I was asked to help with planning a Rome trip for a friend’s upcoming summer vacation. I’ll discuss the places I have already visited and a few places I missed that will be added to a future trip! Enjoy!
Tips and Tricks for Rome
Here are a few things I’d recommend you keep in mind during your trip to Rome.
- Make a reservation or get your tickets beforehand
- Pick 1 or 2 big things a day to do. Understand YOU CAN’T SEE EVERYTHING!!!
- Be ready for no air conditioning
- Be ready for crowds and waiting – bring a battery pack, book, and chill while you queue
- It’s ok to do nothing – enjoy a little “dolce vita” in a park and do nothing one day just like the Romans do
Now! On to the best places in Rome!
St. Peter’s Basilica and The Vatican
The Vatican Museum
The Vatican Museum is incredible. Enough said! But joking aside, a Rome trip isn’t complete without seeing the Vatican Museum and the number of things on display is overload. I’d focus on the end of the trip which culminates at the Sistine Chapel. You could spend hours in there focusing on all the paintings and art in there!
Climbing the Dome
A must-see after the Sistine Chapel is to take the group exit and then follow the signs to the top of St Peter’s dome! The dome was a highlight of the trip! Being that high and able to see all of Rome on top of one of the world’s largest churches was just awesome.
St. Peter’s Square
The square in front of St. Peter’s had its storied history and I loved walking around the massive colonnades and monuments. You can see the obelisk, and fountains, standing in front of the commanding church. It all has an overpowering feeling. The mathematical basis of the square was evident and I enjoyed seeing the math in practice! One peculiarity was the stone marker showing the location where Pope John Paul II was shot during an assassination attempt in 1981.
Other Religious Locations in Rome
Archbasilica of St. John Lateran
The Archbasilica of St. John Lateran is another major church for Catholics. Many think of St. Peter’s as the top church of Rome but it is St. John Lateran! This church also predates St. Peter’s and since this is the seat of the pope in Rome this place, by definition, is the top church of Catholics. This church was almost empty when I visited in the summer and you could just walk in! It’s not as popular as St. Peter’s but still a great historical spot nevertheless!
Scala Sancta
The Scala Sancta or Holy Stairs are marble stairs and are thought of as a holy relic of the Catholic Church. Jesus allegedly used these exact stairs to go up and see Pontius Pilate at his Roman palace. There are glass windows in the wood encasing that show where the blood of Jesus dropped onto the stairs. Finally, be ready for a little pain on the way up because you have to go up the stairs on your knees.
Rome History
The Forum
The Roman Forum was the government center of ancient Rome. Surprisingly, the city has been built on top of so much history and debris so the forum is about 5 meters below the streets! I didn’t go on any tours when I was there but you can walk all around the perimeter and there are some spots you can go down and see.
The Colosseum
The Colosseum is pretty iconic. There are a few options to pick from for tours but I’ll leave it up to you on what’s best for your trip because there’s already so much on this magical place!
The Pantheon
The Pantheon was another interesting attraction I enjoyed. Not only does it have an interesting history from Roman to church times but it’s also an architectural delight. It is the largest concrete dome building and was many firsts for construction in early Rome! Oddly enough, it is now a Catholic church.
Other Rome Attractions
Victor Emmanuel II Monument
The national monument dedicated to Victor Emmanuel II was built for the first king to unify the Italians. The architecture has a strong Roman neoclassical influence and it’s a large and imposing monument for all to see! You can walk into the Vittoriano and see different exhibitions of Italy’s national history such as the Italian Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Unsurprisingly, there is a small church right behind the large building.
The Trevi Fountain
No trip to Rome is complete without a visit to the Trevi Fountain! The fountain was completed in the mid-1700s and is the terminus of Aqueduct Vergine. The fountain was located on the intersection of 3 roads which is trivium in Latin.
Take a coin with you and throw it over your left shoulder with your right hand for good luck! The movie “Three Coins in the Fountain” popularized the lore of the fountain. Finally, to best enjoy the fountains avoid cleaning times on Monday and Friday starting at 08:00 and try to go at an unusual time. Go late at night or early morning to avoid the crowds!
The Spanish Steps
The Spanish Steps were a local hangout for many of Rome’s citizens to waste the day away with a boat fountain at the bottom and the Trinità dei Monti church at the top. The name “Spanish Steps” is because the Spanish Embassy to the Vatican is nearby.
One final reminder, as of 2019, sitting is not permitted and neither is taking a scooter or bike down the stairs. You can’t loiter anymore for good or worse. Fines and arrests can be the result for not following these rules.
Planning the Next Rome Trip!
Obelisk Hunt
My next trip will include an Obelisk Hunt! There are at least 13 ancient obelisks in the city. Each has its own history, its mystique, and is located all around the city! It would be a great way to explore the city, add some history, and see some interesting locations all around Rome!
More Vatican and Roman History
I would add the Vatican Necropolis Tour under St. Peter’s Church. The Vatican Excavation Office coordinates this tour and requires some planning to ensure you get a spot like calling or faxing your info. It would be fascinating to see the “real ground” under the church and the original cemetery where St. Peter may have been buried. It looks like you better plan months ahead to get a coveted spot on this tour!
Rome Aqueduct Tour
I want to go on this aqueduct tour badly! The Water City Tour takes you to the city to see some of the original water infrastructure from Roman times. Seeing Roman history, aqueducts, ruins, and houses all pique my interest so going underground to see all the ruins would be awesome!