Things to do in Rome: top 10 unforgettable experiences

Rome is not just the capital of Italy, but a real open-air museum, where every street and every stone breathes history. It is a city that fascinates with its atmosphere, majestic architecture and centuries-old traditions. Walking along its ancient streets, you can feel the spirit of ancient Rome, see the places where history was made, and immerse yourself in a culture that has influenced the whole world.

Rome attracts tourists from all over the world with its rich heritage, gastronomic delights and special Italian hospitality. LonelyPlanet experts tell you about the best vacation options in the Italian capital.

Immerse yourself in ancient Rome

Any Italian will tell you how openly anarchic Rome is and immediately follow it up with the words: "But Rome is Rome". There is no other place like it in the world, and the only thing you need to do is surrender to its chaotic charms.

Touch the walls of ancient buildings and think about how they have survived for thousands of years, or focus on the incredibly intricate marble carvings and statues. Wander through the main attractions, stumble upon the secondary ones, and remember that you only need to cross one or two streets to find yourself in a quiet corner of the capital.

Learn the art of Aperitivo

An aperitivo is a ritual of drinking before dinner that aims to awaken the appetite, not to satiate or drown it in cheap booze. Rome is one of the best cities in Italy where you can try a variety of aperitifs. If you're looking for luxury, try to find a spot on the coveted rooftop of Terrazzo Borromini overlooking Piazza Navona. Freni and Frizioni in Trastevere are also considered to be a top establishment. For a classic Roman moment, head to Ai Tre Scalini in Monti, where the vine-lined streets are the perfect backdrop for the most poetic aperitif.

Visit the Vatican City

Whether you're traveling as a tourist or a pilgrim, the experience of seeing the Vatican for the first time is hard to overstate. From the outside, this half-kilometer-long city-state is dwarfed by the majestic dome of St. Peter's Basilica and framed by the long embrace of Piazza Bernini. Start with the Vatican Museums, a complex of 26 buildings that encompasses 7 km of halls and galleries.

Planning tip: The dress code is still quite strictly enforced. To be safe, wear pants or skirts that cover your knees and tops that cover your shoulders.

Museums in Rome

Although the Vatican museums are among the largest in the world, they are not the only ones worth visiting in Rome. The Capitoline Museums in the Campidoglio offer a look at art dating from the 3rd century BC to the 17th century. For an even deeper dive into historical artifacts, the National Museum of Rome houses an invaluable collection in four separate buildings throughout the city, each a work of art. From the Borghese Gallery to the Palazzo Colonna, there are majestic collections on almost every corner.

Go underground to discover hidden history

The golden house Domus Aurea, hiding (almost) in plain sight next to the Colosseum, is one of the most mysterious and least explored remains of ancient Rome. The sprawling complex was built after the fire of 64 AD, which destroyed most of the city, by order of Emperor Nero.

Enjoy the views from the city hills

It's easy to forget the sheer scale of the city when you're shuffling through the cobblestone streets. Greater Rome covers more than 1000 square kilometers, although the vast majority of its most famous sites are located in a much smaller area. There are several key points around the city center where you can admire the beauty of Rome.

Climb the Janiculum Hill for one of the most impressive panoramas. If you're wandering around during the golden hour (before sunset), head to the Giardini degli Aranci on the Aventine's Hill. Enjoy a stroll down through the rose garden, which offers unique views of the neighboring Palatine Hill.

Roman shopping

The market on Via Sannio near San Giovanni has a bustling atmosphere and is open almost all week with antiques, jewelry, clothing and small independent producers as well as vintage vendors. Find the ecosolidale market open on Via del Porto Fluviale in Ostiense and you might just get the couture purchase of a lifetime.

If you're in town on a Sunday, you can't miss the stunning Porta Portese market, which covers the area south of Trastevere with miles of interesting things to see. Don't be surprised if you see a famous designer scouring the market.

Parks in Rome

The most famous park in Rome is undoubtedly Villa Borghese. Covering 80 hectares of the Pinciano neighborhood in the city center, a walk in the park includes boating, many trails, theaters, and of course, the Galleria Borghese museum. Visit the cozy Villa Selimontana near the Colosseum or Colle Oppio Park for a different view of the famous stadium (which also includes a skate park).

Taste local products in the markets

Rome's markets are a real treasure trove of local products and flavor.

Mercato Centrale Roma, an indoor market located in the former railway station, is a real gastronomic paradise. Here you can find products from the best producers from all over Italy: fresh vegetables and fruits, meat, fish, cheeses, wines, olive oil, and much more. In addition, the market has several cafes and restaurants where you can taste dishes made from local products.

Mercato di Campo de' Fiori is located on the square of the same name in the very center of Rome, known for its atmosphere and fresh products. Here you can find everything from vegetables and fruits to spices, cheeses, and meat delicacies. The market is open every day except Sunday.

Mercato Trionfale, located near the Vatican, is one of the largest in Europe. It offers a huge selection of products: vegetables, fruits, meat, fish, cheeses, wines, olive oil, and much more. The market is open every day except Sunday.

Mercato Testaccio, located in the Testaccio district, is known for its authentic atmosphere and low prices. Here you can find fresh vegetables and fruits, meat, fish, cheeses and other products at prices lower than in tourist areas. The market is open every day except Sunday.

Gastronomic Rome

Roman cuisine is famous for its simplicity and use of fresh, seasonal ingredients.

There are many restaurants, trattorias, and osterias in Rome where you can enjoy traditional Roman cuisine. Here are some recommendations:

• Trattoria da Enzo al 29 is a small restaurant with authentic Roman cuisine;
• Roscioli is a gastronomic boutique with a restaurant where you can taste the best products from all over Italy;
• Pizzeria Ai Marmi is a pizzeria known for its thin and crispy pizza;
• Gelateria La Romana - one of the best gelaterias in Rome;
• Rifugio Romano;
• Romeow Cat Bistrot;
• Armando al Pantheon;
• Felice a Testaccio.

Subscribe to OBOZ.UA channels in Telegram and Viber to keep up with the latest events.