Things to Do in Rome

A tranquil oasis running between the teeming spaces of Piazza del Popolo and Piazza di Spagna, Via Margutta is a short but charming cobbled street with narrow townhouses in hues of red and terracotta, decked with ivy and planted with shrubs. In ancient times an open sewer and today one of Rome’s prettiest streets, Margutta has attracted artists, stonemasons, poets, sculptors and composers to its three short blocks since medieval times. Today art stalls, workshops, galleries and studios abound among the terraced trattorias and the street’s Fontana delle Arti is topped by a carved stone bucket filled with artists’ brushes. Revered Italian film director Federico Fellini lived at number 110 and it has even starred in its own movie, when Gregory Peck and Audrey Hepburn take a cab to Via Margutta, 51, in Roman Holiday. Over the years the romantic little lane has also been home to Picasso, Stravinsky, Puccini and Debussy; it looks particularly lovely during April’s festival of  ‘100 Pittori’ (100 Pictures), when artists set up stalls and exhibit their work for sale.

Rome's opera house, the Teatro dell'Opera di Roma, is a 19th-century theater in the city center and the Italian capital's main opera house.

The original theater opened in 1880 with the name Teatro Costanzi. It was later renamed the Teatro Reale dell'Opera and underwent some minor structural changes in the 1920s, and renamed again in 1946 as the Teatro dell'Opera. The theater was largely remodeled in the late 1950s to the structure that stands today.

The theater has five tiers of seating in a semicircle around the floor seating and facing the stage. Three of the tiers have theater boxes, while the uppermost two tiers have several graduated rows of seating. Like many great theaters, it is bedecked in red velvet and accented with gold. The current seating capacity is 1,600 people.

The theater hosts opera performances as well as ballet and other concerts. The seasons for each vary, as do ticket prices for various shows. There are tours of the opera house available, however, on Mondays from 10:00am-2:00pm.

Leading from the Capitoline Hill to the Colosseum via the first-century AD Arch of Titus as it traverses the Forum from west to east, the Via Sacra (Sacred Way) was once the main thoroughfare of Ancient Rome. With its origins stretching back to at least the fifth century BC, it was later paved and later still, in the times of Nero, lined with colonnades. The street was backed by Ancient Rome’s temples, civic buildings and the palaces of the wealthy; it was here that festivals were held, where prostitutes came to solicit clients and where crowds gathered to gossip and gamble along its route. Via Sacra was also scene of triumphal processions to celebrate military victories, when slaves and prisoners were dragged to market. Today the road forms part of the open-air museum that is the Forum; over the centuries this has been ravaged by fire, plundered for its stone and used as cow pasture but still retains something of its ancient majesty among scattered boulders, shattered arches and broken columns.

Visitors to Rome are still able to visit what was once the grandest and most luxurious public bath or thermae in the ancient city. Built from 298 to 306 AD, at its largest it spanned nearly 32 acres and could accompany as many as 3,000 bathers. Bathing was a social event and ritual significant to Roman society. Rooms ranged from cold to warm to hot water, with saunas, swimming pools, and spas. Baths were not just a form of relaxation for ancient Romans, but a social and even political act where business often took place. 

These massive baths were named in honor of Emperor Diocletian, who at the time hadn't even visited Rome. The entire complex included a gymnasium, library, stadium, gardens, galleries, and walking paths. Though most of the structures were destroyed by Goths in 537 AD, some of the ruins remain. The Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels was built into the central bath area by Michelangelo in 1561.

The large avenue that runs between Piazza della Repubblica and the Largo Magnanapoli in Rome is called Via Nazionale, and it's lined with hotels and shops.

Via Nazionale was built in the late 19th century, though there was already a street under construction at the time - Via Pia, named for Pope Pius IX. The existing plan was altered to make the road wider, as it was deemed a critical artery leading from the area near Termini train station into the heart of Rome.

Because of the proximity to Stazione Termini, Via Nazionale is a popular street for hotels and other accommodation options. There are also lots of mid-range and chain clothing stores, and some chain and fast food restaurants.

Although the construction of Via Nazionale required the demolition of several historic buildings, there are still some attractions along the broad street - many of which were built after the road was finished. St. Paul's Within the Walls was the first Protestant church in Rome, opened in 1880. The Palazzo delle Esposizioni, opened in 1883, has several entertainment and exhibition spaces. The 16th-century church of Santa Caterina a Magnanapoli is is near the end of Via Nazionale, and the street also leads directly to the ruins of Trajan's Market.

On the Italian coast about 23 miles from Rome is Zoomarine, a theme park that's part Sea World and part water park and fun for all ages.

Zoomarine covers more than 86 acres, and gives visitors a chance to enjoy the adventurous rides of a water park in between watching live shows. There are two giant pools for swimming and playing in the water, one of which has several water slides. The other pool is more laid back, with lounge chairs lining the perimeter. Both pools have life guards on duty.

The animal portion of the park features seals and sea lions, birds of prey, and dolphins – all of which have demonstrations or shows visitors can see just how intelligent these animals are. There is also a show featuring acrobatic high-divers and a 4D cinema. For thrill-seekers, there is also a roller coaster called “Vertigo” and a few other amusement park rides (some of them in water).

In a city famous for its impressive ceilings"”think that of the Sistine Chapel"”Rome's Church of the Gesù is a standout. The massive three-dimensional trompe l'oeil ceiling frescoes are so extraordinary that a large mirror has been strategically positioned so visitors can enjoy without straining their necks. 

The baroque Chiesa del Gesù (Chiesa del Santissimo Nome di Gesù all'Argentina) is one of the main churches of Rome, and a visit is often included in walking tours of the city's most important historic and artistic churches, such as Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri, San Luigi dei Francesi, and Santa Maria sopra Minerva. You can combine a visit to Church of the Gesù with skip-the-line Vatican tickets to also tour St. Peter's Basilica, or opt for an audio-guided tour to visit this and other attractions at your own pace.

The church was built in the 16th century to replace an older Jesuit church marking the spot where the founder of the Jesuit order, Saint Ignatius of Loyola, once prayed to an image of the Virgin Mary (still preserved inside). The ornate frescoes over the nave and inside the dome by Giovanni Battista Gaulli date from the 17th century and feature clever trompe l'oeil effects.

Church of the Gesù is located along Via degli Astalli on Piazza del Gesù right in the center of Rome, a quick walk from Piazza Venezia where many buses and tram lines stop.

Rome is one of the most popular destinations in Italy, and its most famous churches can be crowded during the busy summer season. Try to visit first thing in the morning or late in the afternoon to enjoy the ceiling decorations in relative peace.

Other highlights of Church of the Gesù include the sumptuous side chapels, namely the Cappella di Sant'Andrea, the Saint Francis Xavier Chapel, and the Chapel of St. Ignatius, designed by Andrea Pozzo.

Rome’s Villa Farnesina was originally built in the early 16th century for a wealthy Renaissance banker as his summer retreat. The villa and gardens are in the Trastevere district, which used to be outside the city center, and are now open to the public.

The wealthy banker for whom the villa was built had the good sense to hire some of the era’s best artists to decorate the interior, so it’s a stop well-suited to art lovers. Today, these pieces of art are one of the top reasons to visit. The best-known artist represented is Raphael, who painted lovely frescoes on the ground floor.

All of the Villa Farnesina’s main rooms are open to the public, including the ground floor loggia where you can see the famous Raphael fresco called “The Triumph of Galatea.” Other frescoes by artists such as Baldassarre Peruzzi (who designed the villa) and Sebastiano del Piombo are on upper floors of the villa.

There are guided tours in English at Villa Farnesina given each Saturday at 10am, and English audio guides are available at any time for €2. Some Trastevere tours include the Villa Farnesina, though many only reference it from the outside.

With a long-standing reputation for elegance and a starring role in Federico Fellini's 1960 film La Dolce Vita, Via Veneto was once the stomping ground of international actors, celebrities and paparazzi. Today, the stylish thoroughfare remains one of Rome’s most glamorous addresses, running between Piazzale Brasile and Piazza Barberini in central Rome, and lined with luxury hotels, chic bars and streetside cafés.

Start your explorations at lively Piazza Barberini, home to the magnificent 17th-century Palazzo Barberini, then stroll north along Via Veneto, passing landmarks like the Capuchin Church of the Immaculate Conception and Palazzo Margherita, now home to the U.S Embassy. Be sure to pay a visit to famous cafés like Harry’s Bar, Café de Paris and Doney too, where former customers include big names like Audrey Hepburn, Tennessee Williams and Coco Chanel.

Standing proud at the top of Rome's iconic Spanish Steps, the historic Trinità dei Monti is one of the city's most photographed churches and dates back to 1585. Built under order of King Louis XII of France, the landmark church remains the property of the French government, a legacy hinted at by the pair of clocks that adorn its façade "“ one showing Rome time, the other Paris time. 

For most visitors the most striking image of the church is from piazza below, looking up over the Fontana della Barcaccia and the Spanish steps. Climbing the 135 steps to the church entrance (there's also a lift running from the Spagna metro station) is also rewarding, offering a closer view of the Renaissance façade, the work of architect Giacomo della Porta. Inside the church, highlights include a series of magnificent frescoes by Daniele da Volterra, Federico Zuccari and Giambattista Naldini.

The Vittoriano monument, among the most famous landmarks in Rome, is home to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the Vittoriano Museum Complex. This is where some of the city’s most important art exhibitions are held each year, so it’s a particularly interesting for art enthusiasts.

The Vittoriano, also known as the Altare della Patria or Monumento Nazionale a Vittorio Emanuele II, was inaugurated in 1911 to honor the first king of the newly united Italy. Today, in addition to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the Museo Centrale del Risorgimento (Museum of Italian Unification), and the Sacrario delle Bandiere gallery of Italian military flags, the enormous building houses a large exhibition space in the eastern wing (Ala Brasini), which is used as a venue for temporary exhibitions. For one of the best views in the city, take the panoramic Roma dal Cielo elevator, which was added to the building in 2007, up to the rooftop Terrazza delle Quadrighe.

The Vittoriano dominates the central Piazza Venezia square near the Colosseum and Roman Forum, and is included in many small-group walking tours of Rome, or guided tours by bike or car. The monument is particularly striking at night, so consider joining an evening tour to see its white-marble staircase and dramatically lit facade.

The Vittoriano has three entrances: Piazza Venezia; Via di San Pietro in Carcere on the left side of the building; and Via del Teatro di Marcello on the right. All are easily accessible from Piazza Venezia, one of the main squares in the center of Rome and a transit hub for buses and trams from the Termini train station.

The museum complex at the Vittoriano is open daily into the evening hours, so consider visiting after the midday crowds have dispersed. Catch the elevator to the panoramic terrace either first thing in the morning or as the sun is setting for the best photographs. 

Since its completion at the beginning of the 20th century, the Vittoriano has been one of Rome’s most controversial monuments, an object of derision for many Romans due to its massive size and elaborate architecture. Over the decades, it has earned a number of nicknames from locals, including “the typewriter”, “the wedding cake”, “the dentures”, and “the trifle.”

Fans of the Hard Rock Cafe chain know that throughout the world, every restaurant looks pretty uniform. But Rome has always played to its own tune, which customers will notice immediately "“ a ceiling fresco that at first seems like every church in the city at closer scrutiny reveals cherubs rocking out on their very own instruments! 

The memorabilia found at this Hard Rock location lives up to the hype, with items ranging from the iconic clothing of Elvis, John Lennon, Jimi Hendrix and Elton John to instruments donated by Flea, Tom Petty, and Nancy Wilson of Heart. The food is all-American; something many tourists may scoff at in Rome, but is exotic for the Italians and a welcome taste of home for expats and those who have been traveling for a long time!

Commissioned by Pope Julius II in 1508, the grand Via Giulia is one of Rome’s most elegant thoroughfares, running for almost 1km between the Piazza dell'Oro and Piazza San Vincenzo Palloti. It’s a picturesque walkway, with its timeworn cobblestones framed by monumental arches, historic churches and Renaissance-era buildings, and the smattering of cafés and restaurants offer ample opportunities for people watching. 

Highlights of Via Giulia include the ivy-covered Arco Farnese, designed by Michelangelo; the adjoining Palazzo Farnese; and the 17th-century Fontana del Mascherone.  Other architectural gems include the Palazzo Falconieri, the baroque Santa Maria dell'Orazione Church; and the Palazzo Sacchetti, while the street has also earned a reputation for its quality antique shops.

Once the largest and grandest of Rome’s private residences, the ancient ruins of the Villa of the Quintilii (Villa dei Quintili) are still an impressive sight today. Located along the legendary Appian Way (Via Appia), the lavish villa includes two impressive entrances, intact mosaic tiles and marble floors, and the remains of its private luxury baths, dating back to 151 AD.

Tour the ruins on a half-day trip from Rome to admire the rooms and artifacts on display, or cycle along the ancient Appian Way to visit the ruins and other ancient landmarks, like the Caracalla Baths and the Mausoleum of Caecilia Metella.

The Villa Celimontana and the gardens that surround it sit on one of the ancient seven hills of Rome, the Caelian Hill (Celio in Italian), and the area is a peaceful oasis from the busy city.

The villa itself dates from the 16th century, though it has been modified significantly over the centuries. It was originally called the Villa Mattei after the family for whom it was built, and housed the Mattei family’s art collection. Today, the villa belongs to the Italian Geographic Society.

The gardens around the Villa Celimontana contain some ancient Roman ruins that date back to the 1st century AD, and some of the Mattei family’s collection of ancient artifacts are now on display throughout the grounds. There’s also a relatively small obelisk in the garden that has Egyptian hieroglyphics on it.

Inside the Villa Celimontana today visitors can see some of the historic maps and other documents kept by the Italian Geographic Society. There are also rooms in the villa that have beautiful frescoes and mosaics that were added in the 17th century.

One of the most famous (and, for many Romans, infamous) landmarks in Rome, the Vittorio Emanuele II Monument is home to the Complesso del Vittoriano museum complex, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and the Roma dal Cielo elevator that connects to the panoramic rooftop terrace overlooking The Eternal City. 

The Vittorio Emanuele II Monument (or Monumento Nazionale a Vittorio Emanuele II) overlooking Piazza Venezia in central Rome—also known as the Altare della Patria, or simply the Vittoriano—was inaugurated in 1911 to honor the first king of the newly united Italy. Today, the enormous and, some might argue, ostentatious building is home to Italy’s Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the Museo Centrale del Risorgimento (Museum of Italian Unification), the Sacrario delle Bandiere gallery of Italian military flags, and an important art exhibition space in the eastern wing (Ala Brasini). The Roma dal Cielo elevator, which transports visitors up to the Terrazza delle Quadrighe scenic rooftop terrace, was added in 2007. 

Located near the Palatine Hill, the Vittorio Emanuele II Monument is included in many hop-on-hop-off bus tours tours of Rome, as well as guided walking, bike, or Segway tours that also include skip-the-line-access to the nearby Colosseum and Roman Forum. The monument’s white-marble staircase and facade are particularly striking at night, so consider joining an evening tour to see the building at its most dramatic. 

The Vittorio Emanuele II Monument’s three entrances—Piazza Venezia, Via di San Pietro in Carcere on the left side of the building, and Via del Teatro di Marcello on the right—are all easily accessible from Piazza Venezia, one of Rome’s main squares and a transit hub for buses and trams.

The museum complex at the Vittorio Emanuele II Monument is open daily into the evening hours, so visit at the end of a day after the midday crowds have thinned. For the best picture, catch the elevator to the rooftop terrace either first thing in the morning or in the late afternoon. 

The Vittoriano has been one of Rome’s most controversial monuments since it was completed at the beginning of the 20th century, both because a historic quarter of the city was destroyed to make room for its construction and because of its pompous architecture. Over the decades, Romans have given the monument a number of unflattering nicknames, including “the typewriter”, “the wedding cake”, “the dentures”, and “the trifle”.