Rome is such a huge and diverse city that it can cover everyone’s interests and passions. From food to art, there is nothing you can’t do in Rome, whether you are travelling alone, with your spouse, or with your children.
You can admire stunning Italian artwork, soak in ancient history, and discover local food and its origins. Of course, depending on how long you stay, you will be able to do more or less, but planning your days properly will allow you to go back home with a fantastic collection of Roman memories.
Are you ready? Discover some of the best experiences you can have in Rome!
Explore the ancient city
From the Colosseum to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, but without forgetting the majestic Baths of Caracalla and the fascinating Trajan’s Markets, when in Rome, you can’t miss the relics of the ancient city. Which is one of the aspects that makes Rome famous and a popular tourist destination.
Thankfully, especially in and around the city center, it’s not difficult to find archaeological sites and ancient ruins, including those you would go past without even realising, such as the Temple of Hadrian and the sacred area of Largo di Torre Argentina. And even if now it’s a Catholic church, don’t forget that the Pantheon is also a 2000-year-old Roman temple!
Take a panoramic walk
If there is one thing that Rome doesn’t lack is the views. The Eternal City offers great viewpoints from pretty much everywhere: building roofs, hilltops, along the river, you name it.
Depending on the viewpoint, you will have different views, so whether you want to admire the ancient city from above, the historic center’s rooftops, a view of the city and its winding river, or important monuments such as St. Peter’s Square or Basilica, make sure you find the right viewpoint and snap your perfect picture!
Looking for accommodation in central Rome? Check out my selection!
Tuck into a classic maritozzo
Have a sweet tooth? Linger in goodness with this sinful treat of the Roman tradition. Soft, sweet, rich and gluttonous, a classic maritozzo will give you peace of mind after a long day sightseeing.
You can find maritozzo in many places in Rome but visiting the best pastry shops will definitely take your experience to the next level.
Soak in art and beauty
When you think of art, Florence comes to mind first because of its large galleries, but rest assured that Rome is no less attractive.
From important galleries such as the Vatican Museums and the Capitoline Museums to lesser-known places like the gorgeous Doria Pamphilj Gallery, Galleria Colonna and Palazzo Barberini, just to name a few, if you are into art, in Rome you will be spoiled for choice.
Explore the local food scene
One of the must-have experiences in Rome is eating and discovering the local delicacies. What we know as Roman dishes come from the so-called “cucina povera” tradition, literally standing for poor men’s cuisine, because the parts that were used were discarded by the rich patricians.
I’m talking about offal, tongue, and pieces that the wealthy wouldn’t eat, which became the Roman tradition we want to explore today.
You can do this on your own, finding the best restaurants in town serving typical dishes, or you can join a food tour where, along with plenty of tastings, a local guide will enrich your experience with explanations and historical anecdotes.
Learn to make a traditional dish
If you like hands-on experiences, then you might want to try one of the many cooking classes in Rome and learn by yourself how to make famous dishes like spaghetti carbonara, bucatini amatriciana, pizza, and even gelato.
This is a great experience to have in Rome because not only will you learn to prepare the dishes you love for your family and friends, but you will also spend a lovely day or evening with fellow travellers sharing the same interests.
