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Rome is a city awash with history and cultural heritage, and instantly recognisable by its surviving ancient structures.
But the Italian capital — also referred to as the Eternal City — is so much more than the sum of its past. It rings with the sounds of beeping vespas and the spirited conversations of Romans living their lives against the most senescent of backdrops. And while there’s no denying that Rome faces a unique set of challenges as it grapples with maintaining its ancient monuments and Renaissance-era streetscapes, the magic of this destination in the modern era cannot be denied.
Here’s a checklist of our top ten things to do in Rome on a first visit.
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1. Step back in time at the Colosseum and Forum
From its mythological founding in 753 BC to the present day, you’ll need to dedicate plenty of time to even scratch the surface of Rome’s epic backstory. No visit would be complete without seeing the mighty Colosseum amphitheatre and envisioning the gladiatorial battles that took place here in ancient times.
From there, wander around the remains of the Roman Forum — once the hub of public life in the city. The many ruined buildings can start to blur into one, so consider booking a walking tour with a local guide. They’ll keep you focussed and informed about what you’re looking at.
2. Marvel at the Pantheon
Situated in the heart of the old centre, the architecturally magnificent Pantheon of Agrippa is another indelible link with Rome’s past. Constructed around 126 AD, it was the third iteration of a temple on this site. As you walk in, look up and marvel at the construction techniques that have literally stood the test of time.
3. See amazing art at the Borghese
There are countless museums and galleries for culture vultures to dive into in Rome, but make a point of seeing the works of Titian and Caravaggio — two of the most important and influential painters in Italian art history — at the Borghese Gallery. It occupies a 17th century villa and boasts an incredible collection of paintings and sculptures. Leave enough time to enjoy a wander in the stunning gardens that surround the gallery.
4. Visit the Vatican
Technically its own city-state, the enigmatic walled Vatican City — the spiritual and administrative centre of the Roman Catholic Church — attracts up to 20,000 visitors a day. They all come to view the awe-inspiring St Peter’s Basilica and admire Michelangelo’s masterpiece on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. The queues are always long, but this is an experience worth the wait. Book a skip-the-line ticket and tour package and expedite your entry.
5. Dine at a traditional trattoria
In Rome, pasta takes on superlative qualities, the produce seems fresher, and the overall taste of the food is sharper, richer, and abundantly more satisfying than any ‘Italian cuisine’ you’ve had back home. Settle in at a cosy trattoria (a family-run eatery that focuses on home-style cooking) such as La Taverna dei Fori Imperiali in Monti and prepare to be satiated!
6. Knock back a standing brew
Romans are serious about their coffee consumption and there’s always a cafe (referred to locally as a ‘bar’) within easy reach. Cappuccinos are only served for breakfast, and regular espressos will keep you going throughout the day. It’s usually cheaper to get your caffeine fix standing at the counter, rather than taking up a table.
7. Shop up a storm
When in Rome, shop! Swanky retail strip Via Condotti is located just a stone’s throw from the famous Spanish Steps and Trevi Fountain. Here you can pick up genuine Italian luxury leather goods and peruse the wares of various designer fashion brands. Nearby Via del Corso hosts a more affordable mix of chain stores and independent boutiques. Enjoy a stroll through the gorgeous Art Nouveau-style Galleria Alberto Sordi shopping arcade.
8. Turn up treasure at Porta Portese Flea Market
At the other end of retail scale is the Porta Portese Flea Market in Trastevere — a massive open air market held every Sunday morning. Here you’ll find all manner of trash and treasure among the endless rows of stalls. Brush up on your haggling skills and bag a bargain.
9. Get off the beaten tourist track
While you could spend your entire time in Rome flitting between famous landmarks, the true Roman experience lies in the quaint neighbourhoods that lie beyond the tourist trail. Even if your visit doesn’t coincide with Porta Portese, take some time to venture across the Tiber River to picturesque Trastevere (which literally means ‘beyond the Tiber’) and get lost in the labyrinth of ochre-coloured buildings in this lively neighbourhood. The always-busy Freni e Frizioni is a great spot for an aperitivo (a pre-dinner drink).
The aforementioned Monti is located just down the road from the Colosseum, but somehow manages to remain relatively free of the snap-happy hordes. Home to a large community of creatives and bohemians, this clandestine enclave boasts a myriad of cafes, restaurants, bookstores, and wine bars.
For something more alternative, Testaccio is a working-class neighbourhood known for its eclectic eateries and pulsating nightlife. It’s an authentic slice of Roman life without all of the fancy packaging.
10. Do a day trip to Pompeii
If you want to explore further afield during your stay in Rome, there are plenty of great day trip destinations to choose from — including the fascinating UNESCO World Heritage-listed ruins of Pompeii. This ancient city was infamously frozen in time when Mount Vesuvius rained down volcanic ash in AD 79. At 2.5 hours’ drive each way it’s a big day, but well worth it to see this extraordinary archeological site.
For more travel inspiration, visit www.turismoroma.it.
Browse our range of Rome tours and experiences here.
Do you have any suggestions to add to our list of the best things to do in Rome on a first visit? We would love to hear from you. Join the conversation on our Facebook page.
Additional images: Depositphotos and Bigstock
About the writer
Camha Pham is a freelance writer and editor who has recently swapped the cosmopolitan laneways of Melbourne for the sunny beaches of Perth. Struck with the wanderlust bug from an early age, she has travelled extensively through Asia, Europe, and parts of North America. When she isn’t travelling, Camha is planning her next adventure and loves nothing more than the thrill of exploring new destinations and learning about other cultures. Travel highlights to date include chasing waterfalls in enchanting Iceland, hot-air ballooning over the lunar-like landscape of Cappadocia, and accepting a surprise marriage proposal at the Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto!
About the writer
Adam Ford is editor of Top Oz Tours & Travel Ideas, and a travel TV presenter, writer, blogger, and photographer. He has travelled extensively through Europe, Asia, North America, Africa, and the Middle East. Adam worked as a travel consultant for a number of years with Flight Centre before taking up the opportunity to travel the world himself as host of the TV series Tour the World on Network Ten. He loves to experience everything a new destination has to offer and is equally at home in a five-star Palazzo in Pisa or a home-stay in Hanoi.
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