Visiting Rome is a must but for more than just a couple of days. As there are so many wonderful historical sites to see and cultural activities to experience. Also because it is a place which needs to be visited at a slow pace. In sync with the city and with the local people.
Visiting Rome is like taking a journey back in time by 2000 years. Despite being a modern city with its buildings and paved streets. It still retains the charm of an ancient time.
But if you just have a weekend to spare or only a couple of days. Here are the top 5 most important sites to see. Including some picture ideas to help you capture the beauty of the city like a professional Rome photographer.
1. A Vatican visit is a must. Starting with St. Peter's Square. Entering the Basilica and climbing to the top of the dome from where you can enjoy an incredible view over the city and the Tiber river. The visit continues towards the Vatican Museums which contains a great amount of artwork. Including the Sistine Chapel which is a must. If you have minimal time I suggest heading straight to it.
Tip: be aware of large queues to enter the museum, especially in the summertime. For this reason we suggest pre purchasing online tickets to skip the line.
2. Next without a doubt, is a visit of the ancient part of Rome. Specifically the roman Colosseum and the nearby Forum. These two sites represent the essential ancient Rome that must be seen. They can be visited together in half a day using the same ticket. Again buying tickets ahead of time can be useful to best optimize your available time.
In the near future you will also be able to visit a third major landmark with the same ticket in the same area as the two above. Which has just recently been discovered. Nerone’s villa. The Domus Aurea. After the devastating fire of 64 AD which destroyed most of central Rome, the emperor Nero began building a new estate which is known as the Domus Aurea.
3. But being roman also means enjoying a walk in the park. Like the Villa Borghese gardens. Especially on Sunday morning before going to Church as most Romans do. This ritual could be extended to cover a longer walk to visit the city on foot. So after a nice stroll through the Villa Borghese park one could step in the municipality and head over the nearby Via Veneto. A famous street which has come to be known for its Dolce Vita lifestyle in the 1960s.
4. Piazza Di Spagna and the breathtaking Trevi Fountain. Are two other essential landmarks to see. They are right next to each other so it is something easily achievable in a 2 hr time span ice cream included! 5
5. Finally as a bonus if you have extra spare time. Piazza del Campidoglio. A fabulous square which is condensed with worthwhile things to do and to see. The main square is characterized by hosting the equestrian statue of Marcus Aurelius contained in the very center. And on either side 2 important museums. The Capitoline museums and Palazzo dei conservatori. The square also hosts the Rome civil office where non religious weddings take place. So you might run into various brides and grooms coming and going! Tip: ‘Auguri’ is what you can say to a newlywed couple to wish them congratulations in Italian! The square also contains one of the most beautiful views over the ancient roman city. The Roman Forum viewed from above.
Final Tip: there is a nearby terrace called Caffarelli which has a spectacular side view of Rome. It is found next to the main square. It is essentially the caffè bar of the museums. But it is located out of the museums on top of a side building. So you can access it without necessarily purchasing museum tickets. The panorama can be best enjoyed in the morning with an espresso Italian coffee or in the evening to enjoy sunset with a drink in hand!
