Rome, the eternal city… The entire city is a museum with Roman history around every corner. You might walk by what looks to be just a normal building, then walk inside only to find the most beautiful Catholic church you’ve ever seen. It’s incredible. For most of the famous landmarks, you should find a tour with skip-the-line access. I highly recommend Walks of Italy tours. I’ve used them several times and have always been satisfied.
Must See:
The Vatican & St. Peter’s Basilica – This is the most incredible place I’ve ever seen. You must do a tour through the Vatican museums and St. Peter’s Basilica, including the dome climb. Check Walks of Italy. You can do all of this in half of day… I recommend a morning tour to avoid the huge afternoon crowds.
Colosseum – It’s incredible to see even just walking around the outside. Take a tour of the arena floor and underground areas.
Roman Forum – You can see most of this for free and without a tour… A tour would be nice, though, so your guide can tell you about what you’re actually looking at.
Trevi Fountain – You don’t need a tour, it’s totally free. Go in the early morning (before 9am) if you want to beat the crowds.
Pantheon – One of the oldest and best preserved structures in Rome, it was eventually turned into one of the first Catholic churches in Rome and holds the record as the largest unreinforced concrete dome on Earth. You can simply enjoy the view from outside, or you can get cheap tickets to go inside.
Piazza Navona – A large & beautiful piazza and home to some of Bernini’s most famous fountains.
Borghese Gallery & Gardens – Home to some of the most famous works of Bernini, Raphael, and countless others. I have yet to visit, but I will the next time I’m in Rome. This is likely better with a skip-the-line tour. Walks of Italy offers some.
Piazza di Spagna – A beautiful piazza with iconic the Spanish steps, incredible fountains, and great high-end shopping around.
Famous/Beautiful churches:
Chiesa del Gesù – Beautiful Catholic church, very popular Instagram spot. Map Location
Chiesa di Santa Maria Maddalena – Map Location
Basilica of San Pietro in Vincoli – Home of Michelangelo’s statute of Moses. Map Location
Cappella Chigi – Map Location
Basilica of San Pietro in Vincoli – Map Location
Ponte Umberto – Majestic view of St. Peter’s Basilica. Map Location
Aperitivo:
The Court Bar – Palazzo Manfredi – evening drinks with a view of the Colosseum. Map Location
Oro Bistrot – rooftop bar with views of the city Map Location
Antica Enoteca – A wine bar, perfect for a quick, pre-dinner drink after a long day of sight seeing. Map Location
Zuma at the Palazzo Fendi – Go to the rooftop bar for afternoon drinks with great views of the city. Map Location
Restaurants:
Dal Bolognese Roma – Great for lunch. The Lasagna is a must. Reservations highly recommended. Map Location
Armando Al Pantheon – Great for lunch or dinner, one of the best restaurants in Rome. Reservations needed (they rarely take walk-ins and are usually book 1-2 weeks in advanced). Map Location
Emma – The best pizza in Rome. Map Location
Ristorante Il Falchetto – Nice dinner spot, make reservations. Map Location
Saltimbocca Ristorante – Nice restaurant on a fun street with live music. Great for dinner. Map Location
Hostaria del Moro – Nice lunch spot Map Location
Cucina del Teatro – popular Instagram influencer spot. Map Location
Gelato:
Giolitti – Considered the best Gelato in the world… I certainly loved it. The lines can be long at certain times of the day, but the gelato is worth it. Map Location
Gelateria dei Gracchi – Great spot for a little gelato after dinner at Dal Bolognese. Map Location