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There's a reason why Rome is one of the most visited cities in the world. Renowned as the birthplace of gelato and the home to the Colosseum, the eternal city of Rome offers so much. We loved the history, food, culture, and exquisite architecture around every corner, which makes it one of the most unique cities we have been to.
Here are our top sights in Rome, which include 2 hidden gems that most aren't aware of.
No trip to Rome is complete without visiting Trevi Fountain at least once. The Trevi Fountain is a fountain was designed by Italian architect Nicola Salvi and completed by Giuseppe Pannini and several others. Standing 26.3 meters high and 49.15 meters wide, it is the largest Baroque fountain in the city and one of the most famous fountains in the world.
When to visit: arrive before 9 am to beat the crowds, or after 8 pm.
Beware: Because more than 1,000 people visit every hour, the Trevi Fountain is a popular spot for thieves to pick-pocket. Make sure to keep your belongings safe!
Night: Once the sun goes down, the fountain lights up, and is truly magical.
Entrance Fee: Free.
Opening hours: 24/7.
From Trevi Fountain, we walked to the Spanish steps. The Spanish Steps are a set of steps in Rome, Italy, climbing a steep slope between the Piazza di Spagna at the base and Piazza Trinità dei Monti, dominated by the Trinità dei Monti church at the top. Avoid afternoons due to overcrowding.
Do know that it is illegal to sit on the steps, and you could be fined for doing so!
HIDDEN GEM ALERT! This is the viewpoint above the Trastevere district. To get here, you need to climb up the highest hill in the city but don't worry, it'll be worth it! The fantastic skyline of the city, the multi-hued buildings, the greenery all around, and the beautiful streets are just perfect.
Best time to visit: Sunset.
How to get there: You could take a bus or drive up here, but the best way to explore and find hidden gems is to walk around.
Entrance Fee: Free.
Opening hours: 24/7.
On the opposite bank of the river Tiber lies the old working-class neighborhood of Rome. Trastevere is a typical Italian neighborhood where you can get lost in a maze of narrow streets, see old medieval houses, and go for a lively night out in the area's many restaurants and bars.
The Pantheon (Latin: Pantheum) in Rome is a former Roman temple that was completed in 125 CE. It is the only ancient Roman building that has remained intact throughout the centuries. Built on the site of an earlier temple, Marcus Agrippa was commissioned during the reign of Augustus. It was then rebuilt by the emperor Hadrian. Here are a few interesting facts about the Pantheon:1. It is about 2,000 years old.2. The building was built with a huge 45 meters dome - an amazing architectural achievement for the days of ancient Rome. The dome's weight is 4,535 tonnes!3. It was the first temple built for the "common people," which was uncommon. Temples in ancient times were for priests.
The name "Pantheon" is from the Ancient Greek meaning "all the gods"
The huge Pantheon dome has been the largest in the world for 1300 years and to this day is the largest dome in the world.
An amazing effect can be seen each year on April 21 when the sun's rays enter the oculus and create a disk of light at the entrance of the doorway. Rome's birthday is celebrated on April 21, and it is believed that on that day, Emperor Hadrian wanted to stand at the temple entrance, with his body bathed in golden sunlight, as if the gods were calling him from above to join them.
Entrance Fee: Free.
Opening hours: Every day 9:00 am to 7:00 pm (last entry 6:30 pm).
Legend has it that the name of the castle was given after the Archangel Michael appeared at the top of the castle, sheathing his sword and, with that, ending the plague of 590 which tormented Rome. An imposing statue of an angel can be seen on top of the castle. People tend to skip going inside, but I highly recommend not it’s fascinating seeing all the knight's armors and spears.
Entrance Fee: 16 EURO. There's no need to buy tickets in advance.
Opening hours: Every day from 9:00 am to 7:30 pm. The ticket office closes at 6:30 pm.
Duration of tour: 1-2 hours.
Best time to visit: Sunset.
To order tickets: click here!
St. Peter's Basilica is one of the most beautiful churches I have been to. It is the biggest church in the world and was created by artists such as Michelangelo. The most exciting attraction here is climbing up the dome and seeing the view of the city from up above. In the past, you could purchase tickets for 7 or 10 EURO to climb the dome, but now if you'd like to go up to the dome, you'll have to go with a tour guide. The way up is pretty hard and narrow. I wouldn't do it if you suffer from Claustrophobia.
Dress code: It's a basic code for both men and women. Both need to cover their knees and upper arms. They prohibit wearing shorts or skirts above the knee, sleeveless tops, and low-cut shirts. Men must take their hats off before entering, whereas women may continue wearing theirs. This is a very holy place for many, and they are very strict about the dress code. You could be denied entrance if you do not adhere to the dress code.
Entrance Fee:
• Cathedral - Free.
• Small-Group St. Peter's Basilica Guided Tour - 27 EURO.
• St. Peter’s Basilica Dome: Guided Tour - 29 EURO. There are two ways to go up to the Dome The first option is by foot 550 steps or take an elevator and walk up only 350 steps.
Opening hours: Every day from 7:00 am until 6:00 pm.
To order tickets: Click here!
Piazza Navona is one of the most beautiful squares in the world. It is so lively with restaurants, performances, and stunning architecture. You can easily spend a few hours witnessing the activities at this square in the heart of the city. This is a great place to grab lunch but do know that the prices in the restaurants here are high due to its unique location.
THE GALLERIA BORGHESE:
This is an art gallery in Rome housed in the former Villa Borghese Pinciana. At the outset, the gallery building was integrated with its gardens, but nowadays, the Villa Borghese gardens are considered a separate tourist attraction and are free. The Villa Borghese gallery is underrated but such a gem. We really enjoyed our visit there and recommend you visit.
Entrance Fee: 21 EURO. Better order tickets in advance we almost missed this, and ordered the tickets two months before!!
Opening hours: Tuesday-Sunday from 9 am to 7 pm. (No entry after 5 pm).
To order tickets, click here!
VILLA BORGHESE GARDENS:
Villa Borghese is a landscape garden in Rome containing a number of buildings, museums, and attractions. It is the third largest public park in Rome after the ones of the Villa Doria Pamphili and Villa Ada Main attractions in the park: Pincian Hill, Bioparco di Roma Zoo, Casina di Raffaello, Teatro Dei Burattini San Carlino, Villa Medici, Victorian Water Clock,
Entrance Fee: Free.
Opening hours: Villa Borghese is generally open until sunset. Opening times may vary depending on the season.
The Vatican Museums displays works from the immense collection amassed by the Catholic Church and the papacy throughout the centuries, including several of the most renowned Roman sculptures and most important masterpieces of Renaissance art in the world.
Best time to visit: Go as early as possible since it gets really busy and the crowds to the Sistine chapel get massively crazy and full. When the weather is hot, you don't want to be waiting in a LONG LONG line.
Sistine Chapel: You are not permitted to take photos inside the Sistine Chapel. Guards are reminding you not to photograph. Please respect the rules. Sometimes one has to sacrifice amazing photos to not miss the beauty around you.
St Peter's Basilica: You can actually enter the Basilica through the Vatican museums. This means once you get to the Sistine chapel, there are two doors, the door on the right takes you to St. Peter's Basilica, but then there is no way back to the museum. The second door on the left takes you back to the museum. This close proximity can be a time saver for those on a tight schedule.
Entrance Fee: There are a few ways to order tickets, the best being online. The lines at the Vatican booths are extremely long. Best to order tickets for this in advance since they tend to get sold out quickly.
• Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel (at the booth) 17 EURO.
• Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel book ONLINE - 21 EURO.
• If you would like to add an Audio guide, that is another 7 EURO per person.
Duration of tour: Expect to spend half a day here. There is just so much to see.
For a full Guide on the Vatican City that includes dress code & important tips: Click here!
To order tickets, click here!
The Orange Trees Garden is the name used in Rome to describe the Parco Savello. It is about 7,800 square meters and is located on Aventine Hill. This tucked-away garden is a great place to relax and enjoy the beautiful panoramic view of the city. It's filled with orange trees, and plenty of places to sit and shade. Best time to visit: Sunsets are the best, so better come early and reserve a spot.
Entrance Fee: Free.
Opening hours: Every day from 7 am to 6 pm.
Piazza del Popolo is a large urban square in Rome. The name in modern Italian literally means "People's Square," but historically it derives from the poplars after which the church of Santa Maria del Popolo, in the northeast corner of the piazza, takes its name. It's a very underrated and relaxing square. We just walked around and enjoyed the sculptures around the area.
Entrance Fee: Free.
Opening hours: 24/7
The Colosseum is an oval amphitheater in the center of the city of Rome, Italy, just east of the Roman Forum. It is the largest ancient amphitheater ever built and is still the largest standing amphitheater in the world today, despite its age. It is one of the World's Wonders and DEFINITELY worth visiting once in a lifetime. As you spend time in the Colosseum, you feel like you've gone back in time. The decision to purchase tickets for the "full tour" that included not only the arena floor (regular entrance fee) but also a Panoramic view and underground view with a small group including a great tour guide, was a wise choice and money well spent. The extra cost allowed us backstage, where the exotic animals and gladiators were brought to the arena. The Arena - Regular entrance gives you access to the main arena, one of the important parts of the Colosseum, where games, battles, and shows take place. The underground - Venture into the arena and the underground tunnels where gladiators and wild animals awaited to fight. Panoramic Terrence - you can admire the Colosseum from its most impressive point of view and get amazing photos!
Entrance Fee:
• Colosseum, Forum, and Palatine Hill Tour - 18 EURO per adult.
• Skip-the-Line Colosseum, Forum, and Palatine Hill Tour - 30 EURO per adult.
• Colosseum Underground, Arena, Panoramic Terrence, Roman Forum & Hill Tour - 60 EURO per adult. (What we took). This tour is 2-3 hours. It's possible to access the Colosseum only at the time chosen during the booking phase, and it's suggested to show up at the entrance 15 minutes before the chosen time. The entrance to the Colosseum is located at the "Sperone Valadier", near the Arch of Constantine.
Opening hours: Every day. Last admission one hour before closing.January 2nd-February 28th, 2022: From 9:30 am to 4:30 pm.March 1st-26th, 2022: From 9:30 am to 5:30 pm.March 17th-31st, 2022: From 9:30 am to 7:15 pm.
To order tickets, click here!
The Roman Forum was the center of the ancient Roman Empire. During your visit to the Roman Forum, you will walk past Roman excavations and the archaeological park full of old temples, arches, market halls and other important buildings built by different emperors. Next to the forum lies Palatine Hill, where you will find excavations of imperial residences.
Entrance Fee: Free.
Opening hours: 24/7.
HIDDEN GEM ALERT! Knights of Malta keyhole is a very cool photo opportunity that is exactly what it sounds. There is a keyhole where you could capture a beautiful photo of St. Peter's Basilica. You will see visitors queue up in front of the impenetrable door to take a peek and capture it with their cameras. If you're unaware of this spot, it might look bizarre to see people standing in line here. The keyhole is part of the property owned by the Priory of the Knights of Malta, a Roman Catholic religious order of crusader knights that originated in Jerusalem in the 11th century. It is the oldest surviving chivalric order in the world and is a sovereign entity under international law. The estate also hosts the Embassy of the Order of Malta to Italy.
Address: Piazza dei Cavalieri di Malta, 3, 00153 Roma RM, Italy.
Entrance Fee: Free.
Opening hours: 24/7.