Top 6 things to do in Rome
One of our favourite places to visit in Europe has to be Italy, in particular Rome. The gelato, pizza and history hits all of our holiday aims and does it in spectacular style. I (Elly) had wanted to visit ever since I first came across the gladiators, Roman culture and the stunning architecture. Luckily, we got the chance and it didn’t disappoint – so much so we went back again shortly afterwards! Below is a list of the top things to do in Rome, including where you can get the best gelato in Rome (or ice cream as we English refer to it as).
1) Colosseum
At the top of mine and most lists, and rightfully so, is the awe-inspiring colosseum. Steeped in Roman history, this landmark is a sight to behold when you reach to the top of the hill on the approach. On our visit to Rome, the beaver made sure my eyes were closed until we were in the best position so I could take the entire building in at the perfect spot – well worth it! The queue to visit can be long, but as soon as you step inside the stone walls and out of the sun, you can see all the sections of the Colosseum that are made famous by books and films.
Seats that baying crowds once sat in are intact, towering marble columns still hold up the remaining structure and can be seen up close as you walk around. Rocky arena floor can be walked across to get a real feel for the enormity of the amphitheatre. You can even get close enough to walk around the underground section where the famous gladiators would have stood waiting and caged before battle. In addition, paid tours can also access the highest point, the belvedere terrace, which provides a uniquely high viewing point of the Colosseum and neighbouring Forum. Easy to see why this is number 1 on my list of top things to do in Rome.
Tip: Go very early in the morning or purchase skip the line tickets. No one likes waiting 4 hours in queue, even to see the Colosseum.
2) Roman Forum
The Forum, located close to the Colosseum, is a spectacular reminder of Roman life and how well preserved it is in this ancient city. Originally a public plaza and celebration site, the area now holds the remains of numerous spectacular temples, towering basilica, and even the old senate house (Curia) itself. On a sunny day like the one we were lucky to have, this visit is truly amazing. Walking through the same streets Caesar did and being up close to the many buildings really brings home the fact that then Romans were complex and fascinating members of a distinguished society, not too dissimilar in many ways to the one we are a part of.
Walking around the forum is easy with some higher paths and garden areas but also the floor level areas where you can walk amongst the ruins. If you are a history buff, a guide maybe the right choice to make sure you can recognise all the temples and significant sites. Entry is cheaper if you buy the Roma pass which gives you entrance to more than one tourist attraction.
Tip: Visit early morning or at lunchtime, when most people will either be asleep or having lunch.
3) Fountain of Neptune - Fontana del Nettuno
A bit of a wild card in this list is this particular fountain. Although evidently beautifully made (by Giacomo de la Porta) it is the atmosphere that made it stand out for me. Found within the Piazza Navona, not too far from the Pantheon, this is a place to relax and just enjoy Rome. Walking into the plaza, the fountain stands within intricately decorated buildings, the smell of pizza and buzz of tourists and Italians alike. It isn’t a place I will forget easily.
We returned a couple of times here and most memorably listened to a violinist reel off Disney hits on the edge of the plaza whilst vendors blew bubbles through the air and artists created graffiti paintings. I definitely recommend a visit during the day or sunset to bask in the heat and enjoy the sounds and smells of Rome.
4) Pantheon
Another staple for most tourists is the Pantheon, an ancient Roman temple built by Hadrian that now survives as a church. The Pantheon is the most well-preserved Roman attraction, standing tall in the centre of bustling Rome in another busy Plaza. Walking into the plaza you will be greeted by an array of restaurants and gelato shops surrounding a set of steps where tourists sit and enjoy the view of the spectacular building. Just in front of the plaza is a long line of horses, eyes shielded from the bustling crowds, waiting to lead an unsuspecting tourist around Rome.
Beyond them, the line to the Pantheon looks large, but entry didn’t take us long. Once inside there is enough space for everyone to walk and enjoy the architecture. The huge domed roof, intricate marble statues and famous arches fill every wall and are an amazing feat of man, much like the mosques we visited in Turkey. Well worth a visit at less busy times of the day.
Tip: Visit just before closing time, the crowds are at their lowest at this time.
5) Giolliti Gelato
It wouldn’t be a visit anywhere for us without some memorable food and we enjoyed the gelato in Rome so much the first time we made a day visit the next year just to try some more! Giolitti is definitely the best gelato we tried (and we tried a lot) in Rome, notably for the mixture of eat in fancy gelato and the takeout dripping cones. We preferred sitting in and sampling the sundaes and more intricately designed dessert versions of the cone but for this you pay a little more than the takeout service. It is worth it for the variety of dessert and friendly waiters. Note to eat in simply find a table, if you queue up and order directly at the till then you will not be allowed to sit at a table.
The flavour selection at Giolitti is enormous; even with a menu it is difficult to decide, even more boggling when in a huge queue and faced with a never-ending sea of gelato! I would recommend anyone who loves chocolate as much as I do try the Nutella flavour here, it is like a normal jar made slightly less heavy and dangerously easy to eat. If you prefer a more summery flavour, the mixed berry was delicious as were the Pina colada flavours the beaver tried – great for combating the heat.
You can find Giolitti in Municipio I, not too far from the Piazza Navona. 5* for the best gelato in Rome, Giolitti! Not to be missed on your trip.
6) Sant' Eustachio II Caffe
Last but not least on our list of top things to do in Rome is the best coffee place. Now I myself am not a coffee drinker, but the Beaver fell in love with coffee in Rome. He even dragged me out in the night to get him an espresso! His favourite was a place called Sant’ Eustachio, a little, traditional shop near the Piazza Navona and not far from the Trevi Fountain.
You can stand and drink the coffee inside as we did (it was freezing outside at night) or in the daytime pay a little more to sit outside in the sun. It is also famous for being featured in the novel ‘call me by your name’.
FAQ's
Q1) Best time to visit Rome?
Since Rome has a Mediterranean climate, it is a good destination all year round. To avoid the crowds and the heat of summer, late spring is best. If you love the heat, then summer it is!
Q2) Where to stay?
Stay in the city centre, close to Piazza Navona. Close to the old city centre is the best place to stay and you will rarely need to use public transport as you are so central you can walk to almost everything. We stayed in the IQ hotel which was a great blend between location, comfort and price.
Q3) Do I need travel insurance?
Post Brexit your EU health insurance card will not be valid for UK residents. I therefore advise you take out travel insurance. Check out World Nomads, a highly recommended travel insurance company.