9 Most Famous Highlights of Rome

Places you can’t miss during your holiday in Rome

Rome is one of the most romantic cities in the world. It’s the perfect place for a weekend city break, but with so much to see and do, it’s difficult to know where to start. That’s why we’ve created this mini guide of must-see places during your weekend in Rome.

Spanish Steps

Start your day by soaking up some of that lovely Italian sunshine on the Spanish Steps. Here you can enjoy panoramic views of the entire city below, and people watch to your heart’s content. Many people take a picnic breakfast or lunch to enjoy while sitting on these historical steps.

Rome Spanish Steps

Trevi Fountain

From there, walk through the bustling designer shopping district to the spectacular Trevi Fountain. Designed by Nicola Salvi and completed by Pietro Bracci, the Trevi Fountain is one of the most famous fountains in the entire world. Marvel at the turquoise water, the intricate Baroque design and maybe throw in a coin for good luck. Surrounding the Trevi Fountain are many gelato shops, so this is the perfect place to sample some traditional Italian ice-cream.

Trevi Fountain, Rome

Piazza Venezia

A short walk from the fountain leads you to Rome’s central hub, Piazza Venezia. Sitting in the middle of the Via del Corso, the famous race of the riderless horses would fly through this plaza every Spring. Here you can also see the balcony from which Napoleon’s mother would spend her days, watching the people coming and going below.

Piazza Venezia

Vatican City

Your second day will start at the Vatican, a self-contained city-state within the borders of Rome. With its impressive sculptures, obelisk, columns and grand entrances, the Vatican itself is a wonder to behold. However, the true magic is held inside the Vatican museum. Here you can see one of the greatest collections of European history in the world. After you’ve gazed upon the many tapestries, paintings, artefacts and statues, you will then visit the breathtaking Sistine Chapel.

Rome Vatican Dawn

Piazza Navona

A short walk across the River Tiber will bring you to the beautiful Piazza Navona. This plaza was the site of much torment and friction between two of the world’s best Baroque architects, Bernini and Borromini. While in Piazza Navona you can marvel at both artists’ work, the world famous Fountain Dei Quattro Fiumi and the magnificent church of Sant’Agnese in Agone.

Piazza Navona

Pantheon

Your final stop on this day should be at the Pantheon. The sheer scale of this historical temple is enough to take your breath away. Entry into this ancient building is free, and once inside you can gaze upon the many paintings and elaborate golden trimmings. The ceiling, which was once a delicate tapestry of intricate tiles, is now open to the bright blue skies above. This is truly a unique experience for your long weekend in Rome.

Rome the Pantheon

Porta Portese

On Sunday, you can enjoy the traditional flea market. The Porta Portese is held in an extremely historic area of Rome and is the perfect place to grab a bargain and hunt for some priceless antiques. This is something you can only enjoy during a weekend in Rome.

Porta Portese

Colosseum

Your next stop will be in one of Rome’s most famous landmarks, theColosseum. The jaw-dropping exterior of this dominating structure is enough to keep you busy for hours, but inside is even more impressive. The grand amphitheatre is exceptionally well preserved, and you can feel the gruesome history as soon as you step through the entrance arches.

Colosseum

Roman Forum

Next to the Colosseum is the Roman Forum, a place filled with buildings and structures from the 6th century BC. Walk along the old roads of this amazing town, and enjoy the elegant marble columns, hand chiselled sculptures and grand staircases. Visitors can also climb the Palatine Hill, from where you can see parts of the Emperor’s grand palace still intact from 81 AD.

Roman Forum

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