Rome Bucket List: 20 Epic Experiences You Can't Miss - A Complete Guide to Backpacking Rome

Rome Bucket List: 20 Epic Experiences You Can't Miss

A Complete Guide to Backpacking Rome
A photo of Pete R.
By Pete R.,
Updated on

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Are you planning a trip to the Eternal City of Rome? Then you are in the right place. From all the ancient ruins and museums to the delicious food and lively cafes, Rome is a city that one must experience for themselves to see why the city is considered to be one of the top travel destinations in the world.

Within this guide, you will find all the information you need to have a great time in Rome as well as a comprehensive list of things to do in the city, both the well-trodden and off-the-beaten-path attractions.

Without further ado, here are the 20 best things to do in Rome for solo travelers. Let's get started with Rome Itinerary Map!

3 Days Backpacking Rome Itinerary3 Days Backpacking Rome Itinerary

Rome Itinerary Map

Rome Itinerary Map

Tips: Get Roma Pass and see more of Rome while saving money. The card offers free skip-the-line admission to 1 or 2 attractions, free use of the city's public transport system, discounts on services and activities, and so much more.

20 Best Things to Do in Rome

1. Get Inside the Colosseum

A person looking at the Colosseum in Rome

One of the main reasons why people want to visit Rome is to see the Colosseum with their own eyes and that is exactly what we will be doing first and foremost with this travel guide.

The entrance of the Colosseum in Rome

For those who do not know, the Colosseum is one of the most recognized landmarks in the world. It is one of the largest amphitheaters in the world and one of the oldest, being constructed way back in the 1st Century AD.

The Colosseum from afar in Rome

It was used for gladiatorial contests and public spectacles such as animal hunts, mock sea battles, and dramas based on classical mythology and it is considered one of the greatest architectural masterpieces of the Roman world and a testament to the engineering and architectural skills of the ancient Romans. They truly were the master builders of their time!

Planning to visit soon?
🛌 Booking hotels: Booking.com, Agoda, and Hostelworld.
  1. The RomeHello (Budget)
  2. Hotel Le Petit (Mid-Range) 👍 Top Pick
  3. H10 Palazzo Galla (High-End)
🏄 Booking tours: Viator, GetYourGuide, and Klook.
  1. Vatican: Museums & Sistine Chapel Entrance Ticket (1 day) 🏅 Top Pick
  2. Rome: Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and Basilica Tour (3 hours)
  3. Colosseum: Underground and Ancient Rome Tour (3 hours)
🚘 Renting a car: Discover Cars.
🏥 Travel Insurance: Heymondo.

A person walking past Colosseum in Rome

To be able to see the Colosseum with our own eyes while in Rome is like looking through a window into the past as it offers a glimpse into the lives of the ancient Romans and their culture that still amazed us to this day.

Colosseum at night in Rome

If you want to take great photos of the Colosseum, I highly recommend you visit the place 2 times, one in the early morning before the crowds arrive and the second time at sunset when the lights are turned on.

people sitting in restaurants at night in Rome

Both times are amazing for photos. I went first in the morning and was able to take a lot of photos of myself and the iconic landmark without a single person in sight while in the evening, I just sat on a ledge on the street overlooking the Colosseum which provide the perfect view over the structure during sunset.

A museum inside Colosseum in Rome

In order to get inside the Colosseum, you will have to wrap your head around the confusing online ticket system they have in place nowadays. You can no longer buy tickets at the entrance, thanks to COVID, so be sure to prepare your visit accordingly.

The interior of the Colosseum in Rome

There are 3 main types of tickets you can buy. First is the regular Colosseum & Roman Forum ticket which will give you access to most of the Colosseum except the arena area (the large platform built above the recently excavated underground area) and the underground area. Second is the Colosseum + arena & Roman Forum ticket, and third is the Colosseum + arena + underground & Roman Forum ticket.

Inside the Colosseum in Rome

The regular ticket is the cheapest and it is the best deal you can get as you will be able to see everything in the Colosseum except the underground area. Although you do not get access to the arena, you will still be able to see almost the same view as from the arena but from the other side as well as see it from above from the second level of the Colosseum. If you are unsure of your visit, you can get the free cancellation ticket from here instead.

The underground of the Colosseum in Rome

If you wish to see the underground area (highly recommended), you can go with the Colosseum + arena + underground & Roman Forum ticket which is priced higher than the regular ticket but you will get access to the recently opened underground area via a guided tour which is the only way to see this part of the Colosseum.

The underground paths under the Colosseum in Rome

If you wish to buy this ticket, be sure to book it as early as you can as the underground ticket is extremely popular and can be booked out weeks in advance.

The arena at the Colosseum in Rome

Last but not least, the Colosseum + arena & Roman Forum ticket which I considered to be the worst deal you can get and I do not recommend you buy it since this ticket will only allow you access to the arena area, which can also be seen with the regular ticket from the other side.

The second level of the Colosseum in Rome

The price is also the same as the ticket with the underground access which is not ideal. This option is only worth it if you wish to spread your visit to 2 days as the ticket is valid for 48 hours and all the underground tickets are already booked out. Basically, it is a last-resort ticket.

The arena seen from the second level of the Colosseum in Rome

The entrance for visitors is done in waves using time slots and so be sure to pick the time slot you want when you buy the ticket online. Do not wait around, the good time slots are often booked out fast so be sure to buy the ticket days in advance. If you are unsure, you can also get a free cancellation ticket from here.

The exterior of the Colosseum in Rome

Definitely one of the best things to do in Rome so be sure not to miss it. The Colosseum is open from 9 AM to 7 PM every day and the entrance fee can be booked online for around 18 - 24 EUR depending on which ticket you choose to buy.

2. Explore the Roman Forum

Columns at the Roman Forum in Rome

Next up, we visit the Roman Forum, an ancient Roman rectangular plaza surrounded by the ruins of several important ancient buildings located right by the Colosseum.

The ruins at the Roman Forum in Rome

The Roman Forum played a significant role as the center of day-to-day life in ancient Rome, where politics, religion, commerce, and justice took place. This is the place where orators delivered speeches, elections were held, and trials were conducted as well as many religious ceremonies and rituals.

Statues at the Roman Forum in Rome

The plaza was built around 500 BC, and it continued to be the center of Roman public life for centuries until the fall of the Roman empire which left this place in ruins for centuries after.

A gate at the Roman Forum in Rome

Walking around the Roman Forum, is almost as if we have stepped back in time as you stroll along the cobblestone street and walk among these beautiful ancient Roman ruins.

The path at the Roman Forum in Rome

It will give you a glimpse of what the daily lives of the ancient Romans were like back then as you stroll past ancient sights like the Temple of Saturn, the Temple of Vesta, the Curia (Senate House), the Arch of Septimius Severus, and the Basilica Julia.

A ruin at the Roman Forum in Rome

It is an incredible place to visit and one that I highly recommend you dedicate at least an hour to while you are in Rome. If you wish to see this place in solitude without the crowds, make sure you are there in the morning before the crowds arrive!

A column at the Roman Forum in Rome

The entrance to the Roman Forum is often included in the Colosseum online ticket you just bought which will allow you access to the area within the 24 hours time frame so I highly recommend you visit the Roman Forum before or after you visit the Colosseum. The area is open from 9 AM to 7 PM every day.

3. Check Out the View from Palatine Hill

The view of the Roman Forum from the Palatine Hill in Rome

Located just east of the Roman Forum, you will also find the Palatine Hill, one of the Seven Hills of Rome, that played a significant role in the creation of Rome itself.

A temple at the Roman Forum seen from the Palatine Hill in Rome

The Palatine Hill is believed to be the birthplace of Rome as the city's founder, Romulus, first built his palace here. The area was continuously used as homes of some of Rome's most powerful and wealthy families, including Augustus, the first Roman Emperor who also built his palace here.

Trees at the Palatine Hill in Rome

Around Palatine Hill, you will find all sorts of historically significant ruins like the Palace of Augustus, the House of Livia, the Palace of Tiberius, and the Flavian Palace, which was a luxurious palace complex that includes the remains of a palace, a stadium, and several thermal baths. These sites are called SUPER sites and you can only access the area with either the Forum Pass Super or the multi-day Full Experience tickets only. You do not have access to these sites if you bought the regular Colosseum ticket.

Ruins at the Palatine Hill in Rome

Despite these SUPER sites, you will still be able to get access to many of the villas and gardens at Palatine Hill. It is a great place to escape the bustling city of Rome and be among nature and ancient ruins as you stroll around its vast open-air green space.

The colosseum seen from the Palatine Hill in Rome

Since the hill is located right by the Roman Forum, it also offers incredible views over the ancient plaza. The best viewpoint in the Palatine Hill is from Terrazza Belvedere del Palatino, a terrace overlooking the Roman Forum where you will be able to get a sweeping view from the Colosseum all the way to the Altar of the Fatherland.

Rome seen from the Palatine Hill in Rome

The Palatine Hill is open from 9 AM to 7 PM every day and the place can be accessed through the Roman Forum using the same ticket which is all in the same gated area. If you wish to see some of the SUPER sites, be sure to get the Full Experience Ticket instead.

Tours & Tickets You Might Like

Looking to save some costs on your travel? Why not join a shared group tour from Rome? Here are some activities you might be interested in:

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4. Check out all the museums at Campidoglio

Campidoglio in Rome

After you are done with the Roman Forum, continue walking the path towards the northern exit which is right by our next destination, Campidoglio or Capitoline Hill, which is another of the Seven Hills of Rome, and it is home to some of the oldest museums in the city.

The stairs to Campidoglio in Rome

Out of all the 7 hills of Rome, this is the smallest but historically it was the most important one. The Capitoline Hill was the political and religious center of ancient Rome and it was home to the Temple of Jupiter Capitolinus, the most important temple in Rome, as well as other important buildings you can explore.

The museum at Campidoglio in Rome

Right on top of the hill, you will find an impressive Renaissance square, the Piazza del Campidoglio, designed by Michelangelo himself way back in the 16th century.

Another museum at Campidoglio in Rome

The square features stunning marble pavement and three magnificent statues while offering a beautiful view over the Roman Forum. Right at the plaza, you will find the Capitoline Museums, one of the oldest public museums in the world that house a vast collection of art and artifacts from ancient Rome.

The statues at Campidoglio in Rome

If you are interested in seeing old Roman, Greek, and Egyptian artifacts, be sure to drop by the museum while you are here. The Capitoline Museums are open from 9:30 AM to 7:30 PM every day and you can get the online ticket from here.

5. Check Out the View from the Altar of the Fatherland

The Altar of the Fatherland seen from the road in Rome

As we continue our journey north of the Colosseum, you will stumble upon the Altar of the Fatherland, a massive marble monument dedicated to the first king of a unified Italy to commemorate the first anniversary of the king's death in 1900.

The stairway to the top of the Altar of the Fatherland in Rome

The monument is an important symbol of Italian national identity and history and it is considered to be one of the most impressive architectural and engineering achievements of the 19th century when it was completed.

The view from the Altar of the Fatherland in Rome

What is cool about this imposing structure that can be seen across Rome's cityscape is its white marble construction and the massive stairway decorated with marble statues that lead you to a balcony with an incredible view over Rome.

People sitting at the Altar of the Fatherland in Rome

The monument is filled with amazing sculptures and architectural features that are attractions in and of themselves like the statue of Victor Emmanuel II on horseback and the beautiful main colonnade where you can sit, relax, and enjoy the view of Rome after you climb its imposing stairway.

The buildings of Rome seen from the Altar of the Fatherland in Rome

The best part is you do not have to pay to get access to the balcony. All you have to do is climb its 243 marble steps and Rome's cityscape will be right at your fingertips.

The interior of the Altar of the Fatherland in Rome

The monument is open from 9:30 AM to 7:30 PM every day. If you wish to see the interior and get access to the museums inside as well as the panoramic terrace, the ticket is 12 EUR per person and it can be purchased at the entrance of the museums.

6. Take Photos with the Mouth of Truth

The Mouth of Truth in Rome

Not too far from Palatine Hill, right by River Tiber, you will find a mystical stone carving called The Mouth of Truth, a popular photo spot for those who are looking for a fun photo opportunity in Rome.

The church where the Mouth of Truth is located in Rome

The Mouth of Truth is a large marble disc with a face carved on it, located inside Santa Maria in Cosmedin church. It is believed to be an ancient Roman drain cover, dating back to the 1st century AD. The disc depicts a face with a wide open mouth, and it is said to have been used as a lie detector in ancient times hence why it is called the Mouth of truth.

A person with a hand inside the Mouth of Truth in Rome

According to legend, if someone placed their hand in the mouth of the disc and told a lie, their hand would be bitten off which inspire a popular photo trend of people putting their hands in its mouth. If you want to get that iconic photo, be sure to be there during the temple's opening hours which are between 9:30 AM and 6 PM every day.

7. Visit the Vatican City

St Peter's Basilica and St Peters Square in the Vatican City

One of the highlights of visiting Rome is to be able to step foot in The Vatican City, the smallest sovereign state in the world and it is located entirely within the city of Rome, surrounded by walls.

A person walking towards Saint Peter's Basilica in the Vatican City

In case you do not know, the Vatican City is the spiritual and administrative center of the Roman Catholic Church and it is the residence of the Pope himself. You can also meet him in person as he often conducts the General Admission on most wednesdays.

St Peters Square from St. Peter Basilica's Dome in the Vatican City

One of the highlights of visiting the Vatican City is checking out St. Peter's Basilica, one of the largest catholic churches in the world, and climbing to the top of its massive dome for incredible views of St. Peter's Square and the surrounding Rome cityscapes. The view from up here has got to be the viewpoint you can find in both the Vatican City and Rome itself.

The spiral staircase of the Vatican Museums

Another highlight is to visit the Vatican Museums and explore all the wealth and prosperity the Catholic church was able to acquire over the centuries from the great frescoes and artworks of the Sistine Chapel to an extensive collection of all sorts of artifacts from Egyptians to Romans to Greeks and beyond.

The hallway of the Gallery of Maps inside the Vatican Museums

There are so many artifacts in the museum, they have to be housed in several buildings that will take you at least 2 hours just to see the highlights of the museum, so be sure to plan your time carefully.

The frescoes inside Sistine Chapel in the Vatican City

The Sistine Chapel is also located inside the Vatican Museums and it is probably one of the most famous chapels in the world, known for its incredible ceiling fresco painted by Michelangelo which is considered to be a masterpiece of Renaissance art depicting scenes from the Book of Genesis, including the creation of Adam and Eve and the story of Noah.

A room full of frescoes inside the Vatican Museums

To get inside the Vatican Museum, you will have to buy a ticket online and book a time slot. You can no longer buy it at the entrance so be sure to prepare your visit accordingly. You can also go on an organized tour to learn more about the history of the artworks you see in the museum.

A sculpture inside the Vatican Museums

Spend at least half a day in the Vatican City and visit these attractions to really get the feel of this unique city-state. The place gets extremely crowded during the day so if you do not want to be in line for hours to get inside St. Peter Basilica, be sure to get there right before the opening time of 7:30 AM to avoid the crowds.

8 Best Things to Do in the Vatican City8 Best Things to Do in the Vatican City

8. Check Out Castel Sant'Angelo

Castel Sant'Angelo in Rome

Once you are done with the Vatican City, located right in front of St. Peter's Square you will find Castel Sant'Angelo, a fortress, and mausoleum originally built as a tomb for the Roman Emperor Hadrian in the 2nd century AD before it was later used as a fortress, and prison by the Popes, hence its proximity to the Vatican City.

People at the top of Castel Sant'Angelo in Rome

The fortress played an important role in both the Vatican and Rome's rich history. During the Middle Ages, the fortress served as a refuge for popes during times of danger, and it also played an important role in the defense of Rome during the Renaissance and the Napoleonic Wars.

Castel Sant'Angelo from the side in Rome

If you are interested in history, art, and architecture, Castel Sant'Angelo is definitely worth a visit. It offers a unique insight into the history of Rome and the Vatican, while also offering a spectacular view of Rome and the Vatican City from above from its terrace.

A statue on the bridge to Castel Sant'Angelo in Rome

The fortress is open from 9 AM to 7:30 PM every day and if you wish to get access to its terrace, you can buy an online ticket for around 15 EUR per person.

9. Hang Out at Piazza Navona

Piazza Navona in Rome

Just across River Tiber, you will find Piazza Navona, a magnificent public square located not too far from Castel Sant'Angelo, known for its three beautiful Baroque-style fountains, as well as its numerous restaurants and cafes where you can hang out and chill.

A fountain at Piazza Navona in Rome

The square was built on the site of the Stadium of Domitian, an ancient Roman arena in the 1st century AD hence why it is oddly shaped the way it is, although the three fountains the square is known for, the Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi, the Fontana del Moro, and the Fontana del Nettuno, were later added in the 17th Century.

Fiumi Fountain at Piazza Navona in Rome

My favorite fountain in the square is the Fiumi Fountain which has incredibly intricate sculptures that pay homage to the 4 rivers of Rome and it features a striking obelisk right at the center of the fountain. The details of this fountain will truly blow you away.

People at Piazza Navona in Rome

The square is extra beautiful at night and if you are looking for a romantic place to dine in Rome, be sure to check out Piazza Navona and all its cozy restaurants and cafes you can indulge yourself in.

10. Be Amazed at the Pantheon

The side of the Pantheon in Rome

The Pantheon is probably one of the oldest and best-preserved ancient buildings in the city and is considered one of the greatest architectural masterpieces of ancient Rome that have stood the test of time for more than 2000 years.

Light shining through the Pantheon in Rome

The Pantheon's most distinctive feature is its dome, which is made of concrete and is topped with an opening, or oculus, that allows light to shine into the building so be sure to visit this place when the sky is clear and the sun is up and above the Pantheon.

The interior of the Pantheon in Rome

To this day, the dome is still considered to be the largest unsupported dome in the world which goes to show just how incredible the ancient Romans were at building massive structures. The interior of the building is also notable for its ornate decoration and its use of marble and other high-quality materials.

The entrance of the Pantheon in Rome

The entrance to the Pantheon is free but since COVID, the place has started to limit its capacity so you might have to queue in front of the Pantheon for a bit before you can get in. The opening hours are between 9 AM to 6:45 PM every day.

11. Visit Campo de' Fiori

markets at Campo de' Fiori in Rome

If you are getting bored of all the old ruins and would like to see how the people actually live in Rome, I highly recommend you check out Campo de' Fiori, another historical square that is known for its open-air market which sells a variety of goods including fresh produce, flowers, and souvenirs.

Restaurants near Campo de' Fiori in Rome

The square is also home to several historical buildings and monuments, including the Palazzo della Cancelleria, the Palazzo Farnese, and the statue of the philosopher Giordano Bruno. The statue was erected in 1889 to honor Bruno, who was burned at the stake for heresy in 1600. Yikes!

Streets near Campo de' Fiori in Rome

This is the perfect place to go people-watching and to experience what life is like now in Rome as people congregate in the square and shop for fresh produce. There are also some cafes and restaurants around the square so you can sit, relax, and enjoy the bustling atmosphere of Rome at its best. The open-air market is open every day except Sundays so be sure to plan your trip accordingly.

12. Check Out Trevi Fountain

A crowded Trevi Fountain in Rome

Of course, you can't travel to Rome without checking out the famous Trevi Fountain, a beautiful Baroque-style fountain from the 18th Century featuring beautiful and intricate sculptures and designs on a scale you have never seen before.

Trevi Fountain in Rome

The fountain is so popular among tourists that it is almost impossible to see this place without people unless you are willing to wake up as early as 4 AM to get here before sunrise.

The statues at Trevi Fountain in Rome

According to legend, throwing a coin into the fountain ensures a visitor's return to Rome. I don't believe in superstition but me and my family tossed in a coin way back in the 90s and BAM! 20+ years later, I was back in Rome. Although my parents have yet to be back since then, so you tell me. 😂

13. Hike Up the Spanish Steps

People sitting on the Spanish Steps in Rome

Just north of the Trevi Fountain, you will find another popular landmark of Rome, the Spanish Steps, a famous set of 138 steps that lead up to the Piazza di Spagna where you can get an incredible view of Rome.

People walking the Spanish Steps in Rome

The steps were built in the 18th century in order to connect the Spanish Square below to the French Church up in the hills, hence the name Spanish Steps. The place has been popular among visitors to Rome for Centuries especially for the writers and artists of the 19th Century to gather and exchange ideas.

The view from the top of the Spanish Steps in Rome

Be sure to climb all the way to the french church of Trinità dei Monti and check out the beautiful and elaborate interior decoration of this 16th Century church. Do not make your way down once you are done as we will continue on our journey and explore other tourist attractions atop Pincio Hill.

14. Check Out the View from Passeggiata del Pincio

The view of a plaza from Passeggiata del Pincio in Rome

As you continue north from the top of the Spanish Steps, you will find Passeggiata del Pincio, a famous promenade at the top of Pincio Hill that offers an incredible view of the city.

Buildings seen from Passeggiata del Pincio in Rome

The promenade was commissioned in the 19th by Pope Pius VII to create a public park on Pincio Hill. He transformed the hill into a terraced garden with a panoramic view of the city and created a walkway that winds through the gardens and terraces becoming Passeggiata del Pincio.

A balcony at Passeggiata del Pincio in Rome

The promenade is known for its picturesque gardens and terraces, as well as its historic monuments such as the Obelisk of Monte Mario and an observational deck with a sweeping view of Piazza del Popolo, a historical square where the oldest obelisk in Rome is located, from above.

A park at Passeggiata del Pincio in Rome

While you are at Pincio Hill, be sure to spend some time and explore all the beautiful sculptures and gardens up there as well as tourist attractions like Villa Medici, a 16th-century cardinal's villa with beautiful gardens, Orologio ad acqua del Pincio, a 19th Century water-powered clock, and many more.

15. Escape the Crowds at Villa Borghese

A monument at Villa Borghese in Rome

Located adjacent to Passeggiata del Pincio, you will find Villa Borghese, a beautiful public green space covering more than 80 hectares of land atop Pinchio Hill where you can escape from the bustling city of Rome and be in the pure bliss of nature.

A road at Villa Borghese in Rome

The Villa Borghese was built in the early 17th century by Cardinal Scipione Borghese, a nephew of Pope Paul V. It was designed as a pleasure garden, and was used for many years as a private residence before it was opened to the public in the early 20th century.

A building at Villa Borghese in Rome

You will find many beautiful fountains and sculptures scattered over the park as well as other tourist attractions such as the Temple of Aesculapius, the Pincio terrace, and the Bioparco, a zoo with a collection of animals from around the world.

People relaxing at Villa Borghese in Rome

There are also several museums and galleries here, including the Borghese Gallery and Museum, one of the best and most popular museums in Rome and one that we will discuss in the next section. The park is open from 7 AM to 7 PM every day and it is free to enter.

The entrance of Borghese Gallery and Museum in Rome

Within Villa Borghese, you will also find one of the most popular museums to visit, the Borghese Gallery and Museum, an art museum known for its incredible collection of art from the Borghese family, one of the most powerful and influential families in Rome during the 17th and 18th centuries.

The museum was originally built in the early 17th century as a private residence and art gallery for the Borghese family. The collection was later donated to the Italian government in 1902, and it had been opened to the public to this day.

Borghese Gallery and Museum in Rome

The collection includes artworks by some of the most renowned artists of the Baroque and Renaissance periods, such as Bernini, Raphael, and Caravaggio. If you are an art lover, a visit to the Borghese Gallery and Museum is a must.

The museum is open from 9 AM to 7 PM every day except Monday and the entrance fee is around 20 EUR per person. You can get the online ticket from here. If you want to learn more about the importance of the Borghese and all the stories around the artworks inside, you can also go on a guided tour as well which should cost about 50 EUR per person.

17. Visit Basilica Papale di Santa Maria Maggiore

The exterior of Basilica Papale di Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome

Now that we have seen all the typical attractions in Rome, it's time to see what's in store for us outside the touristy areas. Located not too far from Rome Central Station, you will find Basilica Papale di Santa Maria Maggiore, the largest Catholic Marian church in Rome.

The altar of Basilica Papale di Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome

This basilica is one of the four major basilicas of Rome with a long and rich history dating back to the 5th century AD when it was constructed. Despite being in the territory of Italy, the basilica is in fact owned entirely by the Vatican City and you will have to go through a security check before you are able to get in.

The main hallway of Basilica Papale di Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome

Once you are inside, you will be greeted with a vast hallway full of incredible decorations and beautiful mosaics covering the walls and ceilings of the basilica from top to bottom.

A decoration inside the Basilica Papale di Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome

Each wing of the basilica is like its own different church with unique features and decorations that will blow you away at every turn. Right at the center of the basilica, just beneath the Altar of the Sistine Chapel and Oratory of the Nativity, you will also find a crypt with a crystal reliquary said to contain wood from the Holy Crib of the nativity of Jesus Christ.

The crypt of Basilica Papale di Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome

Be sure to spend some time and explore all the wings of the basilica as well as check out the crypt. The place is open from 7 AM to 7 PM every day and it is free to enter the basilica.

18. Be Blown Away by Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano

The entrance of Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano in Rome

Another one of the four major basilicas in Rome that you should visit is Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano, a catholic church that is considered to be the mother church of all the churches in the world.

The main hallway of the Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano in Rome

Out of all the four major basilicas in Rome, Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano is the oldest and highest ranking of all, holding the unique title of "archbasilica". It was founded in 324, which makes it the oldest public church in the city, and the oldest basilica in the Western world.

The frecoes of the Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano in Rome

The moment you walk inside, you will see why this place is the mother of all churches. The interior of the basilica is lavishly decorated from top to bottom with beautiful sculptures, artworks, and mosaics that are incredibly pleasing to look at. It must have taken a ton of manpower to create such a masterpiece and maintain them throughout the centuries.

The altar at Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano in Rome

Again, despite the basilica being located inside the territory of Italy, the place is still owned by the Vatican City entirely which means, like the other churches owned by them, it is free for visitors to enter. The place is open from 7 AM to 6 PM every day.

19. Admire the Beauty of the Baths of Caracalla

A person standing in the middle of the Baths of Caracalla in Rome

One of my favorite ruins in Rome, which I prefer even more so than the Roman Forum and the Colosseum, is the Baths of Caracalla, an incredibly well-preserved public bath complex located just one kilometer south of the Colosseum.

A person looking up at the Baths of Caracalla in Rome

The bath complex was built during the reign of Emperor Caracalla between 212-216 AD covering an area of around 30 hectares. The place is considered to be one of the largest and most impressive public bath complexes of the ancient Roman world and you can really feel the true scale of the place as you stroll along the path passing through its giant arches and domes.

Mosaic tiles at the Baths of Caracalla in Rome

It had several features such as a frigidarium (cold room), caldarium (hot room), tepidarium (warm room), and natatio (swimming pool), most of which can only be conjured from our imagination but some of the things that you can still see today are the beautiful mosaics and frescoes that adorned the walls and floors of the bath complex.

An arch inside the Baths of Caracalla in Rome

The baths were not only a place for bathing but also served as a place of social gathering, entertainment, and relaxation. They were open to men and women, rich and poor, and were a symbol of Roman's incredible engineering and architectural achievements. They were really master builders even to today's standard.

An art installations inside the Baths of Caracalla in Rome

Since not many people know about this place, you won't see as many tourists here as in places like the Colosseum and the Roman Forum which I think were way too crowded for my liking. The Baths of Caracalla, on the other hand, is just perfect.

A courtyard inside the Baths of Caracalla in Rome

The open-air museum-style walking path that takes you along a journey from one area to another at a leisurely pace was a much-needed change from all the other overcrowded places in Rome for me. If you are looking for an off-the-beaten-path attraction in Rome to visit, this is the place to be.

The preserved walls of the Baths of Caracalla in Rome

The Baths of Caracalla is open from 9 AM to 7 PM every day except Monday and the ticket is around 10 EUR per person. You can buy the ticket from the kiosk at the entrance or you can get an online ticket from here. You can also go on a guided tour if you wish to learn more about the bath complex, its history, and the inner workings of the baths themselves.

20. Bike Along Via Appia Antica - The Roman Appian Way

The cobblestone street of the Roman Appian Way in Rome

Last but not least, if you have a day to spare, I highly recommend you travel to Via Appia Antica or the Roman Appian Way, the first wheeled vehicles road ever built by the Romans, and spend a day biking along its beautiful cobblestone street and check out some of the tourist attractions along the way.

A local bike shop at the Roman Appian Way in Rome

To explore the Appian Way, you can easily take bus #118 from the Colosseum, get off at Via Appia Antica before renting a bike from this local bike store which should cost around 10 EUR for 2 hours, and then you can bike along the Appian Way.

Trees along the Roman Appian Way in Rome

You can also walk but it will take you a while to get to places and the summer heat in Italy is no joke so make sure you know what you are getting yourself into before you continue on the journey.

A catacomb along the Roman Appian Way in Rome

Tourist attractions along the Appian Way that you should visit include the Catacombs of St. Callixtus, an immense underground cemetery excavated by the Christians of Rome from the 3rd to the 5th century AD, the Catacombs of Saint Sebastian, another ancient tunnel used as an underground tomb, and Circus of Maxentius, a well-preserved and imposing ruins of a Roman circus.

A ruin along the Roman Appian Way in Rome

If you wish to visit these catacombs but you do not want to ride a bike, you can also go on an organized tour which will take you from the meeting point to the Appian Way and to the catacomb.

Bikers at the Roman Appian Way in Rome

You can also ride the Appian Way as a group with a biking tour which will allow you to learn more about the significance of the Appian Way and the history behind the road as well as visit all the tourist attractions along the way.

What to Eat and Drink in Rome?

1. Try Out Local Dishes at Il Cuore Di Napoli Ribelle Restaurant

The interior of Il Cuore Di Napoli Ribelle Restaurant in Rome

Il Cuore Di Napoli Ribelle is a family-run restaurant located not too far from Rome central station and they serve local dishes with a variety of seasonings and flavors from seafood pasta to original Napolitan pizzas.

The menu at Il Cuore Di Napoli Ribelle in Rome

The vibe of the restaurant is exactly what you would expect from a family-run restaurant in Italy with a cozy atmosphere, lovely staff, and favorable prices.

Seafood Spaghetti at Il Cuore Di Napoli Ribelle Restaurant in Rome

I tried their Seafood Spaghetti and I love it! They also serve a set menu for 15 EUR and you will get the first and second course meals as well as water, coffee, or wine of choice. If you are looking for something cool to eat, be sure to check out Il Cuore Di Napoli Ribell.

The entrance of Il Cuore Di Napoli Ribelle Restaurant in Rome

The restaurant is open in the evening after 6 PM every day except Sundays. It's hard to pinpoint the official opening time as they really are a family-run restaurant so be sure to ask them via their Whatsapp. The restaurant is not big and if you want to guarantee a table during peak hours, you can also reserve one from the same Whatsapp number.

2. Grab a Cup of Coffee at Il Baretto - caffè & panino

Croissants and coffee at Il Baretto - caffè & panino in Rome

Il Baretto - caffè & panino is another of my favorite family-run cafe near Rome Train Station. I often go here and grab a quick croissant and coffee in the morning before I start my exploration every day. I love their crispy croissants, as well as the coffee they serve here, all of which are extremely affordable, especially compare to other cafes in more touristy areas of Rome.

The entrance of Il Baretto - caffè & panino in Rome

If you are looking to start your morning right, be sure to check out Il Baretto - caffè & panino. The cafe is open from 7 AM to 6 PM every day except weekends when they are open from 7 AM to 1:30 PM on Saturdays and 7 AM to 5 PM on Sundays.

Further Reading for Central Italy

I hope you found this Italy travel guide useful. If you want to read more about Italy, here is a selection of articles you might like:

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Categories DestinationsItalySouthern EuropeEuropeCentral Italy

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