, so the best way to explore this ancient Roman neighborhood is by getting off the beaten path with a guided walking tour—though Vespa scooter and Segway tours are also fun options. Trastevere is famous for its excellent cuisine, so consider taking a food tour to discover traditional Roman dishes, Italian wines, and open-air food markets. Alternatively, tour after dark to rub elbows with young Romans out for a night on the town.

Things to Know Before You Go

Trastevere’s nightlife centers around the bustling Piazza Trilussa, at the end of the Ponte Sisto.
If you love authentic Italian food and wine, Trastevere is considered one of the best neighborhoods in Rome for meals, wine tastings, and festive ambience.
Tours of Trastevere often include visits to the Jewish Ghetto and Campo de’ Fiori, both located just across the river.

How to Get There

Trastevere lies along the east bank of the Tiber River, south of Vatican City. To reach the neighborhood, cross the Ponte Sisto on foot, or take the 8 tram across the Ponte Garibaldi just north of Tiber Island.

When to Get There

Trastevere is delightful to explore all year round, though the neighborhood is best appreciated when the weather is mild. For a unique look into one of the most lively neighborhoods in the Eternal City, take a leisurely stroll by night. Like much of Rome, the area gets crowded in summer.

Caravaggio in Trastevere

In the early 17th century, Caravaggio was commissioned to paint “The Death of the Virgin” for the Chiesa di Santa Maria della Scala in Trastevere. The master painter’s realistic depiction of the Virgin as swollen and bare-legged was considered blasphemous, and the parish rejected his work. It now hangs in the Louvre in Paris.

Rome, Province of Rome 00153, Italy

From $ 3

Vatican Gardens

The Vatican Gardens cover an impressive 57 acres (23 hectares)—more than half the entire area of the Vatican City-state—and include a Renaissance layout dotted with fountains, statues, and buildings dating as far back as the sixth century. The gardens were a humble expanse of orchards and vineyards until Pope Nicholas III moved his residence back to the Vatican from the Lateran Palace and enclosed the land with a wall in 1279.

The Basics

These lovely grounds are closed to the general public and can only be visited as part of a guided tour. Join an official small-group tour to enter the gardens through the Vatican Museums (Musei Vaticani). Or, book a skip-the-line private tour that includes a walking tour of the Vatican Gardens to avoid the long lines. Vatican Gardens tours generally also include visits to the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter's Basilica, home to Michelangelo's Pieta.

Things to Know Before You Go

Vatican Gardens tours are especially interesting for avid gardeners.
Picking plants and flowers from the garden is strictly forbidden.
There is a security check at the entrance to the museums, so items like pocket knives, corkscrews, and umbrellas must be left at the coat check.
If your Vatican tour includes entrance to the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Basilica, be sure to wear clothing that covers your shoulders and knees.
The Vatican Gardens are not wheelchair accessible and tours generally require quite a bit of walking, so be sure to wear comfortable shoes.

How to Get There

The Vatican Gardens are accessed through the Vatican Museums on Viale Vaticano in Vatican City. The closest metro station is Ottaviano on line A.

When to Get There

The gardens are most crowded at midday, so opt for a morning tour if you prefer a quieter experience. Spring and fall are considered the most beautiful seasons to view the gardens.

Vatican Gardens Highlights

In the 16th century, Pope Julius II commissioned Donato Bramante to rework the area into a Renaissance design; the architect installed a giant labyrinth, introduced Lebanese cedars, and built a fortified stone wall that’s still standing. In 1902, the Lourdes Grotto, a replica of the miraculous cave in France, was added.

Vatican City, Italy

Open Monday-Tuesday and Thursday-Saturday

Varies

From $ 98

Temple of Caesar

Located in the Roman Forum near the Regia and Temple of Vesta, the Temple of Caesar was built in 42 B.C. after the senate officially deified the murdered Roman leader. On the east side of the forum, the temple, also known as the Temple of Divus Lulius, stands where Caesar was once cremated.

Interestingly, the temple is the only one of the Roman Era to be entirely devoted to a comet. It is said that a few years after Caesar’s death a comet appeared over Rome for seven days and the Roman priests believed it to be a soul of the idolized Caesar, perhaps even a sign of the endorsement of the ascension of Augustus.

The Temple of Caesar was built in the Italian architectural style and was constructed largely from marble. It managed to remain fairly well-maintained until the 1400s, when large sections of the temple were taken to be used in the construction of other buildings in the city. Today, only a relatively small bit of the original material remains. In its prime, the structure measured nearly 98 feet long and 85 feet wide. It is believed that the building was as tall as 40 feet when it was still fully intact.

Practical Info

Visitors can’t enter the temple but instead simply view the ruins. There is no fee to visit the temple area. That being said, the other attractions of the Roman Forum abide by the hours of 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. If you plan on visiting the Temple of Caesar and the other attractions in the Roman Forum, it's best to come early in the morning and in the middle of the week to avoid the crowds.

Roman Forum, Rome, Italy

8:30am-4:30pm

€12 for 2 days (Roman Forum, Colosseum, Palatine Hill)

From $ 41