A modern-day city steeped in history, Rome is an endless feast of art and culture. Italy’s capital shows off three millennia of history in architectural and artistic treasures that are seemingly waiting around every corner. You’ll never see it all – they say one lifetime isn’t long enough to see all that Rome has to offer. But with our top picks you can see the city’s very best. Glimpse the city’s golden age with the Colosseum, Roman Forum and the Pantheon, or marvel at the might of the Catholic Church inside the stunning St Peter’s Basilica. Immerse yourself in the city’s timeless beauty, and don’t forget to lose yourself in the dolce vita lifestyle.
Top six things to do in Rome
1. Explore the monumental Colosseum
Opened in AD 80, this 50,000-seat gladiatorial arena is arguably Rome’s most spectacular sight. An iconic symbol of Imperial Rome, its inauguration was marked by ruthless games said to have lasted 100 days and nights. Its eventual end was signalled by the fall of the Roman Empire.
2. Admire the Pantheon
Gaze in awe at this former Roman temple to the gods. Completed in around 126AD, almost 500 years later it found new life as a Christian church. It’s one of the best-preserved buildings from this era – mostly due to its continued use – and walking beneath its granite columns and ingenious dome is a must.
3. Visit the Vatican Museums
Discover one of the world’s most impressive art collections, amassed throughout the centuries by the Roman Catholic Church. From Michelangelo’s breathtaking Sistine Chapel to Raphael’s masterly frescoes –and more than 70,000 other exhibits – you’ll need to pace yourself for this heady art immersion.
4. Take in the views from atop St Peter’s Basilica
St Peter’s Basilica is deemed one of the holiest Catholic shrines, and is one cathedral you don’t want to miss in Rome. Highlights include the many artistic treasures found inside, such as Michelangelo’s Pietà, along with the immense dome and towering bronze baldachin by Bernini. You can even take in the views from a lofty platform atop the basilica.
5. Appreciate the immense art collection of the Galleria Borghese
Thanks to the scheming of the infamous Cardinal Scipione Borghese, this is one of the best private art collections around. Not only featuring sensational works by Caravaggio, Raphael, Titian and Bernini, the villa itself is also an impressive backdrop to the masterpieces. You’ll have to make a reservation to visit, though.
6. Step back in time at the Roman Forum
These sprawling ruins were at the centre of daily life in ancient Rome. Formerly filled with extravagant temples, government buildings and shops, these days you’ll find yourself wandering through lonely columns and stone fragments which let you reimagine its past grandeur. Top sights include the Temple of Saturn, Arch of Titus and the Curia – an ancient senate house.
