10 of the best things to do in ROME!
Welcome to Rome!
Let me help you out with some of your planning. Down below I have listed some of my favorite places in Rome. I have made sure to include a range of different activities/sights so that there is something here for everyone.
Lets start out with the obvious...
The Trevi Fountain is usually top of most traveler's bucket lists (it was the top of mine) and becuase of that I have put it first on the list. This is one tourist attraction that requires a lot of planning. As you probably have seen on social media the Trevi Fountain get incredibly busy during the day.
The best times to visit are from 5am-6am (mind you it does start getting busy around 6am so plan for closer to 5am) and between 9pm-midnight) the evening times vary depending on the season, so I always recommend going in the morning.
(check out my Instagram page to see the difference in AM timings at the fountain)
Next Up...
Another bucket list item!
The Colosseum is a must see if you are visiting Rome for the first time. This will be something that I recommend to everyone. I would definitely recommend booking a skip the line ticket or a group tour if you would like in depth information about the sites.
When I visited, I booked a group tour for the Palatine Hill, Roman Forum and the Colosseum and I loved it. It was definitely the best choice for me. the guide was lovely, and the information was so in depth. So, if you want an in-depth experience, I would definitely do this!
The Last of My Top Three...
the Pantheon was one of my favorite buildings in Rome. I visited this one on a walking tour my first time in Rome. You need to make sure that your shoulders are covered if you are going inside ladies! The security at the entrance will not allow you to enter if you don't do this. To enter the Pantheon, you need to follow the line that snakes around the courtyard up to the entrance. If you don't you will be faced with some very grumpy tourists.
If you want to take photos around the Pantheon you should visit early in the morning (Just like the Trevi Fountain). No one is around and the photos come out so well. It is definitely worth the early rise.
Number Four...
The Spanish Steps... One of the most Instagram famous spots in Rome (asides from the ones listed above obviously). I always recommend checking it out. However, I wouldn't advise spending more than 30 minutes here as the crowds can become a bit much and you aren't actually allowed to sit on the steps. While we were there, we watched everyone that was sitting on the steps get kicked off becuase they were "loitering".
The best time to visit the steps is between 5am-7am. This is becuase the whole area is quiet and at around 7am most people will be at the Trevi Fountain becuase they believe that 7 is the best time to go... but we both know that wrong ;) ...
Number Five...
The Vatican is a must see when you go to Rome. The last time I was there we were staying two blocks away, so it was the first thing that we did on our trip.
One key piece of advice that I want to give you about the Vatican is that you NEED to buy skip the line tickets otherwise you can be waiting for hours to get inside.
Check out this video from my Instagram showing the reality of the Vatican.
Always bring water and make sure you take out plenty of time from your day to visit the Vatican becuase there is so much to see. I would definitely recommend booking your entry early in the day. I went at 12pm and it was SO hot. I couldn't enjoy my time properly becuase of the heat mixed with the body heat of everyone else inside. Keep in mind that there is no A/C and that you need to bring a cover up for your shoulders. So, try and book your entry in the morning so you can be as comfortable as possible.
Number Six...
These huge Gardens are such a great place to decompress and have a break from the hustle and bustle of the city. They are huge so if you do go and have a look definitely put a chuck of time aside to wonder around and take in the scenery.
Number Seven...
The botanical gardens leads me straight onto number seven. The Fontana dell'Acqua Paola. this beautiful little fountain is just off the botanical gardens and is much less busy than the Trevi Fountain as it is less well known.
If you are going to visit the gardens definitely have a stroll over to this little fountain.
Number Eight...
Castel Sant'Angelo is one of the less mentioned castles in Rome. I had no idea that this was even here until I saw it for myself. Although I didn't get to go inside from what I have seen online and heard from the locals it is absolutely amazing and definitely worth a visit.
There is a small cafe inside so take a break and see Rome from a new perspective. I would always recommend booking a guided tour if it is your first time or you would like an in depth experience.
Number Nine...
The Knights of Malta Keyhole. One of the places that pops up most often on social media. I have seen this must-see landmark on my feed constantly. I can say it is definitely worth the visit!
You need to get there early though. I would recommend around sunrise and this area gets quite busy with tourists wanting that Insta-worthy pic!
Make sure you take lots of photos because the photos can come out quite blurry depending on where your camera is focused. I have made that mistake plenty of times!
Last But Not Least...
I hope this guide helped you to narrow down your activity choice. After visiting these locations, I can say that they are all worth it and that you should try and see them all!
If you are struggling with your travel planning and would like some help, then feel free to book in a consult call with me and we sill sort your travel plans out.
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