10 essential things to see and do in Rome

Preparing your next trip? Now that it seems that the end of this nightmare that we are living is approaching, we will have to think about making up for lost time.

What destinations do you have in mind? Do you prefer to visit a new place or do you want to enjoy a specific city or country again? If you are not sure, we make it easy for you. Roma It is a city which does not matter if it is the first or the fifth time you visit it, because you will never tire of walking through its streets.

Just in case you are a first time in the Italian capital, here I leave you a series of places that you cannot miss.

First essential stop: the Roman Colosseum

If there is a representative monument of this city without a doubt it is the Roman Coliseum. Going through its walls you go through its entire history, placing us more than 2000 years from the present.

In case anyone does not know, in the past, fighting shows were held here in which gladiators (all of them slaves) risked their lives in exchange for their freedom, but most died trying. Meanwhile, the patricians, emperors, etc. they enjoyed the show.

It is currently the tourist attraction of the city, receiving an average of 6 million visitors a year, and is considered one of the seven wonders of the world.

Second stop: the Trevi fountain

Occupying one side of the Piazza di Trevi is what many consider the most beautiful fountain in the world. On it is sculpted Neptune guiding his chariot.

Being one of the most beautiful and essential places in the city, it is almost always overrun with tourists. Best times to go? At the point of the morning or late at night, taking advantage of this to see it illuminated, a magical moment. Ready to make your wish?

Third stop: the Roman forum

Like the Colosseum, the Roman Forum is one of the most important places to visit in the city and will take us back more than 2.000 years to the Roman Empire.

This monument is made up of the ruins of temples and buildings where the citizens of the time carried out their social, cultural, political and economic life.

Fourth stop: the pantheon of Agrippa

Another of the marvelous remains that remains of the Roman Empire is the Pantheon of Agrippa, a monument considered the best preserved building of the time. In ancient times, this building was a Roman temple. Currently, this building is still used for worship purposes since it has been converted into a church.

Fifth stop: Vittorio Emanuele II monument

Located in Piazza Venezia we find the monument built in honor of Vittorio Emanuele II, the first king of Italy. A fairly modern monument compared to most of the ones we can find in the city, which, as you have already seen, are ruins of the Roman Empire. In addition, you can enjoy incredible panoramic views of the city.

Sixth stop: St. Peter's Basilica

Another of the main tourist attractions in the city is the St. Peter's Basilica. It is located inside the Vatican and is the largest temple, in terms of size and importance, dedicated to Catholicism.

Inside this basilica you can enjoy authentic works of art such as Michelangelo's Pieta or the statue of Saint Peter.

In short, St. Peter's Basilica is a mandatory stop on your visit to Rome, no matter what your religious posture.

In the event that you are a believer, I recommend you visit Saint Mark's Square on Wednesday to see the speech that the Pope makes from his balcony at 10:30. To see it and hear it more closely, you have to book an audience with the Pope.

Seventh stop: Plaza de España

Although it may not seem like a very common tourist spot, it is one of the most popular squares in the city. In addition, it is very common to end up in it without intending it since it is surrounded by very famous streets of Rome full of shops and restaurants. On the other hand, if you go up to the Trinità dei Monti you can enjoy some magnificent views.

It is very common for tourists to take take out from a nearby establishment and sit down to enjoy the atmosphere in one of the benches that are in the square. But be careful! It is forbidden to do it on the stairs.

Eighth stop: Piazza Navona

Considered the most beautiful square in the city and one of the great essentials in Rome.

Inside the square we can see three baroque-style fountains representing four different rivers from the time of the Roman Empire: the Danube, the Nile, the Ganges and the Río de la Plata.

As in the Plaza de España, it is very common for tourists to buy food, such as the famous tiramisu, and eat it in the square enjoying the street atmosphere.

Ninth stop: Trastevere

After the squares, it is the turn of the neighborhoods, and how was I going to stop mentioning “El trastevere”, the most famous neighborhood in Rome.

In this neighborhood you can find from artisan shops to taverns, all with a bohemian air. It is a neighborhood with inspirational and charming corners. Ready to walk through the deepest Italy?

Tenth and last stop: museums

As a good lover of art and history, I could not fail to mention the places where all the pieces that are preserved today are collected, and even less in the case of Rome.

We could get another article only on this topic, so I will mention only the most important or fundamental to complement your visit to the city.

1. Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel: located in the Vatican state, although in the center of Rome. It contains works of art from the Catholic Church for centuries. Whether you are Catholic or not, it is a 100% recommended visit.
2. Capitoline Museums: it is the main municipal civic museum in Rome. You can see works such as the "capitoline wolf", the "capitoline venus" or the equestrian statue of Marco Aurelio.
3. Borghese Gallery: in this case, more than history, it is a museum dedicated to art. It is located in the gardens of the village of Borghese. Here you can see part of the great artistic heritage of the city of Rome.

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