1. Get mesmerised by the Colosseum

Think of Rome, and you instantly think of the famous Colosseum – it really is as simple as that.

Captivating, commanding, and colossal in both scale and history, this masterpiece not only dominates the Roman skyline but also the imagination of the millions who dream of visiting it.

Built in AD 80 under the rule of Emperor Titus, the enormous arena hosted up to 50,000 spectators during its heyday, when gladiators, clad in sturdy armour, stepped into the arena to battle each other as entertainment – yes, it truly was as barbaric as we’ve seen in Gladiator. 

Today, the Colosseum still welcomes an average of 25,000 visitors a day (that’s roughly 15 times more than Petra in Jordan), making it one of the most visited landmarks in the world.

Having overheard countless talks about overtourism in Rome (and Italy in general), I initially assumed that sharing the Colosseum with a huge crowd would diminish the experience.

While there’s no denying that it is busy, the visitor regulations were actually among the best I’ve ever experienced, with timed entries that effectively control the flow of visitors.

Visitors can opt for a standard admission ticket for access to the first and second levels, or an arena ticket that lets you stand where gladiators once battled. 

Those keen to take things a step further can purchase an underground ticket and explore the hidden chambers beneath the Colosseum itself. There’s also a lesser-known option that includes access to the Attic (upper levels).

2. Behold the phenomenal Pantheon

The Colosseum might be Rome’s ultimate tourist draw, but it was the phenomenal Pantheon that has become my absolute favourite.

Without question, one of ancient Rome’s best-preserved monuments, the Pantheon is in a league of its own regarding its phenomenal engineering and architectural brilliance.

You see, the Pantheon is marked by the world’s largest unsupported concrete dome, complete with a central oculus of 9 meters in diameter – an achievement that continues to keep architects and engineers in awe today.

Initially constructed as a Roman temple, before becoming the Catholic church it is today, the Pantheon has, surprisingly, stood the test of time for nearly 2,000 years, an impressive feat for a building of this complexity and measure.

Its interior is remarkable, with intricate geometric patterns, massive Corinthian columns, and a colourful floor cut out of massive slabs of marble. On top of that, the Oculus is something mystical, letting in an enlightening beam of sunlight, transforming the Pantheon into one of Rome’s most spectacular spaces.

The exterior is equally impressive, and when admired from the picturesque Piazza della Rotonda, its humongous Corinthian columns and exquisite façade make for one of the most iconic scenes in all of Rome.

3. Stay at the astonishing NOMOS Hotel

There are only a few things that get me more hyped than finding accommodation that matches a city’s aesthetic. 

So just imagine how thrilled I was when stumbling upon the astonishing NOMOS Hotel.

Situated in the heart of the lively – and relatively local – Regola district, NOMOS is a stylish retreat that effortlessly blends quiet luxury with the timeless elegance that depicts Rome.

It’s the type of stay that features in magazines like Condé Nast Traveler, one such stay where every little element is carefully considered and done with intention.

Set within a former Franciscan monastery, artist and designer Henry Timi envisioned that the use of simple, raw elements would elevate monastic austerity into authenticity, tranquillity, and effortless luxury.

How right Henry was.

The rooms are downright astonishing, defined by soothing yet muted tones, earthy linens, thoughtful usage of both space and light, and a sense of simplicity that precisely expresses the craftsmanship that went into their creation. 

Their in-house restaurant, Bar Ante, follows the same philosophy, reflecting a strong connection to its monastic past, where a pared-back, yet welcome interior invites you to be fully present in the moment. Here, renowned chef Giulio Zoli turns seasonal, high-quality local ingredients into refined dishes that strike the perfect balance between contemporary elegance and traditional Italian flavours.

As someone fond of minimalistic design, spending time at NOMOS was truly something special, with its stripped-down design resembling my perception of how ancient Rome may once have felt: refined and timeless, while leaving plenty of room for my imagination.

It’s also ideally located within walking distance of some of the absolute best things to do in Rome, including the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, Castel Sant’Angelo, Vatican City, and the Colosseum.

4. Roam around Vatican City

The wonderful thing about visiting Rome is that you also get to add another country to your travel list.

Considered the smallest sovereign state in the world by both population and area, Vatican City is entirely encircled by Rome, yet has remained independent since 1929.

On February 11th of that year, the Lateran Pacts, an agreement between the Kingdom of Italy and the Holy See, were signed, making the Vatican a sovereign state, granting the Pope and the Holy See full independence.

Inscribed as a World Heritage site by UNESCO in 1984, Vatican City is the last absolute monarchy in Europe and is deemed one of the most sacred places in Christendom.

While it might be compact in size, it clearly doesn’t compromise on its historical, artistic, and architectural heritage.

From the marvellous Sistine Chapel with its world-famous Michelangelo-painted ceiling to the colossal St. Peter’s Basilica, which is seen from all over the Vatican, to the lush Vatican Gardens that take up nearly half of the state, the Vatican will inevitably leave a footprint on you. 

With roughly 30,000 to 60,000 visitors a day (yup, that’s at least a 30x from its residents), it’s not hard to imagine how this tiny state will feel during the peak season. So, if you’re keen to visit the Vatican Museum and gaze at the fascinating Sistine Chapel, I can’t stress it enough to get your hands on this official skip-the-line ticket.

5. Admire the Trevi Fountain

Rome is as much an open-air museum as it is a living city, with the majestic Trevi Fountain widely considered its chef-d’œuvre.

Arguably the most iconic fountain in the world, the Trevi Fountain stands proud against the colourful facades of Rome’s time-worn streets and is indeed as iconic as it gets.

You see, the Trevi Fountain is second-to-none, and once you behold its cascading turquoise waters and colossal Baroque sculptures, including an intriguing chariot-riding Oceanus with Tritons, in person for the very first time, I bet you won’t second-guess that.

Legend has it that tossing a coin over the left shoulder with the right hand will guarantee a safe return to Rome in the future. Not surprisingly, many would love this return, resulting in roughly €1.5 million worth of coins being tossed into the fountain each year.

That amount of money should give you an indication of how beloved this place actually is, so I’d highly recommend an early morning visit, when crowds tend to be a little thinner. 

Also, I can’t stress it enough to stay alert for pickpockets in crowded areas as the Trevi Fountain.

6. Roam the impressive Roman Forum

All roads lead to Rome.

At the height of the Roman Empire, vast territories across Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East fell under Roman rule, making Rome the political, economic, and cultural centre of one of the most powerful civilisations our world has ever seen.

At that time, all roads in Rome itself led to the imposing Roman Forum. 

But it hadn’t always been like this. You see, the area had long been little more than a swamp taking up valuable land between the Palatine and Capitoline Hills, yet as Rome rapidly grew in both its power and influence, it became apparent that this land should serve a far greater purpose.

During the 7th century, the construction of the Cloaca Maxima (one of Rome’s earliest engineering masterpieces) paved the way for what would later become the beating heart of Roman civilisation: the Roman Forum.

Initially a bustling marketplace, the Roman Forum gradually evolved into the heart and soul of Rome, where market stalls made way for mesmerising temples, towering columns, and imposing government buildings, among which were the following;

• Curia Julia: the official meeting house of the Roman Senate,
• Rostra: a large public speaking platform for politicians, generals, and orators,
• Basilica Julia: used for law courts, public administration,
• Temple of Saturn: formerly housed the Aerarium Populi Romani – the Roman state treasury.

At present, Forum Romanum remains one of the most important things to do in Rome, with well-preserved ruins of ancient temples and basilicas, as well as time-worn arches and columns scattered across its vast grounds, providing a glimpse into the history of the Roman Empire.

7. Visit the Castel Sant’Angelo

Located just a stone’s throw away from Vatican City, the nearly 2,000-year-old Castel Sant’Angelo is one of Rome’s most important historical sights.

Set strategically on the River Tiber, Castel Sant’Angelo has served many purposes throughout its lengthy history, from Emperor Hadrian’s mausoleum to the residence of the Pope in the event of a future siege – the Papal State even used it as a prison; famous prisoners include Giordano Bruno and Benvenuto Cellini, among others.

Talking about purpose, the castle also served as a fortified refuge to protect the pope, with an 800-metre-long corridor in the ‘Passetto di Borgo’ as an escape route, linking Vatican City with Castel Sant’Angelo.

At present, visitors can explore and behold these fragments of the past, with fascinating corridors, ancient time-worn rooms, a legendary tomb and scenic terraces overlooking the astonishing Roman skyline.

Sights I recommend visiting include:

• Statue of Archangel Michael
• The Panoramic Terrace
• Hadrian’s Tomb
• The Papal Apartments
• The Passetto di Borgo

The bridge leading to the castle is beautiful as ever, lined with impressive angel statues and together with the castle, they make for one of the most iconic things to do in Rome.

8. Admire the Arch of Constantine

Standing tall between the Colosseum and Palatine Hill, the Arch of Constantine is considered one of Rome’s best-preserved triumphal arches, celebrating Emperor Constantine’s victory in AD 312.

It’s a powerful symbol of Rome’s imperial grandeur, while also marking a pivotal moment in history, as Constantine’s highly celebrated triumph at the Battle of the Milvian Bridge ultimately led to the rise of Christianity within the Roman Empire. 

While framed by two of ancient Rome’s most iconic landmarks, the Arch of Constantine, or more specifically, a three-arch structure, easily holds its own, with intricate reliefs and statues telling the story of military triumph and political power.

Speaking of stories, the Arch of Constantine is often described as a ‘Copy-Paste’ monument, as its builders incorporated spolia (reused materials) from earlier imperial monuments, including those dating back to the reigns of Trajan, Hadrian, and Marcus Aurelius.

Now, more than 1700 years later, the Arch of Constantine remains a memorable reminder of Rome’s imperial past, and admiring its remarkable craftsmanship up close is an absolute must for everyone visiting ‘La Città Eterna’.

9. Step inside the awe-inspiring St. Peter’s Basilica

Though already mentioned briefly in the section on the Vatican, I believe ​​the impressive St. Peter’s Basilica deserves far more than simply a passing reference.

Deemed the largest church in the world (depending on the metrics used), St. Peter’s Basilica is truly mesmerising; it’s a masterpiece of immense scale, detail, and architectural brilliance.

Honestly, this masterpiece goes far beyond words or measurement.

Its monumental facade is seen from all over the Vatican, drawing visitors in to admire its intricate decoration, including numerous statues, grand Corinthian columns, and last but not least, Michelangelo’s majestic central dome.

Inside, visitors are met with equal grandeur; from Michelangelo’s world-famous – and incredibly fascinating – Pietà sculpture to the 95-foot-tall gilded bronze canopy of Bernini’s Baldachin and the immense mosaic-covered dome crowning the basilica, among others.

What’s more, its dome can also be ascended, rewarding those who make the 551-step ascent with some of the most stunning panoramic views across Rome and Vatican City; an experience that effortlessly ranks among the best things to do in Rome in its own right.

10. Admire the captivating Piazza Navona

While there’s no shortage of mesmerising Piazzas in Rome, the grand Piazza Navona is without question one of the most elegant examples of Baroque Rome.

Flanked by remarkable landmarks such as the Church of Sant’Agnese in Agone, Pamphilj Palace, and the Nostra Signora del Sacro Cuore, the iconic oval-shaped square is home to some of Rome’s most fascinating Baroque masterpieces.

It’s a place where history buffs and architecture aficionados alike will effortlessly lose themselves, as every corner tells a story of various eras in the ‘Eternal City’s’ captivating history.

The square itself once housed the ancient Stadium of Domitian, a fascinating athletics stadium commissioned by Emperor Domitian and heavily inspired by those found in Ancient Greece. 

In fact, the remains of the age-old stadium are buried roughly 4.5 meters below street level and are still very much accessible. If you’re keen to learn more, this 3-hour immersive underground plus piazzas tour offers a fascinating glimpse into its rich past.

On the surface level, the square is dominated by a set of truly astonishing fountains: the Fountain of the Moor, the Fountain of Neptune, and the Fountain of the Four Rivers by Bernini.

All in all, Piazza Navona is one of the most attractive public spaces in the city, making it an unmissable stop for anyone visiting Rome.