The capital city of Italy is one of the most beautiful and fascinating cities on earth. Along with great historical landmarks, cultural attractions and spectacular cuisine, the people are genuinely friendly and welcoming. Of course, if you want to have the best possible trip in Rome, you will need to research the best Rome attractions to plan where to explore. Here is brief guide to the most popular Rome attractions, and some tips on when to visit and what to expect.
The Vatican City
This might be the most popular Rome attraction, and is the center of Catholicism for the entire world. In an area occupying only 0.44 square kilometers, the Vatican City houses some of the most fascinating buildings in the city, for both architectural, artistic and religious reasons. St. Peter’s Basilica and it’s Michelangelo painted dome are the most popular sites in the Vatican, as well as the busiest. You can also tour the Vatican Museum and see the Swiss Guard stationed throughout St. Peter’s Piazza. As it is a place of worship, make sure you cover your shoulders and wear appropriate clothing. Lines can be quite long to enter the Basilica, so try to arrive in the morning or at the beginning of the week to cut down on time spent waiting.
The Pantheon
This incredible structure is well over 2,000 years old, and has been a symbolic landmark in Rome since its creation. It once stood as a symbol to Roman gods, but is now a Christian temple. A giant dome with an interior hole and elaborate decoration add mystique to the famed building. It’s certainly worth a visit, but with no lines it can be enjoyed in under an hour.
Piazza Navona
A wonderful aspect of Rome, and Italy as a whole, is the quaint squares where locals and travelers alike gather to spend a relaxing afternoon. The Piazza Navona is the perfect example of this, with vendors, cafes and fountains decorating the space. Statues by Bernini and Borromini can be found at one of the Piazza.
Colosseum
This is the second most popular tourist destination in Rome, second only to the Vatican itself. The Colosseum is properly known as the Flavian Amphitheater, and was built in the 1st century AD. At its peak it held seats for over 50,000 spectators for various Roman events. The line to get into the Colosseum can be quite long in peak times, but if you join a tour for a few extra dollars you can skip the line entirely, which is usually well worth the price.
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