Throw a coin in the iconic Trevi and legend has it that one day you’ll return to Rome. The fountain was designed by Nicola Salvi in 1732 and depicts the sea god Oceanus with his seahorses. It was also featured in Fellini’s La Dolce Vita and is still popular with the crowds who make the pilgrimage to admire it.
Visiting the Roman Forum is a must if you’re visiting Rome’s historic center, but it’s one of the most popular tourist sites in Rome, which means it can get pretty busy. Back in its day, it was a hub of activity, home to the most important ancient government buildings, law courts, shops, and markets. Thousands of years later you can still explore the ruins of this ancient plaza, and get a feel for life in ancient Rome.
The gallery is housed in Villa Borghese Pinciana, a former 17th-century party house for the Borghese family on the edge of Rome. On display is a large part of the Borghese family collection of marble sculptures, baroque decorative art, and paintings (including some impressive Caravaggios). The gallery is also home to a statue by Antonio Canova of Pauline Bonaparte, Napoleon’s sister, who was often described as the most beautiful woman in the world.
For Rome’s premier shopping destination, head to Rinascente – the best department store with seven floors of luxury. They stock everything from the latest Gucci bags to Louboutin heels, classic homewares, and gourmet food, plus there is a great rooftop bar that is like the icing on the cake. Up Sunset Bar is perfect for the end of the day. However, unlike some other bars that only open in the evening, this bar is open from 10 am – so you can stop in for a coffee or even pop by for a cheeky afternoon drink.
The pantheon is not only the best-preserved ancient Roman monument in the world, but it’s also the most copied. The main structure of the Pantheon, called the rotunda, was actually the first element of the building to be built, using the Roman concrete technique. The Pantheon sits on the Piazza della Rotonda, a square in the historic heart of Rome. Seen from the front, you get a magnificent view of the facade and portico, reminiscent of ancient Greek temples.
Next to the Piazzi Venezia square, there is the remarkable white monument honoring Italy’s first king Vittorio Emanuele II. Italians also call the Monument of Victor Emanuel II ‘Il Vittoriano’ and ‘Altara della Patria’, or the altar of the fatherland. The monument commemorates the unification of Italy in 1861 and the first king of Italy, Victor Emmanuel II. Although this monument was built in his honor, he is not buried there. Instead, he is buried in the Pantheon.
Chiostro del Bramante is a striking building designed during the Renaissance. The church cloisters take their name from the architect – Donato Bramante. The beautiful complex hosts rotating exhibits, primarily by internationally renowned modern and contemporary artists. Don’t miss the Raphael fresco, and be sure to stop in the cafe on the second floor for a coffee while you admire the architectural details.
The Spanish steps built in Rococo style between 1723 and 1726, are the steps that lead from the Piazza di Spagna square to the French monastery church Trinita dei Monti. There are 135 steps and three different terraces, referring to the Holy Trinity. The name can be a bit confusing, as the construction of the steps was actually commissioned by the French. In the 17th century, the Spanish embassy was located on the square – ‘Piazza di Spagna’ – at the base of the stairs, hence the name ‘Spanish Steps’. The official name is therefore not Spanish steps, but Scalinata della Trinità dei Monti.
While the facade of the building is typical, the interior of Galleria Sciarra is breathtaking. The entire interior of the building is decorated in liberty-style frescoes. The frescoes were painted by Giuseppe Cellini in an Art Nouveau style. Look between the beautiful scroll details of flowers and vines to see the factual subject matter: glorificazione della donna. A theme dedicated to glorifying women. Today Galleria Sciarra is home to offices, but its internal courtyard is open to the public during business hours. Most of the people who pass through are locals who use the covered walkway as a shortcut from Via Marco Minghetti to Piazza dell’Oratorio.
The Vatican is closely tied with Rome’s heritage, and there is a wealth of art and history to explore in its Vatican Museums. Start early to beat the crowds, and climb to the top of the dome of St Peters basilica for an epic view!
Please note, that opening hours at Italian restaurants are limited. Most of them are open for lunch from about 12:30pm – 2:30pm. They are then closed for an afternoon/early evening break. Restaurants open again for dinner at 7:30pm or 8pm.
Since most restaurants have limited operating hours, there is pretty fierce competition for seats. So when it comes to eating out in the Eternal City, planning ahead is always a good idea. Booking a table in Rome is not just about ensuring you have a table at the latest hotspot, but at neighborhood trattorias and local favorites as well.
