Rome: the city of romance, history and culture. With so much to see and do, where do you even get started, once you’ve hit the tarmac? In this post, we cover off five of the top things to pop on your bucket list.
The iconic Colosseum
It’s an obvious one, but it’s the most important (in our eyes). As one of the most famous tourist attractions on Earth, visiting the wonderfully vibrant Colosseum is a must-do. Imagine the historically-rich life and death of the site, all the while envisioning ancient Roman civilisation.
Pro tip: You’ll need to leave at least an hour, preferably more, in order to take in all of the history of this destination. It’s riddled with countless gladiatorial battles and raving festivities that will demand lots of your time to get the full experience. Having opened its ‘doors’ in 80 A.D, the Colosseum is overwhelmingly rich in culture and heritage. And it cannot be missed.
The Roman Forum
Close by, you can view the Roman Forum, which may not be as popular as the Colosseum but holds an equal amount of history within it. It was one of ancient Rome's most important structures, housing everything from shrines to government houses and monuments. It stands much in ruins these days, but wandering through it will give you a glimpse of how great it once was and the stories it features in today.
The Vatican and the Sistine Chapel
Teaming with the historic feel of the city, the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel are another set of tourist attractions that are up there with the best of them. On the ceiling of the chapel you’ll see the famous fresco by Michelangelo. Tours are run through both iconic places, granting access to many sections of the palace that otherwise remain a mystery. You do not have to be religious to marvel at the beauty plastered across these walls.
Santa Maria della Vittoria
If you are a fan of the work by novelist Dan Brown, then you may be familiar with the Santa Maria della Vittoria, featured in his novel, Angels and Demons. The chapel is a popular tourist destination in the city of Rome and houses astounding baroque artworks as well as the Ecstasy of St. Teresa statue.
Try your hand at cooking
Lastly, but certainly not least, for many tourists, a highlight of coming to Rome is the various cooking classes that are on offer. Take a shot at creating authentic Italian cuisine with a professional chef and hitch some of that knowledge home with you to your own kitchen.
This experience is also a great way to break up sightseeing. Note that it will generally take around half a day to complete. The classes are reasonably priced and can be booked here. They also run Monday through Saturday, so you have ample time to master Italian cuisine during your stay.
Whether it’s the food, art, history or culture, there’s plenty to love about Rome. As this crowd-favourite has always been a popular destination for travellers around the world, it’s easy to see why it should be on your list of things to do. When in Rome, experience it all – you’ll regret nothing.